JP2011522748A - Package with enclosure for dispensing medication dose - Google Patents

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a package for dispensing a single pharmaceutical unit dose. The package includes an enclosure, an access opening of the enclosure for retrieving a unit dose from the enclosure, and a unit dose removed from the medication holder for the later retrieval through the access opening. There may be at least one medication holder for holding this unit dose so that it falls and is captured.

Description

(Field of Invention)
The present invention relates generally to packages for holding and dispensing pharmaceutical unit doses, and more particularly to packages for dispensing a single pharmaceutical unit dose.

(Background of the Invention)
In general, pharmaceutical units (eg, tablets, capsules, caplets, films, gels, etc.) accept multiple pharmaceutical unit streams at once through openings for the purpose of facilitating filling containers during packaging line operations. In a package (e.g., a plastic bottle) having an opening large enough to allow. Plastic bottles are inherently inexpensive and easy to process in packaging lines, making them a commonly used package for oral drug products.

  However, such a package can make it difficult to limit the consumer to dispense the desired number of pharmaceutical units, particularly when the consumer's fine motor skills are limited. Consumers with limited motor skills include patients such as the elderly or patients suffering from neurological disorders (eg, Parkinson's disease). As a result, such patients can undesirably dispense too many pharmaceutical units from a package such as a bottle. It is also a concern that spills from undesired dispensing of too many medicinal units can result, which can cause one or more medicinal units to fall to the floor and be lost, recovered, or contaminated. This can result in the loss of a pharmaceutical unit that is probably very expensive.

  Although packages (eg, blister packs) that dispense single unit doses are available, these packaging materials still present problems. Blister packs or cards containing pharmaceutical unit doses are sold with blister packs as the primary package holding unit doses. There remains the problem that unit doses fall to the floor or are otherwise lost, recoverable or contaminated during distribution by patients with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease To do.

  Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a package containing a unit dose that limits the single-time distribution of the pharmaceutical unit dose while minimizing the risk of spilling.

(Summary of the Invention)
Various embodiments of the present invention provide a package for dispensing a single pharmaceutical unit dose. The package includes a wall structure defining an enclosure; an access opening in the enclosure for retrieving a unit dose from the enclosure; and at least one medication holder for holding the unit dose, the medication At least one medication holder installed in the wall structure so that a unit dose removed from the holder falls and is captured in the enclosure for later retrieval through the access opening; Can have.

  Each medication holder may comprise a blister for holding a unit dose. A breakable backing to hold the unit dose in each blister can be provided on the inner surface of the blister and there can be a plurality of blisters installed in the wall structure. The medication holder can be integrally formed with the wall structure or can be replaced with a replacement medication holder that is removable and has a new set dose of medication. The medication holder may comprise a blister for holding a unit dose, the blister being formed by a deformable portion of the wall structure, and further each blister for holding the unit dose within the blister And a breakable backing provided on the inner surface of the wall structure. The wall structure may comprise a removable closure cap or a cap attached to the package. The cap may be a cap that is easy for the elderly to use or a cap that the child cannot handle. The wall structure may comprise at least one inlet opening and the at least one medication holder is permanently secured to the wall structure in relation to the at least one inlet opening. The at least one medication holder may comprise a blister for holding a unit dose and a breakable backing provided on the inner surface of the blister for holding the unit dose in the blister. And a breakable backing is permanently secured to the wall structure for passing the unit dose from the blister through one inlet opening and into the enclosure. The insert may have a plurality of blisters, and a breakable backing is provided on the inner surface of the insert that passes a unit dose from the blister through the single inlet opening into the enclosure. In order to be permanently fixed to the wall structure. The blister can extend through one inlet opening.

  The wall structure can include at least one inlet opening, and the at least one medication holder is removably secured to the wall structure. The wall structure may further comprise at least one guide for guiding and installing at least one medicine holder such that each medicine holder is arranged in a relationship covering one inlet opening. The medication holder may comprise an insert having a plurality of blisters, with a breakable backing provided on the inner surface of the insert, the insert enclosing a unit dose from each blister through one inlet opening. The at least one guide is removably installed in the wall structure for passage into it. The insert may comprise a card insert and the at least one guide is parallel, spaced apart to receive the card insert by sliding and place the card insert in a wall enclosure An L-shaped wall is provided on the outer surface of the wall structure. Labels and / or instructions regarding use or medication information can be loosely placed in the package or included in the wall structure.

