US20070053736A1 - Unit dose delivery system - Google Patents
Unit dose delivery system Download PDFInfo
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- US20070053736A1 US20070053736A1 US11/593,250 US59325006A US2007053736A1 US 20070053736 A1 US20070053736 A1 US 20070053736A1 US 59325006 A US59325006 A US 59325006A US 2007053736 A1 US2007053736 A1 US 2007053736A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- seal
- inner housing
- composition
- applicator
- chamber
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C11/00—Component parts, details or accessories not specifically provided for in groups B05C1/00 - B05C9/00
- B05C11/10—Storage, supply or control of liquid or other fluent material; Recovery of excess liquid or other fluent material
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C5/00—Filling or capping teeth
- A61C5/60—Devices specially adapted for pressing or mixing capping or filling materials, e.g. amalgam presses
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C3/00—Dental tools or instruments
- A61C3/005—Brushes for applying dental compositions
Abstract
The invention includes a delivery system for a composition made of two or more components, the assembly of a container for use in the system, a method for providing a composition, and a delivery system including an applicator and container. In one embodiment, the container includes an outer housing holding a first mass of a first component of the composition, an inner housing holding a second mass of a second component of the composition, and a seal. The first component is a liquid and the mass of the second component conforms to a bottom and side wall of the inner housing. An interference fit exists between the outer housing and the inner housing such that the inner housing seals the first mass within the first chamber. The inner housing has an aperture in a side wall of the second chamber.
Description
- This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/798,649, filed Mar. 11, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,131,784, which is incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention relates to a delivery system for a composition made of two or more components, the assembly of a container for use in the system, a method for providing a composition, and a delivery system including an applicator and container.
- Many useful compositions are made of two components that are not normally mixed together until immediately prior to the time that a quantity of the composition is needed for use. For example, the components of epoxy-based adhesives are stored separately from each other, because once the components come into contact with each other a chemical reaction occurs that eventually turns the mixed composition into a hardened mass. For that reason, epoxy-based adhesives are widely available in packages that include two compartments or separate containers that keep the components of the adhesive initially isolated from each other.
- Some packages for multiple-component compositions are relatively large and include a sufficient quantity of the components for multiple applications at different times. For example, epoxy adhesives are commonly available in bulk containers such as cans, jars and squeezable tubes. One component of the adhesive (often called “Part A”) is supplied in one bulk container, and the other component (often called “Part B”) is supplied in another container that typically matches the first container in shape and construction. Such bulk containers are in widespread use because the costs of packaging the components are relatively low.
- To prepare an adhesive from the components stored in bulk containers, a quantity of each component is measured, withdrawn from the container and transferred to a mixing location. The mixing location may be a mixing well, a mixing pad or a third container. Next, the user mixes the components, using a spatula, brush or other suitable tool, and then transfers the mixed components to an application site.
- However, the practice of supplying multiple-component compositions in two bulk containers is not entirely satisfactory. If, for example, the user does not withdraw the components from the bulk containers in the proper ratio, the characteristics of the resulting composition may be significantly affected. Additionally, the portion of each component that remains in its initial container may be adversely affected over a period of time by exposure to the atmosphere once that container is opened. The user is also compelled to dispose of the mixing pad, well or other mixing container after a single use, or undertake an effort to clean the same in preparation for a subsequent use. Furthermore, care must be taken to ensure that the component from one container is not inadvertently transferred to the bulk container of the other component, where it might contaminate that other component or initiate a chemical reaction that adversely affects the characteristics of that other component.
- In recent years, there has been increased interest in “single use” containers for compositions made of two components that are initially kept apart from each other. Such containers typically avoid the need to measure out separate quantities of each component before mixing. These containers also help assure that the components, when mixed, are present in the desired ratio for the desired characteristics of the resulting composition. Additionally, if the components are mixed together within the container, the need for a mixing well, pad, container or other type of mixing structure is avoided.
- Compositions made of two or more components that are initially kept separate from each other are widely used in the field of medicine and dentistry, including orthodontia. For instance, many adhesives and cements used in dentistry are made of two components that are not mixed together until immediately prior to use. Examples of two-component dental compositions include RelyX ARC dental cement and F2000 primer/adhesive, both available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn. Single use containers for multiple component compositions are especially convenient for storing medical and dental compositions, because the container along with the applicator can be disposed of after use for a single patient. In this manner, the risk of transferring an infectious disease from one patient to another is substantially reduced. Often, only a relatively small quantity of the composition is needed at any one time, and the smaller “single dose” or “single use” containers help ensure that a freshly-mixed batch of the composition is available when needed.
