Wing capsule device and method

Abstract

Exemplary winged capsules for delivering a substance to an animal are provided. The winged capsule may include a capsule defining a central axis and an interior space adapted to contain a substance. The capsule holder may include a central wing portion connected to the capsule, and a wing connected to and extending laterally from the central wing portion. At least a first of the wings may include: a first lateral edge rib; a second lateral edge rib; and an intermediate longitudinal rib disposed between the first lateral edge rib and the second lateral edge rib. The intermediate longitudinal rib may extend laterally further away from the central axis than the first and second lateral edge ribs. In one aspect, the thickness of the first wing may continuously vary from a first rib end of the first wing to a second rib end of the first wing. In another aspect, a lateral edge rib may extend continuously from the central wing portion to a distal end of the first wing.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit under 35 USC §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 325,783, filed on March 31, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] In some aspects, the present disclosure is generally directed to winged capsule apparatus and methods having improvements to better withstand geometric stresses during bending. Background Art

[0004] Controlled release formulations of monensin (such as monensin sodium) can be contained in plastic capsules equipped with retaining wings. Monensin is slowly released from an opening at the distal end of the capsule, and the capsule can remain effective for an average of 95 days after administration to lactating cows. The capsule can also be used to dispense other formulations that can have shorter or longer dosing cycles, for example in the range of 30-180 days.

[0005] To administer monensin, the wings of the winged capsule are folded down along the body of the capsule and then placed in a dosing tool. The dosing tool containing the winged (folded) capsule can be introduced into the mouth of the animal and then the dosing tool is triggered by pressing the plunger to expel the winged capsule into the pharynx of the animal. The capsule then passes through the esophagus and into the honeycomb rumen, at which point the flexible and resilient wings expand to keep the winged capsule in the honeycomb rumen and prevent the winged capsule from being regurgitated by the animal.

[0006] The wings can be flexible and resilient to enable insertion and self-expansion and to hold the capsule in place while also preventing tissue damage. The capsule can have a rounded top or dome, and the wings can be attached to the center of the dome. The rounded shape of the dome along a plane or folding plane that traverses the wings can facilitate folding of the wings so that the attachment surface or joint maintains a low profile suitable for insertion into the pharynx. The joint can include a small amount of material that forms a neck between the surface of the wing and the dome. Summary of the invention

[0007] Provided herein are winged capsule devices sized and configured to deliver a substance to an animal. Also provided herein are associated methods.

[0008] In Example 1, an exemplary winged capsule for delivering a substance to an animal is provided. The winged capsule may include a capsule defining a central axis and an interior space suitable for containing a substance. The capsule may include an orifice suitable for delivering the substance to the animal. The capsule may include a capsule holder having a central wing portion connected to the capsule, and wings connected to and extending laterally from the central wing portion. At least a first wing of the wings may include: a first lateral edge rib; a second lateral edge rib; and an intermediate longitudinal rib disposed between the first lateral edge rib and the second lateral edge rib. The intermediate longitudinal rib may extend laterally further away from the central axis than the first lateral edge rib and the second lateral edge rib.

[0009] In Example 2, the thickness of the first wing may vary from the central wing portion to the first end of the first wing.

[0010] In Example 3, the first wing tapers continuously in the thickness direction.

[0011] In Example 4, the first lateral edge rib terminates at a first rib end, the first wing further includes a distal end having a distal edge rib that terminates at a second rib end, and the thickness of the first wing changes from the first rib end to the second rib end.

[0012] In Example 5, the first wing includes a distal end having a distal width, and a middle section between the distal end and the central wing portion, and the width of the middle section can be reduced from a width adjacent to the central wing portion to the distal width.

[0013] In Example 6, the intermediate longitudinal rib terminates at a first rib end, and the first rib end is disposed between the intermediate section and the distal end.

[0014] In Example 7, the second lateral edge rib terminates at a second rib end, and the second rib end is disposed between the intermediate section and the distal end.

[0015] In Example 8, the intermediate longitudinal rib terminates at the first rib end, and the first rib end is disposed at a lateral distance of 60 mm to 80 mm from the central axis.

