WO2010138000A1 - Improvements in encapsulation - Google Patents
Improvements in encapsulation Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2010138000A1 WO2010138000A1 PCT/NZ2010/000096 NZ2010000096W WO2010138000A1 WO 2010138000 A1 WO2010138000 A1 WO 2010138000A1 NZ 2010000096 W NZ2010000096 W NZ 2010000096W WO 2010138000 A1 WO2010138000 A1 WO 2010138000A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- capsule
- indentations
- cavity
- flange
- lid
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
- B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
- B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
- B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
- B65D51/2821—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being a blister, a capsule or like sealed container
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
- B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
- B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
- B65D75/36—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet or blank being recessed and the other formed of relatively stiff flat sheet material, e.g. blister packages, the recess or recesses being preformed
- B65D75/367—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet or blank being recessed and the other formed of relatively stiff flat sheet material, e.g. blister packages, the recess or recesses being preformed and forming several compartments
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
- A61J1/03—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for pills or tablets
- A61J1/035—Blister-type containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
- B29C66/112—Single lapped joints
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/13—Single flanged joints; Fin-type joints; Single hem joints; Edge joints; Interpenetrating fingered joints; Other specific particular designs of joint cross-sections not provided for in groups B29C66/11 - B29C66/12
- B29C66/131—Single flanged joints, i.e. one of the parts to be joined being rigid and flanged in the joint area
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/20—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines
- B29C66/23—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations
- B29C66/232—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations said joint lines being multiple and parallel, i.e. the joint being formed by several parallel joint lines
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/20—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines
- B29C66/23—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations
- B29C66/234—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations said joint lines being in the form of tessellations
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/53—Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
- B29C66/534—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars
- B29C66/5346—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially flat
- B29C66/53461—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially flat joining substantially flat covers and/or substantially flat bottoms to open ends of container bodies
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2027/00—Use of polyvinylhalogenides or derivatives thereof as moulding material
- B29K2027/06—PVC, i.e. polyvinylchloride
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2305/00—Use of metals, their alloys or their compounds, as reinforcement
- B29K2305/02—Aluminium
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2009/00—Layered products
- B29L2009/003—Layered products comprising a metal layer
Definitions
- This invention relates to an enclosed capsule for containment of product and a method of forming same.
- a product needs to be encapsulated.
- a medical treatment product such as a tablet.
- the encapsulation is intended for packaging and storage of a plurality of tablets prior to use but in such a manner as to provide for easy dispensing of the tablets.
- Another example is the packaging of a drink additive or ingredients in a capsule which is located within a cap for a container.
- the capsule is one where it can be ruptured so as to release the additive or ingredients into a liquid in the container on which the cap is located.
- Examples of container caps with a capsule for an additive can be found in my New Zealand patent nos. 500063, 511955 and 512904 the content of which is included herein.
- the capsule is a pocket or cavity of dished form covered by a lid or cover.
- each capsule will be an individual unit.
- a number of pockets will be provided in a single "package” or “tray” and these will be covered by a single cover layer. The user will then puncture the lid over a pocket to recover the tablet residing therein.
- the pockets can, according to one known production method, .be formed by a method commonly referred to as cold forming.
- Other production methods can be used and the inventive concept described herein is not limited solely to cold forming of the dish part of the capsule. Nevertheless, by way of describing the present invention reference will be made to the cold forming production method.
- the foil material will be an aluminium foil which is coated with a plastic material(s) such as PVC.
- the coating(s) help the stretching of the foil.
- a punching tool comes into contact with it and cold forms a pocket or cavity (dish shape generally) of a size and shape for the product or ingredient intended to be placed therein.
- the product or ingredient can be placed into the pocket(s) immediately or subsequently to the cold forming process being completed.
- a lidding material is laid out over the punched foil and a sealing iron is then bought down and seals the lidding material to the punched foil by activating glues which have been applied to each.
- the sealing tool is made to match up with the corresponding pocket(s)/cavities.
- the lidding material will also generally be a foil (e.g. aluminium) to which one or more coatings (e.g. plastic) has/have been applied.
- the product/ingredient placed in the pocket can be in tablet, granulated or powdered form, for example. These need to be sealed into the resultant capsule as it is only the material of the cold form part and lid which provides a total barrier. Irrespective of how good the foil is, it is thus necessary to have a good seal between the two layers of foil (pocket and lid). Generally this will require an ample sealing area to ensure moisture cannot penetrate into the internal cavity in which the product/ingredient resides.
