Container and method for storing and stabilizing moisture-sensitive products

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This patent application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 379,533, filed October 14, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The disclosed concepts relate generally 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 shelf life of the product by using a desiccant material disposed within the package that is preferably at least partially suspended above the oil when the package is in an upright, resting position. [Background technology]

[0003] The FAO / WHO defines probiotics as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. The most common microorganisms used as probiotics are lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Lactic acid-producing bacteria are used not only to provide beneficial effects to human or animal health, but also in fermentation processes in the food industry. For example, Lactobacillus reuteri, a bacterium naturally occurring in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, is known to have antibacterial activity (see U.S. Patent Nos. 5,439,678, 5,458,875, 5,534,253, 5,837,238, and 5,849,289). Lactic acid bacteria have also been reported to be used in the prevention and treatment of allergies (see European Patent No. 1239032 and International Publication No. WO 01 / 37865).

[0004] Microorganisms commercially available for health and fermentation purposes are often formulated as freeze-dried powders in a low-moisture environment, as in U.S. Patent No. 3,897,307A. The application of such freeze-dried microorganisms typically faces the problem of limited cell storage stability due to the content of available free water being harmful to the cells. This results in a loss of viability of the microorganisms, and to compensate for this loss, higher doses are required, provided there are enough viable microorganisms to allow for such a higher dose.

[0005] For storage purposes, foils with a plastic layer on one side of the outer compartment, such as polyethylene-laminated aluminum foil, are commonly used as packaging materials to reduce exposure of freeze-dried lactic acid bacteria to moisture and oxygen. However, even if the barrier material is effective in restricting the permeation of water molecules through the package, certain features of the package may allow the permeation of water molecules, for example, along heat-sealed package edges. Also, the process of filling the package itself may cause moisture to be trapped within the package.

[0006] To maintain a low level of moisture within the package, a pouch containing a desiccant material is incorporated into the package to remove moisture. Oil-based formulations have been used to protect freeze-dried lactic acid bacteria cultures. For example, sunflower seed oil has been used as a liquid suspension medium for properly prepared dried viable lactic acid bacteria cells to improve cell stability at room temperature (see U.S. Patent No. 4,518,696). To enhance the stability of lactic acid bacteria cells, the oil (sunflower oil) is vacuum-dried prior to adding freeze-dried Lactobacillus reuteri to the oil (see U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20050271641). Nevertheless, vacuum drying of the oil may not remove all moisture. Furthermore, new moisture may be introduced into the oil layer during packaging or storage in various containers.

[0007] To further improve the stability of lactic acid bacteria cultures, U.S. Patent Nos. 8,785,183 (the '183 patent) and 9,351,512 (the '512 patent) introduce the use of specific moisture-absorbing materials, for example, specially formulated polymer strips or foils incorporating chemical desiccant materials, such as M-0026 Activ-Strip™ manufactured by CSP Technologies, Inc. of Auburn, USA, to adsorb moisture from non-aqueous liquids, including oil. Specifically, the '183 and '512 patents use a strip or film of desiccant polymer in direct contact with the oil to absorb moisture from the oil placed within a package or container.

[0008] 1-5 herein illustrate prior art containers 10 that may be used to store a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art container for storing a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil 2 and including a desiccant material 1000 immersed in the oil 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of a cap 200 of the prior art container 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of three different sized prior art containers 10 similar to that shown in FIG. 1, in an open position with the caps 200 of the containers 10 removed. FIGS. 4A and 4B are alternative perspective views of a dispensing member 300 that may be assembled to the prior art containers 10 of FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 5 illustrates the prior art container 10 of FIG. 1 in an open position, incorporating the prior art dispensing member 300 of FIGS. 4A and 4B, with an oil suspension of a moisture-sensitive product disposed therein and a prior art desiccant material 1000 immersed in the oil 2.

[0009] 1 and 5, the container 10 includes a body 100, a cap 200, oil 2, and a desiccant material 1000. The body 100 has a base 102 with a sidewall 104 extending upwardly from the base 102 and leading to an opening providing access to the interior of the body 100. The oil 2 is disposed within a product compartment 110 within the body 100. The product compartment 110 is the portion of the interior of the body 100 within which the oil 2 is disposed while the body 100 is in a resting position, upright on the base 102. The oil 2 is dispensed from the dispensing member 300 when the body 100 is oriented upside down on the base 102 in the dispensing position. The oil 2 is represented by a cross-hatched area in the relevant figures. While moisture-sensitive products may be suspended or formulated in a medium other than oil (e.g., medicinal oil, pure vegetable oil, etc.), the primary embodiment of the prior art includes oil 2 as the medium within which the moisture-sensitive product is suspended or formulated.

[0010] Cap 200 covers the opening to form a housing including product compartment 110 and a headspace above product compartment 110. Optionally, container 10 includes a dispensing member 300 (see Figures 4A-5) that dispenses a dose of product suspended in oil 2 while cap 200 is open and body 100 is oriented upside down in a dispensing position.

[0011] The desiccant material 1000 is configured to capture moisture from the enclosure to stabilize a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil 2. In FIG. 1 , the desiccant material 1000 is positioned within the product compartment 110 so that it is submerged in the oil 2. Thus, the desiccant material 1000 is effectively in direct contact with the oil 2 at all times and can adsorb moisture from the oil 2. The desiccant material 1000 may be a strip of a desiccant polymer or a specific desiccant film, such as M-0026 Activ-Strip™ manufactured by CSP Technologies, Inc. of Auburn, USA, or a film incorporating a desiccant material as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,003,179.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2 , the cap 200 has an annular top 202, a skirt 204 extending downwardly from the annular top 202, a cylindrical blocker 212 extending downwardly from the inner surface of the annular top 202, an annular sealing ridge 210 extending downwardly 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 allow a user to easily grasp and twist the cap 200 to open it. The cylindrical blocker 212 may include a base (not shown) recessed within the inner surface of the annular top 202 and a blocker sidewall 214 that rests within a groove 314 (see FIGS. 4B and 5 ) of the dispensing member 300 when the cap 200 is closed. The cylindrical blocker 212 blocks the flow of product suspended in the oil 2 when the cap 200 is closed. The annular seal ridge 210 is concentrically disposed with the skirt 204 and the cylindrical blocker 212 and is positioned between the skirt 204 and the cylindrical blocker 212. The annular seal ridge 210 is configured to sealingly engage with an upper surface of a flange 302 (see FIGS. 4A-5 ) of the dispensing member 300. The plurality of threads 208 engage with a plurality of threads 108 (see FIG. 3 ) disposed on the outer surface of the upper section (e.g., neck) 106 of the body 110 when the cap 200 is closed. The engagement between the annular seal 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., upper rim) of the body's neck 106 as described with respect to FIGS. 4A-B , preferably forms a moisture-tight seal between the body 100 and the cap 200.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 3, multiple bodies 100, 100', 100'' having different sizes can be used with the prior art container 10 of FIG. 1. Optionally, body 100 has a length of 76 mm. Optionally, body 100' has a length of 61 mm. Optionally, body 100'' has a length of 53 mm. These are for illustrative purposes only, and the size and / or length of the bodies can vary depending on the situation, needs, and / or preferences of the user.