[0016] In Example 9, the first lateral edge rib terminates at a first rib end, the second lateral edge rib terminates at a second rib end, and the first rib end and the second rib end are disposed at a lateral distance of 55 mm to 70 mm from the central axis.

[0017] In Example 10, the first wing further includes a distal end having a distal edge rib having a lateral dimension of 5 mm to 20 mm.

[0018] In Example 11, an exemplary winged capsule for delivering a substance to an animal is provided. The winged capsule may include a capsule defining a central axis and an interior space suitable for containing a substance. The capsule may include an orifice suitable for delivering a substance to an animal. A capsule holder may be provided, comprising a central wing portion connected to the capsule, and wings connected to and extending laterally from the central wing portion. At least a first wing of these wings may include: a first lateral edge rib extending from the central wing portion and terminating at a first rib end; and a distal end having a distal edge rib, the distal edge rib terminating at a second rib end. The thickness of the first wing may change continuously from the first rib end to the second rib end.

[0019] In Example 12, the first wing further includes: a second lateral edge rib extending from the central wing portion; and an intermediate longitudinal rib extending from the central wing portion and disposed between the first lateral edge rib and the second lateral edge rib.

[0020] In Example 13, the first rib end may be disposed at a lateral distance of 55 mm to 70 mm from the central axis.

[0021] In example 14, a winged capsule for delivering a substance to an animal is provided. The winged capsule may include a capsule defining a central axis and an interior space suitable for containing a substance. The capsule may include an orifice suitable for delivering the substance to the animal. A capsule holder may be provided, comprising a central wing portion connected to the capsule, and wings connected to and extending laterally from the central wing portion to a distal end. At least a first wing of the wings may include lateral edge ribs that extend continuously from the central wing portion to the distal end.

[0022] In Example 15, the lateral edge rib has a uniform thickness between the central wing portion and the distal end.

[0023] In Example 16, the lateral edge ribs extend continuously from the central wing portion to the distal end and return to the central wing portion.

[0024] In Example 17, the distal end has a distal width, and the first wing further includes an intermediate section between the distal end and the central wing portion. The width of the intermediate section can decrease from a width adjacent to the central wing portion to the distal width.

[0025] In Example 18, the lateral edge ribs extend continuously from the central wing portion along the middle section to the distal end, return along the middle section, and return to the central wing portion.

[0026] In Example 19, the first wing further includes a middle longitudinal rib disposed between opposite sides of the lateral edge ribs.

[0027] In Example 20, the intermediate longitudinal rib terminates at a first rib end, and the first rib end is disposed at a lateral distance of 55 mm to 70 mm from the central axis.

[0028] In Example 21, an exemplary first wing may include: a first lateral edge rib; a second lateral edge rib; and an intermediate longitudinal rib disposed between the first lateral edge rib and the second lateral edge rib. The intermediate longitudinal rib may extend laterally further than the first lateral edge rib and the second lateral edge rib. The first wing may include any of the other features of Examples 1-20.

[0029] In Example 22, a method of delivering a substance to an animal using the winged capsule of any of Examples 1-20 is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a side view of an illustrative winged capsule according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein;

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top-down perspective view of a winged capsule;

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of a first wing of a winged capsule;

[0033] Figure 4 Illustration of a winged capsule (including Figure 1 The bending stress experienced by a winged capsule at various distances from its central axis when a point load is applied;

[0034] Figure 5 is a side view of another illustrative winged capsule according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein;

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A top-down perspective view of a winged capsule;

[0036] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A top view of a first wing of a winged capsule;

[0037] Figure 8 Illustration of a winged capsule (including Figure 5 The bending stress experienced by a winged capsule at various distances from its central axis when a point load is applied;

[0038] Fig. 9 Illustration of a winged capsule (including Figure 1 and Figure 5 Load versus deformation curve of the computational model of the winged capsule;

[0039] Fig.10 is a side view of a computational model of a first wing of a first different winged capsule subjected to a downward point load;

[0040] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A top-down perspective view of the computational model;

[0041] Fig.12 is a side view of a computational model of a first wing of a second different winged capsule subjected to a downward point load;

[0042] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 A top-down perspective view of the computational model;

[0043] Fig.14 is subjected to downward point load Figure 1 A side view of a computational model of a first wing of a winged capsule;

[0044] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 A top-down perspective view of the computational model;

[0045] Fig.16 is subjected to downward point load Figure 5 A side view of a computational model of a first wing of a winged capsule; and

[0046] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 A top-down perspective view of the computational model.

