EP1684688B1 - Pill dispenser - Google Patents
Pill dispenser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1684688B1 EP1684688B1 EP04798592.4A EP04798592A EP1684688B1 EP 1684688 B1 EP1684688 B1 EP 1684688B1 EP 04798592 A EP04798592 A EP 04798592A EP 1684688 B1 EP1684688 B1 EP 1684688B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- pill dispenser
- lid
- recesses
- recess
- cover
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 239000006187 pill Substances 0.000 title claims description 43
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920008790 Amorphous Polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M Acetate Chemical compound CC([O-])=O QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001747 Cellulose diacetate Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004820 Pressure-sensitive adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 15
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 15
- 241001422033 Thestylus Species 0.000 description 11
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000003826 tablet Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000474 nursing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000021152 breakfast Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000012864 cross contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007666 vacuum forming Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
- B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
- B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
- B65D75/325—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet being recessed, and the other being a flat not- rigid sheet, e.g. puncturable or peelable foil
- B65D75/327—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet being recessed, and the other being a flat not- rigid sheet, e.g. puncturable or peelable foil and forming several compartments
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
- B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
- B65D43/162—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container, the lid and the hinge being made of one piece
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
- A61J1/03—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for pills or tablets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2575/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D2575/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by association or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
- B65D2575/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
- B65D2575/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
- B65D2575/3209—Details
- B65D2575/3218—Details with special means for gaining access to the contents
- B65D2575/3254—Integral means for assisting piercing or tearing
Definitions
- the invention relates to a pill dispenser for dispensing pills, tablets or capsules, or combinations thereof.
- BE 1003274 discloses an adapter for a conventional blister pack of pre-packaged pills.
- Document DE 19744955 discloses a pill dispenser in accordance with the preamble of claim 1.
- One such known pill dispenser is disclosed in European patent number 0 541 643 , and includes a box having a hinged lid.
- a removable tray is located in the box; the tray having a plurality of compartments in which pills, tablets and/or capsules are stored.
- the lid defines a plurality of windows aligned with the compartments in the tray, and a perforated film is sealed over the compartments to allow the contents of the tray to be dispensed selectively through the windows.
- the perforations in the film assist removal of the film in a selective manner.
- This type of pill dispenser is rendered re-usable by the use of a removable tray, which may be replaced when empty.
- a pharmacist at a remote location typically fills replacement trays with medicines before sending the trays in a "secure" container, to prevent tampering, to the hospital or nursing home.
- the pill dispenser may be rendered tamper-evident with a frangible locking member to lock the lid in a closed position.
- a general aim of the invention therefore is to provide a pill dispenser which is suitable for dispensing a programme of medicines in a one-off manner.
- a pill dispenser having a body including a plurality of recesses formed in a surface of the body, each recess having an open mouth bounded by a surrounding portion of said body surface, the open mouth of each recess being closed by an imperforate cover secured to the surrounding portion which bounds the recess, and a lid hingedly connected to the body for movement between a first position whereat the lid overlies the mouth of all of the recesses to prevent access thereto and a second position whereat the lid is spaced from the mouths of the recesses to permit access thereto, and that the body is formed to define a rim around the outer circumference of the body surface such that the mouths of the recesses are recessed relative to the rim.
- the pill dispenser may be used to provide a practical aid to indicate the timetable associated with a specific programme of medicines in the form of pills, tablets or capsules, or combinations thereof, whilst at the same time acting as a disposable packaging for the medicines.
- a pill dispenser 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 1-4 .
- the pill dispenser 10 includes a body 12 having a plurality of recesses 14 formed in a surface 16 thereof. Each recess 14 includes an open mouth 18 bounded by a surrounding portion 20 of the body surface 16, as shown in Figure 2 .
- each recess 14 is closed by an imperforate cover 22 secured to the surrounding portion 20 of the body surface 16 which bounds each recess 14.
- the imperforate nature of the cover 22 secured over each recess 14 assists in creating a sealed environment in each recess 14 whereby the ingress of moisture, and cross-contamination between the recesses 14, is prevented.
- the pill dispenser 10 also includes a lid 24 hingedly connected to the body 12 for movement between first and second positions. In its first position, as shown in Figure 1 , the lid 24 overlies the mouths 18 of all of the recesses 14. In its second position, as shown in Figure 4 , the lid 24 is spaced from the mouths 18 of the recesses 14 to permit access thereto.
