Thermoforming case for oxygen absorber tablet

Abstract

The present invention discloses an oxygen absorber case 100 made of thermoforming material for packaging of an individual oxygen absorber tablet 106. The case 100 includes a body 102, a top cover 104 above the body 102, and a bottom cover 108. The top cover 104 is made of a high-density spun bound polyethylene fibre or polyvinyl chloride. The bottom cover 108 of the case 100 has a high Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) and Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) properties. The case 100 is not rupturable and securely positions the oxygen absorber tablet 106 in the cavity of the case 100 minimizing the chances of spillage of the content in the bottle. The case 100 enables easy insertion of the oxygen absorber tablet 106 in bottle with narrow openings.

Description

[0001] “THERMOFORMING CASE FOR OXYGEN ABSORBER TABLET”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

[0003] The present invention relates to packaging of pharmaceutical substances and particularly relates to a case for thermoforming packaging of oxygen absorber tablets.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

[0005] The packaging industry holds a crucial role in the business sector, focusing on the conception and manufacturing of various packaging products. Packaging serves essential functions in the transportation, safeguarding, presentation, and exhibition of goods. This industry finds applications across a spectrum of sectors, including fast-moving consumer goods, medical and healthcare, and hospitality. In the medical field, packaging plays a critical role in preserving product integrity, application suitability, and shelf life. Particularly in pharmaceuticals, packaging serves as a vital shield against damage, contamination, external environmental factors, and harmful microorganisms.

[0006] Various types of pharmaceutical packaging are essential in the medical and healthcare industry. These include containers, aluminum foil, injectables / vials, bottles, cartons, and combinations incorporating PVC. In the medical sector, packaging serves multiple purposes, aiding in the accurate identification and information dissemination regarding drugs and medicines. One particularly prevalent and highly sought-after packaging method is the blister pack, or blister packaging. Blister packs consist of pre-formed packaging materials, typically featuring a thermoformed plastic cavity and a flexible, bendable lid. Within this type of packaging, the product is securely placed into deep-drawn pockets or cavities that resemble raised blisters. Blister packs are most employed for the packaging of pharmaceutical products, such as pills, tablets, capsules, and lozenges. Their popularity arises from their ability to protect and present medications effectively.

[0007] Various types of pharmaceutical packaging are essential in the medical and healthcare industry. These include containers, aluminum foil, injectables / vials, bottles, cartons, and combinations incorporating PVC. In the medical sector, packaging serves multiple purposes, aiding in the accurate identification and information dissemination regarding drugs and medicines. One particularly prevalent and highly sought-after packaging method is the blister pack, or blister packaging.

[0008] Blister packs has pre-formed packaging materials, typically featuring a thermoformed plastic cavity and a flexible, bendable lid. Within this type of packaging, the product is securely placed into deep-drawn pockets or cavities that resemble raised blisters. Blister packs are most commonly employed for the packaging of pharmaceutical products, such as pills, tablets, capsules, and lozenges. Their popularity arises from their ability to protect and present medications effectively.

[0009] The United States Patent US10781027B2, granted to Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbH, describes a packaging system designed for injectable drugs that are sensitive to oxygen. This system utilizes a secondary packaging method, which can take the form of either a bag or a blister packaging. US 6279736B 1 to Ihab M. Hekal discloses a barrier pack having an absorbing agent that contains a desiccant. The base portion may be composed of peelable aluminum material and the cover portion may be composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).The key feature of these prior art packaging is that they are made from a thermoformed material, primarily consisting of aluminum. The present invention addresses the issue with existing packaging systems, that are prone to rupture easily, leading to the potential spillage of the drug or tablet contained within the packaging.

