Dispenser head and dispenser for dispensing units of drugs, nutritional supplements, or food products.

Abstract

A dispenser head (100) for dispensing units (C) of a medicine, dietary supplement or food product is provided, the dispenser head (100) including an input duct (102) extending along an input axis (104) and connecting an inlet port (106) for receiving units (C) from a reservoir (11) with an outlet port (108) for dispensing the units (C), a support (130) for the units (C) extending from the outlet port (108) parallel to the input axis (104), and a holding portion (110) extending from the support (130).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a dispenser for discharging units (minimum constituent units) of drugs, nutritional supplements (food supplements), or foods.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0002] The problems of the prior art are solved by the dispenser head according to claim 1 and the dispenser according to another independent claim. Further advantageous features are described in further claims, the following description, and the drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] According to a first aspect of this specification, there is provided a dispenser head for discharging units of drugs, nutritional supplements, or foods, particularly in the form of capsules or tablets. This dispenser head includes a feed duct that extends along a feed axis and connects an inlet port for receiving the unit from a reservoir to an outlet port for discharging the unit, a support portion for the unit that extends from the outlet port parallel to the feed axis, and a holding portion that extends from the support portion.

[0004] This dispenser head can discharge a single unit, which the user can pick up (take by hand, receive). This dispenser head can discharge another individual unit only after the aforementioned individual unit has been removed.

[0005] Conveniently, the support holds the unit being dispensed through the outlet port. The retainer moves along the dispensing axis and stops the movement of the unit supported by the support. The user can then receive the unit with their fingers. Conveniently, the retainer restricts the removal of the unit along the dispensing axis. The user is provided with only one single unit at a time, and the user can remove this single unit from the dispenser head, avoiding undesirable contact with the capsule or table in the recipient / reservoir. Furthermore, multiple units stored in the recipient or reservoir are protected from user contact. Thus, the remaining multiple units are protected from contamination.

[0006] Therefore, the dispenser head solves the problems of dispensing and contamination associated with existing bottles and containers.

[0007] Examples of drug units include capsules with an outer shell that encloses the drug, and pills or tablets that contain the drug.

[0008] Examples of foods or nutritional supplements include candies, sweeteners, and sugar globules.

[0009] In a favorable example, the exit port is defined by a notch that opens toward the retaining portion and toward the supporting portion.

[0010] Conveniently, the notch allows the distal end of the unit to be lifted upward, thereby allowing the unit to be removed from the support without being obstructed by the retaining part.

[0011] In a favorable example, two parallel walls extending from the support define the exit port.

[0012] Conveniently, the units, especially the capsules, cannot escape to the sides.

[0013] According to a favorable example, the retaining portion includes a recess facing the outlet port.

[0014] This recess holds the unit after it has partially exited the exit port. The recess, along with the exit port and support, keeps the capsule in its removal position.

[0015] According to a favorable example, the support portion includes a recess facing the input shaft.

[0016] Conveniently, the recess in the support section receives the unit, preventing it from falling unintentionally.

[0017] In favorable examples, the support section tapers towards the holding section.

[0018] The resulting lateral notches in the support section allow the user to grasp the side of the unit with their fingers.

[0019] According to a favorable example, the dispenser head includes an enclosure and a feed body which is movably positioned within the enclosure along an axis between a retracted position and a pickup position and includes a feed duct, a support and a holding part.

[0020] Conveniently, gravity and / or additional force from the user move the input object to the retracted or pickup position. Retracting the input object causes the pickup unit to retract. Conveniently, this retraction action separates the seal from the pickup problem.

[0021] According to a favorable example, the enclosure includes a distal opening, and when the input is in its pickup position, the support and holding parts extend through the distal opening.

[0022] Conveniently, as the input object is moved to the pickup position, the pickup unit passes through the distal opening of the encapsulated object.

[0023] According to another advantageous example, the dispenser head includes a lid having a closure configured to close the distal opening.

[0024] Thus, the dispenser can be sealed to avoid unwanted moisture intrusion.

[0025] According to an advantageous example, the dispenser head includes an auxiliary weight body movably attached to the insertion body.

[0026] Advantageously, the auxiliary weight body helps reduce the weight of the insertion body itself while increasing the overall weight of the movable body.

[0027] According to an advantageous example, the auxiliary weight body includes a desiccant.

