Winged capsule

Abstract

To provide winged capsules sized and configured to deliver a substance to an animal.SOLUTION: A winged capsule 10 includes a capsule having a bottom wall and tubular wall extending from the bottom wall, the tubular wall and the bottom wall defining an inner space adapted to contain a substance, and the bottom wall having an aperture adapted to deliver the substance to an animal; and a capsule retainer 18 including a central wing portion connected to the capsule and wings 182 connected to the central wing portion and extending laterally from the central wing portion along a wing plane, the central wing portion having a maximum central width WT. Each of the wings has a distal end having a distal width, and an intermediate portion 184i between the distal end and the central wing portion, the intermediate portion having a width narrowing from a width adjacent to the central wing portion to the distal width Wc.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 045,066, filed June 27, 2020, and U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 971,355, filed February 7, 2020, the foregoing applications being incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure generally relates to an improved winged capsule device that is better able to withstand drop impacts at low temperatures and geometric stresses during bending. [Background technology]

[0003] Kexxtone is a controlled-release formulation of monensin (as monensin sodium) contained in a plastic capsule with retaining wings. The monensin is slowly released through an opening in the distal end of the capsule, and remains effective for an average of 95 days after administration to lactating dairy cows. The capsules can also be used to package other formulations, with shorter or longer administration periods, for example, ranging from 30 to 180 days.

[0004] Monensin is administered by folding the wings of the winged capsule along the capsule body and inserting it into an administration device. The administration device containing the winged (folded) capsule is introduced into the animal's mouth, and the plunger is pressed to activate the administration device, expelling the winged capsule into the animal's pharynx. The capsule then passes through the esophagus and enters the reticular membrane, at which point the flexible, elastic wings expand to hold the winged capsule against the reticular membrane and prevent the animal from retracting the winged capsule membrane.

[0005] The wings are flexible and resilient, allowing for insertion and self-expansion, maintaining the capsule's position while preventing tissue damage. The capsule has a rounded top or dome, with the wings attached to the center of the dome. The rounded shape of the dome along the plane or folding surface across the wings facilitates folding of the wings, so the attachment surface or joint maintains a low profile suitable for insertion into the pharynx. The joint may consist of a small amount of material forming a neck between the wings and the surface of the dome.

[0006] After manufacturing, multiple winged capsules are placed into packaging material (usually a bag). During the packaging of winged capsules and the transport of the bags, the wings have been found to bend near the joints beyond the yield point of the material, at which point they are unable to recover their functional shape. The bent wings may also break and separate from the bolus. Furthermore, winged capsules are exposed to low-temperature conditions (e.g., -20°C to 0°C) during shipping and handling, which can lead to edge fractures, especially after being dropped. Damaged devices must be disposed of carefully, ensuring they are handled appropriately based on their contents. An economical solution is needed to prevent winged capsule breakage and reduce waste and disposal costs. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Provided herein is a winged capsule sized and configured for delivering a substance to an animal. In one embodiment, the winged capsule comprises: a capsule having a bottom wall and a tubular wall extending from the bottom wall, the tubular wall and the bottom wall defining an interior space adapted to contain a substance, the bottom wall having an opening adapted to deliver the substance to an animal; and a capsule holder including a central wing portion connected to the capsule and wings connected to the central wing portion and extending laterally from the central wing portion along the wing surface, the central wing portion having a maximum central width, each of the wings having a distal end having a distal width and an intermediate portion between the distal end and the central wing portion, the intermediate portion having a width that narrows from a width adjacent to the central wing portion to the distal width.

