AU4252099A - Reusable package for blister packs and the like - Google Patents

Description

WO 99/65787 PCT/AU99/00459 REUSABLE PACKAGE FOR BLISTER PACKS AND THE LIKE Field Of the Invention The present invention relates to reusable and refillable packaging and more particularly relates to a-reusable package for dispensing medication. Although the reusable package will be described according to a number of embodiments and with reference to its use in dispensing medication and in particular blister pack medication it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it may be used for holding a variety of articles other than medication such as but not limited to hardware. Background Art There are numerous packages presently available in the marketplace for dispensing medication. Certain of these packages are particularly useful in dispensing medication in nursing homes as they provide a facility allowing insertion of tablets traditionally obtained from blister packs provided by drug manufacturers into receptacles in those packages, so the time a patient should take prescribed medication may be readily determined. An example of a known package is disclosed in US patent 4,384,649 which describes a package for dispensing medication having a pair of outer cover sheets which are secured together by means of hinging along one edge so that cover sheets can be opened and latched together in a closed condition in which the sheets lie closely adjacent and surround and enclose a blister pack in which can be placed a plurality of drugs in specially formed pockets. These pockets are closed by a frangible foil layer which is common to most manufacturer's blister packs. This causes the blister packs to be rigidly supported by the plastics cover sheet which is permanent and which can be reopened to be refilled with further blister packs. The use of this system is time WO 99/65787 PCT/AU99/00459 consuming and involves double handling of the drugs in that they must first be removed from the manufacturer's blister pack and inserted into the blister pack compatible with the plastics cover sheet. This double handling can lead to errors and also increases the time and cost to the pharmacist in providing drugs, particularly to institutions such as nursing homes and hospitals. Another known medication dispensing package is described in Australian specification 52461/86 and comprises a blister pack for dispensing doses of medication. The pack comprises a sheet of flexible plastics material which is deformed to one side of the sheet so as to define a plurality of pockets each for receiving a respective dose. This package is essentially characterised in the way the plurality of pockets are laid out and does not deal with the problem of double handling involved in filling and the considerable costs associated with that. The prior art has developed in recognition to problems which have occurred in administration of medication in nursing homes, particularly those relating to self administration especially by old people who are prone to forgetfulness and therefore mistakes in the self administration of drugs. This problem is to an extent addressed in Australian patent 632769 which discloses a medication dispensing package for use by a patient comprising a card having at least four panels separated by fold lines and foldable over one another, wherein the panels have apertures to provide windows and have protruding through the windows transparent and manually depressible blisters providing respective cavities and forming parts of two separate flat blister sheets respectively lying between a pair of folded over panels. The characterising feature of this disposable foldable medication card is the sets of lines marked with the days of the week and another set of lines marked on the card with the times of day at which medication contained in the blister packs inserted into the package is to be taken. Thus, the art has developed to overcome the problem of errors in administration but has not extended to finding more 2 WO 99/65787 PCT/AU99/00459 convenient cost effective and labour saving ways to charge the necessary packaging with drugs for administration in nursing homes, hospitals and for self administration. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one embodiment, the present invention provides, in combination with first and second generally planar members, a receptacle for holding article(s) therein, wherein the first and second members are moveable relative to each other betwccn a first position in which the article(s) are retained within the receptacle and a second position in which the article(s) can be released from the receptacle. The receptacle may be incorporated in either the first or second member, but is preferably incorporated in the second member.Preferably the second member is slidably mounted to the first member and in the first position the-.first member covers an opening to the receptacle and, after sliding movement to the second position, the opening to the receptacle is revealed. Preferably the slideable mounting is facilitated by a preformed profiled part on the second member which engages with a corresponding slot formed in the first member. Preferably that part of the first member that covers the receptacle opening in the first position includes a transparent window formed therein, which enables any article(s) located in the receptacle to be viewed. Preferably, the second member is formed from a transparent material so that any article(s) therein can also be viewed from an underside of the receptacle. According to one embodiment. the first member is formed from two layers of planar sheet adhered together, with one of the sheets having a cut-out therein and into and out of which the receptacle slides when moved between the first and second positions. Preferably, slots are formed on either side of the first member and the second member has respective protrusions which are received in and extend through the slots and travel therein during movement between the first and second positions, the slots guiding and delimiting the sliding movement of the second member. Preferably the slots terminate within the first member such that removal of the second member 3 WO 99/65787 PCT/AU99/00459 from the first member during sliding movement is prevented. Preferably, the article(s) are drugs, more preferably drugs provided in generally planar, untampered blister pack(s) (typically blister pack(s) as provided by the original manufacturer of the drugs). Thus, repackaging of the drugs is not required with preferred arrangements according to the invention. In another form the present invention comprises: a package for holding and dispensing articles such as capsules, tablets and the like, wherein the package includes at least a first generally planar unitary member including means integral with the unitary member which enable the formation of an envelope which receives and retains a second member having at least one recess for holding said articles; wherein, the depth or height of each said at least one recess is such that the recess extends beyond an upper and /or lower surface of said first planar member so as to improve the visibility of the article/s therein: wherein said second member is slidably retained in the first member and is capable of movement between a nested position in which the the second