Abstrict The present invention is directed to a one-piece vial assembly
having a container and cap that provides a substantially moisture-free
environment for effervescent tablets, and other items that require
packaging and retention in a substantially moisture-free environment.
In one embodiment, the container and cap are joined together by
a hinge; hence the vial assembly is a one-piece assembly in which
the cap is opened and closed in a "flip-top" arrangement.
The vial assembly of the present invention includes a desiccant
entrained plastic. In one embodiment, the desiccant entrained plastic
is located in a desiccant sleeve, which surrounds at least a portion
of the product within the vial assembly sleeve. In yet another embodiment,
the sleeve surrounds the vial assembly interior with a thin-walled
plastic so that the product contained within the vial assembly is
completely surrounded by the desiccant entrained plastic sleeve.
In another embodiment, the items contained in the vial assembly
of the present invention are subjected to about fifty times less
moisture when compared to a conventional stoppered vial.
Claims 28. A resealable container and cap assembly for packaging and retaining
items that require packaging and retention in a substantially moisture-free
environment, comprised of: a container portion having a sidewalls
and bottom; a cap portion; a platform positioned proximate the base
of the container portion; and a desiccant material retained by the
platform.
29. The resealable container of claim 28 wherein the platform is
a false bottom having throughbores.
30. The resealable container of claim 28 wherein the platform is
a screen.
31. The resealable container of claim 28 wherein the platform is
comprised of a desiccant-entrained plastic.
32. The resealable container of claim 28 wherein the platform retains
a desiccant-containing sachet.
33. The resealable container of claim 28 wherein the container
is further comprised of a desiccant sleeve positioned within the
container.
34. The resealable container of claim 28 wherein the container
is further comprised of a tamper-proof seal.
35. The resealable container and cap assembly of claim 28 further
comprised of a hinge joining the container portion and the cap portion.
36. The container and cap assembly of claim 28 wherein the hinge
is integral with the container portion and the cap portion.
37. A resealable container and cap assembly for packaging and retaining
items that require packaging and retention in a substantially moisture-free
environment, comprised of: a container portion having a sidewalls
and bottom; a cap portion; an inner sidewall positioned above the
base and providing a ledge on which an item can rest, a desiccant
material retained by the inner sidewall.
39. An integral cap and container assembly that is re-sealable
comprising: a container having sidewalls, the container closed at
a bottom end and open at an upper end; a cap having a base with
an outer periphery and a skirt extending perpendicular to the base,
the cap further having an inside and an outside surface; a hinge
attached to the container and to the cap at a first end of the cap
and a first end of the container to form an integral container and
cap assembly; a spring element molded to the inside surface of the
cap; a tamperproof seal formed around at least a portion of the
skirt of the cap and an outside of the sidewalls of the container
when the cap is in the closed position; and a desiccant sleeve positioned
within an inside of the container's sidewalls.
Description RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application 60/372339
filed Apr. 11 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present application relates to a desiccant entrained
plastic vial assembly for packaging and retaining effervescent tablets,
which should be maintained in a substantially moisture-free environment
until used by the end user. The present application also discloses
methods for using the desiccant entrained plastic vial assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Effervescent tablets have been used to deliver drugs, vitamins
and nutritional supplements, among other things (e.g. denture cleaners).
These tablets quickly dissolve in water and are consumed in liquid
form. In an attempt to keep the tablet environment moisture free,
one method that is conventionally used are packaging the tablets
in rigid two-piece containers with a stoppered cap. The container
typically contains a sachet of silica gel desiccant to absorb moisture
in the container over the shelf life. For highly moisture sensitive
products, the tablets may be wrapped in foil, and additionally,
may be placed in an aluminum container with a desiccant stopper
cap. In another example, the effervescent tablets are packaged in
foil/paper laminate packets.
[0004] It is desirable to provide a one-piece vial assembly having
a container and cap that can provide a relatively moisture free
environment for effervescent tablets, and other items that require
packaging and retention in a relatively moisture free environment.
It is also desirable to provide a one-piece vial assembly that is
easier to open than existing containers and packaging. It is also
desirable to provide packaging for effervescent containers that
are relatively less voluminous when compared to packaging options
that are currently available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to a interconnected vial
assembly having a container and cap that provides a substantially
moisture-free environment for effervescent tablets, beverage-forming
tablets, and other items that require packaging and retention in
a substantially moisture-free environment. In one embodiment, the
container and cap are joined together by a hinge; hence, in this
embodiment, the vial assembly is an interconnected assembly in which
the cap is opened and closed in a "flip-top" arrangement.