[0008] In one embodiment, the winged capsule comprises a capsule having a bottom wall and a tubular wall extending from the bottom wall, the tubular wall and the bottom wall defining an interior space adapted to contain a substance, the bottom wall having an opening adapted to deliver the substance to an animal; a capsule retainer connected to the capsule, the capsule having an upper portion adjacent to a bottom portion, the bottom portion having a bottom wall, the bottom wall having a flat surface surrounding an opening, the bottom portion including a reinforcing portion adjacent to a radial periphery of the bottom wall and having a thickness greater than the thickness of the bottom wall. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a winged capsule. [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a top view of the winged capsule depicted in FIG. 1 with the wings folded. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the winged capsule of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the winged capsule of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an additional embodiment of a winged capsule. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an additional embodiment of a winged capsule. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of yet another embodiment of a winged capsule. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of yet another embodiment of a winged capsule. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment showing a modification of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment showing a modification of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment showing a modification of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7. [Figure 11] 5 is a side view of the winged capsule embodiment of FIG. 4. [Figure 12]10A-10C are side, perspective, top, and cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a winged capsule. [Figure 13] 10A-10C are side, perspective, top, and cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a winged capsule. [Figure 14] 10A-10C are side, perspective, top, and cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a winged capsule. [Figure 15] 10A-10C are side, perspective, top, and cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a winged capsule. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of the bottom of the capsule. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of the bottom of the capsule. [Figure 18] 18 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a variation of the capsule embodiment of FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing another embodiment of the bottom of the capsule. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In the drawings, corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts, functions, and features throughout the several views. While the drawings depict embodiments of various features and components according to the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities of the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0011] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present invention, the following description will refer to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments have been chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can utilize its teachings. It will be understood that no limitation on the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The present invention includes all changes and further modifications in the apparatus shown and methods described, and further applications of the principles of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0012] Some components described below with reference to the figures are common to multiple embodiments and their variants. Common parts are given the same reference numerals throughout the figures, and descriptions of common parts will not be repeated for brevity. Furthermore, unless otherwise noted, the drawings of the embodiments and their variants are made to scale, but the scale may vary between embodiments.

[0013] 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of a winged capsule 10 for delivering a substance to an animal. The winged capsule 10 includes a capsule 14, a neck 16 extending from the capsule 14, and a capsule retainer 18. The capsule 14 has a tubular wall 141 and a bottom wall 143, the tubular wall and the bottom wall defining an interior space 17. The bottom wall has an opening 144 adapted for delivering the substance to the animal. A rim portion of the bottom wall 143 surrounds the opening 144. The bottom wall 143 has an inner surface 143i and an outer surface 143o. The substance is placed within the capsule 14 and configured to be released through the opening 144 over an extended period of time. The substance may be monensin or other pharmaceuticals, vitamins, or any other substance suitable for extended delivery. The extended period can be 30, 60, 90, 95, 120, 140, 150, 154 days, or more.

[0014] The capsule 14 may be constructed of two pieces, a top and a bottom, which are assembled together. During the manufacture of any of the winged capsules described herein, the substance is inserted into the top of the capsule 14, and then the bottom is attached to the top, holding the substance 17 therein. Alternatively, the substance can be inserted through a side opening in the capsule wall. The top is attached to the neck.

[0015] The capsule holder 18 has a length C corresponding to the width of the capsule 14. L a central wing portion 180 connected to the capsule, "C P " and wings 182 connected to the central wing portion and extending laterally from the central wing portion along the wing surface. L is measured along the longitudinal extent of the wings 182. The capsule retainer 18 may be connected to the capsule 14 by the neck 16. The capsule retainer 18 includes transverse ribs 181. The wings 182 extend on either side of the transverse ribs 181 (shown in FIG. 2) and include an upper surface 183 defining a wing surface, and a plurality of ribs extending from the upper surface. The plurality of ribs include side edge ribs 184, distal edge ribs 185, and intermediate longitudinal ribs 186 (shown in FIG. 2) between the side edge ribs. The central wing portion 180 has a length C L Maximum central width W perpendicular to T and the wings have a distal width W C And, W T From W CThe wing has a central width tapering to a central periphery. Circular ribs 187 defining cavities 188 are also shown. The cavities, as known in the art, are provided to facilitate injection molding without deformation (to provide substantially uniform heat dissipation). However, the cavities may be omitted. Side edge ribs 189 extend from the transverse ribs 181 to the side edge ribs 184. As best seen in FIG. 3, the side edge ribs 189 have a height at least partially greater than the side edge ribs 184, tapering to the height of the side edge ribs 184 as the side edge ribs 189 approach the periphery of the central wing portion 180. This height difference provides additional stiffness / support to the central wing portion, particularly above the neck. The same principle applies to intermediate ribs 190 extending from the transverse ribs 181 to the intermediate rib 186, as best seen in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, optionally, intermediate rib 190 also has a greater width adjacent circular rib 187 that tapers distally within central wing portion 180. The greater height and width decrease before reaching the periphery of central wing portion 180 where the flexibility of the wing increases.

[0016] The side edge ribs 184 extend from the central wing portion to a portion of the wing having at least the wing tip width, ie, distal rib portion 184d, with intermediate side edge rib portions 184i therebetween.

[0017] As shown, intermediate longitudinal rib 186 extends as far distally as the distal end of intermediate portion 184i. Intermediate longitudinal rib 186 may be longer or shorter as desired to achieve the desired flexibility in combination with wing thickness, shape, material, and other rib configurations. Similarly, while the illustrated embodiment is a preferred embodiment, the wing span transition may be longer or shorter than shown. In particular, if a localized bend (discussed below) is provided, the length of the transition may be reduced, as shown in FIG. 6 relative to FIG. 2.

