EP2011743B1 - Child-resistant, senior-friendly unit dose container - Google Patents
Child-resistant, senior-friendly unit dose container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2011743B1 EP2011743B1 EP07252703A EP07252703A EP2011743B1 EP 2011743 B1 EP2011743 B1 EP 2011743B1 EP 07252703 A EP07252703 A EP 07252703A EP 07252703 A EP07252703 A EP 07252703A EP 2011743 B1 EP2011743 B1 EP 2011743B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- container body
- cap
- tray
- spring
- container
- 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.)
- Not-in-force
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Classifications
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- 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
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/04—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills
- B65D83/0445—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills all the articles being stored in individual compartments
- B65D83/0463—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills all the articles being stored in individual compartments formed in a band or a blisterweb, inserted in a dispensing device or container
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- 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
- B65D50/00—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures
- B65D50/02—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions
- B65D50/04—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one
- B65D50/045—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one where one action elastically deforms or deflects at least part of the closure, the container or an intermediate element, e.g. a ring
- B65D50/046—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one where one action elastically deforms or deflects at least part of the closure, the container or an intermediate element, e.g. a ring and such deformation causes the disengagement of locking means, e.g. the release of a pawl-like element from a tooth or abutment, to allow removal of the closure by simultaneous rotation
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a container, or package, for containing items, such as doses of medicine, that can be dispensed therefrom, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a unit dose package that includes a blister or blister card and that has child-resistant, senior-friendly dispensing properties.
- Paperboard unit dose packages for use in dispensing medicine tablets are disclosed by US-A-6,047,829 , US-B2-6,874,636 and US-B1-6,230,893 .
- Other containers for pills and the like are disclosed by US-A1-2005/0183981 , US-A1-2005/0115862 , and US-A1-2005/0199527 , and by US-A-4,192,422 , US-A-4,120,400 , US-A-4,817,819 , US-B1-6,349,831 , US-B2-6,789,677 , US-A-4,126,224 , US-B2-6,896,137 , US-B1-6,460,693 , US-A-5,082,137 , US-A-3,942,630 , US-A-5,878,887 , US-B1-6,401,926 , US-A-4,511,032 , US-B1-6,679,381
- the container includes a blister, blister card, tray or the like on which numerous items, such as doses of medicine, are individually secured.
- the blister, blister card or tray should preferably be able to be slid between a retracted position in which the items are protected and housed within the package and a dispensing position in which the blister, blister card or tray extends in an exposed condition from the package, but remains connected to the package.
- the present invention provides a unit dose package according to claim 1.
- the child-resistant and senior-friendly unit dose package has a hollow container body and a tray with a plurality of items secured thereto for being dispensed from the container body.
- the container body has an end with an elongate opening defined by a rim, and the tray is slidable between a retracted position in which the tray is located within the container body and a dispensing position in which the tray extends through the opening of the container body and is accessible by an end-user.
- the package includes a separate cap removably securable to the container body to seal the opening and prevent access of the items on the tray by young children and the like.
- the container body and cap are made of plastic, and the engagement of lugs within slots enables the cap to be secured to the container body.
- a spring such as a leaf spring, urges the lugs into a captured position within the slots.
- removal of the cap from the container body requires hand pressure exerted simultaneously in both downward and lateral directions on the cap.
- the tray is a blister card and the elongate opening of the container body is substantially rectangular corresponding to the end profile of the blister card.
- a mechanism for preventing complete removal of the blister card from the container body is also preferably provided.
- FIG. 1 is perspective view of a container and cap combination according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the cap of FIG. 1 while being removed from the container of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the cap of FIG. 1 removed from the container of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container, cap and blister card taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container and cap taken along a plane extending perpendicular to the end wall of the cap;
- FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the container similar to FIG. 4 , except with the cap removed and the card extended therefrom;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a container and cap combination according to the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the cap being removed from the container of FIG.7 ;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the cap removed from the container of FIG.7 ;
- FIG. 10 is an elevational view showing the tray of the container of FIG.7 in a dispensing position
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the container and tray of FIG. 10 taken along line 11-11;
- FIG. 12 is an end view of the container and tray of FIG. 10 taken along line 12-12;
- FIG. 13 is cross-sectional view of the cap in a condition secured to the container of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the cap in a depressed condition relative to the container of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the cap being removed from the container of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the cap removed from the container of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the assembly of the cap of FIG. 7 .
- FIGs. 1-6 A first embodiment of a package 10 according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGs. 1-6 and includes a container body 12, a tray or card 14 to which a plurality of dispensable items 16 are secured, and a cap 18.
- the body 12 extends between closed and open ends, 20 and 22, and the cap 18 is securable to the body 12 to seal the open end 22 and removable from the body 12 to permit the tray 14 to be freely slid through the open end 22 into a dispensing position.
- the cap 18 can be repeatedly attached to and removed from the container 12 until all items 16 have been dispensed from the tray 14.
- the tray 14 can be a blister card containing doses of medicine, and a child-resistant, senior-friendly connection can be formed between the container body 12 and cap 18.
