US3777949A

US3777949A - Improved single dose disposable container and accessories

Info

Publication number: US3777949A
Application number: US00211598A
Authority: US
Inventors: Arias M Chiquiari
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: TMF TECHSERV Inc A NEW YORK CORP; Mercantile and Technical Promotions Inc
Priority date: 1969-09-29
Filing date: 1971-12-23
Publication date: 1973-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 1990-12-11

Abstract

A disposable container for medicaments and the like providing a high degree of prophylaxis and accurate dosification. The container includes a generally flexible plastic body, heat-sealed at its lower end and containing a precise dose of the medicament to be dispensed. The opposite end of the body is tapered to define an elongated hollow nozzle terminating in an enlarged tab portion which may be manipulated by a consumer to sever the tab portion from the remainder of the nozzle to thereby provide an opening for dispensing the container contents. The nozzle portion includes a length extending rearward from the tip, which is of thickened wall construction, whereby said portion is relatively rigid and therefore incompressible during the tearing off of the tab. The nozzle and tab are of sufficient length that a user may grasp the rearward portion of the rigid nozzle and effectively conduct the tearing process without the fingers contaminating the resulting nozzle opening. Auxiliary elements include a cap like member for fitting over the nozzle and having an orifice filled with a swab for the application of the contained liquid to an external surface, and a separate cap like member for fitting over the nozzle and having a recess in the tip end thereof for nesting the tab portion to enable the tab portion to be twisted off without contamination by contact with the hands.

Description

nited States Patent 1 Chiquiari-Arias Dec. 11, 1973 IMPROVED SINGLE DOSE DISPOSABLE CONTAINER AND ACCESSORIES [76] Inventor: Marcel Chiquiari-Arias, lnsurgentes sur 403, 1st Floor, Mexico City, Mexico 22 Filed: Dec. 23, 1971 21 Appl. No.: 211,598

Related U.S. Application Data [30] Foreign Application Priority Data Jan. 2, 1969 Mexico 108027 [52] U.S. Cl. 222/541 [51] Int. Cl B65d 17/24 [58] Field of Search 222/107, 212, 541,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,584,211 6/1971 Rauhut 222/541 3,595,441 7/1971 Grosjean 222/107 3,271,810 9/1966 Raffe 222/541 X 3,356,244 12/1967 Witchell 222/541 X Primary ExaminerStanley H. Tollberg Attorney-S. Delvalle et a1.

TJJJJJJJJ [57] ABSTRACT A disposable container for medicaments and the like providing a high degree of prophylaxis and accurate dosification. The container includes a generally flexible plastic body, heat-sealed at its lower end and containing a precise dose of the medicament to be dispensed. The opposite end of the body is tapered to define an elongated hollow nozzle terminating in an enlarged tab portion which may be manipulated by a consumer to sever the tab portion from the remainder of the nozzle to thereby provide an opening for dispensing the container contents.

The nozzle portion includes a length extending rearward from the tip, which is of thickened wall construction, whereby said portion is relatively rigid and therefore incompressible during the tearing off of the tab. The nozzle and tab are of sufficient length that a user may grasp the rearward portion of the rigid nozzle and effectively conduct the tearing process without the fingers contaminating the resulting nozzle opening. Auxiliary elements include a cap like member for fitting over the nozzle and having an orifice filled with a swab for the application of the contained liquid to an external surface, and a separate cap like member for fitting over the nozzle and having a recess in the tip end thereof for nesting the tab portion to enable the tab portion to be twisted off without contamination by contact with the hands.

9 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures Pmmcn m'n n 3.177. 949

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FIG. I4

IMPROVED SINGLE DOSE DISPOSABLE CONTAINER AND ACCESSORIES CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 861,841, filed Sept. 29, 1969, now US Pat. No. 3,667,657 for Disposable Container, and of my co-pending application Ser. No. 109.806, filed Jan. 26, 1971, now abandoned, and entitled Cap Opener for Disposable Container.