  Another embodiment provides a package having a wall structure with a bivalve package, the bivalve package comprising a central section and a first hinged transverse section and a first hingedly secured to both sides of the central section. It has two hinged transverse sections. This first transverse section comprises at least one medication holder inside. When a container having an inlet opening is placed in this second transverse section so that the bivalve package is closed, each of the medication holders is placed in a relationship covering one inlet opening. The container includes an access opening. This wall structure can be formed by a blank.

  The medication holder may have a deformable front wall that can be pushed by a human finger and a deformable back wall for holding a unit dose in the medication holder, the deformable back wall being With an inwardly bent section, the inwardly bent section locks the unit dose into the medication holder, and the inwardly bent section releases the unit dose through the deformable back wall For this purpose, the deformable front wall bends outward during the deformation.

  Further embodiments of the present invention provide a method for reducing the risk of a neurological patient dropping a single pharmaceutical unit dose by providing various packages of the present invention to a patient suffering from a neurological disorder. .

  Various embodiments provide a pharmaceutical product having at least one pharmaceutical holder and a package for dispensing a single pharmaceutical unit dose. The package includes a wall structure defining an enclosure; an access opening in the enclosure for retrieving a unit dose from the enclosure; and at least one medication holder for holding the unit dose, the medication Having at least one medication holder installed in the wall structure so that a unit dose removed from the holder falls and is captured in the enclosure for later retrieval through the access opening. Can do.

  A single pharmaceutical unit dose may be a single drug or multiple drugs, and any suitable pharmaceutical dosage form (eg, tablets, capsules, caplets and / or gelcaps) But not limited to these). A single pharmaceutical unit dose can have one or more medications (eg, one, two, three medications). For example, a single pharmaceutical unit dose can be one tablet, two tablets, three tablets, and the like. A single pharmaceutical unit dose may have at least one tablet, capsule, caplet or gel capsule, or a combination thereof. The medicaments may be in the same dosage form or in different dosage forms.

  The medicament is desirably an active pharmaceutical agent (e.g., a factor useful in treating a human suffering from a disease that can tremble a patient's hand or otherwise interfere with hand performance, e.g., , Containing, but not limited to, active agents useful in treating neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, arthritis, turret's disease, and the like.

  Other embodiments provide a pharmaceutical kit, the pharmaceutical kit comprising a package for dispensing a single medical unit dose and a plurality of pharmaceutical holders containing a plurality of pharmaceutical dosage forms. The kit can be sold together so that these medication holders can be exchanged in and out of the package when the dosage form in the medication is exhausted.

  A further embodiment provides a blank for forming a package for dispensing a single pharmaceutical unit dose, the blank comprising a plurality of connected together to form an enclosure having at least a closed bottom. A wall panel and at least one blister to hold a unit dose, the blister being removed from one blister when the wall panels are connected together to form this enclosure Is incorporated into at least one of the wall panels of the enclosure so that it falls into the enclosure and is captured for later retrieval.

  The blank may further have a breakable backing provided on the inner surface of the wall panel for each blister to hold a unit dose to each blister. There may be a plurality of blisters incorporated in at least one of the wall panels. The wall panels and the at least one blister can be made from the same material (eg, a plastic material). The plurality of wall panels may comprise a front wall panel, a rear wall panel and two lateral wall panels connected together in a line along a fold line. The plurality of wall panels may comprise a bottom flap connected to the lower end of one wall panel along a fold line, and a top flap connected to the upper end of one wall panel. The plurality of wall panels may comprise at least one bottom lateral flap connected to the lower end of the at least one wall panel and at least one top lateral flap connected to the upper end of the at least one wall panel.

  Various embodiments of the present invention provide a package for dispensing a single pharmaceutical unit dose. The package may comprise an enclosure, an access opening in the enclosure for retrieving a unit dose from the enclosure, and at least one medication holder for holding the unit dose, so that it is removed from the medication holder. The unit dose is trapped falling within the enclosure for later retrieval through the access opening.

  The medication holder can be a blister formed integrally with the package. Alternatively, the medication holder can be a removable insert.