[0014] 4A-B, the prior art dispensing member 300 includes an outlet 316 configured to dispense a dose of product suspended in oil 2 while 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, the upper rim 112 of the neck 106 formed in the upper section of the body 100 (see FIG. 5). Dispensing member 300 also includes a first dispensing member sidewall 304 extending downward from flange 302 and inward toward a bottom portion of outlet 316, a dispensing member base 306 extending inward from a bottom edge of 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 extending upward from an inner periphery of dispensing member base opening 308 toward a top portion of outlet 316, and a protrusion 318 extending downward from dispensing member opening 310. First and second dispensing member sidewalls 304, 312, together with dispensing member base 306, form a groove 314 that receives blocker sidewall 212 of cylindrical blocker 210 of cap 200 when cap 200 is closed. The dispensing member opening 310 allows the groove 314 to be in fluid communication with the product compartment 110 .

[0015] However, adding desiccant materials (e.g., desiccant strips, foils, or films) directly to oil, as disclosed in the '183 and '512 patents or shown in Figures 1 and 5, increases the risk of contamination (e.g., soiling from the molding process or handling), undesirable interactions between the probiotics suspended in the oil and the desiccant strips, foils, or films, or the release of plastic-infused particles or burrs into the oil. Therefore, these desiccant strips, foils, or films must be manufactured using a more demanding, well-controlled process, which is time-consuming and costly. Furthermore, incorporating desiccant materials into the oil reduces the available oil volume and increases the size of the package or container for storing the lactic acid bacteria culture. Such an increase in size translates into increased packaging and shipping costs. Furthermore, there is a limit to the volume of desiccant material that can be incorporated into the oil. Furthermore, the use of oil-immersed strips or films may not be preferable when a long shelf life is required and there is a risk that the film will quickly "wear out" due to rapid moisture adsorption, or when alternative adsorbents are appropriate.

[0016] Therefore, there is a need for improved packaging for moisture-sensitive products suspended in oil to extend the shelf life of such products.

[0017] There is also a need for improved moisture absorbents to trap moisture and stabilize moisture sensitive products suspended in oil. Summary of the Invention

[0018] These and other needs are met by a container for storing a moisture-sensitive product, the container including: a body having a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and leading to an opening providing access to the interior of the body; oil disposed within a product compartment within the body, the product compartment being a portion of the interior of the body within which the oil is disposed while the body is upright on the base in a resting position; a cap covering the opening to form a housing containing the product compartment, the housing further including a desiccant compartment positioned above and in fluid communication with the product compartment; and a desiccant material disposed within the desiccant compartment configured to capture moisture from the housing to stabilize a moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil without direct contact with the oil when the body is in a resting position.

[0019] Optionally, in any embodiment of the container according to the disclosed concepts, the container further includes a dispensing member including an outlet configured to dispense a dose of oil while the cap is open and the body is oriented upside down in the dispensing position, the dispensing member in sealing engagement with the upper section of the body, and the dispensing member further includes a dispensing member opening that allows the desiccant compartment to be in fluid communication with the product compartment.

[0020] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concepts, the dispensing member includes a desiccant compartment.

[0021] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concepts, the dispensing member further includes a retaining component that engages a portion of the desiccant material to retain the desiccant material within the desiccant compartment when the body is in the dispensing position.

[0022] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concepts, the dispensing member further includes a flange in sealing engagement with a portion of the upper section of the body, a first dispensing member sidewall extending downward from the flange and inward toward a bottom portion of the outlet, a dispensing member base extending inward from a bottom edge of the first dispensing member sidewall and forming the dispensing opening and the dispensing member base opening, a second dispensing member sidewall extending upward from an inner periphery of the dispensing member base opening toward a top portion of the outlet, and a protrusion extending downward from the dispensing member opening, wherein the first and second dispensing member sidewalls together with the dispensing member base form a desiccant compartment.

[0023] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concepts, the protrusion has a protrusion opening opposite the dispensing member opening, which, together with the dispensing member opening, allows the desiccant compartment to be in fluid communication with at least the product compartment or the remainder of the housing.

[0024] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concepts, the desiccant material is disposed within a lower section of the desiccant compartment and surrounds a lower portion of the second dispensing member sidewall.

[0025] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concepts, the desiccant material has the shape of a ring.

[0026] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concepts, the cap includes a blocking element that extends downwardly into the desiccant compartment and surrounds a portion of the second dispensing member sidewall when the cap is closed.

[0027] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concepts, the blocking element of the cap is made of a desiccant material.

[0028] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concepts, the desiccant material is molded onto the cap in a multi-shot injection process.

[0029] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concepts, the moisture sensitive product comprises lactic acid producing bacteria, optionally including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

[0030] In an optional aspect of the disclosed concept, a container for storing a moisture-sensitive product is provided, the container including: a body having a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and leading to an opening providing access to the interior of the body; oil disposed within a product compartment within the body, the product compartment being a portion of the interior of the body within which the oil is disposed while the body is upright on the base in a resting position; a cap covering the opening to form a housing including the product compartment and a headspace positioned above the product compartment and in fluid communication with the product compartment; and a dispensing member in sealing engagement 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 including an upper section not made of a desiccant material and a lower section made of a desiccant material, the desiccant material being disposed at least partially within the headspace when the body is in the resting position, the desiccant material configured to scavenge moisture from the housing to stabilize a moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil.