member nests in the first member and retains said articlc/s therein and an extended configuration in which the second member is partially or fully released from the envelope of the first member thereby allowing dispensing of said article/s. In another form the present invention comprises: a package for holding and dispensing articles such as capsules, tablets and the like, wherein the package includes at least a first generally planar unitary member including means integral with the unitary member which enable the formation of an envelope which receives and retains a second member: the package further comprising having at least one recess for holding said article/s; wherein, the depth or height of each said at least one recess is such that the recess extends beyond an upper and /or lower surface of said first planar member so as to improve the visibility of the article/s therein: wherein said second member is slidably retained in the first member and is capable of movement between a nested position in which the the second member nests in the first member 4 WO 99/65787 PCT/AU99/00459 and retains said article/s therein and an extended configuration in which the second member is partially or fully released from the envelope of the first member thereby allowing dispensing of said article/s. In another form the present invention comprises: a package for holding and dispensing articles such as capsules, tablets and the like, wherein the package includes at least a first generally planar unitary member including means integral with the unitary member which enable the formation of an envelope which receives and retains a second member having at least one recess for holding said article/s; wherein, the depth or height of each said at least one recess is such that the recess extends beyond an upper and /or lower surface of said first planar member so as to improve the visibility of the article/s therein: wherein said second member is slidably retained in the first member and is capable of movement between a nested position in which the the second member nests in the first member and retains said article/s therein and an extended configuration in which the second member is partially or fully released from the envelope of the first member thereby allowing dispensing of said articles; whercin said envelope is formed in said first member by integral tabs which are folded over such that a surface of said tab engages an opposing surface of said first member thereby creating a groove along which side edges of said second member travel during said movement between said nested configuration and said extended configuration: and wherein said first member further includes at least one formation which enables said package to be supported by a support member. In another form the present invention comprises: a package for holding and dispensing articles such as capsules. tablets and the like, wherein the package includes at least a first generally planar unitary member including means integral with the unitary member which enable the formation of an envelope which receives and retains a second member having at least one recess for holding said article/s: wherein, the depth or height of each said at least one recess is such that the recess extends beyond an upper and /or lower surface of said first planar member so as to improve the visibility of the article/s therein: wherein said second member is slidably 5 WO 99/65787 PCT/AU99/00459 retained in the first member and is capable of movement between a nested position in which the the second member nests in the first member and retains said article/s therein and an extended configuration in which the second member is partially or fully released from the envelope of the first member thereby allowing dispensing of said article/s; wherein said envelope is formed in said first member by integral tabs which are folded over about fold lines such that a surface of each said tab engages an opposing surface of said first member forming two layers over at least part of the area of said first member, thereby creating respective recesses along which side edges of said second member travel during said movement between said nested configuration and said extended configuration; and wherein said first member further includes at least one formation which enables said package to be supported by a support member. According to one embodiment, the first planar member is generally U shaped having a substantially rectangular or square portion from which depend the tabs which form the legs of the U and whose length is the same as the length of one edge of said rectangular or square portion. Preferably the tabs are folded about a transverse fold line such that the end of the tab once the tab is folded terminates at a second edge of said rectangular or square portion. Preferably the tabs are fastened to said square or rectangular portion such that the tabs each form a return which retains and slidably engages an edge surface of said second member. Preferably, the second member includes a recess which provides a medication tray and whose depth and dimensions are proportioned according to the contents to be held by said package.Preferably, the first and second members are fabricated from plastics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention. preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: shows a refillable package according to a preferred embodiment of the invention: 6 WO 99/65787 PCT/AU99/00459 Figure 2: shows the package of Figure 1 in an open or extended configuration; Figure 3: shows an alternative embodiment of the packages shown in Figures I and 2, this time with additional indents to allow stacking on its longitudinal edge; Figure 4: shows an alternative embodiment of a panel 2 in accordance with the invention: Figure 5: shows a front view of a medication dispensing package according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 6: shows a rear view of the package of figure 5: Figure 7: shows a rear view of the female envelope portion of the package of figure 5 on its own: Figure 8: shows a front view of an insert for the package of figure 5 according to a preferred embodiment: Figure 9: shows a side elevation of the insert of figure 8. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a perspective viewc of a package for containing articles such as medication. Package 1 comprises a first planar member in the form of a primary panel 2 which may be fabricated from cardboard, paper, plastics, wood or the like. The panel 2 has along one edge thereof indents 3 and 4 to enable convenient hanging or stacking of the package on a support for display purposes. Panel 2 further comprises a cut out or recess 5 in which can be located for sliding a second generally planar member in the form of insert 6 comprising a receptacle 7 in which an article 8 may be contained. Panel 2 further comprises recesses or slots 9 and 10 which receive 1 protuberances 11 and 12 respectively which are integral with member 6. Transparent.member 6 is preferably a moulded plastics material enabling visual access to article 8 inside receptacle 7. Panel 2 also includes an aperture 13 (typically covered with a clear film) which enables article 8 to be seen from the reverse side. According to Figure 1 article 8 is a blister pack of medication containing rows of 7 WO 99/65787 PCT/AU99/00459 