  Embodiments of the present invention provide a package in which an insert, such as a blister pack, is integrated within the wall of the package. Alternatively, the insert may be removably insertable into the package. Unit doses of medication can be dropped inside the enclosure of this package, thereby preventing the loss of these medications. Various embodiments provide for safe, accurate and / or low cost delivery of a single unit dose. Suitable delivery mechanisms include a threaded lid on the neck finish, a lid that the neck finish cannot handle, or a lid that is easy for the elderly to handle, dispensing holes, gable tops, sliding doors, tear strips, locking flaps Etc.

  The package and insert or blister can be made from the same material, thereby ensuring conformity with the rules of conformity. Desirably, the package is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use.

  In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a package for dispensing a single pharmaceutical unit dose comprises a plurality of wall panels forming an enclosure, an access opening in the enclosure for retrieving the unit dose from the enclosure, and a unit The package enclosure wall includes at least one insert or blister for holding a dose, such that a unit dose taken from one blister falls into the enclosure and is captured. Incorporated into at least one of the panels, this unit dose is ready for retrieval through the access opening.

  There may also be a breakable backing provided on the inner surface of the wall panel for each blister to retain the unit dose within each blister. There may be a plurality of blisters incorporated into at least one of the wall panels of the enclosure, and the package may be a cuboid configuration. Furthermore, these wall panels and at least one insert or blister can be made from the same material.

  In various embodiments, the plurality of wall panels comprises a front wall panel, a rear wall panel and two lateral wall panels connected together in a cuboid configuration, the cuboid configuration having a lower opening and an upper end ( Forming an access opening), a bottom flap for closing the lower opening, and a top flap for removably closing the access opening.

  The above and other features of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package for dispensing unit doses with dosage and spill control according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a blank for forming the package of FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the blank of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the package of FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the package of FIG. 1 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a card insert with a blister. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5 showing a package according to another embodiment for use with the card insert of FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a package according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a package according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bottle according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bottle according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a bottle according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the bottle of FIG. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an assembled bivalve package according to another embodiment of the present invention. 15 is a side elevation view of the bivalve package of FIG. 14 in an open configuration. 16 is a side elevation view of the bivalve package of FIG. 14 in an assembled state. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a modified blister arrangement in a deactivated state. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a modified blister arrangement in an activated state.

(Detailed explanation)
Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a receptacle 10 for dispensing a unit dose with dosage and efflux control is formed from a blank 11. The blank, in turn, comprises a first lateral wall panel 12, a front wall panel 14, a second lateral wall panel 16, a rear wall panel 18, and a fixed tab panel 20, each connected together at their long sides. .

  The receptacle can be any suitable shape (eg, box, cylinder, triangle, circle, etc.). The outlet can be conical to facilitate the removal of the medication. The front wall panel can be of any suitable shape, including rectangular, square, triangular, trapezoidal and the like. These wall panels may also have rounded edges.

  Fold lines 22, 24, 26 and 28, etc. are between adjacent connected panels, i.e., between the first side wall panel 12 and the front wall panel 14, and between the front wall panel 14 and the second side wall panel 16. Between the second lateral wall panel 16 and the rear wall panel 18 and between the rear wall panel 18 and the fixed tab panel 20 so that each panel is bent perpendicular to its adjacent panel. In addition, the blank 11 can be folded along the fold lines 22, 24, 26 and 28.

  The receptacle can be made from any suitable material, including paperboard, cardboard, plastic, metal, and the like. This receptacle may be reusable. In such cases, the insert containing the medicament can be removed and replaced with another insert. One of the receptacle walls may be movable to allow removal and insertion of the insert. The bottom wall, side wall or open top can be removably connected with a suitable latch or hinge mechanism.

  Alternatively, thinner diameter lines or V-shaped cutouts may be provided instead of fold lines, and references to fold lines in the claims encompass all such variations. It is assumed that In this manner, the securing tab panel 20 is secured to the first lateral wall panel 12 by an adhesive to form an enclosure, as best shown in FIG.

  A bottom flap 30 includes a tab 34 connected to one of the short sides of the rear wall panel 18 along the fold line 32 and connected along the fold line 36 on the opposite side. In addition, bottom lateral flaps 38 and 40 are connected to the bottom flap 30 of the blank 11 along one of the short sides of the first lateral wall panel 12 and the second lateral wall panel 16 along fold lines 42 and 44, respectively. Connected to the same side.

