Container and method for storing and stabilizing moisture-sensitive products

Abstract

A container (20) for storing a moisture-sensitive product includes a body (100) having a base (102), a sidewall (104) extending upwardly from the base and opening into an opening providing access into an interior of the body; an oil (2) disposed within a product compartment (110) in the interior of the body, the product compartment being a portion of the interior of the body in which the oil is disposed when the body is upright on the base in a stationary position; a cover (200 ') covering the opening to form a housing comprising the product compartment, the housing further comprising a desiccant compartment positioned above and in fluid communication with the product compartment; and a desiccant material (2000) disposed within the desiccant compartment, the desiccant material configured to remove moisture from the housing so as to stabilize a moisture sensitive product suspended in the oil without direct contact with the oil when the body is in the stationary position.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 379,533, filed on October 14, 2022, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosed concepts generally relate to storing moisture and oxidation sensitive products and extending the shelf life of such products, and more particularly, to storing products suspended in oil and extending the life of the product itself by using a desiccant material disposed within the package, the desiccant material preferably being at least partially suspended above the oil when the package is in an upright, stationary orientation. Background Art

[0004] FAO / WHO defines probiotics as live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when applied in sufficient amounts. The most common microorganisms used as probiotics are lactic acid bacteria, such as strains of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. Lactic acid bacteria are used because of their beneficial effects on human or animal health and the fermentation process in the food industry. For example, Lactobacillus reuteri, one of the naturally occurring habitats in the gastrointestinal tract of known animals, has antibacterial activity, see U.S. Patents No. 5,439,678, No. 5,458,875, No. 5,534,253, No. 5,837,238 and No. 5,849,289. Lactic acid bacteria are also reported to be used for the prevention and treatment of allergies, see EP 1239032 and WO 01 / 37865.

[0005] Microorganisms sold for health and fermentation purposes are often formulated as freeze-dried powders in low-water environments, such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,897,307A. Typically, the use of such freeze-dried microorganisms faces the problem of limited storage stability of the cells because the available free water content is harmful to the cells. As a result, the microorganisms become less viable and require higher doses to compensate for this loss, provided that there are enough living organisms to achieve the higher doses.

[0006] For storage purposes, foils with a plastic layer on one surface outside the compartment (e.g. polyethylene laminated aluminum foil) are often used as packaging materials in order to reduce the exposure of freeze-dried lactic acid bacteria to moisture and oxygen. However, even if the barrier material effectively limits the transport of water molecules through the package, certain features of the package may still lead to the transport of water molecules, such as along the edges of a heat-sealed package. Moreover, the process of filling the package itself may also lead to water being trapped inside the package.

[0007] In order to maintain the lower level of moisture in the package, a small bag comprising a desiccant material is incorporated in the package to remove moisture. In order to protect the freeze-dried lactic acid bacteria culture, an oil-based formulation is used. For example, sunflower oil has been used as a liquid suspension medium for the dry viable lactobacillus cells of suitable preparation, to improve the stability of the cell at room temperature, referring to U.S. Patent No. 4,518,696. In order to improve the stability of lactobacillus cells, before adding freeze-dried Lactobacillus reuteri in oil, the oil (sunflower oil) before the deployment has been vacuum dried, referring to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20050271641. Nevertheless, all moisture may still not be removed by vacuum drying oil. Further, during packaging or storage in various containers, new moisture may enter the oil formation process.

[0008] To further improve the stability of lactic acid bacteria cultures, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,785.183 (the '183 patent) and 9,351.512 (the '512 patent) describe the use of specific moisture absorbing materials to absorb moisture from non-aqueous liquids including oils, for example, specially prepared polymer strips or foils with incorporated chemical desiccant materials, such as the M-0026 Activ-Strip from CSP Technologies, Auburn, USA. TM Specifically, the '183 and '512 patents utilize a desiccant polymer strip or desiccant film that is in direct contact with the oil to absorb moisture from the oil disposed within the package or container.

[0009] This manual Figure 1-5 A prior art container 10 that may be used to store a moisture sensitive product suspended in oil 2 is shown. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art container storing a moisture sensitive product suspended in oil 2 and including a desiccant material 1000 immersed in the oil 2; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective top view of a lid 200 of a prior art container 10; Figure 3 There are three different sizes and Figure 1 A perspective view of a prior art container 10 similar to the container shown in , with the lid 200 of the container 10 removed when in an open position; Figure 4A and 4B Shows that it can be assembled to Figure 1 and 3 An alternative perspective view of a dispensing member 300 of a prior art container 10 in FIG. 1 ; and Figure 5 Shown Figure 1 is in the open position and has Figure 4A and Figure 4BA prior art container 10 having a prior art dispensing member 300 assembled thereto, wherein an oil suspension of a moisture sensitive product is disposed within the container 10 and a prior art desiccant material 1000 is immersed in the oil 2.

[0010] Specifically, Figure 1 and 5 As shown, the container 10 includes a body 100, a cover 200, oil 2 and a desiccant material 1000. The body 100 has a base 102, a side wall 104 extending upward from the base 102 and leading to an opening, and the opening provides access to the interior of the body 100. The oil 2 is disposed in a product compartment 110 in the interior of the body 100. The product compartment 110 is a portion of the interior of the body 100 in which the oil 2 is disposed when the body 100 is upright on the base 102 in a static position. When the body 100 is oriented to be inverted on the base 102 in a dispensing position, the oil 2 is dispensed from the dispensing member 300. The oil 2 is indicated by cross-hatching in the relevant figures. Moisture-sensitive products can be suspended or formulated in a medium other than oil (pharmaceutical oil, pure vegetable oil, etc.), but the main embodiments of the prior art include oil 2 as the medium in which the moisture-sensitive product is suspended or formulated.

[0011] The lid 200 covers the opening to form a housing including the product compartment 110 and a headspace located above the product compartment 110. Optionally, the container 10 includes a dispensing member 300 (see Figure 4A-5 ), which dispenses a dose of product suspended in oil 2 when the cover 200 is open and the body 100 is oriented upside down in the dispensing position.

[0012] The desiccant material 1000 is configured to remove moisture from the housing in order to stabilize moisture sensitive products suspended in the oil 2. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the desiccant material 1000 is placed in the product compartment 110 so as to be immersed in the oil 2. In this way, the desiccant material 1000 is always effectively in direct contact with the oil 2 and is able to absorb moisture from the oil 2. The desiccant material 1000 can be a desiccant polymer strip or a special desiccant film, such as Mi-0026 Activstrip manufactured by CSP Technologies, Inc. of Auburn, USA TM Or a membrane with a desiccant material as described in US Pat. No. 8,003,179.

