U.S. patent number 3,857,423 [Application Number 05/384,376] was granted by the patent office on 1974-12-31 for topical medicament kit with interlocking components.
Invention is credited to William E. Ronca, Jr..
United States Patent |
3,857,423 |
Ronca, Jr. |
December 31, 1974 |
TOPICAL MEDICAMENT KIT WITH INTERLOCKING COMPONENTS
Abstract
A kit for topically applying substances which are unstable when
diluted, such as lyophilized vaccines, to domestic fowl to combat
or prevent sundry harmful viruses. The kit includes a small vial
with a substance in a powdered state such as a vaccine, a larger
resilient plastic bottle with a diluent for the powdered substance,
and an applicator for dispensing the unstable concentrated
substance in drop-like form after thorough mixing with the diluent.
Interlocking means are defined between the vial and the bottle so
that the vial can be held thereon in "piggyback" fashion during the
mixing operation. Similar interlocking means are defined between
the applicator and the bottle so that the applicator can function
effectively. The unique, three component kit is more sanitary and
more efficient in use under field conditions and conventional
kits.
Inventors: |
Ronca, Jr.; William E.
(Guaynabo, PR) |
Family
ID: |
26906616 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/384,376 |
Filed: |
July 31, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/5; 141/319;
141/364; 222/215; 604/92; 206/219; 222/566; 604/416; 604/518 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
47/18 (20130101); A61J 1/2089 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61J
1/00 (20060101); B65D 47/06 (20060101); B65D
47/18 (20060101); B65b 003/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;141/363,364,375,392,273,98,5,114,319-322,365,366,1
;222/136,179.5,92,105,106,107,566-574,215 ;128/218M,272 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Bell, Jr.; Houston S.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hoffman; Martin P.
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of my previously filed
co-pending application, Ser. No. 211,953, filed Dec. 27, 1971, now
abandoned, and bearing the same title.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A kit for the sanitary preparation of a solution of
predetermined concentration of a substance unstable in said
solution comprising:
a. a small sealed glass vial having an annular collar and a neck of
reduced diameter at its open upper end;
b. said vial containing a measured amount of said substance in
concentrated form; and
c. a larger sealed resilient plastic bottle having an annular
collar and a neck of reduced diameter at its open upper end;
d. said bottle containing a measured amount of a diluent for said
concentrated substance;
e. the diameter of the annular collar of said glass vial being
slightly different than the diameter of the annular collar of said
plastic bottle so that the annular collar of said glass vial can be
engaged with the neck of said plastic bottle in piggyback
arrangement so that the contents of the vial and bottle can be
shaken without spillage; and
f. the pressure within the piggyback arrangement can be altered by
manual compression of the walls of said resilient plastic bottle,
to accelerate the formation of said solution of predetermined
concentration.
2. The kit as defined in claim 1 wherein the diameter of the
annular collar of said glass vial is slightly less than the
diameter of the annular collar of said plastic bottle.
3. The kit as defined in claim 1 further comprising an applicator
having a nozzle at its upper end and an annular skirt at its lower
end, the diameter of the annular skirt of said applicator being
slightly less than the annular collar of said bottle so that said
applicator can be interlocked with said bottle in piggyback
arrangement to dispense the solution of predetermined
concentration.
4. A method of utilizing a kit for the sanitary preparation of a
solution of predetermined concentration of a substance unstable in
solution, such kit comprising (1) a small sealed vial having an
annular collar and a neck of reduced diameter at its upper end and
containing a concentrated substance, and (2) a larger sealed
resilient plastic bottle having an annular collar and a neck of
reduced diameter at its upper end and containing a pharmaceutically
acceptable diluent for dissolving the concentrated substance, the
method comprising the steps of:
a. removing the seals on said vial and said bottle;
b. inverting the vial and then inserting the collar of the vial
into a force fit relationship with the neck of the bottle so that
the vial is retained atop the bottle in piggyback relationship;
c. repeatedly rotating the interlocked vial and bottle until the
contents of the vial are completely dissolved in the diluent in the
bottle; and
d. applying manual pressure to the walls of the resilient plastic
bottle, as necessary, to accelerate the dissolving of the contents
of the vial in the diluent in the bottle.
5. A method of utilizing a kit for the topical application of a
medicament which is unstable when diluted, such kit comprising (1)
a small sealed vial having an annular collar and a neck of reduced
diameter at its upper end and containing a concentrated substance,
(2) a larger sealed resilient plastic bottle having an annular
collar and a neck of reduced diameter at its upper end and
containing a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent for dissolving the
concentrated substance, and (3) an applicator including a nozzle at
the one end thereof and an annular skirt at the opposite end
thereof for dispensing the dissolved concentrated substance, the
method comprising the steps of:
a. removing the seals on said vial and said bottle;
b. inverting the vial and then inserting the collar of the vial
into a force fit relationship with the neck of the bottle so that
the vial is retained atop the bottle in piggyback relationship;
c. repeatedly rotating the interlocked vial and bottle until the
contents of the vial are completely dissolved in the diluent in the
bottle;
d. removing the vial from atop the bottle;
e. inserting the skirt of the applicator into a force fit
relationship with the neck of the bottle so that the applicator is
retained atop the bottle; and
f. squeezing the bottle to dispense the dissolved concentrated
substance through the nozzle in drop-like fashion.
