PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITION CONTAINER

Abstract

The cleanliness when a pharmaceutical composition is swallowed is improved. A pharmaceutical composition container 10 is equipped with at least three spaces 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 inside a container body 20. The pharmaceutical composition container 10 is further equipped with a cover 22. The portions 140, 142, 144 and 146 between two adjoining spaces are sealed. The portions 140, 142, 144 and 146 between two adjoining spaces open when force is applied from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 10. At least one of the spaces is an apertured space 38, which comprises an aperture 60. A swallowing-aid substance 40 is stored in a swallowing-aid substance chamber 30, which is at least one of the spaces. Pharmaceutical compositions 80 and 82 are stored in pharmaceutical composition chambers 34 and 36, each of which is at least one of the spaces. Of the container body 20, the portion forming the apertured space 38 is covered by a cover 22.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition container; more specifically, to a pharmaceutical composition container so configured as to allow the improvement of cleanliness when the pharmaceutical composition is swallowed.

BACKGROUND ART

Patent document 1 discloses a multi-chamber container. This multi-chamber container is so partitioned into a plurality of spaces as to enable the spaces to be interconnected with each other. The spaces are sealed in such a state that they can be interconnected with each other by means of force applied from the outside. A granular agent is stored in a tightly sealed state in any of the spaces. A thick fluid substance is stored in a tightly sealed state in one or more other spaces. After interconnecting the spaces with each other and gathering and mixing the granular agent with the thick fluid substance, it is possible to take out the mixture from a take-out port provided on any of the spaces.

According to the container disclosed in patent document 1, it is possible to ingest a granular agent by means of an extremely simple operation. Moreover, according to the multi-chamber container disclosed in patent document 1, it is possible to significantly reduce the resistance of the patient towards taking the medication.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

Patent Documents

• Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-234820

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

However, the invention disclosed in patent document 1 bears the problem that it is highly probable that bacteria or other matter having an adverse effect on the patient enter the body of the patient when the patient takes the granular agent.

The technical issue addressed by this invention is intended to solve the abovementioned problem, and the purpose of the invention is to provide a pharmaceutical composition container that allows the improvement of cleanliness when the pharmaceutical composition is swallowed.

Means for Solving the Problem

The pharmaceutical composition container of this invention is explained in reference to the drawings. Note that the use of the reference numerals of the drawings in this column is intended to facilitate the understanding of the content of the invention and is not intended to limit the content to the scope indicated.

According to the aspects of this invention in order to achieve the abovementioned purpose, the pharmaceutical composition container (10) is equipped with at least three spaces (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) inside a container body (20). The pharmaceutical composition container (10) is further equipped with a cover (22). The portions (140, 142, 144, 146) between two adjoining spaces are sealed. The portions (140, 142, 144, 146) between two adjoining spaces open when force is applied from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container (10). At least one of the spaces is a apertured space (38), which comprises an aperture (60). A swallowing-aid substance (40) is stored in a swallowing-aid substance chamber (30), which is at least one of the spaces. Pharmaceutical compositions (80, 82) are stored in pharmaceutical composition chambers (34, 36), each of which is at least one of the spaces. Of the container body (20), the portion forming the apertured space (38) is covered by a cover (22).

The portions (140, 142, 144, 146) between two adjoining spaces are sealed. When a force is applied thereto from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container (10), the portions (140, 142, 144, 146) open. By the opening of the portions (140, 142, 144, 146), the swallowing-aid substance (40) can be guided from the swallowing-aid substance chamber (30) to the pharmaceutical composition chambers (34, 36). When the swallowing-aid substance (40) is guided to the pharmaceutical composition chambers (34, 36), the pharmaceutical compositions (80, 82) are mixed with the swallowing-aid substance (40). Thereby, when holding the aperture (60) against the mouth of a person and pushing out the swallowing-aid substance (40) and the pharmaceutical compositions (80, 82) from this aperture (60), a mixture of the pharmaceutical compositions (80, 82) and the swallowing-aid substance (40) will enter the mouth of the person and be swallowed. By the way, of the container body (20), the portion forming the apertured space (38) is covered by a cover (22) before that portion is held against the mouth of a person. Therefore, the cleanliness of this portion is maintained at a very high level. As a result, it is possible to improve the cleanliness when the pharmaceutical composition is swallowed.

Further, it is preferable that the abovementioned cover (22) be integrated with the container body (20).

Or, it is preferable that the abovementioned at least three spaces (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) and the cover (22) be arranged so as to form one row. In this case, the apertured space (38) is disposed on one end of the row. The cover (22) is disposed on the other end of the row. The container body (20) and the cover (22) can be folded over, and folding over the container body (20) and the cover (22) brings the aperture (60) and the cover (22) into a state of facing each other.

Moreover, it is preferable that the encapsulating items (42, 44) be stored in the abovementioned pharmaceutical composition chambers (34, 36). In this case, at least the surface of the encapsulating items (42, 44) melts in the ingredients of the swallowing-aid substance (40). The encapsulating items (42, 44) contain the pharmaceutical compositions (80, 82).

When the swallowing-aid substance (40) is guided into the pharmaceutical composition chambers (34, 36), at least the surface of the encapsulating items (42, 44) melts in the swallowing-aid substance (40). Thereby, when holding the aperture (60) against the mouth of a person with swallowing difficulties and pushing out the swallowing-aid substance (40) and the encapsulating items (42, 44) from this aperture (60), the encapsulating items (42, 44) will enter the mouth of the person with swallowing difficulties while being enclosed in swallowing-aid substance (40). At this time, the surface of encapsulating items (42, 44) has melted. The encapsulating items (42, 44) can easily be swallowed even by a person with swallowing difficulties because the encapsulating items (42, 44) are enclosed in the swallowing-aid substance (40) and the surface of encapsulating items (42, 44) has melted. This means that the pharmaceutical compositions (80, 82) are also swallowed with the swallowing of the encapsulating items (42, 44). However, the pharmaceutical compositions (80, 82) in the encapsulating items (42, 44) do not scatter until the encapsulating items (42, 44) have sufficiently melted. Moreover, by enclosing the pharmaceutical compositions (80, 82) with encapsulating items (42, 44), it is possible to reduce the residual quantity of the pharmaceutical compositions (80, 82) inside the pharmaceutical composition chambers (34, 36).

According to the other aspects of this invention, the pharmaceutical composition container (351) is equipped with a plurality of spaces (370, 372, 374) inside the container body. The container body is provided with a predetermined aperture part (394), wherein an aperture is to be formed. The aperture is opened when force is applied to the pharmaceutical composition container (351) from the outside, thereby interconnecting the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container (351) with the space. The portions (390, 392) between two adjoining spaces of spaces (370, 372, 374) are sealed. The portions (390, 392) between two adjoining spaces of spaces (370, 372, 374) open when force is applied from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container (351). A swallowing-aid substance (40) is stored in a swallowing-aid substance chamber (370), which is at least one of the spaces. A pharmaceutical composition is stored in pharmaceutical composition chambers (372, 374), which are at least one of the spaces. The container body can be folded over. The pharmaceutical composition container (351) is further equipped with a cover (378). The cover (378) is disposed so as to adjoin the container body. The cover (378) is integrated with the container body. The cover (378) allows pulling out or inserting the portion (354) of the container body which is provided with the predetermined aperture part (394). The portion (354) which is provided with the predetermined aperture part (394) is covered by the cover (378).

Effect of the Invention

According to this invention, it is possible to improve the cleanliness when the pharmaceutical composition is swallowed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container of the embodiment 1 of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container of the embodiment 1 of this invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container of the embodiment 1 of this invention.

FIG. 4 shows the production procedure for the pharmaceutical composition container of the embodiment 1 of this invention.

FIG. 5 shows the usage method of the pharmaceutical composition container of the embodiment 1 of this invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container of the embodiment 2 of this invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container of the embodiment 3 of this invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container of the embodiment 4 of this invention.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container of the embodiment 5 of this invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container of the embodiment 6 of this invention.

FIG. 11 is an external view of the pharmaceutical composition container of the embodiment 6 of this invention.

FIG. 12 shows a state of the embodiment 6 of this invention wherein the cover insert portion is inserted into the cover and the base is on the outside of the cover.

FIG. 13 is a rear view of the state in the embodiment 6 of this invention wherein the cover insert portion is inserted into the cover.

FIG. 14 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container of the embodiment 7 of this invention.

FIG. 15 shows the state of the embodiment 7 of this invention wherein the pharmaceutical composition container is folded.

FIG. 16 shows the state of the embodiment 7 of this invention after one end of the pharmaceutical composition container was inserted into the cover.

FIG. 17 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container of the embodiment 8 of this invention.

