WO2007068032A1

WO2007068032A1 - An apparatus for holding and dispensing flowable preparations

Info

Publication number: WO2007068032A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/001866
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Anderson; Gerry A. Rose; David Tomlinson; Michael Winch
Original assignee: Nature Vet Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-12-12
Filing date: 2006-12-11
Publication date: 2007-06-21

Abstract

An apparatus for holding and dispensing at least one flowable preparation; said apparatus including a flexible bag adapted to retaining said at least one flowable preparation and a dispensing means; said flexible bag provided with at least one outlet aperture and an outlet nozzle; said outlet nozzle provided with a projecting first threaded portion; said dispensing means comprising a syringe having an integral elongate delivery nozzle; said delivery nozzle provided with a second threaded portion; said first and second threaded portions adapted for screwed connection of said syringe to said outlet aperture r thereby to allow transfer of at least a portion of said at least one flowable preparation from said bag into said syringe.

Description

AN APPABAΪtrS FOR HOLDING AND DISPENSING FLOWABLE PREPARATIONS The present invention relates to an apparatus for holding and dispensing viscous flowable preparations (gel, mixture, paste, solution, sol, emulsion or suspension) and in particular to an apparatus for holding and dispensing a flowable preparation that is typically administered orally to an animal.

BACKGROUND

Whilst caring far many forms of animals, particularly companion animals such as dogs, cats and horses, it is sometimes necessary to dispense various flowable preparations into the animal's mouth. Such flowable preparations may be for example pharmaceutical, nutritional and/or hormonal preparations. For convenience,, it is now quite common to make such preparations in a viscous paste form and deliver these to a prospective animal by means of a syringe into the mouth of the animal.

Typically, these preparations in the form of a paste, gel, mixture, sol, viscous liquid suspension or emulsion are stored in screw cap containers such as jars. In order to provide _. a dose to an animal, the cap is unscrewed and a syringe is dipped into the preparations and a discrete dose is taken up into the holding part of the syringe. The nozzle of the syringe is then placed into the mouth of the animal and the dose expelled such that the animal ingests the preparation. Such an arrangement can toe quite messy and inconvenient and/or difficult to fill and/or dispense for the person providing the dose to the animal, particularly if there are many animals to be dosed in this fashion, or in a confined space. The screw cap container is also open to the air allowing contamination of the product, as well as oxidation, disproportionation and/or dehydration. In addition there are risks of contamination of the product, and ingestion by or contact with and absorption by the skin of the human user. Thes.e latter can be problem both if the products contain hormonal substances,_, particularly for female users, or those which are known to irritate the skin or promote allergic reaction.

In an attempt to- provide a more convenient method of delivering ^■ such preparations for animals, multi-dose syringes have been developed which can be purchased pre~ filled with multiple doses of the preparation in question. Each time a dose is required to be administered to an animal, the syringe can be operated to release a discrete dose, after which a further, dose can be set ready ^■ for the following administration. However, there is a limit to how many doses can be provided in this form, before the device becomes too bulky to handle manually. Also the volume delivered by the multi-dose syringe is often imprecise and not reliable with errors in delivery of up to ± 10%. ^• It is known that a syringe body can be filled from a supply source by means of a Luer lock or slip fitting. Syringes which make use of these systems, have demountable needles allowing a screwed, connection to the supply source. However these tend to be narrow aperture systems not suited to use with viscous preparations for dosing of animals where it is clearly desirable to deliver the dose into the mouth of the animal as rapidly as possible. Also in some countries, such as the USA, it is illegal to use syringes for

^■ dispensing/injecting racing animals ^• at racetracks and sporting venues where horses or dogs compete.

It is an object of the present invention to address Or ameliorate some of the above disadvantages.

Notes

1. The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not _. in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of". 2. The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the coinmon general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

According to one aspect_r the present invention provides an assembly for holding and dispensing a flowable composition including: a holding portion for holding the flowable composition wherein the holding portion includes an outlet aperture in communication with the flowable composition; and, a liquid dispensing means detachably coupled to the outlet aperture and adapted to receive a dose of the flowable composition, wherein upon receipt of the dose of the flowable composition, the flowable composition dispensing means may be detached from the outlet aperture to deliver the dose of flowable composition,

Preferably, the dispensing means is in the form of a syringe including: a hollow portion for receiving and holding the dose of the flowable composition; a plunger portion in slidable cooperation with the holding portion and moveable between a dosed position and an empty position; and, a nozzle portion in liquid communication with the hollow portion.

