INDIVIDUAL PACKAGE OPENING AID, MIXTURE CONTAINER, AND INDIVIDUAL PACKAGE

Abstract

An individual package opening aid removably or integrally attachable at an opening of a container containing a receiving substance to aid opening of an individual package containing a portion of a mixing substance includes a support that covers the opening of the container and receives the individual package, a guide port in a middle of the support to connect to the opening, a holder that is cylindrical and erect at a rim of the support, and a securing ring that is cylindrical or that is a ring having a thickness and to be screwed on an inner surface of the holder and press the individual package against the support at an end surface of the securing ring to secure the individual package.

Claims

1. An individual package opening aid removably or integrally attachable at an opening of a container to aid opening of an individual package containing a portion of a mixing substance, the individual package opening aid comprising: a support configured to cover the opening and receive the individual package; a guide port in a middle of the support to connect to the opening; a holder being cylindrical and erect at a rim of the support; and a securing ring being cylindrical or being a ring having a thickness, the securing ring being configured to be screwed on an inner surface of the holder and press the individual package against the support at an end surface of the securing ring to secure the individual package.

2. The individual package opening aid according to claim 1, wherein the securing ring includes a cover comprising a restorable elastic material, the cover is secured watertight in an internal space of the securing ring, and the cover covers an exposed surface of the individual package secured to the support with the securing ring.

3. The individual package opening aid according to claim 2, wherein the cover includes a protrusion protruding from an inner surface of the cover to press the individual package on the inner surface of the cover in response to the cover being pushed toward the container.

4. The individual package opening aid according to claim 1, wherein the securing ring includes an operation tab on an end surface of the securing ring that does not come in contact with the individual package.

5. The individual package opening aid according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the support or the securing ring includes a ring-shaped elastic member on a surface of the at least one of the support or the securing ring that comes in contact with the individual package.

6. A mixture container, comprising: a container configured to contain a receiving substance or a mixture; and the individual package opening aid according to claim 1 removably or integrally attached at an opening of the container.

7. An individual package for containing a portion of liquid or powder as a mixing substance, the individual package comprising: a package body having an internal space and being columnar; an outlet in a middle of a bottom surface of the package body; a push portion protruding outward from the package body on a surface of the package body without the outlet, the push portion comprising a flexible material to protrude reversely; and a film or a lid sealing the outlet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0090] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an individual package opening aid according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid.

[0091] FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the mixture container including the individual package opening aid.

[0092] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a securing ring in the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an individual package used for the individual package opening aid.

[0093] FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention used to open the individual package.

[0094] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of an individual package according to a modification used for the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the open individual package according to the modification.

[0095] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an individual package opening aid according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid.

[0096] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid showing their other example use.

[0097] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an individual package opening aid according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid, and FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the individual package opening aid without a cap and a securing ring.

[0098] FIG. 9 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the individual package opening aid according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] FIGS. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of the individual package opening aid according to the second embodiment of the present invention used to open an individual packaging container (press through package, or PTP).

[0100] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an individual package opening aid according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention, and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid.

[0101] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an individual package opening aid according to another modification of the second embodiment of the present invention, and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0102] An individual package opening aid according to an embodiment of the present invention, a mixture container including the individual package opening aid, and an individual package will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12.

First Embodiment

[0103] An individual package opening aid according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a mixture container including the individual package opening aid, and an individual package will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0104] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the mixture container including the individual package opening aid. FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the individual package opening aid and the mixture container. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a securing ring in the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an individual package used for the individual package opening aid.

[0105] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment is an aid removably attached at an opening of a container 3 to facilitate opening of an individual package 8 containing a portion of a mixing substance 13.

[0106] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment includes a support 4 that covers the opening of the container 3 and receives, on its upper surface, the individual package 8, a guide port 4a in the middle of the support 4 and through which the mixing substance 13 discharged from the individual package 8 is placed into the container 3, a cylindrical holder 5 erect at the rim of the support 4, and a securing ring 6 that secures the individual package 8 housed in the holder 5.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 1, the securing ring 6 is a ring having a thickness and is screwed on an inner surface 5a of the holder 5.