In another embodiment, the hinge is integral with the cap and container,
which provides a one-piece vial assembly. The vial assembly of the
present invention includes a desiccant entrained plastic. In one
embodiment, the desiccant entrained plastic is located in a desiccant
sleeve, which surrounds at least a portion of the product within
the vial assembly sleeve. In yet another embodiment, the sleeve
surrounds the vial assembly interior with a thin-walled plastic
so that the product contained within the vial assembly is completely
surrounded by the desiccant entrained plastic sleeve. In another
embodiment, the items contained in the vial assembly of the present
invention are subjected to about fifty times less moisture when
compared to a conventional stoppered vial.
[0006] In a further embodiment, the vial assembly of the present
invention can store a number of effervescent tablets, for example,
5 to 40 effervescent tablets, ranging in size from about 7 mm to
about 36 mm in diameter and from about 6.2 mm to about 7.8 mm in
thickness. In a further embodiment, the vial is dimensioned and
sized to store 10 or 20 tablets having a size of about 25 mm in
diameter and about 7 mm in thickness.
[0007] In yet another embodiment, the vial assembly contains a
spring joined to the inner wall of the cap. The spring cushions
the tablets. In another embodiment, the desiccant is positioned
within the spring. In yet another embodiment, the structure of the
spring retains a sachet containing a desiccant material. In yet
another embodiment, the desiccant is positioned to surround the
interior of the vial assembly and in the spring joined to the inner
wall of the cap.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, a cushioning spring is positioned
in the bottom of the container.
[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention, desiccant
is located at the bottom of the container. In yet another embodiment,
the dessicant located in the bottom of the container is positioned
within a spring at the bottom of the container. In one embodiment,
the desiccant is entrained within the plastic material that constructs
the spring. In yet another embodiment, a sachet of desiccant is
retained in the spring. In yet another embodiment, a false bottom
or platform is provided at the bottom of the container, in which
a desiccant entrained plastic is employed in the construction of
these components. In yet another embodiment, a sachet of desiccant
is retained by the false bottom or platform.
[0010] In yet further embodiments, combinations of the above possibilities
are employed for locating a desiccant material within the container.
[0011] The vial assembly of the present invention may optionally
include tamper-evident features and child resistant features. Other
features may be included in the vial assemblies of the present invention
and are discussed in "Detailed Description" section of
this disclosure. These features are disclosed in pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/710330 filed Nov. 11 2000 incorporated
herein by reference.
[0012] In one embodiment, the container has an upper portion and
an outer surface. The container has a rim at the upper portion.
The upper portion of the container includes a flexible and detachable
protrusion having a contact element and a break point. In another
embodiment, the cap has a base with an outer periphery and a skirt
extending perpendicularly and outwardly around the outer periphery
of the base. The cap also has a hinge and a tab extending perpendicularly
and outwardly from the skirt of the cap. In still another embodiment,
the top has a least two slots capable of housing the protrusion.
In yet another embodiment, the tab has a first slot and a second
slot including an interlocking device for engaging with the protrusion.
[0013] In a further embodiment, when the container is in an empty
state, the protrusion is positioned within the first slot. In still
a further embodiment, when the container is in a filled stage, the
cap is placed upon the container and the protrusion is repositioned
within the second slot causing the contact element of the protrusion
to engage the interlocking device of the second slot and thus to
form a tamper-proof seal. For purposes of this invention, the term
"empty stage" refers to a stage when the container is
empty prior to filling, such as when the container is shipped by
the manufacturer of the container to the site where items are placed
inside the container. The term "filling stage" refers
to a stage after the container has been filled with its content.
In one embodiment, the contents may include effervescent tablets.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, the protrusion is formed in such
a way that, if the cap is opened (ie. tampered with), the protrusion
will break off and thus, evidence of tampering with the container
will be evident by the broken protrusion. It will be appreciated
that it may not be possible to replace the protrusion once it has
broken, since the protrusion is formed integrally with the container.