The dispensing means may be detaehably coupled ^• via the nozzle portion to the outlet aperture of the holding portion to^' allow liquid communication therebetween. When coupled, movement of the plunger portion from an empty- position to a dosed position causes flowable composition to • be drawn from and/or forced into the holding portion via the outlet aperture and the nozzle portion into the hollow portion of the dispensing means.

Preferably, the nozzle portion of the dispensing means is detaehably coupled to the outlet aperture via attachment means. Preferably, the attachment means provides an airtight seal around- the passage of liquid communication between the holding portion, and the dispensing means, In one form, the attachment means is provided by a screw- thread included on the nozzle portion that cooperates with a corresponding screw thread included at the outlet aperture. Preferably, the screw thread is located around the inside of the nozzle portion ' adjacent to the tip of the nozzle.

According to a further aspect the assembly for holding and dispensing a flowable composition includes a holding portion including two compartments for holding two separate flowable compositions. In this case, each compartment includes a separate outlet aperture in communication with the flowable composition whereby a dispensing means may be detachably coupled to either of the outlet apertures and adapted to receive a dose of the flowable composition contained respectively therein. Alternatively, the holding portion includes a mixing zone in liquid communication with the two compartments adjacent to or at the single outlet aperture whereby upon drawing a dose into the dispensing means, the two separate flowable compositions are mixed prior to entering the dispensing means-

Preferably, the flowable composition being held and dispensed by the assembly is in the form of a gel, paste or suspension. More preferably, the flowable composition may be chosen from a vitamin supplement, nutritional supplement and/or medicament preparation. More preferably, the flowable composition may be chosen from a vitamin supplement, nutritional supplement and/or medicament preparation for mammals other than humans, and . in particular for equine, canine or feline .mammals.

Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for holding and dispensing at least one flowable preparation; said apparatus including a flexible bag adapted to retaining said at least one flowable preparation and a- dispensing means; said flexible bag provided with at least one outlet aperture and an outlet nozzle; said outlet nozzle provided with a projecting first threaded portion? said dispensing means comprising a syringe having an integral elongate delivery nozzle; said delivery nozzle provided with a second threaded portion; said first and second threaded portions adapted for screwed connection of said syringe to said outlet aperture, thereby to allow transfer of at least a portion of said at least one flowable preparation from said bag into said syringe.

Preferably, said flexible bag is formed of at least two generally rectangular layers of polymer or other suitable plastic material; said layers sealed one to another along upper and lower end portions and opposing side portions of said layers.

Preferably, said .flexible bag is formed from at least one section of a continuously extruded sleeve of polymer or other suitable plastic material; said sleeve or nested sleeves of material sealed at an upper and a lower end.

Preferably, said ^'flexible bag is provided with at least one inlet aperture. Preferably, each of said at least one outlet aperture and said at least one inlet aperture comprises a tubular

' member extending from said flexible bag to project from said lower end portion; each said flexible member in fluid communication with said at least one flowable preparation.

Preferably, each said at least one inlet aperture is provided with a stopper portion; said stopper portion inserted into a projecting end of a said tubular member after filling of said bag with said at least one flowable preparation.

Preferably, said first threaded portion comprises ^■ an integral threaded end portion of said tubular member.

Preferably, said outlet nozzle comprises an inserted portion adapted for frictional^' retention in a projecting end of a said tubular member,¹ said outlet nozzle further comprising a projecting outer portion; said outer portion provided with a male thread.

Preferably, said outlet nozzle is further provided with a sealing cap; said sealing cap provided with an internal female thread adapted for screwed attachment to said male thread of said^' outer portion. Preferably, said sealing cap is' provided with a central spike; said central spike adapted to enter said outlet nozzle as an interference fit when said cap is screwed to said outlet nozzle; said sealing cap and said- central spike forming an airtight seal with said outlet nozzle.