- the hollow container body 12 is preferably made of plastic and is shaped to house a blister card or the like.
- the body 12 can be generally flat and substantially rectangular, for instance, as illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the mouth, or finish, 24 of the container body 12 can form an outwardly tapered neck 26 as best illustrated in FIG. 4 and can include a rim 28 that defines a substantially rectangular, elongate opening 30 through which the blister card or the like can extend.
- the container body 12 can be formed as an integral molded piece or can be the assembly of two or more separately formed pieces.
- the body 12, or components thereof can be made by injection-molding, blow-molding, thermoforming, or like techniques.
- the cap 18 is also preferably made of plastic via injection-molding, blow-molding, thermoforming, or like technique and includes an end wall 32 and peripheral sidewall 34 depending therefrom.
- the end wall 32 is substantially rectangular for covering the elongate opening 30 of the container body 12, and the sidewall 34 is of a size to closely fit about the finish 24 of the container body 12.
- the cap 18 can be snapped onto the finish 24 and requires multiple simultaneously manipulations by the end-user to be removed from the container body 12.
- the container body 12 and cap 18 can be designed so that removal is accomplished only by the simultaneous actions of depressing the cap 18 relative to the container body 12 and sliding the cap 18 laterally relative to the container body 12. See arrow "A" in FIG. 2 .
- the mechanism for creating the child-resistant, senior-friendly cap-to-container body connection is provided by a series of cooperating lugs 36 and slots 38.
- the slots 38 provide pathways along which the lugs 36 are permitted to travel when the cap 18 is engaged to the container body 12.
- the lugs 36 extend inwardly from the sidewall 34 of the cap 18, and the slots 38 are formed in an external face of the finish 24 of the container body 12.
- the lugs can extend from the finish, and the slots can be formed in the cap.
- each slot 38 includes an open top 40 through which a lug 36 can pass and a reversely turned section 42 in which the lug 36 can be captured.
- the slots 38 have a substantially "J" or "U” shaped configuration as best illustrated in FIG. 5 .
- the upper portion of each reversely turned section 42 includes perimeter walls 44 that prevent movement of the lug 36 both in an upward direction as well as in lateral directions.
- a spring or like mechanism 46 exerts a force on the cap 18 and container body 12 so that the cap 18 is resiliently biased away from the container body 12.
- the spring 46 exerts a force between the cap 18 and container body 12 that prevents the lugs 36 from escaping the reversely turned sections 42. This locks the cap 18 to the container body 12 and prevents unwanted removal of the cap 18 by young children or the like.
- the spring 46 is a leaf spring or the like and is mounted on the underside 48 of the end wall 32 of the cap 18 so that, when the cap 18 is engaged to the container body 12, the spring 46 engages the rim 28 of the container body 12.
- Other types of springs can be used.
- An applied cap 18 can only be removed from the container body 12 by depressing the cap 18 against the force of the spring 46 and by simultaneously sliding the cap 18 laterally relative to the container body 12 so that the lugs 36 exit the reversely turned sections 42 of the slots 38 and escape the slots 38 through the top openings 40.
- These simultaneous manipulations are not readily accomplished by a young child, but can readily be accomplished by an adult.
- the cap 18 can be readily re-applied to the finish 24 of the container body 12 by aligning the lugs 36 of the cap 18 with the open tops 40 of the slots 38.
- the lugs 36 are automatically directed and snap into the reversely turned sections 42 of the slots 38. Thereafter, the lugs 36 are retained in this captured position under the force of the spring 46.
- the tray 14 is preferably a blister card or the like that carries items 16 in separate blister compartments 50 so that the items 16 can be removed one at a time from the card 14.
- the tray or blister card 14 can be made of plastic, paperboard, paper, foil or the like.
- the tray 14 can include a fold or hinge 52 that permits the tray 14 to be folded upon itself before being inserted into the container body 12 through the elongate opening 30.
- a tray locking mechanism is used to prevent complete removal of the tray or card 14 from the container body 12.
- the tray 14 can be placed in a retracted position (see FIG. 4 ) in which the tray 14 is housed within the container body 12.
- the cap 18 can be applied to and /or removed from the container body 12 when the tray 14 is in the retracted position. After the cap 18 is removed from the container body 12, the tray 14 is free to slide through the elongate opening 30 to a dispensing position (see FIG. 6 ).
- a locking flange 54 or the like extends from a face 56 of the tray 14 at a distal end 58 of the tray 14 and is prevented from passing beyond the elongate opening 30 of the container body 12 by an inturned flange 60 extending from an inner surface of the finish 24 of the container body 12.
- the blister card 14 can be unfolded to expose the blister compartments 50, while the distal end 58 of the blister card 14 remains captured or tethered to the container body 12.
- Other alternative tray locking mechanisms can be utilized.
- the plastic, relatively-rigid, substantially-rectangular package 10 can be used to store a blister card 14 carrying a predetermined amount of tablets, such as doses of prescribed or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, or the like.
- Indicia such as days, dates, or other information, can be displayed directly on the card to provide the end-user with reminders as to the rate at which the doses should be taken.
