Patent attributes
The present invention is directed to a one-piece vial assembly having a container and cap that provides a substantially moisture-free environment for effervescent tablets, and other items that require packaging and retention in a substantially moisture-free environment. In one embodiment, the container and cap are joined together by a hinge; hence the vial assembly is a one-piece assembly in which the cap is opened and closed in a “flip-top” arrangement. The vial assembly of the present invention includes a desiccant entrained plastic. In one embodiment, the desiccant entrained plastic is located in a desiccant sleeve, which surrounds at least a portion of the product within the vial assembly sleeve. In yet another embodiment, the sleeve surrounds the vial assembly interior with a thin-walled plastic so that the product contained within the vial assembly is completely surrounded by the desiccant entrained plastic sleeve. In another embodiment, the items contained in the vial assembly of the present invention are subjected to about fifty times less moisture when compared to a conventional stoppered vial.