[0047] In the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts, functions and features throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of various features and components according to the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and means of the embodiments shown in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are described below. The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Instead, these embodiments are selected and described so that others skilled in the art can utilize their teachings. It will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The invention includes any changes and additional modifications to the illustrated apparatus and described methods and additional applications of the principles of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0049] Some parts described below with reference to the drawings are common to multiple embodiments and variations thereof. These common parts are given the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and the description of the common parts is not repeated for simplicity. In addition, unless specifically stated, the depiction of the embodiments and variations thereof is done to scale, although the scale may vary between the embodiments.

[0050] After manufacture, multiple winged capsules containing substances can be placed inside a package (usually a bag). It has been found that during packaging of the winged capsules and transport bags, the wings may bend near the joints beyond the material yield point, at which point they no longer recover their functional shape. The bent wings may also break and separate from the bolus. In addition, the winged capsules are subjected to cold conditions (e.g., -20°C to 0°C) during shipping and handling, and as a result, the ends may break, especially after a drop impact. Damaged devices must be discarded, taking care to properly dispose of them according to their contents. An economical solution is needed to prevent damage to the winged capsules to reduce waste and disposal costs.

[0051] Winged capsule according to aspects described herein advantageously comprises one or more wings, and these one or more wings are subjected to relatively uniform bending stress along its length, and avoid high peak bending stress and sudden stress variation.In some respects, these advantages are provided by the tapering thickness of rib arrangement and / or this wing.In some respects, wing is not easy to break during packaging, transportation and when being placed in animal body.

[0052] Figures 1 to 3 An illustrative winged capsule 100 for delivering a substance to an animal according to aspects described herein is depicted. Figure 1 The winged capsule 100 includes a capsule 102, a neck 104 extending from the capsule 102 (at Figure 1 ), and a capsule holder 106. The capsule holder 106 includes a first wing 108 and a second wing 110 that are flexible or foldable and positioned near the capsule 102 to facilitate placement in a package (such as a bag) and delivery of the winged capsule 100 to an animal.

[0053] Capsule 102 has tubular wall 112 and bottom wall 114, and tubular wall 112 and bottom wall 114 define inner space 116, and bottom wall 114 has orifice 118 suitable for delivering substance to animal. The edge portion 120 of bottom wall 114 surrounds orifice 118. Bottom wall 114 has inner surface 122 and outer surface 124. Substance (not shown) is placed in capsule 102, and is configured to be discharged in extended time period through orifice 118. Substance can include monensin or other medicine, vitamin and any other substance suitable for delivering in extended time period. Extended time period can be equal to or greater than 30,60,90,95,120,140,150 or 154 days.

[0054] The capsule 102 may have a cylindrical shape. In other words, the capsule 102 includes a longitudinal axis 126 that defines a central axis of the winged capsule 100. The capsule 102 may have a circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 126. Alternatively, the capsule 102 may have a different shape or a different cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 126 (such as an elliptical shape, etc.).

[0055] The capsule 102 may include a top portion 128 and a bottom portion 130. During manufacture of the winged capsule 100, a substance may be inserted into the top portion 128 of the capsule 102, and then the bottom portion 130 may be attached to the top portion 128 to hold the substance therein. Alternatively, the substance may be inserted through a side opening (not shown) on the capsule 102. The top portion 128 of the capsule 102 may be attached to or integrally constructed with the neck 104, and the neck 104 may be attached to or integrally constructed with the capsule holder 106.

