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Title:
UNIT DOSE DISPENSING PACKAGE FOR MULTI-COMPONENT DENTAL COMPOSITIONS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2008/048603
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
A package for storing and dispensing a unit dose of a multi-component dental composition is provided. The package includes two separate cups (12, 14) for storing the components used to make the composition. A film covering is sealed over the openings of the cups so as to form an outwardly extending integral finger loop (40) that can be pulled to open the package. The package is opened, the cups are mated together, and the components are combined to form a mixed dental composition.

Inventors:
PIERSON PAUL R (US)
BIANCHI EDWARD A (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2007/022078
Publication Date:
April 24, 2008
Filing Date:
October 16, 2007
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
DENTSPLY INT INC (US)
PIERSON PAUL R (US)
BIANCHI EDWARD A (US)
International Classes:
B65D81/32; A61J1/20; A61C5/06; A61C9/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO1998018689A11998-05-07
WO2006036792A12006-04-06
Foreign References:
US4241863A1980-12-30
US4265216A1981-05-05
US5213256A1993-05-25
EP1526092A12005-04-27
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
HURA, Douglas, J, et al. (570 West College AvenueP.O. Box 87, York PA, US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1. A package for dispensing a unit dose of a multi-component composition, comprising: a first cup body having an open mouth defined by an upper rim, the cup body being disposed in a first plastic sheet material for storing a first component of the composition; a second cup body having an open mouth defined by an upper rim, the cup body being disposed in a second plastic sheet material for storing a second component of the composition; and a flexible film superposed over the first and second cup bodies, the film including a middle portion and two opposing end portions, the first end portion being sealed to the first cup upper rim and the second end portion being sealed to the second cup upper rim; the first and second cup bodies being inverted so that the upper sealed portions of the first and second cup bodies are in contact with each other and the middle portion of the film forms an outwardly extending integral finger loop.

2. The package of claim 1, wherein the first and second plastic sheet materials are made of polyvinyl chloride.

3. The package of claim 1, wherein the flexible film is made of polyester.

4. The package of claim 1, wherein the polyester film is heat-sealed to the first and second cup bodies.

5. The package of claim 1, wherein the multi-component composition is a dental composition.

6. The package of claim 5, wherein the dental composition is an impression material.

7. The package of claim 6, wherein the first component of the impression material is a base putty and the second component of the impression material is a catalyst putty.

Description:

UNIT DOSE DISPENSING PACKAGE FOR MULTI-COMPONENT DENTAL COMPOSITIONS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a package for storing and dispensing a unit dose of a multi-component dental composition. More particularly, the dental package includes two separate cups for storing the components used to make the composition. The components are combined together in the package to form a mixed dental composition. Preferably, the dental composition is a dental impression material comprising first and second components.

Brief Description of the Related Art

[0002] Dental professionals use dispensing devices and packages for storing and dispensing a wide variety of dental compositions. For instance, dispensing devices or packages are used in preparing dental impression materials; restoratives such as crowns, bridges, veneers, and fillings; dental cements and adhesives; and other dental materials. Such dental compositions can be self- curable, light-curable, heat-curable, or dual-curable. The dental compositions are cured and hardened by different chemical mechanisms to form a strong and durable product.

[0003] For example, a dental professional will often take an impression of a patient's dentition using a dental impression putty which has been placed in a bite tray. The dental impression putty is typically made from two component putties, each stored in a separate jar or other container. Scoops are used to measure out the correct amount of each putty component. The dentist then

[0007] There is a need for an improved package that can be used for storing and dispensing a unit dose of a multi-component dental composition, such as dental impression material. It would be desirable to have a package that could be used to store the components separately under hermetic seal until they are ready to be combined together. The package should allow for the components to be combined and married together easily to form a lump of material that then could be dispensed from the package. The present invention provides such a dispensing package having these features as well as other advantageous characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The novel features that are characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the preferred embodiments of the invention, together with further objects and attendant advantages, are best understood by reference to the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the package of this invention showing the cup bodies and film cover;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the package of this invention showing the cup bodies and film cover;

[0011] FIG. 2 A is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the package of this invention showing the cup bodies and film cover;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the package of this invention;

[0013] FIG. 3 A is a view along Line A of FIG. 3;

[0014] FIG. 3B is a close-up view of Section B in FIG. 3;

[0015] FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the package of this invention showing the second cup body inverted and placed over the first cup body;

[0016] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the package of this invention showing the second cup body inverted and placed over the first cup body;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the package of this invention showing the integral finger loop; and

[0018] FIGS 6A-6H show a sequence of steps for mixing components A and B and dispensing the mixed composition from the package of this invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention provides a package for dispensing a unit dose of a multi- component composition, particularly a dental composition. The package comprises first and second cup bodies, each having an open mouth defined by an upper rim. The first cup body is disposed in a first plastic sheet material and is used to store a first component of the composition. The second cup body is disposed in a second plastic sheet material and is used to store a second component of the composition. The cup bodies may be made of a plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride. A flexible film is superposed over the first and second cup bodies. The film, for example, a polyester film, includes a middle portion and opposing first and second end portions. The first end portion of the film is sealed to the first cup upper rim and the second end portion of the film is sealed to the second cup upper rim. The film may be heat-sealed to the- respective cup bodies. The first and second cup bodies are inverted and one cup body is placed over the other so that the upper sealed portions of the first and second cup bodies are in contact with each other and the middle portion of the film is folded back on itself to form an outwardly extending integral finger loop.

