GB2532548A

GB2532548A - Packaging

Info

Publication number: GB2532548A
Application number: GB1515805.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Davis Nigel; Lynn Hammond Carol
Original assignee: Multi Packaging Solutions UK Ltd
Current assignee: Multi Packaging Solutions UK Ltd
Priority date: 2014-11-03
Filing date: 2015-09-07
Publication date: 2016-05-25
Also published as: GB2530352A; GB201515805D0; US9487338B2; EP3015386B1; EP3015386A1; US20160122105A1; GB201419575D0

Abstract

A package 106 includes a container 2 having an open end and a closed end and a slider (54, fig. 3) slidably mounted within the container. A releasable locking feature is provided at a side of the package, which comprises locking edges associated with a sidewall of each of the slider and container respectively, and a release area 18 for releasing a locking abutment between the locking edges. The sidewall of the container associated with the locking edge is defined by a panel having a first transverse cutline 36 defining a top flap 16 between the cutline and the open end of the container, with the top flap being connected to a first facing panel 6 of the container along a foldline. An inner surface of the top flap is adhered to an exterior surface of a first glue flap 10, the first glue flap being connected to an opposite facing panel 4 of the container along a foldline. The first glue flap provides the locking edge of the container. The locking edge of the slider may be biased into engagement with the locking edge of the container.

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 provides a package comprising: a container having an open top end and a closed bottom end, and comprising a pair of sidewalls, a pair of opposed facing panels 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 provided in the sidewall of the container for releasing a locking abutment between the locking edges; 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; wherein the sidewall of the container having said locking edge of the releasable locking feature associated therewith is defined by a panel having a first transverse cutline defining a top flap between the cutline and the open end of the container, wherein the top flap is connected to a first facing panel of the container along a foldline, and wherein an inner surface of the top flap is adhered to an exterior surface of a first glue flap, the first glue flap being connected to an opposite facing panel of the container along a foldline, wherein the first glue flap provides the locking edge of the container associated with the sidewall.

In accordance with the invention, the package includes a locking feature associated with a side thereof, which includes a release area. The user must apply pressure to the release area to deflect a locking edge of the slider out of abutment with a locking edge of the container. This makes it at least more difficult for a child to access a product held by a container, as access to the product requires a user to not only recognise how to release the locking abutment, but also to be able to carry out the steps required to release it. These steps would present a significant barrier to a child. The locking edge of the container is provided by a glue flap connected to one of the facing panels of the container, and which is adhered to an inner surface of a top flap which connected to the opposite facing panel of the container along a foldline. The top flap connected to the opposite facing panel forms part of the sidewall of the container, and is defined by a transverse cut in a panel defining the sidewall. It has been found that providing the locking edge of the container in this way results in an arrangement that is simple to manufacture, and which enables the container to be readily assembled from a single piece blank.

The slider is slidably mounted with respect to the container. This enables the slider to be slid out of the open end of the container to provide access to a product held by the slider when the releasable locking feature is released. The product may be held in an interior space of the slider. 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 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 releasable 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.

As used herein, the term "upper" refers to a position closer to the top open end of the container, and the term "lower" refers to a position closer to the bottom closed end of the container.

The sidewall of the container having the locking feature is defined by a panel having at least a first cutline which defines the top flap. The first cutline therefore extends across the entire width of the sidewall. In preferred embodiments the first cutline extends into the first facing panel i.e. the facing panel to which the top flap is connected along a foldline. The first cutline extends only partially into the facing panel. Typically the cutline only extends a small distance into the first facing panel e.g. up to 2 mm, although the exact distance will depend upon the dimensions of the container. In these embodiments, the first cutline extends over the foldline connecting the sidewall panel to the first facing panel. It will be appreciated that extending the first cutline into the first facing panel is only preferred, and the first cutline may be confined to the sidewall.

The first cutline splits the panel defining the sidewall of the container to provide the top flap. This may define the top flap and a bottom panel. In preferred embodiments a second glue flap is connected to a free edge of a remainder of the panel defining the sidewall below the top flap (e.g. the bottom panel) and connects the sidewall to the opposed facing panel. The exterior of the second glue flap may be adhered to an inner surface of the opposed facing panel.

