GB2530361A

GB2530361A - Packaging

Info

Publication number: GB2530361A
Application number: GB1506764.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel Davies; Carol Hammond
Original assignee: Multi Packaging Solutions UK Ltd
Current assignee: Multi Packaging Solutions UK Ltd
Priority date: 2014-11-03
Filing date: 2014-11-03
Publication date: 2016-03-23
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-03
Also published as: GB2530361B; GB201506764D0

Abstract

A package 106 includes a container 2 having an open end and a closed end, and a slider (54, fig. 5B) slidably mounted within the container. The slider has sidewalls 60, 104, a facing panel 58 and an end wall 67. The slider has a first end that is closest to the end wall of the container and opposite second end defined by the end wall of the slider. The end wall of the slider is connected to the facing panel at a first edge, and is connected to a panel of a blister pack carrier (56, fig. 5A) at an opposite second edge, the first and second edges of the end wall being connected by side edges of the end wall. The sidewalls terminate at a position spaced from the end wall, and a pair of flaps 68, 70 are connected to respective side edges of the end wall of the slider along respective foldlines, each flap being folded toward an end of the sidewall on its respective side of the slider and extending over at least a portion of the distance between the end of the sidewall and the end wall of the slider.

Description

PACKAGING

The present invention relates to child resistant packaging. The present invention is, in particular, although not exclusively, directed to packaging for pharmaceutical products. The packaging is made of a foldable sheet material, such as cardboard, paperboard, or the like. The present invention seeks to provide an improved child-resistant safety package.

The Applicant has realised that there is a need for improved safety packaging that prevents, or at least makes more difficult, the dispensing of the contents of the packaging by children.

From a first aspect, therefore, the present invention therefore provides a package comprising: a container having an open end and a closed end, and comprising a pair of sidewalls, at least one facing panel connecting the sidewalls, and an end wall; a slider for holding a product, the slider being slidably mounted within the container and comprising at least one sidewall and at least one facing panel; wherein the package comprises at least one releasable locking feature at a side of the package, the releasable locking feature comprising a pail of locking edges, one associated with a sidewall of each of the slider and container respectively, and a release area for releasing a locking abutment between the locking edges, the release area being provided in the sidewall of the container having the locking edge, wherein the locking edge of the slider comprises two or more plies of a material used to provide the slider; wherein the locking edges cooperate to prevent movement of the slider out of the open end of the container for permitting access to the product until a user manually applies pressure to the release area to deform the release area and thereby deflect the locking edge of the slider out of abutment with the locking edge of the container to permit the slider to slide past the locking edge of the container.

The locking edge of the slider is provided by two or more plies of a material used to provide the slider. This may provide a more reliable locking edge, which may cooperate with the locking edge of the container to provide effective locking, even after multiple cycles of sliding the slider into and out of the container. In particularly preferred embodiments, the slider is made from a blank of foldable sheet material, and the locking edge is provided by two or more plies of the foldable sheet material. The plies may be adhered to one another. The blank of foldable sheet material may be a one piece blank of foldable sheet material. While the edge may comprise more than two plies of material, it is preferred that the edge is formed from only two plies of the material. This may facilitate manufacture, and avoids using excessive quantities of material.

A two ply locking edge may be provided by adding an additional separate piece to a sidewall panel of the slider e.g. attaching a separate piece to the inner or outer surface of a sidewall panel that is connected to the facing panel of the slider e.g. along a foldline. However, the locking edge is preferably provided by folding a material of the slider to provide the two or more plies thereof. In some embodiments the sidewall comprises a first panel and a second panel connected thereto along a foldline, and which second panel is folded back over the first panel to provide a multi-ply sidewall terminating in the locking edge. Each panel may be defined by a single thickness of a material of the slider. In preferred embodiments the entire sidewall having the locking edge may comprise the two or more plies of material. At least the at least one facing panel, and optionally the entire remainder of the slider is single ply. Preferably the other sidewall (if provided), and where provided, end wall of the slider are single ply.

The slider has at least one sidewall and at least one facing panel connected to a sidewall or sidewalls of the slider. Preferably each facing panel is connected to the or each sidewall. The slider has at least the sidewall which provides the locking edge. The slider may comprise a single facing panel or a pair of facing panels.

The slider may include only a single sidewall. In some preferred embodiments the slider comprises a pair of sidewalls connected by the at least one facing panel, and preferably by a single facing panel. The or each sidewall is preferably attached to the facing panel or panels of the slider along a respective foldline or foldlines.

The slider is slidably mounted with respect to the container. This enables the slider to be slid out of the container to provide access to a product held by the slider when the releasable locking feature is released. The slider may hold the product in an interior space thereof. The slider may be slidably mounted with respect to the container to enable the slider to be moved between a first position relative to the container, in which the slider is located at least partially within the container for preventing access to a product held by the slider, and a second position relative to the container in which at least a portion of the slider extends out of the open end of the container for permitting access to the product, wherein the

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releasable locking feature selectively prevents movement of the slider relative to the container from the first position to the second position. The releasable locking feature will prevent movement of the slider relative to the container from the first position to the second position until a user manually applies pressure to the release area of the locking feature. Preferably the first position is a position in which the slider is located fully within the container. The releasable locking feature may be the only means for preventing the slider from sliding from the first position relative to the container to the second position.

The package preferably comprises only one said releasable locking feature comprising a pair of locking edges associated with respective sidewalls of the slider and container, and a release area therefor on the sidewall of the container. The releasable locking feature is associated with a side of the package in that the pair of locking edges and the release area therefor are associated with sidewalls of the slider and container at a side of the package.

It will be appreciated that the "releasable locking feature" may be referred to as a "locking feature" herein for brevity, and a reference to a "locking feature" herein should be understood interchangeably with the term "releasable locking feature" unless the context demands otherwise.

Deformation of the release area results in the edge of the slider that cooperates with the locking edge of the container to prevent the slider being moved out of the open end of the container being deflected out of abutment with the locking edge of the container to permit the slider to slide past the locking edge. The release area acts on a portion of the sidewall of the slider providing the locking edge to deflect the edge of the slider out of abutment with the locking edge of the container.

It will be appreciated that in accordance with the invention in any of its embodiments, the slider has a first end that is closest to the end wall of the container i.e. the closed end thereof, and an opposite second end. The closed end of the container may be referred to as the bottom end thereof, and the open end the top end thereof. The first end of the slider may therefore be referred to as a bottom end of the slider, and the second end of the slider the top end thereof. The second end of the slider may be defined by a top edge of the facing panel(s) of the slider, and optionally by an end wall. Regardless of the relative positions of the slider and the container, the first end of the slider will remain closest to the end wall of the container (although the distance between the end of the slider and the end wall of the container will vary as the slider slides into or out of the container). As used herein, the term "upper" refers to a position closer to the top open end of the container (or the second end of the slider), and the term "lower" refers to a position closer to the bottom closed end of the container (or the first end of the slider).

The releasable locking feature comprises a locking edge of the slider which cooperates with the locking edge of the container. Preferably the edge extends across the entire width of the sidewall of the slider. Preferably the sidewall of the slider having the locking edge terminates in the locking edge. Thus the locking edge is provided by a transverse end edge of the sidewall. The locking edge of the slider may be a transversely extending end edge of the sidewall closest to the second end of the slider. The edge may be a straight edge. The locking edge may extend perpendicular to a foldline connecting the sidewall to the or a facing panel of the slider.

In embodiments the sidewall of the slider providing the locking edge terminates at a point spaced from the second end of the slider. Each sidewall of the slider (where a pair of sidewalls are provided) may be of the same length i.e. terminating at the same point relative to the second end of the slider.

Preferably, where the slider comprises a pair of sidewalls, only one of the sidewalls of the slider defines a locking edge. Preferably the other sidewall is a single ply sidewall. The package therefore preferably comprises a leleasable locking feature associated with only one side thereof i.e. of the container/slider.

Preferably the slider comprises a single facing panel and one or a pair of sidewalls upstanding therefrom. The or each sidewall of the slider may cooperate with the sidewalls of the container to guide the slider as it slides relative to the container. The or each sidewall may act as a runner for the slider.