BACKGROUND OF THE lNVENTlON This invention relates generally to disposable containers and more specifically relates to disposable containers for use in providing unit or otherwise measured dosages of liquid drugs and various other medicaments.

Both in the course of medical treatment and in the course of utilizing drugs, medicines and similar compositions intended for use in or upon the body, it is often required that a consumer of such materials be provided with a sterile and precisely measured dosage of the substance in question. In the case, for example, of a medicine intended for internal consumption, a physician may require that the patient ingest a spoonful of the medicine at period intervals or so forth. Similarly, in the case of compositions intended for application to sensitive body tissues, such as the membranes of the eye, it is of extreme importance that such composition be completely sterile and also applied in accurately measured dosages.

With the exception of certain extremely critical materials, it has been the practice until very recent years to furnish most medicaments via containers intended for repeated use by the consumer. The obvious disadvantages of such an approach becomes clear upon consideration of representative examples of such practice Thus, in the case of nose or ear drops or the like, the solutions utilized for such purposes are commonly provide in glass bottles to which is secured a droppercontaining cap. It is common knowledge that such containers remain upon the shelf of the consumer for months and in some cases, years, in consequence of which the sterility and potentcy of the solutions are lost and infection is spread from user to successive user. Moreover, dosification with such containers is principally controlled by the judgment of the user in appropriately filling the dropper utilized to dispense the solution.

A further illustration of the problem to which the present invention addresses itself is the contact lens solutions which are widely employed in the course of seating and lubricating the tiny contact lens elements secured to the eyeball surface. In the past the said solutions have largely been made available to the consumer in relatively large containers, it being a common practier: of the said consumers to transfer small quantities of the solution from the purchased container to a small portable vial which usually is made available part of the original equipment furnished with his lenses. Aside from the relatively untidy aspects of transferring such solution from container to container and thereafter dispensing the solution upon the contact lenses piror to use, is the more important consideration that such procedures lead not only to inaccurate dosification, but moreover impair the sterility of the said solutions. In consequence particularly of the last cited factor, it is plastic containers closed by a cap seated thereon. Con

tainers of this type are generally not fully sealed and in consequence contamination is possible. The fact that scaling is incomplete moreover enables undetected leakage to occur in consequence of which the dosification, that is to say, the quantity of drugs dispensed may be imparied.

In accordance with the foregoing it may be regarded as an object of the present invention to provide a lowcost and highly effective container enabling accurate dosification of a highly sterile medicament contained therein.

it is a further object of the present invention to provid a container for unit or other specified dosification of fluid medicaments, which is completely scaled and which therefore assures the sterility of the contents thereof.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a sealed container for measured quantities of fluid medicaments, which may be opened by a consumer without the use of tools, and which furthermore may be opened without inducing contamination into the contents thereof through contact with the fingers, and without consequent spillage of any of the contents thereof.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a sealed container for unit dosages of medicaments or the like which may not be resealed or closed by the consumer subsequent to opening thereof, thereby obviating the possibility of saving potentially dangerous medicines and drugs, thus removing such material from access to children or other persons likely to be thereby endangered.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a sealed container for dispensing accurate dosification of a sterile medicament contained therein, which is combined with a cap opener which not only enagles opening of the container without additional tools, but which moreover protects the cap-covered surface portions of the container from contamination via contact with non-sterile objects or environments.