[0031] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concepts, in the dispensing position the cap is open and the body is oriented upside down.

[0032] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concepts, the dispensing member further includes a flange in sealing engagement with a portion of the upper section of the body, a first dispensing member sidewall extending downward from the flange and inward toward a bottom portion of the outlet, a dispensing member base extending inward 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 upward from an inner periphery of the dispensing member base opening toward a top portion of the outlet, and a protrusion extending downward from the dispensing member opening, wherein the first and second dispensing member sidewalls, together with the dispensing member base, form a groove that is a portion of the headspace.

[0033] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concepts, the protrusion has a protrusion opening opposite the dispensing member opening, which, together with the dispensing member opening, allows the groove to be in fluid communication with the product compartment or the remainder of the headspace.

[0034] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concepts, 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.

[0035] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concepts, the desiccant material is molded onto the cap in a multi-shot injection process.

[0036] Optionally, in any embodiment of a container according to the disclosed concepts, the product comprises lactic acid producing bacteria, optionally including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

[0037] In an optional aspect of the disclosed concept, a method for stabilizing a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil is provided, the method including: providing a container including: (i) a body having a base, the body having a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and opening to an opening providing access to the interior of the body; (ii) a cap covering the opening to form a housing including a product compartment, the product compartment being a portion of the interior of the body within which oil is disposed while the body is upright on the base in a resting position, the housing further including a desiccant compartment positioned above the product compartment and in fluid communication with the product compartment; and (iii) a desiccant material disposed within the desiccant compartment; and capturing moisture from the housing with the desiccant material to stabilize the moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil without direct contact with the oil when the body is in a resting position.

[0038] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concepts, the container further includes a dispensing member including an outlet configured to dispense a dose of oil while the cap is open and the body is oriented upside down in the dispensing position, the dispensing member sealingly engaging the upper section of the body, and the dispensing member further including a dispensing member opening that allows the desiccant compartment to be in fluid communication with the product compartment.

[0039] Optionally, in any embodiment of a method according to the disclosed concepts, the dispensing member further includes a flange in sealing engagement with a portion of the upper section of the body, a first dispensing member sidewall extending downward from the flange and inward toward a bottom portion of the outlet, a dispensing member base extending inward from a bottom edge of the first dispensing member sidewall and forming the dispensing opening and the dispensing member base opening, a second dispensing member sidewall extending upward from an inner periphery of the dispensing member base opening toward a top portion of the outlet, and a protrusion extending downward from the dispensing member opening, wherein the first and second dispensing member sidewalls together with the dispensing member base form a desiccant compartment.

[0040] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concepts, the desiccant material is disposed in a lower section of the desiccant compartment and surrounds a lower portion of the second dispensing member sidewall.

[0041] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concepts, the desiccant material has the shape of a ring.

[0042] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concepts, the cap includes a blocking element that extends downward into the desiccant compartment and surrounds a portion of the sidewall of the second dispensing member when the cap is closed.

[0043] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concepts, the blocking element of the cap is made of a desiccant material.

[0044] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concepts, providing the container includes molding the desiccant material onto the cap in a multi-shot injection process.

[0045] In an optional aspect of the disclosed concept, a method is provided for stabilizing a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil, the method comprising: providing a container including a body having a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and opening to an opening providing access to the interior of the body, a cap covering the opening to form a housing including a product compartment that is a portion of the interior of the body in which oil is disposed while the body is upright on the base in a resting position, and a dispensing member having an outlet sealingly engaging an upper section of the body and configured to dispense a dose of 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 a desiccant material, the desiccant material being at least partially disposed in the headspace when the body is in the resting position; and capturing moisture from the housing with the desiccant material when the body is in the resting position to stabilize the moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil.

[0046] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concepts, the cap is open and the body is oriented upside down in a dispensing position.

[0047] Optionally, in any embodiment of a method according to the disclosed concepts, the dispensing member further includes a flange in sealing engagement with a portion of the upper section of the body, a first dispensing member sidewall extending downward from the flange and inward toward a bottom portion of the outlet, a dispensing member base extending inward 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 upward from an inner periphery of the dispensing member base opening toward a top portion of the outlet, and a protrusion extending downward from the dispensing member opening, wherein the first and second dispensing member sidewalls, together with the dispensing member base, form a groove that is a portion of the head space.

[0048] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concepts, the dispensing member further includes a protrusion extending downwardly from the dispensing member opening, the protrusion having a protrusion opening opposite the dispensing member opening, the protrusion opening, together with the dispensing member opening, allowing the groove to be in fluid communication with the product compartment or the remainder of the headspace.

[0049] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concepts, 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.

[0050] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method according to the disclosed concepts, providing the container includes molding the desiccant material in a multi-shot injection process.

[0051] A complete understanding of the present invention can be obtained from the following description of the preferred embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view of a prior art container for storing a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil and including a desiccant material immersed in the oil. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective top view of the cap of the prior art container of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view of three different sized prior art containers similar to that shown in FIG. 1, with the container caps removed and in an open position. [Figure 4A] 4 shows an alternative perspective view of a dispensing member that may be assembled to the prior art container of FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. [Figure 4B] 4 shows an alternative perspective view of a dispensing member that may be assembled to the prior art container of FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 in an open position, with the prior art dispensing member of FIGS. 4A and 4B incorporated therein, with an oil suspension of a moisture-sensitive product disposed therein and a desiccant material immersed in the oil. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a container for storing a moisture-sensitive product, according to an optional aspect of the disclosed concepts, the container including a desiccant material disposed within a desiccant compartment of a housing formed by the cap and body of the container. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 6A in a closed position. [Figure 6C] 6B is a top perspective cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 6A in an open position with the cap removed. [Figure 6D] 6B is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 6A with the cap in an open position. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 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 desiccant material disposed within a desiccant compartment of a housing formed by the cap and body of the container. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 7A in a closed position. [Figure 7C] 7B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cap of the container of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A]FIG. 1 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 dispensing member having a portion made of a desiccant material to be disposed within a headspace of an enclosure formed by the cap and body of the container. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 8A in a closed position. [Figure 8C] 8B is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing member of the container of FIG. 8A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0053] The disclosed concepts will be described in more detail 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 described herein. Rather, these embodiments are examples of the present invention, the full scope of which is indicated by the language of the claims. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Unless otherwise noted, 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.