The slider may comprise an end wall at the second end thereof. The end wall may close the open end of the container when the slider is located therein to provide a closed package. In some preferred embodiments the or each sidewall of the slider terminates at a position spaced from the end wall of the slider, and at least one flap is connected to a respective side edge of the end wall along a respective foldline, and is folded so as to extend toward the end of the sidewall of the slider on the respective side thereof over at least a portion of the distance between the end of the sidewall and the end wall of the slider. Preferably the or each flap terminates at a point spaced from an end of the sidewall on the respective side of the slider. Preferably the slider comprises a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of such flaps are provided, one on each respective side of the slider. It has been found that such flaps may help to stabilise the end wall of the slider when the slider is disposed in the container in a storage configuration, and inhibit outward rolling of the end wall relative to the open end of the container. This may help to prevent access of a product held in the slider.

As will be described above, the release area may interact with at least a portion of the sidewall of the slider to deflect the locking edge out of abutment with the locking edge of the container. The portion may be a portion adjacent the locking edge of the slider.

The or each facing panel of the slider may be of any desired shape. In some embodiments in which the slider comprises at least one sidewall having a transverse end edge closest to the second end of the slider that is spaced therefrom, the or each facing panel is necked in the region between the second end of the slider and the end of the sidewall.

The locking edge of the slider may be located at any point along the length of the slider. The locking edge is preferably located closer to the second end of the slider than the first end. The locking edge may be located less than 40% or less than 30% along the length of the slider from the second end thereof. The locking edge is preferably spaced from the second end of the slider. The locking edge may be located at least 10% or at least 15% along the length of the slider from the second end thereof. However, these ranges are merely exemplary, and the most suitable dimensions will depend upon the size and configuration of a particular container and package, and its content.

The container may be of any suitable form. Preferably the container comprises a pair of opposed facing panels connecting the pair of sidewalls thereof.

The locking edge of the container engages the locking edge of the slider to prevent movement of the slider out of the container as described herein. The locking edge of the container is provided on the sidewall of the container having the release area.

The locking edge of the container is a transversely extending edge. The locking edge may extend across the entire width of the sidewall of the container.

The locking edge may extend perpendicular to a foldline connecting the sidewall to the facing panel. The locking edge of the container is provided on the sidewall of the container having the release area. The locking edge may extend inwardly from the interior of a sidewall panel for cooperating with the locking edge of the slider.

The locking edge may be provided in any suitable manner e.g. by joining an additional component to a portion of the interior of the sidewall of the container, or by varying a thickness of the sidewall etc. In some embodiments the locking edge is provided by the edge of a glue flap joined to an interior of the sidewall. The glue flap may be joined to the interior of atop flap of the sidewall panel. In embodiments in which the container comprises a pair of facing panels, the glue flap is connected along a foldline to a facing panel of the container opposite a facing panel to which the top flap is connected along a foldline. The top flap may be defined by a transverse cutline in the sidewall panel. Preferably the cutline extends into a facing panel of the container to which the top flap is connected along a foldline.

The releasable locking feature comprises a release area. The release area may be provided in any suitable location on the sidewall of the container. The release area may or may not be specifically defined i.e. by a structural feature or features of the sidewall and/or by a graphical indication of the position of the release area. In some embodiments, it is envisaged that, depending e.g. upon the stiffness of the material providing the sidewall of the container, the user may be able to deform the sidewall to deflect the locking edge of the slider without needing to provide specific structural features to define the release area, or facilitate its deformation. Whether or not the release area is specifically defined by structural features, the container e.g. the sidewall thereof may be provided with a marking or instruction to a user as to the location of a release area and/or how to release the locking abutment e.g. "push here".

Where a defined release area is provided, the defined release area may be of any desired size. Preferably the release area is sized appropriately to enable pressure to be exerted thereon by a fingertip. A defined release area corresponds to only a portion of the area of the sidewall. The release area preferably extends across the entire width of the sidewall.

Defining the release area using at least one cutline may facilitate deformation of the release area to release the locking abutment. In preferred embodiments the container comprises at least one cutline in the sidewall of the container that defines the release area. A single cutline may be provided defining one edge e.g. a top edge of the release area. The cutline may define a top flap of a sidewall panel as described above. In some preferred embodiments the release area is defined between first and second cutlines in a sidewall of the container.

The cutlines are spaced from one another along the length of the sidewall. The cutlines may provide a more precisely defined release area. One of the cutlines may define a top flap of a sidewall panel as described above.

A cutline as referred to herein may comprise one or more cuts. In some embodiments any one, or each, of the cutlines of the pair of cutlines may comprise a line of perforations. A cutline will then comprise a plurality of cuts, adjacent cuts being separated by a web of material. A cutline comprising a line of perforations may comprise two or more cuts. In embodiments in which a cutline comprises a line of perforations, the perforations will be broken by a user upon fiist use of the package when pressure is applied to the release area of the container to create a continuous cutline. In preferred embodiments a or preferably each cutline where multiple cutlines are provided is a non-perforated cutline. The cutline may then be defined by a single continuous cut. A cutline may be defined between cut edges of adjacent components of the sidewall. The or each cutline is preferably a straight line. However, it is envisaged that the or each cutline may be curved, whether concavely or convexly. This may provide a rounded release area. Where first and second cutlines are provided, the cutlines preferably extend parallel to one another.

Preferably the or each cutline extends perpendicular to a foldline connecting the sidewall to a facing panel of the container. Preferably the or each cutline extends into a facing panel of the container. However, this is only a preferred feature to facilitate operation of the release area. A cutline or cutlines may optionally be provided in an opposed facing panel of the container to provide a continuation of the cutline or cutlines.

The package of the present invention in any of its aspects or embodiments may comprise any desired additional features.

In preferred embodiments the package comprises a retaining feature for preventing complete separation of the slider from the container. The retaining feature may comprise respective parts of the container and slider which interact with one another to prevent complete separation of the slider from the container.

The cooperating parts may be provided at the open (top) end of the container and the first (bottom) end of the slider respectively. The parts may be respective flaps provided one on each of the container and slider. The respective flaps of the slider and container may be connected to the slider and container along foldlines. The flaps are hingedly connected to the container and slider respectively. Preferably the container part of the retaining feature comprises a flap provided at the open top end of the container. The flap may extend from the open top end of the container and be folded back toward the closed bottom end. The flap may extend from an edge of one of the facing panels of the container. The slider part of the retaining feature e.g. a cooperating flap of the slider may comprise a flap at the first (bottom) end of the slider. The flap may extend from the first, bottom end of the slider and be folded back toward the second, top end.

One or both of the facing panels of the container may comprise a notch to facilitate gripping of the slider when located within the container for withdrawing the slider from the container. The notch may be provided on the edge of the facing panel which defines the open end of the container. Preferably a pair of notches, and most preferably matching notches, is provided, one on each of the respective ones of the facing panels.

In accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments, the slider is configured to hold a product. The slider may comprise any suitable container for the product, with the configuration depending upon the product to be held. The invention extends to the package in accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments comprising the product. In some preferred embodiments the product is in the form of a blister pack. Blister packs are well known, particularly for pharmaceutical products. The pack comprises one or more "blisters" which hold capsules, tablets or other items, and whose face is sealed by a foil or other film. The blister contents are dispensed by the user pressing down on the blister, thereby pushing the contents out through the sealing film.

While a blister pack may be held directly by the slider, in preferred embodiments the package comprises a carrier for the blister pack, and the slider is configured to hold the blister pack carrier. The carrier for the blister pack may be integral with the slider, or may be a separate component joined thereto. Preferably the blister pack carrier e.g. a panel thereof is connected to the slider along a foldline. The blister pack carrier may be hingedly connected to the slider. In some preferred embodiments the carrier for the blister pack is defined by part of a blank, which blank also defines the slider. The blank is preferably a single piece blank.

The blister pack carrier may be attached to any wall or edge of the slider.

The blister pack carrier may be attached to an end or side edge of the slider.

Preferably the blister pack carrier is connected to the slider at the second end of the slider. The blister pack carrier may be connected to the slider at an end opposite to an end having a flap forming part of a retaining means for preventing compete separation of the slider from the container. In some preferred embodiments a panel of the blister pack carrier is connected to an end wall of the slider along a foldine at a first edge of the end wall. The end wall of the slider may be connected to a facing panel of the slider by a foldline at an opposed second edge of the end wall. The first and second edges of the end wall are connected by side edges of the end wall.