- An object of the present invention Is thus to provide an Improved sealed engagement of a lid section to a body section of a capsule intended for sealed containment of a product or ingredients.
- a further object of the present Invention is to provide a method of sealing a lid to a body section of a capsule for encapsulating a product or ingredients.
- a capsule comprising a body section which incorporates an open topped cavity with a surrounding flange and a lid section engaged over the body section to seal closed the capsule, the area of the lid which is in contact with the flange being adhered to the flange to seal closed the pocket wherein one or more non-intersecting indentations are formed in the lid and underlying flange to enhance the sealing of the capsule.
- indentations there is a plurality of spaced apart indentions. These indentations are preferably substantially concentric to one another and the open top of the cavity. The indentations are preferably of a curved cross- sectional shape.
- a method of forming a capsule from metal sheet material comprising the steps of forming an open topped cavity in a first sheet, laying a second sheet over the first sheet, applying a sealing tool to the second sheet to activate adhesive applied to contacting surfaces of the first and second sheets wherein during the application of the sealing tool one or more non-Intersecting indentations are applied to the first and second sheets, at least in the area of contact between the first and second sheets adjacent the cavity.
- indentations there is a plurality of spaced apart indentations. These indentations are preferably substantially concentric to one another and to the cavity about which the indentations are formed.
- a plurality of cavities are formed in a single operation.
- Figure 1 is a top plan view of a single unit or "tray" of a plurality of capsules formed according to a prior art construction method
- Figure 2 is cross-sectional perspective view of a single capsule cut from the single unit or tray of Figure 1 ,
- Figure 3 is a top plan view of a tray formed according to the present invention.
- Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a single capsule cut from the tray shown in Figure 3.
- the tray 10 and capsule 11 cut therefrom, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 respectively, are formed according to known art.
- the tray 10 comprises a first sheet of foil formed into a plurality of cavities as previously described e.g. by cold forming. Over this a second sheet 12 of foil is placed.
- a sealing tool is applied to the surface of the first sheet to activate glues on the opposed surfaces of the first and second sheets. This causes the contacting surfaces of the sheets to adhere to one another.
- the sealing tool is of a construction such that it applies into both the first and second sheets a crisscross pattern 13 of grooves, channels or the like ("indentations"). As shown, the first sheet, where it extends over the open top of each cavity, remains unaltered.
- a capsule 11 cut from tray 10 is shown in Figure 2.
- the capsule 1 1 thus has a body 14 in which a pocket or cavity 16 is formed by the e.g. cold forming of the foil sheet to create a cavity 16 into which a tablet or granulated or powder product/ingredients can be placed.
- a flange 17 surrounds the open top of the cavity 16.
- the lid 18 formed from the second sheet 12 extends over the open top of cavity 16 and the flange 17. The opposed contacting surfaces of lid 18 and flange 17 are glued together.
- the crisscross pattern 13 created by the sealing tool is formed in both the lid 18 and flange 17.
- the pattern 13 is a series of intersecting, preferably straight, indentations 19.
- the sealing tool applies at least one and preferably a plurality of non- intersecting indentations 20 in the lid 18 and flange 17.
- These indentations in plan are of a form which corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the open top of the cavity 16.
- the cavity 16 will be of circular cross-sectional shape hence the indentations 20 will be, as shown, spaced apart rings or bands.
- the problems associated with the crisscross pattern 13 are overcome because there Is no continuous channel or passageway from the peripheral edge of the capsule 11 to the cavity 16. Even if the cutting of a capsule from tray 10a (of Figure 3) is semi-accurate, the resultant individual capsule ( Figure 4) is well sealed and thus suitable for use in fluid environments. This is achieved while keeping the sealing area to a minimum. Hence, the overall size of a container cap to accommodate the capsule 1 1 can also be kept to a minimum.
- the invention is open to modification as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
- the cross-sectional shape of the indentation 20 can vary. Also, the number of spaced apart indentations 20 can vary, and while one indentation is a possibility, it is believed a plurality of indentations is preferable.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Composite Materials (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)
- Closing Of Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A capsule, and its method of manufacture, in which a body section incorporates an open topped cavity with a surrounding flange. A lid section is engaged over the body section to seal closed the capsule. The area of the lid which is in contact with the flange is adhered to the flange to seal closed the pocket and wherein one or more non-intersecting indentations are formed in the lid and underlying flange to enhance the sealing of the capsule.