FIG. 18 is a partial cross section showing one end of the pharmaceutical composition container of the embodiment 8 of this invention during the production thereof.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing one end of the pharmaceutical composition container of the embodiment 8 of this invention during the production thereof.

FIG. 20 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container of the embodiment 9 of this invention.

FIG. 21 is an external view of the state of the embodiment 9 of this invention wherein one end of the pharmaceutical composition container is inserted into the cover.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following explains the embodiments of this invention on the basis of the drawings. In the following explanations, identical parts are assigned the same reference numeral. The names and functions thereof are also the same. Accordingly, detailed explanations thereof will not be repeated.

Embodiment 1

The following explains the pharmaceutical composition container 10 of the embodiment 1 of this invention.

The configuration of the pharmaceutical composition container 10 of this embodiment will be explained while referring to FIG. 1. The pharmaceutical composition container 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a container body 20 and a cover 22, which is integrated with the container body 20. The container body 20 and the cover 22 of this embodiment are formed by adhering two laminated members 50 to each other. The laminated member 50 will be explained later.

The container body 20 is equipped with a swallowing-aid substance chamber 30, an intermediate chamber 32, a first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34, a second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 and an apertured space 38. The swallowing-aid substance chamber 30, the intermediate chamber 32, the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 are so formed as to maintain air tightness with respect to the external space around the pharmaceutical composition container 10.

The cover 22, the swallowing-aid substance chamber 30, the intermediate chamber 32, the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34, the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 and the apertured space 38 are so arranged as to form one row. As is obvious from FIG. 1, the apertured space 38 is disposed on one end of that row. The cover 22 is disposed on the other end of that row. FIG. 2 is a cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container 10 of this embodiment. In the mode shown in FIG. 2, the cover 22 can cover the outside of the portion of the container body 20 which forms the apertured space 38. This is possible because the laminated member 50 of this embodiment can be folded over.

The items stored in the swallowing-aid substance chamber 30, the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 are explained while again referring to FIG. 1.

A swallowing-aid substance 40 is stored inside the swallowing-aid substance chamber 30. The swallowing-aid substance 40 in this embodiment is a sterilized jelly containing water. The water content of the jelly in this embodiment is established in such a manner that the following requirement is fulfilled. The requirement is that it must be possible to provide at least two minutes from the time when the swallowing-aid substance 40 covers the surface of the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44, which will be explained later, until the time when the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 completely melt.

A first encapsulating item 42 is stored inside the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34. A granular drug or another first pharmaceutical composition 80 is encapsulated inside the first encapsulating item 42. The material of the first encapsulating item 42 in this embodiment is a wafer which is made of starch and has a thickness of 15 μm.

A second encapsulating item 44 is stored inside the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36. A second pharmaceutical composition 82 is encapsulated inside the second encapsulating item 44. The second pharmaceutical composition 82 is a substance of a type that is different to that of the granular first pharmaceutical composition 80. The material of the second encapsulating item 44 in this embodiment is a wafer which is made of starch and has a thickness of 10 μm. The openings of the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 are sealed by the twisting of the portions corresponding to the inlets for the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82.

That a wafer is used as the material for the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 is because the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 are required to have the following function. The function is that, when the swallowing-aid substance 40 covers the surface of the first encapsulating item 42 or the second encapsulating item 44, the surface thereof must start to melt, and after the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 are swallowed, the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 must completely melt. That the wafer used for the first encapsulating item 42 is thicker than the wafer used for the second encapsulating item 44 is because the time from when the wafer begins to be covered by the swallowing-aid substance 40 until the wafer completely melts is required to be set to a longer time for the first encapsulating item 42 than for the second encapsulating item 44. The reason for this requirement is that the first encapsulating item 42 is covered by the swallowing-aid substance 40 earlier than the second encapsulating item 44. That a wafer of a thickness of 10 μm is used as the material for the second encapsulating item 44 is in order to provide at least two minutes of time from when the second encapsulating item 44 is covered by the swallowing-aid substance 40 until the second encapsulating item 44 completely melts. Naturally, the thickness of the wafer should be selected as appropriate depending on the material properties thereof.

Note that, if necessary, a gas (for example, nitrogen gas) which does not have any effect on the first pharmaceutical composition 80, the second pharmaceutical composition 82 and the swallowing-aid substance 40, is filled into the first swallowing-aid substance chamber 30, the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36.

Further, the intermediate chamber 32 and the apertured space 38 of this embodiment are empty chambers until the first weak seal 140 to fourth weak seal 146, which will be explained later, are broken. An empty chamber is a space in which nothing is stored, or in which a gas is stored that does not have any effect on the first pharmaceutical composition 80, the second pharmaceutical composition 82 or the swallowing-aid substance 40. The apertured space 38 comprises an aperture 60. The aperture 60 interconnects the outside of the swallowing-aid substance chamber 30, the intermediate chamber 32, the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34, the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 and the apertured space 38 with the inside thereof. However, until every one of the first weak seal 140 to fourth weak seal 146 is broken, the aperture 60 interconnects the inside of those of the swallowing-aid substance chamber 30, the intermediate chamber 32, the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 which are interconnected with the apertured space 38, with the outside of those spaces.

The portion between the swallowing-aid substance chamber 30 and the intermediate chamber 32 is partitioned by a first weak seal 140. The portion between the intermediate chamber 32 and the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34 is partitioned by a second weak seal 142. The portion between the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 is partitioned by a third weak seal 144. The portion between the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 and the apertured space 38 is partitioned by a fourth weak seal 146. The first weak seal 140, the second weak seal 142, the third weak seal 144 and the fourth weak seal 146 (these are referred to as “first weak seal 140 to fourth weak seal 146”) are disposed in the portions between two adjoining spaces of the spaces provided in the container body 20.

The strength of the first weak seal 140 to fourth weak seal 146 is weaker than the strength of the bottom strong seal 160 and the side strong seal 162. The bottom strong seal 160 is the portion on the boundary between the container body 20 and the cover 22 where the surfaces of the laminated members 50 are adhered to each other. The side strong seal 162 is the portion where the surfaces of the laminated members 50 are adhered to each other excluding the first weak seal 140 to fourth weak seal 146 and the bottom strong seal 160. In the case of this embodiment, the strength of the first weak seal 140 to fourth weak seal 146 is such that the first weak seal 140 to fourth weak seal 146 can be broken by the pressure of the swallowing-aid substance 40 (this pressure being caused by the application of force by an adult person from the outside of the swallowing-aid substance chamber 30). The specific method for breaking the portion between the swallowing-aid substance chamber 30 and the intermediate chamber 32, the portion between the intermediate chamber 32 and the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34, the portion between the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 and the portion between the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 and the apertured space 38 is not limited to breaking by means of pressure from the swallowing-aid substance 40. For example, the first weak seal 140 to fourth weak seal 146 may also be ripped apart by holding one of the two laminated members 50 in each hand and pulling the laminated members apart.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container 10 of this embodiment. The configuration of the laminated member 50 and the configuration of the first weak seal 140 to fourth weak seal 146 will be explained while referring to FIGS. 1 and 3. The laminated member 50 of this embodiment comprises an outer skin member 100, an intermediate member 102 and a sealing member 104 (note that this three-layered structure of the laminated member 50 is not depicted (is omitted) in FIG. 2). The sealing members 104 and 104 of two laminated members 50 are fusion-bonded to each other. This fusion-bonded portion is broken prior to the outer skin member 100 and the intermediate member 102 by force applied from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 10. Compared to the fusing point of the outer skin member 100 and the fusing point of the intermediate member 102, the fusing point of the sealing member 104 is low. For this reason, the sealing member 104 melts before the outer skin member 100 and the intermediate member 102 melt when heat is applied to the laminated member 50 from the outside of the outer skin member 100. Since the sealing member 104 melts before the outer skin member 100 and the intermediate member 102 melt, it is possible to fusion-bond only the sealing member 104. These fusion-bonded portions are the first weak seal 104 to fourth weak seal 146. FIG. 3 shows only the fourth weak seal 146.

The material of those portions of the sealing member 104 that correspond to the first weak seal 140 to fourth weak seal 146 is different from the material of those portions of the sealing member 104 that correspond to the bottom strong seal 160 and the side strong seal 162 (however, the material of the outer skin member 100 and the material of the intermediate member 102 are the same between the portion corresponding to the first weak seal 140 to fourth weak seal 146 and the portion corresponding to the bottom strong seal 160 and the side strong seal 162). Since the materials are different, it is possible to make the strength of the first weak seal 140 to fourth weak seal 146 weaker than the strength of the bottom strong seal 160 and the side strong seal 162. As a side note, in this embodiment, the material of the outer skin member 100 is polyethylene terephthalate. The material of the intermediate member 102 is nylon. The material of those portions of the sealing member 104 which correspond to the first weak seal 140 to fourth weak seal 146 is polyethylene.