[0028] Advantageously, the desiccant is integrated with the dispenser head. It is possible to avoid loose desiccant bullets inside the reservoir.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present specification, a dispenser for discharging units of drugs, dietary supplements or foods is provided. This dispenser includes a dispenser head according to the first aspect and a reservoir for storing a plurality of units.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] An example of a dispenser for discharging a single unit is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic cross-sectional view of the discharge head is shown. [Figure 3] A schematic cross-sectional view of the discharge head is shown. [Figure 4a] The discharge heads of FIGS. 1 to 3 are shown in perspective view. [Figure 4b] The discharge heads of FIGS. 1 to 3 are shown in perspective view. [Figure 5] An example of a dispenser for discharging a single unit is shown. [Figure 6]Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a discharge head. [Figure 7] The discharge head in Figure 5 is shown in a perspective view. [Figure 8] The discharge head in Figure 5 is shown in a perspective view. [Figure 9] Figure 5 shows a rear view of the discharge head. [Figure 10] An example of a dispenser that dispenses a single unit is shown. [Figure 11] This is the dosing body for the discharge head. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of the input object in its retracted position. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of the input object at the pickup position. [Figure 14] These are the input and encapsulation bodies. [Figure 15] This is the input material for the discharge head. [Figure 16] This is the input material for the discharge head. [Figure 17] This is the input material for the discharge head. [Figure 18] This is the input material for the discharge head. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Figures 1 to 4 show a first example of a dispenser head 400 for dispenser 40, which dispenses units of pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, or food. Dispenser 40 includes a dispenser head 400 and a reservoir 41.

[0032] The input duct 402 for the input body 452 extends along the input shaft 404 and connects an inlet port 406 for receiving unit C from the reservoir 41 and an outlet port 408 for discharging unit C. The support portion 430 of the input body 452 of unit C extends parallel to the input shaft 404 from the outlet port 408. The retaining portion 410 of the input body 452 extends at least partially perpendicular to the input shaft 404 from the distal end of the support portion 430, the retaining portion 410 is located distal to the outlet port 408 and extends within the virtual extension line 412 of the input duct 402.

[0033] The outlet port 408 is defined by a concave notch 432 that opens toward the retaining portion 410. The concave notch 432 opens toward the support portion 430. Two parallel walls 602 and 604 extending from the support portion 430 define the outlet port 408.

[0034] A single retaining section 410 is located distal to the outlet port 408. The retaining section 410 extends into the virtual extension line 412 of the input duct 402. A support section 430 that supports the pharmaceutical unit extends parallel to the input shaft 404 from the outlet port 408. The retaining section 410 is located at the distal end of the support section 430. The retaining section 410 extends into the virtual extension line 412.

[0035] The retaining portion 410 includes a recess 434 facing the outlet port 408. Part of the recess 434 follows a virtual sphere. The support portion 430 includes a recess 436 facing the input shaft 404. Part of the recess 436 follows the cylindrical wall of a virtual cylinder with the input shaft 404 as its cylindrical axis. The recesses 434 and 436 are formed to accommodate a unit C in the shape of an elongated capsule. To prevent unwanted detachment or falling of the unit c due to how the user opens / handles the dispenser, the recesses 434 and 436 improve the retention of the unit c.

[0036] Figures 2 and 3 show that the elongated capsule-shaped unit C to be dispensed is longer than the distance D1 between the retaining element 410 and the notch 432. This distance D1 prevents the capsule from falling out of the pickup area. The gap D2 between the retaining element 410 and the exit port 408 is smaller than the distance D1, allowing the user to grasp the unit C with their fingers.

[0037] Two parallel walls 602 and 604 extend from the support 430 and define the exit port 408. Walls 602 and 604 define corresponding edges. Walls 602 and 604 restrict the lateral movement of unit C relative to the edges of the retaining 434.

[0038] The lid 490 includes an inner locking portion 492 that locks the pickup area defined by the retaining portion 410 and the support portion 430.

[0039] The access shaft 405 extends perpendicular to the shaft 404 and passes through two opposing U-shaped access openings, each having a U-shape. The discharged unit C protrudes over these openings, allowing the unit to be picked up with the index finger and thumb. As shown in Figure 2, the two opposing U-shaped access openings are provided by at least the support portion 430, and in particular by the retaining portion 410 and the outlet port 408.

[0040] The input shaft 404 passes through the holding portion 410. The holding element 410 extends from the distal end of the support portion 430. The holding element 410 extends from the distal end of the support portion 430 at least partially perpendicular to the input shaft 404. Therefore, the holding portion 410 is configured to restrict the movement of unit C along the input shaft 404.

[0041] Figures 5 to 9 show a second example of a dispenser head 700 for dispenser 70. Dispenser 70 includes a dispenser head 700 and a reservoir 71.