- the lid 24 protects the cover 22 sealingly secured over the open mouth 18 of each recess 14. It also serves to rigidify the body 12 of the pill dispenser 10.
- the lid 24 is formed to define a lip 26 corresponding in shape and size to an outer rim 28 of the body surface 16 such that, in its first position, the lip 26 encircles the rim 28 of the body surface 16.
- the lip 26 includes a plurality of projections 30 protruding from an inner surface 32 thereof for snap-fit engagement within corresponding recesses 34 formed in an exterior surface of the rim 28 when the lid 24 is in its first position.
- the body 12 and lid 24 are also formed to define tabs 36,38, which extend outwardly in an offset manner relative to one another from opposite edges of the body 12 and the lid 24 respectively to the hinge connection when the lid 24 is in its first position.
- tabs 36,38 provides finger-operable means for levering the lid 24 open.
- the lip 26, rim 28, projections 30 and recesses 32, and/or tabs 36,38 may be omitted.
- the body 12 and the lid 24 are preferably formed integrally from a single sheet of plastics material.
- the sheet of plastics material may be vacuum formed to define the shapes of the body 12 and lid 24, and to define the hinge connection therebetween.
- Vacuum forming the body 12 and the lid 24 is advantageous in that it is a relatively cheap method of manufacture. It therefore minimises the production costs of the pill dispenser 10 making the pill dispenser 10 more suitable for one-off applications. It also enables the number of recesses 14 formed in the body surface 16 to be changed relatively easily. This means that a range of pill dispensers 10 having different numbers and arrangements of recesses 14 can be produced, thereby allowing the pharmacist to choose whichever arrangement is most suitable for a particular programme of medicines.
- the sheet of plastics material may be formed from polyvinylchloride or amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET), for example, and preferably has a thickness in the range of 325-375 microns.
- APET amorphous polyethylene terephthalate
- the cover 22 sealingly secured over each recess 14 may be sealingly secured to the surrounding portion 20 of the body surface 16 by an adhesive bond, and preferably by a pressure sensitive adhesive.
- any such adhesive bond forums a permanent bond between the cover 22 and the body surface 16 to prevent tampering once the cover 22 is secured to the body surface 16.
- the cover 22 sealingly secured over each recess 14 is defined by a single sheet of plastics film, which extends over the mouths 18 of all of the recesses 14.
- the material from which the cover 22 is formed is preferably chosen such that it requires a significant force to rupture it in order to gain access to the recess 14 below, i.e. to ensure that it cannot be ruptured under finger-pressure. This ensures that the recesses 14 are not easily accessible by children, and thereby renders the pill dispenser 10 child-proof.
- the cover is preferably formed from an acetate such as cellulose diacetate film, for example, and may have a thickness in the range of 35-45 microns, the thickness preferably being 40 microns.
- the body surface 16 is recessed relative to the rim 28 of the body 12. This serves to protect the edges of the cover 22 so that the cover 22 cannot be easily peeled away from the body surface 16. It also means that, when the lid 24 is in its first position, the rim 28 of the body 12 spaces the lid 24 from the cover 22 so that the lid does not press on the cover 22. This helps to prevent unintentional rupturing of the cover 22.
- a rim 28 which is raised relative to the body surface 16 also helps to rigidify the body 12.
- the pill dispenser 10 shown in Figures 1-4 includes an implement in the form of a stylus 40 for rupturing the cover 22.
- the stylus 40 is housed within an elongate recess 42 formed along a front edge 44 of the body 12.
- the recess 42 corresponds in shape and size to the stylus 40, along a substantial portion of the length of the stylus 40, and is provided with a well 46 at one end which overlaps with the corresponding end of the stylus 40 and is relatively deeper than the remaining portion of the recess 42.
- the body surface 16 may include markings (not shown) to identify individual recesses 14 in terms of time intervals in a dispensing programme for one or more medicines.
- the markings may identify individual recesses 14 in terms of days and specific time intervals throughout each day.
- a pharmacist inserts pills, tablets or capsules, or a combination thereof, into appropriate recesses 14 of the body 12.
- the cover 22 is then secured to the body surface 16 to close the open mouth 18 of each of the recesses 14.
- the pharmacist may also secure a patient card (not shown) to the inner surface of the lid 24 to identify the patient for whom the medicines have been prepared, and to provide information concerning the nature of the medicines contained in the recesses 14.
- a patient card may be in the form of a label having adhesive on its rear surface to enable it to be adhered to the inner surface of the lid 24.
- the cover 22 covering the mouth 18 of each recess 14 may include markings (not shown) to identify the recesses 14 and thereby assist a patient.
- the recesses 14 may be identified in terms of days and specific times throughout each day. Any such markings on the cover 22 are visible to a patient and may be provided in addition, or as an alternative, to markings on the body surface 16.
- markings may be provided on the body surface 16 to assist the pharmacist, and further markings may be provided on the cover 22 to assist the patient in the event that the markings on the body surface 16 are obscured by the cover 22.
- a patient may only gain access to the medicines contained in each recess 14 by rupturing the cover 22, or portion of cover 22, which extends over the open mouth 18 of that recess 14.
- the pill dispenser 10 is thereby rendered tamper-evident since it will be clear to the patient if someone has ruptured the cover 22 to tamper with the medicines contained in the recesses 14.
- the stylus 40 provides a suitable means for rupturing the cover 22.
- the well 46 provided at one end of the recess 42 in which the stylus 40 is housed allows the stylus to be removed relatively easily from the recess 42. This is because on pushing the corresponding end of the stylus 40 downwards, into the well 46, the other end of the stylus 40 is forced upwards out of the recess 42 enabling the user to grip the stylus 40 and pull it out of the recess 42.
- the recess 42 may be provided with a further well at the opposite end of recess 42 to facilitate removal of the stylus 40 from the recess 42 at either end using either well.
- Figure 4 shows the lid 24 at an angle relative to the body 12 of the dispenser 10 in its second position
- the hinge connection between the lid 24 and the body 12 may be formed to enable the lid 24 to be folded back so that it lies under the body 12. In this position the lid 24 may serve to rigidify the body 12 while a patient ruptures the cover 22, or portion of cover 22, over a particular recess 14.
- the pill dispenser 10 shown in Figures 1-4 includes twelve recesses 14 in a 4x3 grid-like configuration
- the number of recesses 14 formed in the body surface 16 may vary, as outlined earlier with reference to the manufacture of the body 12.
- twenty-eight recesses 14 may be formed in the body surface 16 in a 7x4 grid-like configuration.
- the recesses 14 may be labelled, on the body surface 16 and/or the cover 22, to identify the recesses in terms of each day of the week and four separate times during each day such as, for example, breakfast, lunch, dinner and bed.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Composite Materials (AREA)
- Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Description
- The invention relates to a pill dispenser for dispensing pills, tablets or capsules, or combinations thereof.
-
BE 1003274 DE 19744955 discloses a pill dispenser in accordance with the preamble of claim 1. - Meanwhile it is known in hospitals and other establishments such as, for example, nursing homes, where the dosage of medicines for individual patients is made up from a central dispensary, to use pill dispensers to store the medicines for individual patients and provide a practical aid to indicate when the medicines should be taken.
- One such known pill dispenser is disclosed in European patent number
0 541 643 , and includes a box having a hinged lid. A removable tray is located in the box; the tray having a plurality of compartments in which pills, tablets and/or capsules are stored. The lid defines a plurality of windows aligned with the compartments in the tray, and a perforated film is sealed over the compartments to allow the contents of the tray to be dispensed selectively through the windows. The perforations in the film assist removal of the film in a selective manner. - This type of pill dispenser is rendered re-usable by the use of a removable tray, which may be replaced when empty. A pharmacist at a remote location typically fills replacement trays with medicines before sending the trays in a "secure" container, to prevent tampering, to the hospital or nursing home.
- The pill dispenser may be rendered tamper-evident with a frangible locking member to lock the lid in a closed position.
- The re-usable nature of such known pill dispensers means that they are generally expensive and, therefore, not suitable for use in pharmacies where medicines are dispensed to patients for use at home since, in such circumstances, a programme of medicines is often dispensed in a one-off manner.
- A general aim of the invention therefore is to provide a pill dispenser which is suitable for dispensing a programme of medicines in a one-off manner.
- According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a pill dispenser having a body including a plurality of recesses formed in a surface of the body, each recess having an open mouth bounded by a surrounding portion of said body surface, the open mouth of each recess being closed by an imperforate cover secured to the surrounding portion which bounds the recess, and a lid hingedly connected to the body for movement between a first position whereat the lid overlies the mouth of all of the recesses to prevent access thereto and a second position whereat the lid is spaced from the mouths of the recesses to permit access thereto, and that the body is formed to define a rim around the outer circumference of the body surface such that the mouths of the recesses are recessed relative to the rim.
- Advantageously, the pill dispenser may be used to provide a practical aid to indicate the timetable associated with a specific programme of medicines in the form of pills, tablets or capsules, or combinations thereof, whilst at the same time acting as a disposable packaging for the medicines.
- Other advantageous features of the invention are defined in dependent claims 2-12
- An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
Figure 1 is a plan view of a pill dispenser according to an embodiment of the invention showing the lid of the dispenser in its first position; -
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pill dispenser ofFigure 1 along the line I-I; -
Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the pill dispenser ofFigure 1 ; and -
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the pill dispenser ofFigure 1 showing the lid of the dispenser in its second position. - A
pill dispenser 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown inFigures 1-4 . - The
pill dispenser 10 includes abody 12 having a plurality ofrecesses 14 formed in asurface 16 thereof. Eachrecess 14 includes anopen mouth 18 bounded by a surroundingportion 20 of thebody surface 16, as shown inFigure 2 . - The
open mouth 18 of eachrecess 14 is closed by animperforate cover 22 secured to the surroundingportion 20 of thebody surface 16 which bounds each recess 14. The imperforate nature of thecover 22 secured over eachrecess 14 assists in creating a sealed environment in eachrecess 14 whereby the ingress of moisture, and cross-contamination between therecesses 14, is prevented. - The
pill dispenser 10 also includes alid 24 hingedly connected to thebody 12 for movement between first and second positions. In its first position, as shown inFigure 1 , thelid 24 overlies themouths 18 of all of therecesses 14. In its second position, as shown inFigure 4 , thelid 24 is spaced from themouths 18 of therecesses 14 to permit access thereto. - In its first position, the
lid 24 protects thecover 22 sealingly secured over theopen mouth 18 of eachrecess 14. It also serves to rigidify thebody 12 of thepill dispenser 10. - In the embodiment shown in
Figures 1-4 , thelid 24 is formed to define alip 26 corresponding in shape and size to anouter rim 28 of thebody surface 16 such that, in its first position, thelip 26 encircles therim 28 of thebody surface 16. - The
lip 26 includes a plurality ofprojections 30 protruding from aninner surface 32 thereof for snap-fit engagement withincorresponding recesses 34 formed in an exterior surface of therim 28 when thelid 24 is in its first position. - The
body 12 andlid 24 are also formed to definetabs body 12 and thelid 24 respectively to the hinge connection when thelid 24 is in its first position. The provision ofsuch tabs lid 24 open. - In other embodiments, the
lip 26,rim 28,projections 30 andrecesses 32, and/ortabs - The
body 12 and thelid 24 are preferably formed integrally from a single sheet of plastics material. The sheet of plastics material may be vacuum formed to define the shapes of thebody 12 andlid 24, and to define the hinge connection therebetween. - Vacuum forming the
body 12 and thelid 24 is advantageous in that it is a relatively cheap method of manufacture. It therefore minimises the production costs of thepill dispenser 10 making thepill dispenser 10 more suitable for one-off applications. It also enables the number ofrecesses 14 formed in thebody surface 16 to be changed relatively easily. This means that a range ofpill dispensers 10 having different numbers and arrangements ofrecesses 14 can be produced, thereby allowing the pharmacist to choose whichever arrangement is most suitable for a particular programme of medicines. - The sheet of plastics material may be formed from polyvinylchloride or amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET), for example, and preferably has a thickness in the range of 325-375 microns.
- The
cover 22 sealingly secured over eachrecess 14 may be sealingly secured to the surroundingportion 20 of thebody surface 16 by an adhesive bond, and preferably by a pressure sensitive adhesive. Preferably, any such adhesive bond forums a permanent bond between thecover 22 and thebody surface 16 to prevent tampering once thecover 22 is secured to thebody surface 16. - In the embodiment shown in
Figures 1-4 , thecover 22 sealingly secured over eachrecess 14 is defined by a single sheet of plastics film, which extends over themouths 18 of all of therecesses 14. - The material from which the
cover 22 is formed is preferably chosen such that it requires a significant force to rupture it in order to gain access to therecess 14 below, i.e. to ensure that it cannot be ruptured under finger-pressure. This ensures that therecesses 14 are not easily accessible by children, and thereby renders thepill dispenser 10 child-proof. - The cover is preferably formed from an acetate such as cellulose diacetate film, for example, and may have a thickness in the range of 35-45 microns, the thickness preferably being 40 microns.
- In the embodiment shown in
Figures 1-4 , thebody surface 16 is recessed relative to therim 28 of thebody 12. This serves to protect the edges of thecover 22 so that thecover 22 cannot be easily peeled away from thebody surface 16. It also means that, when thelid 24 is in its first position, therim 28 of thebody 12 spaces thelid 24 from thecover 22 so that the lid does not press on thecover 22. This helps to prevent unintentional rupturing of thecover 22. - The provision of a
rim 28 which is raised relative to thebody surface 16 also helps to rigidify thebody 12. - The
pill dispenser 10 shown inFigures 1-4 includes an implement in the form of astylus 40 for rupturing thecover 22. Thestylus 40 is housed within anelongate recess 42 formed along afront edge 44 of thebody 12. Therecess 42 corresponds in shape and size to thestylus 40, along a substantial portion of the length of thestylus 40, and is provided with awell 46 at one end which overlaps with the corresponding end of thestylus 40 and is relatively deeper than the remaining portion of therecess 42. - The
body surface 16 may include markings (not shown) to identifyindividual recesses 14 in terms of time intervals in a dispensing programme for one or more medicines. For example, the markings may identifyindividual recesses 14 in terms of days and specific time intervals throughout each day. - In use, a pharmacist inserts pills, tablets or capsules, or a combination thereof, into
appropriate recesses 14 of thebody 12. Thecover 22 is then secured to thebody surface 16 to close theopen mouth 18 of each of therecesses 14. - The pharmacist may also secure a patient card (not shown) to the inner surface of the
lid 24 to identify the patient for whom the medicines have been prepared, and to provide information concerning the nature of the medicines contained in therecesses 14. Any such patient card may be in the form of a label having adhesive on its rear surface to enable it to be adhered to the inner surface of thelid 24. - The
cover 22 covering themouth 18 of eachrecess 14 may include markings (not shown) to identify therecesses 14 and thereby assist a patient. For example, therecesses 14 may be identified in terms of days and specific times throughout each day. Any such markings on thecover 22 are visible to a patient and may be provided in addition, or as an alternative, to markings on thebody surface 16. For example, in some embodiments, markings may be provided on thebody surface 16 to assist the pharmacist, and further markings may be provided on thecover 22 to assist the patient in the event that the markings on thebody surface 16 are obscured by thecover 22. - A patient may only gain access to the medicines contained in each
recess 14 by rupturing thecover 22, or portion ofcover 22, which extends over theopen mouth 18 of thatrecess 14. Thepill dispenser 10 is thereby rendered tamper-evident since it will be clear to the patient if someone has ruptured thecover 22 to tamper with the medicines contained in therecesses 14. - In the embodiment shown in
Figures 1-4 , thestylus 40 provides a suitable means for rupturing thecover 22. The well 46 provided at one end of therecess 42 in which thestylus 40 is housed allows the stylus to be removed relatively easily from therecess 42. This is because on pushing the corresponding end of thestylus 40 downwards, into the well 46, the other end of thestylus 40 is forced upwards out of therecess 42 enabling the user to grip thestylus 40 and pull it out of therecess 42. - In other embodiments, the
recess 42 may be provided with a further well at the opposite end ofrecess 42 to facilitate removal of thestylus 40 from therecess 42 at either end using either well. - While
Figure 4 shows thelid 24 at an angle relative to thebody 12 of thedispenser 10 in its second position, it is envisaged that, in other embodiments, the hinge connection between thelid 24 and thebody 12 may be formed to enable thelid 24 to be folded back so that it lies under thebody 12. In this position thelid 24 may serve to rigidify thebody 12 while a patient ruptures thecover 22, or portion ofcover 22, over aparticular recess 14. - In addition, while the
pill dispenser 10 shown inFigures 1-4 includes twelverecesses 14 in a 4x3 grid-like configuration, the number ofrecesses 14 formed in thebody surface 16 may vary, as outlined earlier with reference to the manufacture of thebody 12. In one particular embodiment, twenty-eightrecesses 14 may be formed in thebody surface 16 in a 7x4 grid-like configuration. In such an embodiment, therecesses 14 may be labelled, on thebody surface 16 and/or thecover 22, to identify the recesses in terms of each day of the week and four separate times during each day such as, for example, breakfast, lunch, dinner and bed.