[0108] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A, the securing ring 6 has a thread 6b on its outer surface 6a. The holder 5 has a thread 5b on the inner surface 5a. The thread 6b of the securing ring 6 and the thread 5b of the holder 5 are screwed together. The securing ring 6 is thus screwed onto the inner surface 5a of the holder 5.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 1, when the securing ring 6 is screwed on the inner surface 5a of the holder 5, the individual package 8 is pressed against the support 4 by the end surface of the securing ring 6 facing the support 4 in the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment.

[0110] The thickness of the securing ring 6 (dimension of the securing ring 6 in the center axis direction, or height) may be smaller than the thickness shown in FIG. 1. More specifically, the securing ring 6 may have, for example, a flat shape (not shown) such as a washer without a cut when it has sufficiently large stiffness against deformation during operation and includes, as appropriate, attachments (such as tabs 6d) that enable rotation, which will be described later.

[0111] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A, the securing ring 6 in the first embodiment may include tabs 6d (optional components) protruding from the end surface facing the open end of the holder 5.

[0112] The securing ring 6 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is shorter in the center axis direction than the holder 5. Thus, the securing ring 6 is not rotatable when being fully housed in the internal space of the holder 5.

[0113] The securing ring 6 in the first embodiment including the tabs 6d at the end surface facing the open end of the holder 5 is rotatable in the circumferential direction with the tabs 6d being operated when the securing ring 6 is fully housed in the internal space of the holder 5.

[0114] The securing ring 6 longer in the center axis direction than the holder 5 may eliminate the tabs 6d, as described in detail in a second embodiment later.

[0115] The individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment removably screwed on the opening of the container 3 with an internal space corresponds to a mixture container according to the first embodiment.

[0116] Instead of being screwed, the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment may be attached at the opening of the container 3 in any manner.

[0117] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, removable attachment of the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 to the opening of the container 3 enables detachment of the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 from the opening of the container 3 as appropriate.

[0118] The opening of the container 3 can be open as appropriate to facilitate cleaning inside the container 3. The individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 can be removed from the container 3, and thus the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 can also be cleaned easily.

[0119] For the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 and a mixture container 2A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment, removable attachment of the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 to the container 3 enables hygienical reuse of the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 and the container 3 through replacement of the individual package 8 with a new package.

[0120] FIG. 1 shows the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment removably attached at the opening of the container 3, by way of example, but the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 may be unremovably secured to the opening of the container 3 (optional component), or the container 3 may be integral with the support 4 and the holder 5 in the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 (optional component).

[0121] More specifically, when the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment has the guide port 4a with a sufficiently large diameter to facilitate cleaning of the container 3 through the guide port 4a, or when the mixture container 2A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment is disposable, the manufacturing costs may be reduced by integrating the support 4 and the holder 5 in the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1.

[0122] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A, the securing ring 6 in the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment may include a cover 7 (optional component), which is secured watertight in an internal space 6c and covers an exposed surface of the individual package 8, with the securing ring 6 securing the individual package 8 to the support 4.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 1, the securing ring 6 including the cover 7 can secure the individual package 8 on the support 4 while forming a more reliable watertight structure.

[0124] Pushing a protrusion of the cover 7 formed from a restorable elastic material such as synthetic resin or silicone can indirectly push the individual package 8 inside the cover 7.

[0125] A pressing force applied on the individual package 8 can open the individual package 8, as described in detail with reference to the drawings later. Thus, the mixing substance 13 contained in the individual package 8 can be placed into the container 3.

[0126] For the container 3 containing, for example, liquid as the receiving substance, the securing ring 6 in the first embodiment including the cover 7 can prevent the content from leaking when the container 3 tilts during carrying of the mixture container 2A.sub.1.

[0127] The mixture container 2A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment thus has high portability.

[0128] The individual package 8 used for the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 and the mixture container 2A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment will now be described.

[0129] The individual package 8 according to the first embodiment contains a portion of a liquid or powder mixing substance.

[0130] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3B, the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment includes a package body 9 that has an internal space and is columnar, an outlet 10 in the middle of the bottom surface of the package body 9, and a film 12 that seals the outlet 10. The package body 9 also has, on the surface without the outlet 10, a push portion 11 with an internal space protruding outward from the package body.

