Capsule dispensing container

Abstract

A package for delivering a single-dose product includes a softgel capsule which is comprised of at least one gelling agent selected from protein-based gelling agents and polysaccharide-based gelling agents. The capsule shell includes one or more areas of reduced thickness that are preferentially ruptured by exertion of a compressive force on the softgel capsule to create an opening in the capsule shell through which the fill composition can be delivered by spraying or squeezing. A method for manufacturing the softgel capsule having one or more areas of reduced shell thickness is also described.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A softgel capsule package for delivering a single-dose product, comprising:
 a softgel capsule shell formed from at least one gelling agent selected from a protein and a polysaccharide, the softgel capsule shell including at least one area having a first shell thickness, and one or more areas of reduced shell thickness configured to preferentially rupture by exertion of a compression force on the softgel capsule shell to provide an opening in the capsule shell through which a fill contained in the package can be dispensed.   
     
     
         2 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the softgel capsule shell is impermeable to a fill material contained in the package. 
     
     
         3 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the softgel capsule package has an internal volume of from about 0.05 to about 5 ml, or from about 0.1 to about 3 ml, or about 0.2 to about 2 ml, or about 0.25 to about 1 ml. 
     
     
         4 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the softgel capsule shell has a shape selected from spherical, oblong, tubular, cylindrical, square, rectangular, disk-shaped, cat ear and ellipsoidal. 
     
     
         5 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more areas of reduced thickness are circular, or linear. 
     
     
         6 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the softgel capsule shell defines a main body and at least one protrusion. 
     
     
         7 . The package of  claim 6 , wherein the one or more areas of reduced thickness are located on the protrusion. 
     
     
         8 . The package of  claim 6 , comprising two protrusions and the one or more areas of reduced thickness are located in the decreased land area between the two protrusions. 
     
     
         9 . The package of  claim 7 , wherein the protrusion extends less than about 0.5 mm, or less about 0.4 mm, or less than about 0.3 mm, or less than about 0.2 mm from the main body. 
     
     
         10 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the surface of the softgel capsule shell further comprises a textured area. 
     
     
         11 . The package of  claim 10 , wherein the textured area is formed by one or more structures selected from ridges, stripes, bars, bands, streaks, strips, spots, striations, ribs, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein at least one gelling agent is a protein-based gelling agent. 
     
     
         13 . The package of  claim 12 , wherein the protein-based gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of collagen, gelatin, egg whites, and milk-based proteins. 
     
     
         14 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein at least one gelling agent is a polysaccharide-based gelling agent. 
     
     
         15 . The package of  claim 14 , wherein the polysaccharide-based gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of cellulose-based materials, starches, modified starches, pectins, gums, dextrins, alginates, carrageenans and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the softgel capsule is formed from at least two gelling agents. 
     
     
         17 . The package of  claim 16 , where the gelling agents comprise modified starch and iota-carrageenan. 
     
     
         18 . The package of  claim 1 , where at least one gelling agent is gelatin. 
     
     
         19 . The package of  claim 18 , where the gelatin has an amount of about 25% to about 45% by weight of the sofgel capsule shell. 
     
     
         20 . The capsule of  claim 1 , wherein the capsule further comprising one or more components selected from the group consisting of a plasticizer, a preservative, a flavoring agent, an opacifying agent, a buffer, an embrittlement inhibiting agent, a colorant, a disintegrant, a perfume, a flavoring, a shell texturing ingredient, a pearlescent, a glittering pigment, and water. 
     
     
         21 . The capsule of  claim 17 , wherein the capsule further comprises a component selected from the group consisting of a plasticizer, a preservative, a flavoring agent, an opacifying agent, a buffer, an embrittlement inhibiting agent, a colorant, a disintegrant, a perfume, a flavoring, a shell texturing ingredient, a pearlescent, a glittering pigment and water. 
     
     
         22 . The package of  claim 1 , where the capsule has a first thickness from about 0.024 cm to about 0.1778 cm and a second thickness in the area of reduced thickness that is from about 30% to about 70%, or from about 40% to about 50% thinner than the first thickness. 
     
     
         23 . A method for manufacturing the package of  claim 1 , comprising steps of:
 providing a fill composition between two pieces of softgel material, fusing the two pieces of softgel material to form a softgel capsule encapsulating the fill composition; and   creating at least one area of reduced thickness on a capsule shell of the softgel capsule prior to or during said fusing step.