- Indicia can also be applied to the front and back of the container body and to the end wall of the cap.
- the cap 18 and container body 12 can include alignment markings, such as grooves 62 that aid the user in properly aligning the cap 18 with the container body 12.
- the end-user removes the cap 18 by pressing the cap 18 toward the container body 12 and simultaneously sliding the cap 18 in a lateral direction as can be indicated by arrows or like indicia on the cap 18.
- the end-user can grip an exposed portion 64 of the blister card 14 adjacent the finish 24 of the container body 12 and slide the proximal end 66 of the blister card 14 out of the container body 12.
- the blister card 14 may be caused to slide out of the container body 12 via a quick hand flicking motion of the container body 12.
- the distal end 58 of the blister card 14 reaches the elongate opening 30 of the container body 12, further movement of the blister card 14 is prevented.
- the card 14 extends from the mouth 24 of the container body 12 and may or may not require unfolding to permit the end-user to access the blister compartments 50.
- the blister card 14 can be refolded and returned to within the container body 12 to a fully retracted storage position. Thereafter, the cap 18 can be reapplied and snapped into place on the container body 12. This process can be repeated until all blister compartments 50 are empty at which time the container body 12 and cap 18 can be reused, recycled, or discarded.
- FIGs. 7-17 A second embodiment of a package 110 of the present invention is illustrated in FIGs. 7-17 .
- the package 110 is similar in most respects to package 10 discussed above.
- the package 110 includes a container body 112, a tray or blister card 114 to which a plurality of dispensable items are secured, and a cap 118.
- the body 112 extends between closed and open ends, 120 and 122, and the cap 118 is securable to the body 112 to seal the open end 122.
- the cap 118 is removable from the body 112 to permit the tray 114 to freely slide through the open end 122 into a dispensing position. See FIG. 10 .
- the cap 118 can be repeatedly attached to and removed from the container 112 until all items have been dispensed from the tray 114.
- the cap 118 is snapped onto the finish 124 of the container body 112 and requires multiple simultaneously manipulations by the end-user to be removed from the container body 112.
- the container body 112 and cap 118 are designed so that removal is accomplished only by the simultaneous actions of depressing the cap 118 relative to the container body 112 and sliding the cap 118 laterally relative to the container body 112. See arrow "B" in FIG. 8 .
- a child-resistant, senior-friendly cap-to-container body connection is provided by a series of cooperating lugs 136 and slots 138.
- the slots 138 provide pathways along which the lugs 136 are permitted to travel when the cap 118 is engaged to the container body 112.
- the lugs 136 extend inwardly from the sidewall 134 of the cap 118, and the slots 138 are formed in an external face of the finish 124 of the container body 112.
- the lugs can extend from the finish, and the slots can be formed in the cap.
- each slot 138 includes an open top 140 through which a lug 136 can pass and a reversely turned section 142 in which the lug 136 can be captured. Accordingly, the slots 138 have a substantially "J" or "U” shaped configuration as best illustrated in FIG. 9 .
- the upper portion of each reversely turned section 142 includes perimeter walls 144 that prevent movement of the lug 136 both in an upward direction as well as in lateral directions.
- a spring or like mechanism 146 exerts a force on the cap 118 and container body 112 so that the cap 118 is resiliently biased away from the container body 112.
- the spring 146 exerts a force between the cap 118 and container body 112 that prevents the lugs 136 from escaping the reversely turned sections 142. See FIG. 13 . This locks the cap 118 to the container body 112 and prevents unwanted removal of the cap 118 by young children or the like.
- the spring 146 of the package 110 has an H-shaped configuration and is curved, or bowed, along its length. See FIG 17 .
- the spring 146 is mounted on the underside 148 of the end wall 132 of the cap 118 and is captured thereto by the lugs 136 and abutments 160 of the cap 118.
- the spring 146 applies a force to lock the lugs 136 within the slots 138. See FIG. 13 .
- pressure is exerted on the cap 118 as shown by arrow "C" in FIG. 14
- the spring 146 flattens thereby permitting the lugs 136 to exit the slots 138.
- the spring 146 Upon removal of the cap 118 from the container body 112, the spring 146 automatically and resiliently returns to its original and memorized bowed configuration. See FIGs. 15 and 16 .
- a cap assembly is illustrated in FIG. 17 .
- the cap 118 is simultaneously molded with the spring 146 in the same mold and of the same material.
- the cap 118 Upon removal of the cap assembly from the mold, the cap 118 is connected to the spring 146 via an arm 162.
- the arm and spring 146 can be pivoted as shown by the curved arrow in FIG. 17 to locate the spring 146 and arm 162 within the cap 118.
- the arm can be broken away from the cap 118 and spring 146, as shown in phantom in FIG. 17 , and discarded. Thereafter, the spring 146 is inserted into the cap 118 beyond the lugs 136.
- the tray 114 is preferably a blister card that carries items in separate blister compartments 150 and that includes one or more end blister compartments 164. See FIGS. 10 and 11 .