[0131] The push portion 11 of the individual package 8 is formed from a restorable, flexible material such as synthetic resin or silicone. When the push portion 11 is pushed into the internal space of the package body 9 in the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment containing the mixing substance 13, the push portion 11 protrudes reversely.

[0132] Thus, the pressure inside the package body 9 rises, and the film 12 sealing the outlet 10 is broken to open the outlet 10. Thus, the mixing substance 13 in the individual package 8 can be discharged outside.

[0133] The package body 9 may have a shape of, for example, a hollow cylinder, a hollow polyhedron prism, or any prism with any number of sides or faces. The package body 9 may have any columnar shape that can be housed in the internal space of the holder 5, and can be secured watertight on the support 4 with the securing ring 6 with or without the cover 7.

[0134] The first embodiment described by way of example includes the push portion 11 of the individual package 8 that is hemispherical. However, the push portion 11 may have any shape or size that can be housed in the internal space of the cover 7 other than the hemisphere.

[0135] The push portion 11 of the individual package 8 housed in the internal space of the cover 7 for use positions the individual package 8 on the support 4. Thus, the diameter of the package body 9 (outer diameter) may be different from the inner diameter of the internal space of the holder 5. The diameter (outer diameter) of the package body 9 is at least larger than the diameter (inner diameter) of the guide port 4a.

[0136] The individual package 8 according to the first embodiment may have a height H.sub.1 (refer to FIG. 3B) in the center axis direction of the package body 9 smaller than a height H.sub.2 (refer to FIG. 3B) of the push portion 11 (optional component).

[0137] The push portion 11 pushed toward the internal space of the package body 9 protrudes reversely to directly break the film 12.

[0138] Thus, the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment can be open without any failure.

[0139] In the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment, the push portion 11 may have sufficient flexibility, whereas the package body 9 may have no flexibility.

[0140] In the present embodiment, the package body 9 having no flexibility refers to the package body 9 being sufficiently stiff against deformation while the push portion 11 is being pushed. The package body 9 may be easily collapsed under a large external force for separation of waste materials or for other purposes. More specifically, the package body 9 may have about the same stiffness as known polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles containing, for example, soft drinks.

[0141] For the package body 9 having a diameter (outer diameter) substantially the same as the diameter (inner diameter) of the internal space of the holder 5, the holder 5 and the securing ring 6 (refer to FIG. 1) surrounding the package body 9 reduce deformation of the package body 9 when the push portion 11 is pushed into the internal space of the package body 9. Thus, the package body 9 may be less stiff than known PET bottles.

[0142] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3B, the bottom surface of the package body 9 in the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment may have a shape substantially conforming the three-dimensional shape of the upper surface of the support 4 in the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 (optional component).

[0143] When the individual package 8 is housed in the holder 5 in the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment, the bottom surface of the individual package 8 and the upper surface of the support 4 can be fitted together.

[0144] When, for example, the individual package 8 including the package body 9 having a diameter (outer diameter) smaller than the diameter of the internal space of the holder 5 (inner diameter of the holder 5) in the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment is to be attached in the internal space of the holder 5, the individual package 8 can be easily in position on the support 4.

[0145] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment may include a lid 14 (optional component) that seals the open end of the holder 5.

[0146] FIGS. 1 and 2 show the lid 14 screwed on the open end of the holder 5 by way of example, but the lid 14 may be attached in any manner.

[0147] When the container 3 (not shown) contains, for example, liquid as the receiving substance and the individual package 8 fails to be secured watertight through screwing of the securing ring 6 on the holder 5, this structure prevents the receiving substance from leaking outside.

[0148] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 and the mixture container 2A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment include a connection portion 5c at the end of the cylindrical holder 5 on which the support 4 is attached. The connection portion 5c screwed on the opening of the container 3 enables removable attachment of the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment to the opening of the container 3.

[0149] The attachment structure of the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 to the opening of the container 3 may be other than the screwing using the connection portion 5c.

[0150] A method for using the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B.

[0151] FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention used to open an individual package. The same components as in FIGS. 1 to 3B are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described.