[0018] In some embodiments, the wing width transition (starting at the distal end of the central wing portion and ending when the wing width is equal to its narrowest width) is up to 70%, 65%, 60%, or 50% of the wing length extending from the width transition to the distal tip.

[0019] In some embodiments, W C is the W measured along the same direction T At least 60% of W C is preferably W T If the capsule is cylindrical, the width of the capsule may be 70% or more, 80% or more, or more preferably 85% or more of its diameter D C and W T is the diameter D measured along the same direction C More than 55% of the T is more preferably the diameter, D C The cross section of the capsule may also be other shapes, such as an oval.

[0020] As already mentioned, the central wing portion C of the retainer P The thicker ribs (directly above capsule 14) provide strength where maximum flexibility is not required, while the thinner ribs distal to the central wing section provide the necessary flexibility. The dashed lines indicate the height of intermediate longitudinal ribs 186, 190. Also shown in Figure 3 is that neck 16 is directly below circular rib 187 (parallel dashed line). Thus, there is a stress area directly above the neck, and the thicker ribs and rib sections extending distally away from circular rib 187 provide the necessary strength for central wing section C. P to mitigate potential damage caused by bending the wing upward. In this embodiment, the short transition section is P (best seen in Figure 1) and does not extend beyond the periphery of the central retainer portion.

[0021] In some variations, the central wing section C PThe ribs at the center wing portion and the ribs distal from the center wing portion have the same height and / or width and / or cross-section. In the center wing portion, the rib cross-section provides strength to prevent bending, while in the wings, the cross-section provides increased resilience. One or more of the ribs at the wings, e.g., intermediate longitudinal ribs and side edge ribs, may have a larger cross-section than the wings at the center wing portion, especially if the wings are substantially narrower than the center wing portion. Alternatively, the center wing portion C P The ribs at the center wing portion and the ribs distal from the center wing portion have different heights and / or widths and / or cross-sections. Examples of rib heights are described above. In those examples, the rib widths can be different; for example, the side edge ribs can be wider while tapering to a smaller height, thereby achieving different rib widths. Other rib variations are illustrated below. For example, the embodiment disclosed with reference to Figures 4-15 can be modified to incorporate ribs at the center wing portion and ribs distal from the center wing portion having the same height and / or width and / or cross-section. Both the top and bottom ribs can be modified in this manner.

[0022] In some variations, one or more of the intermediate longitudinal ribs and side edge ribs extend to the distal rib to provide additional rigidity to the wing. Optionally, the distal rib has a larger cross-section, e.g., a wider cross-section, than the side edge ribs. Furthermore, it is possible to eliminate the distal rib by increasing the thickness of the wing's distal end, solidifying the space traditionally present between the ends of the distal rib, and providing a raised portion rather than an elongated protrusion. The embodiments disclosed with reference to Figures 4-15 may be modified to incorporate ribs as disclosed in this paragraph. Both the top and bottom side ribs may be modified in this manner.

[0023] The term "rib" should be understood to mean an elongated projection extending from a surface. The terms "protrusion" and "ridge" can also be used to refer to ribs.

[0024] Although capsule 14 is shown as having a cylindrical shape, it should be understood that the cross section of capsule 14 transverse to its longitudinal axis need not be circular, but may be, for example, oval, rectangular, or square, with or without rounded edges in the case of a rectangular or square cross section.

[0025] FIG. 1A shows a top view of a wing capsule 10 with its wings folded to the diameter 11 of the delivery device. Thus, in this embodiment, the maximum central width of the central wing section is slightly smaller than the diameter of the capsule. The wings can be compressed, or folded, to a diameter approximating the outer diameter of the capsule to minimize the profile presented to the delivery device and maximize the diameter of the capsule. The inner diameter of the delivery device may be, for example, in the range of 30-50 mm. The folded wing diameter may be 1-5 mm smaller than the inner diameter, preferably 1-3 mm smaller, and more preferably 1-2 mm smaller. In one example, the folded wing diameter is approximately 41 mm (circle 10a), and the delivery device has an inner diameter 11 of 42 mm. In another example, the inner diameter of the delivery device is 35 mm, and the folded wing diameter is approximately 34 mm.