Description
Improvements in Encapsulation
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an enclosed capsule for containment of product and a method of forming same.
Background to the Invention
There are many situations in which a product needs to be encapsulated. For example it is common to encapsulate a medical treatment product such as a tablet. The encapsulation is intended for packaging and storage of a plurality of tablets prior to use but in such a manner as to provide for easy dispensing of the tablets. Another example is the packaging of a drink additive or ingredients in a capsule which is located within a cap for a container. The capsule is one where it can be ruptured so as to release the additive or ingredients into a liquid in the container on which the cap is located. Examples of container caps with a capsule for an additive (whether they be in powder, liquid or tablet form) can be found in my New Zealand patent nos. 500063, 511955 and 512904 the content of which is included herein.
Essentially the capsule is a pocket or cavity of dished form covered by a lid or cover. With capsules for drink additives each capsule will be an individual unit. However, with tablets for medical purposes, for example, a number of pockets will be provided in a single "package" or "tray" and these will be covered by a single cover layer. The user will then puncture the lid over a pocket to recover the tablet residing therein.
The pockets can, according to one known production method, .be formed
by a method commonly referred to as cold forming. Other production methods can be used and the inventive concept described herein is not limited solely to cold forming of the dish part of the capsule. Nevertheless, by way of describing the present invention reference will be made to the cold forming production method.
Cold forming Is achieved by placing and holding a cold form foil material. Generally the foil material will be an aluminium foil which is coated with a plastic material(s) such as PVC. The coating(s) help the stretching of the foil.
While the foil is held in place a punching tool comes into contact with it and cold forms a pocket or cavity (dish shape generally) of a size and shape for the product or ingredient intended to be placed therein. The product or ingredient can be placed into the pocket(s) immediately or subsequently to the cold forming process being completed.
Once the product/ingredient has been placed into the pockets, a lidding material is laid out over the punched foil and a sealing iron is then bought down and seals the lidding material to the punched foil by activating glues which have been applied to each.
The sealing tool is made to match up with the corresponding pocket(s)/cavities. The lidding material will also generally be a foil (e.g. aluminium) to which one or more coatings (e.g. plastic) has/have been applied.
The product/ingredient placed in the pocket can be in tablet, granulated or powdered form, for example. These need to be sealed into the resultant capsule as it is only the material of the cold form part and lid which provides a total barrier. Irrespective of how good the foil is, it is thus necessary to
have a good seal between the two layers of foil (pocket and lid). Generally this will require an ample sealing area to ensure moisture cannot penetrate into the internal cavity in which the product/ingredient resides.
Naturally in the manufacturing process variations will and do occur in both the punching (cold forming) of the pocket/dish/cavity shape, as well as in the second manufacturing stage of sealing on the lid material. Typically a crisscross type pattern is applied to the foil which provides an ample seal when trays of pockets are used in a normal air environment. However, when the trays or individual capsules cut from the tray are used in a fluid environment, the resultant crisscross patterns can actually provide a channel or channels for fluid leading into the internal cavity by capillary action.
To combat this, larger sealing margins are required. This may be possible with trays. However, with single capsules, and particularly those intended for fitment into container caps, this may not be possible or practical. For example, an increase in sealing area may result in an increased overall size (e.g. diameter) of the capsule which would in turn require an increase in size of the cap which generally is undesirable.
Even with allowance for larger sealing margins with capsules for container caps, consistent and effective sealing cannot be assured. The main cause for this seems to arise from the need to cut the capsule from the tray.
Regardless of whether or not the cutting is accurate, there is generally not enough sealing area to ensure stability of the seal between the cold formed pocket and the lid.
All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this
specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert and the applicant reserves the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia, New Zealand or in any other country.
It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning, ie that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term "comprised" or "comprising" is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.
An object of the present invention Is thus to provide an Improved sealed engagement of a lid section to a body section of a capsule intended for sealed containment of a product or ingredients.
A further object of the present Invention is to provide a method of sealing a lid to a body section of a capsule for encapsulating a product or ingredients.