FIG. 4 shows the production procedure for the pharmaceutical composition container 10 of this embodiment. The production procedure for the pharmaceutical composition container 10 will be explained while referring to FIG. 4. In the first step, the two laminated members 50 and 50 are superposed on each other and the portion corresponding to the side of the pharmaceutical composition container 10 is heated. Thereby, as is shown in FIG. 4 (A), the side strong seal 162 is formed. In the second step, the periphery of the intermediate chamber 32 on the laminated member 50 is heated. Thereby, as is shown in FIG. 4 (B), the first weak seal 140 and the second weak seal 142 are formed. In the third step, the first encapsulating item 42 is inserted between the two laminated members 50 and 50, as is shown in FIG. 4 (C). In the fourth step, the periphery of the portion between the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 on the laminated member 50 is heated. Thereby, as is shown in FIG. 4 (D), the third weak seal 144 is formed. In the fifth step, the second encapsulating item 44 is inserted between the two laminated members 50 and 50, as is shown in FIG. 4 (E). In the sixth step, the periphery of the portion between the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 and the apertured space 38 on the laminated member 50 is heated. Thereby, as is shown in FIG. 4 (F), the fourth weak seal 146 is formed. In the seventh step, the swallowing-aid substance 40 is filled between the two laminated members 50 and 50. At this time, first, the portion of the first weak seal 140 on the container body 20 is folded over, and the swallowing-aid substance chamber 30 is oriented upwards. When the swallowing-aid substance chamber 30 is oriented upwards, a nozzle, which is not shown in the drawing, is inserted into the swallowing-aid substance chamber 30 to fill in the swallowing-aid substance 40. In the eighth step, the boundary portion between the container body 20 and the cover 22 is heated. Thereby, as is shown in FIG. 4 (G), the bottom strong seal 160 is formed. In the ninth step, the boundary portion between the container body 20 and the cover 22 is folded over as shown in FIG. 4 (H), and then the portion of the container body 20 which forms the apertured space 38 is inserted between the cover 22. The pharmaceutical composition container 10 which is completed through these steps is packed into a carton box which is not shown in the drawings, and distributed.

FIG. 5 shows the usage method of the pharmaceutical composition container 10 of this embodiment. The procedure for taking the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 out of the pharmaceutical composition container 10 and ingesting the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 will be explained while referring to FIG. 5.

First, the caretaker etc. pulls the tip portion of the container body 20 out of the cover 22, thereby bringing the pharmaceutical composition container 10, which had been in the state shown in FIG. 4 (H), into the state shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 4 (G). Next, the caretaker etc. presses the swallowing-aid substance chamber 30 from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 10 to break the first weak seal 140 by means of the pressure from inside the swallowing-aid substance chamber 30. When the first weak seal 140 is broken, the swallowing-aid substance 40 is pushed out into the intermediate chamber 32. The swallowing-aid substance 40 that was pushed out fills the inside of the intermediate chamber 32.

When the caretaker etc. continues to press the swallowing-aid substance chamber 30 from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 10 in this state, the second weak seal 142 is broken by the pressure of the swallowing-aid substance 40 inside the intermediate chamber 32. At this time, the caretaker etc. folds the cover 22 towards the container body 20. When the second weak seal 142 is broken, the swallowing-aid substance 40 is pushed out into the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34. The swallowing-aid substance 40 that was pushed out fills the inside of the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34. From this time, the surface of the first encapsulating item 42 starts to melt in the swallowing-aid substance 40.

After the swallowing-aid substance 40 is pushed out into the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34, the caretaker etc. lets the patient 200 put the pharmaceutical composition container 10 into the mouth. When the pharmaceutical composition container 10 is taken into the mouth, the patient 200 folds the cover 22, which was folded back towards the container body 20, further towards the container 20 and squeezes the container body 20 and the cover 22. Thereby, pressure is applied to the swallowing-aid substance 40. As a result from the pressure applied to the swallowing-aid substance 40, the third weak seal 144 breaks. When the third weak seal 144 is broken, the swallowing-aid substance 40 is pushed out together with the first encapsulating item 42 into the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36. The swallowing-aid substance 40 that was pushed out fills the inside of the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36. From this time, the surface of the second encapsulating item 44 also starts to melt in the swallowing-aid substance 40.

After the swallowing-aid substance 40 is pushed out into the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36, the patient 200 folds back the container body 20 and the cover 22 from the swallowing-aid substance chamber 30 further towards the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 and further squeezes same. Thereby, pressure is applied to the swallowing-aid substance 40. As a result from the pressure applied to the swallowing-aid substance 40, the fourth weak seal 146 breaks. When the fourth weak seal 146 is broken, the swallowing-aid substance 40, the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 are pushed out into the apertured space 38. The swallowing-aid substance 40, the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 are swallowed via the apertured space 38 and the mouth of the patient 200. At this time, the surfaces of the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 have melted in the ingredients of the swallowing-aid substance 40; therefore the surfaces of the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 are now slippery. Because the surfaces of the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 are slippery, the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 are swallowed smoothly.

In this way, the pharmaceutical composition container 10 of this embodiment produces the following eight effects. The first effect is that it is possible to easily swallow the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82. The second effect is that, if the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 have a bitter taste, that bitter taste is suppressed. The third effect is that it is possible to suppress the scattering of the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 in the mouth. The fourth effect is that concerns regarding the stability of the first pharmaceutical composition and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 become unnecessary. The fifth effect is that it is possible to let patients with swallowing difficulties ingest solids of various types. The sixth effect is that it is possible to improve the cleanliness during the ingestion of the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82. The seventh effect is that it is possible to smoothly push out the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44. The eighth effect is that it is possible to reduce the residual quantity of the pharmaceutical compositions 80 and 82 inside the pharmaceutical composition container 10 (in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the residual quantity close to zero).

The first effect will now be explained in detail. The first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 enter the mouth of the patient 200 while being enclosed in the swallowing-aid substance 40. At this time, the surfaces of the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 have melted. The first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 can easily be swallowed even by a person with swallowing difficulties because the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 are enclosed in the swallowing-aid substance 40 and the surfaces thereof have melted. Since the pharmaceutical composition 80 is inside the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44, the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 are also swallowed when the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 are swallowed. Thereby it is possible to easily swallow the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82.

The second effect will now be explained in detail. As mentioned above, the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 enter the mouth of the patient 200 while being enclosed in the swallowing-aid substance 40. Thereby the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82, which are the content of the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44, are doubly enclosed by the swallowing-aid substance 40 and by the first encapsulating item 42 and second encapsulating item 44. Even if the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 are drugs, the probability that the tongue of the patient 200 senses the bitterness thereof is low because the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 are doubly enclosed. As a result, the bitter taste of the drugs is suppressed.

The third effect will now be explained in detail. As mentioned above, the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 are doubly enclosed by the swallowing-aid substance 40 and by the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44. This reduces the probability that the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 scatter in the mouth of the patient 200. As a result, it is possible to suppress the scattering of the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 in the mouth.

The fourth effect will now be explained in detail. The first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 are chemical substances. When chemical substances come into contact with each other, chemical reactions occur in many cases. Due to the occurrence of chemical reactions, the effect of the pharmaceutical composition as a drug is lost. For this reason, it is not possible to preserve a plurality of pharmaceutical compositions in a mixed state in many cases. If the pharmaceutical compositions are to be preserved in a mixed state, it is necessary to research in advance whether the chemical substances lose their effects. The pharmaceutical composition container 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a plurality of spaces. Storing one type of pharmaceutical composition in each of those spaces is substantially identical with separately preserving a plurality of pharmaceutical compositions. This is the reason why concerns regarding the stability of the pharmaceutical composition are unnecessary when the pharmaceutical composition container 10 of this embodiment is used. Since concerns regarding the stability of the pharmaceutical composition are unnecessary, the advance research on whether the pharmacological effects of the plurality of pharmaceutical compositions are lost also becomes unnecessary.

The fifth effect will now be explained in detail. As the swallowing-aid substance 40, the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 are swallowed after the swallowing-aid substance 40 is sequentially guided to the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36, the activity of the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 per se will not have a significant effect on the difficulty or easiness of swallowing any more. Thereby it is possible to let patients with swallowing difficulties ingest solids of various types.

The sixth effect will now be explained in detail. Before the pharmaceutical composition container 10 is used, the portion of the container body that forms the apertured space 38 is covered by the cover 22. This reduces the frequency at which bacteria etc. adhere to the portion of the container body 20 that forms the apertured space 38. The frequency at which bacteria etc. adhere is reduced particularly in comparison with the case where the portion of the container body 20 which comes into contact with the mouth is broken to form the aperture. In the case where the portion of the container body 20 which comes into contact with the mouth is broken to form the aperture, it is necessary to touch that portion with a tool or hand when breaking that portion. At this time, it is possible that bacteria or viruses adhering to the tool or hand are adhered to that portion. In the case of the pharmaceutical composition container 10 of this embodiment, the swallowing-aid substance 40, the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 can be swallowed upon breaking the first weak seal 140 to fourth weak seal 146; therefore it is not necessary to touch, with a tool or hand, the portion of the container body 20 which comes into contact with the mouth and thus the probability that bacteria or viruses adhere thereto is reduced. As a result, it is possible to improve the cleanliness during the ingestion of the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82.

