GB2489921A

GB2489921A - Seal / container arrangement with cavity display panel(s)

Info

Publication number: GB2489921A
Application number: GB1105796.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Howard Elliott
Original assignee: Future Technology UK Ltd
Current assignee: Future Technology UK Ltd
Priority date: 2011-04-06
Filing date: 2011-04-06
Publication date: 2012-10-17
Anticipated expiration: 2031-04-06
Also published as: GB201105796D0; WO2012136989A1; GB2489921B

Abstract

A rupturable seal arrangement forming part of a container for storing and dispensing consumer products may be used in place of conventional blister packs for the packaging of pills, tablets or capsules or multi-cavity containers. These may be used for organising and storing mixed medication for subsequent dispensation according to a pre-defined dosage regimen. The seal includes at least one electronic display panel 10 (optionally an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel) adapted to be controlled to provide a visual indication when the contents of an associated container cavity should be dispensed. The OLED panel 10 is operated under the control of an electronic module or controller, preferably programmed with the pre-defined dosage regimen. Alternatively each individual cavity may have a display panel 10. An audible indication may also be provided when the contents of each cavity should be dispensed. Other elements of the arrangement include circuit lines 18, 20, printed conductive tracks 16, tab region 22, cavity cut lines 4, main portion of each cavity 6, lug portions 8 and frangible bridge regions 12, 14 (also see fig 2).

Description

TITLE Seals

DESCRIPTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to seals that are suitable for use with containers for storing and dispensing consumer products. The term consumer products is intended to cover a wide variety of products as illustrated by the following (non-exhaustive) list: foods, either for immediate consumption, pre-cooked, prepared or oven ready, including prepared meals, confectionary, hardware and DIY items, cosmetics, seeds, animal and fish feeds, electronic components, medical appliances and dressings, medicines and medication such as pills, tablets and capsules.

The containers may be similar to conventional blister packs for the packaging of pills, tablets and capsules, or may be used for organising and storing mixed medication for subsequent dispensation according to a predefined dosage regimen. The principle behind such mixed medication containers is that a dosage regimen of mixed medication can be organised in advance for a period of a week or more, and a user or care-giver can then remove from the container, at predefined times over the said period, the one or more pills, tablets and/or capsules to be administered on each occasion according to the dosage regimen.

Background Art

Blister packs are of course well known for the storage and dispensing of pills, tablets and capsules, which are stored individually in cavities in a multi-cavity tray and removed by pushing each pill, tablet or capsule through a rupturable film or foil covering the cavities. The film or foil cover may be paper or a plastics film that can be peeled or torn away to expose the medication in the tray cavities, but is generally aluminium foil, which has the dual advantage of being easily rupturable and vapour-impermeable. Such blister packs normally carry only one unit dose of the same medication in each cavity.

Mixed medication blister packs have been proposed, having larger cavities for filling by a pharmacist, wherein each cavity in a multi-cavity tray can be filled with a mixture of medications. Typically, a tray may have a 2 x 7, 3 x 7, 4 x 7 or 5 x 7 array of cavities corresponding to 2, 3, 4 or 5 predefined medication times per day over a 7-day period, or one dose prescribed per day over a 2, 3, 4 or 5 week period. For example, a 4 x 7 tray may be filled with the medication to be taken at breakfast-time, lunchtime, early evening and immediately before retiring each day for a week, and then the filled cavities sealed with a rupturable or sequentially rupturable film or foil cover. The cover film may have tear-off or removable portions when, when removed or released from the cover film, provide access to the individual cavities, and can be adhered to the tray by a layer of peelable adhesive. Printed instructions on the pack identify the intended sequence of opening the individual cavities to dispense their contents according to the prescribed dosage regimen. This can be problematic because there is a risk that the contents will be dispensed in the wrong sequence or at the wrongtime.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention aims to provide an improved seal for a dispensing container that indicates to the user when the contents of a particular cavity should be dispensed.

More particularly, the present invention provides a seal for use with a container for storing and dispensing consumer products comprising a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been formed one or more discrete cavities for receiving the consumer products, the seal comprising at least one electronic display panel adapted to be controlled to provide a visual indication when the contents of an associated cavity should be dispensed.

An array of electronic display panels can be provided. For example, if the tray has a 2 x 7, 3 x 7, 4 x 7 or 5 x 7 array of cavities then the seal can include a corresponding array of electronic display panels, each electronic display panel being aligned with or positioned adjacent to an associated cavity when the seal is adhered to the generally planar top surface of the tray in use.

The seal may further include a pattern of electrically conductive tracks that defines a circuit per cavity. The pattern of electrically conductive tracks may be applied or integrated into the seal using any suitable technique. However, one preferred option is to print the electrically conductive tracks onto a surface of the seal using a conductive ink. The or each electronic display panel can also be printed onto a surface of the seal at the same time as the electrically conductive tracks or in a separate printing process. The electrically conductive tracks can be applied to either surface of the cover film (i.e. the lower surface that faces towards the generally top surface of the tray in use, or the upper surface) or may be integrated within the actual body of the cover film itself. The electrically conductive tracks will preferably be sufficiently flexible so that they are not broken by the flexing or bending of a flexible seal during handling or when it is adhered to the tray.

