Sealed container

The sealed container addresses the issue of unpredictable discharge timing and obstruction by incorporating a movable opening mechanism and check valve for controlled and complete outflow.

JP2026012383APending Publication Date: 2026-01-23冈部 法基
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025185223
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2015-03-15
Filing Date
2025-11-01
Publication Date
2026-01-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing containers fail to allow users to accurately control the timing of liquid discharge and prevent obstruction of the discharge flow due to the membrane being pierced by a protrusion, leading to unpredictable and incomplete outflow.

Method used

A sealed container with a movable opening means that allows independent control over the timing of discharge, includes a discharge means to prevent obstruction, and features a check valve to ensure smooth and controlled outflow.

Benefits of technology

Enables precise control over the discharge timing and prevents obstruction, ensuring complete and controlled release of contents.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a prefilled syringe which is improved in sealability and can be easily unsealed.SOLUTION: The prefilled syringe 1 includes a bag-shaped member 3 for accommodating a liquid medicine, a film portion 12 for sealing the bag-shaped member 3, an opening means 15 capable of opening the film portion 12 by moving at least a part of the opening means 15, an operation portion 16 capable of performing an operation of moving at least a part of the opening means 15, a front chamber 17 into which the liquid medicine discharged from an opening formed in the film portion 12 by the opening means 15 enters, an injection needle 2 having a discharge port for discharging the liquid medicine from the front chamber 17 to the outside, and a bendable plate member 4 to which the bag-shaped member 3 is attached. At least a part of the bag member 3 is held by the bent plate member 4 to increase the pressure of the liquid medicine to discharge the liquid medicine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealed container for hermetically storing contents. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a container in which, when a user opens the bag, the pressure of the liquid inside the bag rises, causing the membrane to bulge toward the protrusion, which then penetrates the membrane, causing the liquid inside the bag to flow out through the hole in the membrane (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2008 / 010262 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the container described in Patent Document 1, when a user opens the bag and increases the pressure of the liquid inside the bag, it is difficult for the user to grasp the degree of expansion of the membrane, making it difficult to determine the timing when the membrane will be pierced by the protrusion.In addition, since the liquid inside the bag flows out at the same time as the membrane is pierced by the protrusion, there is a problem in that it is difficult for the user to adjust the timing of this outflow.

[0005] The present invention has been made in light of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a sealed container that allows the user to adjust the timing at which the contents are discharged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The sealed container of the present invention comprises: a storage section for storing contents; a membrane portion that seals the container portion; an opening means, at least a portion of which is movable toward the film portion and capable of opening the film portion; an operating unit for performing an operation to move the opening means; a discharge means for discharging the contents from the storage portion at a timing different from the timing at which the opening means penetrates the membrane portion by operating the operation portion; Includes. In this way, the user can operate the operating part to perform only the operation of opening the membrane part, so the user can adjust the timing at which the contents are discharged as desired.

[0007] The sealed container of the present invention is After the operation of the operating portion is performed, an operation for discharging the contents from the storage portion is performed, whereby the contents can be discharged from the storage portion. In this way, the contents are discharged at the timing when the user performs an operation to discharge the contents from the storage section, so the user can adjust the timing when the contents are discharged.

[0008] The sealed container of the present invention is The device further includes a moving means for moving at least a portion of the unsealing means that has penetrated the membrane portion in a direction away from the membrane portion. In this way, when the contents are discharged from the storage section, the opening means does not block the opening formed in the membrane, and therefore it is possible to prevent the opening means from obstructing the discharge of the contents. For example, in containers of the prior art, when liquid inside the bag flows out through a hole in the membrane, the tip of the protrusion that penetrates the membrane is positioned to block the hole, which has the problem that the tip of the protrusion obstructs the outflow of liquid. However, the present invention can solve this problem.

[0009] Further, in the sealed container of the present invention, At least a portion of the opening means is movable beyond the membrane in a rest position. In this way, the opening means can penetrate the membrane portion in the normal position.

[0010] The sealed container of the present invention is The container further includes an intrusion prevention means for preventing the unsealing means from penetrating the membrane portion and penetrating the container portion by more than a predetermined intrusion length. This prevents the unsealing means from penetrating too far into the container when the unsealing means penetrates the membrane portion.

[0011] The sealed container of the present invention is The container further includes a space forming portion that forms a space inside the container to ensure a penetration length for the unsealing means to enter the container when the unsealing means penetrates the membrane portion. This prevents the opening means from accidentally coming into contact with the inner surface of the container when the opening means penetrates the membrane portion, thereby preventing the container from being damaged.

[0012] Further, in the sealed container of the present invention, The opening means has a blade portion having a linear shape with at least a portion bent, and the blade portion forms a cut in the film portion. In this way, when the blade portion of the opening means penetrates the membrane portion, a linear cut with at least a portion bent is formed in the membrane portion, and when the membrane portion is rolled up from this cut, the opening of the membrane portion widens greatly, allowing the contents to be smoothly discharged from the opening of the membrane portion.

[0013] The sealed container of the present invention is The cutting blade includes a maintaining means for maintaining the opening of the membrane portion in an enlarged state from the cut line formed by the cutting blade. In this way, the opening of the membrane portion is maintained in an enlarged state, and the contents can be smoothly discharged through the opening of the membrane portion.

[0014] The sealed container of the present invention is a front chamber into which the contents discharged from the opening formed in the membrane portion by the opening means enter; a discharge port for discharging the contents from the front chamber to the outside; a confirmation means for confirming that the contents have entered the front chamber; Includes. In this way, the contents discharged from the opening of the membrane portion first enter the front chamber, preventing the contents from being accidentally discharged outside, and after the user operates the operating portion, the confirmation means can confirm that the membrane portion has opened, i.e., that the contents can be discharged. For example, in conventional containers, even if the membrane portion is pierced by the protrusion when the user opens the container, the user has a problem in that the user cannot confirm that the liquid inside the bag can be discharged until the liquid inside the bag has flowed out. However, the present invention can solve this problem.

[0015] The sealed container of the present invention is a front chamber into which the contents discharged from the opening formed in the membrane portion by the opening means enter; a discharge port for discharging the contents from the front chamber to the outside; the contents are fluid, and a check valve means for preventing the contents from flowing backward from the front chamber toward the outlet; Includes. In this way, the contents discharged from the opening of the membrane part enter the front chamber once, so that the contents are prevented from being accidentally discharged to the outside, and the contents flowing from the front chamber toward the discharge port are prevented from flowing back.

[0016] Further, in the sealed container of the present invention, The check valve means has a membrane-like member that deforms in response to the flow of fluid. In this way, the check valve means can be realized by a simple element such as a membrane-like member, and the check valve means can be made smaller.

[0017] The sealed container of the present invention is a front chamber into which the contents discharged from the opening formed in the membrane portion by the opening means enter; a discharge port for discharging the contents from the front chamber to the outside; Including, The front chamber is formed by the membrane portion and a second membrane portion disposed opposite the membrane portion, which is an operating membrane portion that covers the opening means in an operable state. In this way, the contents discharged from the opening of the membrane portion first enter the front chamber, preventing the contents from being inadvertently discharged to the outside, and the front chamber can be formed using simple elements such as two membrane portions, and the second membrane portion can be used as an operating portion.

[0018] The sealed container of the present invention is a bendable plate member; The contents are fluid, and the operation of discharging the contents from the storage section is an operation of increasing the pressure of the contents inside the storage section by clamping at least a portion of the storage section with the bent plate member. In this way, the user can easily discharge the contents, and the operation of increasing the pressure of the contents can be achieved with a simple element, a bendable plate member that clamps the storage section.

[0019] The sealed container of the present invention is a discharge pipe having a discharge port for discharging the contents to the outside; a storage means provided so as to be swingable relative to the discharge pipe and capable of storing the discharge pipe; Including, When the housing means is swung, at least a portion of the discharge pipe is covered. In this way, when the user stores the discharge tube in the storage means, the movement of the user's fingers operating the storage means causes a swinging movement relative to the discharge tube, preventing the tip of the discharge tube from coming into contact with the user's fingers. For example, in a technology applied to a syringe (prefilled syringe), which is a medical device, there is a problem that when a medical professional stores a used injection needle (discharge tube) in a cap, the injection needle may accidentally prick their own finger. However, when the present invention is applied to a syringe, this problem can be solved.

[0020] Further, in the sealed container of the present invention, The housing means has plate-like portions that sandwich the discharge pipe from both sides. In this way, the storage means that swings relative to the discharge pipe can be realized with simple elements.