[0054] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used herein, the word "may" is used in its permissive (i.e., possible) sense rather than its required (i.e., must) sense. Unless otherwise stated herein, the terms "a," "an," and "the" should not be construed as being limited to one element but instead as meaning "at least one." These terms include the above words, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0055] As used herein, "and / or" means either or both of the items separated by such term. For example, the phrase "A and / or B" means A only, B only, or both A and B.

[0056] As used herein, "generally" means "in the usual manner" in relation to the modified term, as understood by those of skill in the art.

[0057] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components "engage" one another means that the parts exert a force on one another, either directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components.

[0058] As used herein, the phrases "sealingly engage" or "sealing engagement" refer to elements that contact each other in such a way that a generally liquid-tight, optionally moisture-proof seal is formed therebetween.

[0059] Directional terms used herein, such as, but not limited to, top, bottom, left, right, above, below, front, back, and derivatives thereof, refer to the orientation of elements as illustrated in the drawings and do not limit the scope of the claims, unless expressly stated.

[0060] Generally speaking, as used herein, the term "moisture-resistant" is defined as having a moisture ingress (after 3 days) of less than 1500 μg of moisture, in another embodiment less than 500 μg of moisture, in a further embodiment less than 300 μg of moisture, and in yet another embodiment less than 150 μg of moisture, as measured by the following test method: (a) place 1 gram ± 0.25 grams of molecular sieve into a container and record the weight; (b) completely close the container; (c) place the closed container in an environmental chamber at 80% relative humidity and 72°F; (d) weigh the container with the molecular sieve after 1 day; (e) weigh the container with the molecular sieve after 4 days; and (f) calculate the moisture ingress into the container in micrograms of moisture by subtracting the day 1 sample from the day 4 sample. A preferred moisture ingress rate for moisture-resistant sealed containers manufactured according to one embodiment of the disclosed concepts is in the range of about 200-300 μg of moisture per day or less. Thus, a "moisture-proof" seal is a sealing engagement that, alone or in combination with additional sealing engagements, serves to make the container "moisture-proof" according to the definition above.

[0061] Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, FIGS. 6A-8C illustrate different embodiments of containers 20, 30, 40 according to optional aspects of the disclosed concepts. While these embodiments utilize prior art container 10 with certain modifications, it is understood that any other container having various shapes, sizes, and / or components usable for storing moisture-sensitive products may be used. Oil 2 is represented by shading in the relevant figures. While moisture-sensitive products may be suspended or formulated in media other than oil (e.g., medicinal oil, pure vegetable oil, etc.), the primary embodiment of the present disclosure includes oil 2 as the medium in which the moisture-sensitive product is suspended or formulated.

[0062] 6A-D illustrate cross-sectional views of a container 20 for storing a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil 2 according to an optional aspect of the disclosed concepts. While container 20 includes several similar features and components as prior art container 10 of FIG. 1, container 20 according to an optional aspect of the disclosed concepts differs from container 10 in that it includes a desiccant material 2000 disposed within a desiccant compartment 2001 that is configured to capture moisture from the enclosure without directly contacting oil 2 when body 100 is in a resting position (i.e., upright). The exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-D according to the present disclosure is novel and advantageous in that it allows moisture to be adsorbed from oil 2 by desiccant material 2000 without directly contacting oil 2, thus avoiding the aforementioned and other known problems and risks associated with having a desiccant material directly contact oil to capture moisture therefrom.

[0063] The desiccant material 2000 may be an activated polymer component, which may be a single-component desiccant-entrained polymer made from a single material. The entrained polymer, whether entrained with a desiccant or another active agent, may include a base polymer (structural), a desiccant (or other active agent), and optionally a channeling agent. These types of activated entrained polymers and methods for making and using them are disclosed, for example, in Applicant's U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0039955, which is incorporated herein by reference and attached as Appendix A. Optionally, the entrained polymer may be in the form of a film, loose or optionally heat-set to a surface.

[0064] 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, optionally entrained or dispersed throughout one of the channels. Thus, the entrained polymer may be a two-phase formulation (i.e., including a base polymer and an active ingredient, but not including a channeling agent) or a three-phase formulation (i.e., including a base polymer, an active agent, and a channeling agent). An entrained polymer having one of the active agents in particulate form is referred to herein as a "particulate-entrained polymer." An entrained polymer having one of the mineral forms of the active agent is referred to herein as a "mineral-entrained polymer."

[0065] As used herein, the term "entrained polymer composition" is defined as an entrained polymer or a formulation that produces an entrained polymer.

[0066] As used herein, the term "activator" 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 channeling agent, i.e., has a melting point greater than one of the melting points of the matrix polymer or the channeling agent, and (2) acts on, interacts with, or reacts with a selected material. The term "activator" includes, but is not limited to, materials that absorb, adsorb, or release a selected material. An activator in particulate form is referred to herein as a "particulate activator." A mineral form of an activator is referred to herein as a "mineral activator." Activators according to the disclosed concepts may be particulate activators (unless otherwise claimed). The presently disclosed technology should not be considered limited to particulate activators. However, the presently disclosed technology is particularly suited to entrained polymers formed from mineral active materials (e.g., molecular sieves or silica gel).

[0067] As used herein, the term "matrix polymer" refers to a polymer that has a gas transfer rate for a selected material that is, optionally, substantially less than or substantially equal to the gas transfer rate of the channeling agent for the selected material. For example, this release rate would be the water vapor release rate in embodiments where the selected material is moisture and the active agent is a water-absorbing desiccant. The primary function of the matrix polymer is to provide structure to the entrained polymer. Suitable matrix polymers may include thermoplastic polymers such as polyolefins (such as polypropylene and polyethylene), polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polybutene, polysiloxane, polycarbonate, polyamide, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-methacrylate copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyester, polyanhydride, polyacrylonitrile, polysulfone, polyacrylate, acrylic acid, polyurethane, polyacetal, etc., or mixtures thereof.