[0026] The winged capsule may be injection molded from a material that substantially comprises polypropylene, such as a material having the following properties, although other injection-molding grade polymers may also be used: These materials are more resistant to bending and less prone to breakage than materials used in previous devices. TIFF2025160383000002.tif36136

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a winged capsule with a retainer, designated 19 and 20, respectively. The capsule retainer 20 includes a central wing portion 200 having a length CL connected to the capsule, and wings 200' connected to the central wing portion and extending laterally from the central wing portion along the wing surface. The retainer 20 includes a circular rib 201 surrounding a cavity 205, an intermediate longitudinal rib 202, side edge ribs 203, and transverse ribs 204. In this embodiment, the circular rib 201 is smaller than the inner circumference of the neck, allowing the rib to overhang the neck wall and provide resistance to deflection. Additionally, the wings are wider at the central retainer and begin to taper within the central retainer. The thickness of the ribs is substantially constant. The transverse rib 204 is approximately the same width as the inner diameter of the circular rib 201. The width of the transverse rib 204 may be at least 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90% of the inner diameter of the circular rib 201. Fig. 11 is a side view of the winged capsule 19. Figs. 12 to 15 are diagrams showing modified examples of the winged capsule 19 including bottom ribs.

[0028] 5 shows a further embodiment of a winged capsule having retainers, respectively designated 21 and 22. Retainer 22 has a circular rib 221, an intermediate longitudinal rib 222, side edge ribs 223, and a width W T The circular rib 221 substantially overlaps the periphery of the neck. As with the embodiment of FIG. 4, the wings are wider adjacent the central retainer portion. The rib thickness is substantially constant. The large cavity is provided to extend the circular rib up the neck and provide structural support at the neck-to-retainer junction, an area prone to stress fractures.

[0029] As used herein, the term "localized bend region" refers to a transverse longitudinal region of a wing sized and configured to bend when the wing is folded, thereby reducing stress on the central wing section where the neck is attached and preventing stress fractures. Previous devices have found that significant stress is placed at the connection between the central wing section and the neck. The localized bend provides a predetermined bend, also referred to as the secondary bend (the primary bend is where the neck attaches to the central wing section). The localized bend region can have reduced-height ribs, including notched ribs (Figure 8) and no ribs (Figures 6, 7, 9, and 10). The localized bend region can also have rib sections with reduced width (relative to the width of adjacent rib sections). While reduced-height ribs are shown on both the transverse and intermediate ribs, reducing height on some but not all ribs can also reduce stress.

[0030] 6 and 7 are perspective views of further embodiments of a winged capsule having retainers, designated 23 and 24, respectively. Retainer 24 is similar to retainer 18. However, unlike retainer 18, the ribs of the central wing portion (side edge ribs 189 and intermediate rib 190) extend from lateral ribs 181 or circular rib 187 but do not connect to intermediate rib 186 or side edge rib 184; the gaps between them define local bending regions 240 that bend more easily than wings with ribs. In this embodiment, the local bending regions do not overlap and are located distal to the circumference of the neck.

[0031] Referring to Figure 8, a variation of the embodiment depicted in Figures 6 and 7 is shown, in which ribs 184 and 186 are omitted. A winged capsule 25 is shown having a retainer 26. Retainer 26 differs from retainer 24 in that ribs 184, 186 are omitted. Retainer 26 includes a localized bending region 240.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 9, in another embodiment, the local bending region is comprised of a rib portion with a reduced height relative to the height of the ribs located in the wings. A winged capsule 27 is shown with a retainer 28. The absence of ribs in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 corresponds to a reduced height equal to zero. In this variation, the rib height in the local bending region is not zero, forming a local bending region 280. The local bending is created by cutting out the ribs. The cutouts can be formed during the molding process, and the winged retainer can be created or cut after the device is molded. Also, unlike the retainer 24, the ribs in the central wing portion (side edge ribs 189 and intermediate rib 190) extend from a lateral rib 281 that is at least as wide as the diameter of the cavity 188.

[0033] 10 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a winged capsule having retainers, designated 29 and 30, respectively. Retainer 30 is a variation of retainers 23 and 27. Retainer 30 includes wide lateral ribs 281 and includes rib portions of reduced height compared to the height of the ribs located in the wings that connect to intermediate ribs 186 and lateral edge ribs 184, e.g., localized bending regions 240. The localized bending regions do not overlap and are located in the central wing portions distal to the neck circumference.

[0034] As noted above, Figure 11 shows a side view of a winged capsule 19 including the capsule retainer 20 previously described with reference to Figure 4. The capsule retainer 20 includes an upper surface 183 that defines a wing surface, and a lower surface 183' opposite the upper surface 183 and connected to the neck 16. The capsule retainer 20 has a length C measured along the longitudinal extent of the wing. Land wings 200' connected to and extending laterally therefrom. In a variation of winged capsule 19, designated 33, shown in Figures 12-15, the capsule retainer, designated 34, includes bottom ribs 342 extending from bottom surface 183'. Advantageously, the provision of bottom ribs provides another control variable for designing the capsule retainer with the appropriate bending forces both downward (towards the capsule) and upward (away from the capsule) to optimize retention and minimize damage during packaging and shipping.