Summary of the Invention
Broadly according to one aspect of the invention there is provided a capsule comprising a body section which incorporates an open topped cavity with a surrounding flange and a lid section engaged over the body
section to seal closed the capsule, the area of the lid which is in contact with the flange being adhered to the flange to seal closed the pocket wherein one or more non-intersecting indentations are formed in the lid and underlying flange to enhance the sealing of the capsule.
In a preferred form, there is a plurality of spaced apart indentions. These indentations are preferably substantially concentric to one another and the open top of the cavity. The indentations are preferably of a curved cross- sectional shape.
Broadly in a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of forming a capsule from metal sheet material comprising the steps of forming an open topped cavity in a first sheet, laying a second sheet over the first sheet, applying a sealing tool to the second sheet to activate adhesive applied to contacting surfaces of the first and second sheets wherein during the application of the sealing tool one or more non-Intersecting indentations are applied to the first and second sheets, at least in the area of contact between the first and second sheets adjacent the cavity.
In the preferred form of the method, there is a plurality of spaced apart indentations. These indentations are preferably substantially concentric to one another and to the cavity about which the indentations are formed.
In one form of the invention a plurality of cavities are formed in a single operation.
According to one form of the invention individual capsules are removed from the construction by a cutting operation.
Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only.
Description of the Drawings
In the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings in which:-
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a single unit or "tray" of a plurality of capsules formed according to a prior art construction method, Figure 2 is cross-sectional perspective view of a single capsule cut from the single unit or tray of Figure 1 ,
Figure 3 is a top plan view of a tray formed according to the present invention, and
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a single capsule cut from the tray shown in Figure 3.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
The tray 10 and capsule 11 cut therefrom, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 respectively, are formed according to known art. The tray 10 comprises a first sheet of foil formed into a plurality of cavities as previously described e.g. by cold forming. Over this a second sheet 12 of foil is placed. A sealing tool is applied to the surface of the first sheet to activate glues on the opposed surfaces of the first and second sheets. This causes the contacting surfaces of the sheets to adhere to one another.
The sealing tool is of a construction such that it applies into both the first and second sheets a crisscross pattern 13 of grooves, channels or the like ("indentations"). As shown, the first sheet, where it extends over the open top of each cavity, remains unaltered.
A capsule 11 cut from tray 10 is shown in Figure 2. The capsule 1 1 thus has a body 14 in which a pocket or cavity 16 is formed by the e.g. cold forming of the foil sheet to create a cavity 16 into which a tablet or granulated or powder product/ingredients can be placed. A flange 17 surrounds the open top of the cavity 16. The lid 18 formed from the second sheet 12 extends over the open top of cavity 16 and the flange 17. The opposed contacting surfaces of lid 18 and flange 17 are glued together.
As shown, the crisscross pattern 13 created by the sealing tool is formed in both the lid 18 and flange 17. The pattern 13 is a series of intersecting, preferably straight, indentations 19.
According to the present invention, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the sealing tool applies at least one and preferably a plurality of non- intersecting indentations 20 in the lid 18 and flange 17. These indentations in plan are of a form which corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the open top of the cavity 16. Generally, the cavity 16 will be of circular cross-sectional shape hence the indentations 20 will be, as shown, spaced apart rings or bands.
By employing non-intersecting indentations 20 the problems associated with the crisscross pattern 13 are overcome because there Is no continuous channel or passageway from the peripheral edge of the capsule 11 to the cavity 16. Even if the cutting of a capsule from tray 10a (of Figure 3) is semi-accurate, the resultant individual capsule (Figure 4) is well sealed and thus suitable for use in fluid environments. This is achieved while keeping the sealing area to a minimum. Hence, the overall size of a container cap to accommodate the capsule 1 1 can also be kept to a minimum.
The invention is open to modification as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the indentation 20 can vary. Also, the number of spaced apart indentations 20 can vary, and while one indentation is a possibility, it is believed a plurality of indentations is preferable.
Where in the foregoing description particular integers are described it is envisaged that their mechanical equivalents can be substituted as if they were set forth herein.
Particular examples of the invention have been described and it is envisaged that improvements and modifications can take place without departing from the scope of the attached claims.
Claims
1. A capsule comprising a body section which incorporates an open topped cavity with a surrounding flange and a lid section engaged over the body section to seal closed the capsule, the area of the lid which is in contact with the flange being adhered to the flange to seal closed the pocket of the capsule wherein one or more non- intersecting indentations are formed in the lid and underlying flange to enhance the sealing of the capsule.