Preferably, said sealing cap is attached to said outlet nozzle by a flexible tether.

Preferably, said syringe includes a barrel portion/ said integral elongate, delivery nozzle extending from a distal end of said barrel portion. j

Preferably, said second threaded portion comprises a female treaded section at an outer end of said delivery nozzle; said female threaded section adapted for screwed airtight engagement with said, male thread of said outer portion of said outlet nozzle.

Preferably, said syringe further comprises a plunger and piston assembly; said plunger- and piston- assembly adapted for movement within said barrel portion between a fully inserted position and a substantially retracted position.

Preferably, at least a portion of said at least one flowable preparation may be transferred from said bag to said syringe when said delivery nozzle is connected to said outlet nozzle and said plunger and piston assembly is urged from said fully inserted position towards said substantially retracted position.

Preferably, said at least one flowable preparation may be dispensed into the mouth of an animal by movement of said plunger and piston assembly from said position towards said substantially .retracted position, towards said fully inserted position.

Preferably, extent of said movement of said plunger^' and piston assembly towards said . fully inserted position determines ^' a dose of said at least one flowable preparation.

Preferably, said plunger and piston assembly, is provided with an adjustable stop mechanism; said adjustable stop mechanism adapted for controlling said movement of said plunger and piston assembly towards said fully inserted position.

preferably, said stop ^" mechanism comprises a setting ring

^■ provided with an internal thread; said ring engaging a thread formation arranged along at least a part of the length of said plunger; said ring adapted to be arrested by contact with a proximate end of said barrel portion when said plunger and piston assembly is urged towards said fully inserted position. Preferably, said flexible bag is one of at. least two bags joined at abutting side portions; said at least two bags providing different flowable preparations.

Preferably, said different flowable preparations are adapted for dispensing to a said animal separately or sequentially.

Preferably, said flexible bag is divided into two compartments by a sealing dividing join between said layers; said join extending from said upper edge to said lower edge.

Preferably, each of said compartments is provided with one tubular member projecting from a lower edge of said bag and in fluid communication with respective said flowable preparations in each of said compartments.

preferably, said tubular member of each^' said compartment is in fluid communication with a central tubular member; each said tubular member of each said compartment provided with a said stopper portion; said central tubular member provided with a said outlet nozzle so as to allow respective flowable preparations to be drawn. simultaneously from each said compartment.

Preferably, each said compartment is provided with an outlet aperture_/ each said outlet aperture adapted to allow said flowable preparations to pass from said compartments into a pre-mixing portion arranged in an extension of said layers of flexible material at said lower edge of said bag.

Preferably, said pre-mixing portion is provided with, a tubular member projecting from said pre-mixing portion; said tubular member provided with a said outlet nozzle so as to allow pre-mixed respective flowable preparations to be drawn from said pre-mixing portion into a said syringe connected to said outlet nozzle.

Preferably, a dividing wall maintains a separation between respective said flowable preparations; said dividing wall arranged to minimise volume of mixed said flowable preparations remaining in said flexible bag after charging of said syringe.

Preferably, substantially equal volumes of two said flowable preparations of similar density and viscosity may ^■ be drawn simultaneously from said two compartments,

In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of charging a dosing syringe from a flowable preparation source; said method . comprising provision of a threaded connection between an integral dispensing nozzle of said syringe and said source, whereby contamination of said flowable preparation and leakage of said ^■ flowable preparation from said source is substantially prevented- In still a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for dispensing a dose of at least one flowable preparation to the mouth of an animal; said method including the steps of:

{a) providing said at least one flowable preparation in a bag of flexible material;

(b) connecting a syringe provided with a threaded, integral elongate delivery nozzle to a threaded outlet nozzle of said bag;

(c) at least partially moving a plunger and piston assembly of said syringe from a substantially fully inserted position towards a retracted position so as to transfer at least a portion of said at least one flowable preparation from said bag into said syringe;

(d) positioning said elongate delivery nozzle in the mouth of said animal ■ and moving ^■ said plunger and piston assembly towards said substantially fully inserted position.