[0013] like Figure 2As shown, the cap 200 has an annular top 202, a skirt 204 depending downward from the annular top 202, a cylindrical stopper 212 extending downward from the inner surface of the annular top 202, an annular sealing ridge 210 extending downward from the inner surface of the annular top 202, and a plurality of threads 208 disposed on the inner surface of the skirt 204. The skirt 204 may include ridges on its outer surface to facilitate the user to grasp and twist to open the cap 200. The cylindrical stopper 212 may include a base (not shown) and a stopper sidewall 214, the base being embedded in the inner surface of the annular top 202, and the stopper sidewall being located in the groove 314 (see FIG. 31) of the dispensing member 300 when the cap 200 is closed. Figure 4B and Figure 5 ) When the cap 200 is closed, the cylindrical barrier 212 blocks the flow of the product suspended in the oil 2. The annular sealing ridge 210 is arranged concentrically with the skirt 204 and the cylindrical barrier 212 and is positioned between the skirt 204 and the cylindrical barrier 212. The annular sealing ridge 210 is configured to align with the flange 302 (see Figure 4A-5 ) is sealedly engaged with the upper surface of the cover 200. When the cover 200 is closed, the plurality of threads 208 are engaged with the plurality of threads 108 (see FIG. 1 ) disposed on the outer surface of the upper section (eg, neck) 106 of the body 110. Figure 3 The engagement between the annular sealing ridge 210 and the flange 302 forms a moisture-tight seal between the cap 200 and the dispensing member 300 and, together with the engagement between the flange 302 and a portion 112 (e.g., an upper rim) of the neck 106 of the body, as described with reference to Figure 4A As described in -B, a preferably moisture-proof seal is formed between the body 100 and the cover 200 .

[0014] like Figure 3 As shown, multiple bodies 100, 100', 100" having different sizes can be used Figure 1 Container 10 of the prior art. Optionally, the length of the body 100 is 76 mm. Optionally, the length of the body 100' is 61 mm. Optionally, the length of the body 100" is 53 mm. These are for illustration purposes only, and the size and / or length of the body may vary depending on the situation, needs and / or user's preference.

[0015] like Figure 4A -B, the prior art dispensing member 300 includes an outlet 316 configured to dispense a dose of a product suspended in oil 2 when the cap 200 is open and the body 100 is oriented upside down in the dispensing position. The dispensing member 300 also includes a flange 302 that sealingly engages a portion of the upper section 106 of the body 100, for example, an upper edge 112 of the neck 106 formed in the upper section of the body 100 (see Figure 5). The dispensing member 300 also includes: a first dispensing member sidewall 304, which depends downwardly from the flange 302 and depends inwardly toward the bottom portion of the outlet 316; a dispensing member base 306, which extends inwardly from the bottom edge of the first dispensing member sidewall 304 and forms a dispensing member opening 310 and a dispensing member base opening 308; a second dispensing member sidewall 312, which extends upwardly from the inner periphery of the dispensing member base opening 308 toward the top portion of the outlet 316, and a protrusion 318, which extends downwardly from the dispensing member opening 310. The first dispensing member sidewall 304 and the second dispensing member sidewall 312 and the dispensing member base 306 together form a groove 314, which receives the barrier sidewall 212 of the cylindrical barrier 210 of the cover 200 when the cover 200 is closed. The dispensing member opening 310 enables the groove 314 to be in fluid communication with the product compartment 110.

[0016] However, adding a desiccant material (e.g., a desiccant strip, foil, or film) directly to the oil, as disclosed in the '183 and '512 patents or as described in the Figure 1 and 5 Shown, can increase risk, such as pollution (for example, stains in molding process or treatment), undesirable interaction between probiotics suspended in oil and desiccant strip, foil or film, or plastic injection particles or burrs are released into oil.Like this, these desiccant strips, foil or film need to be produced in a more demanding and more strictly controlled process, which is both time-consuming and costly.Further, the desiccant material placed on the inside of the oil can reduce the available volume of the oil, causing the size of the packaging or container for storing lactic acid bacteria culture to increase.Such size increase can cause packaging and transportation costs to increase.Additionally, the volume of the desiccant material that can be placed on the inside of the oil is also limited.In addition, in the case of needing a longer shelf life, and the film is likely to be "exhausted" too quickly due to rapid moisture absorption, or alternative adsorbent materials are suitable for the case, using the strip or film immersed in the oil may not be preferred.

[0017] Therefore, there is a need to improve the packaging of moisture-sensitive products suspended in oil and to extend the shelf life of such products.

[0018] There is also a need for improved hygroscopic materials for scavenging moisture and stabilizing moisture sensitive products suspended in oil. Summary of the invention

[0019] These needs and others are met by a container for storing moisture-sensitive products. The container includes a body having a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and leading to an opening, the opening providing access to an interior of the body, oil disposed in a product compartment in the interior of the body, the product compartment being a portion of the interior of the body in which the oil is disposed when the body is upright on the base in a resting position, a cover covering the opening to form an enclosure including the product compartment, the enclosure further including a desiccant compartment positioned above and in fluid communication with the product compartment, and a desiccant material disposed in the desiccant compartment, the desiccant material being configured to remove moisture from the enclosure to stabilize a moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil without directly contacting the oil when the body is in the resting position.

[0020] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concept, the container further comprises a dispensing member, the dispensing member comprising an outlet configured to dispense a dose of the oil when the lid is open and the body is oriented inverted in a dispensing position, the dispensing member sealingly engaging an upper section of the body, the dispensing member further comprising a dispensing member opening, the dispensing member opening enabling fluid communication between the desiccant compartment and the product compartment.

[0021] Optionally, in any embodiment of the container according to the disclosed concept, the dispensing member comprises a desiccant compartment.

[0022] Optionally, in any embodiment of the container according to the disclosed concept, the dispensing member further comprises a retaining component engaging with a portion of the desiccant material to retain the desiccant material within the desiccant compartment when the body is in the dispensing position.

[0023] Optionally, in any embodiment of the container according to the disclosed concept, the dispensing member further includes: a flange, which is sealingly engaged with a portion of the upper section of the body; a first dispensing member side wall, which depends downwardly from the flange and depends inwardly toward the bottom portion of the outlet; a dispensing member base, which extends inwardly from the bottom edge of the first dispensing member side wall and forms the dispensing opening and the dispensing member base opening; a second dispensing member side wall, which extends upward from the inner circumference of the dispensing member base opening toward the top portion of the outlet; and a raised portion, which extends downwardly from the dispensing member opening, and the first dispensing member side wall and the second dispensing member side wall and the dispensing member base together form the desiccant compartment.

[0024] Optionally, in any embodiment of the container according to the disclosed concept, the boss has a boss opening, the boss opening is opposite the dispensing member opening, the boss opening and the dispensing member opening together put the desiccant compartment in fluid communication with at least the product compartment or the remainder of the housing.

[0025] Optionally, in any embodiment of the container according to the disclosed concept, the desiccant material is disposed within a lower section of the desiccant compartment and surrounds a lower portion of the second dispensing member side wall.

[0026] Optionally, in any embodiment of the container according to the disclosed concept, the desiccant material is ring-shaped.

[0027] Optionally, in any embodiment of the container according to the disclosed concept, the lid comprises a blocking element extending downwardly into the desiccant compartment and surrounding a portion of the second dispensing member side wall when the lid is closed.

[0028] Optionally, in any embodiment of the container according to the disclosed concept, the barrier element of the lid is made of the desiccant material.

