IT202000018025A1 - PACKAGING ASSEMBLY OF ENCAPSULATION ELEMENTS INCLUDED IN A TAPE SUPPORT - Google Patents

Description

Description of the patent for an industrial invention entitled:

"ENCAPSULATION ELEMENTS PACKAGING ASSEMBLY

INCLUDED IN A TAPE SUPPORT"

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging assembly for pharmaceutical products or medical-health articles. In particular, the present invention relates to a packaging assembly which is more suitable for phases of handling, storage and supply associated with automatic devices for the distribution of said pharmaceutical products or medical-health articles.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] Modern healthcare systems provide for an increasing use of automatic distribution apparatuses to optimize the procedures for administering pharmaceutical products or medical-health articles. In the state of the art such automatic distribution apparatuses are known which are typically installed in healthcare structures, such as for example hospitals.

[0003] Document WO2018234612 discloses an automatic distribution apparatus fed with a web support, i.e. a band or band, which includes a plurality? of encapsulation elements, such as blisters, which in turn contain pharmaceutical products. In particular, the tape support is supplied rolled up on itself. itself to be subsequently inserted into the automatic distribution apparatus.

[0004] Document EP2838072 describes an automatic distribution apparatus which is also fed with a web-like support which comprises a plurality of of blisters containing pharmaceutical products. In particular, the tape support is supplied rolled up on a spool element which is subsequently inserted into the distribution apparatus. The spool element? provided with two lateral walls able to contain the ribbon-like support.

[0005] Document EP2690032 describes a ribbon-like support suitable for feeding automatic apparatuses for dispensing pharmaceutical products. In particular, this document describes various arrangements, ie structures, of a web-like support comprising a plurality of of blisters containing pharmaceutical products.

[0006] Document EP2648980 describes a tape support comprising a plurality of of blisters containing pharmaceutical products. In particular, this document describes a rigid box suitable for containing said tape-like support which has various arrangements, or structures.

[0007] Although these known systems offer important advantages, they nevertheless have drawbacks which must be overcome.

[0008] In fact, the increasing use of automatic distribution devices requires greater efficiency in the logistical management of the tape supports which include the plurality of of blisters containing, in turn, said pharmaceutical products.

[0009] Specifically, ? it is desirable to optimize the space necessary for the storage and transport of said tape supports in manufacturing companies, in distribution warehouses, and in warehouses or departments of healthcare facilities. In this way, logistics management is facilitated and, consequently, greater versatility is guaranteed. and a reduction in costs.

[0010] However, in known systems, in which the tape supports are typically rolled up, a waste of space is generated when a plurality of of web-like supports is arranged in a box or compartment, typically parallelepiped-shaped, for the various storage and transport stages.

[0011] This drawback? particularly relevant especially when ? Is a logistical management of high quantities required? of such tape supports, as for example in the case of centralized warehouses specifically used for the reception, management, and distribution of high quantities? of pharmaceutical products or medical-health articles from different production companies for a plurality? of health facilities.

[0012] It is evident that this drawback is further accentuated in the case in which said tape supports are supplied by the manufacturing company having a structure rolled up on spool elements or in rigid cassettes which, consequently, increase bulk and weight.

[0013] Furthermore, in the known systems in which the tape supports are rolled up on themselves? themselves, the coiled structure of the latter is not? stable, consequently generating inconveniences in the phases of storage, transport and, above all, handling by the operators in the health structures for use with the automatic distribution apparatuses.

[0014] On the other hand, if the tape supports are rolled up on respective spool elements or in rigid boxes, stability is guaranteed. of the rolled up structure that ? suitable for storage, transport and, above all, handling by operators in healthcare facilities for use with automatic distribution apparatus.

[0015] However, in this case the healthcare facility must provide for an adequate procedure for disposing of the spool or cassette element, when the ribbon-like element is ? finished. This represents an inconvenience since? the conformation, size, weight and materials with which the spool elements or boxes are formed impose a specific disposal procedure which is different from the normal established procedures. In particular, ? It is necessary to separate the spool elements or cassettes from other waste normally produced on the basis of the material of which they are made (such as a rigid polymeric material), and/or on the basis of the bulk, and/or on the basis of the empty weight. Alternatively, ? It is possible to envisage a procedure for returning the spool element or the cassette, for its reuse, which inevitably requires further storage and transport steps, with a consequent increase in costs.

