JP5956338B2 - package - Google Patents

Description

  This invention claims the priority of US Provisional Application No. 61 / 236,370 dated August 24, 2009 and US Provisional Application No. 61 / 257,735 dated November 3, 2009. The specification, claims and drawings of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present invention relates to a child-safe and senior-friendly package for storing an article, such as a pharmaceutical product or tobacco product.
Containers with child safety features are well known in the world for pharmaceutical packaging, especially in North America. The child safety function is also referred to as a child resistant closure (CRC). In general, infant safety lids (hereinafter referred to as child safety closures) are difficult to open for children under the age of five, but must be easy to open for users over the age of 50, especially over 60. The US government has established a child safety protocol that evaluates the effectiveness of child safety closures. The child safety protocol test was established by the Food and Drug Administration in accordance with CFR Title 16, Part 1700. Ideally, these containers are provided with ease and convenience to the consumers who will use them.
The product package increases the attractiveness of the product by adding many functions such as protecting the product from the environment and damage. Many products are packaged in multi-unit or bulk form for consumer convenience and packaging efficiency. The product is typically exposed entirely when the package is opened. Seals are required to protect the product from the environment, eg moisture.

One way to ensure product protection is to seal the entire contents of the package. This type of method places dimensional shape or other design constraints on the package design. In this way, the entire product can be exposed to the consumer or infant opening the package. Access to the product is easy, but some restraining means is needed to hold the product accordingly so that it does not spill out of the package.
Other methods protect the product with a protective covering or wrap. In this method, the entire product is exposed after the wrap is opened. Not only is the product no longer protected because the entire product is exposed to the environment, but the entire remaining product is exposed to the infant.
Packages are complicated in design by several conflicting constraints that must be met. This increases the burden on the consumer and reduces the attractiveness of the package.

US provisional application 61 / 236,370 US provisional application 61 / 257,735 US Pat. No. 5,911,937 US Pat. No. 6,214,255 US Pat. No. 6,130,263 US Pat. No. 6,174,952 US Pat. No. 6,613,405 US Pat. No. 6,124,006 US Pat. No. 6,486,261 US Pat. No. 7,005,459 US Pat. No. 6,080,350

  To provide a simple and easy-to-manufacture package that can accept different types of products and package conditions.

In accordance with the present invention, a package is provided that includes a first shell portion, a second shell portion, optionally a hinge, and a latch.
The first shell portion has a first peripheral portion and a second peripheral portion. The second shell portion has a first peripheral portion and a second shell portion. The second peripheral portion of the second shell portion includes a first latch abutment (hereinafter also referred to as an abutment ) .
Optionally, but not necessarily, a hinge may be provided that connects the first shell portion and the second shell portion at the first peripheral portion position.
The first latch has a configuration in which the second peripheral portions of the first shell portion and the second shell portion are latched so as to be freely released (hereinafter also referred to as release ) . The first latch includes first and second legs, an actuator portion, and a second latch abutment. The first and second legs are connected at an angle. The first leg is fixed to the second shell portion.

The first leg has an actuator portion and the second leg has a second latch abutment. The actuator portion of the first leg is positioned to be generally laterally biased when the user biases the second leg generally longitudinally, for example from its latched position to the released position. The second latch abutment is fixed to the second leg. The second latch abutment is engaged with the first latch abutment when the second leg is in its latched position, and releases the first latch abutment when the second leg is in its released position. Have
Another embodiment of the present invention is a clam shell type package including a bottom shell, a lid shell, an integral hinge, and a lid.
The bottom shell has inner and outer surfaces and has at least first and second bottom portions on the inner surface. A generally flat edge sealing surface surrounds the first and second bottom wells. The lid shell also has inner and outer surfaces. The lid shell optionally has at least first and second bottom lid wells on its inner surface. A generally flat edge sealing surface surrounds each of the first and second bottom lid wells.
The integral hinge connects the bottom shell and the lid shell. The integral hinge allows closure of the bottom shell and lid shell in a bivalve fashion. When the bivalve style package is closed, the edge seal surfaces of the lid and bottom shells face each other next to each other, thus preventing access to each well. The lid releasably secures the closed bottom and each shell of the lid.