[0021] The sealed container of the present invention is The device further includes a protection means for protecting the operation unit from external force before the operation of the operation unit is performed. This prevents the membrane from being opened due to an external force being inadvertently applied to the operation portion.

[0022] The sealed container of the present invention is a discharge pipe having a discharge port for discharging the contents to the outside; a storage means having plate-like portions that sandwich the discharge pipe from both sides and that can store the discharge pipe; Including, The protection means is a plate-shaped portion of the storage means that can cover the discharge pipe and the operation unit. In this way, the operating portion can be covered at the same time as the discharge pipe is retracted.

[0023] The disposable sealed container of the present invention is a cup-shaped container for containing contents; a membrane portion that closes and seals the opening of the storage portion; an opening means, at least a portion of which is movable toward the film portion and capable of opening the film portion; Includes. In this way, the membrane can be opened using the opening means, allowing the user to easily open the container. For example, in portion-type containers filled with coffee milk, gum syrup, etc., the user must use both hands to grasp the membrane-like lid that covers the opening of the container with the fingertips, making it difficult to open the container. However, the present invention allows the membrane to be opened using the opening means, making it easy to open the container.

[0024] The disposable sealed container of the present invention is The container further includes an air hole forming means capable of forming an air hole in the membrane portion for allowing air to flow into the container portion in addition to the opening formed in the membrane portion by the unsealing means. In this way, when the contents in the storage section are discharged through the opening formed in the membrane section, air flows into the storage section through the air hole, allowing the contents to be discharged smoothly through the opening formed in the membrane section.

[0025] In addition, in the disposable sealed container of the present invention, The air hole forming means is provided so as to be movable toward the membrane portion together with the movement of the unsealing means. In this way, the air hole can be formed at the same time as the membrane portion is opened using the opening means, so the user can easily form the air hole in the membrane portion.

[0026] The disposable sealed container of the present invention is a protection means for protecting the opening means from application of an external force before the film portion is opened by the opening means, The protection means is a cover member that can cover the membrane portion and the unsealing means and is separable from the storage portion. This prevents the film portion or the opening means from being accidentally subjected to external force, which can damage the film portion.

[0027] In addition, in the sealed container of the present invention, The opening means is provided inseparably with respect to the containing portion or the membrane portion. In this way, the opening means becomes an integral part of the storage section or membrane section, which prevents the opening means from being lost and allows the user to discard the sealed container after use by disposing of the opening means as an integral part of the storage section or membrane section.

[0028] The check valve means of the present invention is A check valve means is provided which is provided with a first space and a second space separated by a partition, and which prevents a fluid flowing from the first space toward the second space through a hole opened in the partition from flowing back, A membrane-like member is provided to cover the hole from the second space side, one end of the membrane-like member is fixed near the periphery of the hole, and the other end of the membrane-like member is deformed in accordance with the flow of fluid. In this way, the check valve means can be realized by a simple element such as a membrane-like member, and the check valve means can be made smaller. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pre-filled syringe as a sealed container of Example 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the prefilled syringe with the cover plate portion open. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a prefilled syringe. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a prefilled syringe. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing a prefilled syringe. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 showing the opening operation portion. [Figure 8] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4 showing a pre-filled syringe. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a pre-filled syringe during an opening operation by a user. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the prefilled syringe is in use. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of use in which a user checks whether the sealing film portion has been opened. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of how to use a prefilled syringe. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the check valve portion in an open state. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the check valve portion in a closed state. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a membrane member of the check valve portion. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a pouch-type pack as a sealed container of Example 2. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the pouch-type pack with the cover plate portion open. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a pouch-type pack. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a pouch-type pack being opened by a user. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the pouch-type pack in use. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a portion-type container as a sealed container of Example 3. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a portion-shaped container during a user's opening operation. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a portion-shaped container in use. [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a portion-shaped container. [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a portion-shaped container. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a portion-shaped container during a user's opening operation. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a portion-shaped container after opening. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a portion-type container as a sealed container of Example 4. [Figure 30] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an opening means for a portion-shaped container. [Figure 31] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a portion-shaped container. [Figure 32] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a portion-shaped container during a user's opening operation. [Figure 33] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a portion-shaped container after opening. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The following describes embodiments of the sealed container according to the present invention. Note that the specific configuration is not limited to the following embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are also included in the present invention. [Example]

[0031] A sealed container according to Example 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 16. Reference numeral 1 in Fig. 1 denotes a pre-filled syringe as the sealed container of Example 1. This pre-filled syringe 1 is a disposable syringe provided in a state where it is pre-filled with a medicinal solution (contents), and is a syringe that can be safely transported in a state where an injection needle 2 (discharge tube) is pre-attached.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the prefilled syringe 1 mainly includes an injection needle 2 for injecting a medicinal solution into a subject (such as a patient in Example 1), a bag-shaped bag member 3 (a storage section: a member forming a storage space) filled with a liquid medicinal solution equivalent to approximately one dose, and a rectangular plate-shaped member 4 (plate member). The injection needle 2 is made of a material such as metal. The injection needle 2 is stored in a state covered by the bent plate-shaped member 4. The bag member 3 is preferably made of a material such as a synthetic resin that is flexible, easily deformable, and plastic.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 3, the plate-shaped member 4 is a single rectangular member that is bendable at two locations in the longitudinal direction. The plate-shaped member 4 is preferably made of a material such as synthetic resin that is flexible but not easily deformed. In the following description, the top surface of the plate-shaped member 4 (the surface visible in Fig. 3) will be referred to as the first surface, and the bottom surface of the plate-shaped member 4 (the surface not visible in Fig. 3) will be referred to as the second surface.

[0034] This plate-like member 4 is composed of three plate portions: a first plate portion 5 to which the bag member 3 is attached on the second surface (lower surface), a second plate portion 6 adjacent to this first plate portion 5, and a cover plate portion 7 adjacent to this second plate portion 6. The portion between the first plate portion 5 and the second plate portion 6 can be bent by a first bending portion 8, and the second plate portion 6 and the cover plate portion 7 can be bent by a second bending portion 9.

[0035] The first plate portion 5 and the second plate portion 6 are formed to have approximately the same size (area). That is, the length and width of the first plate portion 5 are approximately the same as the length and width of the second plate portion 6. When the plate-shaped member 4 is bent around the first bent portion 8, the second surface of the second plate portion 6 can come close to the second surface of the first plate portion 5 (see FIG. 10).

[0036] Furthermore, the cover plate 7 is formed to have a size (area) that allows it to cover the first surface (top surface) from the second plate 6 to the first plate 5. In other words, the combined length of the first plate 5 and the second plate 6 is approximately the same as the length of the cover plate 7. The width of the cover plate 7 is approximately the same as the widths of the first plate 5 and the second plate 6. Furthermore, when the plate-shaped member 4 is bent about the second bending portion 9, the first surface of the cover plate 7 can come close to the first surfaces of the first plate 5 and the second plate 6 (see FIGS. 1 and 8).

[0037] The bag member 3 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is open at the top. The peripheral piece 10 of the opening of the bag member 3 is adhered to the peripheral portion (the dotted portion in FIG. 5 ) of the second surface (lower surface) of the first plate portion 5, thereby attaching the bag member 3 to the second surface of the first plate portion 5. Note that the adhesion described in the examples may be joining using an adhesive, joining in which the members are strongly pressed together to bond them, or joining using other means.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 5, a quadrangular (square) opening 11 is formed in the center of the first plate portion 5 of the plate-like member 4. This opening 11 is closed by a sealing membrane 12 attached to the second surface side of the first plate portion 5 (see Fig. 7). The medicinal solution filled inside the bag member 3 is kept sealed by the sealing membrane 12.

[0039] 6 and 7, an opening operation part 13 is provided on the first surface (upper surface) of the first plate part 5 at a position corresponding to the opening 11, whereby a user (a medical professional or the like in Example 1) can perform an operation to open the sealing membrane part 12. This opening operation part 13 has a frame part 14 that is quadrangular (square) in plan view and protrudes upward, and opening means 15 extends from a part of the inner peripheral surface of this frame part 14 toward the inside of the frame part 14.

[0040] The opening means 15 is a thin, plate-like protruding piece with a semicircular rounded edge at its tip end. The opening means 15 extends from one side of the frame 14 and is spaced apart from the other three sides. The opening means 15 is also capable of swinging up and down around its base end (moving in a direction approaching the sealing membrane 12). In other words, the opening means 15 is formed integrally with the plate-like member 4, but because the opening means 15 is in the form of a thin plate, it is elastically deformable.