It will be readily appreciated that the layout of the individual circuits will depend on the layout of the cavities. In one arrangement each circuit will start and end at a termination or contact region of the seal where it can be electrically connected to or integrated with a suitable electronic module or controller. The electronic module may include one or more contact regions which are in electrical contact with the start and end of each circuit so that the electronic module can monitor (and typically record) when each circuit is broken.

The at least one electronic display panel is preferably electrically connected to the pattern of electrically conductive tracks. In this case it will be readily appreciated that each circuit has a dual purpose, namely allowing the electronic module to monitor when the contents of each cavity are dispensed through the seal -the associated circuit being broken in the process -and to provide an electrical connection between the electronic module and the associated electronic display panel.

The seal can be a rupturable seal, e.g. of the type used in conventional blister packs.

In the case where the rupturable seal further includes a pattem of electrically conductive tracks then at least part of each circuit will be aligned with an associated cavity when the seal is adhered to the generally planar top surface of the tray in use.

The seal can also be non-rupturable and include pre-formed lines of separation defining a removable portion per cavity to retain the consumer products in that cavity until it is removed along its line of separation. Seals of this type are disclosed WO 2005/023670 and EP 1357050 to the present Applicant. In the case where the non-rupturable seal further includes a pattern of electrically conductive tracks then each removable portion can be attached to the remainder of the cover film by a frangible bridge region defined by a gap in a part of the associated pre-formed line of separation and which provides a pathway for the associated circuit. Each circuit extends in part along the pathway provided by the frangible bridge region of the associated removable portion. The electrically conductive tracks can be applied or integrated into the seal either before or after the lines of separation are formed in the cover film. A further gap in the pre-formed line of separation can provide a pathway that allows the at least one electronic display panel to be electrically connected to the electrically conductive tracks.

Each removable portion can include a lug portion adapted to be grasped preparatory to removing the associated removable portion. The generally planar top surface of the tray will typically have an upwardly extending protrusion positioned to be located beneath each lug portion in use to bend that lug portion upwardly out of the plane of the remainder of the seal when the seal is secured to the tray. Because the or each lug portion is bent up out of the plane of the remainder of the seal when it is applied, it can very easily be grasped by the user for removal of the tear-off portion. This makes the seal particularly suitable for elderly users or those with limited manual dexterity.

In the case where the seal further comprises a pattern of electrically conductive tracks then each removable portion can be attached to the remainder of the cover film by a frangible bridge region defined by a gap in a part of the associated pre-formed line of separation which defines the lug portion and which provides a pathway for the associated circuit.

The frangible bridge region is designed to tear when the associated removable portion is released or removed from the remainder of the seal along its line of separation.

Tearing the frangible bridge region breaks the associated circuit that runs along the pathway defined by the frangible bridge region.

The electronic module monitors the circuits and deterniines when a particular circuit is broken, e.g. by monitoring changes in electrical circuit resistance. By monitoring the circuits the electronic module can determine when the contents of a particular cavity are dispensed through a rupturable seal or, in the case of a non-rupturable seal, when a particular removable portion is released or removed from the remainder of the seal. Recorded information can be stored within the electronic module or transmitted or downloaded to a remote electronic device, optionally using any suitable sort of wireless communication, The electronic module can be releasably secured to part of the tray or releasably or permanently located within a recess in the tray, for example, in such a way that it contacts the electrically conductive tracks when the seal is secured to the generally planar top surface of the tray in use, for example.

In some cases, the line of separation defining the or each removable portion may includes two or more gaps that each define a frangible bridge region and which are designed to tear when the associated removable portion is released or removed from the remainder of the seal. The number and position of the frangible bridge regions will depend on the pattern of electrically conductive tracks and can be provided as necessary to determine that the associated removable portion has been fully or partially released or removed. In an arrangement where each line of separation has two or more gaps that define a frangible bridge region then a first gap may provide a first pathway to allow the electrically conductive track to pass from the surrounding region of the seal onto the removable portion and a second gap may provide a second pathway to allow the electrically conductive track to pass from the removable portion to the surrounding region of the seal, for example. If more than one frangible bridge region is provided then the circuit can be broken when one or more of the regions is torn, or when all of the regions are torn, depending on the layout of the electrically conductive tracks and the configuration of the electronic module.

The periphery of the or each removable portion can be defined by a pre-formed cut line extending completely through the seal, a pre-scored or pre-perforated tear line, or any combination thereof The pre-scored tear lines may be created by pressing a knife on to the surface of the seal so as to cut or score part way through but not fully through the thickness of the seal. The depth of the pre-scored tear lines or the size and shape of the individual perforations of the pre-perforated tear lines can be determined to provide the right amount of resistance to separation for any given application. Increasing the resistance to separation can reduce the likelihood of the removable portions being removed accidentally or being pushed into the discrete cavities of the underlying tray if, for example, dispensing containers are stacked one on top of the other. The pre-scored tear lines, pre-perforated tear lines and cut lines can be formed using a rotary die cutter or the like.

The seal may be adhered to the generally planar top surface of the tray by a suitable adhesive (e.g. a cold-seal process or a layer of peelable adhesive) or the seal can be heat-sealed directly to the tray.