- The invention includes a delivery system for a composition made of two or more components, the assembly of a container for use in the system, a method for providing a composition, and a delivery system including an applicator and container. In one embodiment, the container includes an outer housing holding a first mass of a first component of the composition, an inner housing holding a second mass of a second component of the composition, and a seal. The first component is a liquid and the mass of the second component conforms to a bottom and side wall of the inner housing. An interference fit exists between the outer housing and the inner housing such that the inner housing seals the first mass within the first chamber. The inner housing has an aperture in a side wall of the second chamber.
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FIG. 1 is an exterior perspective view of a single dose unit container. -
FIG. 2 is an exterior perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 , shown prior to assembly, with the inner housing removed from the outer housing. -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 taken along line 3-3. -
FIG. 3A is a sectional view of one embodiment ofFIG. 3 taken along line A-A. -
FIG. 3B is a sectional view of another embodiment ofFIG. 3 taken along line A-A. -
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 3 in a subsequent step, with the inner housing pushed downward relative to the outer housing. -
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 4 in a subsequent step, with the inner housing pushed down entirely into the outer housing. -
FIG. 6A is similar toFIG. 4 except that it shows an alternate embodiment of an applicator. -
FIG. 6B is similar toFIG. 4 except that it shows yet another alternate embodiment of an applicator. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a second embodiment of a container of the present invention. -
FIG. 7A is an enlarged view ofportion 7A inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 8 shows the embodiment ofFIG. 7 in a subsequent step, with the inner housing pressed down into the outer housing. -
FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of portion 8A inFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 9 illustrates a third embodiment of a container of the present invention. -
FIG. 9A is an enlarged view ofportion 9A inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 10 is an exterior perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a double dose unit container. - While the above-identified drawing figures set forth several embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are also contemplated. This disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of this invention. The figures may not be drawn to scale. Like reference numerals have been used throughout the figures to denote like parts.
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FIG. 1 is an exterior perspective view of a singleunit dose container 10 of a delivery system for a composition. In the illustrated embodiment,container 10 includesouter housing 12, havingouter skirt 14, andinner housing 16. Aseal 17 is disposed over theouter housing 12 andinner housing 16. In one embodiment,container 10 contains a composition used in dental, pharmaceutical and medical procedures. Examples of suitable compositions include dental adhesives, etchants, sealants and primers. As used herein, the word “dental” includes all fields of dentistry including orthodontic and endodontic treatment. - Because
container 10 typically holds a small volume of composition components, the storage chambers ofcontainer 10 can be vary small. Therefore, in one embodiment,outer skirt 14 is provided to enlargecontainer 10, thereby allowing for ease of handling. In the illustrated embodiment,outer skirt 14 is contoured to fit comfortably between the fingers of a user. In the illustrated embodiment,top section 18 andbottom section 20 each have a girth dimension which is greater than the girth dimension ofmiddle section 22. In an exemplary embodiment,outer skirt 14 is substantially cylindrical, and thus each girth dimension is a circumference. In an exemplary embodiment,base 24 is flat andbottom section 20 is sufficiently wide to allowcontainer 10 to rest stably upon a horizontal surface such as a countertop. -
FIG. 2 is an exterior perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 , shown prior to assembly, withinner housing 16 removed fromouter housing 12 alongaxis 25.Inner housing 16 includes one ormore apertures 26 in a side wall thereof to allow for the flow of a composition component fromouter housing 12 intoinner housing 16. Whileouter housing 12 andinner housing 16 are illustrated as cylindrical members, it is contemplated that any slidably mating shapes may be used. -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 taken along line 3-3.Container 10 is designed to hold at least two masses of material separately from each other. This is especially useful for some dental compositions made of two or more components, for example, which should not be mixed