It is a yet additional object of the invention to provide a sealed container for dispensing accurately dosified quantities of medicaments or the like, which upon opening may be combined with a suitable applicator nozzle fitted thereto, whereby the combination may be utilized for applying tinctures or the like to surface areas, such as for example to the tissues of an individual requiring treatment by the contained medicament.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a non-reusable container for medicaments, drugs or the like, which enables dispensing of a specific dose of the material therein contained, and which by thus assuring full consumption of the said medicaments eliminates the polluting effects of discarding excess drugs and similar materials into the general environment.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Now in accordance with the present invention, the foregoing objects, and others as will be apparent in the course of the ensuing specification, are achieved in a container comprising a generally flexible plastic body hat-sealed at its lower end and containing a precise dose of the medicament to be dispensed. The opposite end of the body is tapered to define an elongated hollow nozzle terminating in an enlarged tab portion which may be manipulated by a consumer to sever the tab portion from the remainder of the nozzle to thereby provide an opening for dispensing the container contents. The nozzle portion includes a length extending rearware from the tip which is of thickened wall construction, whereby said portion is relatively rigid and therefore incompressible during the tearing off of the tab. The nozzle and tab are of sufficient length that a user may grasp the rearward portion of the rigid nozzle and effectively conduct the tearing process without the fingers contaminating the resulting nozzle opening. A mating cap opener may be provided to form an assembly with the container, the said cap being a hollow tapered member, having an internal recess adapted to engage the container tab. The said cap acts to protect the thereby covered portion of the nozzle from contamination, an important feature where the external walls of the nozzle may come in contact with the body tissues, as for example where the nozzle is intended for insertion into bodily orifices. A consumer may grasp and twist the said cap so as to thereby open the tip of the container in the manner aforesaid, once again, such result occurring without contact of the users fingers with the resulting nozzle orifice or, in this instance, the forward portion of the nozzle itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The invention is diagramatically illustrated, by way of exmple, in the drawings appended hereto in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view, partially crosssectioned, of a disposable container in accordance with the present invention; also shwon in such Figure is a fragmentary view, showing the container nozzle rotated through an angle of 90 from the principal depiction;

FIGS. 2 and 2A are cross-sectional and end views, respectively, of a second embodiment of the invention, the container body set forth therein being depicted prior to filling and sealing thereof;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view through an unsealed container representing a third embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4 and 4A are longitudinal cross-sectional and bottom end views, respectively, of an unsealed container representing a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 5 and 5A are, respectively, longitudinal crosssectional and front end views of an unsealed container representing a fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-section through an applicator tip adapted for attachment to the nozzle portion of the disposable containers;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the container of FIG. 1, showing such container operatively associated with the applicator tip of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial elevational view, depicting the nozzle portion ofa container such as that of FIG. 1, in association with a mating cap-opener.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cap-opener shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the combination appearing in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line llll of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a view ofa modified embodiment of the assembly appearing in FIG. 8, and depicts a modified container in elevation, together with a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cap-opener on the container;

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12, but showing the assembly thereof rotated 90 about its longitudinal axis;

FIG. 14 is a view generally similar to FIG. 12, but depicting a version of the invention in which the capopener is made of semi-flexible or resilient material, instead of a rigid material, for dispensing with the need for a different wall thickness at the closed end of the cap-opener; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic view ofa typical assembly line operation pursuant to which containers in accordance with the invention may be filled.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In FIG. 1 a disposable container 1 appears, which is generally in accordance with the present invention. The view of FIG. 1 is principally elevational in nature with various features of the invention being set forth, however, in a cross-sectional manner. Container 1, although moded as a unit, hollow tube-like structure, may for purposes of analysis be regarded as including three contiguous portions, namely, a body portion 2, an elongated mozzle 3, smoothly adjoined to and extending forward of body 2, and a severable, twistoff tab 4, adjoined to the tip of nozzle 3. In the embodiment shown container 1, comprises polyethylene or a similar moldable, thermoplastic material. Prior to the filling thereof with a medicament to be dispensed, the said container is open at its lower end 5, as is, for example, the container body 61 appearing in FIG. 2. After filling with the said medicament, however, the bottom edges of the body portion 2 are heat-sealed as shown at 63, utilizing standard techniques as are known in the art. Once such heat-sealing is accomplished it will be clear that an entirely sealed internal volume is present at container 1, consisting of the respective internal volumes of body portion 2, the tapered channel 64 of nozzle 3, and the small channel 66 representing an extension of channel 64 into tab 4. The entire enclosed volume is completely sealed from atmosphere, and in consequence complete freedom from contamination by external agents is guaranteed for the medicament contained therein.

The body portion 2 of the container 1, as may be seen from the broken-away cross-section at the lower end of the said container, is defined by a wall 68 of relatively thin cross-section. In a typical case for example, the polyethylene material comprising such wall 68 may have a thickness of the order of 25 mils. In consequence of the relatively thin nature of wall 68, body portion 2 is relatively flexible and may be readily compressed by the fingers of a user. In marked contrast it will be observed that wall 70 defining the elongate nozzle 3, is of a thickness considerably exceeding that of wall 68. In a representative case, for example, the polyethylene material typically comprising such nozzle may have a thickness of the order of 50 mils. In consequence of this factor the nozzle portion 3 is relatively rigid in nature and may not be readily bent or twisted. The important consequence of such arrangement will shortly be apparent.

Wall 70 toward the tip of nozzle 3, is seen to be drawn sharply inward, so as to define a thin-walled severable portion 72 between nozzle 3 and tab 4. The purpose of such arrangement is to provide at portion 72, a weakened zone of wall material such that a consumer may readily, by grasping and twisting tab 4, sever the tab from the nozzle 3 at such weakened area. Upon doing so it is clear that channel 64 is opened to atmosphere, thereby defining an orifice for dispensing of the container contents.

The various features of container 1 as above set forth have important consequences with respect to the tearing operations, that is to say, with respect to the operation effecting severance of top 4 from nozzle 3 with consequent opening of an orifice at the nozzle tip. Firstly, regarding the tab 4, it should be noted from FIG. 1 and the 90 rotated view of the forward end of body 1 immediately below the main depiction, the tab 4 comprises a generally flattened body that is readily adapted to be grasped by the thumb and forefinger of the user during the tearing process. The dimension D,, which is to say the length of tab 4, is furthermore designed to be such that the tab may be thus effectively grasped, without the fingers of the user contacting any portion of nozzle 3, and, in particular, without the fingers contacting portion 72 at which severance of the reduced portion of wall 68 occurs. Such assures that as the orifice is opened, contamination by the users fingers may not occur by virtue of contact with the orifice during opening. By way of example, the tab 4 typically has a length of the order of one-half inch.

The normal mode of opening the present package involves grasping tab 4, as previously indicated, between the thumb and forefinger of one hand, while simultaneously holding with the fingers of the other hand, the lower portion of the nozzle 3, as for example, at approximately the length designated by reference numbered 74. At this point it may be appreciated that the fact that nozzle 54 is relatively rigid due to the thick ness of the wall thereof enables the consumer to ef fectively grasp length 74, with the assurance that as tab 4 is twisted the nozzle will remain essentially rigid, stationery, and inflexible. Were the said nozzle 3 to comprise a thin-walled section, as at 68 of body portion 2, the container would tend to be collapsed, compressed or bent during the course of removing tab 4, and, in consequence, the medicament contained therein could be inadvertently discharged in whole or in part, thereby adversely affecting the accuracy of dosification.

It is important to further observe in connection with FIG. 1, that the overall length D of nozzle 3 is sufficient as to permit the consumer to grasp the nozzle without the fingers being proximate to severable portion 72. That is to say that the nozzle must have sufficient extension that a length 74 is provided for accommodating the fingers, which length is not too close to the nozzle tip. In practice it has been found that length 74 ought to be about three-eighths of an inch or more in order to permit effective grasping; consequently dimension D is preferably at least as great as the cited 3/8 inch figure.

It should further be appreciated in the above connection that the thin-walled nature of body portion 52, at the same time, enables the necessary function of that portion of the container 1. In particular as it is apparent that container 1 upon opening has but one discharge orifice to atmosphere, dispensing of the contents thereof necessarily occurs by application of pressure to the contained medicament. Such pressure is effected by compressing the highly flexible walls of body portion 2.

The flat widened shape of tab 4 is also of significance to the present invention. Firstly, such shape facilitates firm grasping of the tab during severing, an important consideration in that it is basically a twisting motion that is utilized between tab and nozzle to effect the opening. Secondly, it will be observed that both the flattened shape of tab 4, and the width D thereof, cooperate to prevent reinsertion of the severed tab into the orifice at the tip of nozzle 3 subsequent to opening. This result, in turn, precludes any possibility of resealing the container, and thus eliminates the danger of stored, half-used, and unsterile medicaments.

In FIGS. 2 and 2A cross-section and end views, respectively appear ofa container 61 generally similar to the container of FIG. 1 but incorporating certain distinctions in the shape thereof. Firstly, as has been previously indicated, it will be noted in connection with FIG. 2, that the container 61 is shown in its unsealed condition, that is, with the end 76 thereof in its completely open condition. Subsequent to filling with a medicament or other material to be dispensed the end 76 is, of course, heat-sealed in the manner shown in FIG. 1. It will be noted in FIG. 2 that no distinct demarkation is present on an external basis between the body portion 78 of the container and the nozzle portion 80. However, as is clearly shown by the cross-sectional nature of the depiction, the nozzle 80, once again, is of considerably thickened wall section in comparison to the body portion 78 to which it is smoothly adjoined. Thus the said nozzle 80, is as previously set forth, relatively rigid with respect to the remaining body portion 78 of the container. The tab 82 terminating the structure is similar to tab 4 of FIG. 1 although differing somewhat in the shape thereof. Thus it will be noted that tab 82 has its maximum dimension D, located at the tip thereof, as opposed to the FIG. 1 showing where the maximum dimension D is adjacent severable portion 72. The arrangement of FIG. 2 is found by many to be more readily graspable during the twisting operation effecting the tearing of the tab. In a representative example of the FIG. 2 embodiment, nozzle portion 80 has a length of the order of three-eighths of an inch, in keeping with the concepts previously set forth regarding the minimum practical length for this portion of the container. Similarly, tab 82 is of length equal to approximately one-half inch.

In FIG. 3, cross-sectional view appears through an unsealed container representing a further embodiment of the invention. The said container 84, is generally similar to the container in view 1, although the nozzle portion 86 is somewhat less tapered than that of FIG. 1. The tab incorporated in the FIG. 3 structure is also seen to be of the type utilized in the FIG. 2 structure. Nozzle portion 86 once again is of a minimum length of at least three-eighths of an inch and incorporates a wall which is thickened in comparison with the remainder of the container.

In FIGS. 4 and 4A, longitudinal cross-sectional and the bottom end views, respectively, appear of an unsealed container representing a still further embodiment of the invention. This embodiment as is best seen in FIG. 4A, differs notably from prior embodiments in that the cross-sectional shape of the container 88 is an oval as opposed to a round structure. In certain applications it is found that the oval configuration facilitates dispensing of the contents from an opened container. While a material such as the polyethylene previously mentioned may be utilized for the oval configuration, it is found that a somewhat tougher material such as polypropylene lends itself more readily to this application.

In FIGS. and 5A longitudinal cross-sectional and front end views respectively appear of an unsealed container 90 further in accordance with the present invention. It will be noted in the present embodiment that the thickened wall nozzle portion 92 extends backward from the tip of the nozzle a total length D and includes the shoulder portion 96 which adjoins the thin-walled body portion 94 of the container. This type of construction is particularly useful where a relatively large volume is encompassed within the container which is the case with a relatively wide-bodied container as shown in FIG. 5.

As has been previously indicated, any sort of medicament or other liquid materials usefully dispensed by containers ofthe foregoing type may be associated with the present container. In numerous instances in the case of medicaments, however, it is desired to apply the said medicaments in spread-out fashion, as for example, to the skin of user. For such purposes it is useful to employ with the container the applicator tip 16 shown in cross-section in FIG. 6 herein. The said tip 16 is a hollow-tapered body of internal diameter slightly exceeding the diameter of the nozzle to which it is to be secured. Typically, once again, such tip 16 is molded of poyethylene, polypropylene, etc. that is of the same material as is the container with which it is to be associated. The tip 16 terminates in an end 17 having an orifice into which is inserted an applicator 18 such as for example cotton or the like. In the elevational view of FIG. 7 the applicator 16 is shown in its operative association with a container 11 similar for example to that described in connection with FIG. 1 in FIG. 7 herein after the tab has been removed.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 through 10, the nozzle 10 of a disposable container of the type set forth hereinabove, is shown in association with a cap-opener or cap 12. The cap 12 has walls formed as a slightly tapered hollow recessed tubular portion, such wall terminating in a tip or sleeve 14 having a recess 15, the exterior thereof having a non-slip surface such as ridges 16 as shown in FIG. 11. The nozzle 10, at its right or upper end, terminates in a tab 18 tha is formed onto the nozzle 10 by a weakened severable portion 21 as previously set forth. As best seen in FIG. 10 the tab 18 mates with the recess with the remaining portions of the nozzle snugly fitting the opening 20.

It is seen that twisting or turning the cap 14 about the longitudinal axis of the container bearing nozzle 10, due to the mating relation of the tab 18 with recess 15 formed within cap 12, causes tab 18 to be torn or broken off at severable portion 21 so that, in the manner previously set forth, the associated container is broken open at the weakened cross-section defined at portion 21, whereby dispensing of the product stored therein is enabled. The cap 12 may be formed of relatively rigid plastic material, such as for example polypropylene or of thickened polyethylene. Cap 12 is seen from FIG. 8 to extend rearwardly from the termination point of the nozzle, but to leave a portion of the nozzle at the rear end thereof free for grasping by the consumer. This portion has been designated in FIG. 8 by reference numeral 74 so as to correspond to a similar feature discussed in connection with FIG. 1. The point intended for appreciation herein is that the cap 12 must be of length so limited that a sufficient portion 74 of the nozzle remains to once again enable the grasping operation, pursuant to which opening of the container is possible without consequent compression by the fingers of the held portion of the said container i.e., the fingers must be able to grasp the thickened nozzle as opposed to relatively thin body. As has been previously indicated, the portion 74 typically is of the order of at least three-eighths of an inch in order to accommodate the grasping fingers. The cap 12 is retained upon the container when stored, so that it is secured thereon. by a lip 22 formed at the opening edge of the cap 12. The container or at least the portion covered by the cap is cylindrical to enable relative twisting between container and cap.

In FIGS. 12 and 13 there is shown a container 40 having a bottom sealed end 41 for closing the fluid product within the container and having at the distal or other end thereof, a tab 42 connected to container 40 by the weakened cross-section portion 44. The tab 42 has a flattened portion 46 on each side thereof as shown in FIG. 12 and fits in mating relationship with the hollow recessed portion 50 by an inner thickening 50-52 of the walls of cap 54.

The cap 54 has a retaining lip 56 at its open end which securely engages the surface of container 40. The container 40 shown in FIG. 12 and 13 is of a type such as is shown for example in FIG. 12 hereinabove, such that the requisite thickened nozzle portion 74 protrudes beyond the open end of cap 12 as to again enable a user to grasp this relatively flexible portion of the container during the opening sequence.

In FIG. 14 there is shown a modification of the FIGS. 8 through 13 construction wherein the cap 60 is made of resilient or semi-flexible material such that compression of the tip 62 of cap 60 by a consumer onto tab 42 similarly engages and mates the cap with the flattened surface of 46 of tab 42. In consequence the tab 42 may once again be grasped in the manner aforesaid, so that upon twisting of the cap 60 the tab 42 is severed from the body of container 40 to establish an orifice. Again, it should be emphasized in this embodiment too that a portion 74 of the nozzle, typically having a length of at least three-eighths of an inch, remains for grasping by the consumer during the opening sequence.