The or each removable portion of the seal may include a barrier patch shaped and sized to overlie the associated cavity. The or each associated barrier patch can be formed in a bather film that is adhered to a cover film by a layer of peelable adhesive or static bonding, for example. In other words, a bather film may be secured to a cover film, the barrier film having pre-formed lines of separation defining the periphery of a bather patch per removable portion that is shaped and sized so that in use it overlies an associated cavity. The barrier film can be a metal foil, a metallized polymeric film or paper sheet, a plastics film of single or multiple layer construction, or any combination thereof In the case where the periphery of the or each removable portion is defined by a pre-formed cut line then an associated barrier patch formed in a barrier film will be shaped and sized to be larger than the removable portion. The cover film and barrier film can be adhered together by a layer of peelable adhesive or static bonding such that the or each barrier patch must be peeled away from a narrow border of the cover film immediately outside the line of separation defining the periphery of the removable portion when the overlying removable portion is released.

The periphery of the or each barrier patch can be defined by a pre-formed cut line extending completely through the material of the barrier film, a pre-scored or pre- perforated tear line, or any combination thereof The pre-scored tear lines, pre-perforated tear lines and cut lines can be formed using a rotary die cutter or the like.

In a preferred arrangement of the invention, the pre-formed line of separation defining the periphery of the or each barrier patch lies outside the pre-formed line of separation defining the periphery of the overlying removable portion such that the barrier patch is larger than the associated removable portion. In this case the bather patch can overly a narrow border or region of the generally planar top surface of the tray extending completely around the periphery of the associated cavity in use. The bather patch must also be peeled away from a narrow border of the cover film immediately outside the line of separation defining the periphery of the removable portion when the overlying removable portion is released. It is important to note that the or each bather patch is not secured to the top surface of the tray, but only to the cover film. The or each bather patch may be larger than, the same size as, or smaller than the associated removable portion and may be shaped and sized to be larger than, the same size as, or smaller than the associated cavity of the tray.

The preferred arrangement may incorporate tamper evident properties because once a removable portion of the seal has been released it cannot be easily reattached over the associated cavity. This is because the bather patch is larger than the overlying removable portion such that in use it overlies a region of the generally planar top surface of the tray extending completely around the periphery of the associated cavity.

Once the removable portion and the attached bather patch have been released, there will be a narrow border of the cover film immediately outside the line of separation defining the periphery of the removable portion. It will be readily appreciated that this narrow border is secured to the periphery of the bather patch prior to the release of the removable portion. In practice, if the underside of the cover film is covered with peelable adhesive, the narrow border will tend to adhere to the generally planar top surface of the tray. This makes it very difficult to slide the peripheral edge of the barrier patch back between the cover film and the top surface of the tray to reattach the released removable portion over the associated cavity. Tamper evident properties are especially important if the container is used to store and dispense food and medication such as pills, tablets and capsules. Further tamper evident properties are, of course, provided by the tearing of the frangible bridge region or by the lack of a visual indication being provided by an electronic display panel, the latter indicating that the associated circuit has been broken.

The barrier film can have a further pre-defined cut line or tear line close to one edge thereof to define a removable strip which when removed exposes a location anchorage area of the peelable adhesive on the underside of the cover film, for adhering an edge portion of the cover film to an edge portion of the tray before peeling away the majority of the bather film and adhering the cover film over the cavities. To assist in the process of adhering the cover film to the top surface of the tray, the tray can have upstanding cover film location means. The cover film can have cooperating means for accurate location of the cover film over the tray with the one or more cavities and associated removable portions in register before adhering the cover film to the tray.

Where the bather film is to be secured to the top surface of the tray, the tray can have upstanding seal location means. The cover film can have cooperating means for accurate location of the cover film over the tray with the one or more cavities and associated removable portions in register before adhering the barrier film to the tray.

The seal preferably has high vapour barrier properties, optionally by selecting an appropriate material or thickness for the cover film and/or the bather film. Providing low vapour permeability in the region that overlies the or more cavities means that any medication temporarily encapsulated in the cavities can be protected from variations in ambient humidity during storage of the medication within the container.

Low vapour permeability is also important if the container is used to store and dispense consumer products such as foods or electronic components that can perish or suffer damage if too much moisture is allowed to enter the discrete cavities through the seal. it will, however, be recognised that the seal may be provided with other selected barrier properties such as high light barrier properties or high gas barrier properties to reduce or prevent the transmission of light or atmospheric gases such as oxygen, for example. The seal may also be provided with high electrostatic barrier properties.

The seal can further comprise pre-formed lines of separation defining an array of removable portions, each removable portion having an associated electronic display panel. For example, if the tray has a 2 x 7, 3 x 7, 4 x 7 or 5 x 7 array of removable portions then the seal can include a corresponding array of electronic display panels.

The removable portions are preferably spaced apart from each other. Each electronic display panel may be located on an associated removable portion, i.e. within the associated line of separation, or adjacent to an associated removable portion. If the electronic display panels are located on the removable portions then ideally the electronic display panels will be capable of being safely discarded together with the removable portions once they have beer detached from the seal. Non-frangible bridges may be included in the lines of separation such that the removable portions can be released from the remainder of the seal to the extent necessary to allow the contents of the underlying cavity to be accessed, but are not completely detached from the seal. Such an arrangement allows the entire seal with the released but attached removable portions (and optionally also the container tray) to be disposed of in a safe and environmentally sensitive manner.

The seal can be a metal foil, a metallized polymeric film or paper sheet, a plastics film of single or multiple layer construction, or any combination thereof.

The seal is preferably a flexible seal or cover film.