[0016] Furthermore, if the tape supports are wound up on respective spool elements or in rigid boxes, these have shapes and/or dimensions which are typically specific based on the type of automatic distribution apparatus with which they are associated , thus limiting its versatility.

[0017] This drawback? particularly relevant especially when ? Is a logistical management of high quantities required? of such spool elements or rigid boxes, as for example in the case of centralized warehouses specifically used for the reception, management, and distribution of large quantities? of pharmaceutical products or medical-health articles from different production companies for a plurality? of healthcare facilities with different automatic distribution systems.

[0018] Consequently, there ? the need? to devise a solution which overcomes the drawbacks described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Task of the present invention ? that of providing a packaging assembly of encapsulation elements included in a ribbon-like support, in which versatility is guaranteed? and efficient logistics management in manufacturing companies, distribution warehouses, and warehouses or departments of healthcare facilities.

[0020] Within the scope of the above aim, an object of the present invention relates to a packaging assembly in which the web-like support maintains a substantially stable structure under operating conditions. In particular, said substantially stable structure makes logistic management more efficient in production companies, in distribution warehouses, and in warehouses or departments of healthcare structures.

[0021] A further object concerns a packaging assembly for which it is not necessary to provide for a specific procedure for the disposal of its components with respect to procedures normally envisaged in a healthcare facility, thus simplifying their disposal.

[0022] A further object relates to a packaging assembly in which handling and use by operators with the automatic distribution apparatuses in healthcare structures is simplified.

[0023] A further object relates to a packaging assembly having a construction suitable for use with different types of automatic distribution apparatuses in healthcare structures, thus increasing their versatility.

[0024] A further object relates to a packaging assembly in which the ribbon-like support provides a structure suitable for use with automatic distribution apparatuses which contain and associate with each other a plurality of of different pharmaceutical products or medical articles based on therapeutic prescriptions that are specific to a given patient.

[0025] A further object relates to a packaging assembly, in which the pharmaceutical products or medical-health articles contained in the encapsulation elements are adequately protected.

[0026] A further object relates to a packaging assembly which provides a construction that is simple to produce.

[0027] The aim and objects indicated above, and others which will become clearer in the continuation of the description, are achieved by means of a packaging assembly having a plurality of of encapsulation elements including a tape support, as defined in the independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0028] The further characteristics and advantages of the packaging assembly of a plurality of encapsulation elements included in a ribbon-like support, according to the present invention, will become more? evident in the following description relating to an embodiment given purely as a non-limiting example, with reference to the following figures, in which:

- Fig. 1 ? a perspective view of a packaging assembly of potting elements including a web support, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

- Fig. 2 ? a perspective view of a containment element of the packaging assembly of Fig.1;

- Fig. 3 ? a first perspective view of a web support of the packaging assembly of Fig.1, wherein the web support forms a complete stacked structure;

- Fig.4 ? a second perspective view of the ribbon-like support of Fig.3;

- Fig.5 ? a first perspective view of the web support of Fig.3, in which the web support forms a partial stacked structure;

- Fig.6 ? a second perspective view of the web-like support of Fig.5;

- Fig.7 ? a schematic sectional view of a portion of the web-like support of Fig. 6, in an unassembled state, at an encapsulation element;

- Fig. 8 ? a schematic sectional view of the portion of the web-like support of Fig. 7, in an assembled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Referring to Figs. 1 to 8 , a packaging assembly 10 is shown for packaging a plurality of of encapsulation elements 16 that ? included in a ribbon-like support 14. In particular, the packaging assembly 10 includes a containment element 12 able to contain the ribbon-like support 14 which in turn comprises, preferably retains, said plurality of encapsulation elements 16.

[0030] Each of said plurality? of encapsulation elements 16, for example blister packs, ? suitable for containing a pharmaceutical product or medical-health article and ? openable by exerting pressure on it, typically manually, by means of known constructions. Preferably, the plurality? of encapsulation elements 16 ? formed with at least partially transparent material in order to make its contents visible to a user, for greater practicality.