[0010] There is a need of a packaging for oxygen absorber tablet that is not rupturable such that it enables ease of addition of an individual absorber tablet to a bottle with a narrow opening. There is a further need of a case that keeps the oxygen absorber tablet inside the cavity and restricts the spillage of oxidising content inside the bottle.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0012] The present invention describes a thermoformed case 100 for oxygen absorber tablet. The case 100 includes a body 102 having a cylindrical or hexagonal prism shape, a top cover 104 including a circular or hexagonal shape positionable on a top of the body 102; a bottom cover 108 that forms the base of the body having a cover diameter 112; wherein the cover diameter 112 is greater that the diameter of the oxygen absorber tablet. The top cover 104 is selected from amorphous polyester sheet (APET), crystalline Polyester (CPET) and GPET. The top cover 104 along with body 102 is perforated or non-perf orated. The bottom cover 108 is made of high-density spun bound polyethylene fibre or polyvinyl chloride. The bottom cover 108 is further selected from Tyvek®, Aluminium, Paper board, Aclar, Cold form Foil (CFF).

[0013] When the body of the thermoformed case is circular, the body diameter 110 of is in the range of 10 to 15 mm, the cover diameter 112 is in the range of 15-20 mm and body height 120 in the range of 5-8 mm. When the body of the thermoformed case is hexagonal, sides 502 are in the range of 6 to 8mm, the cover diameter 112 is 17.00 to 21.00 mm, body height 512 is 6.0 to 8.0 mm, short diagonal 504 is in the range of 10-13 mm, long diagonal 506 is in the range of 11-14 mm, circumradius 508 is in the range of 5-7 mm and apothem 510 is in the range of 5-7 mm. When the body of the thermoformed case is dome shaped the cover diameter 112 is between 15.00-21.00 mm, the height 602 of the dome is between 7.00- 10.00 mm, the diameter of the dome 604 is in the range of 10 -14 mm.

[0014] A method of assembling the case 100 includes passing a thermoforming sheet through a thermoformer plate heated at a temperature of 110 to 140°C; more preferably at a temperature of 120 to 127°C; filling the tablets through a tablet feeder in the thermoformed grooves developed over the thermoforming sheet; contacting a sealing material with the tablet filled thermoformed sheet at a set sealing temperature of 110 to 125°C, more preferably at a temperature of 113 to 120°C; and passing the sealed tablets in the sheet through a serially aligned cutting station to obtain individual blister containing tablet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

[0015] The objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in accordance with the accompanying drawings wherein,

[0016] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a case 100 made of thermoforming material;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the case 100; and

[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view of the case 100;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the case 100 having perforations;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the case 100 having a hexagonal shape; and

[0021] FIG. 6 is an top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the case 100 having a dome shaped cylinder.

[0022] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

[0023] References in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. References in the specification to “preferred embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in detail thereby omitting known constructions and functions for clear description of the present invention. The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a front perspective view of a case 100 in accordance with the present invention is described. The case 100 includes a body 102 body 102 that is securely positioned on a base, and a top cover 104 above the bodybody 102. The body 102 is defined by a body 102 has a bottom portion and a top portion. The body 102 has an approximately circular bottom portion and approximately circular top portion. The case 100 has a bottom cover 108 forming the base of the body 102. The bottom cover 108 is of approximately circular shape and is a planar body.

[0025] The diameter of the bottom cover 108 is about 1.5 times more than that of diameter of the body 102. The body 102 includes an oxygen absorber tablet 106 that is freely movable in the enclosure formed from the body 102, the top cover 104 and the bottom cover 108. The body 102 of the case 100 has a body diameter 110. The bottom cover 108 of the case 100 has a cover diameter 112.

[0026] The case 100 receives an oxygen absorber tablet 106 inside. The top cover 104 of the case 100 shields the oxygen absorber tablet 106 from the top side of the case 100. The case 100 has a bottom cover 108 that supports the bottom side of the case 100. In this one embodiment, the case 100 is made from thermoforming material, however in other embodiments it is made of other materials.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, a bottom view of the case 100 is described. In accordance with the present invention, the bottom cover 108 is preferably made from sealing material having high MVTR and OTR values. The body diameter 110 of the case is DI, the cover diameter 112 of the case 100 is D2, and the diameter of the oxygen absorber tablet is D3 wherein D3 is less than DI, and D2 is greater than DI.

[0028] In accordance with the present invention, the body diameter 110 of the case 100 is in the range of 10 to 15mm, the cover diameter 112 of the case 100 is 15-25 mm, and the diameter of the oxygen absorber tablet is 5-10 mm. The size and composition of oxygen absorbing tablet is modifiable to fit inside the thermoformed case, as per the required oxidation performance.