[0041] An operation membrane 16 (operation portion) that can be pushed in when the user operates the opening means 15 is attached to the upper end surface of the frame 14 of the opening operation portion 13. The peripheral portion of this operation membrane 16 is adhered to the upper end surface of the frame 14 (the dotted portion in Figure 6). Furthermore, the space surrounded by the sealing membrane 12, frame 14, and operation membrane 16 forms the front chamber 17. In this way, the front chamber 17 can be formed using simple elements that use two membranes.

[0042] The sealing membrane 12 and the operating membrane 16 are arranged parallel to each other in a side view. Furthermore, the opening means 15 is arranged in the front chamber 17 between the sealing membrane 12 and the operating membrane 16. The opening means 15 is provided at a position away from the sealing membrane 12. Furthermore, the opening means 15 is arranged parallel to the sealing membrane 12 and the operating membrane 16 in a side view.

[0043] The injection needle 2 is attached to the opening operation part 13. A communication hole 18 is provided in the frame part 14 of this opening operation part 13 to allow the medicinal liquid to pass from the front chamber 17 towards the injection needle 2 (see FIG. 3). The injection needle 2 is connected to a part of the opening operation part 13 corresponding to the communication hole 18 via a check valve part 19. When the medicinal liquid flows into the front chamber 17 inside the bag member 3, the medicinal liquid flows out from the opening (discharge port) at the tip of the injection needle 2.

[0044] The sealing membrane 12 is preferably made of a material such as synthetic resin that is resistant to deformation. The sealing membrane 12 closes the opening 11 in a state where tension is applied. The operation membrane 16 is preferably made of a material such as synthetic resin that is easily elastically deformed. At least the operation membrane 16 is made of a material that is more easily elastically deformed than the sealing membrane 12. Furthermore, the operation membrane 16 is made of a transparent member. When the operation membrane 16 is pressed by the user's finger, the opening means 15 can be pressed down together with the operation membrane 16 (see Figure 9). The pressed down opening means 15 can open the sealing membrane 12.

[0045] As shown in Figure 7, the opening means 15 is provided with a blade portion 20 that protrudes downward. The lower edge of this blade portion 20 has an acute angled shape and is capable of penetrating the sealing film 12. This blade portion 20 extends from the edge of the tip of the opening means 15 to the edge of the side end. The lower edge of the blade portion 20 is inclined so that it slopes downward from the base end side of the opening means 15 to the tip end side. That is, when the opening means 15 is pressed down, the blade portion 20 on the tip side of the opening means 15 first comes into contact with the sealing film 12, and as the opening means 15 is further pressed down, a cut is formed in the sealing film 12 (see Figure 9).

[0046] 6, the blade portion 20 is formed in a U-shape (horseshoe shape) in a plan view. When the blade portion 20 penetrates (cuts) the sealing membrane 12, a U-shaped (horseshoe-shaped) slit (opening), i.e., a linear slit with at least a portion bent, is formed in the sealing membrane 12. When the sealing membrane 12 is turned up from this slit, the opening of the sealing membrane 12 becomes larger, allowing the medicinal solution to be smoothly discharged from the opening of the sealing membrane 12.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7 , the blade portion 20 of the opening means 15 can penetrate from the outside of the bag member 3 past the sealing membrane 12 in the normal position S into the inside of the bag member 3. A protruding ridge 21 (space-forming portion) is provided on the second surface of the first plate portion 5 of the plate-like member 4 so as to surround the opening 11 and the sealing membrane 12. The protruding ridge 21 has a protruding length L. The provision of the protruding ridge 21 prevents a portion of the inner surface (such as the bottom surface) of the bag member 3 from approaching (contacting) the sealing membrane 12 when the bag member 3 is deformed. Therefore, even if the blade portion 20 of the opening means 15 penetrates the sealing membrane 12, the bag member 3 will not come into contact with the blade portion 20. In other words, the protruding length L of the protruding ridge 21 forms a space to ensure the penetration length required for the blade portion 20 of the opening means 15 to penetrate the inside of the bag member 3 past the sealing membrane 12. By ensuring this space, when the blade portion 20 of the opening means 15 penetrates the sealing film portion 12, the opening means 15 can be prevented from accidentally coming into contact with the inner surface of the bag member 3, which would cause damage to the bag member 3.

[0048] Furthermore, the opening means 15 is a part formed integrally with the plate-shaped member 4 (frame portion 14) and is a flexible part. This opening means 15 is formed thinner than the plate-shaped member 4, so it is easily bent around the base end side of the opening means 15. However, the rigidity of this opening means 15 is such that it does not bend beyond the protrusion length L of the ridge 21. By specifying the rigidity of the opening means 15 in this way, it is possible to prevent the opening means 15 from penetrating into the bag member 3 by more than a predetermined penetration length. In other words, the penetration prevention means of Example 1 is configured. The rigidity of this opening means 15 is specified based on the average pressing force when a user presses the operation membrane portion 16 with their thumb.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 4, the injection needle 2 connected to the opening operation part 13 extends from the first plate part 5, past the first bent part 8, to the second plate part 6 side. In addition, the injection needle 2 is provided at a position displaced to one side (downward in the plane of Fig. 4) from the central position in the width direction of the plate-like member 4 in a plan view.

[0050] 3, the cover plate 7 is formed with a storage section 22 capable of storing the opening operation section 13 and the injection needle 2. This storage section 22 is a recess formed by recessing a part of the cover plate 7 from the first surface side. The storage section 22 has a rectangular recess (protection means) for storing the opening operation section 13 and a linear recess (storage means) for storing the injection needle 2.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 8, when the prefilled syringe 1 is in a portable state (a state in which it can be transported safely), the first bent portion 8 is in an unbent state, and the second bent portion 9 is in a bent state. In this portable state, the first plate portion 5 and the second plate portion 6 are in a flat state, and the second plate portion 6 is disposed in close proximity to the injection needle 2. The bending angle of the second bent portion 9 is approximately 180 degrees. The first surface of the cover plate portion 7 is in contact with the first surfaces of the first plate portion 5 and the second plate portion 6.

[0052] In this portable state, the opening operation part 13 and the injection needle 2 are covered by the cover plate part 7 and stored in the storage part 22. The tip side of the injection needle 2 is covered by being sandwiched between the cover plate part 7 and the second plate part 6. Since the opening operation part 13 is covered by the cover plate part 7, it is possible to prevent an external force from being inadvertently applied to the operation membrane part 16, which would press the opening means 15 and cause the sealing membrane part 12 to be opened. Furthermore, since the injection needle 2 is covered by the cover plate part 7 and the second plate part 6, the prefilled syringe 1 can be transported safely.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 3, latching claws 23 are provided on both sides near the end of the cover plate 7. Furthermore, latching claws 23 can be latched onto latching claw fixing portions 24 are provided on both sides near the end of the first plate 5. The latching claws 23 are protruding pieces that protrude from the sides of the cover plate 7 toward the first surface, and the latching claw fixing portions 24 are notches formed by cutting out the side end of the first plate 5. The latching claws 23 are detachably latched onto the latching claw fixing portions 24.

[0054] 1, when the prefilled syringe 1 is in a portable state, the latching claws 23 of the cover plate 7 are latched onto the claw fixing portions 24 of the first plate 5, preventing the cover plate 7 from accidentally separating from the first plate 5. Furthermore, the cover plate 7 is disposed so as to straddle the first bent portion 8 from the second plate 6 to the first plate 5, preventing the first bent portion 8 from being accidentally bent.

[0055] Furthermore, the edge of the cover plate 7 is bent in a direction away from the first plate 5, allowing the user to hook his / her finger on this edge. When the user uses the prefilled syringe 1, the user can hook his / her finger on the edge of the cover plate 7 to release the latching claw 23 from the claw fixing portion 24. Then, the user can separate (open) the cover plate 7 from the first plate 5 and the second plate 6 (see FIG. 2).

[0056] As shown in Figure 9, when cover plate 7 is opened, opening operation section 13 is exposed. In this state, when the user presses operation film 16 with their thumb, opening means 15 is pressed down, and blade 20 penetrates sealing film 12, opening sealing film 12. When sealing film 12 is opened, the medicinal liquid in bag member 3 can flow out into front chamber 17. Note that, because the user can perform the opening operation while touching opening means 15 via operation film 16, the user can know when sealing film 12 will be opened.