  The blank 11 is folded along fold lines 22, 24, 26 and 28 so that each panel is folded perpendicular to its adjacent panels, and the securing tab panel 20 is glued to the first lateral wall panel 12 by an adhesive. When secured to form the enclosure, the bottom lateral flaps 38 and 40 are bent inwardly along fold lines 42 and 44 and the bottom flap 30 is moved along the fold line 32 with the bottom lateral flaps 38 and 40. Folds to the overlapping position and thereby closes the lower opening of the enclosure. The tab 34 is folded along the fold line 36 to be perpendicular to the bottom flap 30, thereby along the inner surface of the front wall panel 14, thereby holding the bottom flap 30 in this position. .

  The top flap 46 is connected to one of the short sides of the front wall panel 14 along the fold line 48 opposite the bottom flap 30 of the blank 11 and to the opposite side along the fold line 52. The tab 50 is provided. Further, the top lateral flaps 54 and 56 are on the same side as the top flap 46 of the blank 11 along fold lines 58 and 60, respectively, on opposite short sides of the first lateral wall panel 12 and the second lateral wall panel 16. Connected.

  The blank 11 is folded along the fold lines 22, 24, 26 and 28 so that each panel is folded perpendicular to its adjacent panel, and the securing tab 20 is glued to the first lateral wall panel 12 by an adhesive. When secured to form the enclosure, the top transverse flaps 54 and 56 are bent inwardly along fold lines 58 and 60 and the top flap 46 is joined along the fold line 48 with the top transverse flaps 54 and 56. Folds to the overlapping position and thereby closes the upper opening of the enclosure. The tab 50 is folded along the fold line 52 to be perpendicular to the top flap 46, thereby along the inner surface of the rear wall panel 18, thereby holding the top flap 46 in this position. . With this arrangement, the package 10 forms a rectangular parallelepiped configuration. Alternatively, the package can be any suitable shape, including triangles, circles, rectangles, cones, and the like.

  In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the blank 11 is formed with a plurality of inserts, blisters or compartments 62 on the front wall panel 14, each extending forward from the front wall panel, each serving a single dose. Of unit doses (eg, tablets, capsules, caplets, etc.) and each is aligned with an opening 64 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) in the front wall panel 14. The blister 62 protrudes forward from the surface of the front wall panel 14. The backing 66 can be made from foil, plastic, soft polymer material, etc., which can be perforated and secured in relation to cover the rear or inner surface of the front wall panel 14 to deliver unit doses to individual blisters 62. Hold in. It will be appreciated that the formation of the blister 62 is not limited to the front wall panel 14 and may be provided on other wall panels of the package 10 or multiple wall panels.

  The blank 11 (comprising a blister insert 62) can be made from a single material, which is a transparent, fully colored or partially colored, thermoformed plastic material. possible.

  In use, a person simply squeezes one of the blisters 62 and pushes the unit dose through the backing 66, which causes the unit dose to fall into the enclosure of the package 10. This unit dose can then be removed from the package 10 by simply opening the top flap 46 and the top side flaps 54 and 56. Alternatively or additionally, after the unit dose is removed from its respective blister 62, the dispensing of the unit dose from the package 10 is a lid that is not handled by the child, connected to one or more wall panels or flaps, Can be achieved by flaps, funnels or holes so that the patient receives a single dose with a reduced chance of spilling.

  It will be appreciated that a single unit dose can be dispensed into the box package 10. That is, the risk of unit doses being dropped, lost and contaminated is minimized. Advantageously, this bottle assists those suffering from neurological disorders who attempt to remove a single unit dose from the bottle or conventional blister pack.

  Moreover, an outer package or box for holding the blister pack may not be required. This is because the blister 62 is mounted directly in the package 10. This reduces manufacturing costs and time. This manufacturing means offers the advantages of fewer processing steps, fewer errors and improved quality control. Since the blister 62 and the package 10 are made from the same material, their manufacture is less expensive and safer, and this provides additional advantages as this ensures compliance with the compliance rules. . It will be appreciated that lower costs may be achieved because the package 10 with the blister 62 may be manufactured from a continuous roll of plastic. Furthermore, the material can be made transparent so that the patient can observe the dose they are trying to dispense.

  It will be appreciated that once a dose has been dispensed into the chamber, access to this dose or further dispensing to the patient's hand or mouth can be further controlled.

  Thus, the present invention adds an existing blister pack to the hand and mouth to the receptacle, to the hand, and to the mouth (or from the receptacle to the mouth) without adding any packaging compatibility issues. And directly) with a blister pack.