until shortly before use. Afirst mass 28 of a first component of the composition is received withinfirst chamber 30 ofouter housing 12. Asecond mass 32 of a second component of the composition is received withinsecond chamber 34 ofinner housing 16. In an exemplary embodiment,hermetic seal 17 is provided across a top surface ofouter housing 12 andinner housing 16. In an exemplary embodiment, stopmember 38 is disposed within thefirst chamber 30 ofouter housing 12 to establish a desired position of abottom surface 39 ofinner housing 16. In the illustrated embodiment, stopmember 38 is a radially inward projection such as an annular rib on an inner surface ofouter housing 12.Outer housing 12 andinner housing 16 are preferably sized to produce an interference fit betweenouter housing 12 andinner housing 16 atinterface 40. -
Container 10 is first assembled by providingouter housing 12 havingouter skirt 14. In an exemplary embodiment,outer housing 12 includes ahollow space 42 between core 44 andouter skirt 14 for savings in materials, costs, and weight. In such an embodiment,base 24 need not be one contiguous piece, but may consist of a base section for core 44 and a ring-shaped base section forouter skirt 14 wherecontainer 10 is cylindrical. It is contemplated thatouter skirt 14, and therebycontainer 10, can also be formed in other shapes. -
First chamber 30 ofouter housing 12 is at least partially filled withfirst mass 28 of a first component of the composition.Inner housing 16 is then inserted intoouter housing 12. In one embodiment,inner housing 16 is in a proper position once abottom surface 39 ofinner housing 16 contacts stopmember 38. Whilestop member 38 is not required, it is useful for preventinginner housing 16 from being inserted too far intoouter housing 12. An interference fit atinterface 40 betweenouter housing 12 andinner housing 16 is adequate in one embodiment to sealfirst chamber 30 and prevent migration of the first mass ofmaterial 28 into second chamber 34 (or out of thecontainer 10 alonginterface 40 between an inner wall ofouter housing 12 and an outer wall of inner housing 16). The interference fit is also adequate to prevent the migration of material contained withinsecond chamber 34 intofirst chamber 30. - In the illustrated embodiment,
inner housing 16 has one ormore apertures 26 in a side wall thereof.Second chamber 34 is at least partially filled with asecond mass 32 of a second component of the composition, conforming in shape to a bottom and side wall ofsecond chamber 34. In an exemplary embodiment,first mass 28 consists of a liquid material andsecond mass 32 consists of a material in liquid, semi-liquid such as a gel or paste, or solid form, for example. Even in solid form, it is preferable that the material ofsecond mass 32 is in a flowable form such as a powder. When the second mass ofmaterial 32 is introduced intosecond chamber 34, it fillsapertures 26 as well as a bottom portion ofsecond chamber 34. -
Seal 17 is provided over at leastinner housing 16 to prevent escape of material fromsecond chamber 34. As shown, a top surface ofouter housing 12 is flush with a top surface ofinner housing 16 and seal 17 also extends across the top surface ofouter housing 12. In an exemplary embodiment, seal 17 is bonded to a top surface ofouter housing 12 and to a top surface ofinner housing 16. In an exemplary embodiment, seal 17 hermetically sealsfirst mass 28 andsecond mass 32 withincontainer 10. In an exemplary embodiment, seal 17 is a foil seal which can be broken in one or more manners, for example: by removingseal 17 by peeling it offcontainer 10, or by rupturingseal 17 by the insertion of an object with manual force, preferably alongaxis 25, which is substantially perpendicular to an orientation ofseal 17. In an exemplary embodiment,container 10, hermetically sealed as shown, provides acontainer 10 for theseparate component masses container 10 or the components therein). - In the illustrated embodiment,
inner housing 16 is cylindrical and eachaperture 26 is a cylindrical bore. In one embodiment including a plurality ofapertures 26, theapertures 26 are preferably equally spaced about a periphery of the side wall of inner housing 16 (see, e.g.,FIG. 3A , where eachaperture 26 is symmetrical about a radius of the cylinder of inner housing 16). In an alternative embodiment including a plurality ofapertures 26, theapertures 26 are parallel to one another (see, e.g.,FIG. 3B ). Other numbers, shapes, orientations, and positions ofaperture 26 can also be used. -
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 3 , showing howcontainer 10 is used to mix and dispense thecomponent Inner housing 16 is pushed downward relative to theouter housing 12.Outer housing 12 andinner housing 16 are each preferably formed by injection molding a deformable or flexible material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or cyclic olefin copolymer, for example. There are compositions that may require the presence of oxygen during storage to improve chemical stability, such as methacrylate based dental adhesives, for example. In these situations, the aforementioned housing plastics are particularly suitable materials since they allow for oxygen transfer, thereby resulting in longer shelf life, reduced requirements for stabilizers in the composition components, and smaller air volume requirements incontainer 10. -