2. A capsule as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is a plurality of spaced apart indentions which enhance the sealing.
3. A capsule as claimed in claim 2 wherein the indentations are substantially concentric to one another and the open top of the cavity.
4. A capsule as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the indentations are of a curved cross-sectional shape.
5. A capsule as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and substantially as herein before described with reference to Figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.
6. A method of forming a capsule from metal sheet material comprising the steps of forming an open topped cavity in a first sheet, laying a second sheet over the first sheet, applying a sealing tool to the second sheet to activate adhesive applied to contacting surfaces of the first and second sheets wherein during the application of the sealing tool one or more non-Intersecting indentations are applied to the first and second sheets, at least in the area of contact between the first and second sheets adjacent the cavity.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein a plurality of spaced apart indentations are formed.
8. A method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the indentations are substantially concentric to one another and to the cavity about which the indentations are formed.
9. A method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein In one form of the invention a plurality of cavities are formed in a single operation.
10. A method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9 wherein individual capsules are removed by a cutting operation.
11. A method as claimed in claim 6 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ577307 | 2009-05-29 | ||
NZ57730709A NZ577307A (en) | 2009-05-29 | 2009-05-29 | Improvements in encapsulation |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2010138000A1 true WO2010138000A1 (en) | 2010-12-02 |
Family
ID=43123458
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/NZ2010/000096 WO2010138000A1 (en) | 2009-05-29 | 2010-05-27 | Improvements in encapsulation |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
NZ (1) | NZ577307A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010138000A1 (en) |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US5178293A (en) * | 1986-04-08 | 1993-01-12 | Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd. | Easily-openable packaging container |
US5316603A (en) * | 1989-12-25 | 1994-05-31 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company | Easily openable sealed container and process for producing the same |
WO1998038954A2 (en) * | 1997-03-06 | 1998-09-11 | Surgi International (Proprietary) Limited | A burst-proof pack |
EP0734964B1 (en) * | 1995-03-31 | 2001-12-05 | JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION PRODUCTS, INC. | Packaging arrangement for contact lenses |
US20020104773A1 (en) * | 2000-12-12 | 2002-08-08 | Kalvelage John D. | Sealed blister assembly |
US6701993B2 (en) * | 2000-11-27 | 2004-03-09 | Harpak, Inc. | Tray sealing system incorporating beaded seal plate |
US20050103678A1 (en) * | 2002-03-26 | 2005-05-19 | Clark Verna L. | Method for forming a laminate assembly and products formed thereby |
EP1277416B1 (en) * | 2001-07-17 | 2005-09-14 | Menicon Co., Ltd. | Ophtalmic lens storage container |
US20060016718A1 (en) * | 2004-07-20 | 2006-01-26 | Buss Michael A | System and a method for ultrasonically welding a tether to a blister pack |
-
2009
- 2009-05-29 NZ NZ57730709A patent/NZ577307A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2010
- 2010-05-27 WO PCT/NZ2010/000096 patent/WO2010138000A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5178293A (en) * | 1986-04-08 | 1993-01-12 | Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd. | Easily-openable packaging container |
US5316603A (en) * | 1989-12-25 | 1994-05-31 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company | Easily openable sealed container and process for producing the same |
EP0734964B1 (en) * | 1995-03-31 | 2001-12-05 | JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION PRODUCTS, INC. | Packaging arrangement for contact lenses |
WO1998038954A2 (en) * | 1997-03-06 | 1998-09-11 | Surgi International (Proprietary) Limited | A burst-proof pack |
US6701993B2 (en) * | 2000-11-27 | 2004-03-09 | Harpak, Inc. | Tray sealing system incorporating beaded seal plate |
US20020104773A1 (en) * | 2000-12-12 | 2002-08-08 | Kalvelage John D. | Sealed blister assembly |
EP1277416B1 (en) * | 2001-07-17 | 2005-09-14 | Menicon Co., Ltd. | Ophtalmic lens storage container |
US20050103678A1 (en) * | 2002-03-26 | 2005-05-19 | Clark Verna L. | Method for forming a laminate assembly and products formed thereby |
US20060016718A1 (en) * | 2004-07-20 | 2006-01-26 | Buss Michael A | System and a method for ultrasonically welding a tether to a blister pack |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
NZ577307A (en) | 2010-09-30 |
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