[0068] As used herein, the term "matrix polymer material" is defined as a material comprising a matrix polymer and, optionally, an additive. If no additive is added, the matrix polymer material is made of the matrix polymer. Optionally, the matrix polymer and the additive are miscible.

[0069] 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 a gas phase at a faster rate than the matrix polymer or matrix polymer material. Optionally, the channeling agent can form channels through the entrained polymer when the entrained polymer is formed by mixing the channel agent with the matrix polymer or matrix polymer material. Optionally, such channels can transport a selected material through the entrained polymer at a faster rate than the matrix polymer or matrix polymer material alone.

[0070] As used herein, the term "additive" is defined as something that is added to a matrix polymer to modify one of its specific properties.

[0071] With reference to this comparison of the water vapor transmission rates of the matrix polymer and the channeling agent, in one embodiment, the water vapor transmission rate of the channeling agent is at least 2 times that of the matrix polymer, optionally at least 5 times that of the matrix polymer, optionally at least 10 times that of the matrix polymer, optionally at least 20 times that of the matrix polymer, optionally at least 50 times that of the matrix polymer, optionally at least 100 times that of the matrix polymer.

[0072] As used herein, the terms "monolithic," "monolithic structure," or "monolithic composition" are defined as a composition or material that is not composed of two or more discrete macrolayers. Thus, "monolithic composition" does not include multilayer composites.

[0073] As used herein, the term "phase" is defined as a portion or component of a monolithic structure or a uniformly distributed throughout a composition therein to impart monolithic properties to the structure or composition.

[0074] As used herein, the term "selected material" is defined as a material that can act on, be acted upon by, or interact or react with the active agent and transport 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 gas that can be absorbed by the desiccant.

[0075] As used herein, the term "channel" or "interconnected channel" is defined as a through-mold matrix polymer formed by a channeling agent, and may be a channel that interconnects with one another.

[0076] As used herein, the term "three-phase" is defined to include one of three or more phases of a monolithic composition or structure. An example of a three-phase composition that may be used in accordance with the disclosed concepts would be an entrained polymer formed from a matrix polymer, an active agent, and a channeling agent. Optionally, the three-phase composition or structure may include an additional phase, such as, for example, a colorant.

[0077] 6A-D, container 20 includes body 100, oil 2, cap 200′, and desiccant material 2000. Body 100 has a base 102 with a sidewall 104 extending upwardly from base 102 and leading to an opening providing access to the interior of body 100. Oil 2 is disposed within product compartment 110 within body 100. Product compartment 110 is the portion of the interior of body 100 within which oil 2 is disposed while body 100 is upright on base 102 in a resting position. Cap 200′ covers the opening to form a housing that includes product compartment 110 and desiccant compartment 2001 positioned above and in fluid communication with product compartment 110. The desiccant material 2000 is disposed within the desiccant compartment 2001 (see FIG. 6D ) and is configured to capture moisture from the housing to stabilize a moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil 2 without directly contacting the oil 2 when the main body 100 is in a rest position.

[0078] Optionally, container 20 also includes a dispensing member 300 including an outlet 316 configured to dispense a dose of product suspended in oil 2 while cap 200′ is open and body 100 is oriented upside down in the dispensing position. Dispensing member 300 also includes a dispensing member opening 310 that sealingly engages portion 112 (e.g., upper rim) of upper section 106 (e.g., neck) of body 100 and allows desiccant compartment 2001 to be in fluid communication with product compartment 110.

[0079] Dispensing member 300 includes a desiccant compartment 2001 within groove 314. Optionally, dispensing member 300 also includes a retention component (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, dispensing member 300 may also include a flange 302 that sealingly engages portion 112 of upper section 106 of body 100, a first dispensing member sidewall 304 that extends downward from flange 302 and inward toward a bottom portion of outlet 316, a dispensing member base 306 that extends inward from a bottom edge of first dispensing member sidewall 304 and forms dispensing member opening 310 and dispensing member base opening 308, a second dispensing member sidewall 312 that extends upward from an inner periphery of dispensing member base opening 310 toward a top portion of outlet 316, and a protrusion 318 that extends downward from dispensing member opening 310. First and second dispensing member sidewalls 304, 312, together with dispensing member base 306, form a desiccant compartment 2001. Optionally, protrusion 318 may have a protrusion opening 320 opposite dispensing member opening 310. Protrusion opening 320, together with dispensing member opening 310, allows desiccant compartment 2001 to be in fluid communication with at least product compartment 110 or the remainder of the housing. Optionally, desiccant material 2000 is disposed within the lower section of desiccant compartment 2001 and surrounds a lower portion of second dispensing member sidewall 312. Optionally, desiccant material 2000 has a ring shape with a notch for dispensing member opening 310 such that desiccant material 2000 surrounds the lower portion of second dispensing member sidewall 312 without blocking dispensing member opening 310. It should be understood that the shape of desiccant material 2000 is not limited to a ring shape and can vary depending on the situation, needs, or preferences.

[0080] 7A-C show cross-sectional views of a container 30 for storing moisture-sensitive products according to an alternative, optional embodiment of the disclosed concepts. Container 30 has similar features and components as containers 10 and 20, except that cylindrical blocker 3000 of cap 200″ of container 30 is made of a desiccant material and is disposed within desiccant compartment 3001 ( FIG. 7B ) formed primarily by first and second dispensing member sidewalls 304, 312 and dispensing member base 306 of dispensing member 300. Cylindrical blocker 3000 includes blocker base 3010 and blocker sidewall 3012 extending downwardly therefrom. Optionally, blocker base 3010 may be recessed within a bottom surface of annular top 202 of cap 200″. Blocker sidewall 3012 extends downwardly into desiccant compartment 3001 and surrounds a portion of second dispensing member sidewall 212 when cap 200'' is closed. Optionally, cylindrical blocker element 3000 surrounds a substantial portion (e.g., without limitation, 70-95% of the surface) of second dispensing member sidewall 212 when cap 200'' is closed. Optionally, desiccant material 3000 is molded onto cap 200'' in a multi-shot injection process. The moisture-sensitive product comprises lactic acid-producing bacteria, optionally including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

[0081] 7A-C is novel and advantageous in that it also allows the desiccant material 3000 to adsorb moisture from the oil 2 without directly contacting the oil 2, thus avoiding the aforementioned and other known problems and risks associated with having the desiccant material 3000 directly contact the oil 2 and capture moisture therefrom. Additionally, the desiccant material 3000 is likely to have a larger volume than the desiccant material 2000 of the container 20 of FIGS. 6A-D, thereby providing even increased capture and stabilization capacity over the desiccant material 2000.