- the compartments 164 extend laterally to a greater extent on the card 114 relative to compartments 150. Accordingly, the compartments 150 fit between a pair of posts 166 extending within the container body 112 and permit the card 114 to be positioned to the dispensing position shown in FIG. 10 . However, the compartments 164 do not fit between the posts 166, thereby capturing the card 114 to the container body 112.
- the container body 112 also includes a spine 168 extending centrally within the container body 112 between the blister compartments 150.
- the spine 168 and posts 166 rigidify the container body 112 and prevent unintended compression of the container body 112.
- the posts 166 and spine 168 extend from only one side of the container body 112, the card 114 is permitted to slide relative to the posts 166 and spine 168 within the container body 112 between the retracted position and the dispensing position.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a container, or package, for containing items, such as doses of medicine, that can be dispensed therefrom, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a unit dose package that includes a blister or blister card and that has child-resistant, senior-friendly dispensing properties.
- Paperboard unit dose packages for use in dispensing medicine tablets are disclosed by
US-A-6,047,829 ,US-B2-6,874,636 andUS-B1-6,230,893 . Other containers for pills and the like are disclosed byUS-A1-2005/0183981 ,US-A1-2005/0115862 , andUS-A1-2005/0199527 , and byUS-A-4,192,422 ,US-A-4,120,400 ,US-A-4,817,819 ,US-B1-6,349,831 ,US-B2-6,789,677 ,US-A-4,126,224 ,US-B2-6,896,137 ,US-B1-6,460,693 ,US-A-5,082,137 ,US-A-3,942,630 ,US-A-5,878,887 ,US-B1-6,401,926 ,US-A-4,511,032 ,US-B1-6,679,381 ,US-A-6,021,901 ,US-B2-6,832,686 ,US-A-5,346,069 ,US-B2-6,913,149 ,US-B2-6,863,175 ,US-B2-6,540,081 ,US-A-3,504,788 ,US-A-5,740,938 andUS-A-4,048,050 , andDE10355803 A1 . - Although the above referenced unit dose packages and pill boxes disclosed by the above referenced patents and published applications may be satisfactory for their intended purposes, there is a need for a unit dose package of novel construction that is difficult for a child to open, yet readily opened and closed by an intended end-user, such as a senior citizen. Preferably, the container includes a blister, blister card, tray or the like on which numerous items, such as doses of medicine, are individually secured. The blister, blister card or tray should preferably be able to be slid between a retracted position in which the items are protected and housed within the package and a dispensing position in which the blister, blister card or tray extends in an exposed condition from the package, but remains connected to the package.
- The present invention provides a unit dose package according to claim 1. According to the invention, the child-resistant and senior-friendly unit dose package has a hollow container body and a tray with a plurality of items secured thereto for being dispensed from the container body. The container body has an end with an elongate opening defined by a rim, and the tray is slidable between a retracted position in which the tray is located within the container body and a dispensing position in which the tray extends through the opening of the container body and is accessible by an end-user. The package includes a separate cap removably securable to the container body to seal the opening and prevent access of the items on the tray by young children and the like.
- Optional features of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims. In a preferred embodiment, the container body and cap are made of plastic, and the engagement of lugs within slots enables the cap to be secured to the container body. Preferably, a spring, such as a leaf spring, urges the lugs into a captured position within the slots. Thus, removal of the cap from the container body requires hand pressure exerted simultaneously in both downward and lateral directions on the cap. Further, preferably the tray is a blister card and the elongate opening of the container body is substantially rectangular corresponding to the end profile of the blister card. A mechanism for preventing complete removal of the blister card from the container body is also preferably provided.