[0057] Furthermore, when the user removes the thumb from the operating film 16, the opening means 15 returns to its normal position (retracted position) away from the sealing film 12 due to its elasticity (see FIG. 10). Therefore, the opening means 15 is separated from the opening formed in the sealing film 12, and the opening means 15 does not prevent the medicinal liquid in the bag member 3 from being discharged into the front chamber 17. The fact that the opening means 15 has elasticity constitutes the moving means of Example 1.

[0058] As shown in Figure 10, when the user further swings (rotates) the cover plate 7, the second plate 6 moves away from the injection needle 2. Then, the second plate 6 swings about the first bent portion 8, and the second surface of the second plate 6 approaches the second surface of the first plate 5. When the second plate 6 approaches the first plate 5 in this manner, the bag member 3 is sandwiched between the first plate 5 and the second plate 6. When the user pinches the bag member 3 while it is sandwiched between the first plate 5 and the second plate 6, the pressure of the medicinal liquid in the bag member 3 increases, and the medicinal liquid flows out from the opening of the sealing membrane 12 into the front chamber 17.

[0059] In addition, since the operation membrane 16 (confirmation means) is made of a transparent material, the user can confirm through the operation membrane 16 whether or not the medicinal liquid has flowed into the front chamber 17. In other words, the user can confirm through the operation membrane 16 that the sealing membrane 12 has been opened and that injection of the medicinal liquid is now possible (see FIG. 11). In addition, since the user can perform the opening operation while visually checking the opening means 15 through the operation membrane 16, the user can know the timing when the sealing membrane 12 is opened.

[0060] Furthermore, when the user firmly grips the bag member 3 between the first plate portion 5 and the second plate portion 6, the medicinal liquid flows out from the opening at the tip of the injection needle 2, which is connected to the front chamber 17. When injecting the medicinal liquid into a subject, first, the sealing membrane portion 12 is opened, and the operation membrane portion 16 confirms that the front chamber 17 is filled with the medicinal liquid. During this confirmation stage, all air in the front chamber 17 is expelled from the opening at the tip of the injection needle 2. Thereafter, the injection needle 2 is inserted into the subject, and the bag member 3 is firmly gripped between the first plate portion 5 and the second plate portion 6, allowing the medicinal liquid to be injected into the subject (see FIG. 12). Note that by positioning the injection needle 2 at a position displaced to one side from the center position in the width direction of the plate-shaped member 4, the plate-shaped member 4 is less likely to hit the subject, making it easier to insert the injection needle 2 into the subject.

[0061] In the first embodiment, the injection needle 2 is connected to the front chamber 17 via a check valve 19 (check valve means). The check valve 19 prevents the drug solution flowing from the front chamber 17 toward the opening at the tip of the injection needle 2 from flowing back. As shown in FIG. 13 , the check valve 19 is provided with a partition wall 25 (partition) that separates the internal space. Inside the check valve 19, a first chamber 26 (first space) and a second chamber 27 (second space) separated by the partition wall 25 are provided. The first chamber 26 is connected to the front chamber 17, and the second chamber 27 is connected to the injection needle 2.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , minute holes 28 penetrate the partition wall 25. A medicinal solution can pass from the first chamber 26 to the second chamber 27 through these holes 28. A membrane member 29 is provided on the second chamber 27 side of the holes 28 to cover the holes 28. The holes 28 are rectangular, and the membrane member 29 is also rectangular (square) to match the shape of the holes 28. The membrane member 29 has an area larger than the area of ​​the holes 28, allowing it to close the entire holes 28. One entire side of the membrane member 29 forms an adhesive portion 30 (fixed portion) that is adhered (fixed) to the partition wall 25 near the side of the holes 28. The membrane member 29 is configured to roll up (deform) around the fixed portion in a direction away from the holes 28. The membrane member 29 is made of a material such as synthetic resin that is easily elastically deformed.

[0063] Furthermore, when the user firmly grips the bag member 3 between the first plate portion 5 and the second plate portion 6, the pressure of the medicinal liquid that has flowed from the front chamber 17 into the first chamber 26 increases, causing the membrane member 29 to roll up and allowing the medicinal liquid to flow into the second chamber 27 through the hole portion 28 (see FIG. 13). Then, the medicinal liquid flows out of the opening at the tip of the injection needle 2 via the second chamber 27.

[0064] Furthermore, when the user loosens the force with which the first plate portion 5 and the second plate portion 6 grip the bag member 3, the pressure in the bag member 3 decreases and the bag member 3 returns to its original shape, which may allow air to flow in through the opening at the tip of the injection needle 2. At this time, the pressure of the medicinal solution in the first chamber 26 decreases, and the membrane member 29 closes the hole 28 in response to the flow of the medicinal solution from the second chamber 27 to the first chamber 26 (see FIG. 14 ). In this way, the hole 28 is closed by the membrane member 29, thereby preventing outside air from entering the front chamber 17 or the bag member 3. Furthermore, the membrane member 29 covering the hole 28 can realize a check valve means with a simple element, and the check valve unit 19 can be made smaller.

[0065] 10, by firmly pinching the bag member 3 between the first plate portion 5 and the second plate portion 6, it is possible to inject almost all of the medicinal liquid inside the bag member 3 into the subject. With the prefilled syringe 1 of Example 1, the medicinal liquid can be injected by pinching with the fingers, which makes it easier to operate than conventional syringes composed of a syringe barrel and a plunger.

[0066] After the injection for the subject is completed, the prefilled syringe 1 is removed from the subject and the injection needle 2 is stored back into the storage section 22. When storing the injection needle 2, the second plate section 6 is swung (rotated) in a direction that moves the second surface of the second plate section 6 away from the second surface of the first plate section 5. The second plate section 6 is then swung about the first bent section 8 to return the first plate section 5 and the second plate section 6 to a flat state. Furthermore, the cover plate section 7 is swung about the second bent section 9 to bring the first surface of the cover plate section 7 close to the first surfaces of the first plate section 5 and the second plate section 6. Then, the injection needle 2 and the opening operation section 13 are stored in the storage section 22 of the cover plate section 7, and the latching claw 23 of the cover plate section 7 is latched to the claw fixing section 24 of the first plate section 5. In this way, the prefilled syringe 1 can be returned to a portable state. Furthermore, since the injection needle 2 is stored in the storage section 22, the liquid medicine remaining in the bag member 3 will not drip from the injection needle 2.

[0067] In the prefilled syringe 1 of Example 1, when a user stores the injection needle 2 in the storage section 22 of the cover plate section 7, the movement of the user's fingers operating the cover plate section 7 is a swinging movement relative to the injection needle 2, which prevents the tip of the injection needle 2 from coming into contact with the user's fingers. For example, with conventional syringes, when storing the injection needle in the cap, the movement of the user's fingers moves linearly relative to the injection needle 2, which poses a problem of the user accidentally pricking their own fingers with the injection needle; however, the prefilled syringe 1 of Example 1 can solve this problem.

[0068] Furthermore, since the injection needle 2 is sandwiched between the cover plate 7 and the second plate 6 and stored, a storage means that swings relative to the injection needle 2 can be realized with simple elements. Furthermore, since the cover plate 7 and the second plate 6 are inseparable relative to the injection needle 2, loss of the storage means can be prevented. Furthermore, the opening operation section 13 can be covered by the cover plate 7 while the injection needle 2 is being stored. Furthermore, by swinging the cover plate 7 about the second bent portion 9, the tip of the injection needle 2 is first stored in the storage section 22, so the injection needle 2 can be safely stored. Note that in Example 1, the entire injection needle 2 is stored in the storage section 22, but a configuration in which at least the tip of the injection needle 2 is stored in the storage section 22 is also possible.

[0069] As described above, in the prefilled syringe 1 of Example 1, the user presses the opening operation part 13, causing the opening means 15 to pierce the sealing membrane 12, and the medicinal liquid can be discharged from the bag member 3 at a timing different from the timing at which the sealing membrane 12 is pierced, so that the user can only perform the operation of opening the sealing membrane 12, and can therefore arbitrarily adjust the timing at which the medicinal liquid is discharged. Note that in Example 1, the discharge means is made up of the flexible bag member 3 and the first plate part 5 and second plate part 6 that sandwich the bag member 3.

[0070] Furthermore, after the user presses the opening operation section 13, the user can discharge the medicinal liquid from the bag member 3 by performing an operation to discharge the medicinal liquid from the bag member 3. Therefore, the medicinal liquid is discharged at the timing when the user performs the operation to discharge the medicinal liquid from the bag member 3, and the user can adjust the timing at which the medicinal liquid is discharged.