Therefore, it should not be possible to defeat the tamper-proof
capabilities by replacing the original broken protrusion. It will
also be appreciated that the interlocked protrusion not only provides
tamper-proof function, but also may aid in preventing dislodgement
of the cap during transport.
[0015] For purposes of the present invention, the phrase "tamper-proof
seal" means a visual indication that: (a) when not broken,
the container's cap has not been opened; and (b) when broken, the
container cap has been opened and thus, visually displays that the
container was tampered with.
[0016] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to
a method of tamper-proofing a container and a cap assembly by: (a)
providing a container have an upper portion and an outer surface,
the upper portion having a flexible and a detachable protrusion
having a contact element and a break point; and a cap having a base
with an outer periphery and a skirt extending perpendicularly and
outwardly around the outer periphery of the base, the cap has a
hinge and a tab extending perpendicularly and outwardly from the
skirt of the cap, the tab comprising a first and second slot capable
of housing the protrusion, the second slot having an interlocking
device; (b) positioning the protrusion within the first slot in
an empty stage; (c) opening the cap and filling the container; and
(d) closing the cap upon the container and repositioning the protrusion
within the second slot thereby allowing the contact element of the
protrusion to engage the interlocking device to from a tamper-proof
seal.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises
applying a sufficient frontal, upward force upon the tab to allow
the interlocking device of the slot to engage the contact element
of the protrusion and thus to detach the protrusion from the flange
at the break point to thereby breach the seal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] A more complete appreciation of the present invention and
many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily understood
by reference to the following description was considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of one embodiment
of the vial assembly of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is an overhead plan view of one embodiment of the
vial assembly in an opened position;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the
present invention of the vial assembly in an empty stage;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the
present invention of the vial assembly in a filled stage;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a blow-up of one embodiment of the present invention
of the protrusion of the flange of the container in the empty stage;
and
[0024] FIG. 6 is a blow-up of one embodiment of the present invention
of the protrusion of the flange of the container in the filled stage.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of
the present invention of the vial assembly;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of
the present invention of the vial assembly;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of
the present invention of the vial assembly;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of
the present invention of the vial assembly;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of
the present invention of the vial assembly; and
[0030] FIG. 12 is a view along line A-A, as shown in FIG. 11.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment
of the present invention.
[0032] Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed,
other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent
from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and
include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate
various embodiments and features thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0033] Referring now to the drawings wherein like references designate
identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and
more particularly to FIG. 1 wherein one embodiment of the one-piece
vial assembly 1 of the present invention is illustrated. The assembly
1 comprises a container 10 having a base 16 or internal cavity
15 and outer surface 12 and an upper portion 11. Container 10 has
an inner sleeve 17 constructed of desiccant-entrained plastic 17.
The container 10 has a rim 13 at the upper portion 11. The container
10 also has a flange 14 extending radially outwardly from the outer
surface 12 of the container 10. A detachable protrusion 20 with
a contact element 21 and a break point 22 is located at or near
flange 14. The assembly 1 also includes a cap 30 having a base 31.
The cap 30 also has a tab 40 and a hinge 34. The tab 40 has a first
and second slot 41 and 42 respectively, capable of housing the protrusion
20. The second slot 42 comprises an interlocking device 43.
[0034] The hinge 34 is also attached at or near the container flange
14. In one embodiment, the hinge 34 has a recess 35 that function
as a binding point for ease of opening and closing of the container
10. While the figures depict the hinge 34 as integral with the cap
30 and container 10 the skilled artisan would readily appreciate
that any king of hinge may be employed, such a hinge constructed
of a plurality of components. For example, to name just one possibility,
an arrangement can be provided where a hinge component of the cap
is engaged with a hinge component of the container.
[0035] The base 31 of the cap 30 has an inner surface 36 and an
outer surface 37. A spring element 38 is joined to the inner surface
36 of the base 31 of the cap 30. The spring element 38 is constructed
of helical strands 39. In one embodiment, some of the helical paths
extend clockwise, and/or others extend counterclockwise, so that
the helical strands either intersect or do not intersect. The helical
strands 39 are joined at a distal spring end 44 to a ring 45. Preferably,
the spring element 38 that is, the helical strands 39 and the ring
45 is unitary in its construction.
[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the desiccant
material is present only in the spring element. In yet another embodiment,
the desiccant material is present only in the sidewalls of the container.