- The present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is perspective view of a container and cap combination according to the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the cap ofFIG. 1 while being removed from the container ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the cap ofFIG. 1 removed from the container ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container, cap and blister card taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container and cap taken along a plane extending perpendicular to the end wall of the cap; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the container similar toFIG. 4 , except with the cap removed and the card extended therefrom; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a container and cap combination according to the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the cap being removed from the container ofFIG.7 ; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the cap removed from the container ofFIG.7 ; -
FIG. 10 is an elevational view showing the tray of the container ofFIG.7 in a dispensing position; -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the container and tray ofFIG. 10 taken along line 11-11; -
FIG. 12 is an end view of the container and tray ofFIG. 10 taken along line 12-12; -
FIG. 13 is cross-sectional view of the cap in a condition secured to the container ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the cap in a depressed condition relative to the container ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the cap being removed from the container ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the cap removed from the container ofFIG. 7 ; and -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the assembly of the cap ofFIG. 7 . - A first embodiment of a
package 10 according to the present invention is illustrated inFIGs. 1-6 and includes acontainer body 12, a tray orcard 14 to which a plurality ofdispensable items 16 are secured, and acap 18. Thebody 12 extends between closed and open ends, 20 and 22, and thecap 18 is securable to thebody 12 to seal theopen end 22 and removable from thebody 12 to permit thetray 14 to be freely slid through theopen end 22 into a dispensing position. Thecap 18 can be repeatedly attached to and removed from thecontainer 12 until allitems 16 have been dispensed from thetray 14. By way of example, thetray 14 can be a blister card containing doses of medicine, and a child-resistant, senior-friendly connection can be formed between thecontainer body 12 andcap 18. - The
hollow container body 12 is preferably made of plastic and is shaped to house a blister card or the like. Thus, thebody 12 can be generally flat and substantially rectangular, for instance, as illustrated inFIG. 1 . The mouth, or finish, 24 of thecontainer body 12 can form an outwardlytapered neck 26 as best illustrated inFIG. 4 and can include arim 28 that defines a substantially rectangular,elongate opening 30 through which the blister card or the like can extend. Thecontainer body 12 can be formed as an integral molded piece or can be the assembly of two or more separately formed pieces. For example, thebody 12, or components thereof, can be made by injection-molding, blow-molding, thermoforming, or like techniques. - The
cap 18 is also preferably made of plastic via injection-molding, blow-molding, thermoforming, or like technique and includes anend wall 32 andperipheral sidewall 34 depending therefrom. Theend wall 32 is substantially rectangular for covering theelongate opening 30 of thecontainer body 12, and thesidewall 34 is of a size to closely fit about thefinish 24 of thecontainer body 12. Preferably, thecap 18 can be snapped onto thefinish 24 and requires multiple simultaneously manipulations by the end-user to be removed from thecontainer body 12. For example, thecontainer body 12 andcap 18 can be designed so that removal is accomplished only by the simultaneous actions of depressing thecap 18 relative to thecontainer body 12 and sliding thecap 18 laterally relative to thecontainer body 12. See arrow "A" inFIG. 2 . - In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism for creating the child-resistant, senior-friendly cap-to-container body connection is provided by a series of cooperating
lugs 36 andslots 38. Theslots 38 provide pathways along which thelugs 36 are permitted to travel when thecap 18 is engaged to thecontainer body 12. As best illustrated inFIG. 3 , thelugs 36 extend inwardly from thesidewall 34 of thecap 18, and theslots 38 are formed in an external face of thefinish 24 of thecontainer body 12. Alternatively, the lugs can extend from the finish, and the slots can be formed in the cap. - In the illustrated embodiment, there are two
slots 38 on each side of theelongate opening 30, and eachslot 38 includes anopen top 40 through which alug 36 can pass and a reversely turnedsection 42 in which thelug 36 can be captured. Accordingly, theslots 38 have a substantially "J" or "U" shaped configuration as best illustrated inFIG. 5 . The upper portion of each reversely turnedsection 42 includesperimeter walls 44 that prevent movement of thelug 36 both in an upward direction as well as in lateral directions. A spring orlike mechanism 46 exerts a force on thecap 18 andcontainer body 12 so that thecap 18 is resiliently biased away from thecontainer body 12. Thus, when thelugs 36 are located within the reversely turnedsections 42 of theslots 38, thespring 46 exerts a force between thecap 18 andcontainer body 12 that prevents thelugs 36 from escaping the reversely turnedsections 42. This locks thecap 18 to thecontainer body 12 and prevents unwanted removal of thecap 18 by young children or the like. - Preferably, the
spring 46 is a leaf spring or the like and is mounted on theunderside 48 of theend wall 32 of thecap 18 so that, when thecap 18 is engaged to thecontainer body 12, thespring 46 engages therim 28 of thecontainer body 12. Other types of springs can be used. An appliedcap 18 can only be removed from thecontainer body 12 by depressing thecap 18 against the force of thespring 46 and by simultaneously sliding thecap 18 laterally relative to thecontainer body 12 so that thelugs 36 exit the reversely turnedsections 42 of theslots 38 and escape theslots 38 through thetop openings 40. These simultaneous manipulations are not readily accomplished by a young child, but can readily be accomplished by an adult. - After an