The seventh effect will now be explained in detail. The end of the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34 on the side of the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 becomes narrower towards the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36, and the first encapsulating item 42 is stored in the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34; therefore it is possible to smoothly push out the first encapsulating item 42 by means of the swallowing-aid substance 40. The end of the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 on the side of the apertured space 38 becomes narrower towards the apertured space 38, and the second encapsulating item 44 is stored in the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36; therefore this second encapsulating item 44 is also pushed out smoothly in the same way.

The eighth effect will now be explained in detail. When the swallowing-aid substance 40, the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 are pushed out of the aperture 60, the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 therein are pushed out at the same time. This significantly reduces the residual quantity of the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 in the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 as compared to the case where the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 are not inside the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44. Moreover, the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 of this embodiment are tightly sealed. Since the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 are tightly sealed, the probability that the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 leak from the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 is extremely low. Since this probability is extremely low, it is possible to reduce the residual quantity of the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the second pharmaceutical composition 82 remaining inside the pharmaceutical composition container 10 (actually, it is possible to reduce the residual quantity close to zero).

Embodiment 2

The following explains the pharmaceutical composition container 210 of the embodiment 2 of this invention. Note that items which are identical with those explained in the embodiment 1 are given identical reference numerals. In this embodiment, the detailed explanation thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container 210 of this embodiment. The configuration of the pharmaceutical composition container 210 of this embodiment will be explained while referring to FIG. 6. The pharmaceutical composition container 210 of this embodiment is equipped with a container body 220 and a cover 222. The container body 220 is formed by one laminated member 50 that is folded and has the outer periphery adhered together. The cover 222 is formed from a laminated member 50 same as the container body 220. The cover 222 is integrated with the container body 220. In FIG. 6, the hatched portion at the left end of the pharmaceutical composition container 210 shows a cross section of the laminated member 50.

The container body 220 comprises a swallowing-aid substance chamber 230, a pharmaceutical composition chamber 232 and an apertured space 234. The swallowing-aid substance chamber 230 and the pharmaceutical composition chamber 232 are so formed as to maintain air tightness with respect to the external space around the pharmaceutical composition container 210.

A swallowing-aid substance 40 is stored inside the swallowing-aid substance chamber 230. A first encapsulating item 42 is stored inside the pharmaceutical composition chamber 232. A first pharmaceutical composition 80 is encapsulated inside the first encapsulating item 42. Further, the apertured space 234 is an empty chamber until the first weak seal 240 and the second weak seal 242, which will be explained later, are broken.

Note that, if necessary, a gas which does not have any effect on the first pharmaceutical composition 80 or the swallowing-aid substance 40 is filled into the swallowing-aid substance chamber 230 and the pharmaceutical composition chamber 232.

The portion between the swallowing-aid substance chamber 230 and the pharmaceutical composition chamber 232 is partitioned by a first weak seal 240. The portion between the pharmaceutical composition chamber 232 and the apertured space 234 is partitioned by a second weak seal 242. The first weak seal 240 and the second weak seal 242 are disposed in the portions corresponding to the portions between two adjoining spaces of the spaces formed by the container body 220.

The strength of the first weak seal 240 and the second weak seal 242 is weaker than the strength of the bottom strong seal 260 and the side strong seal 262. The bottom strong seal 260 is the portion on the boundary between the container body 220 and the cover 222 where the surfaces of the laminated members 50 are adhered to each other. The side strong seal 262 is the portion where the surfaces of the laminated member 50 are adhered to each other excluding the first weak seal 240, the second weak seal 242 and the bottom strong seal 260. In the case of this embodiment, the strength of the first weak seal 240 and the second weak seal 242 is such that the first weak seal 240 and the second weak seal 242 can be broken by the pressure of the swallowing-aid substance 40, same as in the embodiment 1. Further, also same as in the embodiment 1, the specific method for breaking the first weak seal 240 and the second weak seal 242 is not limited to breaking by means of the pressure from the swallowing-aid substance 40.

The configuration of the first weak seal 240 and the second weak seal 242 is the same as the configuration of the first weak seal 140 to fourth weak seal 146 of the embodiment 1. Further, the configuration of the bottom strong seal 260 and the side strong seal 262 is the same as that of the bottom strong seal 160 and the side strong seal 162 of the embodiment 1. Accordingly, a detailed explanation thereof will not be repeated here.

In this embodiment, the two corners of the portion corresponding to the tip of the apertured space 234 of the container body 220 are folded over. However, to make the configuration of the pharmaceutical composition container 210 easy to grasp, FIG. 6 shows a state where only one of those corners is folded over. Those two corners are folded over in order to facilitate the insertion of the portion corresponding to the tip of the apertured space 234 into the cover 222 in the same way as in the embodiment 1. Accordingly, if there is no particular problem, only one of those two corners may be folded over.

The production method and usage method of the pharmaceutical composition container 210 of this embodiment is the same as the production method and usage method of the pharmaceutical composition container 10 of the embodiment 1. Accordingly, a detailed explanation thereof will not be repeated here.

In this way, the pharmaceutical composition container 210 of this embodiment produces the following six effects. The first effect is that it is possible to easily swallow the first pharmaceutical composition 80. The second effect is that, if the first pharmaceutical composition 80 has a bitter taste, that bitter taste is suppressed. The third effect is that it is possible to suppress the scattering of the first pharmaceutical composition 80 in the mouth. The fourth effect is that it is possible to let patients with swallowing difficulties ingest solids of various types. The fifth effect is that it is possible to improve the cleanliness during the ingestion of the first pharmaceutical composition 80. The reasons why those effects are produced are the same as in the case of the embodiment 1, and therefore a detailed explanation thereof will not be repeated here. The sixth effect is that it is possible to reduce the residual quantity of the pharmaceutical composition 80 inside the pharmaceutical composition container 210 (in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the residual quantity close to zero).

Embodiment 3

The following explains the pharmaceutical composition container 310 of the embodiment 3 of this invention. Note that items which are identical with those explained in the embodiments 1 and 2 are given identical reference numerals. In this embodiment, the detailed explanation thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container 310 of this embodiment. The configuration of the pharmaceutical composition container 310 of this embodiment will be explained while referring to FIG. 7. The pharmaceutical composition container 310 of this embodiment is equipped with a container body 320 and a cover 322. The container body 220 is formed by melt-bonding the outer edge of two laminated members 50. The cover 222 is separate from the container body 220. The sheet forming the cover 222 in this embodiment is formed of a known resin.

The container body 320 comprises a bag storage chamber 330, a first pharmaceutical composition chamber 334, a second pharmaceutical composition chamber 336 and an apertured space 338. The bag storage chamber 330, the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 334 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 336 are so formed as to maintain air tightness with respect to the external space around the container body 320.

An aid-substance storage bag 340 is stored inside the bag storage chamber 330. The aid-substance storage bag 340 is fixed inside the bag storage chamber 330 by means of the circumferential strong seal 462, which will be explained later.

A swallowing-aid substance 40 is stored inside the aid-substance storage bag 340. On the aid-substance storage bag 340, the strength of the end facing the first weak seal 440, which will be explained later, has the same structure as that of the first weak seal 140 to fourth weak seal 146 of the embodiment 1. Accordingly, this portion can be broken by the pressure of the swallowing-aid substance 40. The swallowing-aid substance 40 is sterilized together with the aid-substance storage bag 340 and then sandwiched in the container body 320. After that, the circumferential strong seal 462 is formed, whereby the aid-substance storage bag 340 is adhered inside the circumferential strong seal 462.

A first encapsulating item 42 is stored inside the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 334. A first pharmaceutical composition 80 is encapsulated inside the first encapsulating item 42. A powder drug 344 is stored inside the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 336. The apertured space 338 in this embodiment is an empty chamber until the first weak seal 440 to third weak seal 444 are broken.

The portion between the bag storage chamber 330 and the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 334 is partitioned by a first weak seal 440. The portion between the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 334 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 336 is partitioned by a second weak seal 442. The portion between the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 336 and the apertured space 338 is partitioned by a third weak seal 444. The first weak seal 440, the second weak seal 442 and the third weak seal 444 (these are referred to as “first weak seal 440 to third weak seal 444”) are disposed in the portions between two adjoining spaces of the spaces formed by the container body 320.