[0029] Referring to the FIG. 3 and 4, a side view of the case 100 is disclosed. The case 100 has a body height 120. The body height 120 of the case 100 is 5-8 mm and the height of the oxygen absorber tablet 106 is in the range of 5-8 mm. The diameter of the oxygen absorber tablet is 5-10 mm. The size and composition of oxygen absorbing tablet is modifiable to fit inside the thermoformed case, as per the required oxidation performance. Alternatively, the top cover 104 and the body 102 is perforated. The size of perforation varies between 0.0001 mm to 0.0005 mm.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 5, a top perspective view of the case 100 of an alternative embodiment is described. In this embodiment, the top cover 104 is of hexagonal shape that is positioned on a hexagonal prism shaped body 102 The body 102 has sides 502 in the range of 6 to 8mm; the cover diameter 112 is 17.00 to 21.00 mm and body height 512 is 6.0 to 8.0 mm. The short diagonal 504 is in the range of 10- 13 mm. The long diagonal 506 is in the range of 11-14 mm. The circumradius 508 is in the range of 5-7 mm.

[0031] The apothem 510 is in the range of 5-7 mm. In this embodiment, the top cover 104 and the body 102 is perforated. The size of perforation varies between 0.0001 mm to 0.0005 mm, and the oxygen absorber tablet's diameter is between 8 and 16 mm. The height of the body 512 is lesser than the long diagonal 506 of the hexagonal top cover 104. Sides 502 of the hexagonal polygon and the body height 512 are same.

[0032] According to the desired oxidation performance, the size and make-up of the oxygen- absorbing tablet can be changed to fit inside the thermoformed case.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 6, a top perspective view of the case 100 of an alternative embodiment is described. In this embodiment, the top cover 104 is dome shaped. In this embodiment, the cover diameter 112 is between 15.00 and 21.00 mm, and the height 602 of the dome is between 7.00 and 10.00 mm. The diameter of the dome 604 is in the range of 10 -14 mm. In this embodiment the body and cover of the case 100 is defined by the dome shaped cover 104. The oxygen absorber tablet's diameter is between 10.00 and 14.00 mm. To fit inside the thermoformed shell and achieve the desired oxidation performance, the size and arrangement of the oxygenabsorbing tablet can be changed. The diameter 604 of the dome is about 1.5 times more than that of height 602 of the dome.

[0034] In accordance with the present invention, the top cover 104 is selected from amorphous polyester sheet (APET), crystalline Polyester (CPET) and GPET, also known as PETG (non-crystalline PET resin modified with cyclohexanedimethanol). As a specific product to be used inside the pharmaceutical bottles, the color of top cover is kept red as an indication of warning and to avoid accidental human consumption. The bottom cover 108 is made of sealing fabric having high MVTR and OTR values.

[0035] The sealing material is made of high-density spun bound polyethylene fibre or polyvinyl chloride sheets of varying thickness ranging from 0.25 mm to 0.53 mm. The sealing material is selected from DuPont™, Tyvek® or the like. It is easy to print the product description and uses precautions with FDA approved printing ink on the sealing material. In another embodiment, the sealing material is further selected from Tyvek®, Aluminium, Paper board, Aclar, Cold form Foil (CFF) or the like. The case 100 is non-rupturable and keeps the oxygen absorber tablet 106 inside the case 100, thus restricting spillage of oxidising content inside the bottle.

[0036] Now a preferred method of assembly of the case 100 is described below:

[0037] 1) a thermoforming sheet is passed through a thermoformer plate heated at a temperature of 110 to 140 0C; more preferably at a temperature of 120 to 127 0C;

[0038] 2) the tablets are filled through a tablet feeder in the thermoformed grooves developed over the thermoforming sheet;

[0039] 3) a sealing material is brought in contact with the tablet filled thermoformed sheet at a set sealing temperature of 110 to 1250C, more preferably at a temperature of 113 to 120 0C; and

[0040] 4) the sealed tablets in the sheet are passed through a serially aligned cutting station to obtain individual tablets sealed through the above process. Accordingly, in the preferred method of assembling case 100, a thermoforming sheet is initially fed through a thermoformer plate, which is heated to a controlled temperature, typically within the range of 110 to 140°C, with a specific preference for temperatures falling between 120 and 127 °C. Tablets are then loaded into the thermoformed grooves on the heated sheet using a tablet feeder. Subsequently, a sealing material is applied to the tablet-filled thermoformed sheet at a designated sealing temperature, typically ranging from 110 to 125°C, with a more precise preference for temperatures between 113 and 120°C. Finally, the sheet with the sealed tablets undergoes cutting at a series of aligned cutting stations, resulting in the individual tablets being securely sealed through this comprehensive process. The process is advantageously adhesive free.