The container comprises a release area which may be deformed by a user to deflect the locking edge of the slider out of abutment with the locking edge of the container in use. The release area is below the top flap of the sidewall. The first cutline defines a top edge of the release area. Defining the release area using at least one cutline may facilitate deformation of the release area to release the locking abutment. Extending the first cutline into the first facing panel is advantageous in that this may facilitate operation of the release area, although this feature is not essential. The container e.g. the sidewall thereof may be provided with a marking or instruction to a user identifying the release area, and/or to how to release the locking abutment e.g. "push here".

Preferably the sidewall having the first cutline comprises a second transverse cutline below the first transverse cutline, the release area being defined between the first and second transverse cutlines. The second cutline will define a bottom edge of the release area. The first and second cutlines are therefore spaced longitudinally from one another along the sidewall. The longitudinal direction (of the sidewall, or indeed container) is a direction extending between the closed end and the open end of the container i.e. along the length of the sidewalls. The second cutline is in a remainder of the panel defining the sidewall below the top flap e.g. in a bottom panel of the sidewall. The second transverse cutline should be positioned as appropriate to define a release area of a desired size. Preferably the second transverse cutline extends into the first facing panel. Typically the cutline only extends a small distance into the first facing panel e.g. up to 2 mm, although the exact distance will depend upon the dimensions of the container. In these embodiments, the second cutline extends over the foldline connecting the sidewall panel to the first facing panel. As mentioned above, preferably a second glue flap is connected to a free edge of the remainder of the panel defining the sidewall (e.g. the bottom panel) below the top flap. Preferably the second transverse cutline additionally extends into the second glue flap. The second transverse cutline extends only partially into the second glue flap. In these embodiments, the second cutline extends over the foldline connecting the sidewall panel to the second glue flap.

As with the first cutline, it will be appreciated that the second cutline may be confined to the sidewall, and it is only preferred that it extends into one or both of the first facing panel and the second glue flap to more precisely define, and hence enhance operation of the release area. Where first and second cutlines are provided, one or both of the cutlines may extend in to a facing panel of the container.

In preferred embodiments the release area of the releasable locking means is thus defined between a pair of transverse cutlines in the sidewall of the container.

The cutlines enable the release area to deform and thereby deflect the locking edge of the slider out of abutment with the locking edge of the container when a user exerts manual pressure on the release area in use. More specifically, the pair of cutlines permit the release area defined therebetween to be more easily depressed out of the plane of the sidewall toward the interior of the container. It will be appreciated that a release area of a releasable locking feature of the package may be defined between more than two cutlines in the sidewall. However, preferably the release area is defined between only a pair of cutlines in the sidewall. On the other hand, it has been found that a suitable release area may be provided using only the first cutline. The ability of the release area to deform will depend upon factors such as e.g. the stiffness of materials used.

However it is provided, where a defined release area is provided, whether between a pair of cutlines or otherwise, the release area may be of any desired size. Preferably the release area is sized appropriately to enable pressure to be exerted thereon by a finger tip. The release area preferably corresponds to only a portion of the area of the sidewall. The release area preferably extends across at least the entire width of the sidewall. It has been found that the use of one or more cutlines may provide a release area that is readily identifiable by a user, and which may operate more reliably to deflect the locking edge of the slider. The cutline(s) may provide a more precisely defined release area. Furthermore, the use of cutline(s) enables the release area to be implemented simply during manufacture, without the need for any additional components.

In embodiments including first and second cutlines, the first transverse cutline is defined by a single cut, defining the top glue flap. The second transverse cutline may comprise one or more cuts. It is envisaged that the cutline may comprise a line of perforations. The 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 such embodiments the perforations will be broken by a user upon first use of the package when pressure is applied to the release area of the container to create a continuous cutline. In preferred embodiments the second cutline is a non-perforated cutline. The cutline may then be defined by a single cut. This may provide a release area that more readily deforms under pressure. The first and second cutlines are preferably provided by respective slits (i.e. single slits) in the sidewall panel.

The or each cutline that is provided 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 a second cutline is provided, the first and second cutlines preferably extend parallel to one another.

Preferably each cutline extends perpendicular to the foldline connecting the sidewall to a facing panel of the container.

The inner surface of the top flap in the sidewall defined by the first cutline is adhered to a first glue flap connected to an opposite facing panel (i.e. opposite to the first facing panel) of the container along a foldline. Preferably the first glue flap extends over the entire width of the top flap. Preferably the first glue flap is of the same length as the top flap. The top flap and the first glue flap may be coextensive. A lower edge of the first glue flap defines the locking edge of the container that cooperates with the locking edge of the slider. Preferably the first glue flap is a single ply glue flap which provides a single ply locking edge. The first glue flap may be provided by a single ply of the material from which the container is formed.