[0029] Optionally, in any embodiment of the container according to the disclosed concept, the desiccant material is molded onto the lid by a multi-shot molding process.

[0030] Optionally, in any embodiment of the container according to the disclosed concept, the moisture sensitive product comprises lactic acid producing bacteria, optionally comprising Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.

[0031] In an optional aspect of the disclosed concept, a container for storing moisture-sensitive products is provided. The container includes a body having a base, a sidewall extending upward from the base and leading to an opening, the opening providing access to the interior of the body; oil disposed in a product compartment in the interior of the body, the product compartment being a portion of the interior of the body in which the oil is disposed when the body is upright on the base in a stationary position; a cover covering the opening to form an enclosure including the product compartment and a headspace, the headspace being positioned above the product compartment and in fluid communication with the product compartment; and a dispensing member sealingly engaged with an upper section of the body, the dispensing member having an outlet configured to dispense a dose of the oil when the body is in a dispensing position, the dispensing member including an upper section not made of a desiccant material and a lower section made of the desiccant material, the desiccant material being at least partially disposed in the headspace when the body is in the stationary position, the desiccant material being configured to remove moisture from the enclosure in order to stabilize a moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil.

[0032] Optionally, in any embodiment of the container according to the disclosed concept, in the dispensing orientation, the lid is open and the body is oriented inverted.

[0033] Optionally, in any embodiment of the container according to the disclosed concept, the dispensing member further includes: a flange, which is sealingly engaged with a portion of the upper section of the body; a first dispensing member side wall, which depends downwardly from the flange and depends inwardly toward the bottom portion of the outlet; a dispensing member base, which extends inwardly from the bottom edge of the first dispensing member side wall and forms the dispensing member opening and the dispensing member base opening; a second dispensing member side wall, which extends upward from the inner circumference of the dispensing member base opening toward the top portion of the outlet; and a raised portion, which extends downwardly from the dispensing member opening, and the first dispensing member side wall and the second dispensing member side wall and the dispensing member base together form a groove that is part of the top space.

[0034] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concept, the boss has a boss opening, the boss opening is opposite the dispensing member opening, the boss opening and the dispensing member opening together connect the groove to the product compartment or the remaining portion of the head space.

[0035] Optionally, in any embodiment of the container according to the disclosed concept, the lower section of the dispensing member includes the protrusion, the dispensing member base, a lower portion of the second dispensing sidewall, and a bottom portion of the outlet.

[0036] Optionally, in any embodiment of the container according to the disclosed concept, the desiccant material is molded onto the lid by a multi-shot molding process.

[0037] Optionally, in any embodiment of the container according to the disclosed concept, the product comprises lactic acid producing bacteria, optionally comprising Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

[0038] In an optional aspect of the disclosed concept, a method for stabilizing a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil is provided. The method includes providing a container, the container including (i) a body having a base, a sidewall extending upward from the base and leading to an opening, the opening providing access to an interior of the body; (ii) a cover covering the opening to form an enclosure including a product compartment, the product compartment being a portion of the interior of the body in which oil is disposed when the body is upright on the base in a stationary position, the enclosure further including a desiccant compartment positioned above the product compartment and in fluid communication with the product compartment; and (iii) a desiccant material disposed in the desiccant compartment; and removing moisture from the enclosure by the desiccant material so as to stabilize the moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil without directly contacting the oil when the body is in the stationary position.

[0039] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concept, the container further includes a dispensing member, the dispensing member including an outlet, the outlet being configured to dispense a dose of the oil when the lid is open and the body is oriented inverted in a dispensing position, the dispensing member sealingly engaging an upper section of the body, the dispensing member further including a dispensing member opening, the dispensing member opening enabling fluid communication between the desiccant compartment and the product compartment.

[0040] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concept, the distribution member further includes: a flange, which is sealingly engaged with a portion of the upper section of the body; a first distribution member side wall, which depends downwardly from the flange and depends inwardly toward the bottom portion of the outlet; a distribution member base, which extends inwardly from the bottom edge of the first distribution member side wall and forms the distribution opening and the distribution member base opening; a second distribution member side wall, which extends upward from the inner periphery of the distribution member base opening toward the top portion of the outlet; and a protrusion, which extends downwardly from the distribution member opening, and the first distribution member side wall and the second distribution member side wall and the distribution member base together form the desiccant compartment.

[0041] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concept, the desiccant material is disposed at a lower section of the desiccant compartment and surrounds a lower portion of the second dispensing member side wall.

[0042] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concept, the desiccant material is ring-shaped.

[0043] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concept, the cover comprises a blocking element extending downwardly into the desiccant compartment and surrounding a portion of the second dispensing member side wall when the cover is closed.

[0044] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concept, the blocking element of the cover is made of the desiccant material.

[0045] Optionally, in any embodiments of the method according to the disclosed concept, providing the container comprises molding the desiccant material onto the lid by a multi-shot molding process.

[0046] In an optional aspect of the disclosed concept, a method for stabilizing a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil is provided. The method includes providing a container, the container including a body having a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and leading to an opening, the opening providing access to an interior of the body; a cover covering the opening to form an enclosure including a product compartment, the product compartment being a portion of the interior of the body in which oil is disposed when the body is upright on the base in a resting position; a dispensing member sealingly engaged with an upper section of the body and having an outlet configured to dispense a dose of the oil when the body is in a dispensing position, the dispensing member including an upper section not made of a desiccant material and a lower section made of the desiccant material, the desiccant material being at least partially disposed in a head space when the body is in the resting position; and removing moisture from the enclosure by the desiccant material to stabilize the moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil when the body is in the resting position.

[0047] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concept, in the dispensing orientation, the lid is open and the body is oriented inverted.

[0048] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concept, the distribution member further includes: a flange, which is sealingly engaged with a portion of the upper section of the body; a first distribution member side wall, which depends downwardly from the flange and depends inwardly toward the bottom portion of the outlet; a distribution member base, which extends inwardly from the bottom edge of the first distribution member side wall and forms the distribution member opening and the distribution member base opening; a second distribution member side wall, which extends upward from the inner circumference of the distribution member base opening toward the top portion of the outlet; and a protrusion, which extends downwardly from the distribution member opening, and the first distribution member side wall and the second distribution member side wall and the distribution member base together form a groove that is part of the top space.

[0049] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concept, the dispensing member further includes a protrusion extending downwardly from the dispensing member opening, the protrusion having a protrusion opening, the protrusion opening being opposite to the dispensing member opening, the protrusion opening and the dispensing member opening together connecting the groove to the product compartment or the remaining portion of the head space fluid.

[0050] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concept, the lower section of the dispensing member includes the boss, the dispensing member base, a lower portion of the second dispensing sidewall, and a bottom portion of the outlet.