item 16 is dispensed, thecap 18 can be readily re-applied to thefinish 24 of thecontainer body 12 by aligning thelugs 36 of thecap 18 with theopen tops 40 of theslots 38. When thecap 18 is pressed onto thefinish 24 of thecontainer body 12, thelugs 36 are automatically directed and snap into the reversely turnedsections 42 of theslots 38. Thereafter, thelugs 36 are retained in this captured position under the force of thespring 46. - The
tray 14 is preferably a blister card or the like that carriesitems 16 inseparate blister compartments 50 so that theitems 16 can be removed one at a time from thecard 14. The tray orblister card 14 can be made of plastic, paperboard, paper, foil or the like. In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 4 , thetray 14 can include a fold or hinge 52 that permits thetray 14 to be folded upon itself before being inserted into thecontainer body 12 through theelongate opening 30. - A tray locking mechanism is used to prevent complete removal of the tray or
card 14 from thecontainer body 12. For example, thetray 14 can be placed in a retracted position (seeFIG. 4 ) in which thetray 14 is housed within thecontainer body 12. Thecap 18 can be applied to and /or removed from thecontainer body 12 when thetray 14 is in the retracted position. After thecap 18 is removed from thecontainer body 12, thetray 14 is free to slide through theelongate opening 30 to a dispensing position (seeFIG. 6 ). Preferably, a lockingflange 54 or the like extends from aface 56 of thetray 14 at adistal end 58 of thetray 14 and is prevented from passing beyond theelongate opening 30 of thecontainer body 12 by aninturned flange 60 extending from an inner surface of thefinish 24 of thecontainer body 12. Theblister card 14 can be unfolded to expose the blister compartments 50, while thedistal end 58 of theblister card 14 remains captured or tethered to thecontainer body 12. Other alternative tray locking mechanisms can be utilized. - In use, the plastic, relatively-rigid, substantially-
rectangular package 10 can be used to store ablister card 14 carrying a predetermined amount of tablets, such as doses of prescribed or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, or the like. Indicia, such as days, dates, or other information, can be displayed directly on the card to provide the end-user with reminders as to the rate at which the doses should be taken. Indicia can also be applied to the front and back of the container body and to the end wall of the cap. Further, thecap 18 andcontainer body 12 can include alignment markings, such asgrooves 62 that aid the user in properly aligning thecap 18 with thecontainer body 12. - The end-user removes the
cap 18 by pressing thecap 18 toward thecontainer body 12 and simultaneously sliding thecap 18 in a lateral direction as can be indicated by arrows or like indicia on thecap 18. After thecap 18 is removed, the end-user can grip an exposedportion 64 of theblister card 14 adjacent thefinish 24 of thecontainer body 12 and slide the proximal end 66 of theblister card 14 out of thecontainer body 12. Alternatively, theblister card 14 may be caused to slide out of thecontainer body 12 via a quick hand flicking motion of thecontainer body 12. When thedistal end 58 of theblister card 14 reaches theelongate opening 30 of thecontainer body 12, further movement of theblister card 14 is prevented. In this dispensing position, thecard 14 extends from themouth 24 of thecontainer body 12 and may or may not require unfolding to permit the end-user to access the blister compartments 50. After one ormore tablets 16 are removed from theblister card 14, theblister card 14 can be refolded and returned to within thecontainer body 12 to a fully retracted storage position. Thereafter, thecap 18 can be reapplied and snapped into place on thecontainer body 12. This process can be repeated until all blister compartments 50 are empty at which time thecontainer body 12 andcap 18 can be reused, recycled, or discarded. - A second embodiment of a
package 110 of the present invention is illustrated inFIGs. 7-17 . Thepackage 110 is similar in most respects to package 10 discussed above. For example, thepackage 110 includes acontainer body 112, a tray orblister card 114 to which a plurality of dispensable items are secured, and acap 118. Thebody 112 extends between closed and open ends, 120 and 122, and thecap 118 is securable to thebody 112 to seal theopen end 122. Thecap 118 is removable from thebody 112 to permit thetray 114 to freely slide through theopen end 122 into a dispensing position. SeeFIG. 10 . Thecap 118 can be repeatedly attached to and removed from thecontainer 112 until all items have been dispensed from thetray 114. - The
cap 118 is snapped onto thefinish 124 of thecontainer body 112 and requires multiple simultaneously manipulations by the end-user to be removed from thecontainer body 112. Thecontainer body 112 andcap 118 are designed so that removal is accomplished only by the simultaneous actions of depressing thecap 118 relative to thecontainer body 112 and sliding thecap 118 laterally relative to thecontainer body 112. See arrow "B" inFIG. 8 . - A child-resistant, senior-friendly cap-to-container body connection is provided by a series of cooperating
lugs 136 andslots 138. Theslots 138 provide pathways along which thelugs 136 are permitted to travel when thecap 118 is engaged to thecontainer body 112. As best illustrated inFIG. 9 , thelugs 136 extend inwardly from thesidewall 134 of thecap 118, and theslots 138 are formed in an external face of thefinish 124 of thecontainer body 112. Alternatively, the lugs can extend from the finish, and the slots can be formed in the cap. - There are two