In FIG. 15 a plan view appears of a typical assembly line type of arrangement pursuant to which disposable containers of the type set forth herein may be filled and sealed. The fill and seal system 102 may thus include a conveyor belt generally designated at 104, upon which a plurality of disposable containers 103 of the type set forth herein are stacked side-by-side in vertical fashion with the unsealed open ends 105 thereof (corresponding for example to end 76 of FIG. 2) being accessible for filling with a desired medicament. As the plurality of containers pass beneath filling station 106, a series of dispensing nozzles 108 measure a desired quantity of medicament into each of the advancing containers. Any simple control means as is known in the art may be utilized to activate the dispensing nozzle 108; for example, a photo cell receptor or the like, the light source to which is intercepted by the passing containers, may trigger suitable solonoid valve means to meter out a desired quantity of the medicament. In their continuing progression the said containers, now filled, advance to the sealing station 110. The latter may typically comprise a pair of heated surfaces which are brought toward each other with the open ends of the containers therebetween, whereby the pressure between the two said members effects thermosealing in the manner well known in the art. Thereafter the containers may advance to other stations as, for example, to inspection, packing stations, etc.

While the present invention has been particularly set forth in terms of specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood in view of the instant disclosure that numerous variations upon the invention are now enabled to those skilled in the art which variations in propriety yet reside within the scope of the instant teaching. Accordingly the invention to be broadly construed and limited only by the scope and spirit of the claims now appended hereto.

I claim:

l. A disposable container for medicaments and the like, providing a high degree or prophylaxis and accurate dosification, comprising molded as a unit:

a generally flexible hollow, tube-like plastic body open for heat-sealing at one end and adapted for containing a precise dose of the medicament to be dispensed;

an elongated hollow nozzle joined to the opposite end of said tubular plastic body and communicating with the interior thereof, said nozzle being of relatively rigid, thick walled construction and tapered with respect to the tubular plastic body;

a graspable tab portion adjoined to the end of said nozzle, the hollow channel within said nozzle extending into the base of said tab portion, and

the cross-sectional area of the container wall between said nozzle and tab being reduced to provide a relatively thin and weakened zone, whereby said tab may be twisted to sever said tab from said nozzle at said zone to provide an orifice at said nozzle for the contents of said container, said nozzle being of sufficient length that the base thereof may be grasped by the thumb without the said fingers contacting the reduced cross-section portion at the tip of said nozzle, and further including in combination a cap-opener adapted for mating engagement with the tab bearing end of said container, said capopener comprising a tapered body open at one end and being adapted at the internal opposite end thereof for engaging said tab, whereby twisting of the said cap-opener effects said severing of said tab.

2. A combination in accordance with claim 1, wherein the said opposite end of said cap-opener includes an internally formed recess adapted to snugly mate with said tab.

3. A combination according to claim 1, wherein the said opposite end of said cap-opener is a hollow flexible wall, whereby said consumer by compressing said flexible wall may engage said tab to effect said severing by twisting said cap.

4. A combination according to claim 1, wherein the external walls of said cap-opener include longitudinally extending ridges for facilitating grasping and the turning thereof.

5. A combination in accordance with claim 1, wherein the open end of said cap includes an internally formed ridge for maintaining said cap position upon said container.

6. A combination according to claim 1, wherein the length of the said cap is less than the length of the said nozzle by at least an amount sufficient to provide an exposed base portion of said nozzle sufficient to be grasped by the thumb and forefingers of a user, whereby to hold said container at said relatively rigid nozzle during said opening operation.