[0042] The input duct 702 extends along the input shaft 704 and connects an inlet port 706 for receiving unit P from the reservoir 71 and an outlet port 708 for discharging unit P. The support portion 730 of unit P extends parallel to the input shaft 704 from the outlet port 708. The retaining portion 710 extends at least partially perpendicular to the input shaft 704 from the distal end of the support portion 730, and the retaining portion 710 is positioned distal to the outlet port 708 and extends within the virtual extension line 712 of the input duct 702.

[0043] The support portion 730 tapers towards the retaining portion 710. The gap D2 between the short side walls 780, 782 of the outlet port 708 and the retaining element 710 is smaller than the diameter of the disc-shaped unit P but larger than half the diameter of the disc-shaped unit P.

[0044] The lid 790 shown in Figure 6 includes at least one internal locking projection 792 that locks the pickup area provided by the retaining portion 710 and the support portion 730. The at least one locking projection 792 prevents the unit P from exiting the exit port 708 by entering the lateral area of ​​the pickup area.

[0045] As shown in Figure 9, the inlet port 706 has a first gap or opening width E1 that extends perpendicularly to the support portion 730. The first gap E1 is greater than the height of the unit and less than twice the height. The second gap or opening width E2 extends parallel to the support portion 730. The second gap E2 is greater than the diameter of the unit and less than twice the diameter. Referring to the height and diameter of unit P, a cylindrical outer shape of unit P is assumed. Therefore, the height of unit P is the cylinder height, and the diameter of unit P is the cylinder diameter.

[0046] The inlet port 706 has a crescent-shaped funnel form. Therefore, the feed duct 702 begins crescent-shaped from the inlet port 706. The curved shape of the inlet port 706 is established by the long sides being bent in the same direction. A central cruciate stem F1 near the inlet port 706 prevents unattached silica gel spheres from entering the feed duct 702, while allowing unit P to flow into the feed duct 702 through the inlet port 706. Furthermore, this shape allows the feed duct 702 to receive and discharge only a single unit C at the outlet port 708.

[0047] The access shaft 705 extends perpendicularly to the input shaft 704 and passes through two opposing U-shaped access openings, each having a U-shape. The discharged unit P protrudes over these openings, allowing the unit to be removed with the index finger and thumb.

[0048] Figures 10 to 14 show a third example of a dispenser head 100 for dispenser 10. Dispenser 10 includes a dispenser head 100 and a reservoir 11.

[0049] The input duct 102 extends along the input shaft 104 and connects an inlet port 106 for receiving unit C from the reservoir 11 and an outlet port 108 for discharging unit C. The support portion 130 of unit C extends from the outlet port 108 parallel to the input shaft 104. The retaining portion 110 extends from the distal end of the support portion 130 at least partially perpendicular to the input shaft 104, and the retaining portion 110 is positioned distal to the outlet port 108 and extends within the virtual extension line 112 of the input duct 102.

[0050] The dispenser head 100 includes an enclosure 150 and a feed unit 152. The feed unit 152 includes a feed duct 102, a support part 130, and a holding part 110.

[0051] The input body 152 is positioned inside the enclosure 150 so as to be movable between a retracted position and a pickup position along an axis 156 parallel to the input shaft 104.

[0052] The enclosure 150 includes a distal opening 154, and when the input container 152 is in its pickup position, the support portion 130 and the holding portion 110 that form the pickup portion extend through this opening. The lid 190 closes the distal opening 154. The lid 190 includes a closure portion 194 configured to close the distal opening 154. When the flip-off type lid 190 is in its closed position, the closure portion 194, including, for example, an outer cylindrical surface, engages with the distal opening 154, including, for example, an inner cylindrical surface. Figure 12 shows the input container 152 in the retracted position. Figure 13 shows the input container 152 in the pickup position.

[0053] The dispenser head 100 includes an auxiliary weight 160. This auxiliary weight 160 is, for example, cylindrical, movable along an axis 162 parallel to the input shaft 104, and is movably attached to the input unit 152. When the auxiliary weight 160 moves and stops in the stopping area of ​​the input unit 152, the resulting impact facilitates the movement of the input unit 152 to the desired position. The auxiliary weight 160 includes a desiccant, such as silica gel, to keep the unit housed in the reservoir 11 dry during the storage period.

[0054] The auxiliary weight 160 is housed in the housing 164 of the input body 152. The housing 164 includes a cylindrical inner wall and base. As shown in Figure 14, the base of the housing 164 includes an opening 174 smaller than the dimensions of unit C. The opening 174 allows the desiccant of the auxiliary weight 160 to be in fluid communication with the reservoir 11.