The strength of the first weak seal 440 to third weak seal 444 is weaker than the strength of the circumferential strong seal 462. The circumferential strong seal 462 is the portion where the edge of the container body 320 is adhered. In the case of this embodiment, the strength of the first weak seal 440 to third weak seal 444 is such that the first weak seal 440 to third weak seal 444 can be broken by the pressure of the swallowing-aid substance 40, same as in the embodiments 1 and 2. Same as in the embodiments 1 and 2, the specific method for breaking the first weak seal 440 to third weak seal 444 is not limited to breaking by means of the pressure from the swallowing-aid substance 40.

The configuration of the first weak seal 440 to third weak seal 444 is the same as the configuration of the first weak seal 140 to fourth weak seal 146 of the embodiment 1. Further, the configuration of the circumferential strong seal 462 is the same as that of the side strong seal 162 of the embodiment 1. Accordingly, a detailed explanation thereof will not be repeated here.

The production procedure for the pharmaceutical composition container 310 of this embodiment will now be explained. In the first step, two sheets of a laminated member 50 are superposed on each other and the outer edge thereof is heated. However, no heat is applied to the portion where the aid-substance storage bag 340 is to be sandwiched. In the second step, the periphery of the first weak seal 440 on the laminated member 50 is heated. Thereby, the first weak seal 440 is formed. In the third step, the first encapsulating item 42 is inserted between the laminated members 50. In the fourth step, the periphery of the portion between the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 334 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 336 on the laminated member 50 is heated. Thereby the second weak seal 442 is formed. In the fifth step, the powder drug 344 is filled between the laminated member 50. In the sixth step, the periphery of the portion between the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 336 and the apertured space 338 on the laminated member 50 is heated. Thereby the third weak seal 444 is formed. In the seventh step, the aid-substance storage bag 340 is inserted between the laminated member 50. At this time, first, the portion of the first weak seal 440 on the container body 320 is folded over, and the bag storage chamber 330 is oriented upwards. When the bag storage chamber 330 is oriented upwards, the aperture on the bag storage chamber 330 is opened widely and the aid-substance storage bag 340 is inserted thereinto. In the eighth step, the portion on the outer edge of the container body 320 where the aid-substance storage bag 340 is sandwiched is heated. In the ninth step, the cover 322 is placed over the outer side of the portion of the container body 320 which forms the apertured space 338. The pharmaceutical composition container 310 which is completed through these steps is packed into a carton box which is not shown in the drawings, and distributed.

The usage method of the pharmaceutical composition container 310 of this embodiment is the same as the usage method of the pharmaceutical composition container 10 of the embodiment 1 except for the fact that first the cover 322 is removed from the portion of the container body 320 which forms the apertured space 338. Accordingly, a detailed explanation thereof will not be repeated here.

In this way, the pharmaceutical composition container 310 of this embodiment produces the following five effects. The first effect is that it is possible to easily swallow a granular drug or another pharmaceutical composition 80. The second effect is that, if the first pharmaceutical composition 80 has a bitter taste, that bitter taste is suppressed. The third effect is that concerns regarding the stability of the drug become unnecessary. The fourth effect is that it is possible to improve the cleanliness during the ingestion of the first pharmaceutical composition 80 and the powder drug 344. The fifth effect is that it is possible to reduce the residual quantity of the pharmaceutical compositions 80 and 82 inside the pharmaceutical composition container 310 (in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the residual quantity close to zero). The reasons why those effects are produced are the same as in the case of the embodiment 1, and therefore a detailed explanation thereof will not be repeated here.

Embodiment 4

The following explains the pharmaceutical composition container 510 of the embodiment 4 of this invention. Note that items which are identical with those explained in the embodiments 1 and 2 are given identical reference numerals. In this embodiment, the detailed explanation thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container 510 of this embodiment. The configuration of the pharmaceutical composition container 510 of this embodiment will be explained while referring to FIG. 8. The pharmaceutical composition container 510 of this embodiment is equipped with a container body 520 and a cover 522, which is integrated with the container body 520. Same as in the embodiment 2, the container body 520 and the cover 522 of this embodiment are formed by double-folding one laminated member 50 and adhering the outer peripheries thereof. In FIG. 8, the hatched portion at the right end of the pharmaceutical composition container 510 shows a cross section of the laminated member 50.

The container body 520 is equipped with a swallowing-aid substance chamber 530, an intermediate chamber 532, a first pharmaceutical composition chamber 534, a second pharmaceutical composition chamber 536 and an apertured space 538. The swallowing-aid substance chamber 530, the intermediate chamber 532, the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 534 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 536 are so formed as to maintain air tightness with respect to the external space around the pharmaceutical composition container 510. The cover 522 can cover the outside of the portion of the container body 520 which forms the apertured space 538.

A third pharmaceutical composition 84 is stored inside the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 534. The third pharmaceutical composition 84 is a medicinal powder. A fourth pharmaceutical composition 86 is stored inside the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 536. The fourth pharmaceutical composition 86 is a medicinal powder of a type that is different to that of the third pharmaceutical composition 84. Naturally, it is needless to say that the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 534 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 536 may also store a granular drug or another substance.

Note that, if necessary, a gas which does not have any effect on the third pharmaceutical composition 84, the fourth pharmaceutical composition 86 and the swallowing-aid substance 40, is filled into the swallowing-aid substance chamber 530, the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 534 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 536.

The intermediate chamber 532 and the apertured space 538 are empty chambers until the first weak seal 640 to fourth weak seal 646 are broken. The apertured space 538 comprises an aperture.

The portion between the swallowing-aid substance chamber 530 and the intermediate chamber 532 is partitioned by a first weak seal 640. The portion between the intermediate chamber 532 and the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 534 is partitioned by a second weak seal 642. The portion between the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 534 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 536 is partitioned by a third weak seal 644. The portion between the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 536 and the apertured space 538 is partitioned by a fourth weak seal 646.

The strength of the first weak seal 640 to fourth weak seal 646 is weaker than the strength of the bottom strong seal 660 and the side strong seal 662. In the case of this embodiment, the strength of the first weak seal 640 to fourth weak seal 646 is such that the first weak seal 640 to fourth weak seal 646 can be broken by the pressure of the swallowing-aid substance 40 (this pressure being caused by the application of force by an adult person from the outside of the swallowing-aid substance chamber 30). The specific method for breaking the portion between the swallowing-aid substance chamber 530 and the intermediate chamber 532, the portion between the intermediate chamber 532 and the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 534, the portion between the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 534 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 536 and the portion between the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 536 and the apertured space 538 is not limited to breaking by means of pressure from the swallowing-aid substance 40.

The usage method of the pharmaceutical composition container 510 of this embodiment is the same as the usage method of the pharmaceutical composition container 10 of the embodiment 1. Accordingly, a detailed explanation thereof will not be repeated here.

In this way, the pharmaceutical composition container 510 of this embodiment produces the following four effects. The first effect is that it is possible to easily swallow a medicinal powder or another pharmaceutical composition. The second effect is that concerns regarding the stability of the drug become unnecessary. The third effect is that, because a step is provided on the portion of the side strong seal 662 that is adjacent to the third weak seal 644, the tip of the pharmaceutical composition container 510 is prevented from entering the mouth of the patient 200 too far during the ingestion of a pharmaceutical composition using the pharmaceutical composition container 510 of this embodiment. The fourth effect is that it is possible to improve the cleanliness during the ingestion of the third pharmaceutical composition 84 and the fourth pharmaceutical composition 86.

Embodiment 5

The following explains the pharmaceutical composition container 710 of the embodiment 5 of this invention. Note that items which are identical with those explained in the embodiments 1 to 4 were given identical reference numerals. In this embodiment, the detailed explanation thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container 710 of this embodiment. The pharmaceutical composition container 710 of this embodiment is equipped with a container body 820 and a cover 822, which is integrated with the container body 820. Same as in the embodiments 1 and 3, the pharmaceutical composition container 710 is formed by adhering two laminated members 50 to each other.

The container body 820 comprises a swallowing-aid substance chamber 830, a first pharmaceutical composition chamber 834 and an apertured space 838. The swallowing-aid substance chamber 830 and the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 834 are so formed as to maintain air tightness with respect to the external space around the pharmaceutical composition container 710.

A third pharmaceutical composition 84 is stored inside the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 834. It is needless to say that the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 834 may also store a granular drug or another substance.

If necessary, a gas which does not have any effect on the third pharmaceutical composition 84 and the swallowing-aid substance 40 is filled into the swallowing-aid substance chamber 830 and the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 834.

The apertured space 838 is an empty chamber until the first weak seal 840 and the second weak seal 842 are broken. The apertured space 838 comprises an aperture.

The portion between the swallowing-aid substance chamber 830 and the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 834 is partitioned by a first weak seal 840. The portion between the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 834 and the apertured space 838 is partitioned by a second weak seal 842.