[0035] 12-15, the capsule retainer 34 has a length C measured along the longitudinal extent of the wing. L The capsule retainer 34 includes a central wing portion 340 connected to the capsule and wings 340' connected to and extending laterally from the central wing portion, each having a circular rib 201 surrounding the cavity 205, intermediate longitudinal ribs 202 extending from the circular rib 201, side edge ribs 203 extending from the transverse ribs 204, and a bottom rib 342 extending from the bottom surface 183'. The circular rib 201 may be smaller or larger than the inner circumference of the neck. The rib 342 may extend over the neck wall to provide resistance to bending. The wings are wider adjacent to the central retainer and tapered to a smaller width at their tips than adjacent to the central retainer. The thickness of the ribs may be substantially constant. The ribs extend along a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the capsule. As shown, the side edge ribs at least partially overlap the bottom rib.

[0036] The width of the side edge ribs is also wider at and adjacent to the central wing portion and narrower at the distal end. The width of the side edge ribs is another variable that determines resistance to bending, and the width may also be constant.

[0037] The width of the intermediate longitudinal rib 202 is also wider at and adjacent to the central wing portion and narrower at the distal end. The width of the intermediate longitudinal rib is another variable that determines resistance to bending, and the width may also be constant.

[0038] As shown in Figure 14, the intermediate longitudinal ribs 202 and side edge ribs 203 transition from wide to narrow along the surface overlying the periphery of the capsule to resist damaging flexing of the wing-like capsule while allowing greater flexing in the central wing portion to limit potential tissue damage. Figure 15 shows cross section AA of wing 340'.

[0039] Referring to Figure 15, ribs extend upward and downward from the upper and lower wing surfaces 183, 183', respectively. As shown, the side edge ribs 203 along cross section AA are wider than the intermediate longitudinal ribs 202 and are not as thick as the bottom ribs 342. The thickness of the bottom ribs 342 may be 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, or 40% greater than the thickness of the side edge ribs 203. Figures 13-15 are drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions represent the preferred embodiment.

[0040] The advantageous features of the capsule holder have been described above in accordance with embodiments and variations. Further advantageous features are provided, particularly to prevent damage to the capsule if it is dropped. These features can be implemented in any of the winged capsules described with reference to FIGS. 1-15. Thus, the winged capsules shown in FIGS. 1-15 can include prior art capsules or any of the capsules shown below with reference to FIGS. 16-19. In a similar manner, any of the capsules depicted below with reference to FIGS. 16-19 can be attached to a prior art capsule holder or any of the capsule holders described above with reference to FIGS. 1-15, and any variants thereof that combine the described features.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 16, the capsule generally includes a top and a bottom. The top includes a tubular wall 141, and the bottom includes a bottom wall 143. To ensure that the substance is delivered in exactly the same manner as in prior art devices, it may be preferable to maintain the thickness of the bottom wall 143 adjacent the opening and the size of the opening 144 the same as in prior art devices. Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the joint between the top and bottom of capsule 40, designated 401 and 402, is shown. A depiction of the substance is also shown, designated 403. The top 401 may be secured to the bottom 402 by any number of means, including interlocking features such as locking protrusions, adhesive bonding, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and combinations thereof. For example, the capsule can be formed using locking protrusions, and the top and bottom can be welded together to prevent separation. The weld can form, for example, a circumferential joint where the top and bottom walls meet or overlap. The bottom 402 includes a sidewall 405 connected to the bottom wall 143. The bottom wall 143 includes a reinforcing feature. Various embodiments of the reinforcing feature are described below. Generally, the bottom wall includes a rim portion 145 surrounding the opening and having a first thickness, a rounded circumferential end surface, and a reinforcing portion between the rim portion and the rounded radial end surface, the reinforcing portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness. The reinforcing portion may extend proximally toward the capsule or away from the capsule. The reinforcing portion may have a constant thickness, two or more portions of constant thickness, or a gradually increasing thickness (radially outward). In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the reinforcing portion overlaps the tubular wall, so that if the winged capsule is dropped, the reinforcing portion will absorb the impact. The reinforcing portion may begin at the rim portion. Alternatively, the rim portion may be a flat surface with a constant thickness.