[0152] To attach the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment to the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment, the holder 5 including the support 4 is screwed on the opening of the container 3 for attachment as shown in FIG. 2.

[0153] Thereafter, an unopen individual package 8 is dropped into the internal space of the holder 5 in the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1, and then placed onto the support 4.

[0154] The securing ring 6 is then rotated to move from the open end of the holder 5 toward the individual package 8 placed in the internal space of the holder 5.

[0155] In this state, the securing ring 6 is rotated furthest possible to secure the individual package 8 being pressed against the support 4.

[0156] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4A, an overlap between the push portion 11 of the individual package 8 and the cover 7 may be pushed in the direction indicated with arrow P in the figure, that is, in the direction opposite to the direction in which the push portion 11 and the cover 7 protrude.

[0157] This push raises the pressure inside the individual package 8, and breaks the film 12 of the individual package 8 covering the guide port 4a in the support 4 as shown in FIG. 4B. Thus, the mixing substance 13 contained in the individual package 8 is placed into the container 3 through the broken portion of the film 12.

[0158] When the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4A, 4B, and 3B is used as an individual package used for the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment, the content in the individual package 8 is to be reliably discharged outside through the broken portion of the film 12.

[0159] Thus, the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment may contain a fluid such as liquid or powder as the mixing substance 13.

[0160] To reuse the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 and the mixture container 2A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment, the procedure of attaching the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment to the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 may be reversed to remove the used individual package 8 from the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1, and then a new individual package 8 may be attached to the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 with the above procedure.

[0161] An individual package 8 according to a modification of the first embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0162] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of an individual package according to the modification used for the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the open individual package according to the modification. The same components as in FIGS. 1 to 4B are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described.

[0163] In the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4A, 4B, and 3B, the outlet 10 in the package body 9 is sealed with the film 12. Thus, the individual package 8 is disposable.

[0164] In an individual package 8′ according to the modification of the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 5A, the outlet 10 in the package body 9 is sealed by a lid 15. Thus, the individual package 8′ can be reused after being cleaned.

[0165] For example, a user may fill the individual package 8 with the mixing substance 13 and seal the individual package 8 with the lid 15 for use.

[0166] Compared with the individual package 8, the reusable individual package 8′ according to the modification greatly reduces waste from the use of the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1.

[0167] The individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 and the mixture container 2A.sub.1 including the individual package 8′ according to the modification can thus be environmentally friendly.

[0168] The individual package 8′ according to the modification may include the lid 15 formed from a magnetic material (optional component).

[0169] When the individual package 8′ according to the modification is open, the lid 15 formed from a magnetic material falls into the container 3 to agitate the substance contained in the container 3.

[0170] More specifically, when the individual package 8′ according to the modification is open, the lid 15 formed from a magnetic material falls into the container 3 to be operable with magnetism applied from a separate tool external to the container 3. This lid 15 can thus function similarly to a magnetic stirrer.

[0171] Thus, the receiving substance contained in advance in the container 3 and the mixing substance placed from the individual package 8′ can be efficiently agitated with the lid 15 to easily obtain a homogeneous mixture.

[0172] For the individual package 8′ according to the modification used as a durable product, a magnetic material added to the lid 15 can produce the effect described above. With this structure, the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 and the mixture container 2A.sub.1 are more useful than the disposable individual package 8.

[0173] FIGS. 5A and 5B show an example structure including the individual package 8′ according to the modification in which the lid 15 is removable from the package body 9. In some embodiments, the lid 15 may be integral or coupled with the package body 9.

[0174] More specifically, the lid 15 may be integral with the outlet 10 in the package body 9 with a connector such as a hinge. In some embodiments, the lid 15 may be secured to or around the outlet 10 in the package body 9 with a coupler formed from a flexible material such as a band strip or string.

[0175] These structures can prevent a loss of the lid 15 during the use of the individual package 8′.

[0176] The stiffness of a joint of the lid 15 integral with the outlet 10 in the package body 9, in particular, may be adjusted as appropriate to prevent the lid 15 removed from the outlet 10 from returning toward the outlet 10.