The strength of the first weak seal 840 and the second weak seal 842 is weaker than the strength of the bottom strong seal 860 and the side strong seal 862.

The usage method of the pharmaceutical composition container 710 of this embodiment is the same as the usage method of the pharmaceutical composition container 10 of the embodiment 1. Accordingly, a detailed explanation thereof will not be repeated here.

In this way, the pharmaceutical composition container 710 of this embodiment produces the following three effects. The first effect is that it is possible to easily swallow a medicinal powder or another pharmaceutical composition. The second effect is that concerns regarding the stability of the drug become unnecessary. The third effect is that it is possible to improve the cleanliness during the ingestion of the third pharmaceutical composition 84.

Embodiment 6

The following explains embodiment 6 of this invention. Note that items which are identical with those explained in the embodiment 1 are given identical reference numerals. In this embodiment, the detailed explanation thereof will not be repeated.

<Explanation of the Structure>

FIG. 10 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container 260 of this embodiment. The pharmaceutical composition container 260 of this embodiment is formed by double-folding one sheet made of a synthetic resin (low-density polyethylene, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or another resin that is soft so as to be foldable and is heat-sealable, like composite resin), adhering the ends of the double-folded sheet to each other and aligning the outer shape by cutting the adhered portion.

The portion where the ends of the sheet are adhered to each other is the side strong seal 270. The inside of the pharmaceutical composition container 260 is provided with a plurality of spaces. The portions between the plurality of spaces are sealed by a first weak seal 300, a second weak seal 302 and a third weak seal 304. The first weak seal 300 comprises a first zone 311, an intermediate chamber 312 and a second zone 314.

One of the spaces inside the pharmaceutical composition container 260 is the swallowing-aid substance chamber 280. A swallowing-aid substance 40 is stored inside the swallowing-aid substance chamber 280. When force is applied to the swallowing-aid substance 40 from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 260, the first zone 311 of the first weak seal 300 easily opens by means of the pressure received from the swallowing-aid substance 40. When the first zone 311 opens, the swallowing-aid substance 40 is pushed out into the intermediate chamber 312. Thereafter, the second zone 314, the second weak seal 302 and the third weak seal 304 sequentially open in the same way. This can be realized because the strength of the first weak seal 300, the second weak seal 302 and the third weak seal 304 is weak compared to that of the side strong seal 270.

In one type of the spaces inside the pharmaceutical composition container 260, the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 282 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 284 exist. The first pharmaceutical composition chamber 282 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 284 store a first encapsulating item 212 or a second encapsulating item 213. The pharmaceutical composition encapsulated by the first encapsulating item 212 stored in the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 282 and the pharmaceutical composition encapsulated by the second encapsulating item 213 stored in the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 284 are of different types.

One of the spaces inside the pharmaceutical composition container 260 also contains an apertured space 286. The apertured space 286 is provided on one end of the pharmaceutical composition container 260 and serves as the chute (in other words, the device for dropping the first encapsulating item 212 and the second encapsulating item 213 into the mouth of the patient) for the ingestion of the first encapsulating item 212 and the second encapsulating item 213.

Of the two ends of the pharmaceutical composition container 260, the end on the opposite side of the end on which the apertured space 286 is provided, is the cover 288. The boundary between the swallowing-aid substance chamber 280 and the cover 288 is the bottom strong seal 272. The strength of the bottom strong seal 272 is the same as that of the side strong seal 270; therefore the bottom strong seal 272 is not broken even when force is applied to the swallowing-aid substance 40 from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 260. Note that, in the explanation of the pharmaceutical composition container 260 of this embodiment, the portion which is more to the side of the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 284 than the cover 288 is referred to as the “container body.”

FIG. 11 is an overview of the portion of the pharmaceutical composition container 260 of this embodiment which corresponds to the rear surface when viewed as shown in FIG. 10. As is obvious from FIG. 11, a label 262 is adhered to the pharmaceutical composition container 260 of this embodiment.

<Features Unique to this Embodiment>

The features unique to the pharmaceutical composition container 260 of this embodiment as compared to the pharmaceutical composition containers of the other embodiments are that: the cover 288 is disposed on one end and a cover insert portion 321 which is inserted into this cover 288 is disposed on the other end; the width of the pharmaceutical composition container 260 is larger on the base 331 of the portion which is inserted into the cover 238; the bottom strong seal 272 and a portion of the second weak seal 302 or a portion of the third weak seal 304 are folded over to insert the tip of the cover insert portion 321 into the cover 288, and the base 331 is on the outside of the cover 288. FIG. 12 shows the state where the cover insert portion 321 is inserted into the cover 238 and the base 331 is on the outside of the cover 238. As is obvious from FIG. 12, the portion of the base 331 is depressed; therefore it is possible to easily to pull out the cover insert portion 321 by inserting a finger thereinto. FIG. 13 is a view of the portion which corresponds to the rear surface when viewed as shown in FIG. 12, in the state shown in FIG. 12. The major part of the rear surface of the pharmaceutical composition container 260 is occupied by the label 262.

<Usage Method>

When using the pharmaceutical composition 260 of this embodiment, a finger is engaged with the abovementioned base 331 and the abovementioned cover insert portion 321 is pulled out of the cover 238 in this state. When the cover insert portion 321 is pulled out, the cover insert portion 321 is placed into the mouth of the patient. The subsequent usage method is the same as in the other embodiments or alternative embodiments thereof.

<Explanation of the Effect>

With the pharmaceutical composition container 260 of this embodiment, the cover insert portion 321 can easily be pulled out because a finger can be engaged with the base 331 of the cover insert portion 321.

Further, the pharmaceutical composition container 260 of this embodiment produces the same effects like that of the embodiment 1.

Embodiment 7

The following explains embodiment 7 of this invention. Note that items which are identical with those explained in the embodiment 1 are given identical reference numerals. In this embodiment, the detailed explanation thereof will not be repeated.

<Explanation of the Structure>

FIG. 14 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container 400 of this embodiment. Same as in the embodiment 6, the pharmaceutical composition container 400 of this embodiment is formed by double-folding one sheet made of a synthetic resin, adhering the ends of the double-folded sheet to each other and aligning the outer shape by cutting the adhered portion.

The portion where the ends of the sheet were adhered to each other is the side strong seal 410. The inside of the pharmaceutical composition container 400 is provided with a plurality of spaces. The portions between the plurality of spaces are sealed by a first weak seal 441, a second weak seal 443 and a third weak seal 445. The first weak seal 441 comprises a first zone 450, an intermediate chamber 452 and a second zone 454.

One of these spaces is the swallowing-aid substance chamber 420. A swallowing-aid substance 40 is stored inside the swallowing-aid substance chamber 420. When force is applied to the swallowing-aid substance 40 from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 400, the first zone 450 and the second zone 454 sequentially open in the same way as the first weak seal 300, the second weak seal 302 and the third weak seal 304 in the embodiment 6. The reason why the first zone 450 and the second zone 454 open in this way is the same as that in the embodiment 6.

In one type of the spaces inside the pharmaceutical composition container 400, the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 422 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 424 exist. The first pharmaceutical composition chamber 422 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 424 store a first encapsulating item 212 or a second encapsulating item 213. The pharmaceutical composition encapsulated by the first encapsulating item 212 stored in the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 422 and the pharmaceutical composition encapsulated by the second encapsulating item 213 stored in the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 424 are of different types.

One of these spaces also contains an apertured space 426. Same as the apertured space 286 of the embodiment 6, the apertured space 426 serves as the chute for the ingestion of the first encapsulating item 212 and the second encapsulating item 213.

Of the two ends of the pharmaceutical composition container 400, the end on the opposite side of the end on which the apertured space 426 is provided, is the cover 428. The boundary between the swallowing-aid substance chamber 420 and the cover 478 is the bottom strong seal 412. The strength of the bottom strong seal 412 is the same as that of the side strong seal 410; therefore the bottom strong seal 412 is not broken even when force is applied to the swallowing-aid substance 40 from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 400.

<Features Unique to this Embodiment>

The features unique to the pharmaceutical composition container 400 of this embodiment as compared with the pharmaceutical composition containers of the other embodiments are that: the cover 478 is disposed on one end; the bottom strong seal 412 and the base of the portion where the apertured space 426 is disposed are folded over to insert the portion where the apertured space 426 is disposed into the cover 478; the tip 480 of the portion where the apertured space 426 is disposed is round; and a part of the edge 482 of the cover 478 is cut out. Note that, in the explanation of the pharmaceutical composition container 400 of this embodiment, the portion which is more to the side of the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 424 than the cover 478 is referred to as the “container body.”

<Usage Method>

When using the pharmaceutical composition 351 of this embodiment, the one of the two ends of the pharmaceutical composition container 400 on which the apertured space 426 is disposed is pulled out of the cover 478. The subsequent usage method is the same as in the other embodiments.