[0042] The flat surface portion, which may have a constant thickness, includes an inner surface 143i and an outer surface 143o opposite the inner surface, and the reinforcement portion may include a tapered protrusion extending distally from the outer surface.

[0043] The tapered protrusions may be continuous circular. Figures 16 and 17 show an example of a continuous tapered protrusion 408. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 18, the tapered protrusions may include spaced apart, outwardly extending ribs. Each of the ribs may include a tapered portion and a substantially flat portion connecting the tapered portion to the rounded peripheral surface. By outward, we mean radially outward, in the direction of the rounded peripheral surface connecting the outer periphery of the tubular wall to the outer periphery of the bottom wall.

[0044] 16 illustrates a reinforcing portion 407 of bottom wall 143 formed by a tapered protrusion beginning at outer surface 143o of bottom wall 143 and extending to a rounded radial end surface 409. Outer surface 143o provides an outer radially flat surface surrounding opening 144. The reinforcing portion is labeled this way for clarity. The reinforcing feature can also be described as a bottom wall having a flat radial portion, a radial portion of increasing thickness extending from the flat radial portion, and a curved edge extending from the radial portion of increasing thickness.

[0045] The dashed lines represent the flat surface of bottom wall 143 and are shown to more clearly depict how reinforcing portion 407 extends distally from the flat surface of bottom wall 143. FIG. 17 illustrates the thickness th1 of the flat portion of bottom wall 143 and the maximum thickness th2 of reinforcing portion 407. Maximum thickness th2 may be 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more greater than thickness th1. In a preferred embodiment, thickness th2 occurs at the portion of the bottom wall that overlaps wall 141. Thus, in the event of a fall, the force of the fall is applied by wall 141 to the thicker portion of bottom wall 143. Two vertical dashed lines indicate the portion of bottom wall 143 that overlaps with the portion of wall 141 that abuts bottom wall 143.

[0046] In a variation of this embodiment, the continuous radially tapered projection is made up of a plurality of radially distributed ribs.

[0047] 18, in this embodiment, the reinforcing feature, illustratively reinforcing portion 407′, is comprised of discrete radially extending ribs or protrusions 440 that extend from an outer radially flat surface surrounding opening 144 to a rounded peripheral edge 409. As shown, each rib is comprised of a tapered portion and a flat portion between the tapered portion and the rounded peripheral edge 409.

[0048] FIG. 19 shows another embodiment of a capsule, designated 50, that includes reinforcing features. The bottom 502 of capsule 50 includes cylindrical wall 405, bottom wall 143, first reinforcing feature 510, and second reinforcing feature 512, both of which may be formed by adding material to bottom wall 143 to provide a thicker portion, or as described in the alternative above, by the features constituting a higher portion of bottom wall 143. Bottom wall 143 is thus comprised of a first section 508 surrounding opening 144 and having a thickness th1; a second section 510 surrounding section 508 and having a thickness th1+th3; and a third section 512 surrounding second section 510 and extending longitudinally inward from the second section by a distance, i.e., thickness th4. As shown, the second and third sections extend longitudinally inward from the inner surface 143i of the first section. The third section overlaps the bottom surface of wall 141. Figure 19 is drawn to scale. The radial lengths of the first and second sections may be as shown, or their relative lengths may differ from that shown.

[0049] Unless a contrary intention is expressly stated, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "containing," "having," etc., mean "includes," "including," etc., and are generally construed as open-ended transitional terms. The recitation of specifically recited components, structures, steps, etc. following an open-ended transitional clause in no way limits the claim to the specifically recited components, structures, steps, etc. The terms "consisting of" or "consists of" are closed transitional terms.

[0050] Unless a contrary intention is expressly stated, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between like elements and not necessarily to describe a particular order or chronology. Any terms used in this manner are understood to be interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, such as when the embodiments described herein are capable of operating in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Similarly, when a method is described herein as including a series of steps, the order of the steps as presented herein is not necessarily the only order in which such steps may be performed; some of the steps described may conceivably be omitted and / or certain other steps not described herein may conceivably be added to the method.

[0051] Unless a contrary intention is expressly stated, terms used in the singular for clarity are intended to include the plural.

[0052] It should be noted that in this specification, the expressions "in one embodiment" or "in one aspect" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or aspect.

[0053] While this invention has been described as having an illustrated design by way of embodiment and example, the invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.