[0177] More specifically, when, for example, the package body 9 and the lid 15 are molded from synthetic resin, the joint between the package body 9 and the lid 15 may be formed from a material more flexible (such as synthetic resin, silicone, or rubber) than the material of the package body 9 and the lid 15.

[0178] In this structure, the lid 15 removed from the outlet 10 when the individual package 8′ according to the modification is open is prevented from covering the outlet 10 in the package body 9 or the guide port 4a in the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment, without blocking discharge of the mixing substance 13.

[0179] A modification of the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according a modification of the first embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0180] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an individual package opening aid according to the modification of the first embodiment of the present invention and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid. The same components as in FIGS. 1 to 5B are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described.

[0181] The individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 shown in FIGS. 1, 4A, and 4B is described by way of example with the upper surface of the support 4 and the bottom surface of the individual package 8 being fitted to be in tight contact with each other. This contact portion may have a gap as shown in FIG. 6.

[0182] An individual package opening aid 1A.sub.2 according to the modification may include the individual package 8′ according to the modification shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, instead of the individual package 8 shown in FIG. 6.

[0183] In this structure, however, the entire periphery of the guide port 4a may be in tight contact with the bottom surface of the individual package 8 or the individual package 8′ according to the modification.

[0184] This structure prevents the receiving substance contained in the container 3 from leaking into the internal space of the holder 5 through the guide port 4a.

[0185] The individual package 8 or the individual package 8′ according to the modification placed on the upper surface of the support 4 is pressed against the upper surface of the support 4 with the securing ring 6. Thus, the entire periphery of the guide port 4a in tight contact with the bottom surface of the individual package 8 or the individual package 8′ according to the modification prevents the content in the container 3 from leaking into the internal space of the holder 5 through the guide port 4a.

[0186] FIGS. 1, 4A, and 4B show, by way of example, the connection portion 5c of the holder 5 extending from the end surface closer to the support 4 screwed on the inner surface of the opening of the container 3. As in the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.2 according to a first modification shown in FIG. 6, the structure may include a connection portion 5c′ screwed to hold both inner and outer surfaces of the opening of the container 3.

[0187] The connection portion between the container 3 and the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.2 can further improve watertightness.

[0188] The first embodiment has been described by way of example with the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 or 1A.sub.2 according to the first embodiment screwed on the opening of the container 3. In some embodiments, the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 or 1A.sub.2 according to the first embodiment may be attached to the container 3 in any manner that can achieve watertightness.

[0189] Other example use of the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 and the mixture container 2A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0190] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the mixture container including the individual package opening aid showing their other example use. The same components as in FIGS. 1 to 6 are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described.

[0191] As shown in FIG. 7, the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment may include a press through package (PTP) 16 as described in Patent Literature 2, instead of the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment or the individual package 8′ according to the modification shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A to 5B.

[0192] As shown in FIG. 7, the PTP 16 includes a container portion 17 molded with, for example, synthetic resin and including a recessed internal space to contain the mixing substance 13, a flange 17a extending along an outlet 10 in the container portion 17, and a film 12 in tight contact with the flange 17a with the outlet 10 being sealed. The PTP 16 may contain liquid or a tablet as the mixing substance 13 instead of powder as shown in FIG. 7.

[0193] The flange 17a of the PTP 16 are sized to be receivable in the internal space of the holder 5 in a plan view. The container portion 17 of the PTP 16 are also sized to be receivable in the internal space of the cover 7 in a plan view.

[0194] To use the PTP 16 in the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment, the upper surface of a support 4′ in the holder 5 may be substantially flat.

[0195] The watertightness can be improved by the securing ring 6 securing the PTP 16 usually having a substantially flat bottom surface by pressing the PTP 16 against the substantially flat upper surface of the support 4′.

[0196] The individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 and the mixture container 2A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment are usable for individual packages in a variety of forms.

Second Embodiment

[0197] An individual package opening aid according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid will now be described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 12.

[0198] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the individual package opening aid according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the mixture container including the individual package opening aid. FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the individual package opening aid without a cap and a securing ring. FIG. 9 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the individual package opening aid according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same components as in FIGS. 1 to 7 are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described. The individual package opening aid and the mixture container including the individual package opening aid according to the second embodiment will be described focusing on its differences from those in the first embodiment.