Rod member 46, such as a composition applicator having a first end and a second end, is forced downward throughseal 17, thereby breakingseal 17. Force fromapplicator 46 onsecond mass 32 and oninside surface 48 ofinner housing 16 causesinner housing 16 to move downward relative toouter housing 12. Because of the seal betweeninner housing 16 andouter housing 12 atinterface 40, this downward pressure causes the expansion of the walls offirst chamber 30 or the deflection inward of the walls ofsecond chamber 34, or both, resulting in the component mixing situation shown inFIG. 4 . The extent of expansion/contraction is exaggerated inFIG. 4 for purposes of illustration. At this stage, the first mass ofmaterial 28 entersapertures 26 ofinner housing 16 to mix with the second mass ofmaterial 32 therein. The pressurized situation causes turbulent jets of material frommass 28 to enter intosecond chamber 34, thereby producing an intensive mixing effect between the materials of bothmasses second mass 32 consists of a solid material, it is preferable that the material is finely divided to facilitate this mixing. In most cases, no stirring is necessary to fully mix thefirst mass 28 of the first component of the composition with thesecond mass 32 of the second component of the composition. The mixing is completed simply by forcinginner housing 16 all the way down intochamber 30 ofouter housing 12, resulting inmixed composition 49 within container 10 (seeFIG. 5 ). - However,
applicator 46 may be agitated withinsecond chamber 34 to facilitate such mixing as desired. In an exemplary embodiment,applicator 46 includeselongated body 46A andtip 50 at a first end of thebody 46A for application ofmixed composition 49 to a desired surface. In one embodiment,tip 50 ofapplicator 46 has a generally spherical configuration, although other shapes are possible. Preferably, but not necessarily,tip 50 includes a material or structure that facilitates spreading ofmixed composition 49 material across the surface to whichmixed composition 49 material is to be applied.Tip 50 may include any suitable materials and structures that are compatible withmixed composition 49 and function to distributemixed composition 49 over the receiving surface. Suitable materials and structures include foam and sponge materials or bristles or fibers that serve as a brush and that are applied to all or only part oftip 50. -
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 4 in a subsequent step, withinner housing 16 pushed down entirely intoouter housing 12. Whenapplicator 46 has pushedinner housing 16 entirely down intoouter housing 12,inner housing 16 acts as a positive displacement piston and displaces substantially all of the air andmaterial mass 28 offirst chamber 30. As a result, all of the material offirst mass 28 enters throughapertures 26 to mix with the material ofsecond mass 32 and thereby formmixed composition 49. In an exemplary embodiment,mixed composition 49 is a homogenous compound made of two components, the first component provided byfirst mass 28 and the second component provided bysecond mass 32. In this manner, precise ratios of the first and second components ofmixed composition 49 can be provided. In an exemplary embodiment,second chamber 34 is large enough to hold the combined volume offirst mass 28 andsecond mass 32. In an exemplary embodiment, a chemical reaction occurs upon the mixing of the first component and the second component to formmixed composition 49, thereby resulting in amixed composition 49 which is hardenable. Such a composition increases in hardness due to one or more influences, including for example, exposure to air, light, heat, or chemicals. - Dimensions for exemplary embodiments follow:
Outer skirt 14 has a height greater than or equal to about 15 mm, less than or equal to about 30 mm, and preferably about 22 mm.Outer skirt 14 has a base 24 width greater than or equal to about 10 mm, less than or equal to about 30 mm, and preferably about 20 mm.Mixed composition 49 has a volume greater than or equal to about 50 microliters, less than or equal to about 300 microliters, and preferably about 120 microliters.Inner housing 16 has a diameter greater than or equal to about 3 mm, less than or equal to about 5 mm, and preferably about 4 mm.Inner housing 16 has a length greater than or equal to about 8 mm, less than or equal to about 20 mm, and preferably about 16 mm.Second chamber 34 ofinner housing 16 has a volume greater than or equal to about 60 cubic mm, less than or equal to about 315 cubic mm, and preferably about 200 cubic mm.Outer housing 12 has an inner diameter greater than or equal to about 4 mm, less than or equal to about 7 mm, and preferably about 6 mm.First chamber 30 ofouter housing 12 has a length greater than or equal to about 2 mm, less than or equal to about 5 mm, and preferably about 3.5 mm.First chamber 30 ofouter housing 12 has a volume greater than or equal to about 30 cubic mm, less than or equal to about 150 cubic mm, and preferably about 100 cubic mm.Inner housing 16 includes about one ormore apertures 26 and about ten orfewer apertures 26, and preferably about sixapertures 26. Eachaperture 26 is preferably a cylindrical bore having a diameter greater than or equal to about 0.5 mm, less than or equal to about 2.0 mm, and preferably about 1.0 mm. These dimensions and aperture numbers are provided as examples only; it is contemplated thatcontainer 10 can be made in any size suitable for a particular use or purpose. - Once mixed