Preferably the locking edge of the container is provided solely by the first glue flap. The first cutline may be located at any point along the sidewall of the container. The first cutline is located closer to the open top end of the container than the bottom closed end. The first cutline may be located less than 40% or less than 30% along the length of the sidewall from the end of the sidewall at the open end of the container. The first cutline may be located at least 10% or at least 15% along the length of the sidewall from an end of the sidewall at the open end of the container. 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.

Preferably the opposite facing panel comprises a cutline that provides an extension of the first cutline into the facing panel. In embodiments in which first and second cutlines are provided in the sidewall having the locking feature, preferably the opposite facing panel comprises a cutline that provides an extension of the second cutline into the facing panel. In embodiments the opposite facing panel therefore comprises a pair of cutlines that provide an extension of the first and second cutlines into the opposite facing panel. The cutlines in the opposite facing panel only extend across a portion of the width of the panel. Typically the cutlines only extend a small distance into the opposite facing panel e.g. up to 2 mm, although the exact distance will depend upon the dimensions of the container.

Providing cutlines in the opposite facing panel may further facilitate deformation of the release area. Extension of a cutline into the opposed facing panel may facilitate operation of a release area defined by the cutline(s), although this feature is merely preferred.

Preferably the other sidewall of the container is devoid of transverse cuts.

The other sidewall of the container may be defined by a single continuous panel. The panel may be connected to the first and opposite facing panels along respective foldlines.

The releasable locking feature comprises a locking edge of the slider which cooperates with the locking edge of the container. The locking edge of the slider is provided on a sidewall of the slider. The edge is a transversely extending edge. It will be appreciated that in accordance with the invention in any of its aspects and embodiments the slider has a first end that is closest to the bottom end wall of the container i.e. the closed end thereof, and an opposite second end.

Regardless of the relative positions of the slider and the container, the first end of the slider will remain closest to the closed 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). The first and second ends of the slider may be referred to as the bottom and top ends respectively.

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 a 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 locking edge of the slider may be provided in any suitable manner e.g. by joining an additional component to a portion of the exterior of the sidewall of the slider, or by varying a thickness of the sidewall etc. Preferably 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. 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 the sidewall 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 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 blank of foldable sheet material may be a one piece blank of foldable sheet material. Of course, depending upon e.g. the thickness of the material used to provide the slider, a single ply locking edge may suffice.

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.

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 top, open 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 slider and container 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.

In embodiments in which the container part of the retaining feature comprises a flap extending from an edge of a facing panel of the container, the opposite facing panel of the container to that having the flap may be connected along a foldline to a flap at the top open end of the container which is folded back toward the closed bottom end. This flap may be secured to an interior surface of the facing panel e.g. using adhesive to reinforce the top end of the facing panel. 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. The notch may be of any suitable shape e.g. semicircular. In preferred embodiments one or both of the facing panels of the container comprises a set of one or more segments which may be removed from the container by a user to define a notch in the panel to facilitate gripping of the slider when located in the container for withdrawing the slider from the container. Each segment may be connected to the facing panel by a line of weakness e.g. perforations. Each set of one or more segments may define a notch of any of the types discussed above, and in any of the locations mentioned. Each segment may be of any suitable shape. The notch is preferably on an edge of the facing panel which defines the open end of the container. Preferably a pair of sets of one or more removable segments are provided for respectively defining a pair of notches, e.g. matching notches, one on each of the respective ones of the facing panels.

Each set of one or more removable segments defines a notch. These embodiments in which a notch is defined by a user removing one or more segments from a facing panel are advantageous in that this provides an additional level of child resistance before the child can grip the end of the slider through the notch when located in the container.

Where the top end of a facing panel is connected to a flap e.g. to provide a retaining feature or to reinforce the top end of the facing panel, the notch should extend through the flap to enable a user to grip the end of the slider when located in the container. Where the notch is defined by removing a set of one or more segments from the facing panel, the or each segment may extend into the flap for defining the notch therein, or a set of one or more additional removable segments may be provided in the flap. In some embodiments a single removable segment extends across the foldline between a facing panel and a flap connected thereto, which segment may be removed to define a notch extending through the facing panel and flap.

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 thereof. 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.