[0020] Preferably, the multi-component composition is a dental composition such as an impression material. The first component of the impression material can be a base paste and the second component of the impression material can be a catalyst paste.

[0021] To open the package, the user pulls on the finger loop. This pulling action breaks the heat-seals and the film peels away from the cups and rolls back on itself. The user squeezes the opposing cups to marry the first and second components together and then opens the package by pulling on the corners. The multi-component composition is then removed from the package as one lump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBDOIMENTS

[0022] The present invention relates to a package for storing and dispensing a unit dose of a multi-component dental composition. Referring to FIG. 1, the first and second cup bodies, that are used to make the dispensing package, are generally designated at (12) and (14), respectively. The cup bodies (12, 14) are separate and distinct compartments used for storing the first and second components (A, B) of the dental composition, respectively (not shown). Each cup body (12, 14) is disposed in a separate flexible plastic sheet in such a way that a planar sheet border (16, 18) surrounds each cup. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each surrounding sheet border (16, 18) has a substantially square shape with four rounded corners. But, it should be understood that this represents only one embodiment of the package of this invention. The sheet borders (16, 18) surrounding the cup bodies (12, 14) can have any suitable geometric shapes and dimensions.

[0023] Each cup body (12, 14) has a generally semi-spherical shape. Referring to cup body (12), the body continuously tapers downwards from an upper portion (20a) to a lower portion (22a). The open mouth (24a) of the cup body (12) is defined by a generally upper circular rim (26a). The cup body (14) includes components similar to the components found in cup body (12), and like reference numerals are used to identify like components in the Figures. The border sheet (16) surrounding cup (12) has a substantially square shape with four rounded corners. One

corner (27a) of the border sheet (16) is cut effectively close to the upper circular rim (26a) of the cup body (12). Conversely, a diametrically opposed corner (27b) of the other border sheet (18) is cut effectively close to the upper circular rim (26b) of the cup body (14). Because of this structure, offset corners can be formed when cup (14) is placed in an inverted position over cup (12) as described further below. The cup bodies (12, 14) are either molded or thermoformed to their desired shape in the plastic sheets (16, 18), respectively. Preferably, the plastic material has good release properties so that the putty-like components (A, B) can be dispensed from the respective cups (12, 14) easily and completely. In one version, a poly( vinyl chloride) sheet having a thickness of 0.020 inches is used, and the two cup bodies (12, 14) are formed in the sheets (16, 18) using conventional thermo forming methods.

[0024] After the cup bodies (12, 14) have been filled with components (A, B) of the dental material, the cup mouths (24a, 24b) are closed and heat-sealed by a lidstock film (28). As shown in FIG. 1, the lisdstock film (28) has a unitary, single-piece structure including a middle portion (30) and two opposing end portions (32, 34). Preferably, a polyester film laminate with a peelable heat-seal coating, which is compatible with the poly( vinyl chloride) material of the cups (12, 14), is used as the lidstock film (28). Ultrasonic, thermal, or radio frequency sealing can be used to form the heat-seal between the lidstock film and cup bodies (12, 14).

[0025] Turning to FIGS. 2 and 2A , the lidstock film (28) is shown after its opposing ends (32, 34) have been heat-sealed to the upper rims of the cup bodies (12, 14), respectively. The resulting heat-seals that are generally designated at (36) and (38) have a generally circular shape, although it is recognized that the seals can be of other suitable geometric shapes if needed. ,

[0026] Once both cup bodies (12, 14) have been heat-sealed to the lidstock film (28), one cup body (14) is inverted so that its upper sealed portion overlays the upper sealed portion of the second cup body (12). In this manner, the opposing plastic border sheets (16, 18) surrounding the respective cup bodies (12, 14) are placed in contact with each other. The mated cup bodies (12, 14) are oriented in a vertical position as shown in FIGS. 3, 3 A, and 3B At the same time,

the excess material in the middle portion (30) of the lidstock film (28), which connects the respective heat seals (36, 38), is folded back on itself (180°). The excess film material forms an integral finger loop (40) in the middle portion (30) of the film (28). At one end (32), the film (28) is heat-sealed to the upper rim (26a) of the first cup (12) and folded back on itself. Heat- seal (36) is formed at the interface of the film end (32) and cup body (12). While at the opposing end (34), the film (28) is heat-sealed to the upper rim (26b) of the second cup (14) and folded back on itself. Heat-seal (38) is formed at the interface of the opposing end (34) and cup body (14).