Preferably, said bag is provided with an outlet nozzle inserted in a tubular member projecting from, a lower edge of said bag. Preferably, said outlet nozzle comprises an inserted portion retained in said tubular member, and a projecting portion; said projecting portion provided with an external thread.

Preferably, said integral elongate delivery nozzle is provided with an internal thread; said internal thread adapted for screwed connection to said external thread of said outlet nozzle.

In yet a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for dispensing two flowable preparations for simultaneous dosing of an animal to a single syringe; said method including the steps of:

(a) providing said flowable preparations in a flexible bag divided into two compartments;

(b) providing a mixing portion _.within said flexible bag; said mixing portion in fluid communications with each of said compartments;

(c) ^■ providing said .mixing portion with a tubular member extending from said mixing portion; said tubular member provided with an outlet nozzle . adapted for screwed connection to an integral elongate delivery nozzle of said syringe. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OP DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembly wherein the holding portion and the dispensing means are in an attached position in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, and,

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 1 wherein the holding portion and the dispensing means are in a detached position in accordance with another aspect of the present invention,

Figure 3 is a detailed view of a connection arrangement according to the invention, when the holding portion and dispensing means are in the attached condition of Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a detailed view of the connection arrangement of Figure 3, when the holding portion and dispensing means are in the detached condition of Figure 2, Figure 5 is plan view of a pair of the holding portions of Figure 1 attached along abutting edges for separately providing two different flowable preparations,

Figure 6 is a plan view of a holding portion provided with two compartments for containing flowable preparations in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, and, Figure 7 is an alternative plan view of a holding provided with two compartments for containing flowable preparations in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.

DETAII.ED DESCRIPTION OF PKEFEEKED EMBODIMENTS Fixst Preferred Embodiment

With reference to Figures 1 and 2 an apparatus 10 for holding and dispensing a flowable preparation consists of a holding portion in the form of a bag 15 formed of layers? of flexible polymer or other suitable plastic composition, and a dispensing means in the form of a syringe 25.

Bag 15 comprises front and rear panels, each formed from, at least two layers of polymer sealed at upper and lower ends 11 and 12 respectively and along sides 13 and 14, Alternatively, bag 15 may be formed from sections of a sleeve or multiple nested sleeves, cut from a continuously- extruded sleeve of polymer material, only requiring heat sealing of edges at upper and lc-wex ends 11 and 12,, The polymer or other plastic-t.ype material is impervious to moisture and oxygen, and unaffected by and compatible with oily compositions, as well as providing an effective (≥ 99%) barrier to ultraviolet light. Bag 15 includes at least one, but preferably two tubular members 16 and 17 forming an outlet aperture and inlet aperture respectively. Bag 15 is further provided with an aperture 21 for hanging the bag from a hook or the like while in use, of for storage, for example in a stable, horse float or ^■ veterinary clinic. The tubular members 16 and 17 are in fluid communication with the contents of bag 15. The fluid contents may be any viscous flowable preparation such as a paste, suspension, emulsion, sol or gel, including nutritional or pharmaceutical preparations intended for equine, canine, feline or other animals.

Tubular member 17 is used for filling bag 15 with the flowable preparation, after which it- is sealed with a stopper portion 18 as shown in Figure 1.

The dispensing syringe 25, shown attached to bag 15 in Figures 1 and 3, and separated from bag 15 in .Figures 2 and 4, includes an elongate delivery nozzle 27 integrally attached to hollow barrel portion 29 and a plunger and piston assembly 26. Plunger and piston assembly 26 is moveable within barrel portion 29 between a fully inserted position (as shown in Figure 1) and a substantially extracted position {as shown in Figure 2) .

Operation of the plunger and piston assembly 26 from the fully inserted position towards the substantially extracted position, draws a dosage of the flowable preparation into the barrel 29, while delivery nozzle 27. is attached at flexible tubular member 16, and is in fluid communication with the flowable preparation in bag 15. Alternatively, pressure on the bag 15 when connected to the syringe 25 forces the fluid composition into the syringe barrel 29. With reference to Figures 1 to 4, delivery nozzle 27 is attached to tubular member 16 via an attachment means in the form of an outlet nozzle 30, as best seen in Figure 3. Nozzle 30, in at least one preferred embodiment, comprises an inserted portion 32 and a protruding portion 20, Inserted portion 32 is retained in flexible tubular member 16 as a friction fit, while the protruding portion 20 is provided with an external male thread 34. The outer end of delivery nozzle 27 is provided with an internal female thread 36, adapted for screwed connection with the male thread 34 of outlet nozzle 30. Alternatively, instead of the attachment means being- a separate inserted portion, in at least some embodiments of the . invention, tubular member 16 may be formed with an integral threaded projecting end. In an- alternative arrangement, the nozzle 30 may be provided with an external thread^' to mate with an internal thread of the protruding portion 20-