[0071] In addition, since the blade portion 20 of the opening means 15 that has penetrated the sealing membrane portion 12 is moved in a direction away from the sealing membrane portion 12, the opening means 15 will not block the opening formed in the sealing membrane portion 12 when the medicinal liquid is discharged from the bag member 3, thereby preventing the opening means 15 from interfering with the discharge of the medicinal liquid.

[0072] Furthermore, at least the blade portion 20 of the opening means 15 is movable from the outside of the bag member 3 beyond the sealing membrane portion 12 which is in the normal position S, so that the blade portion 20 of the opening means 15 can penetrate the sealing membrane portion 12 which is in the normal position S.

[0073] In Example 1, the blade portion 20 is configured to pierce the sealing membrane 12 in the normal position S, but other opening modes are also possible. For example, before a user performs an operation to open the sealing membrane 12, the user may firmly grip the bag member 3 with the first plate portion 5 and the second plate portion 6 to increase the pressure of the liquid inside the bag member 3, thereby moving at least a portion of the sealing membrane 12 from the normal position S to a bulging position where the sealing membrane 12 bulges toward the inside of the anterior chamber 17, and then the blade portion 20 may pierce the bulged sealing membrane 12. In such an opening mode, by opening the sealing membrane 12 after sufficiently increasing the pressure of the liquid inside the bag member 3, it is possible to discharge (spray) the liquid to the outside at the same time as the user performs an operation to open the sealing membrane 12. In addition, the bag member 3 can be lightly pinched between the first plate portion 5 and the second plate portion 6 to increase the pressure of the liquid inside the bag member 3, thereby applying tension to the sealing membrane portion 12, and the sealing membrane portion 12 to which this tension has been applied can be pierced by the blade portion 20.

[0074] In Example 1, the blade portion 20 is formed in a U-shape (horseshoe shape) in plan view, but the blade portion 20 may be formed in any other shape as long as it has at least a partially bent linear shape. For example, the blade portion 20 may be formed in an S-shape, V-shape, X-shape, Y-shape, etc. in plan view.

[0075] In addition, in Example 1, the medicinal liquid flowing out from the opening of the sealing membrane portion 12 first enters the front chamber 17, which prevents the medicinal liquid from accidentally flowing outward. Furthermore, after the user presses the opening operation portion 13, the transparent operation membrane portion 16 allows the user to confirm that the sealing membrane portion 12 has opened, that is, that the medicinal liquid can now flow out of the injection needle 2.

[0076] Furthermore, in Example 1, the operation by the user to discharge the medicinal liquid (liquid) from the bag member 3 is an operation of increasing the pressure of the medicinal liquid inside the bag member 3 by sandwiching the bag member 3 with the bent plate-like member 4, so that the user can easily perform the operation of discharging the medicinal liquid, and the operation of increasing the pressure of the medicinal liquid can be achieved with a simple element, the bendable plate-like member 4 that sandwiches the bag member 3.

[0077] Furthermore, in Example 1, the opening means 15 is provided in a state in which it is relatively inseparable from the bag member 3 or the sealing membrane 12, and therefore the opening means 15 is an integral member with the bag member 3 or the sealing membrane 12, which prevents the opening means 15 from being lost, and when the user discards the prefilled syringe 1 after use, the opening means 15 can be discarded as an integral member with the bag member 3 or the sealing membrane 12. Note that the relatively inseparable state described in the examples not only includes a state in which two members are directly connected to each other, but also a state in which two members are integrally connected to each other via a third member.

[0078] The prefilled syringe 1 of Example 1 has the plate-like member 4, which ensures an area for writing various information such as the drug name, concentration, expiration date, etc. Furthermore, since the prefilled syringe 1 becomes unusable after one use, the problem of used syringes being reused by drug abusers and the like is eliminated.

[0079] Furthermore, since the medicinal liquid inside the bag member 3 can be transported in a state completely sealed by the sealing membrane portion 12, airtightness can be maintained even if the external air pressure changes during transport, preventing leakage of the medicinal liquid. Furthermore, air bubbles and the like will not be mixed into the medicinal liquid. Furthermore, this prefilled syringe 1 has improved gas barrier properties compared to conventional prefilled syringes that are sealed with a screw cap or the like, and can therefore withstand long-term storage. For example, while the storage life of conventional prefilled syringes is about one year, the use of the prefilled syringe 1 of Example 1 achieves a long storage life.

[0080] In Example 1, the operation film 16 is a transparent material. However, the operation film 16 need not be completely transparent as long as it is at least a light-transmitting material. For example, the operation film 16 may be a colored transparent material, or a material that diffuses light and prevents direct transmission of light. Furthermore, the confirmation means does not have to be a transparent operation film 16. The operation film may be made of a material that changes color when it comes into contact with liquid, and the change in color of the operation film may enable confirmation of whether liquid has leaked into the front chamber 17. Alternatively, a floating member (a member with a conspicuous color) that floats on the liquid may be provided in the front chamber 17, and the user may visually check the movement of the floating member through the operation film 16 to confirm whether liquid has leaked into the front chamber 17.

[0081] In Example 1, the operation film 16 (operation unit) and the blade portion 20 (opening means 15) are separate members, but the operation film 16 and the blade portion 20 may be an integrated member. For example, the operation film 16 may be made of a material that is easily elastically deformed, such as an elastomer, and the blade portion 20 may be made of a material such as a hard synthetic resin, and the operation film 16 and the blade portion 20 may be manufactured as an integrated member by two-color molding (molding of different materials).

[0082] As shown in FIG. 6, the opening operation portion 13 (frame portion 14) has a quadrangular (square) shape in a plan view, but the shape of the opening operation portion 13 may be circular or elliptical, and may be any shape as long as it is easy for the user to press it with their thumb.

[0083] 15 and 16, the membrane member 29 covering the hole 28 of the check valve 19 is rectangular, but the membrane member 29 may also be circular, triangular, or U-shaped. One entire side (base end) of the rectangular membrane member 29 is fixed near the hole 28, and the other side (free end) of the membrane member 29 is configured to roll up in a direction away from the hole 28, but it is preferable that the rolled-up portion has a width equal to or narrower than the width of the fixed side of the membrane member 29. In this way, the membrane member 29 can stably close the hole 28.

[0084] In Example 1, the entry prevention means of Example 1 is configured by making the rigidity of the opening means 15 such that it does not bend beyond the protrusion length L of the ridge 21, but the entry prevention means may be configured in other ways. For example, a protrusion extending from a part of the inner circumferential surface of the frame 14 toward the opening means 15 may be provided, and when the opening means 15 is in the normal position, the opening means 15 does not come into contact with this protrusion, but when the opening means 15 is pushed in and moves to a predetermined entry length, the opening means 15 comes into contact with this protrusion, thereby preventing the opening means 15 from entering further.

[0085] The prefilled syringe 1 of Example 1 can be used as a simple syringe to be used in disasters and emergencies. Furthermore, since the medicinal solution does not have a chance to come into contact with the outside air, the medicinal solution will not be contaminated. Furthermore, since the time from when the injection needle is opened until when it is used can be shortened, the possibility of the injection needle 2 being exposed to the outside and becoming contaminated can be reduced. In particular, the convenience of using the prefilled syringe 1 outdoors is improved. [Example]

[0086] Next, a sealed container according to Example 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 17 to Fig. 21. Reference numeral 40 in Fig. 17 denotes a pouch-type pack as the sealed container of Example 2. This pouch-type pack 40 is a disposable packaging member that is provided in a state where it is pre-filled with a beverage (contents).

[0087] As shown in Figure 17, pouch-type pack 40 mainly includes a spout portion 41 (discharge pipe) that can be held in the mouth by a user, a bag-shaped bag member 42 (storage portion: member forming the storage space) into which the beverage is filled, and a rectangular plate-shaped member 43 (plate member). Pouch-type pack 40 is provided with spout portion 41 covered by bent plate-shaped member 43. Bag member 42 is formed from a sheet made by laminating synthetic resin films, aluminum foil, etc.

[0088] As shown in Figure 18, spout 41 is a rectangular parallelepiped portion provided at the top of bag member 42. A drinking spout 44 (discharge port) is provided at its tip (top surface). This drinking spout 44 has a horizontally long rectangular shape, making it easy for the user to hold in their mouth. In the following description, in bag member 42 shown in Figures 17 to 21, the side on which spout 41 is provided will be referred to as the front side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the rear side.