[0199] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 9, an individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 according to the second embodiment includes a securing ring 6′ including a ring-shaped elastic member P.sub.1 and a support 4″ including a ring-shaped elastic member P.sub.2 on the surfaces that come in contact with the PTP 16 as an individual package.

[0200] More specifically, the securing ring 6′ includes the ring-shaped elastic member P.sub.1 at a portion that comes in contact with the upper surface of the flange 17a of the PTP 16. The support 4″ includes the ring-shaped elastic member P.sub.2 at a portion that comes in contact with the bottom surface (surface covered with the film 12) of the PTP 16.

[0201] The individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 according to the second embodiment including the elastic members P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 can reliably form a watertight structure with the securing ring 6′, the support 4″, and the PTP 16, with the flange 17a of the PTP 16 being pressed against the upper surface of the support 4″ using the securing ring 6′.

[0202] The individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 according to the second embodiment including the securing ring 6′ without the cover 7 (refer to FIGS. 1, 4A, and 4B) prevents the receiving substance from leaking out of the container 3.

[0203] FIGS. 8A and 9 show the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 according to the second embodiment including both the elastic members P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 by way of example. In some embodiments, the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 including either the elastic members P.sub.1 or P.sub.2 may improve watertightness sufficiently.

[0204] In the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 according to the second embodiment, the upper end of the securing ring 6′ is maintained to be exposed through the open end of the holder 5.

[0205] The securing ring 6′ can be rotated with an open end 6d′ of the securing ring 6′ exposed through the open end of the holder 5 (upper end) being gripped by fingertips. The securing ring 6′ may be replaced with the securing ring 6 including the tabs 6d of the individual package opening aid 1A.sub.1 according to the first embodiment.

[0206] The individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 and the mixture container 2B.sub.1 including the individual package opening aid according to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 9 are suitable for relatively small individual packages.

[0207] The individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 and the mixture container 2B.sub.1 according to the second embodiment can be used as a mixture container used for preparing a mixture with an intended concentration by dissolving a medicine into a solvent such as water.

[0208] As shown in FIGS. 8B and 9, the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 according to the second embodiment can complete the attachment of the PTP 16 in the internal space of the holder 5 simply by dropping the PTP 16 into the internal space.

[0209] The individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 according to the second embodiment can thus easily, speedily, and accurately prepare a mixture using the small PTP 16, containing a medicine or another substance, as an individual package.

[0210] The individual package opening aid and the mixture container are thus more convenient than the technique described in Patent Literature 1.

[0211] The PTP 16 may contain liquid or a tablet as the mixing substance 13 instead of powder as shown in FIGS. 8A and 9.

[0212] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 9, the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 according to the second embodiment may include a cup-shaped lid 18 (optional component).

[0213] For any liquid leakage in a securing assembly including the securing ring 6′ and the support 4″ for securing the PTP 16, the lid 18 can prevent leaked liquid from flowing out of the container 3.

[0214] To prepare a drink using the mixture container 2B.sub.1 according to the second embodiment, the lid 18 can be used as a cup for convenience.

[0215] FIG. 8A shows the structure including the lid 18 screwed on the outer surface of the holder 5 by way of example. In some embodiments, the lid 18 may be screwed on the outer surface of the container 3.

[0216] This structure can increase the capacity of the lid 18, and further improve the convenience of the lid 18 used as a cup.

[0217] FIGS. 8A and 9 show the structure including the lid 18 screwed on its receiver by way of example. In some embodiments, the lid 18 may be attached in any manner that enables watertight attachment.

[0218] A method for using the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 according to the second embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B.

[0219] FIGS. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of the individual package opening aid according to the second embodiment of the present invention used to open a PTP. The same components as in FIGS. 1 to 9 are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described.

[0220] To attach the PTP 16 as an individual package to the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 according to the second embodiment, an unopen PTP 16 is placed in the internal space of the holder 5 in the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1, and then placed onto the support 4″ as shown in FIG. 9.

[0221] The securing ring 6′ is then rotated to move from the open end of the holder 5 toward the PTP 16 housed in the internal space of the holder 5.