[0055] At least one hook 166 secures the auxiliary weight 160. At least one hook 166 and the housing 164 represent a guide means for the auxiliary weight 160.

[0056] The longitudinal grooves 170a-d on the sides are located on the sides of the input body 152. As shown in Figure 14, each of the longitudinal grooves 170a-d of the input body 152 engages with the corresponding one of the longitudinal inner projections 172a-d of the enclosure body 150. Thus, the grooves 170a-d and projections 172a-d represent guiding means for the input body 152. The aforementioned guiding means allow the input body 152 to slide from its retracted position to its pickup position and vice versa.

[0057] Figure 15 shows the input unit 152 from the rear. Differences from the input unit 152 in Figure 11 include a) the need to lift it in the reverse direction to remove unit C, and b) the inlet port 106 being different from the one shown in Figure 14.

[0058] The inlet port 106 includes a first opening width E1, which is perpendicular to the input shaft 104 and is larger than the second opening width E2 of the inlet port. The second opening width E2 is positioned perpendicular to the input shaft 104. The second opening width E2 is positioned perpendicular to the first opening width E1.

[0059] The two opposing U-shaped access openings are provided by at least the support portion 130, and in particular by the retaining portion 110 and the exit port 108. The access shaft 205 extends through these access openings and is positioned perpendicular to the input shaft 104.

[0060] Figure 16 shows the use of the dispenser head 100 with the input body 152. The longitudinally extending portion of the inlet port 106 is parallel to the access axis 105, which extends through the opposing access opening. The inlet port 106 consists of an outer circular segment and an inner V-shaped segment that opens toward the center of the inlet port 106.

[0061] By shaking the dispenser like a bell and / or along the bidirectional arrows shown in the illustration, the illustrated capsules are successively supplied to the input duct 102. Conveniently, these capsules flow freely to the outlet port. Because the inlet port 106 widens in the direction of the access axis 105 and narrows in the direction perpendicular to the access axis 105, the capsules generate the maximum jamming force parallel to the access axis 105. The rocking motion along the access axis 105 prevents this jamming effect and releases the capsules. This rocking motion is easy to perform manually and is particularly effective in preventing capsule jamming. Furthermore, when the user grasps the dispenser by hand, they intuitively rock the dispenser along the access axis 105 so that they can grasp the dispensed unit or capsule by hand. This is why the aforementioned orientation of the inlet port is advantageous.

[0062] Between the inlet port 106 and the dam 1600, there is a sharp edge 1602 having at least one radius of curvature greater than 0.01 mm and less than 7 mm, and especially greater than 0.2 mm and less than 3 mm. The radius of curvature of the sharp edge is perpendicular to the path of the edge of the inlet port 106.

[0063] Figures 17 and 18 show, for example, different modifications of the dispenser head 400 of Figure 2. The dispenser head 400 of Figure 17 includes an inlet port 406, which includes a circumferential sharp edge 1602 having at least one radius of curvature greater than 0.2 mm and less than 5 mm, in particular greater than 0.5 mm and less than 3 mm. The radius of curvature of the sharp edge 1602 is perpendicular to the path of the edge 1602 of the inlet port 406. The periphery is a semi-circular first arc centered on the input shaft 404. Segments and 406A and the second segment 406B extending between both ends of the first segment 406A It consists of, 2nd segment 406B The input axis 404 Two positioned perpendicular to each other straight line subsegments 407A; 407B And these two subsegments 407A; 407BA central semicircular subsegment positioned between them 407C and It has.

[0064] Figure 18 specifically illustrates that the sharp edge 1602 of the inlet port 406 may be intermittent. This interruption is particularly advantageous when at least a portion of the sharp edge 1602 is composed of several segments.

[0065] Figure 19 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the dispenser showing what happens when the dispenser head 400 is facing downwards. The dam 1600 prevents the capsules in the container 41 from interfering with each other in the inlet duct, so that the capsules do not clog the inner inlet port. Specifically, the dam 1600 provides a barrier to a portion of the capsules. The edge between the dam 1600 and the inlet port restricts the inlet port, allowing the capsules to be dispensed without clogging.