Claims

1. 1. A winged capsule for delivering a substance to an animal, the winged capsule comprising: a capsule having a bottom wall and a tubular wall extending from the bottom wall, the tubular wall and the bottom wall defining an interior space adapted to contain a substance, the bottom wall having an opening adapted to deliver the substance to an animal; a capsule retainer including a central wing portion connected to the capsule and wings connected to the central wing portion and extending laterally from the central wing portion along a wing surface, the central wing portion having a maximum central width; Equipped with A wing-like capsule, wherein each of the wings has a distal end having a distal width and an intermediate portion between the distal end and the central wing portion, the intermediate portion having a width that narrows from a width adjacent the central wing portion to the distal width.

2. 10. The winged capsule of claim 1, wherein the capsule has an outer cross-sectional width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the wings, and wherein the maximum central width is at least 60% of the outer cross-sectional width of the capsule.

3. The winged capsule of claim 1 , wherein the capsule holder includes a localized bend region within a central wing portion of the capsule holder.

4. 2. The winged capsule of claim 1, wherein the capsule retainer comprises transverse ribs in the central wing portion, side edge ribs extending distally from the transverse ribs along the wing surface, and intermediate longitudinal ribs between the side edge ribs.

5. 5. The winged capsule of claim 4, wherein at least one of the side edge ribs and the intermediate longitudinal rib defines a notch in the central wing portion.

6. 5. The winged capsule of claim 4, wherein the central wing portion defines a localized bend.

7. 7. The winged capsule according to claim 6, wherein the localized bending region comprises a rib portion of the side edge rib and / or intermediate longitudinal rib with a reduced height.

8. 8. The winged capsule of claim 7, wherein each of the reduced height rib portions has a height less than the height of a side edge rib or intermediate longitudinal rib of the wing.

9. 8. The winged capsule of claim 7, wherein the reduced height is equal to zero.

10. The winged capsule of claim 6 , wherein the side edge ribs and the intermediate longitudinal ribs extend distally from the localized bending region.

11. 10. The winged capsule of claim 1, wherein the central wing portion comprises a transverse rib, the transverse rib including a cavity, the width of the transverse rib being greater than the diameter of the cavity.

12. 10. The winged capsule of claim 1, wherein the central wing portion has a length equal to the outer cross-sectional width of the capsule measured along the same direction.

13. 10. The winged capsule of claim 1, further comprising a neck, the width of the neck being less than the length of the central wing portion measured along the same direction.

14. 10. The winged capsule of claim 9, wherein the capsule has an upper portion adjacent to a bottom portion, the bottom portion including a bottom wall, the bottom wall surrounding an opening and comprising a flat surface portion having a first thickness, a rounded peripheral surface, and a reinforcing portion between the flat surface portion and the rounded radial edge surface, the reinforcing portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

15. 15. The winged capsule of claim 14, wherein the flat surface portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and the reinforcing portion comprises a tapered protrusion extending distally from the outer surface.

16. 16. The winged capsule of claim 15, wherein the tapered protrusion is a continuous circle.

17. 16. The winged capsule of claim 15, wherein the tapered projections include spaced apart, outwardly extending ribs.

18. 18. The winged capsule of claim 17, wherein each of the ribs includes a tapered portion and a substantially flat portion connecting the tapered portion to the rounded peripheral surface.

19. 15. The winged capsule of claim 14, wherein the flat surface portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and the reinforcing portion comprises a radial protrusion extending proximally from the inner surface.

20. 20. The winged capsule of claim 19, wherein the radial protrusion extending proximally from the inner surface comprises a first section having a second thickness and a second section extending radially outward from the first section and having a third thickness.

21. 21. The winged capsule of claim 20, wherein a first section of the radial projection comprises a first flat surface and a second section comprises a second flat surface.

22. 22. The winged capsule of claim 21, wherein the second flat surface longitudinally overlaps a portion of the rounded peripheral surface.

23. 23. The winged capsule of claim 22, wherein the third thickness decreases radially outward.

24. 22. The winged capsule of claim 21, wherein the top portion comprises a tubular wall that longitudinally overlaps the second planar surface.

25. 25. The winged capsule of claim 24, wherein the tubular wall contacts the second flat surface.

26. The winged capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the capsule holder comprises an upper surface and a bottom surface opposite the upper surface, side edge ribs and intermediate longitudinal ribs extending from the upper surface, and a bottom rib extending from the bottom surface.

27. 27. The winged capsule of claim 26, wherein the bottom ribs are shorter than the side edge ribs.

28. 28. The winged capsule of claim 27, wherein the bottom ribs are thicker than the side edge ribs.