[0222] The securing ring 6′ is rotated furthest possible to secure the flange 17a of the PTP 16 with the flange 17a being pressed against the support 4″.

[0223] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 10A, the container portion 17 of the PTP 16 is pushed in the direction indicated with arrow P in the figure, that is, toward the internal space of the container 3.

[0224] This push raises the pressure inside the container portion 17 of the PTP 16, and breaks the film 12 of the PTP 16 covering the guide port 4a in the support 4″ as shown in FIG. 10B.

[0225] Thus, the mixing substance 13 contained in the PTP 16 is placed into the container 3 through the broken portion of the film 12.

[0226] To reuse the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 and the mixture container 2B.sub.1 according to the second embodiment, the procedure of attaching the PTP 16 to the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 may be reversed to remove the used PTP 16 from the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1, and then a new PTP 16 may be attached to the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 with the above procedure.

[0227] An individual package opening aid and a mixture container according to a modification of the second embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 11.

[0228] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the individual package opening aid according to the modification of the second embodiment of the present invention, and the mixture container including the individual package opening aid. The same components as in FIGS. 1 to 10B are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described.

[0229] As shown in FIG. 11, an individual package opening aid 1B.sub.2 according to the modification of the second embodiment includes a securing ring longer in the center axis direction than the securing ring 6′ in the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 according to the second embodiment.

[0230] The individual package opening aid 1B.sub.2 according to the modification shown in FIG. 11 is particularly suitable for opening a PTP 16 having a large height (thickness) from the film 12.

[0231] More specifically, when the top portion of the container portion 17 is pushed toward the film 12 to open the PTP 16 having a large height (thickness) from the film 12 as shown in FIG. 11, the structure without the holder 5 may cause the container portion 17 to deform and expand horizontally and fail to easily break the film 12.

[0232] When the PTP 16 is squashed, the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.2 according to the modification shown in FIG. 11 including the holder 5 restricts such horizontally expanding deformation of the container portion 17, and efficiently transmits the pressure applied on the container portion 17 to the film 12 to successfully break the film 12.

[0233] Thus, an individual package opening aid including the individual package opening aid 1B2 and the mixture container 2B2 including the individual package opening aid 1B2 according to the modification shown in FIG. 11 can facilitate opening of the PTP 16 with a large capacity.

[0234] An individual package opening aid and a mixture container according to another modification of the second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 12.

[0235] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an individual package opening aid according to another modification of the second embodiment of the present invention, and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid. The same components as in FIGS. 1 to 11 are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described.

[0236] As shown in FIG. 12, an individual package opening aid 1B.sub.3 and a mixture container 2B.sub.3 according to another modification of the second embodiment may include a cover 7′ integrated and secured watertight in an internal space 6c of the securing ring 6′ in the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.1 shown in FIGS. 8A to 10B.

[0237] The individual package opening aid 1B.sub.3 and the mixture container 2B.sub.3 according to this modification can improve the watertightness of the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.3.

[0238] As shown in FIG. 12, the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.3 and the mixture container 2B.sub.3 according to this modification may include protrusions 7a (optional component) on the inner surface of the cover 7′ to press the container portion 17 of the PTP 16.

[0239] In the individual package opening aid 1B.sub.3, the protrusions 7a protruding from the inner surface of the cover 7′ can firmly press the container portion 17 of the PTP 16 toward the internal space of the container 3.

[0240] The PTP 16 can thus be easily open.

[0241] FIGS. 8A to 12 show the structure including each of the individual package opening aids 1B.sub.1 to 1B.sub.3 according to the second embodiment integrally attached at the opening 3a of the container 3 by way of example. In some embodiments, each of the individual package opening aids 1B.sub.1 to 1B.sub.3 according to the second embodiment may be removably attached at the opening 3a of the container 3.

[0242] The mixture containers 2A.sub.1 to 2B.sub.3 according to the first and second embodiments are described by way of example with the opening through which the content is inserted into and discharged from the container 3 used as a supply port for placing the mixing substance 13 contained in the individual package 8 or the PTP 16 into the container 3. The mixture container according to the first and second embodiments is not limited to this structure.