[0082] 8A-C show cross-sectional views of a container 40 for storing a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil 2 according to an optional embodiment of the disclosed concepts. Container 40 has similar features and components as containers 20, 30, but differs in that 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, lacks a desiccant compartment, and can be at least partially disposed within the headspace (enclosure excluding product compartment 110) when main body 100 is in a rest position.

[0083] The container 40 includes a body 100, oil 2, a cap 200, and a dispensing member 300′. The body 100 has a base 102 with a sidewall 104 extending upwardly from the base 102 and leading to an opening that provides access to the interior of the body 100. The oil 2 is disposed within a product compartment 110 within the body 100. The product compartment 110 is the portion of the interior of the body 100 within which the oil 2 is disposed while the body 100 is upright on the base 102 in a resting position. The cap 200 covers the opening and forms a housing including the product compartment 110 and a headspace positioned above and in fluid communication with the product compartment 110. The dispensing member 300' has an outlet 316 configured to sealingly engage the upper section 106 of the body 100 and to dispense a dose of product suspended in oil 2 when the body 100 is oriented upside down in the dispensing position.

[0084] Dispensing member 300′ also 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. Lower section 4000 that is made of a desiccant material can be at least partially disposed within the headspace when main body 100 is in a rest position. The desiccant material is configured to capture moisture from the housing to stabilize a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil 2.

[0085] Dispensing member 300′ further includes a flange 302 that sealingly engages portion 112 of upper section 106 of body 100, a first dispensing member sidewall 304 that extends downward from flange 302 and inward toward a bottom portion of outlet 316, a dispensing member base 306 that extends inward from a bottom edge of 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 that extends upward from an inner periphery of dispensing member base opening 308 toward a top portion of outlet 316, and a protrusion 318 that extends downward from dispensing member opening 310. First and second dispensing member sidewalls 304, 312, together with dispensing member base 306, form a groove 314 that is a portion of an headspace.

[0086] Optionally, protrusion 318 has a protrusion opening 320 opposite dispensing member opening 310. Protrusion opening 320, together with dispensing member opening 310, allows groove 314 to be in fluid communication with product compartment 110 or the remainder of the headspace. Optionally, lower section 4000 of dispensing member 300′ includes protrusion 318, dispensing member base 306, a lower portion of second dispensing sidewall 312, and a bottom portion of outlet 316. Optionally, the desiccant material is molded onto dispensing member 300 in a multi-shot injection process. The product includes lactic acid-producing bacteria, optionally including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

[0087] In this embodiment, the desiccant material 4000 has a larger volume than the desiccant material 3000 of the container 30, thereby providing additional trapping and stabilization capabilities 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. Furthermore, by allowing a portion of the protrusions 318 to directly contact the oil 2, the container 40 of this embodiment allows the desiccant material 4000 to directly adsorb moisture from the oil 2 and from the headspace of the container 40. Furthermore, as the oil 2 is dispensed, the protrusions 318 of the dispensing member 300 reach a point where they are no longer in direct contact with the oil 2. The desiccant material 4000 then traps moisture from the oil 2 without directly contacting the oil 2, thereby providing even greater trapping and stabilization capabilities without direct contact with the oil 2 due to the greater available volume of the desiccant material 4000 within the container 40 compared to the desiccant materials 2000 and 3000 of FIGS. 6A-7C .

[0088] In an optional aspect of the disclosed concepts, a method is provided for stabilizing a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil.

[0089] According to this method, a container is provided that includes: (i) a body having a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and opening to an opening providing access to the interior of the body, (ii) a cap covering the opening to form a housing including a product compartment, which is a portion of the interior of the body in which oil is disposed while the body is upright on the base in a resting position, the housing further including a desiccant compartment positioned above and in fluid communication with the product compartment, and (iii) a desiccant material disposed in the desiccant compartment.

[0090] The desiccant material within the container traps moisture from the enclosure to stabilize moisture-sensitive products suspended in oil without direct contact with the oil when the body is in a resting position.

[0091] Optionally, the desiccant material is disposed in a lower section of the desiccant compartment and surrounds a lower section of the second dispensing member sidewall. Optionally, the desiccant material has a ring shape. Optionally, the cap includes a blocking element that extends downward into the desiccant compartment and surrounds a portion of the second dispensing member sidewall when the cap is closed. The blocking element of the cap is made of the desiccant material. Optionally, providing the container includes molding the desiccant material onto the cap in a multi-shot injection process.

[0092] In another optional aspect of the disclosed concepts, another method is provided for stabilizing moisture sensitive products suspended in oil.

[0093] According to this method, a container is provided that includes: (i) a body having a base, the body having a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and opening to an opening providing access to the interior of the body; (ii) a cap covering the opening to form a housing including a product compartment, which is a portion of the interior of the body within which oil is disposed while the body is upright on the base in a resting position; and (iii) a dispensing member that sealingly engages an upper section of the body and has an outlet configured to dispense a dose of oil when the body is in a dispensing position, the dispensing member having an upper section not made of a desiccant material and a lower section made of a desiccant material, the desiccant material being at least partially disposed within the headspace when the body is in the resting position. The desiccant material in the container scavenges moisture from the housing to stabilize a moisture-sensitive product suspended in oil when the body is in the resting position.