<Explanation of the Effect>

During the production of the pharmaceutical composition container 400 of this embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition container 400 is folded over in such a manner that the portion where the apertured space 426 is disposed and the cut-out edge 482 of the cover 478 face each other. FIG. 15 shows the state in which pharmaceutical composition container 400 is folded over during production. After the pharmaceutical composition container 400 is folded over, the portion where the apertured space 426 is disposed is inserted into the cover 478. At this time, the tip 480 of the portion where the apertured space 426 is disposed gets caught at any position of the cut-out edge 482 of the cover 478 and opens the mouth of the cover 478. Since the mouth of the cover 478 is opened, the tip 480 smoothly enters the inside of the cover 478. FIG. 16 shows the pharmaceutical composition container 400 after the portion where the apertured space 426 is disposed is inserted into the cover 478.

Further, the pharmaceutical composition container 400 of this embodiment produces the same effects like that of the embodiment 1.

Embodiment 8

The following explains embodiment 8 of this invention. Note that items which are identical with those explained in the embodiment 1 are given identical reference numerals. In this embodiment, the detailed explanation thereof will not be repeated.

<Explanation of the Structure>

FIG. 17 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container 500 of this embodiment. Same as in the embodiment 6, the pharmaceutical composition container 500 of this embodiment is formed by double-folding one sheet made of a synthetic resin, adhering the ends of the double-folded sheet to each other and aligning the outer shape by cutting the adhered portion.

The portion where the ends of the sheet are adhered to each other is the side strong seal 511. The inside of the pharmaceutical composition container 500 is provided with a plurality of spaces. The portions between the plurality of spaces are sealed by a first weak seal 540, a second weak seal 542 and a third weak seal 544. The first weak seal 540 comprises a first zone 550, an intermediate chamber 552 and a second zone 554.

One of the spaces inside the pharmaceutical composition container 500 is the swallowing-aid substance chamber 521. A swallowing-aid substance 40 is stored inside the swallowing-aid substance chamber 521. When force is applied to the swallowing-aid substance 40 from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 500, the first zone 550 and the second zone 554 sequentially open in the same way as the first weak seal 300, the second weak seal 302 and the third weak seal 304 in the embodiment 6. The reason why the first zone 550 and the second zone 554 open in this way is the same as that in the embodiment 6.

In one type of the spaces inside the pharmaceutical composition container 500, the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 523 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 524 exist. The first pharmaceutical composition chamber 523 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 524 store a first encapsulating item 212 or a second encapsulating item 213. The pharmaceutical composition encapsulated by the first encapsulating item 212 stored in the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 523 and the pharmaceutical composition encapsulated by the second encapsulating item 213 stored in the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 524 are of different types.

One of these spaces also contains an apertured space 526. Same as the apertured space 286 of the embodiment 6, the apertured space 526 serves as the chute for the ingestion of the first encapsulating item 212 and the second encapsulating item 213.

Of the two ends of the pharmaceutical composition container 500, the end on the opposite side of the end on which the apertured space 526 is provided, is the cover 528. The boundary between the swallowing-aid substance chamber 521 and the cover 528 is the bottom strong seal 512. The strength of the bottom strong seal 512 is the same as that of the side strong seal 511; therefore the bottom strong seal 512 is not broken even when force is applied to the swallowing-aid substance 40 from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 500. Note that, in the explanation of the pharmaceutical composition container 500 of this embodiment, the portion which is more to the side of the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 524 than the cover 528 is referred to as the “container body.”

<Features Unique to this Embodiment>

FIG. 18 is a partial cross section showing one end of the pharmaceutical composition container 500 during the production thereof. FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing one end of the pharmaceutical composition container 500 during the production thereof. The features unique to the pharmaceutical composition container 500 as compared to the pharmaceutical composition containers of the other embodiments will be explained while referring to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19. The features thereof are that: the bottom strong seal 512 and the base of the portion where the apertured space 526 is disposed are folded over to insert the portion where the apertured space 526 is disposed into the cover 528; and a melt-bonding margin 514 is disposed on the tip portion 516 which is inserted into the cover 528 on the side strong seal 511. This melt-bonding margin 514 is folded back like shown in FIG. 19 and melt-bonded to the tip portion 516.

<Usage Method>

The usage method of the pharmaceutical composition container 500 of this embodiment is the same as that of the embodiment 7.

<Explanation of the Effect>

Even if there are burrs at the end of the side strong seal 511, those burrs do not easily touch the inside of the mouth of the patient because the pharmaceutical composition container 500 of this embodiment has a structure like that mentioned above. Since the burrs do not easily touch the inside of the mouth, the mouth of the patient is not easily scratched.

Further, the pharmaceutical composition container 500 of this embodiment produces the same effects like that of the embodiment 1.

Embodiment 9

The following explains embodiment 9 of this invention. Note that items which are identical with those explained in the embodiment 1 are given identical reference numerals. In this embodiment, the detailed explanation thereof will not be repeated.

<Explanation of the Structure>

FIG. 20 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical composition container 351 of this embodiment. Same as in the embodiment 6, the pharmaceutical composition container 351 of this embodiment is formed by double-folding one sheet made of a synthetic resin, adhering the ends of the double-folded sheet to each other and aligning the outer shape by cutting the adhered portion.

The portion where the ends of the sheet are adhered to each other is the side strong seal 361. The inside of the pharmaceutical composition container 351 is provided with a plurality of spaces. The portions between the plurality of spaces are sealed by a first weak seal 390, a second weak seal 392 and a predetermined aperture part 394. The first weak seal 390 comprises a first zone 401, an intermediate chamber 403 and a second zone 405.

One of the spaces inside the pharmaceutical composition container 351 is the swallowing-aid substance chamber 370. A swallowing-aid substance 40 is stored inside the swallowing-aid substance chamber 370. When force is applied to the swallowing-aid substance 40 from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 351, the first zone 401 and the second zone 405 sequentially open in the same way as the first weak seal 300, the second weak seal 302 and the third weak seal 304 in the embodiment 6. The reason why the first zone 401 and the second zone 405 open in this way is the same as that in the embodiment 6.

In one type of the spaces inside the pharmaceutical composition container 351, the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 372 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 374 exist. A first encapsulating item 212 is stored in the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 372. A known tablet 352 is stored in the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 374.

Of the two ends of the pharmaceutical composition container 351, the end on the opposite side of the end on which the predetermined aperture part 394 is provided, is the cover 378. The boundary between the swallowing-aid substance chamber 370 and the cover 378 is the bottom strong seal 362. The strength of the bottom strong seal 362 is the same as that of the side strong seal 361; therefore the bottom strong seal 362 is not broken even when force is applied to the swallowing-aid substance 40 from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 351. Note that, in the explanation of the pharmaceutical composition container 351 of this embodiment, the portion which is more to the side of the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 374 than the cover 378 is referred to as the “container body.”

When the production of the pharmaceutical composition container 351 of this embodiment is finished, the portion where the predetermined aperture part 394 is provided is so inserted into the cover 378 as to allow being pulled out. FIG. 21 is an external view of the pharmaceutical composition container 351 at this time.

<Features Unique to this Embodiment>

The features unique to the pharmaceutical composition container 351 as compared to the pharmaceutical composition containers of the other embodiments are that: the portion 354 which is inserted into the cover 378 is provided with a predetermined aperture part 394; and the seal strength of that predetermined aperture part 394 is weaker than the seal strength of the side strong seal 361.

<Usage Method>

The usage method of the pharmaceutical composition container 351 of this embodiment is the same as that of the embodiment 7.

<Explanation of the Effect>

On the pharmaceutical composition container 351 of this embodiment, the seal strength of the predetermined aperture part 394 is weaker than the seal strength of the side strong seal 361. For this reason, the predetermined aperture part 394 opens when the portion 354 where the predetermined aperture part 394 is disposed is put into the mouth of the patient and the pharmaceutical composition container 351 is squeezed. Thereby the aperture is formed. The aperture interconnects the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 351 with the spaces. As a result, it is possible to put the first encapsulating item 212 and the tablet 352 into the mouth of the patient without touching the portion that initially was inserted into the cover 378 with the hand.

Further, the pharmaceutical composition container 351 of this embodiment produces the same effects like that of the embodiment 1.

<Explanation of Alternative Embodiments>

The abovementioned pharmaceutical composition containers 10, 210, 260, 310, 351, 400, 500, 510 and 710 are presented as examples to concretize the technical concept of this invention. The material properties of the container body 20, 220 and 320 are not limited to the abovementioned embodiments. The shape of the container bodies 20, 220, 320, 520 and 720, the shape of the spaces, the shape of the aperture, the dimensions, structures and positioning thereof are not limited to those mentioned in the abovementioned embodiments. It is possible to apply various changes to the pharmaceutical composition containers 10, 210, 260, 310, 351, 400, 500, 510 and 710 explained in these embodiments within the scope of the technical concept of this invention.