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 blister's 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 blisters 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 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 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 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 part, 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 -13 -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 may be long enough to accommodate a strip of multiple blisters. However, in preferred embodiments it is only sufficiently long to accommodate a single blister. Each blister then has its own individual slot or opening. It has been found that such arrangements enhance child resistance, as a shorter opening e.g. slot reduces the ability of a child to try to remove the blister pack through the first panel of the blister pack carrier. As most blister packs are formed with a plurality of rows of blisters, in some embodiments 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. In preferred embodiments in which each opening in the first panel is of a length to accommodate only a single blister, an array of openings is preferably provided in the first panel e.g. an arrangement of openings in columns and rows. An array of a plurality of aligned dispensing openings may then be provided in the second panel. Of course, openings or slots may be provided of any length e.g. that are long enough to accommodate more than one blister, but not an entire strip of blisters.

Preferably the blister pack is mounted for sliding movement along a straight line relative to the 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, is preferably provided with a removable cover. This provides enhanced child resistance, as the child may be prevented from seeing the blister pack until the cover is removed. The cover may be defined by one or more line of weakness e.g. perforations around the opening. In some preferred embodiments each removable cover is defined by a plurality of removable segments, such as a pair of segments. For example, each segment may be in the shape of a semi-circle or ellipse. However, any suitable shape may be chosen for the segments. This may depend upon the shape of the dispensing openings, which in turn may depend upon the shape of the content of the blisters e.g. pills, tablets etc. The provision of segmented covers for the dispensing openings may provide an additional level of child resistance, with the child needing to remove multiple segments to provide a dispensing 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, preferably the package comprises means for biasing the locking edge of the slider into engagement with the locking edge of the container.

In accordance with these further embodiments of the invention, the biasing means may result in more secure lock being obtained. The biasing means may act upon the sidewall of the slider having the locking edge to bias the sidewall outwardly toward the sidewall of the container. The biasing means may comprise a projection e.g. lug. In preferred embodiments the projection includes two plies. Preferably the projection is a two ply projection. The projection may define a sloping edge which engages the sidewall of the slider. Preferably the biasing means is provided by a single projection.

The biasing means should be located as appropriate to be able to bias the locking edge of the slider into engagement with the locking edge of the container. The biasing means may be located between the first and second ends of the slider, and preferably closer to the second end thereof.

As in the earlier embodiments of the invention, the slider is preferably configured to hold a product in the form of a blister pack. Preferably the package comprises a carrier for the blister pack. In preferred embodiments a blister pack carrier is connected to the slider e.g. along a foldline. This may be in achieved in accordance with any of the earlier described embodiments. The blister pack carrier is disposed within the interior space of the slider when in a storage configuration in use e.g. within a tray defined by the at least one facing panel and at least one sidewall of the slider. Preferably the biasing means is provided on the blister pack carrier. In preferred embodiments in which the biasing means comprises a projection e.g. lug, the projection projects from a side edge of the blister pack carrier. The side edge of the blister pack carrier is a side edge which is adjacent the sidewall of the slider. The side edge of the blister pack carrier is a longitudinal side edge extending between the first and second ends of the slider respectively. The blister pack carrier may be of any of the configurations described above. The projection may project from a side edge of one or more panels of the blister pack carrier e.g. the first and/or panel thereof as described above. In some embodiments the projection is a two ply projection, with the plies being provided by formations extending from each of the first and second panels of the blister pack carrier. The biasing means is preferably integrally formed with the blister pack carrier, and may additionally be integrally formed with the slider e.g. forming part of a blank that defines the slider and the blister pack carrier.

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 paperboard, cardboard 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 parts 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 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 also 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. The portion for providing the blister pack carrier may comprise biasing means for biasing the locking edge of the slider into engagement with the locking edge of the container. In preferred embodiments the portion for providing the blister pack carrier comprises one or more formations for defining a projection extending from the side edge of the blister pack carrier which provides the biasing means. Such formations may be associated with portions of the blank for providing first and second panels of the blister pack carrier, so as to provide a two ply projection. In accordance with any of the embodiments of the invention, whether or not biasing means is provided, 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.

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.

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.

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; 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; 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, 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; and Figure 12 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 -18 -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, 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 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. A marking or instruction may be provided to a user indicate the position of the release area, and/or how to operate 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. Perforations defining circular removable portions 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. The portions 32 and 34 may be removed by a user to define thumb notches. It will be appreciate that any suitably shaped removable portions may be used that will define a thumb notch in the top edge of the panels 4, 6, when removed as described below.