[0094] Optionally, the cap is open and the body is oriented upside down in the dispensing position. Optionally, the dispensing member further includes a flange in sealing engagement with a portion of the upper section of the body, a first dispensing member sidewall extending downward from the flange and inward toward a bottom portion of the outlet, a dispensing member base extending inward 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 upward from an inner periphery of the dispensing member base opening toward a top portion of the outlet, and a protrusion extending downward from the dispensing member opening, wherein the first and second dispensing member sidewalls, together with the dispensing member base, form a groove that is a portion of the headspace. Optionally, the dispensing member also includes a protrusion extending downward from the dispensing member opening, the protrusion having a protrusion opening opposite the dispensing member opening, the protrusion opening, together with the dispensing member opening, allowing the groove to be in fluid communication with the product compartment or the remainder of the headspace. Optionally, 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. Optionally, providing the container includes molding the desiccant material in a multi-shot injection process.

[0095] The following exemplary embodiments further describe optional aspects of the presently disclosed technology and are a part of this specification. While these exemplary embodiments are not technically claims of this application, they are described in a format substantially similar to claims (each including a numerical designation followed by a capital letter). In the following exemplary embodiments, those that are dependent on one another will be referred to as "embodiments" rather than "claims."

[0096] 1A. A container for storing moisture-sensitive products, 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 within a product compartment within the body, the product compartment being the portion of the body's interior within which the oil is disposed while the body is upright on a base in a resting position; and a cap covering the opening to form a housing containing the product compartment, the housing further including a desiccant compartment positioned over the product compartment and in fluid communication with the product compartment; a desiccant material disposed within the desiccant compartment configured to capture moisture from the housing to stabilize a moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil without directly contacting the oil when the body is in a resting position; and a dispensing member comprising an outlet configured to dispense a dose of the oil while the cap is open and the body is oriented upside down in a dispensing position, the dispensing member sealingly engaging an upper section of the body, the dispensing member further comprising a dispensing member opening that allows the desiccant compartment to be in fluid communication with the product compartment; A container comprising:

[0097] 1B. The container of embodiment 1A, wherein the outlet is a spout.

[0098] 1C. The container of embodiment 1B, wherein the spout comprises an upper lip forming an upper flow opening, a lower lip forming a lower flow opening, and a spout wall extending downward from the upper lip and tapering toward the lower lip.

[0099] 2A. A container for storing moisture-sensitive products, a body having a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and narrowing at an upper section of the body to open into an opening providing access to an interior of the body; oil disposed within a product compartment within the body, the product compartment being the portion of the body interior within which the oil is disposed while the body is upright on the base in a resting position; and a cap covering the residue opening to form a housing containing the product compartment, the housing further including a desiccant compartment positioned above the residue product compartment and in fluid communication with the product compartment; a dispensing member configured to secure to the neck of the body, the dispensing member comprising an inactive polymer section and an active polymer section, the inactive polymer section comprising a spout top portion configured to dispense a dose of the product suspended in the oil when the body of the container is oriented upside down, the active polymer section configured to capture moisture from the housing to stabilize the moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil when the body is in the rest position; A container comprising:

[0100] 2B. The container of embodiment 2A, wherein the cap includes a deck, a skirt extending downwardly from the deck and configured to secure within the skirt to the outer surface of the neck, a cylindrical blocker extending downwardly from the inner surface of the deck, and an outer annular sealing ridge concentric with the cylindrical blocker and extending downwardly from the inner surface of the deck, the outer annular sealing ridge being disposed between the skirt and the cylindrical blocker.

[0101] 2C. The container of embodiment 2B, wherein the dispensing member includes a flange configured to sealingly engage the annular sealing ridge of the cap and the neck of the body, a groove area formed by the first annular wall extending downwardly at an angle from the inner circumference of the flange, an annular base extending radially inward from the edge of the first annular wall and forming a concentric opening and an edge opening, and a second annular wall extending upwardly from the concentric opening to an upper lip of the spout, the groove area being configured to accommodate the cylindrical blocker of the cap when the cap is closed.

[0102] 2D. A container as described in an embodiment, wherein the activated polymer section includes a bottom portion of the spout, an extended base portion extending radially downward and outward from a lower flow opening of the spout, and a tubular element extending downward from the edge opening into a portion of the housing.

[0103] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives to those details may be developed in light of the overall teachings of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the particular configurations disclosed are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting, the scope of the disclosed concepts being to be given the full scope of the appended claims and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A container for storing moisture-sensitive products, A body having a base, the side wall extending upward from the base and leading to an opening that provides access to the interior of the body, The oil is disposed in the product compartment inside the main body, the product compartment being the internal part of the main body where the oil is disposed while the main body is standing upright on the base in a stationary position, and the oil is... A cap that covers the opening and forms a housing including the product compartment, wherein the housing further includes a desiccant compartment positioned above the product compartment and in fluid communication with the product compartment, A desiccant material is placed in the desiccant compartment, which is configured to capture moisture from the housing, in order to stabilize the moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil without directly contacting the oil when the main body is in the stationary position. A container equipped with [the following features].

2. The container according to claim 1, further comprising a dispensing member having an outlet configured to dispense a certain amount of the oil while the cap is open and the body is inverted in a dispensing position, wherein the dispensing member is sealedly engaged with the upper section of the body, and the dispensing member further comprises a dispensing member opening that allows the desiccant compartment to be in fluid communication with the product compartment.

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

4. The container according to claim 2, wherein the dispensing member further comprises a retaining component that engages with a portion of the desiccant material so as to hold the desiccant material in the desiccant compartment when the main body is in the dispensing position.

5. The container according to claim 2, wherein the dispensing member further comprises a flange that seals and engages with a portion of the upper section of the main body, a first dispensing member side wall extending downward from the flange and inward toward the bottom portion of the outlet, a dispensing member base extending inward from the bottom edge of the first dispensing member side wall and forming the dispensing member opening and the dispensing member base opening, a second dispensing member side wall extending upward from the inner circumference of the dispensing member base opening toward the top portion of the outlet, and a projection extending downward from the dispensing member opening, wherein the first and second dispensing member side walls together with the dispensing member base form the desiccant compartment.

6. The container according to claim 5, wherein the projection has a projection opening on the opposite side of the dispensing member opening, and the projection opening, together with the dispensing member opening, allows the desiccant compartment to be in fluid communication with at least the product compartment or the rest of the housing.

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

8. The container according to claim 1, wherein the desiccant material has a ring shape.

9. The container according to claim 5, wherein the cap comprises a barrier element that extends downward into the desiccant compartment and surrounds a portion of the side wall of the second dispensing member when the cap is closed.