composition 49 has been formed from the first and second components,applicator 46 may be withdrawn so thatmixed composition 49 material ontip 50 can be applied to a desired surface. It is preferable thattip 50 does not contact any other surface so as to prevent contamination. However, in some cases, fragments 53 ofseal 17 may remain on a top surface ofinner housing 16. Because the top surface ofseal 17 has been exposed to the environment, it may be contaminated with bacteria, dirt or other undesirable contaminates. In the illustrated embodiment, great care must be taken to removetip 50 without wipingmixed composition 49 ontip 50 withseal fragments 53 and without contaminatingmixed composition 49 thereon. -
FIG. 6A is similar toFIG. 4 except that it shows an alternate embodiment of an applicator;applicator 54 includesprojection 55 thereon alongelongated body 46A ofapplicator 54. Asprojection 55 passes through brokenseal 17,projection 55 pushes fragments 53 ofseal 17 toward the inner surface walls ofinner housing 16 and away fromaxis 25. In order to pass through brokenseal 17,projection 55 is placed so that the widest part ofprojection 55 is no farther from a tip end ofapplicator 54 than the length ofsecond chamber 34 ofinner housing 16.Projection 55 has a girth dimension at a widest point which is greater than a girth dimension ofbody 46A. However, in an exemplary embodiment,projection 55 is small enough to pass intosecond chamber 34 ofinner housing 16. In the case wherebody 46A is a cylinder andprojection 55 is a solid ellipse, each girth dimension is a circumference. In one embodiment whereinner housing 16 is cylindrical, the girth dimension ofprojection 55 at a widest point is less than an inner diameter ofinner housing 16. - Compared to
applicator 46 ofFIG. 4 ,applicator 54 withprojection 55 clears a larger area betweenfragments 53 ofseal 17 for the extraction and reinsertion oftip 50 ofapplicator 54, thereby minimizing the chance of contamination ofmixed composition 49 carried bytip 50. In an exemplary embodiment,projection 55 is a symmetrical solid ellipse which is tapered on both sides. However, it is contemplated thatprojection 55 can be of any shape having a girth dimension greater than a girth dimension of theelongated body 46A. Other shapes include, for example, disc, hemispherical, spherical, and cone shapes. Whileapplicator 54 is useful withcontainer 10 of the present invention,applicator 54 can also be used with any container having a rupturable seal at an opening of the container. -
FIG. 6B is similar toFIG. 4 except that it shows yet another alternate embodiment of an applicator. In an exemplary embodiment,applicator 37 includes elongatedbody 41 havingstop member 43 thereon. As illustrated,elongated body 41 interfaces withhead 45 atshoulder 47. In an exemplary embodiment,head 45 tapers from a girth larger dimensionproximate shoulder 47 to a smaller girth dimension attip 51. In an exemplary embodiment,tip 51 has a sharp point to facilitate the breaking ofseal 17. In an exemplary embodiment,tip 51 hasbrush elements 52 disposed thereon in a spherical configuration. - In an exemplary embodiment,
applicator 37 is generally cylindrical and is sized so thatshoulder 47, rather thantip 51, is used to pushinner housing 16 intoouter housing 12; in that case, the length of taperedhead 45 is less than or equal to the length ofsecond chamber 34 ofinner housing 16. Withapplicator 37, the insertion ofinner housing 16 intoouter housing 12 is more easily accomplished because the interface betweenshoulder 47 and the top surface ofinner housing 16 provides for a larger surface area for the application of the pushing force, compared with the surface area oftip 50 ofapplicator 46 ofFIG. 4 . In an exemplary embodiment, taperedhead 45 has a larger dimensionproximate shoulder 47 to push seal fragments 53 toward the inner walls ofinner housing 16 and a smaller dimensionproximate tip 51. -