It has been found that the use of at least one flap extending from an end wall of the slider to stabilise the end wall, and prevent rollout as discussed above, is particularly advantageous when the slider comprises a blister pack carrier connected thereto (whether integral with the slider or not). This may help to prevent access to the blisters by rolling the end wall outwardly. In embodiments comprising such a flap or flaps, preferably the end wall is connected to the facing panel along a foldline at a first edge of the end wall, and is connected to a panel of a blister pack carrier along a foldline at an opposite second edge of the end wall, the first and second edges of the end wall being connected by the side edges of the end wall.

From a further aspect of the invention there is provided; a slider configured to be slidably mounted within a container and comprising at least one sidewall, at least one facing panel, and an end wall, wherein the end wall is connected to the facing panel at a first edge of the end wall, and is connected to a panel of a blister pack carrier at an opposite second edge of the end wall, the first and second edges of the end wall being connected by side edges of the end wall; wherein the at least one sidewall of the slider terminates at a position spaced from the end wall of the slider; and wherein the slider comprises at least one flap connected to a respective side edge of the end wall along a foldline, the or each said flap being folded toward an end of the sidewall on its respective side of the slider and extending over at least a portion of the distance between the end of the sidewall and the end wall of the slider.

The invention extends to a container having the slider of this further aspect slidably mounted therein. The container may have an open end and a closed end, and comprise a pair of sidewalls, at least one (and preferably a pair of) facing panel connecting the sidewalls and an end wall. The container may be in accordance with any of the embodiments previously described. The at least one flap is hingedly connected to the end wall along a respective foldline.

Preferably the slider comprises a pair of sidewalls, each sidewall terminating at a position spaced from the end wall of the slider, and a pair of flaps are connected to respective ones of the side edges of the end wall along respective foidlines, each flap being folded towards an end of the sidewall on its respective side of the slider and extending over at least a portion of the distance between the end of the sidewall and the end wall of the slider.

Preferably the end wall of the slider is connected to the facing panel along a foldline at a first edge of the end wall, and is connected to a panel of a blister pack carrier along a foldline at an opposite second edge of the end wall.

The present invention in accordance with any of its further aspects or embodiments may include any of the features described in reference to other aspects or embodiments of the invention to the extent it is not mutually inconsistent therewith.

Preferably the or each flap terminates at a point spaced from an end of the sidewall on the respective side of the slider.

In these aspects and embodiments of the invention, preferably the blister pack comprises only one layer of blisters. In these arrangements the rollover problem is particularly significant, as there is no additional adjacent layer of blisters with which the blisters can interlock to prevent movement of the blister pack carrier and inhibit the roll out problem.

In accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments, the blister pack carrier may be formed as a single panel, simply supporting the blister pack. However, in preferred embodiments the blister pack carrier comprises first and second panels, the blister pack being located between the first and second panels. The first and second panels may be secured to one another to retain the blister pack therebetween. The blister pack carrier preferably comprises a first panel having one or more opening for receiving a blister of the blister pack and a second panel having one or more dispensing openings aligned with said first panel opening. Preferably the carrier comprises a first panel having an opening for movably receiving a blister of said blister pack and a second panel having one or more dispensing openings aligned with said first panel opening, the first panel and the second panel slidably receiving the blister pack therebetween. The first and second panels may be connected to one another along a foldline. The first and second panels may be connected to one another in an end to end or side by side configuration. Where the blister pack carrier is connected to the slider, either of the first and second panels may be connected thereto along a foldline.

In accordance with any of the aspects or embodiments of the invention including a blister pack carrier, the blister pack carrier may provide an additional level of child resistance. The first and second panels of the blister pack carrier may be secured to one another to retain the blister pack therebetween in a manner permitting movement e.g. slidable movement of the blister pack relative to the carrier to permit a blister to be moved into alignment with a said dispensing opening for dispensing the blisters contents. In some preferred embodiments the carrier comprises a first panel having an opening for movably receiving a blister of said blister pack and a second panel having one or more dispensing openings aligned with said first panel opening, the first panel and the second panel slidably receiving the blister pack therebetween; and a blocking member selectively moveable between a blocking position and a dispensing position, said blocking member in its blocking position preventing movement of said blister in said first panel opening into alignment with a said dispensing opening, thereby preventing dispensing of the blister's contents through the dispensing opening, and in said dispensing position permitting said blister to be moved into alignment with said dispensing opening for dispensing the blister's contents.

Thus in accordance with these preferred embodiments of the invention, before dispensing a capsule etc. from a blister, the blocking member must first be moved to a dispensing position to allow the blister to be moved into alignment with a dispensing opening. This will at least make it more difficult for a child to dispense the blistel's contents.

The blister pack carrier having such a blocking member may be in accordance with any of the embodiments described in GB 2451850A.

In accordance with any of the embodiments of the invention including a blocking member, the blocking member is preferably sandwiched between the first and second panels of the blister pack carrier.

The blocking member may be formed integrally with the blister pack carrier or may be a separate member mounted therein. For example, the blocking member may be attached to one of the blister pack carrier panels about a fold line, or may be a separate piece inserted between the blister pack carrier panels.

The blocking member has a part, e.g. an edge, which, in the blocking position, cooperates with the blister pack to prevent its movement. The blocking member may be a tab. The tab may be generally triangular or trapezoidal in shape, with its wider end adjacent an end of the blister pack carrier. The end is preferably an end of the carrier at which the first and second panels are connected to one another about a fold line. The end is preferably an end opposite to an end at which the blister pack carrier is connected to the slider. The blocking member, or at least the portion thereof having the blocking pad, may be located centrally between the side edges of the blister pack carrier. In some embodiments the blocking member is a blocking tab which is pushed out of the plane of the package to allow the blister pack to move. The first or second panel may then be formed with a tab portion which is generally aligned with a blocking tab of the blocking member and which is depressible along with the blocking tab so as to allow the blister pack to slide up over an external surface of the tab portion. The other of the first panel or second panel is preferably provided with one or more cuts or lines of weakness which allow the tab to pushed through that panel.

In other embodiments, the blocking member is slidably mounted between the first and second panels of the blister pack carrier. The blocking member may be selectively slidably retractable from between the first and second panels in order to permit the blister pack to move in the package. To this end, an edge of the blocking member may comprise one or more recesses which, when the blocking member is retracted, align with the blister to allow the blister pack to move.

Preferably stop means are provided to prevent the blocking member from being fully retracted from the carrier. In one embodiment, the blocking member is generally T-shaped, with stop members being provided adjacent opposed edges of the lower limb of the blocking member.

The opening for receiving a blister of the blister pack in the first panel in any of the embodiments in which the blister pack carrier includes first and second panels, whether or not a blocking member is provided or the carrier is configured to movably receive a blister pack, may be of any suitable form, and may be configured to enable a single blister to pass therethrough. In any of the embodiments in which the blister pack is configured to be movable between first and second panels of the blister pack carrier, whether or not a blocking member is provided, preferably the or each opening of the first panel is an elongate slot. This allows the slot to closely receive and guide the blister of the blister pack. The opening or slot within the first panel need only be sufficiently long to accommodate a single blister, but preferably it is long enough to accommodate a strip of blisters. As most blister packs are formed with a plurality of rows of blisters, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of parallel slots are provided in the first panel, and a plurality of aligned rows of dispensing openings provided in the second panel. Preferably the blister pack is mounted for sliding movement along a straight line relative to the -13-carrier. Preferably, therefore, the first panel slot or slots is or are straight. The first panel slot may be configured so to align a blister with the relevant dispensing opening when the or an end-most blister in a blister row is located against one end of the slot. In some embodiments, therefore, the end of the slot may be arcuate for engagement with an arcuate blister. However, this is not essential, and it may in fact be desirable to require the blister to be aligned manually with the dispensing opening, thereby making it even more difficult for a child to dispense the contents.

The or each dispensing opening of the second panel, in any or the embodiments in which the carrier includes first and second panels, whether or not the blister pack carrier is configured to movably receive a blister pack or includes a blocking member, may be provided with a removable cover. The cover may be defined by a line of weakness e.g. perforations around the opening. The second panel is preferably provided with a plurality of dispensing openings corresponding in number to the number of blisters provided in the blister pack. In embodiments in which the blister pack is moved to a dispensing position e.g. where a blocking member is provided, one or other of the blisters will be in alignment with a dispensing opening.