7. A disposable container for medicaments and the like providing a high degree of prophylaxis and accurate dosification, comprising molded as a unit:

a generally flexible hollow, tube-like plastic body, open for heat-sealing at one end and adapted for containing a precise dose of the medicament to be dispensed:

the cross-sectional area of the container wall between said nozzle and tab being reduced to provide.

a relatively thin and weakened zone, whereby said tab may be twisted to sever said tab from said nozzle at said zone to provide an orifice at said nozzle for the contents of said container, said nozzle being of sufficient length that the base thereof may be grasped by the thumb without the said fingers contacting the reduced cross-section portion at the tip of said nozzle, and further including in combination a separate applicator constituted by a substantially tubular portion slightly tapered towards one end, and absorbent material inserted in said one end, said applicator being of such dimensions as to be coupled to the tapered nozzle portion after the end portion has been broken off prior to dispensing the products of said container for a one-time use.

8. A combination in accordance with claim 7, wherein said base portion of said nozzle is of a length at least as great as three-eighths of an inch.

9. A combination in accordance with claim 6, wherein the length of the said exposed base portion is at least three-eighths of an inch.

' UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,777,9h9 Dated December 11, 1973 Inventofls) Marcelo Chiquiar -Arias It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

On the cover sheet, in the heading, the inventor's name should read as follows:

-- Marcelo Chiquiar-Arias On the cover sheet, under itemiSigthe attorney s name should read as follows: 7 v --1 S. Delvalle Goldsmith et a1.

Signed and sealed this 30th day of April 197M.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD BLFLETCHERJR. C. MARSHALL DAN-N Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents RM 9' v v uscoMM Dc some P69 i5- G OY ERNMENT PRliTlNG OFFICE: I969 0"365'33L

Claims

1. A disposable container for medicaments and the like, providing a high degree or prophylaxis and accurate dosification, comprising molded as a unit: a generally flexible hollow, tube-like plastic body open for heat-sealing at one end and adapted for containing a precise dose of the medicament to be dispensed; an elongated hollow nozzle joined to the opposite end of said tubular plastic body and communicating with the interior thereof, said nozzle being of relatively rigid, thick walled construction and tapered with respect to the tubular plastic body; a graspable tab portion adjoined to the end of said nozzle, the hollow channel within said nozzle extending into the base of said tab portion, and the cross-sectional area of the container wall between said nozzle and tab being reduced to provide a relatively thin and weakened zone, whereby said tab may be twisted to sever said tab from said nozzle at said zone to provide an orifice at said nozzle for the contents of said container, said nozzle being of sufficient length that the base thereof may be grasped by the thumb without the said fingers contacting the reduced crosssection portion at the tip of said nozzle, and further including in combination a cap-opener Adapted for mating engagement with the tab bearing end of said container, said cap-opener comprising a tapered body open at one end and being adapted at the internal opposite end thereof for engaging said tab, whereby twisting of the said cap-opener effects said severing of said tab.

7. A disposable container for medicaments and the like providing a high degree of prophylaxis and accurate dosification, comprising molded as a unit: a generally flexible hollow, tube-like plastic body, open for heat-sealing at one end and adapted for containing a precise dose of the medicament to be dispensed: an elongated hollow nozzle joined to the opposite end of said tubular plastic body and communicating with the interior thereof, said nozzle being of relatively rigid, thick walled construction and tapered with respect to the tubular plastic body; a graspable tab portion adjoined to the end of said nozzle, the hollow channel within said nozzle extending into the base of said tab portion, and the cross-sectional area of the container wall between said nozzle and tab being reduced to provide a relatively thin and weakened zone, whereby said tab may be twisted to sever said tab from said nozzle at said zone to provide an orifice at said nozzle for the contents of said container, said nozzle being of sufficient length that the base thereof may be grasped by the thumb without the said fingers contacting the reduced cross-section portion at the tip of said nozzle, and further including in combination a separate applicator constituted by a substantially tubular portion slightly tapered towards one end, and absorbent material inserted in said one end, said applicator being of such dimensions as to be coupled to the tapered nozzle portion after the end portion has been broken off prior to dispensing the products of said container for a one-time use.