[0027] The heat-sealing and folding back of the film is more clearly shown in FIGS. 4 and 4 A. Here, the lidstock film (28) is shown zig-zagging back and forth between the two cups (12, 14) to form the finger loop (40) in the middle portion (30) of the film (28) opposite to the folded ends (32, 34). It should be understood that cup body (14) is shown being inverted and placed over cup body (12) in FIGS. 4 and 4 A for illustration purposes only. Alternatively, cup body (14) may be inverted and placed over cup body (12) if such a configuration is desired.

[0028] Turning back to FIG. 3, as the cups (12, 14) are held together, the two mating first corners (42a, 42b) and the two opposing mating second corners (44a, 44b) of the respective border sheets (16, 18), which are located adjacent to the folds in the film (28), are joined together, preferably by another heat-seal . Ultrasonic, thermal, or radio frequency sealing can be used to form the heat-seals at these corners. The heat-seals at the corners hold the package assembly together and keep the flat sides of the cups (12, 14) in close proximity while at the same time keeping the finger loop (40) in position. Pulling on the finger loop (40) causes the heat-seals to break at the corners and cup bodies, thus opening the package (10) as discussed further below. It should be recognized that other methods of bonding the corners of the border sheets (16, 18) could be used effectively such as, for example, adhesives, snaps, or mechanical fasteners. The finished package (10) is shown in FIG. 5.

[0029] In practice, the first cup body (12) is pre-filled with a first component (A) of the dental composition, and the second cup body (14) is pre-filled with a second component (B) prior to shipping and handling of the package by the end-user. The package is particularly suitable for storing components (A, B) used to make dental compositions for taking impressions of a patient's dental anatomy. A dental impression material is prepared from two putty-like components. One component used to make the dental impression material is base putty (for example, component A) and the other component (for example, component B) is catalyst putty.

[0030] The mixing of components A and B and dispensing of the mixed composition from the package (10) involves a sequence of steps as described below and illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6H.

[0031] First, the package (10) having transparent cup (12) can be filled with component A (base putty) and transparent cup (14) can be filled with component B (catalyst putty) as shown in FIG. 6A. When the dental " practitioner is ready to make the impression material, he or she holds the package loosely in one hand (FIG. 6B). Using the other hand, the practitioner grasps the fmger loop between his/her thumb and index finger (FIG. 6C). After slightly tightening the grip of both hands around the package and finger loop, the practitioner pulls on the loop in one continuous motion (FIG. 6D). The finger loop is pulled horizontally in a direction parallel to the plane of the lidstock film and away from the fold in the film. This pulling action breaks the heat- seals and causes the film to disengage from its sealed positions. The film peels away from the cups and rolls back on itself (FIG. 6E). After the film has been completely peeled away from the package, it is discarded. The practitioner squeezes the opposing cups to marry components A and B together (FIG. 6F), and then opens the package by pulling on the offset corners that is,.,the corners which are not heat-sealed (FIG. 6G). The composition is then removed from the package as one lump (FIG. 6H). The putty-like components A and B can be mixed and massaged 'together by hand. For dental impression materials, the mixed composition is dispensed into an impression tray, where the composition polymerizes and hardens.

[0032] Using the package of this invention provides several advantages. One benefit is that the dosage of the dental composition is accurately controlled. For dental impression materials, one cup body may be filled with 12 g of base paste, and the other cup body may be filled with 12 g of catalyst paste. This amount of material is sufficient for taking a dental quadrant impression. A larger package could be made for storing a sufficient amount of impression material for making a full dental arch impression. Such a package would contain about 48 g of material. The package is preferably a unit-dose size and should be used only a single time to dispense the material. The package should not be resealed and used a second time. Because the components are stored in the cup bodies in a pre-determined volume ratio, an optimally mixed composition can be formed. The dentist can save time using the package of this invention and avoid mixing ratio errors.

[0033] Secondly, the heat sealed lidstock, which covers each cup body, keeps the putty components in the cup bodies clean and protected from dust, dirt, and other foreign debris. When a clinician is ready to dispense the material from the package, he or she simply pulls on the finger loop and breaks the heat-sealed lidstock.

[0034] Thirdly, the dispensing package provides ergonomic benefits, because the practitioner does not need to apply excessive force to the finger loop. Rather, the practitioner can simply and easily grab and pull the loop, thereby opening the package. This feature is appreciated by all users and especially those users with limited hand strength.

[0035] It is understood that the unit dose dispensing packages described and illustrated herein represent only some embodiments of the invention. It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and additions can be made to such dispensing packages without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. It is intended that all such embodiments be covered by the appended claims.