Where the blister pack is arranged to be movable between the first and second panels of the blister pack, one or more flaps may be provided along the edge of one or other of the first and second panels in order to space the panels from one another when folded face to face to facilitate movement of the blister pack within the package.

In accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments, any one or ones of the panels or walls of the container, slider or blister pack carrier may be formed from a single component, or may be defined by multiple components.

Thus a panel may include a plurality of sub panels.

Preferably the facing panels of the container or slider are single component panels.

The slider and container, and where provided, the blister pack carrier, are each made from a foldable sheet material such as cardboard, paperboard or other lightweight foldable sheet material. However, any suitable sheet material may be used, for example a plastics material. The container and slider, and, where applicable, blister pack carrier, may each comprise any suitable arrangement of construction flaps or other means to retain the respective parts in their dimensional states.

The slider and container may each be made from a number of separate pads assembled together in an appropriate manner. Preferably the slider and the container are each constructed from a respective blank of material. Each blank is preferably a single piece blank.

The present invention extends to a blank of foldable sheet material for making the slider of a package in accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments, preferably wherein the blank is a single piece blank. In preferred embodiments the blank for providing the slider additionally comprises a portion for providing a blister pack carrier to be received by the slider. Thus, the slider and blister pack carrier are then provided from a single blank. Preferably the portion for providing the blister pack carrier is integral with the portion for providing the slider. Preferably the blank is a single piece blank for providing the carrier and slider. Of course, in other arrangements it is envisaged that the blister pack carrier may be formed from a separate blank to the slider, and then attached to the slider.

The present invention extends to a blank for making the container of a package in accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments, preferably wherein the blank is a single piece blank.

The present invention extends to a single piece blank of foldable sheet material for making a container in accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments, preferably wherein the blank is a single piece blank.

A fold line as referred to herein refers to any line about which components have been folded. The fold line may comprise a line of weakness, creaseline and/or perforations. If not explicitly stated, and unless inconsistent therewith, any connection described herein may be about a foldline.

Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a first blank for providing the container of a package in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows the container obtained by erecting the blank of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a second blank for providing a slider and blister pack carrier of the package in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -13 -Figures 4A-D illustrate the steps involved in constructing the blister pack carrier from the blank of Figure 3; Figure 5A illustrates the blister pack carrier obtained in a storage position within the slider; Figure 5B illustrates the blister pack carrier after it has been moved into a position relative to the slider to permit access to the blisters; Figure 6 illustrates a package in accordance with the invention formed by assembling the slider with its blister pack carrier shown in Figure 5A and the container shown in Figure 2; Figure 7A illustrates a locking abutment between locking edges of the container and slider; Figure 7B illustrates the way in which the locking edge of the slider may be moved out of locking abutment with the locking edge of the container under manual pressure; 13 Figures 8A to D illustrate the steps involved in obtaining access to the contents of the blister pack held in the blister pack carrier, Figure 9A and 9B are side views in the vicinity of the top end of an assembled package, illustrating the operation of a further child resistant feature of the invention. Figure 9A illustrates an arrangement in which the slider of the package does not incorporate flaps 68, 70, and Figure 9B illustrates an arrangement in which such flaps are provided, Figure 10 illustrates a further blank for providing a slider and blister pack carrier of a package in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, and Figure 11 illustrates a further blank for providing a slider and blister pack carrier of a package in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.

With reference to Figure 1, a blank 2 of paperboard or other foldable sheet material as known in the packaging art is shown that may be used to construct a container of a package in accordance with the invention. It will be appreciated that the wavy lines on certain glue flaps e.g. 10, 14 denote scoring which may optionally be applied to facilitate adhesion. Figure 1 shows the blank from the top side in the flat which will form the exterior of the container. The blank 2 comprises a first panel 4 and a second panel 6 for providing facing panels of the container, and a third panel 8 for providing one side wall of the container. The first and second panels 4, 33 6 are connected via first and second fold lines 3, 5 to opposed side edges of the third panel 8. The blank also includes a glue flap 10 connected to the first panel 4 along a third foldline 7. A panel for providing the opposite side wall of the container has been slit along a cutline 36 to define a top flap 16 and a lower fourth panel 12.

The cutline 36 extends into the second panel 6. The flap 16 and fourth panel 12 are connected along fourth and fifth fold lines 9, 11 to the second panel 6. A glue flap 14 is connected to the fourth panel 12 along a sixth foldline 13 along a side edge of the panel 12 opposite to that connected to the second panel 6. A further cutline 38 is provided extending across the entire width of the fourth panel 12, and into the second panel 6 and the flap 14. The cutlines 36 and 38 extend parallel to one another, and are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The cutlines define an area 18 therebetween which will provide a release area of a locking feature of a package including the container. Third and fourth cutlines 37 and 39 are provided on the first panel 4 below the glue flap 10, which will provide a continuation of cutlines 36 and 38 when the blank is erected. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cutlines 36, 38 extend into the panel 6, and the cutline 38 also extends into the panel 14.

It will be appreciated that while such arrangements are advantageous to facilitate operation of the release area, this is not essential, and the cutlines 36, 38 may be confined to the sidewall. Furthermore, the cutlines 36, 38 may not be straight, and may be e.g. curved, or of any other shape to provide a release area.

Finally, it will be appreciated that only one cutline e.g. cutline 36 may be provided.

It is also envisaged that a release area may be provided that is not defined by specific structural feature(s) of the container sidewall. For example, if the sidewall is made of a suitably flexible material, it may be deflected by the user without additional features to facilitate such deformation. Whether or not the release area is defined by structural features, a marking may be provided on the container e.g. the sidewall thereof indicative of how the release of the abutment may be effected and/or the position of the release area e.g. "press here".

The blank also includes a flap 20 for providing a bottom end wall of the container, and a set of construction flaps 22, 24, 26 for attachment to the flap 20.

The flaps 20, 22, 24 and 26 are connected respectively to the first panel, third panel, second panel and fourth panel 12 along respective seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth fold lines 15, 17, 19 and 21. At the opposite end, which will define the top of the container, the blank includes flaps 28 and 30 connected along respective eleventh and twelfth fold lines 23, 25 to the first and second panels 4, 6. Circular cutouts 32 and 34 are provided between the flaps 28 and 30 respectively and the first and second panels 4,6, in the central portion of the panels 4, 6 between their side edges. It will be appreciate that any suitably shaped cutout may be used to define a thumb notch.

Foldlines 3, 5, 7 and 13 are all parallel to one another. Foldlines 9 and 11 are parallel to each of foldlines 3, 5, 7 and 13. Foldlines 15, 17, 19,23 and 25 are also parallel to one another, and perpendicular to foldlines 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13.

Erection of the container from the blank of Figure 1 will now be described.

For ease of reference, the surface of the blank, and the panel/flaps thereof visible in Figure 1 will be referred to as the exterior surface thereof, with the opposite surface of the blank (and the panels/flaps theleof) being referred to as the interior surface.

The blank is folded about the various fold lines. The exterior surface of flap 10 is glued to the interior surface of the flap 16. The exterior surface of flap 14 is glued to the interior surface of the first panel 4 along the side edge below flap 10. The exterior surfaces of flaps 22, 24, and 26 are glued to the interior surface of flap 20.

The flaps 28, 30 are folded through 180 degrees onto the interior surfaces of first and second panels 4 and 8 respectively.

In this way a container 2 as illustrated in Figure 2 is produced. The same reference numerals will be used to refer to the parts of the container corresponding to parts of the blank identified in relation to Figure 1. The container 2 has a closed bottom end, defined by end wall 20 and an opposed open top end. The container has facing panels 4, 6, provided by the first and second panels of the blank, and side walls 44 and 46. Side wall 46 is provided by panel 8 of the blank. Side wall 44 is provided by top flap 16 and the lower fourth panel 12 of the blank. The sidewall 44 includes the cutlines 36 and 38 defining a release area 18 therebetween. The cutlines enable the release area to be depressed out of the plane of the sidewall toward the interior of the container. The cutlines 37, 39 provide a continuation of the cutlines 36, 38 on to the first panel 4 to further facilitate depression of the release area. At the open end of the container, the flaps 28 and 30 have been folded back against the interior of facing panels 4 and 6. The cut outs 32 and 34 define semicircular notches 42 and 40 respectively along the edges of the container defined by the folding of flaps 28 and 30. The bottom edge of the glue flap 10 furthest from the open top end of the container provides a locking edge which may cooperate with a locking edge of the slider inserted in the container as described below. -18-

A second blank for providing a slider and blister pack carrier for the package of the present invention will now be described by reference to Figure 3, which shows the blank in the flat.