[0051] Optionally, in any embodiments of the method according to the disclosed concept, providing the container comprises molding the desiccant material in a multi-shot molding process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The present invention can be fully understood by reading the following description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0053] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art container storing a moisture sensitive product suspended in oil and including a desiccant material immersed in the oil;

[0054] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective top view of a lid of a prior art container;

[0055] Figure 3 There are three different sizes and Figure 1 A perspective view of a prior art container similar to the container shown in , with the lid of the container removed when in an open position;

[0056] Figure 4A and 4B Shows that it can be assembled to Figure 1 and 3 An alternative perspective view of a dispensing member of a prior art container in;

[0057] Figure 5 Shown Figure 1 is in the open position and has Figure 4A and Figure 4B a prior art container having a prior art dispensing member assembled thereto, wherein an oil suspension of a moisture sensitive product is disposed within the container and a desiccant material is immersed in the oil;

[0058] Fig. 6A is an exploded cross-sectional view of a container for storing moisture-sensitive products according to an optional aspect of the disclosed concept, the container including a desiccant material disposed within a desiccant compartment of an enclosure formed by a lid and a body of the container;

[0059] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A A cross-sectional view of the container in a closed position;

[0060] Figure 6C yes Fig. 6A a top perspective cross-sectional view of the container in an open position with the lid removed;

[0061] Fig.6D yes Fig. 6A A cross-sectional view of the container with the lid in an open position;

[0062] Fig. 7A is an exploded cross-sectional view of a container for storing moisture-sensitive products according to an alternative optional aspect of the disclosed concept, the container including a desiccant material disposed within a desiccant compartment of an enclosure formed by a lid and a body of the container;

[0063] Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A A cross-sectional view of the container in a closed position;

[0064] Figure 7C yes Fig. 7A a perspective cross-sectional view of a lid of a container;

[0065] Fig. 8A is an exploded cross-sectional view of a container for storing moisture-sensitive products according to an alternative optional aspect of the disclosed concepts, the container including a dispensing member having a portion made of a desiccant material disposed within a headspace of an enclosure formed by a lid and a body of the container;

[0066] Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A A cross-sectional view of the container in a closed position; and

[0067] Figure 8C yes Fig. 8A A cross-sectional view of a dispensing member of a container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The disclosed concepts will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which several embodiments are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In contrast, these embodiments are examples of the present invention, which have the full scope indicated by the language of the claims. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. Unless otherwise stated, the features characterizing the embodiments and aspects described below may be combined with each other, and the resulting combinations are also embodiments of the present invention.

[0069] Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the specification or claims. As used herein, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning with possibility) rather than a mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms "a", "an", and "the" are not limited to one element, but should be interpreted as meaning "at least one". The terms include the words mentioned above, their derivatives, and words of similar meaning.

[0070] As used herein, "and / or" means referring to either or both of the items separated by this term. For example, the phrase "A and / or B" will mean A alone, B alone, or both A and B.

[0071] As used herein, "generally" means in a "general manner" with respect to the modified term as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0072] As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts or components “engage” one another shall mean that the parts exert a force against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components.

[0073] As used herein, the phrases "sealingly engage" or "sealing engagement" shall refer to elements that contact one another in a manner such that a generally fluid-tight, and optionally moisture-tight, seal is formed therebetween.

[0074] Directional phrases used herein, such as, but not limited to, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, rear and derivatives thereof, refer to the orientation of elements shown in the drawings and do not limit the claims unless explicitly recited therein.

[0075] In general, as used herein, the term "moisture resistant" is defined as a moisture ingress (after three days) of less than 1500 μg of water, in another embodiment less than 500 μg of water, in another embodiment less than 300 μg of water, and in yet another embodiment less than 150 μg of water as determined by the following test method: (a) placing one gram plus or minus 0.25 grams of molecular sieve in a container and recording the weight; (b) completely closing the container; (c) placing the closed container in an environmental chamber under conditions of 80% relative humidity and 72°F; (d) after one day, weighing the container containing the molecular sieve; (e) after four days, weighing the container containing the molecular sieve; and (f) subtracting the first day sample from the fourth day sample to calculate the moisture ingress of the container in micrograms of water. The preferred rate of moisture ingress into a moisture resistant sealed container generated according to one aspect of the disclosed concept is in the range of about 200-300 μg / day of water or less. Thus, a "moisture resistant" seal is a sealing joint that, alone or in combination with another sealing joint, helps to make the container "moisture resistant" according to the above definition.

[0076] Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, Figures 6A-8C Various embodiments of containers 20, 30, 40 according to optional aspects of the disclosed concepts are shown. While these embodiments utilize prior art containers 10 with certain modifications, it should be understood that any other container having different shapes, sizes, and / or components that can be used to store moisture-sensitive products may be used. Oil 2 is represented by cross-hatching in the relevant figures. Moisture-sensitive products can be suspended or formulated in media other than oil (pharmaceutical oils, pure vegetable oils, etc.), but the main embodiments of the present disclosure include oil 2 as the medium in which moisture-sensitive products are suspended or formulated.

[0077] Fig. 6A -D shows a cross-section of a container 20 for storing a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil 2 according to an optional aspect of the disclosed concept. The container 20 includes some Figure 1 The container 20 has features and components similar to those of the prior art container 10, but differs from the container 10 in that, according to an optional aspect of the disclosed concept, the container 20 includes a desiccant material 2000 disposed within the desiccant compartment 2001, and the desiccant material 2000 is configured to remove moisture from the housing when the body 100 is in a stationary position (i.e., upright) without directly contacting the oil 2. Fig. 6A -D The illustrated example embodiment is novel and advantageous because it allows the desiccant material 2000 to absorb moisture from the oil 2 without directly contacting the oil 2, and thereby avoids the aforementioned or other known problems and risks associated with the desiccant material directly contacting the oil to remove moisture therefrom.

[0078] The desiccant material 2000 can be an active polymer component, which can be a single component desiccant entrained polymer made from a single piece of material. The entrained polymer (whether entrained with a desiccant or another active agent) can include a base polymer (for structure), a desiccant (or other active agent), and optionally a channel guide. These types of active entrained polymers and methods of making and using them are disclosed, for example, in the applicant's U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0039955, which is incorporated herein by reference and attached hereto as Appendix A. Optionally, the entrained polymer can be in a loose film form, or optionally hot melted to a surface.

[0079] As used herein, the term "entrained polymer" is defined as a monolithic material formed from at least one matrix polymer material and an active agent, and optionally also entrained or distributed throughout the channels. The entrained polymer can therefore be a two-phase formulation (i.e., comprising a base polymer and an active ingredient without a channel directing agent) or a three-phase formulation (i.e., comprising a base polymer, an active agent, and a channel directing agent). An entrained polymer having an active agent in microparticle form is referred to herein as a "microparticle entrained polymer". An entrained polymer having one of the mineral forms of the active agent is referred to herein as a "mineral entrained polymer".

[0080] As used herein, the term "entrained polymer composition" is defined as an entrained polymer or a formulation that produces an entrained polymer.