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 thereof) 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 6 respectively. Flap 30 is glued down on to the interior surface of panel 6, while flap 28 is left free.

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 outlines 36 and 38 defining a release area 18 therebetween. The outlines enable the release area to be depressed out of the plane of the sidewall toward the interior of the container. The outlines 37, 39 provide a continuation of the outlines 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. In this way, the removable portions 32 and 34 define semicircular removable portions 42 and 40 respectively along the edges of the container defined by the folding of flaps 28 and 30. These portions 42, 40 may be removed by a user to define respective thumb notches along the top edges of the container to facilitate gripping of the slider therein and hence its withdrawal from the container. Rather than defining removable portions 32, 34 using perforations, in alternative arrangements the portions 32, 34 could be circular cutouts, to define semi-circular notches in the edges of the container directly when the flaps 28 and 30 are folded. However, it has been found that requiring the user to remove portions from the container in order to define the thumb notches provides an additional level of child resistance, helping to conceal the slider and provide a further barrier to its removal from the container. Of course, the thumb notches and any removable portions used to define them may be of different shapes to those shown. 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.

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 (here being a scoreline). 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 (here being a scoreline). 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 _21 -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 (here being a scoreline). 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. Each of the openings 81 is covered by a removable cover, defined by perforations which must be removed by a user before the content of a blister may be dispensed. This provides additional child resistance. The shape of the openings and their removable cover may depend upon the shape of the content of the blisters, and need not be circular as illustrated.

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 foldline.

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. In yet other arrangements, the sidewall of the slider may be single ply and still provide a suitable locking edge, e.g. if a suitably thick material is used. 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 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 86 is secured in this position by the glue.

As shown in Figure 4C, 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.

-23 -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 then 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 85 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 wall 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.

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. The flaps 68, 70 extending from the side edges of the end wall 67 of the slider have been omitted for clarity.

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. The user first removes the removable portions 40, 42 to define thumb notches in the top edge of the container to facilitate gripping of the slider therethrough. 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, grasping the top of the slider through the thumb notches, 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.

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 8B 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 8C 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 removable covers of the dispensing openings on the second panel of the blister pack carrier serve to conceal the blister pack 94 until they are removed, during or prior to dispensing. This provides additional child resistance, as a child may be less inclined to investigate the content of the blister pack carrier if they are unable to see the e.g. foil substrate of the blister pack.

The blister pack 94 may then be slid in the opposite direction E as shown in Figure 8D 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 wall 67 of the slider 54 from rolling outwardly when a user tries to pull on the end of the slider through the notches defined in the container after removal of portions 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 configuration, within the container. When a user grips the panels 58, 82 of the slider through the notches, the end wall 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, with some features of the locking means omitted 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 wall 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 (having removable covers) 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 (in the form of a scoreline).

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 (in the form of a scoreline), 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, 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 -28 - 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 foldline.

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 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. 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 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 openings 305 have removable covers as described in relation to the earlier embodiment. 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 (here defined by a scoreline) 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 (defined by scorelines) 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.

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 blister 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 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. Figure 12 illustrates an alternative blank 400 in the flat for providing a slider and blister pack carrier of a package in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The slider is used with a container in accordance with the earlier described embodiments i.e. as shown in Figure 1. This Figure illustrates the blank -31 -as seen from the surface that will form the exterior of the slider and blister pack carrier in use. This embodiment includes a number of additional or alternative features, any or all of which may be incorporated in the earlier embodiment of the slider and blister pack carrier described by reference to Figures 3-11.

The blank 400 is similar to that shown in Figure 10. The blank 400 includes a first portion 402 which will provide a slider, and a second portion 403 connected thereto which will provide a carrier for a blister pack.

Referring to the portion 403 of the blank that will provide the blister pack carrier, the blank includes a first panel 404 and a second panel 406 that will provide respective first and second panels of the blister pack carrier. The first panel 404 includes two parallel rows of slots 420. The second panel 406 comprises two parallel rows of dispensing openings 410. Each dispensing opening 410 is alignable with a respective one of the slots 420 when the first panel is folded over the second panel. The first panel 404 is connected to the second panel 406 along a first foldline 426 (in the form of a scoreline). It will be seen that, in contrast to the earlier described embodiments, each one of the slots 420 is of a length which may accommodate only a single blister in use, rather than a row of blisters. One slot 420 is provided in respect of each blister. It has been found that this may enhance child resistance, making it more difficult for a child to try to extract a blister pack via the slots in use. It will be appreciated that rather than using a slot of the length to accommodate an entire row of blisters as shown in the earlier embodiments e.g. of Figures 3, 10 or 11, these earlier embodiments may similarly employ shorter slots of a length to each accommodate a single blister in use.