The blank 50 includes a first portion 54 which will provide a slider, and a second portion 56 connected thereto which will provide a carrier for a blister pack.

Referring to the portion of the blank for forming the slider, the blank includes a first panel 58 for forming a base of the slider, and second and third panels 60, 62, connected to respective side edges of the first panel 58 along first and second fold lines 59, 61, which will form the upstanding sidewalls of the slider. A flap 64 is connected to the third panel 62 along a third fold line 63. A fourth panel 67 is connected to an end of the first panel 58 along a fourth fold line 65, and will form an end wall of the slider. A flap 66 is connected to an opposite end of the panel 58 along a fifth foldline 69. Two tabs 68 and 70 extend from the side edges of the fourth panel 67, being connected thereto along sixth and seventh fold lines 71, 73, for purposes to be discussed below.

The first, second, third, sixth and seventh foldlines 59, 61, 63, 71, 73 are parallel to one another. The fourth and fifth foldlines 65, 69 are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the first, second, third, sixth and seventh fold lines.

Turning to the portion 56 of the blank that will provide the blister pack carrier, the blank includes a fourth panel 80 and a fifth panel 82 that will provide respective first and second panels of the blister pack carrier. The fourth panel 80 includes four elongate, parallel slots 84. The fifth panel 82 comprises four parallel rows of dispensing openings 81 aligned with the slots 84. The fourth panel 80 is connected to the fifth panel 82 along an eighth fold line 83. Of course, a different number of slots may be provided in the fourth panel, with a corresponding number of rows of dispensing openings in the fifth panel 82. The arrangement with four slots, and four rows of dispensing openings is merely exemplary.

A generally trapezoidal blocking tab 86 is connected to a side edge of the fourth panel 80 via a connecting leg 88 at the end of the fourth panel 80 adjacent the foldline 83 connecting the panel to the fifth panel 82. The connecting leg 88 is connected to the side edge of the fourth panel via a ninth fold line 89. As will be illustrated below by reference to Figure 10, in alternative embodiments a blocking panel may instead be connected to the free end edge of panel 80. Furthermore, a blocking tab or panel may be provided as a separate piece inserted between the fourth and fifth panels rather than being attached to one of the panels along a fold line.

The fifth panel 82 is connected to the end wall 67 of the slider along a tenth foldline 85.

The fourth panel 80 comprises an arcuate cut line 90 which defines a tab.

The cut 90 is positioned such that when the connecting leg 88 having the blocking tab 86 is folded about the foldline 89 connecting it to the side edge of the fourth panel 80, the tab defined by the arcuate cut 90 is generally aligned with the distal end of the blocking tab 86.

The fifth panel 82 is provided with an arcuate cut line 92 defining a tab which, when the fourth panel 80 is folded over the fifth panel 82 is also generally aligned with the blocking tab 86.

The eighth foldline 83 and the tenth foldline 85 are parallel to one another and to the fourth foldline 65. The ninth foldline 89 is parallel to the sixth and seventh foldlines 71, 73 and perpendicular to the eighth and tenth foldlines 83, 85.

Erection of a slider and blister pack carrier in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention from the blank of Figure 3 will now be described. The same reference numerals will be used to refer to the parts of the slider and blister pack carrier corresponding to parts of the blank identified in relation to Figure 3. The erected slider is shown in Figure 5A.

The view of the blank shown in Figure 3 shows the surface of the blank that will form the interior surface of the slider when folded. References to the interior surface of the blank, or a component thereof, refer to the surface that is visible in Figure 3. The exterior surface refers to the opposite surface thereof In one exemplary embodiment, the flap 64 is folded through 180 degrees and secured to the exterior surface of the third panel 62 using adhesive. This will provide a two ply sidewall 104 of the slider. Of course, such a two ply sidewall could alternatively be provided by joining a separate piece to the sidewall panel of the slider. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the slider might only have a single sidewall, being that defining the locking edge.

The blister pack carrier is then constructed. Construction of the blister pack carrier will be described by reference to Figures 3 and 4A-D. Figures 4A-D omit the slider portion of the blank (connected to the end of panel 82 opposite to that connected via the foldline 83 to panel 80) for ease of illustration. The same -20 -reference numerals will be used to refer to the parts of the blister pack carrier corresponding to parts of the blank identified in relation to Figure 3.

With reference to Figures 3 and 4A, glue is applied to the shaded region of the fourth panel 80. The blocking tab 86 is folded about the ninth foldline 89 connecting the connecting portion 88 to the side edge of the fourth panel 80 in the direction of the arrow A shown in Figure 4A to a position in which the blocking tab 86 is aligned with the tab defined by the cut 90. This position is shown in Figure 4B. The blocking tab 66 is secured in this position by the glue.

As shown in Figure 40, a blister pack 94 having four parallel rows of blisters, with 8, 8, 7 and 7 blisters therein respectively is positioned such that the blisters are located within the slots 84 of the fourth panel 80, with leading edge 107 of the blister pack 94 being spaced from the tip of the blocking tab 86. The blister pack is positioned within the region of the fourth panel that has not had glue applied thereto.

The fifth panel 82 is then folded about the eighth fold line 83 connecting it to the fourth panel 80 in the direction of the arrow B so as to overlie the surface of panel 80 and trap the blister pack 94 between the two panels 82, 84.

Of course, alternatively the fourth panel 80 may be folded over the fifth panel 82. In such cases, further steps may be needed to locate the blister pack on the second panel 82.

The resulting blister pack carrier 56 is shown in Figure 4D. The blister pack carrier is shown from the side of the first panel 100 (corresponding to panel 80 of the blank), and which has the parallel slots 84. Blisters 96 of blister pack 94 located between the first panel 100 and a second panel 102 of the carrier (corresponding to panel 82 of the blank) are disposed in the slots 84.

The blister pack carrier 56 is them folded about the tenth foldline 85 so as to overlie the first panel 58 of the slider. The second and third panels 60, 62 of the slider are folded along the first and second foldlines 59, 61 connecting them to the first panel 58 to provide sidewalls of the slider, upstanding from a base provided by first panel 58. The flap 66 is folded toward the interior surface of the first panel 58 about fifth foldline 69. Of course, in alternative embodiments, the second and third panels 60, 62 of the slider may be folded along the first and second foldlines 59, 61 to provide upstanding walls before the blister pack carrier 56 is folded along foldline to overlie the first panel 58 of the slider.

The blank 50 including the slider and blister pack carrier may be rotated one or more times during the above described erection steps to facilitate handling.

It will be appreciated that the order of steps in constructing the blister pack carrier and/or slider, and arranging the blister pack carrier relative to the slider may vary from the above described exemplary method, depending upon factors such as the techniques and configuration of adhesive used, and the configuration and orientation of the manufacturing line and its machinery etc. Figure 5A illustrates the erected blank shown in Figure 3 with the assembled blister pack carrier 56 in a storage position within the interior space defined by the assembled slider 54. The blister pack carrier is movable in the direction of arrow C through up to 180 degrees, about the foldline 85 connecting it to the end wall 67 of the slider, to the position shown in Figure 5B to provide access to the blister pack carrier for dispensing the contents of the blisters.

Assembly of the slider 54, with its integrally attached blister pack carrier 56, to the container 2 to provide a package in accordance with the invention will now be described.

The flap 66 of the slider is folded back about fifth foldline 69 toward the facing panel 58 before the slider is inserted in the container. The flaps 68, 70 are folded back about sixth and seventh foldlines 71, 73 toward the transverse ends of the sidewalls 60, 104. The slider is inserted into the container shown in Figure 2 with the end having the flap 66 first (the first end of the slider). The second (or top) end of the slider is therefore that disposed furthest from the closed end of the container, and having the blister pack carrier connected thereto along the foldline 83. The slider is inserted fully into the container. In this position the transversely extending edge of the double ply sidewall 104 of the slider formed by panels 62 and 64 which is closest to the second end of the slider abuts the locking edge of the container provided by the edge of flap 10 furthest from the open end of the container. The abutment between the locking edges of the container and slider prevent the slider from being slid back out of the container until the abutment is released by a user. The end panel 67 of the slider closes the open end of the container in this position.