In yet another embodiment, the desiccant material is present in
both the spring element and the sidewalls of the container. In yet
another embodiment, a desiccant-containing sachet is retained within
the spring element 38.
[0037] Suitable material for vial assembly 1 includes plastic (e.g.
thermoplastic, such as polypropylene and polyethylene). In an embodiment,
the cap 30 (including spring element 38) and the container 10 may
be integrally molded of the plastic to form a hinge 34 therebetween.
In another embodiment, the cap 30 and the container 10 may be produced
in a conventional molding process and, in still another embodiment,
may be molded in accordance with the mold similar to that disclosed
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4783056 and 4812116 respectively. In a further
embodiment, with such a process and mold, the assembly, including
the cap, container, spring, and hinge may be produced in accordance
with the operation disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4783056 and 4812116
or, in another embodiment, may be produced in accordance with U.S.
Pat. No. 5723085 or 6303064. The disclosure of these patents
are incorporated by reference herein.
[0038] FIG. 2 refers to an overhead plan view of the assembly 10
of the present invention in an opened position of one embodiment
of the present invention. The assembly 10 includes the container
10 and the cap 30 connected by the hinge 34. The container 10 has
the cavity 15 the rim 13 and the flange 14. The cap 30 includes
the circular base 31 and the tab 40. The tab 40 includes a first
slot 41 and second slot 42. The hinge 34 has a recess 35 and two
elements, 137 and 138 respectively. The first element 137 is attached
to the flange 14 of the container 10 and second element 138 is attached
to the cap 30.
[0039] FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 depict yet another embodiment of the present
invention of the container and cap assembly 1 in the empty stage
prior to filling with effervescent tablets or other items that should
be packaged and stored in a substantially moisture-free environment.
In one embodiment, the container 10 has a flange 14 which includes
protrusion 20. In another embodiment, protrusion 20 is attached
directly to container 10. The protrusion 20 has a u-shaped element
25. The protrusion 20 has a contact element 21 and a break point
22. In the empty stage, the contact element 21 of the protrusion
20 is situated in the first slot 41 of the top 40 of the cap 30.
It is understood that other designs of first slot 41 are contemplated.
The only design requirement of first slot 41 is that it serves the
purpose of holding protrusion 20 in place during handling and prior
to the filling stage. As such, protrusion 20 is protected from accidentally
being torn off prior to engaging protrusion 20 with interlocking
device 43. There is a space between the protrusion 20 and the stop
rib 26 and the second slot 42 with the interlocking device 43 remaining
empty.
[0040] FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 illustrate the vial assembly 1 of the
present invention of an embodiment after it has been filled. The
cap 30 is placed upon the container 10 and the protrusion 20 is
repositioned with the second slot 42. The contact element 21 of
the protrusion 20 engages the interlocking device 43 of the second
slot 42 of the tab 40 to form a tamper-proof seal. The stop rib
26 restricts the movement of the protrusion 20.
[0041] Subsequently, in operation, a user would break the tamper-proof
seal by applying sufficient frontal upward force to allow the interlocking
device 43 of the second slot 42 to engage the contact element 21
of the second slot 42 and to engage the contact element 21 of the
protrusion 20 to detach the protrusion 20 from the flange 14 at
the break point 22.
[0042] It is understood that the design of break point 22 is such
that, when sufficient frontal upward force is applied to the cap
to open the vial assembly, the protrusion must fail (eg break) at
break point 22 prior to any failure between the engagement of protrusion
20 with interlocking device 43. Consequently, in one embodiment,
break point 22 width is sufficiently narrow to break when sufficient
frontal upward force is applied to open the vial assembly while,
at the same time, is sufficiently flexible and of suitable design
to allow for: (a) protrusion 20 to be moved from the first slot
to the second slot without breakage; and (b) protrusion 20 to remain
engaged with interlocking device 43 while sufficient force is applied
to open the vial assembly and break at break point 22.
[0043] Interlocking device 43 may be any design that is able to
directly mate with protrusion 20 and remain engaged even when sufficient
frontal force is applied to cause a break at break point 22. Such
interlocking devices may include teeth, flexible projections and
suitable wedge-like shapes.