Claims (12)
- A pill dispenser (10) having a body (12) including a plurality of recesses (14) formed in a surface (16) of the body (12), each recess (14) having an open mouth (18) bounded by a surrounding portion (20) of said body surface (16), the open mouth (18) of each recess (14) being closed by an imperforate cover (22) secured to the surrounding portion (20) which bounds the recess (14), and a lid (24) hingedly connected to the body (12) for movement between a first position whereat the lid (24) overlies the mouth (18) of all of the recesses (14) to prevent access thereto and a second position whereat the lid (24) is spaced from the mouths (18) of the recesses (14) to permit access thereto, characterized in that the body (12) is formed to define a rim (28) around the outer circumference of the body surface (16) such that the mouths (18) of the recesses (14) are recessed relative to the rim (28).
- A pill dispenser (10) according to Claim 1 wherein the body (12) and lid (24) are integrally formed from a single sheet of plastics material.
- A pill dispenser (10) according to Claim 2 wherein the sheet of plastics material is vacuum formed in order to define the shapes of the body (12) and lid (24), and to define the hinge connection therebetween.
- A pill dispenser (10) according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the sheet of plastics material is formed from polyvinylchloride or amorphous polyethylene terephthalate.
- A pill dispenser (10) according to Claim 4 wherein the sheet of plastics material has a thickness in the range of 325-375 microns.
- A pill dispenser (10) according to any preceding claim wherein, for each recess (14), the cover (22) is sealingly secured to the surrounding portion (20) of the body surface (16) by an adhesive bond.
- A pill dispenser (10) according to Claim 6 wherein the adhesive bond is created by a pressure sensitive adhesive.
- A pill dispenser (10) according to Claim 6 or Claim 7 wherein the cover (22) is defined by a single sheet of plastics film which extends over the mouths (18) of all of the recesses (14).
- A pill dispenser (10) according to Claim 8 wherein the plastics film is formed from an acetate.
- A pill dispenser (10) according to Claim 9 wherein the plastics film is formed from cellulose diacetate film.
- A pill dispenser (10) according to any one of Claims 8-10 wherein the thickness of said plastics film is in the range of 35-45 microns.
- A pill dispenser (10) according to Claim 11 wherein the thickness of said plastics film is 40 microns.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PL04798592T PL1684688T3 (en) | 2003-11-21 | 2004-11-18 | Pill dispenser |
SI200432183T SI1684688T1 (en) | 2003-11-21 | 2004-11-18 | Pill dispenser |
CY20141100672T CY1115494T1 (en) | 2003-11-21 | 2014-08-21 | PILL DISTRIBUTOR |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0327072A GB2408256B (en) | 2003-11-21 | 2003-11-21 | Pill dispenser |
PCT/GB2004/004878 WO2005051284A2 (en) | 2003-11-21 | 2004-11-18 | Pill dispenser |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1684688A2 EP1684688A2 (en) | 2006-08-02 |
EP1684688B1 true EP1684688B1 (en) | 2014-05-21 |
Family
ID=29764182
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP04798592.4A Active EP1684688B1 (en) | 2003-11-21 | 2004-11-18 | Pill dispenser |
Country Status (11)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1684688B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2004292398B2 (en) |
CY (1) | CY1115494T1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK1684688T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2494816T3 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2408256B (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ547390A (en) |
PL (1) | PL1684688T3 (en) |
PT (1) | PT1684688E (en) |