6. The method of claim 5 further including the step of manually
compressing the walls of the resilient bottle while the bottle and
vial are interlocked to alter the pressure therewithin and
accelerate the formation of the dissolved concentrated substance.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The instant invention relates generally to topical medicament kits
with interlocking components.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The method presently employed for mixing vaccine and diluent
involves the steps of (1) removing the stoppers from a large bottle
holding the diluent and from a smaller vial holding the vaccine,
(2) carefully pouring a small portion of the diluent through the
narrow neck of the vial, (3) and then pouring the contents of the
vial back into the larger bottle. Steps (2) and (3) are repeated
several times until the vaccine is dissolved and the vial is clean.
Then (4) the stopper is again positioned atop the diluent bottle
and (5) the bottle is shaken vigorously. Lastly, (6) the stopper is
removed and a dropper tip is placed on the bottle for dispensing
the vaccine.
The above described technique is messy, for spillage frequently
occurs during the repeated pourings of diluent and vaccine between
the vial and the bottle. Furthermore, since the vaccine is usually
mixed under adverse conditions in the barnyard, coop, or similar
environment, the stoppers may be lost or misplaced and the person
mixing the vaccine may substitute his finger for the stopper.
Consequently, the opportunity for contamination of the vaccine is
significantly increased and the efficacy of the vaccine will be
reduced accordingly. Also, even when the stoppers are properly
utilized, the conventional mixing technique is time consuming and
the possibility of vaccine contamination is increased due to
prolonged exposure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Thus, with the deficiencies of conventional vaccine application
kits enumerated above clearly in mind, the instant invention
contemplates a topical medicament kit characterized by interlocking
components. Such kit which comprises a small vial, a larger
resilient plastic bottle, and an applicator, enables the vial
containing the vaccine and the bottle containing the diluent to be
interlocked so that the vial is held atop the bottle in "piggyback"
fashion for rapid, efficient, sanitary and spillage-free mixture of
the vaccine and diluent without contamination and/or exposure of
the vaccine. Such kit also enables the applicator and the bottle to
be interlocked so that the applicator can dispense the vaccine in
drop-like fashion.
Additionally, the unique kit design employs a vial smaller than
those used in conventional vaccine application kits. Thus, in
addition to fabricating a more compact kit, the instant invention
contemplates a kit that reduces the costs of materials and the
costs of production since more vials can be placed in an oven for
freeze-drying at one time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a topical applicator kit
constructed in accordance with the principles of the instant
invention, such kit including a small vial, a larger bottle, and an
applicator;
FIG. 2 shows the vial being inserted into the larger bottle;
FIG. 3 shows the vial and bottle in interlocking engagement;
FIGS. 4 and 5 show successive steps for intermixing the contents of
the vial and the bottle;
FIG. 6 shows an applicator in interlocking engagement with the
bottle for dispensing the contents thereof;
FIG. 7 is a detail view of the means for interlocking the vial and
the bottle, such view being taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 3; and
FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the means for interlocking the
applicator and the bottle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Turning now to the drawings, wherein identical reference numerals
refer to identical components, FIG. 1 depicts the three components
that comprise an interlocking topical medicament kit constructed in
accordance with the principles of the instant invention. The first
component is a small glass vial 10 containing a concentrated,
unstable medicament, and the second component is a larger resilient
plastic bottle 12 containing a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent
for the unstable medicament. The third component, which is also
visible in FIGS. 6 and 8, is a topical applicator 14 which is used
to dispense the contents of bottle 12.
The open upper end of vial 10, which contains a fowl vaccine in
lyophilized condition, is sealed by a tear-off aluminum seal 16
that overlays a small, T-shaped rubber stopper 18. The broader
upper end of stopper 18 is seated upon collar 20 of vial 10, and
depends therebelow through a neck 22 of reduced diameter. The lower
end of stopper 18 is indicated by a horizontally extending dotted
line in FIG. 1.
Larger bottle 12, the second component of the kit, contains a
pharmaceutically acceptable diluent for the vaccine contained in
vial 10. The open upper end of bottle 12 is also sealed by a
tear-off aluminum seal 24 that overlays a T-shaped rubber stopper
26. The broader upper end of stopper 26 is seated upon collar 28 of
bottle 12, and depends therebelow through a neck 30 of reduced
diameter. The lower end of stopper 26 is indicated by a
horizontally extending dotted line in FIG. 1 passing across neck
30. An annular ridge 32 encircles the exterior of neck 30.
Applicator 14, the third member of the kit, comprises a nozzle 34
at its upper end, a slightly inwardly tapered skirt 36 at its lower
end, and a collar 38 intermediate its upper and lower ends. Collar
38 is larger in diameter than nozzle 34 and skirt 36.
FIGS. 2-6 show the successive steps in the process for mixing and
dispensing through applicator 14 the constituents contained in vial
10 and bottle 12. First, seal 16 and stopper 18 are removed from
vial 10 and seal 24 and stopper 26 are removed from bottle 12.