slots 138 on each side of theelongate opening 130 of thecontainer body 112, and eachslot 138 includes an open top 140 through which alug 136 can pass and a reversely turnedsection 142 in which thelug 136 can be captured. Accordingly, theslots 138 have a substantially "J" or "U" shaped configuration as best illustrated inFIG. 9 . The upper portion of each reversely turnedsection 142 includesperimeter walls 144 that prevent movement of thelug 136 both in an upward direction as well as in lateral directions. A spring or likemechanism 146 exerts a force on thecap 118 andcontainer body 112 so that thecap 118 is resiliently biased away from thecontainer body 112. Thus, when thelugs 136 are located within the reversely turnedsections 142 of theslots 138, thespring 146 exerts a force between thecap 118 andcontainer body 112 that prevents thelugs 136 from escaping the reversely turnedsections 142. SeeFIG. 13 . This locks thecap 118 to thecontainer body 112 and prevents unwanted removal of thecap 118 by young children or the like. - The
spring 146 of thepackage 110 has an H-shaped configuration and is curved, or bowed, along its length. SeeFIG 17 . Thespring 146 is mounted on theunderside 148 of theend wall 132 of thecap 118 and is captured thereto by thelugs 136 andabutments 160 of thecap 118. When thecap 118 is secured to thecontainer body 112, thespring 146 applies a force to lock thelugs 136 within theslots 138. SeeFIG. 13 . When pressure is exerted on thecap 118 as shown by arrow "C" inFIG. 14 , thespring 146 flattens thereby permitting thelugs 136 to exit theslots 138. Upon removal of thecap 118 from thecontainer body 112, thespring 146 automatically and resiliently returns to its original and memorized bowed configuration. SeeFIGs. 15 and16 . - A cap assembly is illustrated in
FIG. 17 . In this embodiment, thecap 118 is simultaneously molded with thespring 146 in the same mold and of the same material. Upon removal of the cap assembly from the mold, thecap 118 is connected to thespring 146 via anarm 162. The arm andspring 146 can be pivoted as shown by the curved arrow inFIG. 17 to locate thespring 146 andarm 162 within thecap 118. Alternatively, the arm can be broken away from thecap 118 andspring 146, as shown in phantom inFIG. 17 , and discarded. Thereafter, thespring 146 is inserted into thecap 118 beyond thelugs 136. - The
tray 114 is preferably a blister card that carries items inseparate blister compartments 150 and that includes one or more end blister compartments 164. SeeFIGS. 10 and 11 . Thecompartments 164 extend laterally to a greater extent on thecard 114 relative tocompartments 150. Accordingly, thecompartments 150 fit between a pair ofposts 166 extending within thecontainer body 112 and permit thecard 114 to be positioned to the dispensing position shown inFIG. 10 . However, thecompartments 164 do not fit between theposts 166, thereby capturing thecard 114 to thecontainer body 112. - In addition to the
posts 166, thecontainer body 112 also includes aspine 168 extending centrally within thecontainer body 112 between the blister compartments 150. Thespine 168 andposts 166 rigidify thecontainer body 112 and prevent unintended compression of thecontainer body 112. However, since theposts 166 andspine 168 extend from only one side of thecontainer body 112, thecard 114 is permitted to slide relative to theposts 166 andspine 168 within thecontainer body 112 between the retracted position and the dispensing position. - While preferred unit dose packages have been described in detail, modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the unit dose package according to the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (16)
- A unit dose package (10, 110), comprising:a hollow container body (12, 112) having an end (22, 122) with an elongate, substantially rectangular opening (30) defined by a rim (28);a tray (14, 114) with a plurality of items (16) separately secured thereto for being dispensed from said container body (12, 112), said tray (14, 114) being slidable relative to said container body (12, 112) such that said tray (14, 114) is slidable between a retracted position in which said tray (14, 114) is located within said container body (12, 112) and a dispensing position in which at least a part of said tray (14, 114) extends through said opening (30) of said container body (12, 112); anda cap (18, 118) having a substantially rectangular end wall (32) and a peripheral sidewall (34, 134) and being removably securable to said container body (12, 112) to seal said opening (30) and prevent access to said tray (14, 114);one of said container body (12, 112) and cap (18, 118) having a series of lugs (36, 136) and the other having a series of slots (38, 138) along which said lugs (36, 136) can travel when said cap (18, 118) is engaged to said container body (12, 112); andone of said container body (12, 112) and cap (18, 118) having a spring (46, 146) for apply a resilient force to cause said lugs (36, 136) to be retained in a captured position within said slots (38, 138) thereby preventing unwanted removal of said cap (18, 118) from said container body (12, 112);whereby removing said cap (18, 118) from said container body (12, 112) requires said cap (18, 118) to be pressed toward said container body (12, 112) against the force of said spring (46, 146) and slid laterally so that said lugs (36, 136) are permitted to exit reversely turned sections (42, 142) of said slots (38, 138) and escape said slots.
- A package (10, 110) according to claim 1, wherein said container body (12, 112) and cap (18, 118) are made of plastic.
- A package (10, 110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said spring is a leaf spring (46, 146) secured to an underside of said end wall (32).
- A package (10, 110) according to claim 1, wherein said peripheral sidewall (34, 134) extends from an underside (48, 148) of said end wall (32), wherein said lugs (36, 136) extend inwardly from said sidewall (34, 134) of said cap (18, 118), and wherein said spring (46, 146) is mounted on said underside (48, 148) of said end wall (32) and engages said rim (28) of said container body (12, 112) when said cap (18, 118) is engaged therewith.
- A package (10, 110) according to claim 4, wherein each of said slots (38, 138) is formed in an outer surface of a finish (24, 124) of said container body (12, 112) and has a reversely turned section (42, 142) and an open section (40, 140), whereby removing said cap (18, 118) from said container body (12, 112) requires said cap (18, 118) to be pressed toward said container body (12, 112) against the force of said spring (46, 146) and slid laterally so that said lugs (36, 136) are permitted to exit said reversely turned sections (42, 142) and extend through said open sections (40, 140).