  Reference to a unit dose in the claims is intended to encompass all types of unit doses, including but not limited to capsules, tablets, colloids, caplets, powders, liquids and the like. It is understood.

  Other embodiments of the invention provide for labeling either packages or blisters or walls. Such a label helps to identify the type of drug contained within. Suitable labels include an indication of a week, day of the week or day (eg night / PM or morning / AM) according to the desired dosing schedule of the particular medication contained therein. Other embodiments include a package containing at least two active pharmaceutical agents, either in separate or combined dosage forms. The package may contain separate dosage form labels with appropriate use and dosing instructions for such active pharmaceutical agents.

  It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the present invention.

  For example, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, rather than the blisters 62 being formed as part of the package, these blisters can be formed as inserts assembled with the package. Specifically, referring first to FIG. 7, a box-type package 10a is shown, in which elements corresponding to the box-type package 10 have the same number but with the letter “a” attached. A detailed description of common elements is not provided. Basically, the box-type package 10a is the same as the box-type package 10 except that the blister 62 is not formed in this package. Instead, an opening 68 a is provided at the location of the blister 62 of the box-type package 10. An insert card 70a is provided, which is formed with blisters or compartments 62a, each blister or compartment extending forward of the insert card, each one serving a unit dose (e.g., Tablets, capsules, caplets, etc.) and each is aligned with the opening 64a of the insert card 70a for removal of the unit dose. The blister 62a protrudes forward from the surface of the insert card 70a. The backing 66a can be made from foil, plastic, soft polymer material, etc. that can be perforated and secured in a relationship over the rear surface of the insert card 70a to hold the unit dose within the individual blister 62a. The insert card 70a (comprising blister 62a) can be made from a single material, which is a transparent, fully colored, or partially colored, thermoformed plastic material. possible.

  In this arrangement, the insert card 70a can be secured to the rear surface of the front wall panel 14a so that the blister 62a protrudes through the opening 68a in the front wall panel 14. Fixing can be done by any suitable means, including adhesives, ultrasonic welding and the like. The insert card 70a can be assembled with the front wall panel 14a of the flattened blank 11 when the package 10 is fully assembled or during any process in between. It is also understood that the insert card 70a is not limited to assembly with the front wall panel 14 and may be provided on other wall panels or multiple wall panels of the package 10a.

  Although the present invention has been discussed with respect to a rectangular parallelepiped package 10, the present invention is not limited thereby. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the package 10b may have a cylindrical main body section 72b in which a blister 62b is formed and a conical hole section 74b is secured to the upper end of the main body section 72b. Is done. A lid flap 76b is secured to the upper open end 78b of the conical hole section 74b by any suitable means (eg, integral hinge 80b). The lid flap 76b can be secured to close the open end 78b by, for example, a clasp (not shown), a friction fit, or the like. For this purpose, the upper surface of the lid flap 76b may have a grip handle (not shown). Further, the blister 62b can be formed on the cylindrical wall of the main body section 72b in a manner similar to the blister 62 of FIGS. 1-5 or the insert in a manner similar to the blister 62a of FIGS. It can be formed on a card.

  Another example of a different shape is shown in FIG. 9, in which the package 10c has an open lower end that can be closed by a bottom closure flap 84c and an open upper end 86c that can be closed by a lid flap 88c. The conical wall 82c forms a conical shape. The bottom closure flap 84c and the lid flap 88c can be secured to the conical wall 82c by any suitable means (eg, a living hinge). The lid flap 88c and the bottom closure flap 84c can be secured to close the upper open end and the lower open end by, for example, a clasp (not shown), a friction fit, or the like. For this purpose, each of the top surface of the lid flap 88c and the bottom surface of the bottom closure flap 84c may have a grip handle (not shown).

  The conical wall 82c has a plurality of openings 68c similar to the arrangement of FIG. 7 and a plurality of blisters 62c similar to the card insert 70a of FIG. 6 and having a backing sheet (not shown). Card insert 70c can be assembled with conical wall 82c such that blister 62c protrudes through opening 68c. Fixing can be done by any suitable means, including adhesives, ultrasonic welding and the like. The insert card 70c may be assembled with a flattened blank conical wall 82c when the package 10c is fully assembled or during any step in between.