It is highly preferable ^• that the attachment means formed by the screwed connection between delivery nozzle 27 and outlet nozzle 30 provides for an airtight seal around the passage 37. A sealing cap 40 may be provided to seal outlet nozzle 30 prior to first use of bag 15 and while the syringe 25 is detached from outlet nozzle 30. Cap 40 is also provided with an internal female thread 42 adapted to mate with thread 34 of outlet nozzle 30, as well as a central spike 44. Spike 44 is adapted to enter passage 37 of outlet nozzle 30 as an interference fit so as to provide an airtight seal of passage 37. Preferably, sealing cap 40 is attached to outlet nozzle 30 by a flexible tether 46. In practice, a person wishing to administer a dose of the flowable preparation contained within bag 15 to a prospective animal, removes sealing cap 40 and screws delivery nozzle 27 of syringe 25 onto the thread 34 of outlet nozzle 30. Plunger and piston assembly 26 may then be pulled from the initial fully inserted position shown in Figure 1, towards the substantially retracted position shown in Figure 2, thereby drawing a desired dose of flowable preparation from bag 15.

Syringe 25 may then be unscrewed from outlet nozzle 30^' to separate the syringe from the bag 15, and taken to where its contents are. required, such as for example, to be dispensed into the mouth of a horse.

After dispensing a dose of the flowable preparation, the syringe may be returned and re-attached to the bag 15 via nozzle 30 for drawing a further dose.^' As an alternative to sealing outlet nozzle 30 with the sealing cap 40, the syringe 25 may be left conveniently attached to the nozzle 30 between uses of the apparatus.

Bag 15 may be composed of any suitable single or multilayered flexible material, but preferably each of the front and rear panels are composed of two or multiple layers of transparent or translucent material impervious to oxygen diffusion through the material, ≥ 99% impervious to ultraviolet light and preferably impermeable to oil. The impervious nature and flexibility of the bag 15 and its airtight sealing with the syringe 25 when attached,, ensures that the bag gradually collapses when drawing a dose of flowable preparation. This provides that the flowable material is maintained in an airtight, oxygen-free sealed environment preventing external contamination and prolonging the shelf life of the active components contained in the flowable material,

In addition, the reduced pressure^' produced by the plunger and piston assembly 26 in syringe 25 as it is moved from a fully inserted position toward a substantially extracted position, forces the flowable preparation from the bag 15 such that substantially all of the preparation contained in the bag may be utilised. Alternatively pressure applied to the bag will force the residual contents of the bag into the syringe. Typically, bag 15 may hold 20OmL to IL of a flowable preparation, with the dispensing means of the syringe 25' adapted to receive doses ranging from ImL to 6OmL. Preferably the barrel 29 of syringe 25 is transparent or translucent such that the preparation contained therein is readily identifiable. For some particular applications , bag 15 may be sized to suit a particular dosage size. In a preferred arrangement, _. various preparations may be differentially coloured to provide further ease of identification.

Syringe 25 is preferably transparent or translucent and may be provided with graduations calibrated in ittLs along the barrel to allow withdrawal of accurate dispensing volumes from bag 15. Syringe 25 may be provided with a screw lock mechanism on plunger 26 for multi-dose use. preferably, bag 15 is suitable for storing the flowable material as a viscous composition including but not limited to a paste or gel, ' such as is commonly administered to animals. Such preparations in paste form may include nutritional supplements, medicaments, vitamin and/or mineral supplements and any hormonal type preparations commonly used in the care, management and training of animals.