[0081] As used herein, the term "active agent" is defined as a material that (1) is immiscible with the matrix polymer and does not melt when mixed and heated with the matrix polymer and the channel directing agent, i.e., has a melting point higher than one of the melting points of the matrix polymer or the channel directing agent, and (2) acts on, interacts with, or reacts with a selected material. The term "active agent" may include, but is not limited to, a material or (a selected material that absorbs, adsorbs, or releases. An active agent in particulate form is referred to herein as a "particulate active agent." An active agent in one of the mineral forms is referred to herein as a "mineral active agent." An active agent according to the disclosed concepts may be a particulate active agent, but (unless otherwise required). The technology disclosed in the present invention should not be considered to be limited to particulate active agents. However, the technology disclosed in the present invention is particularly suitable for entrained polymers formed from mineral active materials (e.g., molecular sieves or silica gel).

[0082] As used herein, the term "matrix polymer" is optionally a polymer whose gas transfer rate to the selected material is substantially less than or substantially equal to the gas transfer rate of the channel guide agent to the selected material. For example, in the embodiment where the selected material is moisture and the activating agent is a water-absorbing desiccant, this delivery rate will be the water vapor delivery rate. The main function of the matrix polymer is to provide the structure of the entrained polymer. Suitable matrix polymers can include thermoplastic polymers, for example, polyolefins (such as polypropylene and polyethylene), polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polybutylene, polysiloxane, polycarbonate, polyamide, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-methacrylate copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyester, polyanhydride, polyacrylonitrile, polysulfone, polyacrylate, acrylic acid, polyurethane and polyacetal etc. or mixture.

[0083] As used herein, the term "matrix polymer material" is defined as a material comprising a matrix polymer and optionally an additive. When no additive is added, the matrix polymer material is made of a matrix polymer. Optionally, the matrix polymer and the additive are miscible.

[0084] As used herein, the term "channeling agent" is defined as a material, preferably a polymer, that is immiscible with a matrix polymer or matrix polymer material and has an affinity for transporting the gas phase at a faster rate than the matrix polymer or matrix polymer material. Optionally, the channeling agent is capable of passing through channels of the entrained polymer formed when the entrained polymer is formed by mixing the channeling agent with the matrix polymer or matrix polymer material. Optionally, such channels are capable of transporting the selected material through the entrained polymer at a faster rate than in the matrix polymer or matrix polymer alone.

[0085] As used herein, the term "additive" is defined as an additive added to a base polymer to alter one of its specific properties.

[0086] With reference to the comparison of the water vapor permeability of the matrix polymer and the channel directing agent, in one embodiment, the water vapor permeability of the channel directing agent is at least twice the water vapor permeability of the matrix polymer, optionally at least five times the water vapor permeability of the matrix polymer, optionally at least ten times the water vapor permeability of the matrix polymer, optionally at least twenty times the water vapor permeability of the matrix polymer, optionally at least fifty times the water vapor permeability of the matrix polymer, optionally at least one hundred times the water vapor permeability of the matrix polymer.

[0087] As used herein, the term "monolithic", "monolithic structure" or "monolithic composition" is defined as a composition or material that is not composed of two or more discrete macroscopic layers. Thus, a "monolithic composition" does not contain a multi-layer composite material.

[0088] As used herein, the term "phase" is defined as a part or component of an integral structure, or uniformly distributed throughout a composition, so as to impart bulk properties to the structure or composition.

[0089] As used herein, the term "selected material" is defined as a material that acts through or interacts or reacts with an active agent and is capable of being transported through the channels of the entrained polymer. For example, in embodiments where a desiccant is used as the active agent, the selected material may be moisture or a gas that can be absorbed by the desiccant.

[0090] As used herein, the term "channel" or "interconnected channels" is defined as channels formed by a channel directing agent throughout a matrix polymer and may be interconnected to one another.

[0091] As used herein, the term "three-phase" is defined as one of three or more phases comprising an overall composition or structure. An example of a three-phase composition that can be used according to the disclosed concepts is an entrained polymer formed by a matrix polymer, an active agent, and a channeling agent. Optionally, the three-phase composition or structure can contain additional phases, such as a colorant.

[0092] Return to reference Fig. 6A -D, the container 20 includes a main body 100, oil 2, a cover 200' and a desiccant material 2000. The main body 100 has a base 102, a side wall 104 extending upward from the base 102 and leading to an opening, the opening providing access to the interior of the main body 100. The oil 2 is disposed in a product compartment 110 in the interior of the main body 100. The product compartment 110 is a portion of the interior of the main body 100, and the oil 2 is disposed in the portion when the main body 100 stands upright on the base 102 in a stationary position. The cover 200' covers the opening to form a housing including the product compartment 110 and a desiccant compartment 2001, the desiccant compartment being positioned above the product compartment 110 and being in fluid communication with the product compartment. The desiccant material 2000 is disposed in the desiccant compartment 2001 (see Fig.6D ) and is configured to remove moisture from the housing so as to stabilize moisture-sensitive products suspended in the oil 2 without directly contacting the oil 2 when the body 100 is in a stationary position.

[0093] Optionally, the container 20 further comprises a dispensing member 300 comprising an outlet 316 configured to dispense a dose of the product suspended in the oil 2 when the lid 200' is open and the body 100 is oriented upside down in the dispensing position. The dispensing member 300 is sealingly engaged with a portion 112 (e.g., an upper rim) of the upper section 106 (e.g., a neck) of the body 100 and further comprises a dispensing member opening 310 that enables fluid communication between the desiccant compartment 2001 and the product compartment 110.

[0094] Dispensing member 300 includes a desiccant compartment 2001 located within recess 314. Optionally, dispensing member 300 further includes a retaining assembly (not shown) that engages a portion of desiccant material 2000 to retain desiccant material 2000 within desiccant compartment 2001 when body 100 is in the dispensing position. Optionally, the dispensing member 300 may further include: a flange 302, the flange being sealingly engaged with a portion 112 of the upper section 106 of the body 100; a first dispensing member sidewall 304, the first dispensing member sidewall depending downward from the flange 302 and depending inwardly toward the bottom portion of the outlet 316; a dispensing member base 306, the dispensing member base extending inwardly from the bottom edge of the first dispensing member sidewall 304 and forming a dispensing member opening 310 and a dispensing member base opening 308; a second dispensing member sidewall 312, the second dispensing member sidewall extending upwardly from the inner periphery of the dispensing member base opening 310 toward the top portion of the outlet 316, and a protrusion 318, the protrusion extending downwardly from the dispensing member opening 310. The first dispensing member sidewall 304, the second dispensing member sidewall 312 and the dispensing member base 306 together form the desiccant compartment 2001. Optionally, the boss 318 may have a boss opening 320 that is opposite to the dispensing member opening 310. The boss opening 320 and the dispensing member opening 310 together put the desiccant compartment 2001 in fluid communication with at least the product compartment 110 or the remainder of the housing. Optionally, the desiccant material 2000 is disposed in the lower section of the desiccant compartment 2001 and surrounds the lower portion of the second dispensing member sidewall 312. Optionally, the desiccant material 2000 is in the shape of a ring with a cutout for the dispensing member opening 310, so that the desiccant material 2000 surrounds the lower portion of the second dispensing member sidewall 312 without blocking the dispensing member opening 310. It should be understood that the shape of the desiccant material 2000 is not limited to the shape of a ring, but can be varied according to circumstances, needs or preferences.