[0044] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment where springs 38 38', are positioned
on the inner side of the cap 30 and on the base 16 of the container
10. Spring 38' is can be structured in the same way as spring 38.
The springs can be constructed of a desiccant-entrained plastic,
or they may retain a desiccant-containing sachet, and combinations
of these arrangements may also be provided. One of the springs may
also be provided merely for cushioning the contents of the vial,
to prevent breakage of the contents.
[0045] The bottom spring 38' may be placed in the bottom of the
vial during the second part of a two-shot injection molding operation.
The height adjustment is controlled by the spring length prior to
compression and the end compressed height based on the number and
weight of the tablets and the thickness of the strands 39.
[0046] FIG. 8 depicts an arrangement similar to FIG. 7. However,
here the bottom spring 38' is molded in a separate process. The
spring is then loaded into the vial via mechanical means, such as
loaded by a robot, prior to closing the cap. The spring 38' may
be loaded in a post molding step, but this would require reopening
the vial. The process could be fully automated, or accomplished
manually. The springs can be constructed of a desiccant-entrained
plastic, or they may retain a desiccant-containing sachet, and combinations
of these arrangements may also be provided. One of the springs may
also be provided merely for cushioning the contents of the vial,
to prevent breakage of the contents.
[0047] In FIG. 9 springs are positioned on the base 16 and cap
30 of the container 10. Here, an overmolding process is employed.
A tube of desiccant is placed on the tall core of the mold, leaving
the end of the core uncovered. The spring molding mechanism resides
in the center of the tall core and these components are variable
to create different spring lengths and helix web thicknesses for
different tablet stack heights and weights. The springs can be constructed
of a desiccant-entrained plastic, or they may retain a desiccant-containing
sachet, and combinations of these arrangements may also be provided.
One of the springs may also be provided merely for cushioning the
contents of the vial, to prevent breakage of the contents.
[0048] FIG. 10 shows yet another embodiment where an inner wall
is positioned on the inside of the container. The inner wall reduces
the inside diameter of the container, with the top of the inner
wall providing a ledge on which the tablets or other item stored
in the container can rest. The height of the ledge can be varied
to produce a number of different heights. This arrangement can be
provided by a two-piece tall core with a screw on replaceable end
that can account for the numerous variations in height, which can
account for varying thicknesses in tablets. The inner wall can be
constructed of a desiccant entrained plastic.
[0049] FIGS. 11 and 12 show another embodiment in which concentric
rings are formed onto the base of the container in a two shot molding
process. Alternatively, the rings are formed in an overmolding process.
The height of the rings is determined by a two-piece plastic core
that has a replaceable end that has different ring depths machined
into it. The rings can be formed of a desiccant-entrained plastic.
[0050] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment in which a false bottom
is positioned above the base of the container. A desiccant-containing
sachet 53 is positioned in the space between the false bottom and
the base. Throughbores 51 are positioned in the false bottom so
that moisture can be absorbed by the desiccant. Alternatively, a
screen is employed in lieu of the false bottom. The false bottom
or screen may be constructed of a desiccant entrained plastic.
[0051] The embodiments of the present invention provide a one-piece
vial assembly with an attached cap. When the vial assembly cap is
opened, the cap is not misplaced. It is also contemplated that,
by making the cap integral with container, the time the vial is
left open by a user should be a shorter period of time when compared
to a two-piece vial construction, such as a container with a screw-off
cap. Consequently, ensuring that the cap is closed at all times,
except when it is necessary to have it open, is useful in maintaining
product integrity of a moisture-sensitive product.
[0052] In yet another embodiment, the vial assembly of the present
invention is provided with an "easy-to-close" cap design.
That is, the vial assembly is specifically designed to be in one
of only two states: (1) open and (2) completely closed. The closure
arrangement is designed so that the cap cannot be partially closed
or cross-threaded. If the cap does not seal properly, it should
pop up. Also, in yet another embodiment, the cap is designed so
it can be closed with one hand. Thus, the user should be able to
close the cap from any position with respect to the hinge (front,
side or back of vial assembly). In addition to the present application,
pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/386702 describes this
arrangement and is incorporated herein by reference.
[0053] It is further believed that, compared with stoppered vials,
the embodiments of the present invention may require a lower opening
force to open the cap of the vial assembly. In one example, the
cap requires approximately 1/3 to 1/2 the force required to open
a conventional stoppered vial. Pending U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 09/386702 describes this arrangement and is incorporated herein
by reference.