  It will be appreciated that the above embodiments discussed a package formed from a blank. However, the package 10 can be a conventional plastic bottle in which blisters are formed in the same manner as discussed in FIGS. 1-5 or as discussed in FIGS. Is formed as an insert through the opening of this bottle.

  Referring now to FIG. 10, a bottle 10d as a package according to another modification of the present invention comprises a cylindrical main body 90d having a reduced diameter neck 92d at the upper end, and a closure cap 94d in a conventional manner. The neck 92d is received by screwing. A plurality of openings 68d are formed in the main body 90d. Individual blisters 62d (each having a unit dose and closed by a backing (not shown)) are permanently attached to the outer surface of the main body 90d in alignment with the openings 68d. Fixed. When a person pushes the blister 62d, the unit dose breaks through this backing and enters the bottle 10d through the respective opening 68d.

  While the embodiment of FIG. 10 was discussed in terms of unit doses (eg, capsules or tablets), this and other embodiments show that each blister 62d contains secondary ingredients (eg, colorants, sugars, etc.). This secondary component can be used to hold, when the blister 62d is destroyed, it is already filled with the primary product, or is filled by the consumer immediately before or immediately after the destruction of the blister 62d, Enter main body 90d. The bottle 10d can then be shaken or agitated to mix these ingredients. In this manner, the consumer can change the contents of the bottle 10d to their liking. For example, one blister can contain a red colorant, a second blister can contain a blue colorant, a third blister can contain a sugar, and so on. In this manner, the contents of the primary product in the bottle 10d can be adjusted in strength, color, sweetness, and the like.

  It will be appreciated that the opening need not necessarily be formed in the main body of the bottle. For example, as shown in the bottle 10e of FIG. 11 (with a main body 90e, a reduced diameter neck (not shown) and a closure cap 94e), the blister 62e is located on the upper surface of the closure cap 94e. And an opening (not shown).

  Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the bottle 10f has a main body 90f, a reduced diameter neck 92f, and a closure cap 94f threaded into the neck 92f. A plurality of openings 68f are provided in the main body 90f. Further, L-shaped guides 96f extend along both sides of the opening 68f in a mutually parallel relationship with an interval. A bottom shelf 98f fixed to the outer surface of the main body 90f connects the lower end of the L-shaped guide 96f and has two upstanding tabs 100f. A card insert 70f that is substantially identical to the card insert 70a has a plurality of blisters 62f and has two recesses 102f at its lower edge. In this embodiment, it is only necessary to slide the card insert 70f into the L-shaped guide 96f until the recess 102f receives the tab 100f. The reason for the tab 100f and the recess 102f is to ensure an accurate alignment of the blister 62f and the opening 68f. However, it is understood that the tab 100f and the recess 102f can be eliminated if the tolerance of the card insert 70f in the guide 96f is small. The advantage of this embodiment is that a single bottle can be used for multiple different medicaments. This is because it is only necessary to slide in different card inserts 70f containing different medicaments.

  Referring now to FIGS. 14-16, a package 10g according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The package 10g is formed in a molded clamshell configuration and has three sections (ie, a central triangular section 104g and two lateral sections 106g and 108g secured by integral hinges 80g etc. on either side of the triangular section 104g). Have

  One lateral section 106g is formed from two lateral wall panels 110g and 112g connected in a V-shaped configuration, and their lateral edges are closed by a triangular end panel 114g. The lateral wall panel 110g includes a plurality of openings 68g, and a plurality of blisters 62g are formed on one side of the lateral wall panel 110g in alignment with the openings 68g. Alternatively, as in the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the blister 62g can be integrally formed with the lateral wall panel 110g. A backing 66g of foil, plastic, soft polymer material, etc. (which may be perforated) is secured in a relationship over the opposing surface of the lateral wall panel 110g to hold the unit dose within the individual blister 62. The backing 66g can be fed from a roll 67g during manufacture and then cut.