For example, the form of the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44 is not limited to the above-mentioned form. For example, the shape thereof may be rectangular. Further, as an alternative to the first encapsulating item 42 and the second encapsulating item 44, publicly known capsules may also be stored.

Moreover, the shape of the spaces comprised in the container bodies 20, 220, 320, 520 and 720 is not particularly limited. For example, the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34 and the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 shown in FIG. 1 have a hexagonal shape, but these chambers may also have a triangular, quadrangular, pentagonal, heptagonal or other polygonal shape, or a circular or oval shape. Moreover, the number of the spaces comprised in the container bodies 20, 220 and 320 may be four or more.

In addition, a chamber of the same kind as the intermediate chamber 32 of the embodiment 1 may also be disposed in the pharmaceutical composition container 210 of the embodiment 2, the pharmaceutical composition container 310 of the embodiment 3 or the pharmaceutical composition container 710 of the embodiment 5. Furthermore, the intermediate chamber 32 in the embodiment 1 is not a mandatory space.

Moreover, the container body 20 of the embodiment 1 and the container body 320 of the embodiment 3 are not limited to being formed by adhering two sheets to each other. The container body 220 of the embodiment 2 is not limited to being formed by adhering the outer edge of one sheet. The container body 220 of the embodiment 2 may also be formed by adhering two sheets to each other. The container body 20 of the embodiment 1 and the container body 320 of the embodiment 3 may also be formed by double-folding one sheet and adhering the outer edges to each other.

Further, in the abovementioned embodiments, cases were explained where the pharmaceutical composition is a powdered or granular preparation and the swallowing-aid substance is a jelly; however, it is needless to say that the pharmaceutical composition and swallowing-aid substance applied to this invention are not limited thereto. For example, apart from a powdered or granular preparation, the pharmaceutical composition may be a tablet, a capsule or a simple block. The pharmaceutical composition does not have to be stored in the first pharmaceutical composition chamber 34 or the second pharmaceutical composition chamber 36 in the form of an encapsulating item. That is to say, the pharmaceutical composition does not have to be wrapped in a wafer or other wrapping material. Moreover, the item formed as the pharmaceutical composition is not limited to an item that is usually treated as a medical drug. For example, the item formed as the pharmaceutical composition may also be a food which is recognized for its effect of improving the health state. The swallowing-aid substance may be an aqueous solution, or may also be honey, custard cream, peanut butter, cheese spread or the like. However, it is preferable that the swallowing-aid substance have a fluidity of a degree that allows the swallowing-aid substance to move around the spaces provided in the container body in the environment where the pharmaceutical composition container is used.

On a side note, if it is confirmed that there is no change in nature while the medical drug is distributed or while that medical drug is preserved, the combined drug may be stored in one pharmaceutical composition chamber. The combined drug mentioned here indicates a mixture.

If an encapsulating item is stored in the pharmaceutical composition container, it is possible to use, as the material for that encapsulating item, a wafer made of starch with a thickness of 15 μm as mentioned above, or a variety of other materials conventionally known as edible film materials. The types of these materials include polysaccharides (for example, pullulan, arabinoxylan, decomposition products of guar gum, sodium alginate, carrageenan, agar-agar, pectin, cellulose, etc.) and peptide-based substances (for example, gelatin, decomposition products of silk protein, decomposition products of casein, etc.). Those materials may be used on a standalone basis or as a combination of two or more types.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The pharmaceutical composition container of this invention is suitable for the use as, for example, a container for the ingestion of a drug. Specifically, the pharmaceutical composition container of this invention is suitable for the use as a container for the ingestion of a drug, wherein the drug is filled into the container by a system as mentioned below. Such system is one wherein a plurality of auger filling machines are set up, a transport system and weighing system are added, the filling machines, the transport system and the weighing system are connected to a medical-drug production line and automatic operation is performed over a long time.

EXPLANATION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS

• • 10, 210, 260, 310, 351, 400, 500, 510 and 710: pharmaceutical composition container
  • 20, 220, 320, 520, 720 and 820: container body
  • 22, 222, 238, 288, 378, 428, 478, 322, 522, 528 and 822: cover
  • 30, 230, 370, 420, 530 and 830: swallowing-aid substance chamber
  • 32 and 532: intermediate chamber
  • 34, 282, 334, 372, 422, 523, 534 and 834: first pharmaceutical composition chamber
  • 36, 284, 336, 374, 424, 524 and 536: second pharmaceutical composition chamber
  • 38, 234, 286, 338, 426, 526, 538 and 838: apertured space
  • 40: swallowing-aid substance
  • 42 and 212: first encapsulating item
  • 44 and 213: second encapsulating item
  • 50: laminated member
  • 60: aperture
  • 80: first pharmaceutical composition
  • 82: second pharmaceutical composition
  • 84: third pharmaceutical composition
  • 86: fourth pharmaceutical composition
  • 100: outer skin member
  • 102: intermediate member
  • 104: sealing member
  • 140, 240, 300, 390, 440, 441, 540, 640 and 840: first weak seal
  • 142, 242, 302, 392, 442, 443, 542, 642 and 842: second weak seal
  • 144, 304, 444, 445 and 544: third weak seal
  • 146: fourth weak seal
  • 160, 260, 272, 362, 412, 512, 660 and 860: bottom strong seal
  • 162, 262, 270, 361, 410, 511, 662 and 862: side strong seal
  • 200: patient
  • 230, 280 and 521: swallowing-aid substance chamber
  • 232: pharmaceutical composition chamber
  • 262: label
  • 311,401,450 and 550: first zone
  • 312,403,452 and 552: intermediate chamber
  • 314,405,454 and 554: second zone
  • 321: cover insert portion
  • 330: bag storage chamber
  • 331: base
  • 340: aid-substance storage bag
  • 344: powder drug
  • 352: tablet
  • 394: predetermined aperture part
  • 462: circumferential strong seal
  • 480: tip
  • 482: edge
  • 516: tip portion

Claims

1. A pharmaceutical composition container equipped with at least three spaces in a container body, wherein the aforementioned pharmaceutical composition container is further equipped with a cover, the portions between two adjoining aforementioned spaces are sealed, the aforementioned portions between two adjoining spaces open when force is applied thereto from the outside of the aforementioned pharmaceutical composition container, at least one of the aforementioned spaces is an apertured space having an aperture, a swallowing-aid substance is stored in a swallowing-aid substance chamber which is at least one of the aforementioned spaces, a pharmaceutical composition is stored in a pharmaceutical composition chamber which is at least one of the aforementioned spaces, and the portion on the aforementioned container body which forms the aforementioned apertured space is covered by the aforementioned cover.

2. The pharmaceutical composition container described in claim 1, wherein the aforementioned cover is integrated with the aforementioned container body.

3. The pharmaceutical composition container described in claim 2, wherein the aforementioned at least three spaces and the aforementioned cover are so arranged as to form one row, the aforementioned apertured space is positioned on one end of the aforementioned row, the aforementioned cover is positioned on the other end of the aforementioned row, the aforementioned container body and the aforementioned cover can be folded over, and folding over the aforementioned container body and the aforementioned cover brings the aforementioned aperture and the aforementioned cover into a state of facing each other.

4. The pharmaceutical composition container described in claim 1, wherein an encapsulating item is stored in the aforementioned pharmaceutical composition chamber, at least the surface of the aforementioned encapsulating item melts in the ingredients of the aforementioned swallowing-aid substance, and the aforementioned encapsulating item contains the aforementioned pharmaceutical composition.

5. A pharmaceutical composition container equipped with a plurality of spaces in a container body, wherein the aforementioned container body is provided with a predetermined aperture part in which an aperture is to be formed, the aforementioned aperture opens when force is applied from the outside of the aforementioned pharmaceutical composition container, thereby interconnecting the outside of the aforementioned pharmaceutical composition container with the aforementioned spaces, the portions between two adjoining spaces are sealed, the aforementioned portions between two adjoining spaces open when force is applied from the outside of the aforementioned pharmaceutical composition container, a swallowing-aid substance is stored in a swallowing-aid substance chamber which is at least one of the aforementioned spaces, a pharmaceutical composition is stored in a pharmaceutical composition chamber which is at least one of the aforementioned spaces, the aforementioned container body can be folded over, the aforementioned pharmaceutical composition container is further equipped with a cover that is disposed so as to adjoin the aforementioned container body, is integrated with the aforementioned container body and can be inserted into and pulled out of the portion on the aforementioned container body where the aforementioned predetermined aperture part is provided, and the aforementioned portion where the predetermined aperture part is provided is covered by the aforementioned cover.