[0095] Fig. 7A -C shows a cross-section of a container 30 for storing moisture-sensitive products according to an alternative optional aspect of the disclosed concepts. Container 30 has features and components similar to those of containers 10 and 20, except that a cylindrical barrier 3000 of a lid 200" of container 30 is made of a desiccant material and is disposed within a desiccant compartment 3001 ( Figure 7B). The cylindrical barrier 3000 includes a barrier base 3010 and a barrier sidewall 3012 depending downwardly therefrom. Optionally, the barrier base 3010 can be embedded in the bottom surface of the annular top 202 of the cover 200". When the cover 200" is closed, the barrier sidewall 3012 extends downwardly into the desiccant compartment 3001 and surrounds a portion of the second dispensing member sidewall 212. Optionally, when the cover 200" is closed, the cylindrical barrier element 3000 surrounds a majority of the second dispensing member sidewall 212 (for example, but not limited to 70-95% of the surface). Optionally, the desiccant material 3000 is molded onto the cover 200" by a multi-shot injection molding process. The moisture-sensitive product includes lactic acid-producing bacteria, optionally including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

[0096] like Fig. 7A The embodiment shown in -C is novel and advantageous because it also allows the desiccant material 3000 to absorb moisture from the oil 2 without directly contacting the oil 2, and thus avoids the aforementioned or other known problems and risks associated with the desiccant material 3000 directly contacting the oil 2 to remove moisture therefrom. Further, the volume of the desiccant material 3000 may be smaller than Fig. 6A -D's container 20 has a large volume of desiccant material 2000, thereby providing a removal and stabilization capability greater than that of the desiccant material 2000.

[0097] Fig. 8A -C shows a cross-section of a container 40 for storing a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil 2 according to an optional aspect of the disclosed concepts. Container 40 has features and components similar to those of containers 20, 30, except that a dispensing member 300' of container 40 includes an upper section 301 that is not made of a desiccant material and a lower section 4000 that is made of a desiccant material; there is no desiccant compartment; and when body 100 is in a stationary position, lower section 4000 can be at least partially disposed within the head space (excluding the housing of product compartment 110).

[0098] Container 40 comprises main body 100, oil 2, cover 200 and dispensing member 300 '.Main body 100 has base 102, sidewall 104 extending upward from base 102 and leading to opening, and the opening provides access to the interior of main body 100.Oil 2 is placed in product compartment 110 in the interior of main body 100.Product compartment 110 is a part of the interior of main body 100, and oil 2 is placed in the part when main body 100 stands upright on base 102 with static positioning.Lid 200 covers opening to form a shell including product compartment 110 and head space, and the head space is positioned above product compartment 110 and communicates with the product compartment fluid.Dispensing member 300 'is sealed and engaged with upper section 106 of main body 100, and has outlet 316, and the outlet is configured to dispense a dose of product suspended in oil 2 when main body 100 is oriented to be inverted in dispensing positioning.

[0099] The dispensing member 300' comprises an upper section 301 not made of desiccant material and a lower section 4000 made of said desiccant material. The lower section 4000 of desiccant material can be at least partially disposed within the head space when the body 100 is in a stationary position. The desiccant material is configured to remove moisture from the housing in order to stabilize moisture-sensitive products suspended in the oil 2.

[0100] The dispensing member 300' further includes: a flange 302, which is sealed and engaged with a portion 112 of the upper section 106 of the body 100; a first dispensing member side wall 304, which is suspended downward from the flange 302 and inwardly suspended toward the bottom portion of the outlet 316; a dispensing member base 306, which extends inwardly from the bottom edge of the first dispensing member side wall 304 and forms a dispensing member opening 310 and a dispensing member base opening 308; a second dispensing member side wall 312, which extends upward from the inner periphery of the dispensing member base opening 308 toward the top portion of the outlet 316, and a protrusion 318, which extends downward from the dispensing member opening 310. The first dispensing member side wall 304 and the second dispensing member side wall 312 and the dispensing member base 306 together form a groove 314 as a part of the head space.

[0101] Optionally, the boss 318 has a boss opening 320 that is opposite the dispensing member opening 310. The boss opening 320 and the dispensing member opening 310 together put the groove 314 in fluid communication with at least the product compartment 110 or the remainder of the head space. Optionally, the lower section 4000 of the dispensing member 300' includes the boss 318, the dispensing member base 306, the lower portion of the second dispensing sidewall 312, and the bottom portion of the outlet 316. Optionally, the desiccant material is molded onto the dispensing member 300 by a multi-shot injection molding process. The product includes lactic acid producing bacteria, optionally including lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.

[0102] In this embodiment, the volume of the desiccant material 4000 is even greater than the volume of the desiccant material 3000 of the container 30, thereby providing greater scavenging ability and stability for the lactic acid bacteria culture suspended in the medicinal oil 2 without changing the amount or volume of the oil 2 within the container 40. Further, by allowing a portion of the protrusion 318 to be in direct contact with the oil 2, the container 40 in this embodiment allows the desiccant material 4000 to absorb moisture directly from the oil 2 and also from the head space of the container 40. Further, as the oil 2 is dispensed, the protrusion 318 of the dispensing member 300 reaches a point where it is no longer in direct contact with the oil 2. After this point, the desiccant material 4000 can scavenges moisture from the oil 2 without directly contacting the oil 2, thereby providing greater scavenging and stabilizing ability without directly contacting the oil 2 because of the desiccant material 4000. Figures 6A-7C Compared to the volumes of the desiccant materials 2000, 3000 in the container 40, the available volume of the desiccant material 4000 in the container 40 is larger.

[0103] In an optional aspect of the disclosed concept, a method for stabilizing a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil is provided.

[0104] According to this method, a container is provided. The container includes (i) a body having a base, a sidewall extending upward from the base and leading to an opening, the opening providing access to the interior of the body; (ii) a cover covering the opening to form an enclosure including a product compartment, the product compartment being a portion of the interior of the body in which oil is disposed when the body is upright on the base in a stationary position, the enclosure further including a desiccant compartment positioned above the product compartment and in fluid communication with the product compartment; and (iii) a desiccant material disposed in the desiccant compartment. The desiccant material in the container removes moisture from the enclosure to stabilize a moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil without directly contacting the oil when the body is in the stationary position.

[0105] Optionally, the desiccant material is disposed at a lower section of the desiccant compartment and surrounds a lower portion of the second dispensing member sidewall. Optionally, the desiccant material is annular in shape. Optionally, the lid comprises a blocking element that extends downwardly into the desiccant compartment and surrounds a portion of the second dispensing member sidewall when the lid is closed. The blocking element of the lid is made of the desiccant material. Optionally, providing the container comprises molding the desiccant material onto the lid by a multi-shot injection molding process.

[0106]

[0013] In another optional aspect of the disclosed concept, another method for stabilizing a moisture sensitive product suspended in oil is provided.

[0107] According to this method, a container is provided. The container comprises: (i) a body having a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and leading to an opening, the opening providing access to the interior of the body; (ii) a cover covering the opening to form an enclosure including a product compartment, the product compartment being a portion of the interior of the body in which oil is disposed when the body is upright on the base in a rest position; and (iii) a dispensing member sealingly engaged with an upper section of the body and having an outlet configured to dispense a dose of the oil when the body is in a dispensing position, the dispensing member comprising an upper section not made of a desiccant material and a lower section made of the desiccant material, the desiccant material being at least partially disposed in a head space when the body is in the rest position. The desiccant material in the container removes moisture from the enclosure to stabilize a moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil when the body is in the rest position.

[0108] Optionally, in the dispensing position, the lid is open and the body is oriented inverted. Optionally, the dispensing member further includes a flange, the flange is sealingly engaged with a portion of the upper section of the body; a first dispensing member sidewall, the first dispensing member sidewall depends downwardly from the flange and depends inwardly toward the bottom portion of the outlet; a dispensing member base, the dispensing member base extends inwardly from the bottom edge of the first dispensing member sidewall and forms a dispensing member opening and a dispensing member base opening; a second dispensing member sidewall, the second dispensing member sidewall extends upward from the inner periphery of the dispensing member base opening toward the top portion of the outlet; and a protrusion, the protrusion extending downwardly from the dispensing member opening, the first dispensing member sidewall and the second dispensing member sidewall and the dispensing member base together forming a groove as part of the head space. Optionally, the dispensing member further comprises a boss extending downwardly from the dispensing member opening, the boss having a boss opening, the boss opening being opposite to the dispensing member opening, the boss opening and the dispensing member opening together placing the groove in fluid communication with the product compartment or the remainder of the headspace. Optionally, the lower section of the dispensing member comprises the boss, the dispensing member base, a lower portion of the second dispensing sidewall, and a bottom portion of the outlet. Optionally, providing the container comprises molding the desiccant material by a multi-shot injection molding process.

[0109] The following exemplary embodiments further describe optional aspects of the presently disclosed technology and are part of this specification. These exemplary embodiments are shown in a format substantially similar to the claims (each claim has a numerical name followed by capital letters), but they are not technically claims of the present application. The following exemplary embodiments are referred to as "embodiments" rather than "claims" in a subordinate relationship to each other.

[0110] 1A. A container for storing moisture-sensitive products, the container comprising:

[0111] a body having a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and leading to an opening providing access to an interior of the body;

[0112] oil disposed in a product compartment in the interior of the body, the product compartment being a portion of the interior of the body in which the oil is disposed when the body is upright on the base in a resting position;

[0113] a cover covering the opening to form a housing including the product compartment, the housing further comprising a desiccant compartment positioned above and in fluid communication with the product compartment;

[0114] a desiccant material disposed within the desiccant compartment, the desiccant material being configured to remove moisture from the housing to stabilize a moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil without directly contacting the oil when the body is in the stationary position; and

[0115] a dispensing member including an outlet configured to dispense a dose of the oil when the lid is open and the body is oriented inverted in a dispensing orientation, the dispensing member sealingly engaging an upper section of the body, the dispensing member further including a dispensing member opening enabling fluid communication between the desiccant compartment and the product compartment.

[0116] 1B. The container of embodiment 1A, wherein the outlet is a nozzle.

[0117] 1C. The container of embodiment 1B, wherein the nozzle comprises an upper lip forming an upper orifice, a lower lip forming a lower orifice, and a nozzle wall extending downwardly from the upper lip and tapering to the lower lip.

[0118] 2A. A container for storing moisture-sensitive products, the container comprising:

[0119] a body having a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and narrowing at an upper section of the body to form a neck leading to an opening providing access to an interior of the body;

[0120] oil disposed in a product compartment in the interior of the body, the product compartment being a portion of the interior of the body in which the oil is disposed when the body is upright on the base in a resting position;

[0121] a cover covering the opening to form a housing including the product compartment, the housing further comprising a desiccant compartment positioned above and in fluid communication with the product compartment;

[0122] a dispensing member configured to be secured to the neck of the body and comprising an inactive polymer section containing a top portion of a nozzle configured to dispense a dose of the product suspended in the oil when the body of the container is oriented inverted, and an active polymer section configured to remove moisture from the housing to stabilize a moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil when the body is in a stationary position.

[0123] 2B. A container according to embodiment 2A, wherein the lid includes a platform; a skirt, which depends downward from the platform and is configured to be fixed to the outer surface of the neck within the skirt; a cylindrical barrier, which depends downward from the inner surface of the platform; and an outer annular sealing ridge, which is concentric with the cylindrical barrier and extends downward from the inner surface of the platform, and the outer annular ridge is disposed between the skirt and the cylindrical barrier.

[0124] 2C. A container according to embodiment 2B, wherein the dispensing member includes a flange, which is configured to be sealingly engaged with the annular sealing ridge of the lid and the neck of the body; a groove area, which is formed by a first annular wall that depends downwardly from the inner periphery of the flange at an angle; an annular base, which extends radially inward from the edge of the first annular wall and forms a concentric opening and an edge opening; and a second annular wall, which extends upward from the concentric opening to the upper lip of the nozzle, and the groove area is configured to receive the cylindrical barrier of the lid when the lid is closed.

[0125] 2D. The container of an embodiment wherein the active polymer section comprises a bottom portion of the nozzle, an extended base portion extending downwardly and outwardly from a lower orifice of the nozzle, and a tubular element extending downwardly from the rim opening into a portion of the housing.

[0126] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details may be developed based on the overall teachings of the present disclosure. Therefore, the specific arrangements disclosed are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the concepts disclosed by the present invention, which are given by the full scope of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A container for storing moisture-sensitive products, the container comprising: a body having a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and leading to an opening providing access to an interior of the body; oil disposed in a product compartment in the interior of the body, the product compartment being a portion of the interior of the body in which the oil is disposed when the body is upright on the base in a resting position; a cover covering the opening to form a housing including the product compartment, the housing further comprising a desiccant compartment positioned above and in fluid communication with the product compartment; as well as A desiccant material is disposed within the desiccant compartment, the desiccant material being configured to remove moisture from the housing to stabilize a moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil without directly contacting the oil when the body is in the stationary position.

2. The container of claim 1 , wherein the container further comprises a dispensing member comprising an outlet configured to dispense a dose of the oil when the lid is open and the body is oriented inverted in a dispensing position, the dispensing member being sealingly engaged with an upper section of the body, the dispensing member further comprising a dispensing member opening enabling fluid communication between the desiccant compartment and the product compartment.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the dispensing member comprises the desiccant compartment.

4. A container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the dispensing member further includes a retaining component that engages with a portion of the desiccant material to retain the desiccant material within the desiccant compartment when the body is in the dispensing position.