[0243] More specifically, the mixture container according to the first and second embodiments may have a second opening (not shown) in the side surface or bottom surface of the container 3, different from the opening through which the content is inserted into and discharged from the container 3 and either of the mixture containers 2A.sub.1 to 2B.sub.3 according to the first and second embodiments may be integrally or removably attached at this second opening.

[0244] The individual package 8 or the PTP 16 is not attached at the opening of the container 3. Thus, a prepared mixture may be removed from the container 3 without removing, for example, the used individual package 8 or PTP 16 from the opening.

[0245] Thus, the mixture container according to the first and second embodiments including the second opening (not shown) facilitates removal of a prepared mixture from the container 3 through the opening.

[0246] In the present embodiment, the guide port 4a in each of the individual package opening aids 1A.sub.1 to 1B.sub.3 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the outlet 10 in the package body 9 in the individual package 8 or 8′ according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, and the outlet 10 in the container portion 17 of the PTP 16 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention have circular shapes in a plan view. In some embodiments, they may have any shape other than a circle in a plan view.

[0247] More specifically, the guide port 4a and the outlet 10 may have any shape, in a plan view, that does not block discharge of the mixing substance 13 contained in the individual package 8 or 8′ or the PTP 16.

[0248] The individual package opening aids 1B.sub.1 to 1B.sub.3 according to the second embodiment and modifications of the second embodiment have been described using the PTP 16 or 16′ as an individual package by way of example. In some embodiments, the individual package opening aids 1B.sub.1 to 1B.sub.3 including the holder 5 having the length in the center axis direction adjusted as appropriate can also receive the individual package 8 or 8′.

[0249] The individual package 8 or 8′ according to the present embodiment is usable also at an opening of a container body without any of the individual package opening aids 1A.sub.1 to 1B.sub.3 according to the present embodiment. More specifically, the individual package 8 or 8′ according to the present embodiment may be directly attached at an opening of a container body without the individual package opening aids 1A.sub.1 to 1B.sub.3 according to the present embodiment.

[0250] More specifically, the individual package 8 or 8′ is usable for any container body that has an opening that prevents dropping of the individual package 8 or 8′ according to the embodiment attached at the opening.

[0251] One or more embodiments of the present invention can easily and highly accurately adjust the concentration to prepare a mixture. The individual package opening aids 1B.sub.1 to 1B.sub.3 according to the present embodiment and the individual package 8 and 8′ according to the present embodiment are usable for, in addition to preparing a drink such as a sports drink, preparing a mixture of different concentrations, such as preparing of a seasoning or a medicine (e.g., oral medicine, parenteral medicine, or water depurator) into water or another receiving substance, preparing a cleansing liquid with an intended concentration, or preparing a reagent with an intended concentration.

[0252] As described above, the present invention relates to an individual package opening aid that facilitates attachment of an individual package containing a portion of a mixing substance in position at a container opening, and that can place the mixing substance in the individual package into the container with a simple operation performed in the above state. The present invention also relates to a mixture container including the individual package opening aid, and an individual package. The present invention is applicable to technical fields of, for example, foods, drinks, daily necessities, medical products, or laboratory equipment.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0253] 1A.sub.1, 1A.sub.2, 1B.sub.1, 1B.sub.2, 1B.sub.3 individual package opening aid [0254] 2A.sub.1, 2A.sub.2, 2B.sub.1, 2B.sub.2, 2B.sub.3 mixture container [0255] 3 container [0256] 3a opening [0257] 4 support [0258] 4a guide port [0259] 5 holder [0260] 5a inner surface [0261] 5b thread [0262] 5c connection portion [0263] 6, 6′ securing ring [0264] 6a outer surface [0265] 6b thread [0266] 6c internal space [0267] 6d tab [0268] 6d′ open end [0269] 7, 7′ cover [0270] 7a protrusion [0271] 8, 8′ individual package [0272] 9 package body [0273] 10 outlet [0274] 11 push portion [0275] 12 film [0276] 13 mixing substance [0277] 14 lid [0278] 15 lid [0279] 16, 16′ PTP [0280] 17 container portion [0281] 17a flange [0282] 18 lid [0283] P.sub.1, P.sub.2 elastic member