SI (1) | SI1684688T1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005051284A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2416758B (en) | 2004-08-05 | 2007-10-24 | Surgichem Ltd | Seal |
GB2441759B (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2011-08-31 | Alpa Shantilal Pabari | Dispensing container |
GB2448188B (en) | 2007-04-05 | 2011-08-17 | Alpa Shantilal Pabari | Dispensing container |
US20120055816A1 (en) * | 2010-08-30 | 2012-03-08 | Buchko Raymond G | Clamshell Package With Snap Fit Closure And Method Of Forming Same |
WO2016057046A1 (en) | 2014-10-10 | 2016-04-14 | Bemis Company, Inc. | Snap close peel reseal package |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19744955A1 (en) * | 1997-10-10 | 1999-04-15 | Bernhard Bartsch Gmbh | Thermoformed resealable packaging for foodstuffs |
Family Cites Families (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3111220A (en) * | 1962-01-18 | 1963-11-19 | Poster Packaging Inc | Reclosable container |
GB1099499A (en) * | 1964-11-26 | 1968-01-17 | Aspro Nicholas Ltd | Improvements relating to the packaging of tablets |
US4169531A (en) * | 1977-08-18 | 1979-10-02 | Packaging Components Industries, Inc. | Plastic container with individual product pockets |
WO1988004264A1 (en) * | 1986-12-04 | 1988-06-16 | Lawson Mardon Group Limited | Dispensing device |
BE1003274A6 (en) * | 1990-01-04 | 1992-02-11 | Elst Jean | Medication holder |
DE4010428C2 (en) * | 1990-03-31 | 1994-02-17 | Tad Pharm Werk | Containers for particles that can be incorporated by the human or animal body |
ES2095324T3 (en) | 1990-08-02 | 1997-02-16 | Surgichem Ltd | A CONTAINER TO DISTRIBUTE PILLS, TABLETS AND CAPSULES. |
SI0770023T1 (en) * | 1994-07-26 | 2000-12-31 | Pharmacia & Upjohn Company | Convertible child-resistant blister package |
SE515129C2 (en) * | 1996-07-01 | 2001-06-11 | Astrazeneca Ab | Blister pack, apparatus and method for manufacturing a blister pack and use of a blister pack |
DE19950781A1 (en) * | 1999-10-21 | 2001-04-26 | Knoll Ag | Multi-part label for blister packs, its manufacture and use |
GB2385841B (en) * | 2002-03-01 | 2005-05-25 | Piae Ltd | Blister pack dispensing wallets |
GB0208730D0 (en) * | 2002-04-17 | 2002-05-29 | Boots Co Plc | A pack |
GB0315172D0 (en) * | 2003-06-28 | 2003-08-06 | Aslett Donald | Dispensing pack |
-
2003
- 2003-11-21 GB GB0327072A patent/GB2408256B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-11-18 ES ES04798592.4T patent/ES2494816T3/en active Active
- 2004-11-18 EP EP04798592.4A patent/EP1684688B1/en active Active
- 2004-11-18 DK DK04798592.4T patent/DK1684688T3/en active
- 2004-11-18 PT PT47985924T patent/PT1684688E/en unknown
- 2004-11-18 NZ NZ547390A patent/NZ547390A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2004-11-18 AU AU2004292398A patent/AU2004292398B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2004-11-18 PL PL04798592T patent/PL1684688T3/en unknown
- 2004-11-18 SI SI200432183T patent/SI1684688T1/en unknown
- 2004-11-18 WO PCT/GB2004/004878 patent/WO2005051284A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2014
- 2014-08-21 CY CY20141100672T patent/CY1115494T1/en unknown
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19744955A1 (en) * | 1997-10-10 | 1999-04-15 | Bernhard Bartsch Gmbh | Thermoformed resealable packaging for foodstuffs |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2004292398A1 (en) | 2005-06-09 |
DK1684688T3 (en) | 2014-08-25 |
PL1684688T3 (en) | 2015-02-27 |
NZ547390A (en) | 2009-09-25 |
WO2005051284A2 (en) | 2005-06-09 |
ES2494816T3 (en) | 2014-09-16 |
PT1684688E (en) | 2014-09-03 |
AU2004292398B2 (en) | 2009-05-07 |
CY1115494T1 (en) | 2017-01-04 |
GB2408256B (en) | 2007-04-11 |
WO2005051284A3 (en) | 2005-11-24 |
GB2408256A (en) | 2005-05-25 |
EP1684688A2 (en) | 2006-08-02 |
GB0327072D0 (en) | 2003-12-24 |
SI1684688T1 (en) | 2014-10-30 |
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