Second Prθfθ-fred Embodiment: In a second preferred embodiment of an apparatus for holding and dispensing of a flowable preparation, with reference to Figure 5, the holding part of the apparatus comprises a pair of bags 15 and 15A joined at their abutting side edges.

As for the previously described First Preferred Embodiment above, each of bags 15 and 15A is provided with, tubular members 16A, 17A and 16B and 17B. Members 17A and 17B provide for initial filling of the bags with flowable preparations and subsequent sealing with stopper portions 18A and 18B, while members ISA and 16B are provided with, outlet nozzles 3OA and 3OB to which syringes of the type described above may be screwed.

The arrangement of the present embodiment allows convenient dispensing of two ^' complementary and/or supplementary flowable preparations either sequentially, and/or separately. It will be understood that the arrangement is hot limited to two adjoining bags and that three or more bags may be provided as appropriate.

Third Preferred Embod-uaent

With reference to Figure 6, in a further preferred embodiment an arrangement for mixing and supplying flowable preparations, preferably of similar^' density and viscosity, a bag 50 (shown schematically) , is again comprised of two or more layers of suitable material to form- an envelope. However, in this embodiment, Bag 50 is divided into two compartments 55 and 60 by a sealing join line 67 extending from upper sealed edge 51 to sealed lower edge 52. Each compartment is provided with a- tubular member 65 and 70 respectively extending into respective compartments 55 and 60 and providing for initial filling and sealing of the compartments in the manner described for the previous embodiments above .

Each of compartments 55 and 60 is provided with an outlet aperture 76 and 77 in sealed lower edge 52 arranged at either side of join line 67. Apertures 76 and 77 communicate with a premixing portion or compartment 85, formed between extensions of the two layers of material forming bag 50. A third, central tubular member 75 projects from and is in fluid communication with this premixing compartment 85, and is provided with an outlet nozzle (not shown) as previously described, for attachment of a syringe 25, also as previously described.

Central tubular member 75 is thus adapted to receive a dosage of flowable preparations held in each of compartments 55 and 60 after premixing in compartment 85. In use, the two separate flowable preparations contained in compartments 55 and 60 are drawn out of bag 50 through the action of the syringe attached at the outlet nozzle, and into premixing compartment 85 where the two preparations are combined just prior to entering the syringe. As shown by dashed^' line in Figure 5, premixing compartment 85 may be provided with a dividing wall 80 extending almost to the entrance of tubular member 75. This provides that only a small amount of premixed preparations from compartments 55 and 60 will be left in the bag 50 once the syringe has been detached. This arrangement further allowed for the dispensing of effectively a two-part formulation of equal amounts of two preparations via a single syringe.

Fourtii Preferred Eπ-boc-iment

In a further preferred embodiment, an alternative arrangement for mixing and supplying flowable preparations, preferably of similar density and viscosity, from two separate compartments 55 and 60 of a flexible bag 50 is shown in Figure 7. In this arrangement the volume of the pre-mixing area 95 is minimised, being formed, at the junction of channels 90 leading from each of tubular members 65 and 70 and connecting to central tubular member 75. The volume of the area in which there is a mixing of the contents of compartments 55 and 60 may be further reduced by the provision of a dividing wall 80 (shown as a dashed line) extending into tubular member 75, maintaining a separation between the two sections of channels 90. By this means, the "dead" volume of mixed flowable preparations remaining in the central ^' tubular member and outlet nozzle after a dosage of combined preparations has been drawn into a syringe, is greatly reduced.

The arrangements of the compartments of both this and the previous embodiments as shown in Figures 6 and 7, is especially useful for providing a holding and dispensing

• apparatus for two flowable preparations which are not

.miscible and/or contain constituents which' are chemically incompatible and/or chemically reactive,, but which are efficacious when dispensed together. Similarly, this arrangement allows for the dispensing of effectively a two- part formulation of equal amounts of 2 preparations via a single syringe. In Use

A particular advantage of the present invention is that a number of features combine to maximise the stability and shelf life of the flowable composition. These features include; protection from ingress of and reaction with oxygen in the air by volume contraction with use, an ultraviolet barrier preventing light-affected reaction, and the sealed design preventing external contamination. ^■

Furthermore, the airtight arrangement prevents leakage and thus removes ^' any risk of accidental environmental contamination, which is a concern for some active ingredients which can adversely affect water bodies, e.g some parasiticides such as abamectin. Additionally this feature prevents contamination concerns for a human user, particularly in regard to dermal absorption of hormonal preparations and/or dermal irritation and potential allergic reaction. The apparatus is suitable for most flowable preparations and in particular for, suspensions, gels, sols, pastes, emulsions and mixtures including those containing oil{s).