Figure 6 schematically illustrates the resulting package 106 formed from the slider 54 inserted in the container 2 of Figure 2, with the blister pack carrier 56 in a storage position.

-22 -Figure 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the side of the package showing the locking abutment between the transversely extending end edge of the double ply sidewall 104 made from panels 62 and 64 and the edge of flap 10.

Figure 7B illustrates how, when a user manually exerts pressure on the release area 18 to push it inwardly towards the interior of the package, the locking edge of the sidewall 104 may be deflected to allow it to ride past the locking edge provided by the flap 10.

Operation of the package will now be described.

The package 106 is supplied to a user with the slider 54 inserted in the container 2, and the abutment between the locking edges of the slider and the container preventing the slider from being slid out of the open end of the container to allow access to the blister pack carrier. In order to be able to slide the slider out of the sleeve, the user manually presses on the release area 18 as shown in Figure 7B. This deflects the end of the sidewall 104 of the slider 54 having the locking edge at its distal end out of abutment with the locking edge of the container provided by the panel 10. The user may then slide the slider out of the container, with the sidewall 104 riding past the locking edge of the container. This provides an impediment to a child obtaining access to the blister pack and its carrier, as a particular set of actions must be performed, and a certain degree of pressure exerted on the release area of the container, in order to release the locking abutment. As the release area is defined between cutlines 36 and 38, it may be readily identified by a user, and a more precise area is provided that will deform under manual pressure.

The slider may be slid out of the container to reveal the blister pack carrier, which is in its storage position as shown in Figure 5A. The slider is prevented from being completely separated from the container by virtue of engagement between the flaps 66 and 28. The user then folds the blister pack carrier 56 out of the slider by moving the free end of the blister pack carrier 56 in the direction of arrow C in Figure 5A to the position in Figure 5B.

Initially the blister pack is in a position in which the blisters are not aligned with the dispensing openings 81 in the panel 82. The user must overcome the blocking provided by the blocking tab 86 to be able to slide the blister pack relative to the first and second panels 80, 82 of the blister pack carrier to a position in which the blisters are aligned with the dispensing openings.

-23 -The operation of the blocking tab will be described by reference to Figures 8 A-D. Figure 8A illustrates the blister pack carrier obtained following the steps shown in Figures 4A-D, and corresponds to Figure 4D. Figure SB illustrates the carrier from the reverse side i.e. that of the second panel 102 having the dispensing openings 81.

In the view shown in Figures 8A and B, the blisters 96 are out of alignment with the respective dispensing openings 81 in the second panel 102 which means that the contents of the blisters 96 cannot be dispensed. Moreover, the blister pack cannot slide between the panels 100, 102 due to a leading edge 107 of the blister pack abutting the tip of the blocking tab.

In order to dispense the contents of a blister 96, the tab defined in the first panel 100 by the cut line 90 is pushed inwardly as shown in Figure 8C. This moves the blocking tab 86 out of alignment with the leading edge 107 of the blister pack 94, the blocking tab 86 being pushed out through cut line 92 in the second panel 102 of the carrier. The blister pack 94 may then be slid in the direction of arrow D in Figure 80 such that its leading edge 104 rides up over the tab defined by cut 90 as shown in Figure 8D. This allows the blisters 96 to align with the dispensing openings 81 in the second panel 102 whereupon the blister contents may be dispensed.

The blister pack 94 may then be slid in the opposite direction E as shown in Figure SD whereupon the blisters 96 move out of alignment with the dispensing openings 81 and the blocking tab 86 can be moved back into its blocking position under its inherent resilience or by being pushed back into position.

The blister pack carrier may then be returned to its storage position in the slider 54, and the slider 54 slid back into the container 2 until the locking edge of the slider 54 slides past the locking edge of the container 25. The locking edge of the slider 54 will then abut the locking edge of the container once more. The sidewall 104 having the locking edge of the slider 54 will tend to spring outwardly into the locking engagement due to the inherent resilience of the sidewall.

While the slider 54 is disposed within the container 2, the flaps 68, 70 prevent the end panel 67 of the slider 54 from rolling outwardly when a user tries to pull on the end of the slider through notches 40, 42. This provides a further child resistant feature. This effect is illustrated in Figures 9A and B. Figure 9A shows a package in which the flaps 68, 70 are not provided. This is a side view in the vicinity of the top open end of the container, with the slider in its storage -24 -configuration, within the container. VVhen a user grips the first and second panels 4,6 of the slider through the notches 40, 42, the end panel 67 of the slider will tend to roll out of the open end of the container as shown in Figure 9A, exposing the end of the blister pack carrier defined by panels 80, 82, and potentially providing access to, or facilitating access to blisters of the blister pack. By providing flaps 68, 70, and folding the flaps 68, 70 back toward the closed end of the container, with the flaps being located within the container when the slider is in its storage position as shown in Figure 9B, this problem is avoided, as the flaps 68, 70 prevent outward rolling of the panel 67 from the open end of the container. Figure 9B is a schematic side view of the package shown in Figure 6 in the vicinity of the top end, with some features of the locking means omifted for clarity. This is particularly useful in the context of a blister pack which includes only one layer of blisters, without a further layer of blisters provided which might interlock with the blisters to inhibit movement of the blister pack carrier and hence rolling out of the end panel 67 Figure 10 illustrates an alternative blank 200 in the flat for providing a slider and blister pack carrier of a package in accordance with the present invention.

The blank 200 includes a first portion 202 which will provide a slider, and a second portion 203 connected thereto which will provide a carrier for a blister pack.

The portion of the blank providing the slider is identical to the portion of the blank described above by reference to Figure 3, and will not be further described.

Referring to the portion 203 of the blank that will provide the blister pack carrier, the blank includes a first panel 204 and a second panel 206 that will provide respective first and second panels of the blister pack carrier. The first panel 204 includes four elongate, parallel slots 208. The second panel 206 comprises four parallel rows of dispensing openings 210 alignable with the slots 208 when the first panel is folded over the second panel. The first panel 204 is connected to the second panel 206 along a first foldline 232.

A blocking device in the form of a blocking panel 216 is attached by its proximal edge to the end of the second panel 206 along a second foldline 228, at an opposite end of the second panel to the end attached to the slider along third fold line 230. The blocking panel has a distal edge which defines a central peak 218 which provides a generally trapezoidal blocking tab. The central peak 218 is located between two valleys 224, 226, with further peaks 222, 220 being provided on either side of the valleys. It will be appreciated that the additional peaks 222, -25 - 220 may be omitted, depending upon particular requirements e.g. in terms of size/width and strength.

The first panel 204 comprises an arcuate cut line 212 which defines a tab.

The cut 212 is positioned such that when blocking panel 216 having tab 218 is folded about the second foldline 228 connecting it to end edge of the second panel 206, the tab defined by the arcuate cut 212 is generally aligned with the distal end of the blocking tab 218. The second panel 206 is provided with an arcuate cut line 214 defining a tab which, when the first panel 204 is folded over the second panel 206 is also generally aligned with the blocking tab 218.

The second and third foldlines 228, 230 are parallel to one another. The first foldline 232 is perpendicular to the second and third foldlines 228, 230.

The first and second panels 204, 206 of the blister pack carrier in this further embodiment are therefore of the same construction as the first and second panels 80, 82 of the blister pack carrier of the earlier embodiment, but are connected to one another in a side by side configuration, rather than end to end. The blocking member differs from the earlier embodiment in that it is connected to a free end edge of a panel of the blister pack carrier, rather than a side edge thereof. A blocking member provided in this way may, in some situations, be easier to handle and glue in place than an elongate blocking member extending from a side edge of a blister pack carrier panel as shown in Figure 3.

It is envisaged that a blocking member at an end edge of the blister pack carrier could alternatively be provided by a separate piece located between the panels of the carrier, and which is not connected to one of the panels along a fold line.

The blank of Figure 10 may be constructed in the same manner as the earlier embodiment of Figure 3. In one exemplary process, rather than assembling the blister pack carrier by folding the blocking member 86 along the foldline 89 over the first panel 80 and adhesively securing it thereto, and then folding the second panel 82 over the first panel 80 after location of the blister pack, in this further embodiment the blocking panel 216 is folded along the second foldline 228 over the second panel 206, and secured in place using adhesive applied to the peaks 218, 222, 220. The blister pack is located, and the second panel 206 folded along the first foldline 232 over the first panel 204 and adhesively secured thereto. The resulting blister pack carrier may then be folded about the third foldline 230 over the -26 -facing panel 58 of the slider in the same manner as the earlier embodiment. Of course, the sequence of steps may be varied as in the earlier embodiment.

Figure 11 illustrates yet another alternative blank 300 in the flat for providing a slider and blister pack carrier of a package in accordance with the present invention. This blank incorporates a different type of blocking member, similar to that described in the embodiment of Figures 3-4J of GB 2451850. While the blocking arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 11 is a variant on the embodiments described in GB 2451850, it will be appreciated that arrangements in accordance with GB 2451850 may alternatively be used.

The blank 300 includes a first portion 302 which will provide a slider, and a second portion 307 connected thereto which will provide a carrier for a blister pack.

Referring to the portion 307 of the blank that will provide the blister pack carrier, the blank includes a first panel 304 and a second panel 306 that will provide respective first and second panels of the blister pack carrier. The first panel 304 includes four elongate, parallel slots 303. The second panel 306 comprises four parallel rows of dispensing openings 305 alignable with the slots 303 when the first panel is folded over the second panel. The first panel 304 is connected to the second panel 306 along a first foldline 332.

A generally T-shaped blocking panel 316 is attached to the end of the second panel 306 opposite the end connected to the slider along a second foldline 330. The blocking panel through a pair of intermediate panels 322, 324 connected together about a third foldline 328. The first intermediate panel 322 is attached to the second panel 306 about a fourth foldline 326 while the second intermediate panel 324 is attached to the blocking panel 316 along a fifth foldline 334.

First and second stop panels 318, 320 are also attached to the second intermediate panel 324 about respective sixth and seventh foldlines 336, 338 which are aligned with each other and with the fifth foldline 334. The stop panels 318, 320 are not attached to the blocking panel 316. A space 340 is provided between the stop panel 320 and the lower limb 342 of the blocking panel 316.

The free edge 344 of the blocking panel 316 is provided with three recesses 346 which are generally arcuate at least in part so as to receive a blister in use. The second panel 306 is provided with a notch 309 along its free side edge. The right hand edge 343 is curved.

-27 -Erection of the blank 300 may proceed in a similar manner to that described by reference to Figure 10. The only differences arise in relation to the blocking member. Glue is applied to the first and second stop panels 318 and 320. The blocking panel 316 and the second intermediate panel 324 are folded about foldline 328. This brings the first and second intermediate panels 322, 324 into face to face contact with one another, and the stop panels 318, 320 and blocking panel 316 into face to face contact with the end of the second panel 306 between the dispensing openings 305 and the foldline 326. The glue applied to the stop panels 318, 320 adheres them to the second panel 306. No attachment e.g. gluing occurs between the blocking panel 316 and the first panel 306, however. The recesses 346 provided in the blocking panel 316 are not aligned with the rows of dispensing openings in the second panel 306. The curved edge 343 of the blocking panel 316 is aligned with the notch 309 in the second panel 306. The wavy lines on stop panels 318 and 320 denote optional scoring to facilitate adhesion of the glue.

In this position, the foldlines 336 and 326 are aligned with one another. A cut is made along this line, to sever the intermediate panels 322, 324 from the second panel 306 and the blocking panel 316.

A blister panel is then located between the first and second panels 304, 306, and the first panel 304 folded over the second panel 306, and adhesively attached thereto, in a similar manner to the earlier embodiments.

It will be appreciated that once the blister pack carrier is assembled, in its initial position, the blisters of the blister pack do not align with the openings 305 in the second panel, 306, and the blistel pack is prevented from sliding between the first and second panels by the blocking panel 316.

To dispense the contents of a blister, the user must retract the blocking panel from between the first and second panels 304, 306. This is done by sliding the blocking panel 316 to the right, by gripping the rounded edge 343 of the panel through notch 309 and pulling the blocking panel in a direction out of the space between the first and second panels. Such movement is permitted by the space 340. The blocking panel 316 may move in this direction until the limb 342 engages the second stop panel 320 to prevent complete removal of the blocking panel. At this point the recesses 346 align with the rows of dispensing openings 305. The blister pack may then be slid upwardly toward the end of the blister pack carrier having the blocking panel, to align the blisters with the dispensing openings 305.

After dispensing, the blister pack may be returned to its original position, and the -28 -blocking panel 316 slid back to the left to its original position, in which further movement is prevented by engagement of the limb 342 with the stop panel 318.

It will be appreciated that various modifications to the above arrangements may be made within the scope of the invention. For example, the blocking panel may be attached to the second panel rather than the first panel as described.

Moreover, there may be more or less dispensing openings and slots from that shown in the particular embodiments, depending on the nature of the blister pack being packaged. Further it should be understood that the various panels referred to herein may be formed from one or more sub panels. In addition it is envisaged that the slider and blister pack carrier might be provided using separate blanks attached to one another, rather than forming part of a single piece blank. The blister pack carrier may then be provided with an attachment panel to enable it to be attached to the slider. The blister pack carrier blank might then additionally include a panel to provide the end wall of the slider.

