GB2385317A

GB2385317A - Package for small articles

Info

Publication number: GB2385317A
Application number: GB0203450A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Tanfield Kitchen
Original assignee: BRINGHIGH Ltd
Current assignee: BRINGHIGH Ltd
Priority date: 2002-02-14
Filing date: 2002-02-14
Publication date: 2003-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 2022-02-14
Also published as: GB0203450D0; GB2385317B

Abstract

A package for small articles, such as pills or small engineering components, provides multiple containment spaces for these articles. The package is constructed from front sheet portion (20) and a rear sheet portion (22), the front and rear sheet portions each having a plurality of apertures. The front and rear sheet potions can be overlaid one upon the other such that the apertures in each of the sheet portions at least partially align with one another. The rear sheet portion has a rupturable membrane that closes its apertures. The package also has an insert that has a plurality of enclosure formations, each formation being shaped and dimensioned to receive a small article. The front portion carries an adhesive assembly surrounding the apertures. The adhesive assembly has inner and outer overlaid double-sided adhesive layers separated and covered by a release layer. Upon construction of the package, imposition of the front portion of the rear portion causes the outer double-sided layer to transfer to the rear portion, and subsequent removal of the release layer, exposes adhesive that secures the insert in position between the front and rear portions and secures the front and rear portions together. Further, sheet portions (24,26,28) may protect the insert.

Description

Package for small articles This invention relates to a package for small articles. In particular, it relates to a package that provides multiple containment spaces, within each of which can be contained zero, one or more articles.

There are various circumstances in which it is desirable to package small articles in controlled numbers in multiple containment spaces. A common example is packaging of medicaments in the form of pills, capsules or the like. (The term "pills"will be used for convenience in this specification to refer generally to pills, capsules and other types of small units of medicament or other composition. ) A particular patient may have to take a complex regimen of pills of different types, different numbers, and with different periodicity. This task may be simplified for the patient by packaging pills such that each dose of one or more pills is contained within a separate containment space, and each space is labelled with a day and time on which it is to be taken. Another example is in packaging of engineering components for use in an assembly process. In such an application, one or more components required for an assembly operation can be packaged in a containment space. This can be used as a quality control measure, to ensure that an appropriate number of components is used, and can also help to ensure that expensive components are not mislaid or misappropriated.

A known type of package has found particular application in dispensing of pills comprises a card and a plastic insert. The card can be folded about a fold line to form a front and a rear portion. When folded in this way, apertures formed in the front portion align with corresponding apertures in the rear portion. The apertures in the rear portion are covered by a rupturable sealing membrane, typically of foil.

The insert is formed with a plurality of moulded chambers, each of which projects through a respective one of the apertures in the front portion of the card. In assembling the package, the required contents are placed in the moulded chambers,

and the plastic insert is then trapped between the front and read portions where it is secured by adhesive. Items can be removed from the containment spaces only by rupturing the sealing membrane.

At present, two types of adhesive are used: hot-seal and cold-seal. Hot-seal adhesive has the advantage of having a low unit cost, but requires capital investment in a heat sealing unit. Cold-seal is typically selected by users who require a low throughput. However, the conventional cold-seal manufacturing process requires a complex application of active adhesive to the card, which means that the production cost is high, and requires complex and expensive equipment.

Moreover, the large area of cardboard that is covered in active adhesive makes such packages awkward to use.

An aim of this invention is to provide a system for implementing a cold-seal packaging system of this type that has lower production costs and that is easier to use than conventional cold seal cards.

From a first aspect, this invention provides a package for small articles that provides multiple containment spaces, the package being constructed from: a front sheet portion and a rear sheet portion, the front and rear sheet portions each having a plurality of apertures whereby the front and rear sheet potions can be overlaid one upon the other such that the apertures in each of the sheet portions at least partially align with one another, the rear sheet portion having a rupturable membrane that closes its apertures; and an insert having a plurality of enclosure formations, each formation being shaped and dimensioned to receive a small article ; in which: the front portion carries an adhesive assembly surrounding the apertures, the adhesive assembly comprising inner and outer overlaid double-sided adhesive layers separated by a release layer; and wherein

upon construction of the package, imposition of the front portion of the rear portion causes the outer double-sided layer to transfer to the rear potion, and subsequent removal of the release layer, exposes adhesive that secures the insert in position between the front and rear portions and secures the front and rear portions together.