  The other lateral section 108g is formed from two lateral wall panels 116g and 118g connected in a V-shaped configuration, and their lateral edges are closed by a triangular end panel 120g. The side wall panel 116g includes a curved wall section 122g for receiving a bottle 124g. The bottle has a main body 90g, a reduced diameter neck 92g with threads 93g, and a closure cap 94g received by threaded engagement with the neck 92g. The curved wall section 122g may have sales information or different views. Although not shown, the upper end of the curved wall section 122g has an opening (not shown) for receiving the neck 92g so that the neck 92g and the closure cap 94g are on the outside of the curved wall section 122g. Extend. In this embodiment, it is preferred that one side 126g of the main body 90g of the bottle 124g is flat so that the formed opening 68g can be properly aligned with the blister 62g in the assembled state of the package 10g. The bottle 124g is rotated 90 ° from the position shown in FIG. 15 in the assembled state to face the blister 62g, and the bottle 124g is simply rotated to show the opening 68g. It is understood that it is shown in position.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the bottle 124g is inserted into the curved wall section 122g after the blister 62g and the backing 66g are formed in the lateral wall panel 110g. The lateral wall panels 110g and 116g are then in abutment relationship where they are fixed (eg, either releasably in a snap-fit manner or permanently, eg, by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc.). Until, the transverse wall sections 106g and 108g are swiveled around the integral hinge 80g.

  In use, a person squeezes the blister 62g, whereupon the internal unit dose breaks through the backing 66g and falls into the bottle 124g through the respective opening 68g. The cap 94g is then removed and the unit dose can be easily recovered.

  Although blisters 62-62g have been shown to be closed by backing 66-66g, it is further understood that each blister can be formed in any other suitable manner. For example, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the blister 62h is shown to be lined by a deformable backing 66h that is not a deformable foil, this backing being away from the blister 62h. Extend to increase the size of cavity 63h between blister 62h and backing 66h. However, the backing 66h has an inwardly bent section 128h that extends into the cavity 63h and serves as a lock to hold a unit dose 130h (preferably using pressure) within the cavity 63h. The innermost wall 132h of the inwardly bent section 128h has an opening 134h.

  Initially, the inwardly bent section 128h uses pressure to hold the unit dose 130h in the cavity 63h. However, when the human finger 136h presses the blister 62h, the unit dose 130h forces the inwardly bent section 128 to bend outward along with the rest of the backing 66h, and the continuous pressure is Extrude the unit dose 130h through the opening 134h.

  While various embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made according to the appended claims. It will be understood that it can be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined.

Claims (39)