Tip 51 itself may be used for application ofmixed composition 49 to a desired surface. In another embodiment,tip 51 may include application elements such as a plurality ofbrush elements 52. In an exemplary embodiment, stopmember 43 is disposed about elongatedbody 41 and positioned so that a distance betweenshoulder 47 and stopmember 43 is approximately equal to a distance between the top surfaces ofinner housing 16 andouter housing 12 wheninner housing 16 has been completely pushed into outer housing 12 (seeFIG. 5 ). Thus, whenstop member 43 contacts the top surface ofouter housing 12, the contact signals to a user that complete mixing ofcomponent masses mixed composition 49. In one embodiment,body 41 is hollow and one or moreair vent slots 57 are disposed on taperedhead 45 to allow for pressure release during the insertion ofinner housing 16 intoouter housing 12. Other shapes forapplicator 37 can be devised that fall within the scope of the invention. For example,head 45 may take on a different shape than illustrated. Moreover,elongated body 41 may be narrower but include wider flanges or projections to serve asshoulder 47 and stopmember 43. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a second embodiment of acontainer 60 of the present invention.FIG. 7A is an enlarged view ofportion 7A inFIG. 7 . With some compositions, an interference fit betweenouter housing 12 andinner housing 16 atinterface 40 may not be adequate to sufficiently sealfirst mass 28 fromsecond mass 32. In such a case, or where there is not an interference fit atinterface 40, aseal 56 may be utilized. In the illustrated embodiment, seal 56 is held withindepression 58proximate aperture 26. As withcontainer 10,container 60 is assembled by at least partially fillingfirst chamber 30 with afirst mass 28 of a first component of a composition.Inner housing 16 is then inserted down intofirst chamber 30.Second chamber 34 is at least partially filled with asecond mass 32 of a second component of the composition, conforming in shape to a bottom and side wall ofsecond chamber 34. -
Seal 56 is movably disposed withindepression 58 so thatseal 56 can move between sealed and unsealed positions. Asinner housing 16 is first pushed downward intoouter housing 12,seal 56 naturally migrates to a top portion ofdepression 58 and is pushed downward asinner housing 16 is pushed downward. However,seal 56, to be effective, should prevent material or gas flow betweenaperture 26 andouter housing 12. In an embodiment includingstop member 38,inner housing 16 is inserted untilstop member 38 is contacted. Then,inner housing 16 is pulled back up toseat seal 56 at a bottom portion ofdepression 58 in order to seal the area betweenouter housing 12 andaperture 26. A bottom section ofouter housing 12 can also be squeezed in order to forceinner housing 16 up relative toouter housing 12. Therefore,inner housing 16 does not rest uponstop member 38 in this case. To facilitate the seating ofseal 56 ataperture 26,depression 58 includes a rampedwall 62, with the rampedwall 62 having a greater depth at a bottom portion of the wall than at a top portion of the wall. The directional terms “down” and “up” are used for purposes of explanation only, relative to the illustrated figures. The actual movement directions can of course be altered by changing the orientation ofcontainer 60. - In an exemplary embodiment,
inner housing 16 is initially pushed down so that an upper surface ofinner housing 16 is lower than an upper surface ofouter housing 12. It is preferable that wheninner housing 16 is pulled back up toseat seal 56, the upper surface ofinner housing 16 is even with the upper surface ofouter housing 12. Then, seal 17 can be provided over the upper surfaces of bothinner housing 16 andouter housing 12. -
FIG. 8 shows the embodiment ofFIG. 7 in a subsequent step, where mixing has occurred betweencomponent masses mixed composition 49, withinner housing 16 pressed intoouter housing 12.FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of portion 8A inFIG. 8 . Asinner housing 16 is pushed downward throughfirst chamber 30 ofouter housing 12, the downward force causes seal 56 to migrate to an upper portion ofdepression 58. This opensaperture 26 and allows for the movement of material offirst mass 28 fromfirst chamber 30 intosecond chamber 34 to mix with the material ofsecond mass 32. In an exemplary embodiment, seal 56 is an o-ring anddepression 58 is an annular groove in an outer surface ofinner housing 16.FIG. 9 illustrates a third embodiment of a container of the present invention.FIG. 9A is an enlarged view ofportion 9A inFIG. 9 .Container 61 is similar tocontainer 60 ofFIG. 7 except thatcontainer 61 includesramp member 63 to aid in the seating ofseal 56 withindepression 58.Ramp 63 may include a single ramp protrusion, multiple ramp protrusions, or a continuous ramp ridge disposed on an inner surface ofchamber 30 ofouter housing 12. Where multiple ramp protrusions are provided, it is preferable that they are disposed at equal intervals about an inner circumference ofouter housing 12.Inner housing 16 is inserted so that a bottom surface ofinner housing 16 moves onto the ramped surface oframp 63, for example with the use of manual force. When the force is released, the shape oframp 63 provides a spring effect, thereby pushinginner housing 16 back in a direction opposite from the direction of the applied force, and thereby seatingseal 56 at a bottom portion ofdepression 58 in order to seal the area betweenouter housing 12 andaperture 26. The inclined surface oframp 63 and/or seal 56 may be lubricated or otherwise treated to enhance the seating effect. It is important thatinner housing 16 not be pushed in so far thatramp 63 falls intodepression 58; in that case,inner housing 16 would not spring back relative toouter housing 12.Ramp 63 may be lengthened or provided with a stop member similar to stopmember 38, for example, to prevent such an occurrence. Thus, while one shape is illustrated, it is contemplated that other reaction inducing shapes may be devised that fall within the scope of the invention. -