scaled tablets 14. Preferably, panel 2 comprises upper layer 2a and l owner layer 2b which sandwiches therebetween a peripheral planar flange 15 of member 6. The protuberances 11 and 12 each depend up from a part of flange 15. Although upper and lower layers 2a and 2b of panel 2 sandwich parts of flange 15, member 6 is still nevertheless able to move easily (slide) relative to panel 2 and this is achieved by movement of member 6 in the directions indicated by arrow 16. As member 6 slides relative to panel 2 protruberances 11 and 12 guide member 6 by engaging against the edges of slots 9 and 10. Transparent member 6 is able to move between the position shown in Figure 1 in which member 6 nests inside cutout or recess 5 and, with the assistance of lower layer 2b. is able to retain articles 8 inside receptacle 7: and the positions of Figures 2 and 3 in which the receptacle 7 is no longer completely covered by layer 2b and thus article 8 can be removed from or placed in the receptacle. As receptacle 7 is transparent it is possible for a user to see and identify the article inside receptacle 7 at all times. Figure 2 shows the embodiment of figure 1 with insert 6 exploded from recess 5. It can also be seen from Figure 2 that the position of protrusions 11 and 12 have moved along slots 9 and 10. The transparent insert member 6 can be pulled away from member 2 until protrusions 11 and 12 abut the ends 9a and 10a respectively of slots 9 and 10. The arrangement enables ready release of article 8 in order to recharge refillable package I. Article 8 or a new article may be inserted in the direction of arrow 18 until it enters receptacle 7 whereupon transparent member 6 may then.be slid in the direction of arrow 19 until it reaches the nested position shown in Figure 1, thereby enclosing and retaining the article in the package.The above described embodiment of the invention provides a convenient refillable package enabling quick insertion and release of an article to be held therein. This dramatically improves on the prior art arrangements and most importantly eliminates the need for the pharmacist to remove drugs from manufacturers blister packs and insert these one by one into packaging devices according to the prior art methodology. Thus. the embodiment 8 WO 99/65787 PCT/AU99/00459 described above results in considerable labour (hence cost and time) savings when preparing the medication for use in nursing homes and hospitals. Referring now to Figure 3 there is shown an alternative embodiment of the package of Figures I and 2 wherein the package has along its longitudinal edge additional indents 20 and 21 which allow the package to be hung or stacked from its longitudinal edge. It will be appreciated that the indents may be placed on any one of, or at any position along the edges of the package according to requirements. Referring now to Figure 4. where like reference numerals will be used to denote similar or like parts, primary panel 2 is shown in an unfolded (disassembled) format. As can be seen, panel 2 is formed from a single planar sheet of material (typically cardboard or paper) and cut out as indicated. The panel 2 is then formed by folding upper and lower layers 2a and 2b about hinge line 30 and then adhering them together along the abutting faces. Typically lower layer 2b has a further aperture 32 which aligns with region 34 in the upper layer 2a when the layers are folded together. In this regard typically a patient's photo or other information can be provided at region 34.Typically both the aperture 13 and aperture 32 are covered with a plastic film material so that contact and/or removal of article (s) /item (s) via the apertures at the receptacle 7 and region 34 is prevented. As also seen, product information 36 (eg. patient information about drug taking procedures and times) can be arranged on the outer face 38 of lower layer 2b. Two alternative configurations for insert 6 involve sizing the receptacle to accommodate two blister pack articles in parallel arrangement, and in an alternative embodiment the receptacle is sized to accommodate three blister pack articles in parallel relationship. The transparent insert member 6 can thus be selected and interchanged with existing transparent members when more than one blister pack is required to discharge a full 9 WO 99/65787 PCT/AU99/00459 course of medicine or multiple (different) medicines in different packs. Whilst the receptacle has been shown integrally formed with member 6, it can equally be integrally formed with panel 2, in which case member 6 can simply be a moveable window covering the panel. This window can. be slidably mounted to panel 2, or can be hinged to panel 2 for pivoting between a closed and open position. In other words, it is not essential that the receptacle necessarily be associated with either the panel or the member. Figure 5 shows a front view of a typical layout for a package according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The layout includes see through dose time indicia, patient details and a panel for a patient's photograph for additonal identification purposes. Figure 6 shows an underside view of the arrangement of figure 5 comprising envelope 40 formed by engagement of tabs 41 and 42 which with body 43. Tabs 41 and 42 may be formed integrally with body 43 such that they are folded over and fastened to body 43 by means of fasteners 44. these may be heat sealing points or simple fasteners which may be plastics rivets or the like. The package further comprises a slidable insert 45 including viewing window 46 for patient indentification such as a photograph. Insert 45 further includes a medication tray receptacle for receiving a conventional medication pack such as a blister pack. Figure 7 shows the envelope 40 of figure 6 with insert 45 removed. Envelope 40 includes tabs 41 and 42 which are fixed to body 43 by means of fasteners 44. The tabs define a groove in which insert 45 slides in and out according to whether the package is being opened or closed. Figure 8 shows a plan view of insert 45 exploded from the package of figure 6 including receptacle 47 which receives medication therein.Figure 9 shows a side elevation of the insert 45 having well 47 depending from the plane of the insert. This view also shows a shallow recess 48 for receiving an article of indentifiation such as a photo or the like. Although the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments for use in receiving and releasing drugs, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the refillable package arrangement can be used in a variety of applications and for holding a 10 WO 99/65787 PCT/AU99/00459 multiplicity of different articles. For instance, it may be possible to insert nails inside recess 7 for sale purposes but the package also has the added advantage that when articles held therein have been used, the package can be retained rather than discarded, for multiple reuse. This clearly has environmental implications and assists in elimination of packaging waste. Furthermore, the package meets the requirements for additional instruction for dispensed medicine and in particular instructions which state: "Do not move from original packaging until dose is required".It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention as described without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention. 11