[0054] In yet another embodiment, the vial assembly of the present
invention are provided with a leak-proof and moisture tight seal.
The vial assembly design, which includes closing the cap in the
mold, ensures a leak proof and low moisture ingress seal. In one
example, the vial assembly of the present invention has a moisture
ingress rate of less than <250 .mu.g/day. In another embodiment,
this relatively low ingression rate, coupled with the desiccant
entrained plastic within the vial assembly, ensure a managed and
controlled environment for the times stored within the vial assembly.
[0055] In a further embodiment, the vial assembly of the present
invention maintains seal performance after repeated lid openings
and closings. For example, the seal maintains a low ingression rate
after repeated lid openings/closings. In one specific example, the
seal maintains its low moisture ingress performance after 50 cycles
of lid openings and closings. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4812116 4807425
and 5723085 as well as pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/386702 filed Aug. 31 1999 and European patent document no.
EP 625 948 describe examples of embodiments of the sealing arrangement.
These references are incorporated herein by reference.
[0056] In one embodiment, the vial assembly of the present invention
includes a desiccant entrained plastic. In one example, the desiccant
entrained plastic is located at or near the cap (e.g. the spring
element may be made of the desiccant entrained plastic and/or interior
of the spring element may contain the desiccant entrained plastic).
In yet another example, the desiccant entrained plastic is a sleeve
that surrounds the items stored and packaged within the vial assembly.
The sleeve covers at least partially the interior of the vial (e.g.
surrounds the vial assembly interior with a thin-walled plastic
so that the product contained within the vial assembly is surrounded
by the desiccant sleeve). In another example of the use of vial,
after the vial assembly is represented by opened and closed, the
desiccant entrained plastic sleeve re-establishes the low relative
humidity environment inside the vial assembly in a short period
of time (e.g. in as low as less than about one minute).
[0057] The desiccant entrained plastic contains a desiccant such
as silica gel or molecular sieve as the desiccant. Depending on
the application, such as the application intended by the end user,
molecular sieve or silica gel desiccant can be provided in the sleeve.
For example, molecular sieve can be used for applications that require
a low RH (e.g. less than <10% RH) maintained over the shelf life.
In another example, silica gel can maintain a RH of 10-30% over
a two year shelf life.
[0058] Suitable desiccant entrained plastic include these desiccant
plastics disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5911937 6214255 6130263
6080350 and 6174952 6124006 6221446 and U.S. Ser. No.
09/504029 filed Feb. 14 2000. By varying the desiccant loading
and channeling agent in the plastic formulation, the overall moisture
capacity and uptake rate of the desiccant entrained plastic can
be controlled. These references are incorporated herein by reference.
[0059] In another embodiment, in addition to providing an embodiments
that exhibit moisture absorption properties, the plastic may be
entrained with other absorbing, releasing or activation components.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6174952 6177183 6194079 6316520 6124006
6221446 and U.S. Ser. No. 09/504029 describe these kinds of arrangements
and are incorporated herein by reference.
[0060] In one embodiment, the vials may be manufactured by the
process described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4812116 and 4807425 that
are incorporated by reference herein. By closing the vial assembly
lid inside the mold insures a clean, an aseptic environment inside
the vial assembly may be maintained. Other examples of method of
producing the vial include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. No.
5723085 and 6330064 that are incorporated by reference herein.
[0061] In yet another embodiment, a child resistance feature may
be incorporated into the vial assembly. An example of such an arrangement
is disclosed in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/641203
filed Oct. 3 2000 which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0062] In another embodiment, a tamper evidence feature that is
molded into the vial assembly may be employed. An example is achieved
with a two-position, breakaway tab that is disclosed in pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/710330 incorporated herein
by reference. The tab is engaged during vial assembly filling, and
the tab is ejected from the vial assembly when first opened by the
user. This type tamper evidence feature is an alternative to shrink-wrapping
the lid and container body, which also may be used.
[0063] In a further embodiment, the features of the present invention
may be manifested in a variety of vial assembly designs, including
but not limited to designs having non-cylindrical vial assembly
shapes.
[0064] Numerous modification and variations of the present invention
are possible in light of the above discussion.
[0065] It will be appreciated that many modifications and other
variations that will be appreciated by those skilled in the art
within the intended scope of this invention without departing from
the teachings, spirit and intended scope of the invention. |