The use of the adhesive assembly has several advantages. It can be made without the use of liquid adhesive, instead requiring only the use of adhesive tape, so reducing complexity of equipment and costs in manufacture. For the user, it minimises the time for which live adhesive is exposed. This is highly advantageous, since accidental contact with the exposed adhesive is a common cause of failure of these packages in use.

In a typical embodiment, the front and rear portions are formed from a common piece of sheet. They are most typically interconnected at a fold line. The fold line and the apertures are most typically configured such that the apertures in the front and rear portions are in alignment with one another when the sheet is folded along the fold line. This configuration is of significant benefit towards ease of use for the user.

The insert is advantageously formed from a transparent material, this allowing the content of the package to be visible. For example, the insert may be formed as a moulding of plastic material. In one arrangement, the insert may be formed in one piece. Alternatively, it may be formed in several pieces, since this can aid assembly of the package, especially in embodiments in which the number of containment chambers is relatively large.

The enclosure formations may be formed as regions of the insert displaced from a base plane. For example, they may be dome-shaped regions. The dome-shaped regions may have a wide range of specific shapes; for example, they may be rectangular, round or otherwise.

The sheet may be formed of card, typically of a nature that can be folded, and which then stays folded. Alternatives to card may be used, such as sheet plastic.

The sheet preferably has a surface upon which printing can be applied, this being visible prior to opening the package. In various embodiments, the sheet may have one or two surfaces upon which printing can be applied.

From a second aspect, this invention provides a blank for constructing a package according to the first aspect of the invention.

More specifically, this aspect of the invention provides a blank for constructing a package for small articles, the blank comprising a front sheet portion and a rear sheet portion, the front and rear sheet portions each having a plurality of apertures whereby the front and rear sheet portions can be overlaid one upon the other such that the apertures in each of the sheet portions align with one another, the rear sheet portion having a rupturable membrane that closes its apertures; in which: the front portion carries an adhesive assembly surrounding the apertures, the adhesive assembly comprising inner and outer overlaid double-sided adhesive layers separated by a release layer.

In constructing the package; imposition of the front portion of the rear portion causes the outer doublesided layer to transfer to the rear potion, and subsequent removal of the release layer, exposes adhesive that can secure an insert in position between the front and rear portions and secure the front and rear portions together.

In typical embodiments, the sheet may be formed of card.

In the blank, a further release layer may be provided to protect the adhesive assembly prior to use.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a blank for use in construction of a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view (not to scale) along line A-A in Figure 1 of an adhesive assembly of the blank of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view (not to scale) of a containment space in an assembled package embodying the invention; and Figure 4 is a side view of an assembled package formed from the blank of Figure 1; With reference first to Figure 1, a package for small articles embodying the invention is formed from a rectangular flat blank 10. The blank 10 is formed from a sheet of foldable card that has one smooth calendared surface and one relatively rough surface. Figure 1 illustrates the blank 10, looking upon the rougher surface.

First, second, third and fourth fold lines 12,14, 16,18 are formed across the card. First, second, third, fourth and fifth regions 20,22, 24,26, 28 of the blank are defined between successive fold lines.

A plurality of apertures, each in the shape of a rounded rectangle in this embodiment, are formed through the first and second regions 20,22, indicated at 30 and 32 respectively. The apertures 30,32 are all of similar shape and size and are located symmetrically about the first fold line 12. In this way, when the card is folded about the first fold line 12 such that the first region 20 overlies the second region 22, each aperture 30 in the first region 20 aligns with a respective aperture 32 in the second region 32. As will be appreciated, in other embodiments, the apertures can be any shape and size to suit the product and application of the package.

An adhesive assembly 36 is carried on the rough surface of the first region 20. The adhesive assembly 36 comprises several layers, as is shown in Figure 2.

A first adhesive layer 40 is applied directly to the blank 10. This layer is formed of double-sided adhesive tape with its adhesive exposed on one side so as to bond it to the card 10. Upon this, an inner release layer 42 is formed from adhesive release

tape. A second adhesive layer 44 is formed from double-sided tape, and a top release layer 46 is formed of release tape. Apertures are formed through the adhesive assembly 36 in alignment with and of similar size to the apertures in the first region 20.

A sealing membrane 50 is applied to the second region 22 of the blank 10. In this embodiment, the sealing membrane is formed from a foil laminate bonded to the rough surface of the blank 10. All of the apertures 32 in the second region 22 are closed by the sealing membrane 50. The membrane 50 is of material selected to be readily rupturable when access to the content of the package is required. Yet it must be sufficiently strong and impermeable to resist accidental rupture prior to use and to protect the content from the environment.

The container further comprises an insert which, in this embodiment, is a moulding of thin transparent plastic material. The insert is shaped with a generally flat base plane 58 from which several enclosure formations in the form dome-shaped regions 56 project. The dome-shaped regions 56 are shaped and dimensioned such that each of them can be inserted through a respective one of the apertures 30 in the first region 20, and such that the base of each dome-shaped region is a close fit within the respective aperture. Note that the dome-shaped regions 56 have a rounded rectangular base shape.

The blank 10 is assembled into a container as follows.

First, the top release layer 46 is peeled off to reveal an exposed adhesive surface of the second adhesive layer 44. The first region 20 of the blank 10 is then folded along the first fold line 12 to bring the exposed adhesive surface into contact with the sealing membrane 50 upon the second region 22. Pressure is then applied upon the folded-over first region 20 of the blank 10 to form an adhesive bond between the second adhesive layer 44 and the sealing membrane 50. The first region 20 is then folded away from the second region 22, leaving the second adhesive layer 44 bonded to the sealing membrane 50. It should be noted that the apertures in the adhesive assembly 36 are positioned in register with the apertures in the second region 22.

Next, the inner release layer 42 is peeled to expose the adhesive surface of the first adhesive layer 40. The insert is then positioned such that each of its dome-shaped regions 56 is inserted through a respective aperture 30 in the first region 20. The base plane 58 is urged into contact with the adhesive surface of the first adhesive layer 40 to secure the insert in position. It should be noted that a peripheral part of the first adhesive layer 40 remains exposed around at least an edge region of the insert.

With the blank positioned such that the dome-shaped regions 56 of the insert projecting downwards, articles to be packaged can then be introduced into the spaces 60 that are formed within the dome-shaped regions. The blank 10 is then once again folded along the first fold line 12 such that the exposed surface of the second adhesive layer 44 comes into contact with the base plane of the insert and forms an adhesive bond with it. Thus, each dome-shaped region 56 is closed by a region of the membrane and sealed by the second adhesive layer 44. Exposed parts of the first and second adhesive layers 40,44 come into direct contact with one another to form a seal around the periphery of the insert. Moreover, each domeshaped region is thus located opposite a respective aperture 32 of the second region 22 of the blank 10.

Thus, a package is formed that includes several retention spaces, each defined by one of the dome-shaped regions 56, and each sealed by part of the membrane 50.

The content of each of the retention spaces can be seen through the transparent material of the insert. To gain access to the content of a particular retention space, the part of the membrane 50 that closes that space is ruptured, whereupon access to the space can be gained though the apertures 30,32. The exposed card surrounding the dome-shaped regions 56 is formed from the smooth surface of the blank, and is therefore suited for application of printing, for example, to describe the content of the package.

The blank may be constructed in a procedure that will now be described. First, an arbitrarily long length of the adhesive assembly is formed. This is then applied to card from which the blank is to be formed. Note that typically several blanks will be formed side-by-side on one piece of card. The apertures and fold lines are then

punched out of the card, passing through the adhesive assembly where required. This ensures that the apertures in the adhesive assembly and the card are in proper alignment. The membrane can then be applied.

The third, fourth and fifth regions 24,26, 28 are provided as an optional refinement to the basic package described above. The blank 10 can be folded at each of the second, third and fourth fold lines 14,16, 18, to a fold angle of approximately 90 . This produces a configuration shown in Figure 4. The third, fourth and fifth regions 24,26, 28 enclose and protect the retention spaces. A tape seal shown at 64 may be applied to retain the package in this configuration. It will be noted that the smooth surface of the blank 10 is outermost in this configuration. Thus, printing can be applied to the smooth surface for display when the package is complete.

The package of this embodiment has a small number (e. g. four) containment spaces. However, embodiments of the invention can readily be produced with a larger number of containment spaces. These may be arranged in any suitable configuration, for example, in multiple rows and columns. A particular embodiment comprises several (for example, four) columns in seven rows. This type of package can typically be used to contain a patient's medication for one week, with each row containing medication to be taken in one day, and each column corresponding to a particular time of day, or in a 28 day cycle, amongst other possibilities.

A critical point in the assembly of the package occurs when the insert is positioned.

Each of its dome-shaped regions 56 must be inserted through a respective aperture without making contact with the surrounding exposed adhesive surface. Therefore, in embodiments that include a large number of containment spaces, it may be more convenient to form the insert from several separate mouldings, e. g. one moulding for each row or column. This allows each moulding to be put in place individually, and this may simplify this stage in the assembly process.

In other embodiments, the card may have both surfaces prepared for printing. This allows printed information to appear within the package as well as upon its outer surface.

It will also be appreciated that the membrane 50 can be applied to the first portion 20 and the adhesive assembly 36 can be applied to the second portion 22. This effectively exchanges the functions of the first and second portions. In such embodiments, it will normally be necessary to fold the card along the first fold line 12 in the direction opposite to the fold of the other fold lines.

Claims

1. A package for small articles that provides multiple containment spaces, the package comprising: a front sheet portion and a rear sheet portion, the front and rear sheet portions each having a plurality of apertures whereby the front and rear sheet potions can be overlaid one upon the other such that the apertures in each of the sheet portions align with one another, the rear sheet portion having a rupturable membrane that closes its apertures; and an insert having a plurality of formations, each formation being shaped and dimensioned to receive a small article ; in which: the front portion carries an adhesive assembly surrounding the apertures, the adhesive assembly comprising inner and outer overlaid double-sided adhesive layers separated by a release layer; and wherein imposition of the front portion of the rear portion causes the outer double-sided layer to transfer to the rear potion, and subsequent removal of the release layer, exposes adhesive that can secure the insert in position between the front and rear portions and secure the front and rear portions together.

2. A package according to claim 1 in which the front and rear portions are formed from a common piece of sheet material.

3. A package according to claim 2 in which the front and rear portions are interconnected at a fold line.

4. A package according to claim 3 in which the fold line and the apertures are configured such that the apertures in the front and rear portions are in alignment with one another when the sheet is folded along the fold line.

5. A package according to any preceding claim in which the insert is formed in one piece.

6. A package according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in which the insert is formed in several pieces.

7. A package according to any preceding claim in which the enclosure formations are formed as regions of the insert displaced from a base plane.

8. A package according to claim 7 in which the enclosure formations are dome-shaped regions being rectangular, round or otherwise.

9. A package according to any preceding claim in which the sheet is formed of card.

10. A package according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in which the sheet is formed of plastic material.

11. A package according to any preceding claim in which the sheet is of a nature that can be folded.

12. A package according to any preceding claim in which the sheet has a surface upon which printing can be applied.

13. A package for small products substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14. A blank for constructing a package according to any preceding claim.

15. A blank for constructing a package for small articles, the blank comprising a front sheet portion and a rear sheet portion, the front and rear sheet portions each having a plurality of apertures whereby the front and rear sheet potions can be overlaid one upon the other such that the apertures in each of the sheet portions align with one another, the rear sheet portion having a rupturable membrane that closes its apertures; in which: the front portion carries an adhesive assembly surrounding the apertures, the adhesive assembly comprising inner and outer overlaid double-sided adhesive layers separated by a release layer; and wherein imposition of the front portion of the rear portion causes the outer double-sided layer to transfer to the rear potion, and subsequent removal of the release layer, exposes adhesive that can secure an insert in position between the front and rear portions and secure the front and rear portions together.

16. A blank according to claim 15 in which the sheet is formed of card.

17. A blank according to claim 15 or claim 16 comprising a further release layer, provided to protect the adhesive assembly prior to use.

18. A blank for constructing a package for small articles substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.