[0041] These and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art and others in view of the following detailed description of some embodiments. It should be understood, however, that this summary and the detailed description illustrate only some examples of various embodiments and are not intended to be limiting to the invention as claimed. The following examples illustrate the invention but are not limiting thereof.

[0042] EXAMPLES:

[0043] Example 1: Dimensions of tablet and case (100) as shown in FIG.s 1-4.

[0044]

[0045] Example 2: Dimensions of case (100) as shown in FIG. 5.

[0046] Example 3: Dimensions of case (100) as shown in FIG. 6.

[0047] The present invention includes the case 100 made up of polyvinyl chloride that is not rupturable and keeps the oxygen absorber tablet inside the cavity as well as restricts the spillage of oxidizing content inside the bottle. The bottom layer has a high MVTR and OTR value along with strong sealing with the top layer material. The case 100 with the bottom layer 108 has a moisture and oxygen permeability to facilitate the oxygen absorption by the oxygen absorbing tablet inside the thermoforming case.

[0048] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others, skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0049] It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A thermoformed case 100 for oxygen absorber tablet comprising: i. a body 102 having a cylindrical or hexagonal prism shape; ii. a top cover 104 including a circular or hexagonal shape positionable on a top of the body 102; and iii. a bottom cover 108 that forms the base of the body having a cover diameter 112; wherein the cover diameter 112 is greater that the diameter of the oxygen absorber tablet.

2. A thermoformed case 100 of Claim 1, wherein the top cover 104 being selected from amorphous polyester sheet (APET), crystalline Polyester (CPET) and GPET.

3. A thermoformed case 100 of Claim 1, wherein the top cover 104 along with body 102 is perforated or non-perforated.

4. A thermoformed case 100 of Claim 1 wherein the bottom cover 108 is made of high-density spun bound polyethylene fibre or polyvinyl chloride.

5. A thermoformed case 100 of Claim 1 wherein the bottom cover 108 is further selected from Tyvek®, Aluminium, Paper board, Aclar, Cold form Foil (CFF).

6. A thermoformed case 100 of Claim 1, wherein when the body is circular, the body diameter 110 of is in the range of 10 to 15 mm, the cover diameter 112 is in the range of 15-20 mm and body height 120 in the range of 5-8 mm.

7. A thermoformed case 100 of Claim 1, wherein when the body is hexagonal, sides 502 are in the range of 6 to 8mm, the cover diameter 112 is 17.00 to 21.00 mm, body height 512 is 6.0 to 8.0 mm, short diagonal 504 is in the range of 10-13 mm,long diagonal 506 is in the range of 11-14 mm, circumradius 508 is in the range of 5-7 mm and apothem 510 is in the range of 5-7 mm.

8. A thermoformed case 100 of Claim 1, wherein the body is dome shaped having cover diameter 112 between 15.00-21.00 mm, the height 602 of the dome is between 7.00- 10.00 mm, the diameter of the dome 604 is in the range of 10 -14 mm.

9. A method of assembling the case 100 of Claim 1 including the steps of: i. passing a thermoforming sheet through a thermoformer plate heated at a temperature of 110 to 140 0C; more preferably at a temperature of 120 to 127 0C; ii. filling the tablets through a tablet feeder in the thermoformed grooves developed over the thermoforming sheet; iii. contacting a sealing material with the tablet filled thermoformed sheet at a set sealing temperature of 110 to 125 0C, more preferably at a temperature of 113 to 1200C; and iv. passing the sealed tablets in the sheet through a serially aligned cutting station to obtain individual blister containing tablet.

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