[0089] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, plate-shaped member 43 is attached to the upper part of bag member 42 in correspondence with spout portion 41. The width dimension of plate-shaped member 43 is approximately the same as the width dimension of spout portion 41. The length dimension of plate-shaped member 43 is longer than that of spout portion 41. Furthermore, plate-shaped member 43 is bendable at multiple locations in its longitudinal direction. By bending the multiple bends, plate-shaped member 43 can cover spout portion 41 from the rear side to the front side.

[0090] 19, plate-shaped member 43 can cover the rear, upper, and front sides of spout 41. The rear side of plate-shaped member 43 is provided with block-shaped stopper 45 that can close drinking opening 44 on the upper surface of spout 41.

[0091] Further, a hooking portion 47 is provided near the tip of plate-shaped member 43, which is hooked onto hooked portion 46 provided at the bottom of spout 41. Furthermore, the tip of plate-shaped member 43 is bent into a V-shape in side view, allowing a user to hook their finger. When a user wants to remove plate-shaped member 43 from spout 41, they hook their finger onto the tip of plate-shaped member 43, which elastically deforms the tip, allowing hooking portion 47 to be removed from hooked portion 46 of spout 41. Furthermore, when a user rocks plate-shaped member 43, stopper portion 45 is released from drinking opening 44 of spout 41, and plate-shaped member 43 is separated (released) from spout 41 (see FIG. 18 ).

[0092] A cavity is formed inside the box-shaped spout 41. This cavity serves as the front chamber 48 of Example 2. This front chamber 48 can be opened to the outside via the drinking spout 44 (see FIG. 20). A first opening 49 is formed on the rear side of the lower part of the spout 41. A second opening 50 is formed on the front side of the lower part of the spout 41. The first opening 49 and the second opening 50 are formed in positions facing each other. The first opening 49 and the second opening 50 are quadrangular (rectangular) openings with the same length and width dimensions (see FIG. 18).

[0093] The first opening 49 is a portion that opens toward the inside of the bag member 42. This first opening 49 is closed from the inside of the bag member 42 by a sealing film portion 51. The entire periphery of the sealing film portion 51 is adhered to the periphery of the first opening 49 (spout portion 41). The beverage filled inside the bag member 42 is kept sealed by the sealing film portion 51. Furthermore, the sealing film portion 51 is formed based on a sheet made by laminating synthetic resin films, aluminum foil, etc.

[0094] The second opening 50 is a portion that opens toward the outside. This second opening 50 is closed from the outside of the spout portion 41 by an operation membrane portion 52. The entire periphery of the operation membrane portion 52 is adhered to the periphery of the second opening 50 (spout portion 41). The second opening 50 closed by the operation membrane portion 52 serves as the operation portion of Example 2. The operation membrane portion 52 is formed from a material such as synthetic resin that is easily elastically deformed. The plate-like member 43 can cover the second opening 50 in which the operation membrane portion 52 is provided. The plate-like member 43 constitutes a protection means that protects the operation membrane portion 52 from external forces being applied thereto.

[0095] Furthermore, opening means 53 is provided in front chamber 48 of spout 41. This opening means 53 is a thin, plate-like protrusion with a semicircular edge at its tip (upper end) (see FIG. 18). This opening means 53 extends upward from the bottom surface of front chamber 48 of spout 41. Furthermore, opening means 53 is spaced apart from other inner surfaces of spout 41. Furthermore, opening means 53 is capable of swinging back and forth around its base end (lower end) as a fulcrum. In other words, opening means 53 is formed integrally with spout 41, but because opening means 53 is thin and plate-like, it is elastically deformable.

[0096] The sealing membrane 51 and the operating membrane 52 are arranged parallel to each other in a side view. Furthermore, the opening means 53 is arranged between the sealing membrane 51 and the operating membrane 52. The opening means 53 is arranged at an angle so that its tip side approaches the operating membrane 52. In other words, the opening means 53 is arranged at an angle so that its tip side moves away from the sealing membrane 51, and the sealing membrane 51, operating membrane 52, and opening means 53 are not parallel to each other in a side view.

[0097] The opening means 53 is provided with a blade that protrudes toward the sealing membrane 51. This blade has an acute angle and can penetrate the sealing membrane 51. This blade extends from the edge of the tip of the opening means 53 to the edge of the side end. When the opening means 53 is pressed, the blade of the opening means 53 comes into contact with the sealing membrane 51, forming a cut in the sealing membrane 51 (see FIG. 20 ). This blade is formed in a U-shape (horseshoe shape) in plan view, as in Example 1. When this blade penetrates the sealing membrane 51, a U-shaped (horseshoe-shaped) cut (opening) is formed in the sealing membrane 51. By forming a U-shaped cut in the sealing membrane 51 in this way, the sealing membrane 51 can be opened without generating any cut pieces in the sealing membrane 51.

[0098] Further, inside the bag member 42, there is provided an adhesion prevention portion 54 (space forming portion) that prevents the inner surfaces of the bag member 42 from adhering to each other. This adhesion prevention portion 54 is a portion formed integrally with the spout portion 41 and is composed of two plate-like portions that extend rearward from the rear surface side of the spout portion 41 and extend long downward. These two plate-like portions are arranged parallel to each other, with the first opening 49 disposed therebetween. The provision of this adhesion prevention portion 54 prevents the inner surface of the bag member 42 from approaching (contacting) the sealing membrane portion 51 (first opening 49). Therefore, a space is formed to ensure the penetration length for the blade portion of the opening means 53 to penetrate into the bag member 42 from the outside of the bag member 42, past the sealing membrane portion 51 in its normal position (non-bulging position).

[0099] 18 and 20, when the user removes the plate-like member 43 from the spout 41, the operating membrane 52 is exposed and the stopper 45 is removed from the drinking spout 44. In this state, when the user presses the operating membrane 52 with their thumb, the opening means 53 is moved from its normal position toward the sealing membrane 51, and the blade penetrates the sealing membrane 51, opening the sealing membrane 51. Once the sealing membrane 51 is opened, the beverage in the bag member 42 can flow into the front chamber 48.

[0100] Furthermore, when the user releases the thumb from the operating membrane 52, the opening means 53 returns to its normal position (separated position) away from the sealing membrane 51 due to its elastic force (see FIG. 21). Therefore, the opening means 53 is separated from the opening formed in the sealing membrane 51, and does not prevent the opening means 53 from interfering with the discharge of the beverage in the bag member 42 into the front chamber 48. The part of the opening means 53 that has elastic force and can return to its normal position constitutes the moving means of the second embodiment.

[0101] In addition, since the operation membrane 52 (confirmation means) is made of a transparent material, the user can confirm through the operation membrane 52 whether or not the beverage can flow into the front chamber 48. In other words, the user can confirm through the operation membrane 52 that the sealing membrane 51 has been opened and the beverage can be consumed.

[0102] 21 , after the sealing membrane 51 is opened, when the user grips the flexible bag member 42, the pressure of the beverage inside the bag member 42 increases, causing the beverage to flow out from the opening of the sealing membrane 51 into the front chamber 48 and also out of the drinking opening 44 of the spout 41. The user can also suck out the beverage inside the bag member 42 by holding the drinking opening 44 in their mouth. When the user sucks out the beverage, the adhesion prevention portion 54 inside the bag member 42 prevents the inner surfaces of the bag members 42 from sticking together, allowing the user to stably suck out the beverage inside the bag member 42.

[0103] After the beverage inside the bag member 42 has been consumed, the plate-shaped member 43 can be swung to reattach the plate-shaped member 43 to the spout portion 41. At this time, the drinking opening 44 of the spout portion 41 is again closed by the stopper portion 45 of the plate-shaped member 43. Therefore, even if beverage remains inside the bag member 42, the beverage will not spill out from the drinking opening 44. Alternatively, the sealing membrane portion 51 may be opened with the drinking opening 44 closed by the stopper portion 45, and then the stopper portion 45 may be removed from the drinking opening 44. This prevents the beverage inside the bag member 42 from spilling out simultaneously with the opening of the sealing membrane portion 51. Alternatively, the plate-shaped member 43 may be made of a material such as synthetic resin, and the stopper portion 45 may be made of a material such as an elastomer that is easily elastically deformable, and the plate-shaped member 43 and the stopper portion 45 may be manufactured as an integrated member by two-color molding (molding of different materials).