Secondly, with bottle 12 braced against a supporting surface, the
lower leading edge of vial 10 is positioned within or inside collar
28 on bottle 12, as shown in FIG. 2. Thirdly, vial 10 is quickly
rotated, and simultaneously forced downwardly into bottle 12, until
a seal is formed by the interlocking, force fit defined between the
vial and the bottle. As shown in FIG. 3, vial 10 sits atop bottle
12 in "piggyback" fashion.
Fourthly, the interlocked vial and bottle are then lifted as a unit
by the thumb and forefingers of one hand. Fifthly, after lifting,
the vial and bottle are inverted, or rotated through an arc of
180.degree., as shown in FIG. 4, so that a mixing action is
obtained. Sixthly, the interlocked vial and bottle are rotated
through an arc of 180.degree. several times, as shown in FIG. 5,
until complete mixing of the vaccine and diluent is achieved as
indicated by the absence of vaccine in vial 10. Seventhly, vial 10
is removed from its "piggyback" position, and applicator 14 is
seated instead atop bottle 12 in "piggyback" position. Lastly, the
vaccine is dispensed from nozzle 34 of applicator 14 in drop-like
fashion by squeezing same. The vaccine may be topically applied in
accordance with the eye, nasal or vent route methods of vaccinating
domestic fowl.
FIG. 7 shows the details of the interlocking means defined between
exterior surface of collar 20 on vial 10 and the interior surface
of neck 30 on bottle 12. Undercut groove 28a in collar 28 assists
the entry of collar 20 into bottle 12.
The axially directed downward movement of collar 20 continues until
collar 20 is snugly engaged with the interior surface of neck 30 on
bottle 12, thus creating a force fit between these two
components.
FIG. 8 shows the details of the interlocking means defined between
the exterior surface of skirt 36 on applicator 14 and the interior
surface of neck 30 on bottle 12. Skirt 36 has a slight, inwardly
sloping taper that facilitates its entry into bottle 12. The
axially directed downward movement of applicator 14 continues until
collar 38 is seated atop the upper edge of collar 28 of the bottle,
and tapered skirt 36 is snugly engaged with the interior surface of
neck 30 on bottle 12, thus creating a force fit between these two
components. Alternatively, skirt 36 may be formed slightly larger
than neck 30 on bottle 12, so that applicator 14 can be force
fitted upon the exterior surface of the neck.
Vial 10 is executed in glass in order to withstand the
lyophilization of the vaccine after its introduction into the vial;
bottle 12 and applicator 14 are not subjected to such treatment and
are thus executed in resilient plastic.
Since bottle 12 is executed in resilient plastic, when the bottle
and vial are interlocked in "piggyback" fashion, manual pressure
can be applied to the bottle by squeezing same. Such manual
pressure is translated into hydraulic pressure when the bottle is
inverted atop the vial and the diluent is forced to flow more
readily into the vaccine in the vial. Conversely, when the vial is
inverted atop the bottle and manual pressure is applied to, and
then released from, the resilient plastic bottle, the return of the
bottle to its normal, unstressed condition creates a partial vacuum
which sucks the solution of vaccine and diluent into the bottle.
The assistance to the intermixing process provided by the
application of manual pressure is particularly desirable when the
solution is viscous in nature, e.g., as in cold climates.
A displaceable stopper, such as a cylindrical plug or a diaphragm,
may be substituted for the T-shaped, or flanged, rubber stopper 18
utilized with vial 10 without impairing the sterility of the
contents of the vial. Such displaceable stopper could be unseated
by the application of manual pressure to the resilient plastic
bottle 12 when the vial is interlocked therewith in "piggyback"
fashion. When hydraulic pressure is supplied due to the squeezing
of bottle 12, the displaceable stopper is driven to the bottom of
the vial and the diluent flows, with the assistance of the
hydraulic pressure, into vial 10. When a partial vacuum is created
by the release of manual pressure on bottle 12 and its return to
its normal unstressed condition, the stopper moves toward the neck
of vial 10, but will not completely block same. Thus, the
intermixing operation can be continued until complete mixing of the
vaccine and diluent is achieved as indicated by the absence of
vaccine in vial 10.
While the foregoing description refers particularly to vaccines, it
will be appreciated that other substances which are unstable when
diluted could be intermixed with equal facility. Examples of other
substances include any unstable concentrated substance, be it in
powder, liquid or crystalline form and be it a vaccine antibiotic,
synthetic medicinal or the like. Furthermore, the kit might be
utilized with comparable favorable results in mixing chemical
reagents or in reconstituting penicillin in preparation for an
injection, just to mention a few more applications. Obviously,
numerous other applications will be apparent to the skilled
artisan.
Manifestly, various other modifications to the kit are contemplated
by those skilled in the art to which this invention appertains.
Accordingly, the description set forth above should be considered
as illustrative in nature, and not in a limiting sense, and the
claims should be construed in a manner commensurate with the
advances in the useful arts and sciences realized by the instant
invention.
* * * * *