The or each electronic display panel can have any suitable construction, but a thin-film organic light-emitting diode (0USD) panel is generally preferred because of its flexibility and low power consumption. OLED panels can be printed directly onto a surface of the seal, including a flexible seal, using a conventional printing technique such as an inkjet printer, rotary screen press, UV flexographic printer, for example.

The electronic display panel may be applied or integrated into the seal using any suitable technique, e.g. affixed or adhered to a surface of the seal or integrated within the actual body of the seal itself. The electronic display panel may display any sort of visual indication including blocks of colour, words, stationary and moving images etc. Electrical power and/or control commands can be supplied to the or each electronic display panel from the electronic module, optionally by means of the electrically conductive tracks.

The present further provides a seal for use with a container for storing and dispensing consumer products comprising a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been formed a plurality of discrete cavities for receiving the consumer products, the seal comprising pre-formed lines of separation defining a removable portion per cavity to retain the consumer products in that cavity until it is removed along its line of separation, each removable portion having an electronic display panel adapted to be controlled to provide a visual indication when the contents of the associated cavity should be dispensed.

The present invention further provides a container for storing and dispensing consumer products comprising a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been formed one or more discrete cavities for receiving the consumer products, and a seal as described above.

In the case where the seal further comprises a pattern of electrically conductive tracks that defines a circuit per cavity then the container can include an electronic module adapted to monitor the or each circuit and/or adapted to control operation of the at least one electronic display panel. The electronic module can be further adapted to provide an audible indication when the contents of a cavity should be dispensed.

The present invention further provides a multiple-compartment container for containing and dispensing medication according to a pre-defined dosage regimen, the container comprising a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been -Il-formed an array of discrete cavities for receiving the medication, and a seal comprising pre-fornied lines of separation defining an array of removable portions, each removable portion being aligned with an associated cavity and having an electronic display panel adapted to be controlled to provide a visual indication when the contents of the associated cavity should be dispensed.

The seal can further include an electronic module adapted to control operation of the at least one electronic display panel according to the pre-defined dosage regimen. In other words, the electronic module can be used to check if the medication is being properly dispensed according to the pre-defined dosage regimen, the details of which may be programmed into the electronic module. The electronic module can therefore provide real time' monitoring of the dispensing of the medication stored within the container cavities and improves the compliance process. If medication is not being dispensed according to the pre-defined dosage regimen then the user, care-giver or the responsible medical professional can be automatically alerted, e.g. by SMS message.

The electronic module can be programmed to include other information such contact details, relevant medical information and pharmacological details regarding the medication in each cavity, for example. To try and make sure that the user or care-giver complies with the pre-defined dosage regimen then the electronic module controls the operation of the electronic display panels to indicate which medication should be dispensed and when. For example, the electronic display panel associated with a cavity that is filled with the medication to be taken at breakfast-time can be made to provide a suitable visual indication at the appropriate time. The electronic module can be further adapted to provide an audible indication when the contents of a cavity should be dispensed. For example, a suitable sound can be emitted by the electronic module at the appropriate time.

The invention further provides a method of operating a container for storing and dispensing consumer products comprising a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been formed one or more discrete cavities for receiving the consumer products, and a seal comprising at least one electronic display panel, the method comprising the steps of controlling operation of the at least one electronic display -12-pane! to provide a visual indication when the contents of an associated cavity should be dispensed.

The invention further provides a method of operating a multiple-compartment container for containing and dispensing medication according to a pre-defined dosage regimen, the container comprising a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been formed an array of discrete cavities for receiving the medication, and a seal comprising pre-formed lines of separation defining an array of removable portions, each removable portion being aligned with an associated cavity and having an electronic display panel adapted to be controlled to provide a visual indication when the contents of the associated cavity should be dispensed, the method comprising the steps of controlling operation of the electronic display panels to provide a visual indication when the contents of an associated cavity should be dispensed.

The electronic display panels can be controlled according to the pre-defined dosage regimen.

The method can further include the step of providing an audible indication when the contents of a cavity should be dispensed.

Drawings Figure 1 is a plan view of a seal according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a detail view showing a removable portion of the seal that includes a organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel; and Figure 3 is a side view showing the seal of Figure 1 adhered to a tray to form a multiple-compartment container for containing and dispensing medication according to a pre-defined dosage regimen.

Although the dispensing container according to the invention is suitable for storing and dispensing a wide range of consumer products, the rest of the specification will concentrate mainly on its use as a multiple-compartment container for organising and storing mixed medication for subsequent dispensation according to a predefined dosage regimen.

Referring to Figure 1 to 3 there is shown a seal that is designed to be adhered to a moulded tray 28 to form a multiple-compartment container. The tray 28 is formed from a sheet of thermoplastic material, and may be formed for example by press moulding or by vacuum moulding. The tray 28 has a generally planar top surface into which has been formed a 4 x 7 array of discrete cavities 30. It will be readily appreciated that other arrangements of the discrete cavities are possible depending on the particular dosage regimen required.

The seal is of a multi-layer construction but only the top layer or cover film I is shown in Figure 1. The cover film I is a sheet of smooth and flexible, and preferably transparent, plastics film, the outline of which corresponds generally to the outline of the tray with which it is to be used. A suitable material for the cover film 1 is polypropylene.

The cover film I includes a 4 x 7 array of removable portions 2 each of which is defined by cut lines 4. The cut lines 4 define a line of separation along which the removable portions 2 can be separated from the remainder of the cover film I. The removable portions include a main portion 6 that extends generally around the periphery of an underlying cavity 30 in the moulded tray 28 when the seal is adhered to the top surface of the tray and a lug portion 8 that can be grasped preparatory to removing the removable portion. The lug portions 8 can be raised out of the remainder of the cover film by upwardly extending protrusions (not shown) that are formed on the generally planar top surface of the tray 28.

A thin-film, flexible, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel 10 is printed on to one of the removable portions 221. In practice, each removable portion will typically include a similar OLED panel but only one is shown in Figure I for improved clarity.

A cut line 4 extends around the periphery of the main portion 6 of the removable portion 221 apart from two separate frangible bridge regions 12 which provide -14-pathways for part of an electrical circuit that is described in more detail below. Two separate frangible bridge regions 14 are also provided in the cut lines that define the lug portion 8 of each removable portion 2. These frangible bridge regions 14 are most clearly shown in Figure 2 where the overlying part of the conductive track that passes across the lug portion 8 has been shown in dashed line.

The entire underside of the cover film I is coated with a layer of peelable adhesive 32 and is adhered to a bather film. The barrier film is a sheet of smooth and flexible, and preferably transparent, plastics film, the outline of which corresponds generally to the outline of the cover film I with which it is to be used. A suitable material for the barrier film is polypropylene.

Cut lines in the barrier film define the outer peripheries of a 4 x 7 array of vapour-impermeable bather patches 34, which in use are adhered to the underside of the respective removable portions 2 and lie directly over the respective cavities 30 of the moulded tray 28 as shown in Figure 3. The barrier patches 34 can be slightly larger than the removable portions 2 such that in use they overly a region of the generally planar top surface of the tray 28 extending completely around the periphery of the respective cavities 30. However, the barrier patches may be the same size as, or smaller than, the removable portions 2. The bather patches may extend underneath the lug portions 8. In use the majority of the bather film is peeled away from the cover film 1 to leave the bather patches 34 adhered to the underside of the cover film and expose the layer of peelable adhesive 32. The cover film I is then position relative to the tray 28 and adhered to the generally planar top surface by the exposed adhesive on the underside of the cover film I surrounding the barrier patches 34.

lt will be readily appreciated that the cut lines in the cover film I can be replaced with perforations or by score lines. Similarly, the cut lines in the barrier film can be replaced with perforations or by score lines. The cut lines or tear lines will normally be formed using a die cutter after the cover film 1 and the barrier film have been adhered together to form the laminated seal. A pair of rotary die cutters can be used with one die cutter forming cut lines or tear lines in the cover film I from one side of -15-the seal and the other die cutter forming cut lines or tear lines in the barrier flim from the other side of the seal. In the case of cut lines or perforation lines, care must be taken to ensure that the overall physical integrity of the seal is maintained. For example, in practice it will often be the case that the cut lines or perforations formed in the cover film will extend slightly into the layer of peelable adhesive, but the respective rotary die cutter is preferably set such that the cut lines or perforation lines do not extend into the barrier film to any appreciable extent.

A pattern of electrically conductive tracks 16 is applied to the cover film 1, e.g. by printing the pattern on the upper surface of the cover film using electrically conductive ink. The pattern includes a circuit for each removable portion 2 of the cover film and may have any suitable layout. More particularly, the pattern shown in Figure 1 includes a first common circuit line 18 which runs between the first and second rows of removable portions and a second common circuit line 20 which runs between the third and fourth rows of removable portions. Both of the first and second common circuit lines tenninate at an edge or tab region 22 of the cover film 1.

Taking a first individual circuit 24 for the removable portion 2 then it starts (or ends) at the termination point of the first common circuit line 18 at the tab region 22.

in the vicinity of the removable portion 2 the first individual circuit 24 branches off the first common circuit line 18 and passes across the lug portion 8 of the removable portion 2 before running back to the tab region 22 of the cover film where it ends (or starts). The circuit for the removable portion 2 therefore starts and ends at the termination points T at the tab region of the cover film. Taking a second individual circuit 242 for the removable portion 22 then it starts (or ends) at the termination point of the first common circuit line 18 at the tab region. In the vicinity of the removable portion 22 the second individual circuit 242 branches off the first common circuit line 18 and passes across the lug portion of the removable portion 22 before running back to the tab region 22 of the cover film where it ends (or starts). Individual circuits for the other removable portions 23.. .220 and 222.. .223 are provided in a similar manner with circuits for the removable portions 215.. .228 branching off the second common circuit line 20.

The circuit 2421 for removable portion 221 includes electrical connections 26 to the OLED panel 10 which extend along the pathways provided by the frangible bridge regions 12. More particularly, the circuit 2421 branches of the second common circuit line 20 in the vicinity of removable portion 221 and extends along one of the frangible bridge regions 12 to make an electrical connection with one edge of the OLED panel 10. The circuit 2421 then extends from another edge of the OLED panel 10 along the other one of the frangible bridge regions 12 and passes across the lug portion of the removable portion 221 before running back to the tab region 22 of the cover film where it ends (or starts). The electrical connections to the edges of the OLED panel may be to anode and cathode electrode layers, respectively, so that a voltage can be applied across the one or more organic layers which are interposed between them.

As well as providing electrical power to the OLED panel 10, the circuit 2421 can also transmit control data from the electronic module allowing the OLED panel to display stationary or moving images, for example.

The frangible bridge regions 12, 14 are defined by gaps in the cut lines 4. This means that if the electrically conductive tracks 16 are printed on the upper surface of the cover film as a preliminary step then they are not broken when the cut lines are subsequently formed in the cover film 1. Similarly, if the cut lines 4 are provided in the cover film before the electrically conductive tracks 16 are printed on the upper surface of the cover film then the frangible bridge regions 12, 14 provide a continuous pathway for the electrically conductive tracks so that they do not have to traverse a cut line (or a tear line). The part of the conductive track that passes across the lug portion 8 is typically wider than thc frangible bridge regions 14 to allow for any misalignment of the track relative to the removable portions of the seal during manufacture and printing. The electrical connections 26 to the OLED panel 10 could also be made wider than the frangible bridge regions 12 for the same reason.

An electronic module (not shown) can be releasably secured to the moulded tray at the edge or tab region 22 of the cover film I and includes contacts that are in electrical contact with the termination points T of the various circuits 24, 242.. .2428 -17 -when it is properly installed. The electronic module may include a power source (e.g. a battery), a microprocessor or other electronic controller for monitoring the individual circuits, a memory for recording and storing information and a communication device to allow the stored information to be downloaded or transmitted to a remote electronic device.

In use, a pharmacist or a carer, or the user himself or herself will distribute medication in the form of pills, tablets and/or capsules between the 28 discrete cavities 30 formed in the top surface of the tray 28 in accordance with a seven-day or 28-day dosage regimen. For example, the seven rows of cavities 30 represent the days of the week, and the four columns can represent either four consecutive weeks of a 28-day dosage cycle, or four different dosage times for each day of treatment. In the latter case, the first column can represent breakfast-time, the second column lunchtime, the third column early evening and the fourth column bedtime. Either a uniform medication can be distributed through the 28 discrete cavities, or a varying mixture of medications can be placed into each cavity. Some cavities can be left empty.

When the cavities 30 have been properly filled the seal is secured to the top surface of the tray to seal the cavities.

The electronic module (not shown) is programmed with the pre-defined dosage regimen for dispensing the contents of the cavities 30. The programming may be done by wireless communication or downloaded to the electronic module.

At the appropriate time for dispensing the contents of the cavity sealed by removable portion 221 then the electronic module will operate the OLED panel 10 causing it to display a suitable visual indication (e.g. to flash a block of colour). Optionally, the electronic module will also produce an audible alert so that the user or care-giver knows that medication should be dispensed. The flashing OLED panel 10 indicates to the user or care-giver that the associated removable portion 2 should be removed so that the contents of the underlying cavity can be dispensed. The audible alert and flashing of the OLED panel 10 may continue for a predetermined period of time or -18 -until the removable portion 221 is removed, for example. It will be readily appreciated that the operation of the OLED panel 10 will cease as soon as the circuit 2421 is broken when the removable portion 22) is removed from the cover film and the frangible bridge regions 12, 14 are torn. The OLED panel 10 is removed with the removable portion 221 and discarded with it.

The break in circuit 2421 is recorded by the electronic module. The electronic module records when a circuit is broken, and hence when the associated removable portion is released or removed. Any recorded infonnation in the electronic module can be stored in the electronic module until it is removed from the moulded tray and downloaded into a remote device or transmitted to a remote electronic device periodically or when a circuit is broken.

To dispense medication the user simply presses down on the overlying removable portion 2 or grasps the raised lug portion 8 and pulls the removable portion. If the cavities 30 are compressible then the medication can be forced through the removable portion 2 from behind. The removable portion 2 separates from the remainder of the cover film along the cut line 4 and tears along the frangible bridge regions 12, 14. In this case the removable portion 2 is completely removed from the cover film but in an alternative arrangement a further gap can be provided in the cut line to define a non-frangible bridge region so that the removable portion remains attached to the remainder of the cover film once it has been released and the contents of the associated cavity have been dispensed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A seal for use with a container for storing and dispensing consumer products comprising a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been formed one or more discrete cavities for receiving the consumer products, the seal comprising at least one electronic display panel adapted to be controlled to provide a visual indication when the contents of an associated cavity should be dispensed.
2. A seal according to claim 1, further comprising an array of display panels.
3. A seal according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a pattern of electrically conductive tracks that defines a circuit per cavity.
4. A seal according to claim 3, wherein the at least one electronic display panel is electrically connected to the pattern of electrically conductive tracks.
5. A seal according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the electrically conductive tracks are printed onto a surface of the seal using a conductive ink.
6. A seal according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one electronic display panel is printed onto a surface of the seal or affixed to a surface of the seal.
7. A seal according to any preceding claim, wherein the seal is a rupturable seal.
8. A seal according to any of claims I to 6, wherein the seal includes pre-formed lines of separation defining a removable portion per cavity to retain the consumer products in that cavity until it is removed along its line of separation.
9. A seal according to claim 8, further comprising a pattern of electrically conductive tracks that defines a circuit per cavity, and wherein each removable portion is attached to the remainder of the cover film by a frangible bridge region defined by a gap in a part of the associated pre-formed line of separation and which provides a pathway for the associated circuit.

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10. A seal according to claim 8, wherein each removable portion includes a lug portion adapted to be grasped preparatory to removing the associated removable portion.
11. A seal according to claim 10, further comprising a pattern of electrically conductive tracks that defines a circuit per cavity, and wherein each removable portion is attached to the remainder of the cover film by a frangible bridge region defined by a gap in a part of the associated pre-fornied line of separation which defines the lug portion and which provides a pathway for the associated circuit.
12. A seal according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the periphery of the or each removable portion is defined by a pre-formed cut line extending completely through the cover film, a pre-scored or pre-perforated tear line, or any combination thereof
13. A seal according to any of claims 8 to 12, further comprising a barrier film having pre-formed lines of separation defining the periphery of a barrier patch per removable portion that is shaped and sized so that in use it overlies an associated cavity.
14. A seal according to claim 13, wherein the periphery of the or each barrier patch is defined by a pre-formed cut line extending completely through the material of the cover film, a pre-scored or pre-perforated tear line, or any combination thereof 15. A seal according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the or each barrier patch is larger than the associated removable portion such that in use it overlies a region of the generally planar top surface of the tray extending around the periphery of the associated cavity.-21 - 16. A seal according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the barrier film is a metal foil, a metallized polymeric film or paper sheet, a plastics film of single or multiple layer construction, or any combination thereof 17. A seal according to any preceding claim, wherein the seal has one or more of high vapour barrier properties, high light bather properties, high oxygen barrier properties, and high electrostatic barrier properties.18. A seal according to any preceding claim, further comprising pre-formed lines of separation defining an array of removable portions, each removable portion having an associated electronic display panel.19. A seal according to any preceding claim, wherein the seal is a metal foil, a metallized polymeric film or paper sheet, a plastics film of single or multiple layer construction, or any combination thereof 20. A seal according to any preceding claim, wherein seal is a flexible seal.21. A seal according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each electronic display panel is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel.22. A seal for use with a container for storing and dispensing consumer products comprising a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been formed a plurality of discrete cavities for receiving the consumer products, the seal comprising pre-forrned lines of separation defining a removable portion per cavity to retain the consumer products in that cavity until it is removed along its line of separation, each removable portion having an electronic display panel adapted to be controlled to provide a visual indication when the contents of the associated cavity should be dispensed.23. A container for storing and dispensing consumer products comprising: * 22 -a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been formed one or more discrete cavities for receiving the consumer products; and a seal according to any preceding claim.24. A container according to claim 23, wherein the seal further comprises a pattern of electrically conductive tracks that defines a circuit per cavity and the container further comprises an electronic module adapted to monitor the or each circuit and/or adapted to control operation of the at least one electronic display panel.25. A container according to claim 24, wherein the electronic module is further adapted to provide an audible indication when the contents of a cavity should be dispensed.26. A multiple-compartment container for containing and dispensing medication according to a pre-deflned dosage regimen, the container comprising: a tray having a generafly planar top surface into which has been formed an array of discrete cavities for receiving the medication; and a seal comprising pre-formed lines of separation defining an array of removable portions, each removable portion being aligned with an associated cavity and having an electronic display panel adapted to be controlled to provide a visual indication when the contents of the associated cavity should be dispensed.27. A container according to claim 26, wherein the seal further comprises an electronic module adapted to control operation of the at least one electronic display panel according to the pre-defined dosage regimen.28. A container according to claim 27, wherein the electronic module is further adapted to provide an audible indication when the contents of a cavity should be dispensed.29. A method of operating a container for storing and dispensing consumer products comprising a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been -23 -formed one or more discrete cavities for receiving the consumer products, and a seal comprising at least one electronic display panel, the method comprising the steps of controlling operation of the at least one electronic display panel to provide a visual indication when the contents of an associated cavity should be dispensed.30. A method of operating a multiple-compartment container for containing and dispensing medication according to a pre-defined dosage regimen, the container comprising a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been formed an array of discrete cavities for receiving the medication, and a seal comprising pre-formed lines of separation defining an array of removable portions, each removable portion being aligned with an associated cavity and having an electronic display panel adapted to be controlled to provide a visual indication when the contents of the associated cavity should be dispensed, the method comprising the steps of controlling operation of the electronic display panels to provide a visual indication when the contents of an associated cavity should be dispensed.31. A method according to claim 30, wherein the electronic display panels are controlled according to the pre-defined dosage regimen.32. A method according to any of claims 29 to 31, further comprising the step of providing an audible indication when the contents of a cavity should be dispensed.33. A seal substantially as herein disclosed and with reference to Figure 1.34. A multiple-compartment container for containing and dispensing medication according to a pre-defined dosage regimen substantially as herein disclosed and with reference to Figures 1 and 2.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows: caiS 1. A flexible seal for use with a container for storing and dispensing consumer products comprising a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been formed an array of discrete cavities for receiving the consumer products, the seal comprising an array of electronic display panels such that in use when the seal is secured to the generally planar top surface of the tray, each cavity has an associated electronic display panel, the electronic display panels being adapted to be controlled to provide a visual indication when the contents of an associated cavity should be dispensed.2. A flexible seal according to claim I, further comprising a pattern of electrically conductive tracks that defines a circuit per cavity.3. A flexible seal according to claim 2, wherein each electronic display panel is electrically connected to the pattern of electrically conductive tracks.4. A flexible seal according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the electrically conductive tracks are printed onto a surface of the seal using a conductive ink.5. A flexible seal according to any preceding claim, wherein each electronic display panel is printed onto a surface of the seal or affixed to a surface of the seal.* * S S..* 6. A flexible seal according to any preceding claim, wherein the seal is a * si*SS * rupturable seal. ** S* *. 25 * ** 7. A flexible seal according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the seal includes pre-formed lines of separation defining a removable portion per cavity to retain the S...: :: consumer products in that cavity until it is removed along its line of separation.8. A flexible seal according to claim 7, further comprising a pattern of electrically conductive tracks that defines a circuit per cavity, and wherein each removable portion is attached to the remainder of the cover film by a frangible bridge region defined by a gap in a part of the associated pre-formed line of separation and which provides a pathway for the associated circuit.9. A flexible seal according to claim 7, wherein each removable portion includes a lug portion adapted to be grasped preparatory to removing the associated removable portion.10. A flexible seal according to claim 9, further comprising a pattern of electrically conductive tracks that defines a circuit per cavity, and wherein each io removable portion is attached to the remainder of the cover film by a frangible bridge region defined by a gap in a part of the associated pre-formed line of separation which defines the lug portion and which provides a pathway for the associated circuit.11. A flexible seal according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the periphery of each removable portion is defined by a pre-formed cut line extending completely through the cover film, a pre-scored or pvc-perforated tear line, or any combination thereof.12. A flexible seal according to any of claims 7 to 11, further comprising a barrier film having pre-formed lines of separation defining the periphery of a barrier patch per removable portion that is shaped and sized so that in use it overlies an associated cavity. be Sb * SS* t5 S Sb * 13. A flexible seal according to claim 12, wherein the periphery of each barrier * :* 25 patch is defined by a pre-formed cut line extending completely through the material of * the barrier film, a pre-scored or pre-perforated tear line, or any combination thereof 0S65 14. A flexible seal according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein each barrier patch is larger than the associated removable portion such that in use it overlies a region of the generally planar top surface of the tray extending around the periphery of the associated cavity.
15. A flexible seal according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the barrier film is a metal foil, a metallized polymeric film or paper sheet, a plastics film of single or multiple layer construction, or any combination thereof.
16. A flexible seal according to any preceding claim, wherein the seal has one or more of high vapour barrier properties, high light barrier properties, high oxygen barrier properties and high electrostatic barrier properties.
17. A flexible seal according to any preceding claim, further comprising pre-io formed lines of separation defining an array of removable poflions each removable portion having an associated electronic display panel.
18. A flexible seal according to any preceding claim, wherein the seal is a metal foil, a metallized polymeric film or paper sheet, a plastics film of single or multiple layer construction, or any combination thereof.
19. A container for storing and dispensing consumer products comprising: a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been formed an array of discrete cavities for receiving the consumer products; and a flexible seal according to any preceding claim secured to the generally planar top surface of the tray.I* *. III *
20. A container according to claim 19, wherein the flexible seal further comprises * a pattern of electrically conductive tracks that defines a circuit per cavity and the * .1*10 * 25 container further comprises an electronic module adapted to monitor each circuit and(or adapted to control operation of each electronic display panel.* 21 A container according to claim 20, wherein the electronic module is further a..* * adapted to provide an audible indication when the contents of a cavity should be dispensed.22. A multiplec0mPmtht container for containing and dispensing medication according to a pre-defined dosage regimen, the container comprising: a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been formed an array of discrete cavities for receiving the medication; and a flexible seal secured to the generally planar top surface of the tray, the seal comprising pie-formed lines of separation defining an array of removable portions, each removable portion being aligned with an associated cavity and having an electronic display panel adapted to be controlled to provide a visual indication when the contents of the associated cavity should be dispensed.23. A container according to claim 22, wherein the flexible seal further comprises an electronic module adapted to control operation of each electronic display panel according to the pre-defined dosage regimen.24. A container according to claim 23, wherein the electronic module is further adapted to provide an audible indication when the contents of a cavity should be dispensed.25. A method of operating a container for storing and dispensing consumer products comprising a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been formed an array of discrete cavities for receiving the consumer products, and a flexible seal secured to the generally planar top surface of the tray, the flexible seal ** * : comprising an array of electronic display panels, each cavity having an associated * electronic display panel, the method comprising the steps of controlling operation of * * 25 the electronic display panels to provide a visual indication when the contents of an associated cavity should be dispensed.26. A method of operating a multiplecOmPaPment container for containing and . .: dispensing medication according to a pre-defined dosage regimen, the container comprising a tray having a generally planar tO surface into which has been formed an array of discrete cavities for receiving the medication, and a flexible seal secured to the generally planar top surface of the tray, the flexible seal comprising pre-formed lines of separation defining an array of removable portions, each removable portion being aligned with an associated cavity and having an electronic display panel adapted to be controlled to provide a visual indication when the contents of the associated cavity should be dispensed, the method comprising the steps of controlling operation of the electronic display panels to provide a visual indication when the contents of an associated cavity should be dispensed.27. A method according to claim 26, wherein the electronic display panels are controlled according to the pre-defined dosage regimen.28. A method according to any of claims 25 to 27, further comprising the step of providing an audible indication when the contents of a cavity should be dispensed.29. A flexible seal substantially as herein disclosed and with reference to Figure 1.30. A multiplecomPartment container for containing and dispensing medication according to a pre-defined dosage regimen substantially as herein disclosed and with reference to Figures 1 and 2. * 0 ** ..flS * * ** S * *0 * **S* *5* ** * S 5*Se * * *1*1 S. * * S S * 5e