[0031] In this embodiment, the plurality? of encapsulation elements 16 of the packaging assembly 10 contains the same type of pharmaceutical product or medical-health article. However, this selection is not ? limited and ? Is it possible to foresee embodiments in which the plurality? of encapsulation elements 16 contains pharmaceutical products or medical-health articles of different types. Possibly, ? Is it possible to provide embodiments in which each of said plurality? of encapsulation elements 16 contains pi? of a pharmaceutical product or medical article.

[0032] In the present description, with the term ?pharmaceutical product? means any pharmaceutical dosage form suitable for the administration of any compound or composition, such as for example a tablet, vial, suppository, or the like. While, with the term ?medical-sanitary article? means an article or device suitable for therapies, diagnoses and the like in the medical and/or healthcare field, such as tampons, syringes, needles, cannulas, bandages, reagents, components of a kit, or the like.

[0033] The tape support 14 ? formed with flexible material and has a substantially flat continuous structure provided with two opposite faces. In particular, the tape-like support 14 provides (before its possible cutting or separation) an extension along a longitudinal direction L1 which is? much greater than a transversal width D1, the latter transversal to said longitudinal direction L1.

[0034] The tape support 14 ? configured including, preferably holding onto itself, the plurality? of encapsulation elements 16 so that the latter are mutually separated from each other and arranged along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L1, ie? are arranged longitudinally to the tape-like support 14. Typically, the plurality? of encapsulation elements 16 ? included in the ribbon-like support 14 so as to protrude from at least one of the two faces of the latter.

[0035] With particular reference to Figs. 3 to 6, the tape-like support 14 also comprises a plurality of folding lines 18 each of which ? formed separate from the others along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L1 and so as to extend transversely to the latter.

[0036] In particular, each of said plurality? of fold lines 18 ? adapted to fold the ribbon-like support 14 on itself? itself to form a serpentine stack 20 having a plurality of levels 22. In other words, said plurality? of levels 22 ? defined by consecutive portions of the web support 14 which are connected to each other by a respective folding line 18 (see in particular Figs. 3 and 4 in which the entire web support 14 forms a complete stacked structure).

[0037] In the present description, the term "folding line" refers to an area of the web support 14 which, essentially acting as a hinge, deformable without breaking, preferably at least partially plastically, so as to facilitate the passage of the tape-like support 14 from an unwound initial state to a final state in which it forms the serpentine pile 20.

[0038] In particular, referring to Figs. from 3 to 6, consecutive portions of the ribbon-like support 14, which in the serpentine pile 20 are operatively superimposed on each other, define at least partially an acute angle in correspondence with the respective folding line 18 which connects them.

[0039] Each of said plurality? of fold lines 18 ? preferably a pre-existing region configured to guide the mutual superimposition of the consecutive portions of the tape-like support 14 which define the plurality? of levels 22 of the serpentine stack 20. For example, each of said plurality? of folding lines 18 pu? be formed by a thinner region, a region provided with perforations and the like, or combinations thereof.

[0040] Preferably, the folding lines 18 are formed, in pairs, equidistant along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L1. In this state, the serpentine stack 20 assumes a substantially parallelepiped shape which is easy to contain by means of the containment element 12, as explained below.

[0041] In a more preferred embodiment, the folding lines 18 are, two by two, separated by the same number of encapsulation elements 16. In this state, a substantially parallelepiped shape of the serpentine stack is further ensured 20 because? the plurality? of encapsulation elements 16 protrudes from one of the two faces of the tape-like support 14.

[0042] In the present invention, referring particularly to Figs. from 1 to 4, the containment element 12 ? format with flexible film and ? shaped to operatively contain the serpentine stack 20 substantially adhering to the latter so as to keep each of said plurality substantially aligned with each other of 22 levels.

As used herein, the term "flexible film" means a flexible material or coating preferably having a thickness of at least 1 micron, more than preferably from 10 to 500 microns, and that ? substantially devoid of rigid structure. Specifically, as used herein, the term "flexible film" ? substantially opposite in meaning to terms such as ?inflexible film?, ?rigid film?, ?rigid laminate? or similar.

[0044] In this state, advantageously, is the stacked structure of the plurality stabilized? of levels 22 of the serpentine stack 20 in the various operating conditions under which ? the packaging assembly 10 is subjected to it. In particular, in this state, said stacked structure is kept substantially stable in the various stages of handling, insertion into/removal from boxes, and handling which are envisaged in production companies, distribution warehouses, and in healthcare facilities for use with automatic distribution equipment. Furthermore, being formed with flexible film, it is not? it is necessary to provide for a specific procedure for the disposal of the containment element 12 with respect to procedures normally envisaged in a healthcare structure.

[0045] In particular, in this state ? unlikely that, under the various operating conditions, the ribbon-like support 14 does not maintain the stacked structure of the serpentine pile 20 since? the plurality? of fold lines 18 prevents a movement of the plurality? of levels 22 along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L1. While, the walls of the containment element 12 prevent substantially transverse misalignment of the plurality of of 22 levels.

[0046] In the most preferred embodiment, the containment element 12 is shaped to operatively contain the serpentine stack 20 so as to at least partially compress said plurality of levels 22 along a substantially orthogonal direction (ie at least partially orthogonal) to the faces of the web-like support 14, or along a substantially orthogonal direction to the plurality of levels 22. The compression of the plurality? of levels 22 ? made possible thanks to the characteristics of flexibility? of the tape-like support 14 and to the fact that, protruding from the latter, the plurality of encapsulation elements 16, the levels 22 are at least partially separated by free spaces.

[0047] In this state, advantageously, the stacked structure of the plurality is further stabilized. of levels 22 of the serpentine stack 20 in the various operating conditions under which ? subjected the? packaging assembly 10. In particular, ? improbable that in the various operating conditions the tape support 14 does not maintain the stacked structure of the serpentine pile 20 since? the friction between the walls of the containment element 12 and the ribbon-like support 14, or the serpentine stack 20, further prevents a misalignment of the plurality tablet? of 22 levels.

[0048] Referring in particular to Fig. 2, the containing element 12 preferably comprises an essentially tubular portion 12c which extends along a longitudinal axis L2.

[0049] The serpentine stack 20 is inserted in the essentially tubular portion 12c so as to substantially arrange the longitudinal axis L2 of the essentially tubular portion 12c and the longitudinal direction L1 of the ribbon-like support 14 forming the serpentine stack 20.

[0050] Therefore, is the containment element 12 closed at the two ends? longitudinal opposite ends of the essentially tubular portion 12c, such as the first end? longitudinal 12a and the second extremity? longitudinal 12b. The closure of the ends? longitudinal, first 12a and second 12b, of the essentially tubular portion 12c is performed by means of known joining techniques, such as welding, gluing and the like. Preferably, the extremities? longitudinal sections, first 12a and second 12b, of the essentially tubular portion 12c are closed so as to hermetically contain the coil stack 20 inside the containment element 12.

[0051] In this state, advantageously, the containment element 12 has a construction which ? simple to produce and to shape according to the shape of the serpentine stack 20 so as to keep each of said plurality substantially aligned with each other of 22 levels, operationally stabilizing the stacked structure of the latter.

[0052] In other words, the essentially tubular portion 12c provides a structure which, despite being formed with a flexible film, ? suitable to stabilize the stacked structure of the plurality? of levels 22 of the serpentine stack 20 in the various operating conditions under which ? subjected the packaging assembly 10.

[0053] In the most preferred embodiment, the essentially tubular portion 12c has, in cross section, a substantially closed polygonal shape, more? preferably substantially rectangular or square so as to be consistent with the cross-sectional shape of the serpentine stack 20.

[0054] The containment element 12 ? preferably formed with polymeric material, such as for example a PET-based material, or with combinations of polymeric materials. In this state, as previously mentioned, a step for disposing of the containment element 12 is advantageously simplified since? a health facility already? provides disposal procedures for such materials in film form.

[0055] Preferably, the containment element 12 is formed with at least partially transparent material so as to make the ribbon-like support 14 visible to a user, the plurality of encapsulation elements 16, and any information printed on these, for greater practicality? of use in the various conditions of use.

[0056] In a more preferred embodiment, the containment element 12 is formed at least partially with biodegradable and/or compostable material, and optionally at least partially of renewable or natural origin. For example, element 12 can be formed with PLA-based material.

[0057] In this state, advantageously, a disposal step of the containment element 12 is further simplified and, moreover, its environmental impact is reduced.

[0058] In a further embodiment, the containment element 12 is formed at least partially with material having barrier characteristics to at least a portion of visible and/or ultraviolet and/or infrared radiation. For example, the element 12 can? comprising a layer having said barrier characteristics.

[0059] In this state, advantageously, protection of the pharmaceutical product or medical-health article is further guaranteed, above all when the plurality of of encapsulation elements 16 ? formed with material at least partially transparent to visible and/or ultraviolet and/or infrared radiation.

[0060] Indeed, ? It is known that some pharmaceutical products are photosensitive and degrade due to irradiation with certain wavelengths, based on the chemical nature of the pharmaceutical product. Therefore, in this embodiment, the material from which it is made is Once formed, the containment element 12 is suitably selected so as to substantially act as a filter, blocking or reducing the intensity? of the wavelengths that cause the degradation of the pharmaceutical product.

[0061] In a further embodiment, the containment element 12 is suitable to be marked, by means of printing or other techniques, with graphic elements, alphanumeric elements, codes and the like, or combinations thereof, so as to associate the packaging assembly 10, the ribbon-like support 14, and the plurality of encapsulation elements 16 desired information regarding the identification of the pharmaceutical product or medical/health article, the modality? storage and/or use, expiration dates, production batches, and the like.

[0062] With particular reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the containment element 12 preferably comprises fastening means 12f able to cooperate with suitable support elements configured to support said packaging assembly 10, such as for example hooks of a rack and the like. Alternatively, the fastening means 12f are able to cooperate with suitable gripping means, such as for example the helical supports of an automatic distribution apparatus.

[0063] Preferably, the fastening means 12f are formed at one end? longitudinal, first 12a or second 12b, of the containment element 12. In this state, advantageously, when the packaging assembly 10 is, for example, hung on a hook of a rack ? It is unlikely that the web support 14 will not maintain the stacked structure of the serpentine stack 20, especially when the containment element 12 at least partially compresses the plurality of coils. of levels 22 along a direction substantially orthogonal to the faces of the web-like support 14.

[0064] Therefore, in this state, the logistical management of the packaging unit 10 in the warehouses or departments of healthcare facilities is simplified and, above all, handling by the operators in the healthcare facilities for use with automatic apparatus is simplified of distribution.

[0065] In this preferred embodiment, the fastening means 12f comprise a hole which ? easy to form on the containment element 12 at the welded portion of the respective end? longitudinal, first 12a or second 12b. However, this selection is not ? limiting and the fastening means 12f can have any suitable construction.

[0066] With particular reference to Figs. 3 to 6, adjacent encapsulation elements 16 are preferably separated from each other by a respective line of weakness 18? formed transversely to the longitudinal direction L1 of the web support 14. Preferably, the lines of weakness 18? are formed, in pairs, equidistant along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L1. In particular, some of these lines of weakness 18? also constitute said plurality? of fold lines 18.

[0067] Each line of weakness 18? ? preferably a pre-existing substantially weakened region, such as for example a thinner region, a region provided with perforations or combinations thereof, which is adapted to facilitate the separation, or the tearing, of consecutive portions of the web-like support 14 which are each associated with a single encapsulation element 16.

[0068] Therefore, the plurality of folding lines 18 and the plurality? of lines of weakness 18? they can consist of substantially identical regions provided, for example, with perforations.

[0069] Alternatively, the plurality? of folding lines 18 and the plurality? of lines of weakness 18? they can be different regions respectively provided with a smaller thickness (for the folding lines 18) and with perforations (for the weakness lines 18?). In the latter case is guaranteed a greater robustness of the plurality? of folding lines 18, essentially acting as a hinge, with respect to the weak lines 18?.

[0070] Alternatively, ? Is it possible to envisage an embodiment in which lines of weakness are not foreseen 18? and the tape support 14 ? format with easily tearable material without the use of cutting devices, for a more practical. For example, the tape support 14 can be at least partially formed with polymeric material, paper material, or combination thereof, which allows a tear to be made manually, without the use of cutting devices.

[0071] Alternatively, ? Is it possible to envisage an embodiment in which lines of weakness are not foreseen 18? and the tape support 14 ? formed with material that requires the use of cutting devices to separate portions.

[0072] The tape support 14 can have any structure suitable for understanding the plurality? of encapsulation elements 16.

[0073] In the most preferred embodiment, the ribbon-like support 14 has a structure suitable for retaining on itself? the plurality? of encapsulation elements 16. In particular, in this preferred embodiment the tape-like support 14 substantially acts as an element for repackaging a plurality of of encapsulation elements 16 which are distinct from each other and which are obtained by cutting a continuous grid constituted, as originally marketed, by encapsulation elements 16 integral with each other.

[0074] In this state, by means of said re-packaging, the tape-like support 14 and the packaging assembly 10 are particularly suitable for feeding automatic distribution apparatuses which contain and associate with each other a plurality of of different pharmaceutical products or medical articles based on therapeutic prescriptions that are specific to a given patient.

[0075] With particular reference to Figs. 7 and 8 which are schematic views of a portion of the web support 14 respectively in an unassembled and assembled state, in this embodiment the web support 14 comprises a first web layer 14? and a second ribbon-like layer 14? that hold the plurality between them? of encapsulation elements 16.

[0076] Specifically, along the longitudinal direction L1, is it formed on the first web-like layer 14? a plurality? of openings 14h which are suitably spaced apart from each other and shaped so as to receive a respective of said plurality of encapsulation elements 16. As previously mentioned, each of said plurality? of encapsulation elements 16 contains and protects a pharmaceutical product or medical-health article (in the figure the pharmaceutical product or medical-health article is schematized with a rectangle).

[0077] Each of said plurality? of encapsulation elements 16 comprises a cap 16c, preferably transparent in the visible spectral region, provided with an opening which ? closed by a base portion 16b so as to contain, preferably hermetically, the pharmaceutical product or the medical-sanitary article. As previously mentioned, each of said plurality? of encapsulation elements 16 ? configured to be opened by exerting pressure on it, typically manually, by means of known constructions.

[0078] An abutment portion 16r extends peripherally from the edges of the opening of the cap 16c and is joined, by known techniques, to the base portion 16b of the respective encapsulation element 16.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 7, each of said plurality? of encapsulation elements 16 is inserted into the corresponding opening 14h so that the cap 16c protrudes and protrudes externally to the first ribbon-like layer 14?, with the abutment portion 16r which acts as an abutment surface on the first ribbon-like layer 14? of the ribbon support 14.

[0080] When said insertion ? completed, as shown in Fig. 8, on the surface of the first web layer 14? That ? opposite to that from which the cap 16c protrudes, is the second ribbon-like layer 14? which has the function of retaining and blocking the plurality? of encapsulation elements 16 on the ribbon-like support 14.

[0081] The second ribbon layer 14? can? be formed with the same material as the first web layer 14? or can? be of different material, as long as? provides features of flexibility? and, optionally, can be easily torn, according to what has been said previously. In this preferred embodiment, the first web layer 14? ? formed with an opaque material, on which ? possible to mark information of various types, while the second ribbon-like layer 14? ? formed with transparent material so as to make said marked information visible. However, this selection is not ? limiting, and ? possible to suitably choose the type of material of each of the layers.

[0082] If the pharmaceutical product or the medical-sanitary article has its own container, such as for example a bottle,? possible to provide an embodiment in which the respective encapsulation element 16 does not provide a base portion 16b and the pharmaceutical product or the medical-health article ? retained in the cap 16c by the second ribbon-like layer 14? which, therefore, serves as a basis.

[0083] Preferably, the tape-like support 14 comprises, along the longitudinal direction L1, a plurality of of hooking elements 24, such as through holes, suitably shaped so as to cooperate with suitable gripping means, such as for example helical supports, of an automatic distribution apparatus.

[0084] In particular, each hook element 24 ? disposed on the ribbon-like support 14 in an intermediate position between two adjacent encapsulation elements 16 and ? associated with only one of these, preferably in an intermediate position between one of weakness 18? and an adjacent potting element 16. In this state, once separated from the ribbon-like support 14, the portion included between two lines of weakness 182, which is associated with a single encapsulation element 16, pu? be easily engaged by the gripping means of an automatic distribution apparatus.

[0085] From what has been described up to now? It is clear how important results have been achieved, overcoming the drawbacks of the state of the art, making it possible to produce a packaging assembly 10 which guarantees versatility? and efficient logistics management in manufacturing companies, distribution warehouses, and warehouses or departments of healthcare facilities.

[0086] In fact, according to the present invention, the packaging assembly 10 maintains, under operating conditions, the stacked structure of the serpentine stack 20 formed by the ribbon-like support 14 substantially stable.

[0087] In particular, the stacked structure of the serpentine pile 20 is kept substantially stable by the containment element 12 which is shaped adhering to this. At the same time, the stacked structure of the serpentine stack 20 makes it possible to reduce the overall dimensions of the packaging assembly 10, especially when the containment element 12 is closed. shaped so as to at least partially compress the plurality? of 22 levels of 20 coil stack.

[0088] Furthermore, unlike the state of the art in which spool elements or rigid cassettes are used, the packaging assembly 10 has a relatively low weight since it is the containment element 12 ? format with flexible film whose weight? essentially negligible.

[0089] Also, isn't it? necessary to foresee a specific disposal procedure of the containment element 12 since? healthcare facilities normally provide for disposal procedures suitable for materials in the form of films, consequently simplifying the disposal phases of the packaging assembly 10.

[0090] Furthermore, the packaging assembly 10 ensures easy handling and use by the operators with the automatic distribution apparatuses in healthcare facilities. In particular, ? It is possible to cut the essentially tubular portion 12c of the containment element 12 longitudinally, to make the ribbon-like support 14 available, and subsequently to comfortably insert the packaging assembly 10 into a box-shaped loader associated with a distribution apparatus. In this state, when does the tape support 14 ? finished, ? it is sufficient to remove the containment element 12 from the magazine and dispose of it according to the common procedures for materials in film form.

[0091] Furthermore, the packaging assembly 10 has a construction suitable for use with different types of automatic distribution apparatus. In particular, a specific loader associated with a certain type of distribution apparatus can be easily filled with the packaging assembly 10, as previously mentioned, or with only the ribbon-like support 14 forming the serpentine stack 20. Possibly, during the production phase of the packaging assembly 10, It is possible to adjust the conformational characteristics of the serpentine stack 20, such as for example the number of levels 22 or their extension along the longitudinal direction L1, based on the conformational characteristics of a specific magazine.

[0092] The embodiment in which the tape-like support 14 acts as an element for repackaging a plurality of of 16 distinct encapsulation elements ? particularly suitable for feeding automatic distribution devices with pharmaceutical products or medical-health articles originally marketed in formats not suitable for such devices.

[0093] Furthermore, the packaging assembly 10 adequately protects the pharmaceutical products or medical-health articles. In particular, the containment element 12 provides protection for the plurality of encapsulation elements 16 and for their contents both by containing them and, possibly, by blocking a radiation.

[0094] Furthermore, the substantially stable serpentine structure of the ribbon-like support 14, in which free spaces are provided between the levels 22 of the serpentine stack 20, ensures shock-absorbing characteristics in the event of an accidental fall of the packaging assembly 10. Specifically, these shock-absorbing characteristics together with the relatively low weight, guarantee durability? of the packaging assembly 10, of the plurality? of encapsulation elements 16 and of the contents of the latter.

[0095] Furthermore, the presence of the fixing means 12f on the containment element 12 makes the packaging assembly 10 even more versatile, especially when the fixing means 12f consist of a hole having the same shape as that of the hooking elements 24 of the web support 14. Indeed, in this case, the fixing means 12f and the hooking elements 24 are able to cooperate with the same gripping means of an automatic distribution apparatus, such as for example helical supports, and ? It is possible with said apparatus to associate different packaging assemblies 10 with each other, or to associate a packaging assembly 10 with a portion of a ribbon-like support 14 corresponding, for example, to a single encapsulation element 16.

[0096] Finally, the packaging assembly 10 has a construction that is simple to produce.

[0097] Of course, the materials and equipment used to make the present invention, as well as the shape and dimensions of the individual components, may be the most? suitable according to specific needs.

Claims (10)

Claims of the patent for industrial invention entitled: "ASSEMBLY FOR PACKAGING ENCAPSULATION ELEMENTS INCLUDED IN A TAPE SUPPORT" CLAIMS 1. Packaging assembly (10) including: - a plurality? of encapsulation elements (16) suitable for containing pharmaceutical products or medical-health articles, - a ribbon-like support (14) formed with flexible material having two opposite faces and extending along a longitudinal direction (L1), said tape-like support (14) comprising said plurality? of encapsulation elements (16) which are mutually separated along said longitudinal direction (L1) and which protrude from at least one of the faces of said ribbon-like support (14), in which said ribbon-like support (14) also comprises a plurality of folding lines (18) each of which ? formed transversely to said longitudinal direction (L1), each of said plurality? of folding lines (18) being capable of folding said tape-like support (14) on itself? same so as to form a serpentine stack (20) having a plurality? of levels (22) each defined by consecutive portions of said web-like support (14), - a containment element (12) able to contain said ribbon-like support (14) and said plurality? of encapsulation elements (16), characterized in that said containment element (12) ? format with flexible film and ? shaped to operatively contain said serpentine stack (20) substantially adhering to the latter so as to keep each of said plurality substantially aligned with each other of levels (22), operationally stabilizing the stacked structure of the latter. 2. The packaging assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein said containing element (12) is shaped to operatively contain said serpentine stack (20) so as to at least partially compress said plurality of levels (22) along a direction substantially orthogonal to the faces of said web-like support (14). 3. The packaging assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said containment element (12) is formed at least partially with biodegradable and/or compostable material, optionally at least partially of renewable origin. 4. The packaging assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said containment element (12) is formed at least partially with material having barrier characteristics to at least a portion of visible and/or ultraviolet and/or infrared radiation. 5. The packaging assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said containment element (12) comprises an essentially tubular portion (12c) having a longitudinal axis (L2) and closed at its ends. longitudinal (12a, 12b), said serpentine stack (20) being contained in said containment element (12) so that said longitudinal direction (L1) of said ribbon-like support (14) is substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis (L2) of said essentially tubular portion (12c ). 6. The packaging assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said containment element (12) comprises fastening means (12f) able to cooperate with support elements configured to support said packaging assembly (10) or with gripping means of an automatic distribution apparatus, said fixing means (12f) being formed at at least one end? longitudinal (12a, 12b) of said containment element (12). 7. The packaging assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said folding lines (18) are pairwise equidistant and separated by the same number of said plurality? of encapsulation elements (16). 8. The packaging assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein adjacent encapsulation elements (16) are separated from each other by respective lines of weakness (18?) formed transversely to said longitudinal direction (L1) of said ribbon support (14), said lines of weakness (18?) being able to facilitate the separation of consecutive portions of said web-like support (14), in which some of said lines of weakness (18?) also constitute said plurality? of fold lines (18). 9. The packaging assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tape-like support (14) is format with easily tearable material without the use of cutting devices. 10. The packaging assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tape support (14) comprises: - a first ribbon-like layer (14?), - a plurality? of openings (14h) formed along the longitudinal extension of said first ribbon-like layer (14?), each opening of said plurality? of openings (14h) receiving a respective encapsulation element of said plurality? of encapsulation elements (16) which are distinct from each other, each of said plurality? of encapsulation elements (16) comprising a cap (16c) protruding from the respective opening (14h), - a second ribbon-like layer (14?) attached to said first ribbon-like layer (14?) on a side operatively opposite to said cap (16c) so as to retain each of said plurality? of encapsulation elements (16) on said ribbon-like support (14).