[0104] As described above, in the pouch-type pack 40 of Example 2, the user presses the operating membrane 52 to cause the opening means 53 to pierce the sealing membrane 51, and the beverage can be discharged from the bag member 42 at a timing different from the timing at which the sealing membrane 51 is pierced, so that the user can only perform the operation of opening the sealing membrane 51, and can therefore arbitrarily adjust the timing at which the beverage is discharged. Note that in Example 2, the discharge means is constituted by the bag member 42, which can discharge the internal fluid by applying pressure from the outside or by the user sucking.

[0105] In addition, in a conventional spout pouch pack with a screw cap, if the contents contain very small molecules (such as hydrogen), there is a risk that these small molecules will leak out from the screw cap, but in the pouch-type pack 40 of Example 2, the first opening 49 is closed by the sealing membrane 51 to maintain high airtightness, so the contents can be maintained for a long period of time even if the contents contain small molecules that tend to leak. Also, if a screw cap is used to improve the seal, the screw cap must be tightened, making it difficult to open, but the pouch-type pack 40 of Example 2 can improve the seal and can be easily opened.

[0106] The pouch-type pack 40 of Example 2 does not have to be a tool operated by human fingers, and the pouch-type pack 40 may be used as a component (cartridge) that is detachably mounted on a predetermined device. [Example]

[0107] Next, a sealed container according to Example 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 22 to Fig. 28. Reference numeral 60 in Fig. 22 denotes a portion-type container serving as the sealed container of Example 3. This portion-type container 60 is a small cup container that is provided pre-filled with a beverage (contents) such as cream (dairy product) or gum syrup to be added to coffee, tea, etc.

[0108] As shown in Figures 22 and 26, the portion-shaped container 60 mainly includes a cup portion 61 (storage portion: a member forming a storage space) having a cup shape (cylindrical shape with a bottom) for storing a beverage, a sealing membrane portion 62 that closes and seals the upper opening of the cup portion 61, opening means 63 that extends upward from one end of the cup portion 61 and is provided adjacent to the sealing membrane portion 62, and a lid member 64 (protection means) that covers the sealing membrane portion 62 and the opening means 63. The sealing membrane portion 62 is formed based on a sheet made by laminating synthetic resin films, aluminum foil, or the like. The cup portion 61 is formed from a material such as opaque synthetic resin. The lid member 64 is formed from a material such as transparent synthetic resin.

[0109] As shown in Figure 25, the cup portion 61 has a circular shape in plan view. The periphery of the sealing film 62 is adhered to a peripheral piece 65 around the opening of the cup portion 61, so that the sealing film 62 seals the inside of the cup portion 61. Furthermore, the lid member 64 has a circular shape in plan view corresponding to the peripheral piece 65 of the cup portion 61. By covering the sealing film 62 and the opening means 63 with this lid member 64, it is possible to prevent the opening means 63 from moving toward the sealing film 62 and damaging the sealing film 62 when an external force is inadvertently applied to the portion-shaped container 60 before use (during transport). It is also possible to prevent other members from coming into contact with the sealing film 62 and damaging it.

[0110] Furthermore, a hooking rib 66 that hooks onto a peripheral edge piece 65 of the cup portion 61 protrudes from the inner peripheral side of the peripheral edge of the lid member 64. The hooking rib 66 is provided over the entire length of the inner peripheral surface of the lid member 64. By removing the hooking rib 66 from the peripheral edge piece 65 of the cup portion 61, the lid member 64 can be separated from the cup portion 61 (see Figure 23).

[0111] The opening means 63 is a thin, plate-like protruding piece with a semicircular edge at its tip end. The opening means 63 extends upward from a portion of the peripheral piece 65 of the cup portion 61, is bent into an inverted L-shape in side view, and is provided above the sealing membrane 62 (see FIG. 26). The opening means 63 is disposed parallel to the sealing membrane 62 in side view. The opening means 63 can swing up and down around its base end as a fulcrum. The flat, plate-like upper surface of the opening means 63 constitutes the operating portion of the third embodiment. The user can open the sealing membrane 62 by pressing the upper surface of the opening means 63 with their finger (see FIGS. 23 and 27).

[0112] As shown in Figures 25 and 26, the opening means 63 is provided with a blade portion 67 that protrudes downward. The lower edge of this blade portion 67 is saw-toothed with a number of protrusions lined up. This blade portion 67 is capable of cutting the sealing film portion 62. This blade portion 67 extends from the edge of the tip of the opening means 63 to the edge of its side end. In other words, the blade portion 67 is formed in a U-shape (horseshoe shape) in a plan view. At least a portion (tip portion) of this blade portion 67 has a curve that matches the curved shape of the inner surface of the cup portion 61 in a plan view. When this blade portion 67 cuts the sealing film portion 62, a U-shaped (horseshoe-shaped) slit (opening) is formed in the sealing film portion 62.

[0113] The blade portion 67 of Example 3 does not have to be configured as a sharp portion capable of completely penetrating the sealing membrane 62. For example, when a user presses the opening means 63, the sawtooth blade portion 67 may come into contact with the sealing membrane 62, forming a perforation in the sealing membrane 62. Furthermore, when a user simultaneously presses the perforated sealing membrane 62 and the opening means 63 with their fingers, the sealing membrane 62 tears along the perforation, and the sealing membrane 62 is opened.

[0114] 23 and 27, when a user removes the lid member 64 from the cup part 61, the opening means 63 and the sealing membrane 62 are exposed. In this state, when a user presses the upper surface of the opening means 63 with their thumb, the opening means 63 is moved from its normal position toward the sealing membrane 62, and the blade part 67 cuts the sealing membrane 62, thereby opening the sealing membrane 62. In other words, the blade part 67 moves beyond the sealing membrane 62 in its normal position, thereby opening the sealing membrane 62. Then, once the sealing membrane 62 is opened, the beverage can be dispensed from the cup part 61.

[0115] In Example 3, the user can operate the opening means 63 while being able to see the opening means 63 and the sealing film 62, so the user can know when the sealing film 62 is about to be opened. In addition, the user can perform the opening operation while directly touching the opening means 63, so the user can know when the sealing film 62 is about to be opened. Therefore, not only will the sealing film 62 not be suddenly opened, but there will also be no risk of the beverage inside the cup 61 splashing out.

[0116] Furthermore, when the user releases the thumb from the opening means 63, the opening means 63 returns to its normal position (retracted position) away from the sealing membrane 62 due to its elasticity (see FIG. 28). Therefore, the opening means 63 is separated from the opening formed in the sealing membrane 62, and the opening means 63 does not prevent the beverage in the cup portion 61 from being dispensed. The part of the opening means 63 that has elasticity and can return to its normal position constitutes the moving means of the third embodiment. Then, when the portion-shaped container 60 is tilted with the sealing membrane 62 opened, the beverage in the cup portion 61 is dispensed (see FIG. 24). The user can also adjust the timing at which the beverage is dispensed as desired. At least a portion of the slit is formed in a position close to the inner surface of the cup portion 61. Therefore, the beverage in the cup portion 61 can be dispensed down to the last drop.

[0117] An auxiliary part 68 (maintenance means) is attached to the back surface of the sealing film part 62 to maintain the state in which the opening of the sealing film part 62 is enlarged from the slit formed by the blade part 67 (see Figure 25). The auxiliary part 68 is provided in the center of the sealing film part 62 so as not to come into contact with the U-shaped blade part 67. The auxiliary part 68 is a thick member made of synthetic resin or the like, and once bent, it maintains the bent state.

[0118] 27, when a user simultaneously presses the opened sealing membrane 62 and the opening means 63 with their fingers, the opening of the sealing membrane 62 is enlarged. This enlarged state of the opening of the sealing membrane 62 is maintained by the auxiliary part 68. Therefore, when the beverage inside the cup part 61 flows out from the opening of the sealing membrane 62, the flow of the beverage does not close the opening of the sealing membrane 62, and the beverage can be discharged smoothly.

[0119] In the third embodiment, the auxiliary part 68 is a separate member from the sealing film part 62, but the auxiliary part 68 may be configured as an integral part of the sealing film part 62. For example, the sealing film part 62 itself may be configured from a material that maintains the bent state once it is bent. Also, a maintaining means may be configured to prevent the opening means 63 that has opened the sealing film part 62 from returning to its normal position, and to maintain the pressed-in state (shape) of the opening means 63, thereby maintaining the expanded opening of the sealing film part 62.