Claims

-29 -Claims: 1. A slider configured to be slidably mounted within a container and comprising at least one sidewall, at least one facing panel, and an end wall, wherein the end wall is connected to the facing panel at a first edge of the end wall, and is connected to a panel of a blister pack carrier at an opposite second edge of the end wall, the first and second edges of the end wall being connected by side edges of the end wall; wherein the at least one sidewall of the slider terminates at a position spaced from the end wall of the slider; and wherein the slider comprises at least one flap connected to a respective side edge of the end wall along a foldline, the or each said flap being folded toward an end of the sidewall on its respective side of the slider and extending over at least a portion of the distance between the end of the sidewall and the end wall of the slider.
2. The slider of claim 1 wherein the end wall is connected to the facing panel along a foldline at a first edge of the end wall, and is connected to a panel of a blister pack carrier along a foldline at an opposite second edge of the end wall.
3. The slider of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the slider comprises a pair of sidewalls, each sidewall terminating at a position spaced from the end wall of the slider, and a pair of flaps are connected to respective ones of the side edges of the end wall along respective foldlines, each flap being folded towards an end of the sidewall on its respective side of the slider and extending over at least a portion of the distance between the end of the sidewall and the end wall of the slider.
4. The slider of any preceding claim wherein the panel of the carrier is connected to the slider at an end opposite to an end having a retaining flap for preventing complete separation of the slider and a container.
5. The slider of any preceding claim wherein the slider and the blister pack carrier are connected to one another in an end to end configuration.
6. The slider of any preceding claim wherein the blister pack comprises only one layer of blisters. -3 -
7. The slider of any preceding claim wherein the carrier comprises a first panel having an opening for movably receiving a blister of said blister pack and a second panel having one or more dispensing openings aligned with said first panel opening, the first panel and the second panel slidably receiving the blister pack therebetween; and a blocking member selectively moveable between a blocking position and a dispensing position, said blocking member in its blocking position preventing movement of said blister in said first panel opening into alignment with said dispensing opening, thereby preventing dispensing of the blister's contents through the dispensing opening, and in said dispensing position permitting said blister to be moved into alignment with said dispensing opening for dispensing the blister's contents.
8. A package comprising a container having the slider of any preceding claim slidably mounted therein.
9. The package of claim 8, wherein the container has an open end and a closed end, and comprises a pair of sidewalls, at least one facing panel connecting the sidewalls and an end wall.
10. The package of claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the slider has a first end that is closest to the end wall of the container, and an opposite second end defined by the end wall of the slider.
11. The package of any one of claims 8-10 wherein the or each flap inhibits outward rolling of the end wall relative to the open end of the container.
12. The package of any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein the slider is slidably mounted with respect to the container to enable the slider to be moved between a first position relative to the container, in which the slider is located fully within the container for preventing access to the blister pack, and a second position relative to the container in which at least a portion of the slider extends out of the open end of the container for permitting access to the blister pack.
13. A package comprising: -3 -a container having an open end and a closed end, and comprising a pair of sidewalls, at least one facing panel connecting the sidewalls and an end wall; a slider for holding a product, the slider being slidably mounted within the container and comprising at least one sidewall and at least one facing panel; wherein the package comprises a releasable locking feature at a side of the package, the releasable locking feature comprising a pair of locking edges, one associated with a sidewall of each of the slider and container respectively, and a release area for releasing a locking abutment between the locking edges, the release area being provided in the sidewall of the container having the locking edge, wherein the locking edge of the slider comprises two or more plies of a material used to provide the slider; wherein the locking edges cooperate to prevent movement of the slider out of the open end of the container for permitting access to the product until a user manually applies pressure to the release area to deform the release area and thereby deflect the locking edge of the slider out of abutment with the locking edge of the container to permit the slider to slide past the locking edge of the container.
14. The package of claim 13 wherein the slider is made from a blank of foldable sheet material, and the locking edge of the slider is provided by two or more plies of the sheet material, and preferably wherein the locking edge of the slider is provided by only two plies of the sheet material.
15. The package of claim 13 or 14 wherein the locking edge of the slider is provided by folding a material of the slider to provide the two or more plies thereof.
16. The package of any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the sidewall of the slider comprises a first panel and a second panel connected thereto along a foldline, and which second panel is folded back over the first panel to provide a multi-ply sidewall terminating in the locking edge.
17. The package of any of one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the slider is slidably mounted with respect to the containel to enable the slider to be moved between a first position relative to the container, in which the slider is located fully within the container for preventing access to a product held by the slider, and a second position relative to the container in which at least a portion of the slider extends out -3 -of the open end of the container for permitting access to the product, wherein releasable locking feature selectively prevents movement of the slider relative to the container from the first position to the second position
18. The package of any one of claims 13 to 17 wherein the sidewall of the slider having the locking edge terminates in the locking edge.
19. The package of any one of claims 13 to 18 wherein the slider further comprises an end wall, the or each sidewall of the slider terminating at a position spaced from the end wall of the slider, and at least one flap is connected to a respective one of the side edges of the end wall along a foldline, the or each said flap being folded so as to extend toward the end of the sidewall of the slider on its respective side of the slider over at least a portion of the distance between the end wall of the slider and the end of the sidewall.
20. The package of any one of claims 13 to 19 wherein the release area is defined between a pair of cutlines.
21. The package of any one of claims 13 to 20 wherein the package comprises a retaining feature for preventing complete separation of the slider from the container.
22. The package of any one of claims 13 to 21 to wherein the slider comprises a pair of sidewalls connected by the at least one facing panel.
23. The package of any one of claims 13 to 22 wherein the slider is configured to hold a product in the form of a blister pack.
24. The package of claim 23 wherein the package further comprises a carrier for the blister pack, and a panel of the carrier is connected to the slider, optionally along a foldline.
25. The package of claim 24 wherein the panel of the carrier is connected to the slider at an end opposite to an end having a retaining flap for preventing complete separation of the slider and the container.-33 -
26. The package of claim 24 or 25 wherein a panel of the blister pack is connected to an end wall of the slider along a foldline at a first edge of the end panel, the end wall of the slider being connected to a facing panel of the slider along a foldline at an opposed second edge of the end wall, and wherein the first and second edges of the end wall are connected by side edges of the end wall.
27. A slider configured to be slidably mounted within a container and comprising at least one sidewall, at least one facing panel, and an end wall, wherein the end wall is connected to the facing panel at a first edge of the end wall, and is connected to a panel of a blister pack carrier at an opposite second edge of the end wall, the first and second edges of the end wall being connected by side edges of the end wall; wherein the at least one sidewall of the slider terminates at a position spaced from the end wall of the slider; and wherein the slider comprises at least one flap connected to a respective side edge of the end wall along a foldline, the or each said flap being folded toward an end of the sidewall on its respective side of the slider and extending over at least a portion of the distance between the end of the sidewall and the end wall of the slider.
28. The slider of claim 27 wherein the end wall is connected to the facing panel along a foldline at a first edge of the end wall, and is connected to a panel of a blister pack carrier along a foldline at an opposite second edge of the end wall.
29. The slider of claim 27 or claim 28 wherein the slider comprises a pair of sidewalls, each sidewall terminating at a position spaced from the end wall of the slider, and a pair of flaps are connected to respective ones of the side edges of the end wall along respective foldlines, each flap being folded towards an end of the sidewall on its respective side of the slider and extending over at least a portion of the distance between the end of the sidewall and the end wall of the slider.
30. The package or slider of any one of claims 23 to 29 wherein the carrier comprises a first panel having an opening for movably receiving a blister of said blister pack and a second panel having one or more dispensing openings aligned with said first panel opening, the first panel and the second panel slidably receiving -3 -the blister pack therebetween; and a blocking member selectively moveable between a blocking position and a dispensing position, said blocking member in its blocking position preventing movement of said blister in said first panel opening into alignment with said dispensing opening, thereby preventing dispensing of the blisters contents through the dispensing opening, and in said dispensing position permitting said blister to be moved into alignment with said dispensing opening for dispensing the blisters contents.
31. The package or slider of any preceding claim wherein the container and/or slider are each made of a foldable sheet material.
32. A blank for providing the slider, or for providing the slider of a package, in accordance with any preceding claim.
33. A blank for providing the container of a package in accordance with any one of claims 8 to 31.
34. A package, slider, container or blank substantially as herein described, and with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.Amendment to Claims have been filed as follows Claims: 1. A package comprising a container having an open end and a closed end, and comprising a pair of sidewalls, at least one facing panel connecting the sidewalls, and an end wall; the container having a slider slidably mounted therein, the slider comprising at least one sidewall, at least one facing panel, and an end wall, the slider having a first end that is closest to the end wall of the container, and an opposite second end defined by the end wall of the slider; wherein the end wall of the slider is connected to a facing panel of the slider at a first edge of the end wall of the slider, and is connected to a panel of a blister pack carrier at an opposite second edge of the end wall, the first and second edges of the end wall being connected by side edges of the end wall; wherein the at least one sidewall of the slider terminates at a position IC) 15 spaced from the end wall of the slider; and wherein the slider comprises at least one flap connected to a respective side edge of the end wall along a foldline, the or each said flap being folded toward an end of the sidewall on its respective side of 0 the slider and extending over at least a portion of the distance between the end of N-the sidewall and the end wall of the slider. o 202. The package of claim 1 wherein the end wall of the slider is connected to the facing panel along a foldline at a first edge of the end wall, and is connected to a panel of a blister pack carrier along a foldline at an opposite second edge of the end wall.3. The package of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the slider comprises a pair of sidewalls, each sidewall terminating at a position spaced from the end wall of the slider, and a pair of flaps are connected to respective ones of the side edges of the end wall along respective foldlines, each flap being folded towards an end of the sidewall on its respective side of the slider and extending over at least a portion of the distance between the end of the sidewall and the end wall of the slider.4. The package of any preceding claim wherein the panel of the carrier is connected to the slider at an end opposite to an end having a retaining flap for preventing complete separation of the slider and a container.5. The package of any preceding claim wherein the slider and the blister pack carrier are connected to one another in an end to end configuration.6. The package of any preceding claim wherein the blister pack comprises only one layer of blisters.7. The package of any preceding claim wherein the carrier comprises a first panel having an opening for movably receiving a blister of said blister pack and a second panel having one or more dispensing openings aligned with said first panel opening, the first panel and the second panel slidably receiving the blister pack therebetween; and a blocking member selectively moveable between a blocking position and a dispensing position, said blocking member in its blocking position preventing movement of said blister in said first panel opening into alignment with IC) 15 said dispensing opening, thereby preventing dispensing of the blister's contents through the dispensing opening, and in said dispensing position permitting said blister to be moved into alignment with said dispensing opening for dispensing the 0 blister's contents.N0 20 8. The package of any preceding claim wherein the or each flap inhibits outward rolling of the end wall relative to the open end of the container.9. The package of any preceding claim wherein the slider is slidably mounted with respect to the container to enable the slider to be moved between a first position relative to the container, in which the slider is located fully within the container for preventing access to the blister pack, and a second position relative to the container in which at least a portion of the slider extends out of the open end of the container for permitting access to the blister pack.10. The package of any preceding claim wherein the or each flap terminates at a point spaced from an end of the sidewall on its respective side of the slider.11. The package of any preceding claim wherein the container and slider are each made of a foldable sheet material.12. A blank for providing the slider of a package in accordance with any preceding claim.13. A blank for providing the container of a package in accordance with any preceding claim. IC) (4 r