FIG. 10 is an exterior perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a double dose unit container. Incontainer 64, a singleouter skirt 66 surrounds two sets ofouter housings 12 and correspondinginner housings 16, with their respective composition component masses separated by seals therein. Such acontainer 64 would be useful, for example, where twomixed compositions 49 are applied alternately or in quick succession. It is contemplated that numerous such variations and configurations are within the scope of the invention. - Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (20)
1. A delivery system for a composition, comprising:
(a) a container having a chamber and an opening surrounded by at least one wall;
(b) a seal for sealing the composition within the chamber; and
(c) an applicator having a smaller girth dimension at the tip of the applicator and a larger girth dimension, wherein the tip is capable of piercing the seal to create seal fragments, and the applicator at its larger girth dimension pushes seal fragments toward and holds them against the at least one wall.
2. The delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the fit between the applicator at its larger girth dimension, the seal fragments, and the at least one wall is an interference fit.
3. The delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the seal is a foil seal.
4. The delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the seal seals a mass within the chamber of an inner housing, and a second seal seals the inner housing within the chamber of an outer housing.
5. The delivery system of claim 3 , wherein the inner housing is positioned with an interference fit within the outer housing.
6. The delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the applicator further comprises a shoulder.
7. The delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the applicator comprises a hollow body that includes at least one air vent.
8. The delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the applicator tip is a brush.
9. The delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the composition is a dental composition.
10. The delivery system of claim 9 , wherein the composition comprises a first mass contained within the chamber of the inner housing, a second mass contained within the outer housing, and the first and second masses may be mixed together to form the composition.
11. The delivery system of claim 10 , wherein one mass is a liquid, and the other mass is a solid.
12. The delivery system of claim 1 wherein the delivery system is used in a dental procedure.
13. The delivery system of claim 1 wherein the composition is hardenable.
14. A method of providing a composition comprising:
a) providing a container, the container having:
a chamber and an opening surrounded by at least one wall;
a seal for sealing the composition within the chamber; and
an applicator having a smaller girth dimension at the tip of the applicator and a larger girth dimension, wherein the tip is capable of piercing the seal to create seal fragments, and the applicator at its larger girth dimension pushes seal fragments toward and holds them against the at least one wall; and
b) piercing the seal.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of piercing the seal includes pushing downward on the seal with the applicator.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein the seal seals a mass within the chamber of an inner housing, and a second seal seals the inner housing within the chamber of an outer housing.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the composition comprises a first mass contained within the chamber of the inner housing, a second mass contained within the outer housing, and the first and second masses may be mixed together to form the composition.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of piercing the seal includes piercing the second seal.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of piercing the seal includes pushing downward on the seal with the applicator.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising agitating the composition with the applicator to mix the first mass and the second mass.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/593,250 US20070053736A1 (en) | 2004-03-11 | 2006-11-06 | Unit dose delivery system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/798,649 US7131784B2 (en) | 2004-03-11 | 2004-03-11 | Unit dose delivery system |
US11/593,250 US20070053736A1 (en) | 2004-03-11 | 2006-11-06 | Unit dose delivery system |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/798,649 Division US7131784B2 (en) | 2004-03-11 | 2004-03-11 | Unit dose delivery system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070053736A1 true US20070053736A1 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