[0056] More generally refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the capsule holder 106 includes a central wing portion 132 connected to the capsule 102, and a first wing 108 and a second wing 110 connected to the central wing portion 132. The first wing 108 and the second wing 110 are connected to the central wing portion 132 and extend along a wing plane 134 (at Figure 1 In other words, the longitudinal axis 136 (shown in FIG. 1 ) of the first wing 108 and the second wing 110 extends laterally from the central wing portion. Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) extends laterally from the central wing portion 132. The central wing portion 132 includes a central rib 138 and transverse ribs 140 (both of which are Figure 2 ), and the first wing 108 and the second wing 110 are disposed on opposite sides of the transverse rib 140. The first wing 108 and the second wing 110 include a top surface 142 defining a wing plane 134, and a plurality of ribs extending from the top surface, as described in further detail below.

[0057] Specifically refer to Figure 2 The central wing portion 132 has a maximum central width W perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 136. T , and the wings 108, 110 have a distal width W D The middle section 144 is from W T Taper to W D In some aspects, W D In W T More specifically, W D Can be found at W T 40% to 60% of W T If the capsule 102 has a cylindrical shape, the width of the capsule 102 is its diameter, and W T More specifically, W T It may be at least 60%, 80% and even more particularly at least 85% of the diameter.

[0058] As briefly described above, the first wing 108 and the second wing 110 include a plurality of ribs. Figure 3 , exemplary ribs of the first wing 108 will be described in further detail. Although the ribs of the second wing 110 are not described in further detail, it should be understood that the ribs of the second wing 110 can be the same or similar to the ribs of the first wing 108. The plurality of ribs of the first wing 108 include a first lateral edge rib 146, a second lateral edge rib 148, a distal edge rib 150, and a middle longitudinal rib 152 between the first lateral edge rib 146 and the second lateral edge rib 148.

[0059] Continue to refer Figure 3, one or more of the plurality of ribs of the first wing 108 may include dimensions that promote subjecting the first wing 108 to relatively uniform bending stresses along its length and avoid high peak bending stresses and sudden stress changes. For example, and as illustrated, the first lateral edge rib 146 may terminate at a first rib end 154 disposed between the middle section 144 and the distal end 155 of the first wing 108. The first rib end 154 may be disposed at a lateral distance (i.e., a distance parallel to the longitudinal axis 136) of 55 mm to 70 mm, more specifically 58 mm to 67 mm, or even more specifically 60 mm to 65 mm from the central axis 126. As another example and as illustrated, the second lateral edge rib 148 may terminate at a second rib end 156 disposed between the middle section 144 and the distal end 155. The second rib end 156 can be set to a lateral distance of 55mm to 70mm, more specifically 58mm to 67mm, or even more specifically 60mm to 65mm from the center axis 126. As another example, and as illustrated, the intermediate longitudinal rib 152 can extend laterally farther away from the center axis 126 than the first lateral edge rib 146 and / or the second lateral edge rib 148. More specifically, the intermediate longitudinal rib 152 can terminate at a third rib end 158, which is disposed between the middle section 144 and the distal end 155. The third rib end 158 can be set to a lateral distance of 60mm to 80mm, more specifically 63mm to 71mm, or even more specifically 65mm to 69mm from the center axis 126. As yet another example, the distal edge rib 150 can have a lateral dimension of 5mm to 20mm, or more specifically 8mm to 15mm. As another example and with additional reference Figure 1 , the first wing 108 can be continuously tapered in the thickness direction (i.e., the direction parallel to the central axis 126). In other words, the thickness of the first wing 108 can change from the central wing portion 132 to the first end of the first wing 108. More specifically, the thickness of the first wing 108 can change from the first rib end 154 of the distal edge rib 150 to the fourth rib end 160. Even more specifically, the first wing 108 can be continuously tapered from a thickness of about 2.3 mm near the first rib end 154 to a thickness of about 1.0 mm near the fourth rib end 160.

[0060] like Figure 2As best shown in the figure, the lateral edge ribs 146 and 148 have a greater height near the transverse rib 140, and the height tapers decreasingly as it extends laterally away from the transverse rib 140. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the height difference provides additional rigidity / support to the central wing portion 132, particularly above the neck 104. Similar principles apply to the intermediate longitudinal rib 152 near the central rib 138. More specifically, the intermediate longitudinal rib 152 has a greater width near the central rib 138, and the width tapers decreasingly as it extends laterally away from the central rib 138.

[0061] The winged capsule 100 can be injection molded from materials including, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene (more specifically, high density polyethylene). Exemplary polypropylene materials include materials having the properties listed below, although other injection molding grade polymers, such as those listed above, may also be used. In one aspect, these materials are more resilient to flexing than materials used in existing devices, and therefore help reduce damage as described herein.

[0062] nature scope unit Test Method Density (23℃) .880-.920 g / cc ISO1183 Tensile modulus 1000-1600 MPa ISO527 Yield tensile stress 20-30 MPa ISO527 Yield elongation 3.5-7.5 ％ ISO527 Shore D hardness 60-75 ISO868 / 7619

[0063] Figure 4 The bending stress curve, more specifically the bending stress experienced by the zone wing capsule, is shown. More specifically, Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the bending stress experienced by the first wing 108 of the winged capsule 100 at various distances from the central axis 126 (shown elsewhere). Figure 4 Also illustrated are the bending stresses experienced by first wing 208 of first different winged capsule 200 and first wing 308 of second different winged capsule 300 at various distances from their central axis. First wings 108, 208 and 308 of winged capsules 100, 200 and 300, respectively, are also superimposed on the curves.

[0064] can be determined based on the scale provided by the x-axis Figure 4 1. The dimensions of the winged capsules 100, 200 and 300 shown in FIG. Additionally, the thickness of the first wing 108 of the winged capsule 100 can be continuously tapered from 2.3 mm at the first rib end 154 to 1.0 mm at the fourth rib end 160, and the ribs 146, 148, 150 and 152 have a general height of about 0.35 mm. The thickness of the first wing 208 of the winged capsule 200 is temporarily tapered from 1.9 mm to 1.0 mm near the lateral edge ribs 246 and 248, and the ribs 246, 248, 250 and 252 have a general height of about 0.7 mm. The first wing 308 of the winged capsule 300 has a uniform thickness of about 1.0 mm, and the ribs 346, 348, 350 and 352 have a general height of about 0.35 mm. Alternatively, the thickness can be tapered in a discontinuous manner, as described above.

[0065] Figure 4 The bending stress curves of FIG. 1 illustrate the calculated bending stress when a downward point load is applied to the distal end of each winged capsule 100, 200, and 300. The bending stress is calculated assuming a linear elastic material response and small deflections, and the results illustrate trends and provide a comparison between the responses of the winged capsules 100, 200, and 300 to the point loads. Advantageously and surprisingly, Figure 4 It is illustrated that the winged capsule 100 is subjected to relatively uniform bending stresses, relatively low peak bending stresses, and few abrupt stress changes, particularly between the lateral edge ribs 146 and 148 and the distal edge 150 , compared to the winged capsules 200 and 300 .

[0066] Figures 5 to 7 Another illustrative winged capsule 400 for delivering a substance to an animal according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein is depicted. Winged capsule 400 includes some features of winged capsule 100, and in one aspect, can be constructed of the same materials as winged capsule 100. More specifically, winged capsule 400 includes a capsule 402, a neck 404 extending from capsule 402 (at Figure 5 ), and a capsule holder 406. The capsule holder 406 includes a first wing 408 and a second wing 410 that are flexible or foldable and positioned adjacent to the capsule 402 to facilitate placement in a package (such as a bag) and delivery of the winged capsule 400 to an animal. Additionally, the capsule 402 includes an interior space 416 and an orifice 418 (both in Figure 5 4). A substance may be placed in capsule 402 and configured to be discharged through orifice 418 over an extended period of time. Capsule 402 includes a longitudinal axis 426 (in Figure 5 ), the longitudinal axis defines the central axis of the winged capsule 400.

[0067] The capsule holder 406 shares certain features with the capsule holder 106 of the winged capsule 100. That is, the capsule holder 406 includes a central wing portion 432 connected to the capsule 102, and a first wing 408 and a second wing 410 connected to the central wing portion 432. The first wing 408 and the second wing 410 are connected to the central wing portion 432 and extend along a wing plane 434 (at Figure 5 In other words, the longitudinal axis 436 (shown in FIG. 1 ) of the first wing 408 and the second wing 410 extends laterally from the central wing portion. Figure 6 and Figure 7 430) extends laterally from the central wing portion 432. The central wing portion 432 includes a central rib 438 and transverse ribs 440 (both in Figure 6), and the first wing 408 and the second wing 410 are disposed on opposite sides of the transverse rib 440. The first wing 408 and the second wing 410 include a top surface 442 defining a wing plane 434, and a plurality of ribs extending from the top surface, as described in further detail below.

[0068] Specifically refer to Figure 6 The central wing portion 432 has a maximum central width W orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 436. T , and wings 408, 410 have a distal width W D The middle section 444 is from W T Taper to W D In some embodiments, W D In W T More specifically, W D Can be found at W T 40% to 60% of W T If the capsule 402 has a cylindrical shape, the width of the capsule 402 is its diameter, and W T More specifically, W T It may be at least 60%, 80% and even more particularly at least 85% of the diameter.

[0069] As described above, the first wing 408 and the second wing 410 include a plurality of ribs. Figure 7 , the ribs of the first wing 408 will be described in further detail. Although the ribs of the second wing 410 are not described in further detail, it should be understood that the ribs of the second wing 410 can be the same or similar to the ribs of the first wing 408. The multiple ribs of the first wing 408 include a middle longitudinal rib 452 and a single continuously extending lateral edge rib 462 in contrast to the first wing 108 of the winged capsule 100. Illustratively, the lateral edge rib 462 extends continuously (i.e., without interruption) from the center wing portion 432 along the middle section 444 to the distal end 455 of the first wing 408, returns along the middle section 444, and returns to the center wing portion 432. It should be understood that the lateral edge rib 462 can alternatively extend discontinuously from the center wing portion 432. Illustratively, the middle longitudinal rib 452 is disposed between the opposite sides of the lateral edge rib 462.

[0070] Continue to refer Figure 7, one or more of the plurality of ribs of the first wing 408 may include dimensions that promote the first wing 408 to be subjected to relatively uniform bending stresses along its length and to avoid high peak bending stresses and sudden stress changes. For example, as illustrated, the lateral edge ribs 462 have a uniform thickness between the central wing portion 432 and the distal end 455. The uniform thickness may be, for example, from 1.7 mm to 1.9 mm. As another example, and as illustrated, the intermediate longitudinal ribs 452 may terminate at the first rib end 458, and the first rib end 458 may be disposed at a lateral distance of 55 mm to 70 mm, more specifically 58 mm to 67 mm, or even more specifically 60 mm to 65 mm from the central axis 426.

[0071] Figure 8 The bending stress curve, more specifically the bending stress experienced by the zone wing capsule is illustrated. Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the bending stress experienced by the first wing 408 of the winged capsule 400 at various distances from a central axis 426 (shown elsewhere). Figure 8 Also illustrated are the bending stresses experienced by first wing 208 of winged capsule 200 and first wing 308 of winged capsule 300 at various distances from their central axis. First wings 408, 208 and 308 of winged capsules 400, 200 and 300, respectively, are also superimposed on the curves.

[0072] In one aspect, the dimensions of the winged capsule 400 can be determined based on the scale provided by the x-axis. Additionally, the first wing 408 of the winged capsule 400 is shown as having a uniform thickness of 2.3 mm from the lateral edge rib 462, and the lateral edge rib 462 has a uniform thickness of 2.4 mm. Some dimensions of the winged capsules 200 and 300 can be determined, for example, based on the scale provided by the x-axis, and other exemplary dimensions of the winged capsules 200 and 300 are provided above.