10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the sealing element of the cap is made of the desiccant material.

11. The container according to claim 9, wherein the desiccant material is molded onto the cap by a multi-shot injection process.

12. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the moisture-sensitive product contains lactic acid-producing bacteria, optionally including lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria.

13. A container for storing moisture-sensitive products, A body having a base, the side wall extending upward from the base and leading to an opening that provides access to the interior of the body, The oil is disposed in the product compartment inside the main body, the product compartment being the internal part of the main body where the oil is disposed while the main body is standing upright on the base in a stationary position, and the oil is... A cap covers the opening and forms a housing that includes the product compartment and an upper space positioned above the product compartment and in fluid communication with the product compartment, A dispensing member that engages in a sealing manner with the upper section of the main body, the dispensing member having an outlet configured to dispense a certain amount of the oil when the main 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 located in the upper space when the main body is in the stationary position, and the desiccant material being configured to capture moisture from the housing in order to stabilize a hygroscopic product suspended in the oil, A container equipped with [the necessary features / features].

14. The container according to claim 13, wherein at the dispensing position, the cap is open and the body is inverted.

15. The container according to claim 13, wherein the dispensing member further comprises a flange that seals and engages with a portion of the upper section of the main body, a first dispensing member side wall extending downward from the flange and inward toward the bottom portion of the outlet, a dispensing member base extending inward from the bottom edge of the first dispensing member side wall and forming a dispensing member opening and a dispensing member base opening, a second dispensing member side wall extending upward from the inner circumference of the dispensing member base opening toward the top portion of the outlet, and a projection extending downward from the dispensing member opening, wherein the first and second dispensing member side walls, together with the dispensing member base, form a groove which is a portion of the upper space.

16. The container according to claim 15, wherein the projection has a projection opening on the opposite side of the dispensing member opening, and the projection opening, together with the dispensing member opening, allows the groove to be in fluid communication with the product compartment or the rest of the upper space.

17. The container according to claim 16, wherein the lower section of the dispensing member includes the projection, the base of the dispensing member, the lower portion of the second dispensing side wall, and the bottom portion of the outlet.

18. The container according to claim 13, wherein the desiccant material is molded onto the dispensing member by a multi-shot injection process.

19. The container according to claim 13, wherein the product contains lactic acid-producing bacteria, which optionally include lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria.

20. A method for stabilizing a hygroscopic product suspended in oil, wherein the method is: (i) a body having a base, the side wall of which extends upward from the base and leads to an opening that provides access to the interior of the body; (ii) a cap that covers the opening and forms a housing that includes a product compartment which is a part of the interior of the body in which oil is disposed while the body is upright on the base in a stationary position, the housing further includes a desiccant compartment positioned above the product compartment and in fluid communication with the product compartment; and (iii) a desiccant material disposed within the desiccant compartment. A method comprising capturing moisture from the housing with the desiccant material in order to stabilize a moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil without the main body being in the stationary position and without direct contact with the oil.

21. The container according to claim 20, further comprising a dispensing member having an outlet configured to dispense a certain amount of the oil while the cap is open and the body is inverted in a dispensing position, wherein the dispensing member is sealedly engaged with the upper section of the body, and the dispensing member further comprises a dispensing member opening that allows the desiccant compartment to be in fluid communication with the product compartment.

22. The container according to claim 21, wherein the dispensing member further comprises a flange that seals and engages with a portion of the upper section of the main body, a first dispensing member side wall extending downward from the flange and inward toward the bottom portion of the outlet, a dispensing member base extending inward from the bottom edge of the first dispensing member side wall and forming the dispensing opening and the dispensing member base opening, a second dispensing member side wall extending upward from the inner circumference of the dispensing member base opening toward the top portion of the outlet, and a projection extending downward from the dispensing member opening, wherein the first and second dispensing member side walls together with the dispensing member base form the desiccant compartment.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the desiccant material is arranged in the lower section of the desiccant compartment and surrounds the lower portion of the side wall of the second dispensing member.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the desiccant material has the shape of a ring.

25. The container according to claim 22, wherein the cap comprises a barrier element that extends downward into the desiccant compartment and surrounds a portion of the side wall of the second dispensing member when the cap is closed.

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

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein providing the container comprises molding the desiccant material onto the cap in a multi-shot injection process.

28. A method for stabilizing a hygroscopic product suspended in oil, wherein the method is: To provide a container comprising: (i) a body having a base, the side wall of which extends upward from the base and leads to an opening providing access to the interior of the body; (ii) a cap covering the opening and forming a housing including a product compartment which is a portion of the interior of the body in which oil is disposed while the body is upright on the base in a stationary position; and (iii) a dispensing member having an outlet that seals with the upper section of the body and is configured to dispense a certain amount 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, wherein the desiccant material is at least partially disposed within the upper space when the body is in the stationary position; In order to stabilize the moisture-sensitive product suspended in the oil when the main body is in a stationary position, the desiccant material captures moisture from the housing, Methods that include...

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the cap is open and the body is oriented upside down at the dispensing position.

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein the dispensing member further comprises a flange that seals and engages with a portion of the upper section of the main body; a first dispensing member side wall extending downward from the flange and inward toward the bottom portion of the outlet; a dispensing member base extending inward from the bottom edge of the first dispensing member side wall and forming a dispensing member opening and a dispensing member base opening; a second dispensing member side wall extending upward from the inner circumference of the dispensing member base opening toward the top portion of the outlet; and a projection extending downward from the dispensing member opening, wherein the first and second dispensing member side walls, together with the dispensing member base, form a groove which is a portion of the upper space.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the dispensing member further comprises a projection extending downward from the opening of the dispensing member, the projection having a projection opening on the opposite side of the opening of the dispensing member, the projection opening, together with the opening of the dispensing member, allows the groove to be in fluid communication with the product compartment or the rest of the upper space.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the lower section of the dispensing member comprises the projection, the base of the dispensing member, the lower portion of the second dispensing side wall, and the bottom portion of the outlet.

33. To provide the aforementioned container, The desiccant material is molded using a multi-shot injection process. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 32, including the method described in any one of claims 28 to 32.

Images