[0120] After the beverage inside the cup portion 61 has been discharged, the lid member 64 is reattached to the cup portion 61 so that the lid member 64 covers the sealing film portion 62 and the opening means 63. In this way, even if there is beverage remaining inside the cup portion 61, the beverage will not spill out from the opening of the sealing film portion 62.

[0121] As described above, in the portion-shaped container 60 of the third embodiment, the sealing film 62 can be opened using the opening means 63, so that the user can easily open the portion-shaped container 60.

[0122] Furthermore, since the opening means 63 is provided inseparably with the cup portion 61, the opening means 63 becomes an integral part of the cup portion 61, which prevents the opening means 63 from being lost and also allows the user to discard the portion-shaped container 60 after use as an integral part of the cup portion 61. [Example]

[0123] Next, a sealed container according to Example 4 will be described with reference to Figures 29 to 33. Note that the same components as those shown in Example 3 above will be assigned the same reference numerals and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0124] As shown in Figures 29, 30, and 31, opening means 71 of portion-shaped container 70, which is a sealed container of Example 4, extends obliquely upward from a part of peripheral piece 65 of cup portion 61. Furthermore, opening means 71 is capable of swinging up and down with its base end side as a fulcrum. When a user presses the upper surface of opening means 71 with their finger, sealing film portion 62 can be opened (see Figure 32).

[0125] The opening means 71 of Example 4 is provided with three (plural) opening protrusions 72 that protrude downward. These opening protrusions 72 are arranged on the underside of the opening means 71, aligned along a curve so as to match the curved shape of the inner surface of the cup portion 61. These opening protrusions 72 penetrate the sealing membrane portion 62, thereby forming three (plural) discharge holes 74 (openings) in the sealing membrane portion 62. These discharge holes 74 are formed along the curved shape of the inner surface of the cup portion 61 in a plan view. Furthermore, at a position away from this opening protrusion 72, one (single) air hole protrusion 73 (air hole forming means) is provided for forming an air hole 75 for introducing air into the cup portion 61 in addition to the discharge hole 74 formed in the sealing membrane portion 62.

[0126] The opening protrusion 72 is provided on the tip side of the opening means 71. The air hole protrusion 73 is provided on the base end side of the opening means 71. The opening means 71 is capable of swinging up and down around its base end side as a fulcrum. The opening protrusion 72 and the air hole protrusion 73 are formed in a conical shape with an acute angle at the bottom end. The opening protrusion 72 and the air hole protrusion 73 may also be formed in a pyramidal or rod shape. Multiple opening protrusions 72 may be provided over the entire bottom surface of the opening means 71, and multiple discharge holes 74 may be formed over the entire sealing membrane 62 by these opening protrusions 72. The multiple opening protrusions 72 may have different dimensions. Alternatively, a single large opening protrusion 72 may be provided.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 31 , a lid member 64 (protective means) is provided to cover the sealing membrane 62 and the opening means 71. As shown in FIG. 32 , when a user removes the lid member 64 from the cup portion 61, the opening means 71 and the sealing membrane 62 are exposed. In this state, when a user presses the upper surface of the opening means 71 with their thumb, the opening means 71 moves from its normal position toward the sealing membrane 62, and the movement of the opening means 71 is stopped when the lower surface of the opening means 71 comes into contact with the upper surface of the sealing membrane 62. Note that the movement of the opening means 71 can also be stopped when the tip of the opening means 71 abuts (is hooked onto) the peripheral piece 65 of the cup portion 61. In this state, the opening protrusion 72 and the air hole protrusion 73 penetrate the sealing membrane 62. In other words, the sealing membrane 62 is opened when the opening protrusion 72 and the air hole protrusion 73 pass over the sealing membrane 62 in its normal position. In this way, a discharge hole 74 (first opening) and an air hole 75 (second opening) are formed in the sealing membrane 62 (see FIG. 33). Note that the portion where the opening means 71 cannot move any further when the lower surface of the opening means 71 comes into contact with the upper surface of the sealing membrane 62 or when the tip of the opening means 71 hits the peripheral piece 65 of the cup part 61 constitutes the intrusion prevention means of Example 4. Furthermore, when the sealing membrane 62 is opened, the upper surface of the sealing membrane 62 is covered by the opening means 71, so that the beverage does not splash. Note that the fulcrum for the swinging of the opening means 71 is located at a position approximately at the same height as the position of the sealing membrane 62. Therefore, the entire lower surface of the opening means 71 can be tightly attached to the upper surface of the sealing membrane 62.

[0128] Furthermore, when the user releases the thumb from the opening means 71, the opening means 71 returns to its normal position (separated position) away from the sealing membrane 62 due to its elasticity (see FIG. 33). Therefore, the opening means 71 is separated from the discharge hole 74 and the air hole 75 formed in the sealing membrane 62, and the beverage in the cup portion 61 is not prevented from being discharged through the discharge hole 74, and air is not prevented from flowing into the cup portion 61 through the air hole 75. The portion of the opening means 71 that has elasticity and can return to its normal position constitutes the moving means of the fourth embodiment. When the portion-shaped container 70 is tilted with the sealing membrane 62 opened, the beverage in the cup portion 61 is discharged through the discharge hole 74. The user can also adjust the timing at which the beverage is discharged. The discharge hole 74 is formed in a position close to the inner surface of the cup portion 61 in a plan view. Therefore, the beverage in the cup portion 61 can be discharged down to the last drop. Furthermore, air hole 75 is provided at a position opposite to discharge hole 74 across the center of cup part 61. Therefore, when cup part 61 is tilted to discharge beverage from discharge hole 74, there is no risk of air hole 75 being blocked by beverage.

[0129] As described above, in the portion-shaped container 70 of Example 4, air holes 75 are formed in the sealing membrane 62, so that when the beverage in the cup portion 61 is discharged through the discharge hole 74 formed in the sealing membrane 62, air flows into the cup portion 61 through the air holes 75, allowing the beverage to be discharged smoothly. In particular, if the contents are composed of a viscous liquid such as cream or gum syrup, there is a risk that a liquid film will form at the discharge hole 74 when the beverage is discharged through the discharge hole 74. In Example 4, the air holes 75 are formed separately from the discharge hole 74, so that air can flow into the cup portion 61 even if a liquid film forms at the discharge hole 74.

[0130] In addition, the air hole protrusion 73 is arranged to be movable toward the sealing membrane portion 62 as the opening means 71 moves, so that the air hole 75 can be formed at the same time as the sealing membrane portion 62 is opened using the opening means 71, allowing the user to easily form the air hole 75 in the sealing membrane portion 62.

[0131] In Examples 3 and 4, liquid beverages such as cream (milk drinks) and gum syrup are contained in portion-type containers 60 and 70, but free-flowing powdered substances (powder) such as sugar, salt, and pepper may also be contained in portion-type containers 60 and 70. Furthermore, contents other than food and drink, such as mouthwash, may also be contained in portion-type containers 60 and 70.

[0132] The sealed container according to the present invention has been described above based on Examples 1 to 4, but the same effect can be achieved by applying the configuration applied in any one of the Examples to the other Examples. The configurations applied in the respective Examples may be combined. For example, the opening means 71 having the opening protrusion 72 of Example 4 may be applied to the opening means 15, 53 of Examples 1 and 2. Note that "means" may also be referred to as "part," "mechanism," "element," etc.

[0133] The sealed container of the present invention does not need to be highly airtight, as long as it can hold the contents of the container in a sealed state so as not to leak out, and may be one that allows substances other than the contents (e.g., air) to pass between the inside and outside of the container. For example, the bag members 3 and 42 of the above-described embodiments may be formed with minute holes that allow air to pass through.

[0134] Although the sealed container of the present invention contains a liquid (fluid) content such as a medicinal liquid or a beverage, the sealed container of the present invention may also be used as a container for containing liquid condiments such as ketchup or sauce, or chemical products such as paints, detergents, adhesives, etc. The content of the present invention is not limited to a liquid, and may also be a gas or a powdery substance (powder) as long as it is a substance that moves fluidly. [Industrial Applicability]

[0135] The sealed container of the present invention can be used not only for food packaging, medical equipment, daily necessities, etc., but also for other industrial products, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1: prefilled syringe, 2: injection needle, 3: bag member, 4: plate-shaped member, 40: pouch-type pack, 41: spout portion, 42: bag member, 43: plate-shaped member, 60: portion-type container, 61: cup portion.

Claims

[Claim 1] A sealed container as described in the detailed description of the invention in the specification attached to this application.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Portable drug solution container

    WO2008010262A1