[0073] Figure 8 The curve of illustrates the bending stress when a downward point load is applied to the distal end of each winged capsule 400, 200 and 300. The exemplary bending stress is calculated assuming a linear elastic material response and small deflection. Advantageously and surprisingly, Figure 8 It is illustrated that, compared to winged capsules 200 and 300 , winged capsule 400 is subjected to relatively uniform bending stress, relatively low peak bending stress, and few sudden stress changes.

[0074] For the winged capsules 100, 200, 300 and 400, a computational model was developed using Abaqus finite element analysis (FEA) software available from ABAQUS, Inc. to simulate the loading conditions. This software and other FEA software have been identified as important tools for evaluating medical devices. See, e.g., Liu, Cheryl; FDA Recognizes Simulation Essential to Evaluate Medical Devices; Advanced Materials & Processes; April 2013, pp. 32-33. See also, e.g., U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Credibility of Computational Models Program: Research on Computational Models and Simulation Associated with Medical Devices; www.fda.gov; and Abaqus Version 6.6 documentation; classes.engineering.wustl.edu. Figure 4 and Figure 8 The bending stress curves of the capsule were compared using an elastic-plastic material model and nonlinear finite element techniques. A semi-symmetric 3D model was used, and the central wing section of each winged capsule was kept fixed to isolate the load to the first wing. Fig. 9 The resulting load versus deformation curves, more specifically load versus wing distal end rotation curves, are shown in . As illustrated, the winged capsules 100 and 400 experience relatively low distal end rotation compared to the winged capsules 200 and 300 .

[0075] Figures 10 to 17 The calculation model under a downward point load of 3.6N is illustrated in FIG. Fig.10 and Fig.11 A winged capsule 200 is shown. Fig.12 and Fig.13 A winged capsule 300 is shown. Fig.14 and Fig.15 A winged capsule 100 is shown, and Fig.16 and Fig.17 as well as Fig.15 Winged capsule 400 is illustrated. As illustrated, winged capsules 200 and 300 experience relatively high peak strains in regions 270 and 370, respectively, adjacent their distal ends. In contrast, winged capsules 100 and 400 experience relatively low peak strains. Computational modeling confirms that Figure 4 and Figure 8The results also indicate that under similar loads, the winged capsules 100 and 400 are less likely to yield than the winged capsules 200 and 300.

[0076] Unless the contrary intent is clearly stated, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "containing," and "having," etc. mean "includes," "including," etc., and are generally interpreted as open transition terms. The recitation of specifically listed components, structures, steps, etc. following an open transition term in no way limits such claim to the specifically listed components, structures, steps, etc. The terms "consisting of" or "consists of" are closed transition terms.

[0077] Unless expressly stated to the contrary, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe a particular order or chronological sequence. It will be understood that any terms so used are interchangeable where appropriate, such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operating in an order other than that illustrated or otherwise described herein. Similarly, if a method is described herein as comprising a series of steps, the order of such steps as presented herein is not necessarily the only order in which such steps may be performed, and some of the stated steps may be omitted and / or certain other steps not described herein may be added to the method.

[0078] For the sake of clarity, terms are used in their singular forms and are intended to include their plural forms unless explicitly stated to the contrary.

[0079] Appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in one aspect" herein are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect.

[0080] Although the present invention has been described as having designs illustrated by embodiments and examples, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present application is intended to cover any variation, use or adaptation of the present invention using its general principles. In addition, the present application is intended to cover such deviations from the present disclosure as are known or customary in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. A winged capsule for delivering a substance to an animal, the winged capsule comprising: a capsule defining a central axis and an interior space adapted to contain said substance, and said capsule including an orifice adapted to deliver said substance to said animal; A capsule holder comprising a central wing portion connected to the capsule, and wings connected to the central wing portion and extending laterally from the central wing portion, at least a first of the wings comprising: a first lateral edge rib; a second lateral edge rib; and A middle longitudinal rib is disposed between the first lateral edge rib and the second lateral edge rib, the middle longitudinal rib extending laterally further away from the central axis than the first lateral edge rib and the second lateral edge rib.