Claims (19)

1. A package for holding and dispensing articles such as capsules, tablets and the like. wherein the package includes at least a first generally planar unitary member including means integral with the unitary member which enable the formation of an envelope which receives and retains a second member; the package further including at least one recess for holding said article/s; wherein, the depth or height of each said at least one recess is such that the recess extends beyond an outer surface of said first planar member so as to improve the visibility of the article/s therein: wherein said second member is slidably retained in the first member and is capable of movement between a nested position in which the the second member nests in the first member and retains said article/s therein and an extended configuration in which the second member is partially or fully released from the envelope of the first member thereby allowing dispensing of said article/s

2. A package for holding and dispensing articles such as capsules. tablets and the like, wherein the package includes at least a first generally planar unitary member including means integral with the unitary member which enable the formation of an envelope which receives and retains a second member, wherein the package includes at least one recess for holding said article/s; wherein, the depth or height of each said at least one recess is such that the recess extends beyond an upper and /or lower surface of said first planar member so as to improve the visibility of the article/s therein: wherein said second member is slidably retained in the first member and is capable of movement between a nested position in which the the second member nests in the first member and retains said article/s therein and an extended configuration in which the second member is partially or fully released from the envelope of the first member thereby allowing dispensing of said article/s: wherein said envelope is formed in said first member by integral tabs which are folded over such that a surface of each said tab engages an opposing surface of said first member thereby creating a groove along which side edges of said second member travel during said movement between said nested configuration and said 12 WO 99/65787 PCT/AU99/00459 extended configuration; and wherein said first member further includes at least one formation which enables said package to be supported by a support member.