5. The container of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the dispensing member further comprises: a flange sealingly engaged with a portion of the upper section of the body; a first dispensing member sidewall depending downwardly from the flange and depending inwardly toward a bottom portion of the outlet; a dispensing member base extending inwardly from a bottom edge of the first dispensing member sidewall and forming the dispensing member opening and a dispensing member base opening; a second dispensing member sidewall extending upwardly from an inner periphery of the dispensing member base opening toward a top portion of the outlet; and a raised portion extending downwardly from the dispensing member opening, the first dispensing member sidewall and the second dispensing member sidewall and the dispensing member base together forming the desiccant compartment.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the boss has a boss opening, the boss opening being opposite the dispensing member opening, the boss opening and the dispensing member opening together placing the desiccant compartment in fluid communication with at least the product compartment or the remainder of the housing.

7. A container according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the desiccant material is disposed within a lower section of the desiccant compartment and surrounds a lower portion of the second dispensing member side wall.

8. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the desiccant material is annular in shape.

9. A container according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the lid comprises a blocking element which extends downwardly into the desiccant compartment and surrounds a portion of the second dispensing member side wall when the lid is closed.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the barrier element of the lid is made of the desiccant material.

11. A container according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the desiccant material is moulded onto the lid by a multi-shot injection moulding process.

12. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the moisture sensitive product comprises lactic acid producing bacteria, optionally including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.

13. A container for storing moisture-sensitive products, the container comprising: a body having a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and leading to an opening providing access to an interior of the body; oil disposed in a product compartment in the interior of the body, the product compartment being a portion of the interior of the body in which the oil is disposed when the body is upright on the base in a resting position; a cover covering the opening to form a housing including the product compartment and a headspace positioned above and in fluid communication with the product compartment; as well as a dispensing member sealingly engaged with the upper section of the body, the dispensing member having an outlet configured to dispense a dose of the oil when the body is in the dispensing position, the dispensing member comprising an upper section not made of desiccant material and a lower section made of the desiccant material, the desiccant material being at least partially disposed within the head space when the body is in the static position, the desiccant material being configured to remove moisture from the housing so as to stabilize a moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil.

14. The container of claim 13, wherein in the dispensing orientation, the lid is open and the body is oriented inverted.

15. The container of claim 13 or 14, wherein the dispensing member further comprises a flange in sealing engagement with a portion of the upper section of the body; a first dispensing member sidewall depending downwardly from the flange and depending inwardly toward a bottom portion of the outlet; a dispensing member base extending inwardly from a bottom edge of the first dispensing member sidewall and forming a dispensing member opening and a dispensing member base opening; a second dispensing member sidewall extending upwardly from an inner periphery of the dispensing member base opening toward a top portion of the outlet; and a raised portion extending downwardly from the dispensing member opening, the first dispensing member sidewall and the second dispensing member sidewall and the dispensing member base together forming a recess as part of the head space.

16. The container of claim 15, wherein the boss has a boss opening opposite the dispensing member opening, the boss opening and the dispensing member opening together placing the recess in fluid communication with the product compartment or the remainder of the headspace.

17. The container of claim 16, wherein the lower section of the dispensing member includes the boss, the dispensing member base, a lower portion of the second dispensing sidewall, and a bottom portion of the outlet.

18. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the desiccant material is moulded onto the dispensing member by a multi-shot injection moulding process.

19. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the product comprises lactic acid producing bacteria, optionally including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

20. A method for stabilizing a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil, the method comprising: Providing a container, the container comprising (i) a body having a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and leading to an opening, the opening providing access to an interior of the body; (ii) a cover covering the opening to form an enclosure including a product compartment, the product compartment being a portion of the interior of the body in which oil is disposed when the body is upright on the base in a stationary position, the enclosure further including a desiccant compartment positioned above and in fluid communication with the product compartment; and (iii) a desiccant material disposed within the desiccant compartment; as well as Moisture is removed from the housing by the desiccant material to stabilize moisture sensitive products suspended in the oil without direct contact with the oil when the body is in the rest position.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the container further comprises a dispensing member, the dispensing member comprising an outlet configured to dispense a dose of the oil when the lid is open and the body is oriented inverted in a dispensing position, the dispensing member sealingly engaging an upper section of the body, the dispensing member further comprising a dispensing member opening, the dispensing member opening enabling fluid communication between the desiccant compartment and the product compartment.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the dispensing member further comprises a flange in sealing engagement with a portion of the upper section of the body; a first dispensing member sidewall depending downwardly from the flange and depending inwardly toward a bottom portion of the outlet; a dispensing member base extending inwardly from a bottom edge of the first dispensing member sidewall and forming a dispensing opening and a dispensing member base opening; a second dispensing member sidewall extending upwardly from an inner periphery of the dispensing member base opening toward a top portion of the outlet; and a raised portion extending downwardly from the dispensing member opening, the first dispensing member sidewall and the second dispensing member sidewall and the dispensing member base together forming the desiccant compartment.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the desiccant material is disposed at a lower section of the desiccant compartment and surrounds a lower portion of the second dispensing member sidewall.

24. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the desiccant material is annular in shape.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the cover includes a blocking element that extends downwardly into the desiccant compartment and surrounds a portion of the second dispensing member side wall when the cover is closed.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the blocking element of the cover is made of the desiccant material.

27. The method of claim 25 or 26, wherein providing the container comprises molding the desiccant material onto the lid by a multi-shot injection molding process.

28. A method for stabilizing a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil, the method comprising: A container is provided, the container comprising: (i) a body having a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and leading to an opening, the opening providing access to an interior of the body; (ii) a cover covering the opening to form a housing including a product compartment, the product compartment being a portion of the interior of the body in which oil resides when the body is standing upright on the base in a resting position; and (iii) a dispensing member sealingly engaged with the upper section of the body and having an outlet configured to dispense a dose of the oil when the body is in the dispensing position, the dispensing member comprising an upper section not made of a desiccant material and a lower section made of the desiccant material, the desiccant material being at least partially disposed within the head space when the body is in the rest position; as well as Moisture is removed from the housing by the desiccant material to stabilize a moisture sensitive product suspended in the oil when the body is in a stationary position.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein in the dispensing orientation, the cover is open and the body is oriented inverted.

30. The method of claim 28 or 29, wherein the dispensing member further comprises a flange in sealing engagement with a portion of the upper section of the body; a first dispensing member sidewall depending downwardly from the flange and depending inwardly toward a bottom portion of the outlet; a dispensing member base extending inwardly from a bottom edge of the first dispensing member sidewall and forming a dispensing member opening and a dispensing member base opening; a second dispensing member sidewall extending upwardly from an inner periphery of the dispensing member base opening toward a top portion of the outlet; and a raised portion extending downwardly from the dispensing member opening, the first dispensing member sidewall and the second dispensing member sidewall and the dispensing member base together forming a recess as part of the head space.

31. The method of any one of claims 30, wherein the dispensing member further comprises a raised portion extending downwardly from the dispensing member opening, the raised portion having a raised portion opening, the raised portion opening being opposite to the dispensing member opening, the raised portion opening and the dispensing member opening together placing the groove in fluid communication with the product compartment or the remaining portion of the top space.

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the lower section of the dispensing member includes the boss, the dispensing member base, a lower portion of the second dispensing sidewall, and a bottom portion of the outlet.

33. The method of any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein providing the container comprises: The desiccant material is molded by a multi-shot injection molding process.

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