2. The winged capsule according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the first wing changes from the central wing portion to a first end of the first wing.

3. The winged capsule according to claim 2, wherein: The first wing tapers continuously along the thickness direction.

4. The winged capsule according to claim 2, wherein: The first lateral edge rib terminates at a first rib end, the first wing further includes a distal end having a distal edge rib that terminates at a second rib end, and the thickness of the first wing changes from the first rib end to the second rib end.

5. The winged capsule according to claim 1, wherein: The first wing includes a distal end having a distal width and an intermediate section between the distal end and the central wing portion, and the width of the intermediate section decreases from a width adjacent to the central wing portion to the distal width.

6. The winged capsule according to claim 5, wherein: The intermediate longitudinal rib terminates at a first rib end, and the first rib end is disposed between the intermediate section and the distal end.

7. The winged capsule according to claim 6, wherein: The second lateral edge rib terminates at a second rib end, and the second rib end is disposed between the intermediate section and the distal end.

8. The winged capsule according to claim 1, wherein: The intermediate longitudinal rib terminates at a first rib end, and the first rib end is disposed at a lateral distance of 60 mm to 80 mm from the central axis.

9. The winged capsule according to claim 1, wherein: The first lateral edge rib terminates at a first rib end, the second lateral edge rib terminates at a second rib end, and the first rib end and the second rib end are disposed at a lateral distance of 55 mm to 70 mm from the central axis.

10. The winged capsule according to claim 1, wherein The first wing also includes a distal end having a distal edge rib having a lateral dimension of 5 mm to 20 mm.

11. A winged capsule for delivering a substance to an animal, the winged capsule comprising: a capsule defining a central axis and an interior space adapted to contain said substance, and said capsule including an orifice adapted to deliver said substance to said animal; A capsule holder comprising a central wing portion connected to the capsule, and wings connected to the central wing portion and extending laterally from the central wing portion, at least a first of the wings comprising: a first lateral edge rib extending from the central wing portion and terminating at a first rib end; and a distal end portion having a distal edge rib terminating at a second rib end; Wherein, the thickness of the first wing changes continuously from the first rib end to the second rib end.

12. The winged capsule according to claim 11, wherein The first wing also includes: a second lateral edge rib extending from the central wing portion; and An intermediate longitudinal rib extends from the central wing portion and is disposed between the first lateral edge rib and the second lateral edge rib.

13. The winged capsule according to claim 11, wherein The first rib end is disposed at a lateral distance of 55 mm to 70 mm from the central axis.

14. A winged capsule for delivering a substance to an animal, the winged capsule comprising: a capsule defining a central axis and an interior space adapted to contain said substance, and said capsule including an orifice adapted to deliver said substance to said animal; as well as A capsule holder comprises a central wing portion connected to the capsule, and wings connected to the central wing portion and extending laterally from the central wing portion to a distal end, at least a first of the wings comprising a lateral edge rib extending continuously from the central wing portion to the distal end.

15. The winged capsule according to claim 14, wherein: The lateral edge rib has a uniform thickness between the central wing portion and the distal end.

16. The winged capsule according to claim 14, wherein: The lateral edge ribs extend continuously from the central wing portion to the distal end and return to the central wing portion.

17. The winged capsule according to claim 14, wherein: The distal end has a distal width, and the first wing further includes an intermediate section between the distal end and the central wing portion, the intermediate section narrowing in width from a width adjacent the central wing portion to the distal width.

18. The capsule with wings according to claim 17, wherein: The lateral edge ribs extend continuously from the central wing portion along the middle section to the distal end, back along the middle section, and back to the central wing portion.

19. The winged capsule according to claim 18, wherein: The first wing also includes a middle longitudinal rib disposed between opposite sides of the lateral edge ribs.

20. The winged capsule according to claim 19, wherein The intermediate longitudinal rib terminates at a first rib end, and the first rib end is disposed at a lateral distance of 55 mm to 70 mm from the central axis.

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