3. A package for holding and dispensing articles such as capsules, tablets and the like. wherein the package includes at least a first generally planar unitary member including means integral with the unitary member which enable the formation of an envelope which receives and retains a second member having at least one recess for holding said article/s; wherein, the depth or height of each said at least one recess is such that the recess extends beyond an upper and /or lower surface of said first planar member so as to improve the visibility of the article/s therein: wherein said second member is slidably retained in the first member and is capable of movement between a nested position in which the the second member nests in the first member and retains said article/s therein and an extended configuration in which the second member is partially or fully released from the envelope of the first member thereby allowing dispensing of said article/s: wherein said envelope is formed in said first member by integral tabs which are folded over about fold lines such that a surface of each said tab engages an opposing surface of said first member forming two layers over at least part of the area of said first member, thereby creating respective recesses along which side edges of said second member travel during said movement between said nested configuration and said extended configuration: and wherein said first member further includes at least one formation which enables said package to be supported by a support member.

4. A package according to according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein, the first planar member is generally U shaped having a substantially rectangular or square portion from which depend the tabs which form legs of the U shape and whose length is the same as the length of one edge of said rectangular or square portion.

5. A package according to claim 4 wherein the tabs are folded about a transverse fold line such that a free end edge of each tab once the tab is folded about said transverse fold line 13 WO 99/65787 PCT/AU99/00459 terminates at a second edge of said rectangular or square portion

6. A package according to claim 5 wherein the tabs arc fastened to said square or rectangular portion such that the folded tabs each form a groove which retains and slidably engages an edge surface of said second member.

7. A package according to claim 6 wherein, the second member includes a recess which forms a medication tray and whose depth and dimensions are determined by the contents of said package.

8. A package according to claim 7 wherein, the first and second members are fabricated from plastics.

9. A package according to claim 8 wherein, the first member includes a cut out which receives the recess of said second member.

10. A package according to claim 9 wherein, the first member is formed from two layers of planar sheet material, with one of the layers having a recess or cut out formed therein, into and out of which the recess in said second member moves during movement between the nested and extended configurations of said second member.

11. A package according to claim 10 wherein the second member is slideably mounted to the first member for movement between the nested and extended positions, and wherein the first and second members are adapted such that the articles can be viewed within the recess in said second member in both said positions.

12. A package according to claim 11 wherein, the tabs are fastened along one of their edges.

13. A package for holding and dispensing articles such as capsules, tablets and the like, wherein the package includes first and second generally planar members forming an envelope having an open end which receives and retains therein a member capable 14 WO 99/65787 PCT/AU99/00459 of movement relative to said envelope:said third member including at least one recess for receiving at least one of said articles within said envelope such that the at least one recess is of a depth or height which causes it to extend beyond an outer surface of said first and /or secnd members such that said at least one article/s is/are visible through said third member;wherein said third member is capable of movement between a nesting position in which the third member is substantially or wholly contained within the envelope thereby retaining said at least one article therein and a second position in which the third member extends distally of the envelope such that said at least one article is released from said package; said envelope having first and second grooves which guide said third member as it moves between said nesting position and said extended position; wherein said envelope includes at least one formation which enables said package to be held by a support member which releasably engages said formation. 13. A package according to claim 12 wherein the first and second generally planar members are joined by a fold line which forms one edge of said envelope when folded.

14. A package according to claim 13 wherein, the third member comprises a slidable insert including planar portions which include protrusions which each engage and travel along a corresponding opening in said envelope, said protrusions guiding said insert as it moves between said nesting position and said extended position.

15. A package according to claim 14 wherein said first and second members are formed from two layers formed by folding portions of a planar member about a fold line to form said envelope.

16. A package according to claim 15 wherein the insert comprises a planar member 15 WO 99/65787 PCT/AU99/00459 and the receptacle for storing the articles in said package is integral with said envelope.

17. A package according to claim 15 wherein the insert includes a receptacle for holding an article.

18. A package according to claim 17 wherein the envelope further comprises a viewing panel for receiving an article such as a photograph and the like.

19. A package for holding and dispensing articles such as capsules, tablets and the like, wherein the package includes at least a first generally planar unitary member including means integral with the unitary member which enable the formation of an envelope which receives and retains a second member having at least one recess for holding said article/s; wherein, the depth or height of each said at least one recess is such that the recess extends beyond an upper and /or lower surface of said first planar member so as to improve the visibility of the article/s therein: wherein said second member is slidably retained in the first member and is capable of movement between a nested position in which the the second member nests in the first member and retains said article/s therein and an extended configuration in which the second member is partially or fully released from the envelope of the first member thereby allowing dispensing of said article/s. 16