In addition, the holding portion of the apparatus is very easy to fill with a variety of flowable preparations during production as well as facilitating the dispensing whereby the holding portion can be evacuated so as to utilise almost all the product within the holding portion, unlike in the case of the rigid screw-tpp container of the prior art.

Furthermore, the apparatus of the present invention provides a very convenient way of dosing multiple animals, through an apparatus which is easily accessible and visible when hung on the wall in a stable, horse float or dog trailer and/or veterinary practice environment for example. As well, the bag of flowable preparation may be .carried with the syringe attached from animal to animal, an appropriate dose drawn into .the syringe for each animal, the syringe detached and the dose administered. If desired, a syringe provided with a multiple dose control mechanism may be employed so that several animals can be serviced between refilling of the syringe from the bag. The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

CIAIMS

1. An apparatus for holding and dispensing at least one flowable preparation; said. apparatus including a flexible bag adapted to retaining said at least one flowable preparation and a dispensing means; said flexible bag provided with at least one outlet aperture and an outlet nozzle; said outlet nozzle provided with a projecting first threaded portion; said dispensing means comprising a syringe having an integral elongate delivery nozzle; said . delivery nozzle provided with a second threaded portion; said first and second threaded portions adapted for screwed connection of said syringe to said outlet aperture, thereby to allow transfer of at least a portion of said at least one flowable preparation from said bag into said syringe.

1. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said flexible bag is formed of at least two generally rectangular layers of polymer or other suitable plastic material; said layers sealed one to another along upper and lower end portions and opposing side portions of said layers.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said flexible bag is formed from at least one section of a continuously extruded sleeve of polymer or other suitable plastic material; said sleeve or nested sleeves of material sealed at an upper and a lower end.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said flexible bag is provided with at least one inlet aperture.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein each of said at least one outlet aperture and said at least one inlet aperture comprises a tubular member extending from said flexible bag to project from said lower end portion; each said flexible member in fluid communication with said at least one flowable preparation.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein each said at least one inlet aperture is provided with a stopper portion; said stopper portion inserted into a projecting end of a said tubular member after filling of said bag with said at least one flowable preparation.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said first threaded portion comprises an integral threaded end portion of ^' said tubular member.

8- The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said outlet nozzle comprises an inserted portion adapted for frictional retention in a projecting end of a said tubular member; said outlet nozzle further comprising a projecting outer portion; said outer portion provided with a male thread.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said outlet nozzle is further provided with a sealing cap; said sealing cap provided with an internal female thread adapted for screwed attachment to said male thread of said outer portion.

10. The apparatus of claim. 9 wherein said sealing cap is provided with a central spike; said central spike adapted to enter .said outlet nozzle as an interference fit when said cap is screwed to said outlet nozzle; said sealing cap and said central spike forming an airtight seal with said outlet nozzle.

11, The apparatus of claim 9 or 10 wherein said sealing cap is attached to said outlet nozzle by a flexible tether.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein said syringe includes- a barrel portion; said integral elongate delivery nozzle extending from a distal, end of said barrel portion.

13, The apparatus of any one of claims 7 to 12 wherein said second threaded portion comprises a female treaded section at an outer end of said delivery nozzle; ^• said female threaded section adapted for screwed airtight engagement with said male thread of said outer portion of said outlet nozzle.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13 wherein said syringe further comprises a plunger and piston assembly; said plunger and piston assembly adapted for movement within said barrel portion between a fully inserted position and a substantially retracted position.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein at least a portion of said at least one flowable preparation may be transferred from said bag to said syringe when said delivery nozzle is connected to said outlet nozzle and said plunger and piston assembly is urged from said fully inserted position towards said substantially retracted position.