Claims

1. A dispenser head (400; 700; 100) for dispensing units (C; P) of drugs, nutritional supplements, or food products, An inlet port (406;706;106) for receiving the unit (C;P) from the reservoir (41;71;11) is connected to an outlet port (408;708;108) for discharging the unit (C;P), and an inlet duct (402;702;102) extending along the inlet shaft (404;704;104) is provided, Supports (430; 730; 130) for the unit (C; P) extend parallel to the input shaft (404; 704; 104) from the outlet ports (408; 708; 108), A holding portion (410; 710; 110) extending from the support portion (430; 730; 130), Includes, Two opposing U-shaped access openings are provided by the support portion (430; 730; 130), the retaining portion (410; 710; 110), and the exit port (408; 708; 108). The periphery of the inlet port (406; 706; 106) is composed of a semi-circular first segment (406A) centered on the input shaft (404; 704; 104) and a second segment (406B) extending between both ends of the first segment (406A), wherein the second segment (406B) has two linear subsegments (407A; 407B) arranged perpendicular to the input shaft (404; 704; 104) and a central semi-circular subsegment (407C) positioned between the two subsegments (407A; 407B). Dispenser heads (400; 700; 100) characterized by the above.

2. The dispenser head (400;100) according to claim 1, wherein the outlet port (408;108) is defined by a notch (432;132) that opens toward the holding portion (410;110) and toward away from the support portion (430;130).

3. Two parallel walls (602; 604; 1102; 110) extending from the support portion (430) 4) The dispenser head (400; 700; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outlet port (408) is defined.

4. The dispenser head (400; 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retaining portion (410; 110) includes a recess (434) facing the outlet port (408; 108).

5. The dispenser head (400; 100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the support portion (430; 130) includes a recess (436) facing the input shaft (404; 104).

6. The dispenser head (700) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the support portion (730) tapers toward the holding portion (710).

7. The dispenser head (700) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the gap (D2) between the outlet port (708) and the holding portion (710) is smaller than the diameter of the unit (P).

8. Dispenser head (400;700;100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the inlet port (406;706;106) for receiving the unit (C;P) from the reservoir (41;71;11) includes a first opening width (E1) greater than a second opening width (E2) of the inlet port (406;706;106), the first opening width (E1) being perpendicular to the feed shaft (404;704;104), the second opening width (E2) being perpendicular to the feed shaft (404;704;104), and the second opening width (E2) being perpendicular to the first opening width (E1).

9. The dispenser head (700) according to claim 8, wherein the first opening width (E1) of the opening (707) is greater than the height of the unit (P) and less than twice the height of the unit (P), and the second opening width (E2), which is perpendicular to the first gap (E1), is greater than the diameter of the unit (P) and less than twice the diameter.

10. The dispenser head (400; 700; 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the inlet port (406; 706; 106) includes a circumferential edge having a radius of curvature greater than 0.01 mm and less than 7 mm.

11. The dispenser head (400, 100) according to claim 2, wherein the first distance (D1) between the holding portion (410) and the notch (432) is smaller than the longitudinally extending portion of the unit (C), which is shaped like an elongated capsule.

12. The dispenser head (400, 100) according to claim 11, wherein the gap (D2) between the holding portion (410) and the outlet port (408) is smaller than the first distance (D1).

13. Enclosure (150) and, Within the enclosure (150), an input body (152) is arranged to be movable between a retracted position and a pickup position along an axis (156), Includes, The dispenser head (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the input body (152) includes the input duct (102), the support part (130), and the holding part (110).

14. The dispenser head (100) according to claim 13, wherein the enclosure (150) includes a distal opening (154), and when the input body (152) is in its pickup position, the support portion (130) and the holding portion (110) extend through the distal opening.

15. The dispenser head (100) according to claim 14, wherein the dispenser head (100) includes a lid (190) having a closing portion (194) configured to close the distal opening (154).

16. A dispenser head (100) according to claim 13, claim 14, or claim 15, comprising an auxiliary weight (160) movably attached to the input body (152).

17. The dispenser head (100) according to claim 16, wherein the auxiliary weight (160) contains a desiccant.

18. The dispenser head (400; 700; 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the input shaft (404; 704; 104) passes through the holding portion (410; 710; 110).

19. The dispenser head (400;700;100) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the holding portion (410;710;110) extends at least partially perpendicular to the input shaft (404;704;104) at its distal end from the support portion (430;730;130), thereby restricting the movement of the unit (C;P) along the input shaft (404;704;104).

20. The dispenser head (400; 700; 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the retaining portion (410; 710; 110) extends from the distal end of the support portion (430; 730; 130).

21. The dispenser head (400;700;100) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the holding portion (410;710;110) extends at least partially perpendicular to the input shaft (404;704;104) from the distal end of the support portion (430;730;130).

22. A dispenser (40, 70, 10) for dispensing units (P;C) of a drug, nutritional supplement, or food, comprising a dispenser head (400; 700; 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, and a reservoir (41; 71; 11) for storing a plurality of the units (P;C).

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