A wall structure defining the enclosure;
An access opening in the enclosure for retrieving a unit dose from the enclosure; and at least one medication holder for holding the unit dose, wherein the at least one medication holder is removed from the medication holder At least one medication holder mounted on the wall structure such that a unit dose falls and is captured within the enclosure for later retrieval through the access opening;
A package for dispensing a single pharmaceutical unit dose.   The package of claim 1, wherein each medication holder comprises a blister for holding the unit dose.   The package of claim 2, further comprising a breakable backing provided on the inner surface of the blister to hold the unit dose within each blister.   The package of claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of blisters installed on the wall structure.   The package of claim 1, wherein the at least one medication holder is integrally formed with the wall structure.   Each medication holder comprises a blister for holding the unit dose, the blister being formed by a deformable part of the wall structure, and in relation to each blister, an inner surface of the wall structure 6. The package of claim 5, further comprising a breakable backing provided on the container, wherein the breakable backing is for holding the unit dose in the blister.   The package of claim 1, wherein the wall structure comprises a removable closure cap.   The wall structure comprises at least one inlet opening, and the at least one medication holder is permanently secured to the wall structure in relation to the at least one inlet opening. Package described in.   The at least one medication holder comprises a blister for holding the dosage form and a breakable backing provided on the inner surface of the blister for holding the unit dose in the blister; And the breakable backing is permanently secured to the wall structure for passing the unit dose from the blister through the one inlet opening and into the enclosure. package.   An insert comprising a plurality of blisters, wherein the breakable backing is provided on an inner surface of the insert, the insert delivering the unit dose from the blister through the one inlet opening; The package of claim 9, which is permanently secured to the wall structure for passage into the interior.   The package of claim 9, wherein each blister extends through the one inlet opening.   The package of claim 1, wherein the wall structure comprises at least one inlet opening and the at least one medication holder is removably secured to the wall structure.   The wall structure comprises at least one guide, the guide for guiding and installing the at least one medicine holder such that each medicine holder is arranged in relation to cover the one inlet opening. The package of claim 12, wherein   The at least one medication holder comprises an insert comprising a plurality of blisters, and the breakable backing is provided on the inner surface of the insert, the insert taking each unit dose from one blister into one inlet. 14. The package of claim 13, wherein the package is removably installed in the wall structure by the at least one guide for passing through an opening into the enclosure.   The insert comprises a card insert, and the at least one guide comprises parallel spaced L-shaped walls on the outer surface of the wall structure, the guide comprising the card insert 15. The package of claim 14, wherein the package is for receiving a card by sliding to install the card insert in the wall enclosure.   The package of claim 1, wherein the wall structure and the at least one medication holder are made of the same material. The at least one wall structure is
At least one label and instructions regarding the use / medication information of the unit dose,
The package of claim 1 comprising at least one of: The wall structure is
A bivalve package comprising a central section and a first hinged transverse section and a second hinged transverse section that are hingedly secured to opposite sides of the central section, the first transverse section being disposed therein A bivalve package comprising at least one medicinal holder, and a container installed in the second transverse section with an inlet opening so that each medicinal holder is 1 when the bivalve package is closed A container arranged in relation to cover one inlet opening, the container comprising an access opening;
The package of claim 1 comprising:   The package of claim 1, wherein the wall structure is formed from a blank.   At least one medicinal holder comprising a deformable front wall that can be pushed by a person's finger and a deformable rear wall for holding the unit dose in the medicinal holder, the deformable rear wall comprising: Comprising an inwardly bent section, the inwardly bent section being deformable to lock the unit dose into the medication holder and to release the unit dose through the deformable back wall The package of claim 1, wherein the package bends outward upon deformation of the front wall.   A method of reducing the risk of a neurological patient dropping a single pharmaceutical unit dose comprising providing the package of claim 1 to a patient suffering from a neurological disorder. A pharmaceutical product comprising at least one pharmaceutical holder and a package for dispensing a single pharmaceutical unit dose, the package comprising:
A wall structure defining the enclosure;
An access opening in the enclosure for retrieving a unit dose from the enclosure; and at least one medication holder for holding the unit dose, wherein the at least one medication holder is removed from the medication holder At least one medication holder installed on the wall structure such that a unit dose falls into the enclosure and is captured for later retrieval through the access opening;
A pharmaceutical product comprising:   23. The pharmaceutical product of claim 22, wherein the at least one pharmaceutical holder contains at least one pharmaceutical dosage form.   24. A pharmaceutical product according to claim 23, wherein the pharmaceutical dosage form is selected from the group consisting of tablets, capsules, caplets, gel capsules.   24. A pharmaceutical product according to claim 23, wherein the pharmaceutical dosage form is for treating a neurological disorder.   A pharmaceutical kit comprising the package of claim 1 and a plurality of pharmaceutical holders containing a plurality of pharmaceutical dosage forms. A plurality of wall panels connected together to form an enclosure having at least a closed bottom, and at least one for holding a unit dose incorporated in at least one of the wall panels of the enclosure A blister, so that when the wall panels are connected together to form the enclosure, the unit dose removed from one of the blisters is stored in the enclosure for later retrieval. At least one blister, falling and captured
A blank for forming a package for dispensing a single pharmaceutical unit dose.   28. The blank of claim 27, further comprising a breakable backing provided on the inner surface of the wall panel for each blister to retain a unit dose within each blister.   28. The blank of claim 27, wherein there are a plurality of blisters incorporated into at least one of the wall panels.   28. The blank of claim 27, wherein the wall panel and the at least one blister are made from the same material.   28. The blank of claim 27, wherein the wall panel and the at least one blister are made from a plastic material.   28. The blank of claim 27, wherein the plurality of wall panels comprises a front wall panel, a rear wall panel, and two lateral wall panels connected together in a line along a fold line.   The plurality of wall panels further comprises a bottom flap connected to a lower end of one of the wall panels along a fold line and a top flap connected to an upper end of one of the wall panels. The blank according to 32.   The plurality of wall panels includes at least one bottom lateral flap connected to a lower end of at least one of the wall panels, and at least one top lateral flap connected to an upper end of at least one of the wall panels. The blank of claim 33, further comprising:   The package of claim 1, wherein the unit dose of medicine comprises one medicine.   The package of claim 1, wherein the single pharmaceutical unit dose comprises more than one medicament.   The package of claim 1, wherein the single pharmaceutical unit dose comprises two medications.   The package of claim 1, wherein the single pharmaceutical unit dose comprises three medications.   The package of claim 1, wherein the single pharmaceutical unit dose comprises at least one tablet, capsule, caplet or gel capsule.

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