Family
ID=34920318
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/798,649 Expired - Fee Related US7131784B2 (en) | 2004-03-11 | 2004-03-11 | Unit dose delivery system |
US11/593,250 Abandoned US20070053736A1 (en) | 2004-03-11 | 2006-11-06 | Unit dose delivery system |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/798,649 Expired - Fee Related US7131784B2 (en) | 2004-03-11 | 2004-03-11 | Unit dose delivery system |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7131784B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1722898B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4762227B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20060130725A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1942373B (en) |
AT (1) | ATE535313T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005222573B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2559223A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005089954A2 (en) |
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EP1576933A1 (en) * | 2004-03-11 | 2005-09-21 | 3M Espe Ag | Capsule for storage, mixing and dispensing materials |
DE502005005403D1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2008-10-30 | Dentaco Gmbh | Device for storing and dispensing a flowable substance |
ATE454185T1 (en) * | 2005-11-03 | 2010-01-15 | Dentaco Gmbh | APPLICATION DEVICE FOR A FLOWING SUBSTANCE |
US20070246381A1 (en) * | 2006-04-21 | 2007-10-25 | Pond Gary J | Telescoping ampoule device |
FR2905241B1 (en) * | 2006-08-29 | 2008-11-21 | Socoplan Soc Par Actions Simpl | SAMPLE DOSE WITH APPLICATOR |
DE102007039177B4 (en) * | 2007-08-20 | 2013-05-23 | Sulzer Mixpac Ag | applicator |
DE202008004615U1 (en) * | 2007-11-26 | 2008-07-10 | Dentaco Dentalindustrie Und -Marketing Gmbh | Device for applying a powdery or liquid substance |
US8464910B2 (en) | 2008-03-14 | 2013-06-18 | Solutions Biomed, Llc | Multi-chamber container system for storing and mixing fluids |
US8087842B2 (en) * | 2008-06-30 | 2012-01-03 | Elc Management, Llc | Multi-compartment, wiper-applicator package |
NZ591949A (en) * | 2008-09-26 | 2012-12-21 | Ciris Energy Inc | Method for evaluation, design and optimization of in-situ bioconversion processes |
WO2010056871A2 (en) | 2008-11-12 | 2010-05-20 | Solutions Biomed, Llc | Two-part disinfectant system and related methods |
US8789716B2 (en) | 2008-11-12 | 2014-07-29 | Solutions Biomed, Llc | Multi-chamber container system for storing and mixing liquids |
ES2748855T3 (en) * | 2010-03-25 | 2020-03-18 | Sdi Ltd | Liquid container |
DE102010037133A1 (en) | 2010-08-24 | 2012-03-01 | Fischerwerke Gmbh & Co. Kg | Container for separate storage of components to be mixed before using, destructible membrane for dividing container into chambers, where components are separately stored |
US20130015188A1 (en) * | 2011-07-13 | 2013-01-17 | Joshua James Cheetham | Liquid container |
EP2641562A1 (en) * | 2012-11-26 | 2013-09-25 | Sulzer Mixpac AG | System for applying a flowable component |
EP2754409B1 (en) * | 2013-01-15 | 2020-12-16 | Ivoclar Vivadent AG | Dental oven |
US9925026B2 (en) * | 2014-07-21 | 2018-03-27 | Kerr Corporation | Adapters, tips, and dental assemblies |
AU2018442360A1 (en) * | 2018-09-17 | 2021-01-28 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Two part bonded seal for static downhole tool applications |
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- 2005-03-04 JP JP2007502868A patent/JP4762227B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-03-04 AT AT05724536T patent/ATE535313T1/en active
- 2005-03-04 WO PCT/US2005/007012 patent/WO2005089954A2/en active Application Filing
- 2005-03-04 EP EP05724536A patent/EP1722898B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2005-03-04 KR KR1020067021023A patent/KR20060130725A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-03-04 AU AU2005222573A patent/AU2005222573B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2005-03-04 CN CN200580011940XA patent/CN1942373B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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2006
- 2006-11-06 US US11/593,250 patent/US20070053736A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US3279654A (en) * | 1965-02-08 | 1966-10-18 | Richard L Pierick | Syringe |
US3713780A (en) * | 1971-02-01 | 1973-01-30 | Becton Dickinson Co | Apparatus for chemical testing |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7131784B2 (en) | 2006-11-07 |
JP4762227B2 (en) | 2011-08-31 |
US20050201813A1 (en) | 2005-09-15 |
WO2005089954A3 (en) | 2006-05-04 |
CN1942373A (en) | 2007-04-04 |
AU2005222573A1 (en) | 2005-09-29 |
EP1722898B1 (en) | 2011-11-30 |
ATE535313T1 (en) | 2011-12-15 |
CN1942373B (en) | 2010-09-29 |
KR20060130725A (en) | 2006-12-19 |
CA2559223A1 (en) | 2005-09-29 |
EP1722898A2 (en) | 2006-11-22 |
AU2005222573B2 (en) | 2009-10-22 |
WO2005089954A2 (en) | 2005-09-29 |
JP2007528267A (en) | 2007-10-11 |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |