Claims for Patent: 4,215,104

Summary for Patent: 4,215,104

Title:	Multi-fractionable tablet structure
Abstract:	The invention disclosed provides a multi-fractionable tablet structure initially configurated in a unitary dosage while having readily severable sub-dosage units as components thereof. Score markings are positioned variously about the tablet both along the top and bottom surfaces of an approximately rectangular configuration whereas in preferred embodiments thereof, score markings additionally appear along opposite vertical side surfaces of the tablet. Special placement of the score markings readily permit at least either an accurate bisectional fracture or accurate trisectional fracture of the tablet as may be desired for patient consumption.
Inventor(s):	Ullman; Michael K. (Evansville, IN), David; Stephen T. (Evansville, IN), Gallian; Claude E. (Evansville, IN)
Assignee:	Mead Johnson & Company (Evansville, IN)
Application Number:	06/024,139
Patent Claims:	1. A tablet structure which comprises, an approximately rectangularly-shaped unitary body having oppositely disposed first and second planar surfaces being joined respectively by oppositely disposed vertical end walls relative to a front wall surface and a rear wall surface; said planar surfaces each containing two transverse score markings approximately oppositely positioned and defining approximately equal trisectional dosage units; said front and rear wall surfaces each containing one vertical score marking; each of said vertical score markings being disposed intermediate said two transverse score markings and approximately opposite to each other; whereby the unitary body may be fractured into at least bisectional or trisectional units for consumption. 2. The tablet structure of claim 1 wherein the planar surfaces include bevel edges, and wherein the score markings have an indentation depth to a line defining the bevel edge. 3. The tablet structure of claim 2 wherein the bevel edges range from about 25 degrees to about 50 degrees from the horizontal plane. 4. The tablet structure of claim 3 wherein the bevel edge angle is about 30 degrees to about 45 degrees. 5. The tablet structure of claim 1 wherein the vertical score markings have a V-groove angle of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees, with a V-groove depth being about 1/4 to about 1/3 the width of the tablet. 6. The tablet structure of claim 1 wherein the planar surfaces define the top and bottom surfaces respectively. 7. The tablet structure of claim 1 wherein the planar surfaces define front and rear surfaces respectively. 8. The tablet structure of claim 1 wherein said vertical score markings disposed intermediate said two transverse score markings are deeply grooved indentations having a V-groove angle of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees with a V-groove depth of about 1/4 to about 1/3 the width of the tablet. 9. The tablet structure of claim 8 wherein the score angle is about 45 degrees. 10. The tablet structure of claim 1 wherein two transverse score markings disposed along one planar surface are deeply grooved indentations having a V-groove angle of about 55 degrees to about 65 degrees, with a V-groove depth of about 1/4 to about 5/8 of the thickness of the tablet. 11. The tablet structure of claim 9 wherein the planar surface opposite that having deeply grooved indentations is arcuate, and wherein the V-groove angle is about 60 degrees. 12. A tablet structure which comprises, an approximately rectangularly-shaped unitary body oppositely disposed first and second planar surfaces, said first and second planar surfaces being joined respectively by oppositely disposed vertical end walls relative to a front wall surface and a rear wall surface; one of said planar surfaces having two transverse score markings defining approximately equal trisectional dosage units; the second planar surface having one longitudinal score marking defining approximately equal bisectional dosage units; whereby the unitary body may be fractured into at least bisectional or trisectional dosage units for consumption. 13. The tablet structure of claim 12 wherein the planar surfaces include bevel edges, and wherein the score markings have an indentation depth to a line defining the bevel edge. 14. The tablet structure of claim 13 wherein the bevel edges range from about 25 degrees to about 50 degrees from the horizontal plane. 15. The tablet structure of claim 13 wherein the bevel edge angle is about 30 degrees to about 45 degrees.