- A package (10, 110) according to any preceding claim, wherein said tray (14, 114) includes a plurality of separate blister compartments (50, 150) for securing said items (16) to said tray (14, 114), and wherein said items (16) are doses of medicines.
- A package (10, 110) according to claim 6,wherein said tray (14, 114) is a blister card.
- A package (10, 110) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a tray locking mechanism for preventing a distal end (58) of said tray (14, 114) from being separated from said container body (12, 112).
- A package (110) according to claim 1, wherein said cap (18, 118) is formed integrally with [a] said spring (46, 146), as manufactured.
- A container (10, 110) according to claim 1, wherein said container body (12, 112) is made of plastic, has an opposite closed end (20, 120), and is substantially rectangular in transverse cross-section; wherein said tray is a blister card (14, 114) carrying a plurality of doses of medicine within separate blister compartments (50, 150), and wherein said cap (18, 118) is made of plastic.
- A container (10, 110) according to claim 10, wherein said peripheral sidewall (34, 134) extends from an underside (48, 148) of said end wall (32), and wherein [a] said spring (46, 146) is mounted on said underside (48, 148) of said end wall (32) of said cap (18, 118) and engages said rim (28) of said container body (12, 112) when said cap (18, 118) is applied to said open end (22, 122) of said container body (12, 112).
- A container (10, 110) according to claim 11, wherein said lugs (36, 136) extend inwardly from said sidewall (34, 134) of said cap (18, 118) and project within said slots (38, 138) which are formed on an outer surface of said container body (12, 112) adjacent said rim (28) when said cap (18, 118) is applied to said open end (22, 122) of said container body (12, 112).
- A container (10, 110) according to claim 12, wherein said spring (46, 146) applies a resilient force to cause said lugs (36, 136) to be retained in a captured position within reversely turned sections (42, 142) of said slots (38, 138) thereby preventing unwanted removal of said cap (18, 118) from said container body (12, 112).
- A container (10, 110) according to claim 13, wherein said slots (38, 138) have a substantially J-shaped or U-shaped configuration, whereby removing said cap (18, 118) from said container body (12, 112) requires said cap (18, 118) to be simultaneously pressed toward said container body (12, 112) against the force of said spring (46, 146) and slid laterally so that said lugs (36, 136) exit said slots (38, 138) through an opening (40, 140) at a top of the slot (38, 138).
- A container (10, 110) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising a locking mechanism for preventing said blister card (14, 114) from being separated from said container body (12, 112).
- A container (110) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said cap (18, 118) is manufactured integral with said spring (46, 146) and is made of the same material as said spring (46, 146).
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AT07252703T ATE480477T1 (en) | 2007-07-05 | 2007-07-05 | CHILD SAFE SINGLE DOSE CONTAINER FOR SENIOR PEOPLE |
EP07252703A EP2011743B1 (en) | 2007-07-05 | 2007-07-05 | Child-resistant, senior-friendly unit dose container |
DE602007009079T DE602007009079D1 (en) | 2007-07-05 | 2007-07-05 | Childproof unit dosing container for seniors |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP07252703A EP2011743B1 (en) | 2007-07-05 | 2007-07-05 | Child-resistant, senior-friendly unit dose container |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2011743A1 EP2011743A1 (en) | 2009-01-07 |
EP2011743B1 true EP2011743B1 (en) | 2010-09-08 |
Family
ID=38904727
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP07252703A Not-in-force EP2011743B1 (en) | 2007-07-05 | 2007-07-05 | Child-resistant, senior-friendly unit dose container |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2011743B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE480477T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602007009079D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SE535456C2 (en) | 2010-10-18 | 2012-08-14 | Swedish Match North Europe Ab | Child safe container |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3072276A (en) * | 1960-04-21 | 1963-01-08 | Celluplastics Inc | Spring member for tamper proof vial |
US4126224A (en) * | 1977-11-03 | 1978-11-21 | Laauwe Robert H | Moisture-proof and child-resistant pill box |
US4375858A (en) * | 1981-11-02 | 1983-03-08 | American Cyanamid Company | Child resistant closure device |
GB2319244A (en) * | 1996-11-14 | 1998-05-20 | Rexam Containers Ltd | Container comprising child resistant means |
AUPQ876200A0 (en) * | 2000-07-14 | 2000-08-03 | Western Research & Development Pty Ltd | Tamper proof slide cover container |
MXPA05004069A (en) * | 2002-10-22 | 2005-06-08 | Meadwestvaco Corp | Blister pack container with child resistant release mechanism. |
DE10355803A1 (en) * | 2003-11-28 | 2005-06-30 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Packaging unit for at least one blister card comprises a body with openings which serve for insertion of such blister cards, and are at least partially covered by a child-proof closure element |
-
2007
- 2007-07-05 AT AT07252703T patent/ATE480477T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2007-07-05 EP EP07252703A patent/EP2011743B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2007-07-05 DE DE602007009079T patent/DE602007009079D1/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2011743A1 (en) | 2009-01-07 |
DE602007009079D1 (en) | 2010-10-21 |
ATE480477T1 (en) | 2010-09-15 |
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