16,, The apparatus of claim^' 14 or 15 wherein said at least one flowable preparation may be dispensed into the mouth of an animal by movement of said plunger and piston assembly from said position towards said substantially retracted- position, towards said fully inserted position.

17. The apparatus of any .one of claims 14 to 16 wherein extent of said movement of said plunger and piston assembly towards said fully inserted position determines a dose of said at least one flowable preparation,

18. The apparatus of claim 16 or 17 wherein said plunger and piston assembly is provided with an adjustable stop mechanism; said adjustable stop mechanism adapted for controlling said movement of said plunger and piston assembly towards . said fully, inserted position.

1.9. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said stop mechanism comprises a setting ring provided with an internal thread; said ring engaging a thread formation arranged along at least a part of the length of said plunger; said ring adapted to be arrested by contact with a .proximate end of said barrel portion when said plunger and piston assembly is urged towards said fully inserted position.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein said flexible bag is one of at least two bags joined at abutting side portions; said at least two bags providing different flowable preparations.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said different flowable preparations are adapted for dispensing to a said animal separately or sequentially.

22.. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein said flexible bag is divided into two compartments by a sealing dividing join between said layers; said join extending from said upper edge to said lower edge.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein each of said compartments is provided with one tubular member projecting from a lower edge of said bag and in fluid communication with respective ^'said flowable preparations in each o£ said compartments. ^■

24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said tubular member of each said compartment is in fluid communication with a central tubular member; each said tubular member of each said compartment provided with a said stopper portion; said central tubular member provided with a said outlet nozzle so as to allow respective flowable preparations to be drawn simultaneously from each said compartment .

25.. The apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 24 wherein each, said compartment is provided with an outlet aperture; each said outlet aperture adapted to allow said flowable preparations to pass from said compartments into a pre-mixing portion arranged in an extension of said layers of flexible material at said lower edge of said bag.

26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said pre-mixing portion is provided with a tubular member projecting from said pre-mixing portion; said tubular member provided with a said outlet nozzle so as to allow pre- mixed respective flowable preparations to be drawn from said pre-mixing portion into a said syringe connected to said outlet nozzle.

27. The apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 26 wherein a dividing wall maintains a separation between respective said flowable preparations; said dividing wall arranged to minimise, volume of mixed said flowable preparations remaining in said flexible bag after charging of said syringe.

•28. The apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 27 wherein substantially equal volumes of two said flowable preparations of similar density and viscosity may be drawn simultaneously -from said two compartments.

29. A method of charging a dosing syringe from a flowable preparation source; said method comprising provision of a threaded connection ^' between an integral dispensing' nozzle of said syringe and' said source/ whereby contamination of said flowable preparation and leakage of said flowable preparation from said source is substantially prevented.

30. A method for dispensing a dose of at least one flowable preparation to the mouth of an animal; said method including the steps of:

(a) providing said at ^' least one flowable preparation in a bag of flexible material;

(c) at least partially moving a plunger and piston. assembly of said syringe from a substantially fully inserted position towards a retracted position so as to transfer at least a portion of said at least one flowable preparation from said bag into said syringe;

(d) positioning said elongate delivery nozzle in the mouth of said animal and moving said plunger and piston assembly towards said substantially fully inserted position.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein said bag is provided with an outlet nozzle inserted in a tubular member projecting from a lower edge of said bag.

32, The method of claim 31 wherein said outlet nozzle comprises an inserted portion retained in said tubular member,, and a projecting portion; said projecting portion provided with an external thread.

33. The method of claim 32 wherein said integral elongate delivery nozzle is provided with an internal thread; said internal thread adapted for screwed connection to said external thread of said outlet nozzle.

34. A method for dispensing two flowable preparations for simultaneous dosing of an animal to a single, syringe; said method including the steps of:

(b) providing a mixing portion within said flexible bag; said mixing portion in fluid communications with each of said compartments;

(c) providing said mixing portion with a tubular member extending from said mixing portion; said tubular member provided with an outlet nozzle ^■ adapted for screwed connection to an integral elongate delivery nozzle of said syringe.

35- An apparatus for holding and dispensing at least one flowable preparation for dispensing to an^' animal as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings ,