JP2007511432A - Packaging system that children can not mischief and method of making this - Google Patents

Abstract

  The packaging system (10) includes a tray (200) for holding a blister pack (100) including a plurality of chambers. The blister pack is divided into a general access chamber area containing a general access chamber (102) and a restricted access area containing a restricted access chamber (104). These areas are separated by a chamberless area (108). A holding cap (300) holds the blister pack in the tray. The retaining cap and tray include a guide post (310) therebetween that fits within a guide slot (110) in a blister free area. The hinged cap prevents the child from mischiefing so that the hinged cap locks the blister pack when the hinged cap is in the closed position and the user can access the restricted access area when the hinged cap is in the open position The cap (25) is hingedly attached to the tray.

Description

[Cross reference to related applications]
This application claims priority based on co-pending US provisional application 60 / 519,601, filed on November 13, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

  The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for dispensing and accessing packaged items. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a multifunctional packaging system that is not mischievous for children.

  In the pharmaceutical industry, many types of packaging have been developed for unit doses such as tablets, capsules, tablets, chewables and the like. One type of packaging is a conventional blister pack. In a typical blister pack, thermoforming techniques are used to create a plastic shell that includes separate chambers to hold small consumables such as tablets. The backing is then affixed to the back of the shell, thereby placing each tablet in its own chamber. Separate tablets are released from the blister by applying pressure to the tablets with a plastic shell. When the tablet is pushed through the backing at the base of the tablet compartment, the tablet chamber collapses. This part of the backing collapses and the tablet is released from the blister through the resulting opening.

  For combinations with their drug treatment products, pharmaceutical companies want to place one or more drugs in a blister pack. In some situations, it may be desirable to package together a first drug that requires a container that cannot be mischievous by a child and a second drug that does not require a container that can not be mischievous by a child in the same blister pack. However, a survey on the packaging industry does not disclose a device that gives each part of the same blister pack both access and free access that the child cannot mischief. Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for systems and methods that distribute drug combinations while restricting access to certain drugs.

  The problems described above are addressed by the present invention. The aspect provides a unit dosage packaging system that includes a tray for holding a blister pack that includes a plurality of unit dosage chambers. The blister pack is divided into a general access area containing at least one general access unit dosage chamber and a restricted access area containing at least one restricted access unit dosage chamber. The general access area and the restricted access area are separated by an area without a chamber. The retaining cap holds the blister pack in the tray. The retaining cap and tray include a guide post therebetween that fits within a guide slot formed in a blister chamber free area. The guide post and guide slot are restricted to a blister pack's general access area, and a blister pack's general access area, when the blister pack is positioned in the tray by the retention cap. It is positioned in the tray so that it can slide between a second position accessible to both the access area. Hinge caps that children cannot mischief are hinged to the tray. As a result, when the hinge cap is in the closed position, the hinge cap locks the blister pack in the first position, and when the hinge cap is in the open position, the hinge cap places the blister pack in the second position. Make it slidable.

  As used herein, the term “unit dose and pill” refers to similar dimensions that can be suitably stored in tablets, capsules, caplets, tablets, chewables, and blister packs. Of goods. The term “restricted access” includes items that are secured in a manner that a child cannot mischief. The term “general access” includes articles that do not need to be secured in a manner that a child cannot play.

  One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for packaging restricted access items and general access items in a single package. As described in greater detail herein, the restricted access unit dosage and the general access unit dosage are packaged together in a specially configured blister pack. The blister pack is slidably mounted in the tray. As a result, the blister pack is between a first position where only general access tablets are easily accessible and a second position where both general access tablets and restricted access tablets are more easily accessible. It is slidable.

  In another embodiment, the packaging system includes a hinge cap that is not mischievable for the child to lock the blister pack in the first position. When the hinge cap is opened that the child cannot mischief, the blister pack can be unlocked and slide into a second position to gain access to the restricted access article. After one or more of the restricted access items are removed from the blister pack, the user slides the blister pack back from the second position to the original first position and closes the hinge cap that the child cannot mischief. The blister pack can be re-locked.

  In another embodiment, the packaging system comprises a tray, a blister pack, a blister retention cap, and a hinge cap. The blister pack includes a general access area that includes a plurality of general access chambers, a restricted access area that includes a plurality of restricted access chambers, and a chamberless area that includes a guide slot that extends into the absence of the chamber. Are further provided. The general access area and the restricted access area are separated by an area without a chamber. The retention cap is coupled to the tray for slidably securing the blister pack within the tray, while the hinge cap is hinged to the tray to limit access to the restricted access area.

  In an embodiment directed to a method of packaging an article, one method includes packaging the article in a blister pack, loading the pack in a tray, and securing a retaining cap to the tray. Hinged attachment of the cap to the tray to restrict access to the restricted access area. Packaging the articles in a blister pack includes a general access area that includes a plurality of general access chambers, a restricted access area that includes a plurality of restricted access chambers, and a guide that extends into an area without a chamber. Providing the pack with a general access area including a slot free chamber. Fixing the retaining cap includes slidably holding the blister pack in the tray.

  Thus, the package according to the present invention provides an easy access to public access items while providing a system that children cannot mischief to restrict access to restricted items. Easy access to general access articles is desirable for the elderly, for people with motor dysfunction, or for the convenience of non-dangerous drug users. In addition, the pack frame provides a lever device that may be useful for discharging both restricted and general access items.

  It is contemplated that the present invention is not limited to pharmaceutical-related products and can be applied to very large amounts of delicate, sensitive or unique portable products. The present invention includes small electronic components, jewelry, food, expensive and valuable items, and any other item that requires a safe, stable and portable environment to be transported and stored. You can find that apply. Other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

As required, embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various and other forms. Although the drawings are not necessarily enlarged, certain features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, but as a basis for the claims and representatives to teach those skilled in the art to variously employ the invention. As a basic basis, it should simply be interpreted.
For the purpose of teaching and not for limitation purposes, the illustrated embodiment is directed to a drug package.

  Returning now to the drawings, like reference numerals represent like elements throughout, wherein FIGS. 1 and 2 show exploded perspective views from above and below of an embodiment of a packaging system 10 according to the present invention. . The packaging system 10 includes three components. A blister pack 100, a tray 200 on which the blister pack is slidably mounted, and a blister holding cap 300 used for mounting the blister pack 100 in the tray 200.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the blister pack 100 is attached to the tray 200 by the manufacturer, distributor, or pharmacist prior to providing the package to the general user. Thus, the consumer is provided with an assembled pack with the blister pack 100 mounted on the tray 200. This assembled pack is considered disposable. In other embodiments, the packaging system 10 is modified so that the tray 200 and the blister retention cap 300 are reusable because the used blister pack 100 can be replaced with a new one.

  The blister pack 100 includes a plurality of chambers 102 and 104 and a backing 106. An article such as a tablet (not shown) contained in one of the chambers 102, 104 is released from the chamber by applying downward pressure on the outer housing of the selected chamber, causing the chamber to collapse, and the chamber The article contained therein is driven to the portion of the backing 106 at the base of the chamber. The portion of the backing 106 is torn and allows the tablet to pass through the resulting opening.

  The blister chamber is divided into two groups. The first group of generic access chambers 102 contains generic access unit doses. A second group of restricted access chambers 104 also includes restricted access unit doses. For teaching purposes, but not for limitation purposes, the illustrated embodiment includes a 6 × 2 matrix general access chamber 102 and a 1 × 2 matrix restricted access chamber 104. It will be understood that the dimensions of these matrices can be varied without departing from the scope of the claims. The area of the blister pack 100 that houses the general access chamber 102 is referred to herein as the general access area. The area of the blister pack 100 that houses the restricted access chamber 104 is referred to herein as a restricted access area.

  As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the blister pack 100 further includes a region 108 between a general access area and a restricted access area without a chamber. This region 108 is referred to herein as a chamberless area. The chamber free area 108 includes a slot 110. Here, the slot 110 is positioned at least partially within both the restricted access area and the chamberless area 108 to pre-slide the blister pack 100 between the first position and the second position. Define a path with a defined length.

  The tray 200 includes a frame 202 having end walls 204 and 206 and side walls 208 and 210. The tray 200 includes a pair of general access windows 212 and 214 corresponding to predetermined locations in the general access chamber 102 of the assembled package. The tray 200 further includes a pair of restricted access windows 216 and 218. As described in detail below, the restricted access chamber 104 is aligned with the restricted access windows 216 and 218 when the blister pack 100 slides into the second position. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the blister pack 100 is oriented in the tray 200 so that the blister backing 106 is positioned between the tablet chambers 102 and 104 and the access windows 212, 214 and 218. The Articles are released from the chamber by applying pressure to the chamber's outer housing in the direction of the corresponding access window of the chamber. This drives the article through the blister backing 106 and corresponding access windows 212, 214, 216 and 218. It can be seen from FIG. 2 that the tray frame 202 provides structural support that facilitates driving unit doses through the blister backing 106. This aspect of this embodiment may be useful for users with motor impairment. As described above, restricted access chamber 104 is aligned with restricted access windows 216 and 218 when blister pack 100 slides into the second position.

  The blister pack 100 is held in the tray 200 by a blister holding cap 300. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the blister retention cap 300 includes a base 302, three walls 304, 306, and 308 that together form a hood. This hood forms part of a compartment that houses the restricted access chamber 104 when the blister pack 100 is in the first position. The blister retention cap 300 further includes a central guide post 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the central guide post 310 is hollow and fits over a corresponding mounting post 220 on the tray 200.

  The central guide post 310 may be permanently attached to the mounting post 220 using an adhesive or other suitable technique. If desired, the central guide post 310 can be releasably attached to the mounting post 220. This latter arrangement allows tray 200 and blister retention cap 300 to be reusable with a replacement blister pack. The central guide post 310 is mounted on a mounting post 220 that includes a central guide post 310 extending through the blister retention cap 110. When mounted together, the top edges of the blister retention cap walls 304, 306 and 308 hold the chamberless portion 108 of the blister 100 to the inner surface of the tray 200.

  After the blister pack 100 is mounted on the tray 200, the blister pack 100 can slide in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal movement of the blister pack 100 within the tray 200 may be determined by the cooperation of the central guide post 310 and the guide slot 110. When the blister pack 100 is in the first position, the central guide post 310 impacts the first end of the guide slot 110. When the blister 100 is in the second position, the guide post 310 impacts the second distal end of the guide slot 110. Movement perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the blister pack 100 in the tray 200 may be determined by the side walls 208 and 210.

  3-6 are a series of perspective views of the packaging system 10 illustrating the structure and operation of the hinge cap 250 that children cannot play with. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge cap 250 is configured as an integral part of the tray 200 during the assembly process. However, it is possible to configure the hinge cap 250 as a separation unit that is subsequently mounted on the tray 200 so that children cannot be mischievous.

  FIG. 3 shows the hinge cap 250 in a closed position that the child cannot play with. FIG. 4 also shows the hinge cap 250 in the open position with the blister 100 in the first position, which is not mischievous for children. FIG. 5 shows the hinge cap 250 in the open position, with the blister pack 100 slid into the second position, which the child cannot mischief. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view from below of the packaging system 10 with a hinge cap 250 in the open position that is not mischievous for children. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the hinge cap 250 that is not playable by children includes a flap 252 attached to the end wall 204 of the tray 200 by a hinge 254. When the hinge cap 250 is in the closed position, the hinge cap 250 constitutes a flat surface that is substantially continuous with the base 302 of the blister retention cap 300.

  As best shown in FIG. 4, the hinge cap 250 that the child cannot play with includes a pair of ribs 256 and 258 that protrude from the inner surface of the flap 252. These ribs 256, 258 are shaped such that they abut the restricted access chamber 104 when the hinge cap 250 is in the closed position. In this way, when the hinge cap 250 that the child cannot mischief is closed, even just one of the ribs 256, 258 locks the blister 100 in the first position. When the hinge cap 250 is opened, which the child cannot mischief, the ribs 256, 258 are retracted from the restricted access chamber 104, allowing the blister 100 to slide into the second position.

  As further shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, this non-tampering hinge cap 250 includes a pair of buttons 260 and 262 that project outwardly from a pair of resiliently deformable struts 264 and 266. . Buttons 260 and 262 are sized and positioned to fit tightly within a pair of stirrups 68 and 270 configured in the sidewalls of the tray. When the hinge cap 250 is not closed to the child, the buttons 260 and 262 extend outward through the star wraps 268 and 270, engage their edges, and close the hinge cap 250. Lock in place. As best shown in FIG. 4, the hinge that the child cannot mischief until the buttons 260 and 262 are fully removed from the stirrups 268 and 270 to allow the hinge cap 250 to pivot and open in the direction of arrow 276. Cap 250 is opened by pressing buttons 260 and 262 inwardly in the direction of arrows 272 and 274.

  The package user uses one thumb and fingers of the first hand to press the two buttons 260 and 262 inward and uses the second hand to pivot open the hinge cap 250. Can be considered. A semicircular well 312 is provided in the base 302 of the blister holding cap 300 to facilitate gripping the hinge cap 250 that the child cannot mischief with the second hand. The hinge cap 250 includes an ear 278 that corresponds in position to the semi-arc-shaped recess 312 of the blister retention cap 300. The hinge cap 250 can be closed again by pivoting it downward so that the buttons 260 and 262 re-engage with the stirrups 268 and 270. Buttons 260, 262 include a rounded surface that allows buttons 260, 262 to slide into place without having to use one thumb and finger to deflect buttons 260, 262 inward.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the blister pack 100 slides into the second position along the direction of arrow 280. In the second position, the restricted access chamber 104 has been slid from under the protective retaining cap 300 and is now visible and accessible. Furthermore, when the blister pack 100 is in the second position, the restricted access chamber 104 is aligned with restricted access windows 216 and 218 as best shown in FIG. The unit dosage of the restricted access chamber 104 can now be released from the blister pack 100 by applying pressure to the restricted access chamber 104 in the direction of arrow 282. As mentioned above, applying pressure in this manner will cause the restricted access chamber 104 to collapse, causing the unit dosage contained in this chamber to penetrate from the backing 106 and through the windows 216 and 218. To drive.

  It will be understood that the hinge cap 250 that the child cannot mischief is one that the child cannot mischief. This is because opening the hinge cap 250 requires emphasis on both hands and developed hands and eyes, which is generally lacking for children under a certain age. Even if the child somehow opens the hinge cap 250, the child aligns the restricted access chamber with the restricted access windows 216 and 218 and then successfully removes the unit dosage from his blister 104. It can be found that it is difficult to slide the blister pack 100 to the second position.

  FIGS. 7-9 show a series of diagrams illustrating further aspects of the present invention in which the packaging system 10 is encased within the outer sleeve 400. As shown in FIG. 7, the outer sleeve 400 includes a first open end 402 and a second open end 404 and is shaped to fit tightly around the entire packaging system 10. The packaging system 10 can slide from either end of the outer sleeve 400.

  When the packaging system 10 slides from the first open end 402, as shown in FIG. 7, the hinge cap 250, which is not mischievous for children, does not require the packaging system 10 to be completely removed from the outer sleeve 400. Exposed. As shown in FIG. 8, the hinge cap 250 can open to provide access to the restricted access chamber 104 of the blister 100. As shown in FIG. 9, when the packaging system 10 slides from the second open end 404, the general access chamber 102 of the blister 100 can be accessed without having to completely remove the packaging system 10 from the outer sleeve 400. Is possible.

  With respect to one method of packaging an article according to the present invention, the partial pins are packed in a blister pack in one step. The blister pack includes a general access area that houses at least one general access chamber and a restricted access area that houses at least one restricted access chamber. The general access area and the restricted access area are separated by an area without a chamber. In the other stage, the blister pack is loaded into the tray. In other stages, the blister retention cap is used to retain the blister pack in the tray. The blister retention cap and tray include a central guide post therebetween that fits within a guide slot in a blister pack chamber free area. The central guide post and guide slot are positioned in the tray such that the blister pack is held in the tray by a blister retention cap. The blister pack is slidable between a first position accessible by the blister pack's general access area and a second position accessible by both the blister pack's general access area and the restricted access area position. It is. The blister pack is held in the first position by a cap hinged on the tray that the child cannot mischief. As a result, when the hinge cap closes, the hinge cap locks the blister pack in the first position, and when the hinge cap opens, the hinge cap allows the blister pack to slide into the second position.

  Although the foregoing description includes details that enable one skilled in the art to solidify the invention, the description is illustrative in nature and many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art having these teachings. Should be recognized. The invention herein is defined solely by the appended claims, which are intended to be interpreted as broadly as possible by the prior art.

It is the disassembled perspective view seen from the embodiment of this invention. It is the disassembled perspective view seen from the bottom of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a series of perspective views illustrating the operation of the hinge cap of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 is a series of perspective views illustrating the operation of the hinge cap of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 is a series of perspective views illustrating the operation of the hinge cap of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 is a series of perspective views illustrating the operation of the hinge cap of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 6 is a series of perspective views illustrating another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a series of perspective views illustrating another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a series of perspective views illustrating another embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Packaging system 100 Blister pack 102 General access chamber 104 Limited access chamber 106 Backing 108 Chamber free area 110 Slot 200 Tray 202 Tray frame 204, 206 End wall 208, 210 Side wall 212, 214 General access window 216, 218 Restricted access window 220 Mounting post 250 Hinge cap that children cannot play 252 Flap 254 Hinge 256, 258 Rib 260, 262 A pair of buttons 264, 266 Posts 268, 270 A pair of star wraps 272, 274, 276 Arrows 278, 282 Arrows 300 Blister holding cap 302 Base 304, 306, 308 Blister holding cap wall 310 Center guide post 312 Semi-circular recess 400 outer sleeve 402 first open end 404 second open end

Claims (32)

A packaging system,
A tray,
A general access area including a plurality of general access chambers, a restricted access area including a plurality of restricted access chambers, and a non-chamber area including a guide slot extending into the chamber-free area. A blister pack, wherein the general access area and the restricted access area are separated by an area without the chamber;
A blister holding cap coupled to the tray for slidably securing the blister pack in the tray;
And a hinge cap hinged to the tray for restricting access to the restricted access area.   The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the tray comprises a frame including an end wall, a sidewall, and a mounting post attached to the tray.   The tray further comprises at least one general access window in a position corresponding to the general access chamber and at least one restricted access window in a position corresponding to the restricted access chamber. The packaging system described.   The each of the plurality of general access chambers includes at least one general access article, and each one of the plurality of restricted access chambers includes at least one restricted access article. Packaging system.   The packaging system of claim 4, further comprising a central guide post extending through the guide slot.   The blister retention cap further includes a base and a wall that form a hood, the hood covering a restricted access area of the blister pack when the blister pack is in a first position. Packaging system.   The packaging system of claim 6 wherein the tray includes at least one boxwork formed in one of the side walls.   8. The package of claim 7, wherein the hinge cap includes a flap, at least one rib projecting from an inner surface of the flap, and at least one button extending outwardly from a corresponding post secured to the flap. System.   9. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein the button engages correspondingly to the box hardware to secure and close the hinge cap.   The flap causes the rib to strike at least one of the restricted access chambers to lock the blister pack in the first position when the hinge cap is in a closed position that the child cannot mischief. The packaging system of claim 9, wherein the packaging system is hingedly secured to the tray.   The hinge cap opens by deflecting the button inward to remove the box hardware, the ribs allow removal of the restricted access chamber, and the blister pack is slidable to a second position The packaging system according to claim 10.   The packaging system of claim 11, wherein the blister retention cap further comprises a semi-arc-shaped depression.   The packaging system of claim 1, further comprising an outer sleeve configured to receive the tray, the blister pack, the retention cap, and the hinge cap.   The outer sleeve includes a first open end and a second open end, so that when the tray extends from the first open end, a hinge cap that the child cannot mischief is accessible; and 14. The packaging system of claim 13, wherein the general access area is accessible when the tray extends from the second open end.   The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the tray, the holding cap, and the hinge cap that the child cannot mischief are made of a plastic material.   5. The packaging system of claim 4, wherein the access article is any one of a first drug, a second drug, a non-drug, or any combination thereof. A blister pack,
A general access area including a plurality of general access chambers, each one of said general access chambers including at least one general access article;
A restricted access area including a plurality of restricted access chambers, each one of the restricted access chambers including at least one restricted access article;
A blister pack comprising: a chamberless area including a guide slot, wherein the general access area and the restricted access area are separated by a chamberless area.   The blister pack of claim 17, wherein the access article comprises any one of a first drug, a second drug, a non-drug, or any combination thereof.   19. A backing material secured to the open side of the access chamber for securely housing the general access article in the general access chamber and the article in the restricted access chamber. Blister pack as described in. A method of packaging an article, the method comprising:
Packaging an article into a blister pack, said blister pack comprising a general access area comprising a plurality of general access chambers, a restricted access area comprising a plurality of restricted access chambers, and a chamberless area; A chamberless area including a guide slot extending axially therein, wherein the general access area and the restricted access area are separated by the chamberless area; and
Loading the blister pack into a tray;
Securing a retention cap to the tray to slidably hold the blister pack in the tray;
Hinged to the tray a cap that a child cannot mischief to restrict access to the restricted access area.   The step of packaging includes placing at least one general access article in a corresponding general access chamber and placing at least one restricted access article in a corresponding restricted access chamber. Item 21. The method according to Item 20.   The method of claim 21, wherein the step of packaging further comprises securing a backing material to the open side of the chamber to securely store the article.   23. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of loading includes further inserting the blister pack into the tray, the tray including a mounting post that extends through a guide slot in the non-chambered area. . The step of securing includes attaching a blister pack to the tray;
The blister retaining cap allows the blister pack to slide to a first position to access the general access area and the blister pack to access both the general access area and the restricted access area 24. The method of claim 23, comprising a central guide post coupled to the mounting post that allows slidability to a second position.   The step of securing further comprises positioning the retaining cap over the restricted access area of the blister pack to cover the restricted access area when the blister pack is in the first position. 25. The method of claim 24, comprising: The step of attaching to the hinge type includes:
Attaching the hinge cap to the tray in a hinged manner;
The hinge cap is positioned in a closed position such that a retaining rib positioned in the hinge cap abuts at least one of the restricted access chambers, thereby locking the blister pack in the first position. Stopping and preventing the blister pack from sliding from the second position;
The rib comprises removing the restricted access area and allowing the blister pack to slide into the second position to gain access to the restricted access area. The method described in 1.   The slidable insertion of the tray, the blister pack, the retaining cap and the hinge cap within an outer sleeve, the outer sleeve including a first open end and a second open end. 26. The method according to 26.   The step of packaging includes placing at least one general access article comprising a first agent in a corresponding general access chamber and correspondingly restricting at least one restricted access article comprising a second agent. 23. The method of claim 21, comprising disposing in an access chamber. A method of packaging an article, the method comprising:
Packaging an article into a blister pack, the blister pack comprising a general access area including a plurality of general access chambers, a restricted access area including a plurality of restricted access chambers, and a guide slot; A chamber-free area comprising: the general access area and the restricted access area separated by an area without the chamber.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the step of packaging includes placing any one of a first drug, a second drug, a non-drug, or any combination thereof in a corresponding general access chamber. Method.   31. The packaging step further comprises placing any one of a first drug, a second drug, a non-drug, or any combination thereof in a corresponding restricted access chamber. The method described in 1.   32. The method of claim 31, wherein the step of packaging further comprises securing a backing material to the open side of the chamber for securely storing the article in each of the respective chambers.

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