A blocking device in the form of a blocking panel 424 having a central tab 425 is attached by its proximal edge to the end of the second panel 406 along a second foldline 428 (in the form of a scoreline), at an opposite end of the second panel to the end attached to the slider along third fold line 430. The blocking panel is of a similar shape to that shown in Figure 10.

The first panel 404 comprises an arcuate cut line 418 which defines a tab.

The cut 418 is positioned such that when blocking panel 424 having tab 425 is folded about the second foldline 428 connecting it to end edge of the second panel 406, the tab defined by the arcuate cut 418 is generally aligned with the distal end of the blocking tab 425. The second panel 406 is provided with an arcuate cut line 416 defining a tab which, when the first panel 404 is folded over the second panel 406 is also generally aligned with the blocking tab 425.

The second and third foldlines 428, 430 are parallel to one another. The first foldline 426 is perpendicular to the second and third foldlines 428,430. The end wall 470 is connected to a panel of the slider along the foldline 432 at an edge opposite that defined by foldline 430.

The embodiment of Figure 12 also illustrates a preferred configuration for the removable covers covering the dispensing openings 410. Here, each cover comprises two semi-circular removable segments 412, 414, which are defined by perforations. The use of covers of this construction has been found to further increase child resistance, as the child must remove both segments of the cover before being able to access a blister of the underlying blister pack in use. This requires greater manual dexterity and persistence, reducing the likelihood that a child will successfully access an underlying blister. The covers provided for the dispensing openings of the invention in any of its other embodiments illustrated e.g. in Figures 3, 10 or 11 may similarly be provided by multiple removable segments in this way. It will be appreciated that the removable segments may be of other shapes e.g. elliptical, and the most appropriate shape will depend upon the shape of the blister content, and that of the dispensing opening to be defined.

The embodiment of Figure 12 also differs from the earlier embodiments of Figures 3,10 or 11 in the portion 402 defining the slider. The only difference is in relation to the flaps extending from the side edge of the end wall 470 which prevent rollout of the end wall 470 of the slider. The other features of the slider are identical to those of the earlier embodiments of Figures 3, 10 or 11 and will not be described again. In contrast to the flaps 68, 70 of the Figure 3 embodiment, in this further embodiment each flap is made up of an array of flap panels with a tab connected thereto. Referring to the array 448, this includes a first flap panel 440, a second flap panel 442 and a tab 446. The array attached to the opposite side edge is of the same construction and will not be further described. The second flap panel 442 is folded back over the first flap panel 440 and secured thereto to provide a two ply flap. The tab 446 is secured to the end wall 470. The tab acts to reinforce the edge of the end wall 470. These features have been found to further enhance child resistance, and decrease the likelihood of roll out of the end wall 470 of the slider, and hence of a child obtaining access to the blister pack. The construction of a two ply flap using the array on the other side of the end wall is identical. The resulting slider has a pair of flaps extending from either side of the end wall 470 thereof, as _33 -shown in Figure 3 or Figure 10 or 11, but each which flap is a two ply flap, and with added reinforcement of the end wall 470 toward the edges thereof.

It will be appreciated that the length of the tab associated with each flap may be increased if desired to provide additional reinforcement of the end wall 470. For example, the tabs may be increased in length so that the distal ends thereof abut one another at the centre of the end wall 470 when secured thereto.

The blank 400 also includes a further feature associated with the blister pack carrier. The outer longitudinal side edges of the first panel 404 and the second panel 406 of the blister pack carrier includes respective projections 464, 462. When the first and second panels are secured to one another with the blister pack therebetween in assembly of the blister pack carrier, these projections 464, 462 will be joined in face to face contact, to provide a two ply projection on the side edge of the resulting blister pack carrier, closer to the second end of the slider. When the blister pack carrier is folded onto the slider facing panel 468, the projection will engage the double ply sidewall 104 of the slider formed from panels 436,438. When the slider is disposed in the container, the projection therefore biases the locking edge associated with the sidewall 104 into engagement with the locking edge of the container.