29. 1. A winged capsule for delivering a substance to an animal, the winged capsule comprising: a capsule having a bottom wall and a tubular wall extending from the bottom wall, the tubular wall and the bottom wall defining an interior space adapted to contain a substance, the bottom wall having an opening adapted to deliver the substance to an animal; a capsule retainer including a central wing portion connected to the capsule, wings connected to the central wing portion and extending laterally from the central wing portion along a wing surface, an upper surface and a bottom surface opposite the upper surface, side edge ribs and intermediate longitudinal ribs extending from the upper surface, and a bottom rib extending from the bottom surface; A winged capsule comprising:

30. 30. The winged capsule of claim 29, wherein the bottom ribs are shorter than the side edge ribs.

31. 31. The winged capsule of claim 30, wherein the bottom ribs are thicker than the side edge ribs.

32. 32. The winged capsule of claim 29, wherein the capsule has an upper portion adjacent to a bottom portion, the bottom portion including a bottom wall, the bottom wall surrounding an opening and comprising a flat surface portion having a first thickness, a rounded peripheral surface, and a reinforcing portion between the flat surface portion and the rounded radial edge surface, the reinforcing portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

33. 33. The winged capsule of claim 32, wherein the flat surface portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and the reinforcing portion comprises a tapered protrusion extending distally from the outer surface.

34. 34. The winged capsule of claim 33, wherein the tapered protrusion is a continuous circle.

35. 34. The winged capsule of claim 33, wherein the tapered projections include spaced apart, outwardly extending ribs.

36. 36. The winged capsule of claim 35, wherein each of the ribs includes a tapered portion and a substantially flat portion connecting the tapered portion to the rounded peripheral surface.

37. 33. The winged capsule of claim 32, wherein the flat surface portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and the reinforcing portion comprises a radial protrusion extending proximally from the inner surface.

38. 38. The winged capsule of claim 37, wherein the radial protrusion extending proximally from the inner surface comprises a first section having a second thickness and a second section extending radially outward from the first section and having a third thickness.

39. 39. The winged capsule of claim 38, wherein a first section of the radial projection comprises a first flat surface and a second section comprises a second flat surface.

40. 40. The winged capsule of claim 39, wherein the second planar surface longitudinally overlaps a portion of the rounded peripheral surface.

41. 39. The winged capsule of claim 38, wherein the third thickness decreases radially outward.

42. 41. The winged capsule of claim 40, wherein the top comprises a tubular wall that longitudinally overlaps the second planar surface.

43. 43. The winged capsule of claim 42, wherein the tubular wall contacts the second flat surface.

44. 1. A winged capsule for delivering a substance to an animal, the winged capsule comprising: a capsule having a bottom wall and a tubular wall extending from the bottom wall, the tubular wall and the bottom wall defining an interior space adapted to contain a substance, the bottom wall having an opening adapted to deliver the substance to an animal; a capsule retainer including a central wing portion connected to the capsule, wings connected to the central wing portion and extending laterally from the central wing portion along the wing surface, a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and side edge ribs and intermediate longitudinal ribs extending from the top surface; Equipped with The capsule has an upper portion adjacent to a bottom portion, the bottom portion including a bottom wall, the bottom wall surrounding the opening and comprising a flat surface portion having a first thickness, a rounded peripheral surface, and a reinforcing portion between the flat surface portion and the rounded radial edge surface, the reinforcing portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

45. 45. The winged capsule of claim 44, wherein the flat surface portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and the reinforcing portion comprises a tapered protrusion extending distally from the outer surface.

46. 46. ​​The winged capsule of claim 45, wherein the tapered protrusion is a continuous circle.

47. 46. ​​The winged capsule of claim 45, wherein the tapered projections include spaced apart, outwardly extending ribs.

48. 48. The winged capsule of claim 47, wherein each of the ribs includes a tapered portion and a substantially flat portion connecting the tapered portion to the rounded peripheral surface.

49. 45. The winged capsule of claim 44, wherein the flat surface portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and the reinforcing portion comprises a radial protrusion extending proximally from the inner surface.

50. 50. The winged capsule of claim 49, wherein the radial protrusion extending proximally from the inner surface comprises a first section having a second thickness and a second section extending radially outward from the first section and having a third thickness.

51. 51. The winged capsule of claim 50, wherein the first section of the radial projection comprises a first flat surface and the second section comprises a second flat surface.

52. 52. The winged capsule of claim 51, wherein the second flat surface longitudinally overlaps a portion of the rounded peripheral surface.

53. 51. The winged capsule of claim 50, wherein the third thickness decreases radially outward.

54. 52. The winged capsule of claim 51, wherein the top portion comprises a tubular wall that longitudinally overlaps the second planar surface.

55. 55. The winged capsule of claim 54, wherein the tubular wall contacts the second flat surface.

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