It will be appreciated that this embodiment of Figure 12 therefore illustrates a number of preferred features; the slots 420 in the first panel 404 of the blister pack carrier having a length to accommodate a single blister, the segmented covers for dispensing openings 410, the biasing projection and the arrays e.g. 448, for providing the anti-roll out flaps. Although the illustrated embodiment incorporates all of these features, it will be appreciated that any one or ones of these features may be omitted, or any combination thereof may be used. Similarly, any one or ones of these features may be incorporated in the earlier embodiments of Figures 3 -11.

The blank of Figure 12 may be constructed in the same manner as the earlier embodiments of Figures 3 and 10. Similarly, use will proceed in the same manner as described in the earlier embodiments.

It will be appreciated that the biasing means illustrated in Figure 12 may be incorporated in any of the earlier described embodiments, and may be used together or separately from any one of the other preferred features described by reference to Figure 12 e.g. the segmented dispensing opening covers, the shorter blister slots, or the flap construction including the multiple panels and tab.

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 of the blister pack carrier 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. The shape of the dispensing openings, and any removable covers or segments thereof that may be used, may be selected as desired e.g. depending upon the shape of the content of the blisters. Slots in the first panel of the blister pack carrier for accommodating blisters may be provided that are shorter than the continuous slots shown e.g. in Figure 3, but, in contrast to Figure 12, which are long enough to accommodate more than one blister. 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. It is also envisaged that the locking edge of the slider need not be double ply e.g. if a thick enough sidewall material is used.

Claims

Claims: 1. A package comprising: a container having an open top end and a closed bottom end, and comprising a pair of sidewalls, a pair of opposed facing panels 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 provided in the sidewall of the container for releasing a locking abutment between the locking edges; 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; wherein the sidewall of the container having said locking edge of the releasable locking feature associated therewith is defined by a panel having a first transverse cutline defining a top flap between the cutline and the open end of the container, wherein the top flap is connected to a first facing panel of the container along a foldline, and wherein an inner surface of the top flap is adhered to an exterior surface of a first glue flap, the first glue flap being connected to an opposite facing panel of the container along a foldline, wherein the first glue flap provides the locking edge of the container associated with the sidewall.
2. The package of claim 1 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 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 releasable locking feature selectively prevents movement of the slider relative to the container from the first position to the second position.
3. The package of any preceding claim wherein the first cutline extends into the first facing panel.
4. The package of any preceding claim wherein the first cutline defines a top edge of the release area.
5. The package of any preceding claim wherein the sidewall having the first cutline comprises a second transverse cutline below the first transverse cutline, the release area being defined between the first and second transverse cutlines.
6. The package of claim 5 wherein the second transverse cutline extends into the first facing panel.
7. The package of claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the opposite facing panel comprises a pair of cutlines which provide a continuation of the first and second transverse cutlines.
8 The package of any preceding claim wherein a second glue flap is connected to a free edge of a remainder of the panel defining the sidewall below the top flap and connects the sidewall to the opposed facing panel.
9. The package of claim 8 as dependent upon any ones of claims 5-7 wherein the second transverse cutline extends into the second glue flap.
10. The package of any one of claims 5 to 9 wherein the first and second cutlines are straight lines extending parallel to one another, and spaced from one another along a longitudinal direction of the sidewall of the container.
11. The package of any preceding claim wherein the locking edge of the slider is provided by two or more plies of a material used to provide the slider.

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12. The package of any preceding claim wherein the sidewall of the slider having said locking edge terminates in the locking edge.
13. The package of any preceding claim wherein the package comprises a retaining feature for preventing complete separation of the slider from the container.
14. The package of any preceding claim wherein the slider is configured to hold a product in the form of a blister pack.
15. The package of claim 14 wherein the package further comprises a carrier for the blister pack, the carrier being connected to the slider, optionally along a foldline.
16. The package of claim 15 wherein the carrier comprises two panels between which the blister pack is received. 15
17. The package of claim 15 or claim 16 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 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.
18. The package of any preceding claim wherein the container and slider are each formed of a foldable sheet material, such as cardboard, paperboard or the like.
19. The package of any preceding claim wherein the slider comprises a pair of sidewalls connected by the or each facing panel.-38 -
20. The package of any preceding claim comprising means for biasing the locking edge of the slider into engagement with the locking edge of the container.
21. A blank for providing the container of a package in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.
22. A blank for providing the slider of a package in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 20.
23. A package, slider, container, blister pack and/or blank substantially as herein described, and with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.