In another embodiment of the invention, the bottom shell further comprises at least a second bottom well on its inner surface.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, a flat edge seal surface surrounds the bottom well throughout the bottom shell.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the lid shell includes at least a first lid well on its inner surface, and a flat edge seal surface surrounds the first lid well over the entire lid shell.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the lid shell further includes at least a second lid well on its inner surface.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a flat edge seal surface surrounds each lid well throughout the lid shell.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the package further includes a sealing sheet attached to a flat edge sealing surface across each bottom well for hermetically sealing each bottom well.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the package further includes a sealing sheet attached to a generally flat edge sealing surface surrounding each lid well for hermetically sealing each lid well.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the sealing sheet is weakened or cut between adjacent wells, and thus can be removed separately to unseal one well without unsealing the adjacent well. Define strips.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the bottom shell, the lid shell, the integral hinge, and the lid are formed as a single injection molded part.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the package further includes at least a third bottom well on the inner surface of the bottom shell, and a flat edge sealing surface around the entire bottom shell surrounds the third bottom well.
In another embodiment of the invention, the package further includes at least a third lid well on the inner surface of the lid shell, and a flat edge seal surface around the entire lid shell surrounds the third lid well. .
In another embodiment of the present invention, the first lid is at least a first lid abutment that is fixed upward to the lid shell and at least a first bottom abutment that is fixed to the bottom lid, and when the package is closed A first bottom abutment that normally contacts the lid abutment.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the package is a second lid, at least a second lid abutment facing upwards fixed to the lid shell and at least a second bottom abutment facing downwards secured to the bottom shell, It further includes a second lid that includes a second bottom abutment that normally contacts the lid abutment when the package is closed.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first lid is spaced from the second lid.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, at least one first abutment is elastically attached to the corresponding shell and is normally biased to engage the other first abutment and resist against the bias. And disengage from the other first abutment, thus releasing the first lid.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, at least one second abutment is elastically attached to the corresponding shell, normally biased to engage the other second abutment, and elastically biased against the bias. To disengage the other second abutment, thus releasing the second lid.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first and second lids need to operate at least substantially simultaneously to open the package.
In another embodiment of the present invention, each abutment elastically attached to each of the first and second lids biases the abutment elastically attached to one lid in the direction of the abutment elastically attached to the other lid. And can be operated to release each lid.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the bottom and lid wells have a length and width that are generally parallel to the flat edge sealing surface of the entire bottom shell and a flat edge of the entire bottom shell. And a depth orthogonal to the entire seal surface.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the length of each well in the bottom and lid is at least three times its width.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the package further includes a product in tablet form within at least one of the bottom or lid wells.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the tablet has an extruded stick form of the formulation.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the tablet has a wound sheet form of the formulation.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the wound sheet form of the formulation includes a portion of the leaf.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the formulation includes a powder material and a binder.
In another embodiment of the invention, each bottom or lid well is defined by an upstanding wall that extends from a corresponding shell to a generally flat edge sealing surface to surround the well.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the upstanding walls of at least two adjacent bottom or lid wells are spaced apart from one another to define a gap therebetween.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the bottom or lid well is formed by a corrugated portion in the corresponding bottom shell or lid shell.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the bottom or lid well is formed by a corresponding recess in the bottom shell or lid shell.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the bottom and lid wells reinforce the deformability of the bottom and lid shells.
In other embodiments of the present invention, the daily moisture ingress when closed does not exceed 2500 micrograms.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the daily moisture entry in each sealed well does not exceed 750 micrograms.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the thickness of each thinnest portion of each shell of the bottom and lid portions is at least 0.5 mm.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of each thinnest portion of each shell of the bottom and lid portions is at least 0.8 mm.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the thickness of each thinnest portion of each shell of the bottom and lid portions is at least 1.0 mm.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of each thinnest portion of each shell of the bottom and lid portions is at least 2.0 mm.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the package further includes a perimeter seal disposed around the walls of the bottom and lid shells.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the package further includes a resealable perimeter seal disposed around the well walls of the bottom and lid shells.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the package incorporates an active agent entrained plastic for gas removal.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the active agent is an oxygen absorber.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the active agent is a desiccant.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the active agent is molecular sieve or silica gel.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a package filling method for a product is provided. Each product is placed in each well of the bottom and / or lid. Each well in the bottom and / or lid is covered with a cover sheet and closed. The cover sheet is sealed to a generally flat edge sealing surface, thus sealing each well. A portion of the cover sheet between the two wells is weakened or cut to form a cover sheet strip. In one embodiment, each strip of cover sheet covers one well. In some embodiments, each strip is removable separately from one or more adjacent strips of the cover sheet that cover another portion of the well.

  According to yet another aspect, a child safety container is provided that includes a shell, two drawers, a stopper, and a latch. The shell can optionally have opposing first and second drawer openings. The shell may define a longitudinal passage from the first drawer opening to the second drawer opening. The first drawer is slidably received in the longitudinal passage and projects through the first drawer opening when the first drawer is open. The second drawer is slidably received in the longitudinal passage, is relatively movable with respect to the first drawer, and projects through the second drawer opening when the second drawer is open.

The stopper is positioned in the passage. A stopper engages each of the first and second drawers to prevent the first and second drawers from sliding beyond the shell beyond the movement limit. The movement limit is reached when either of the first and second drawers is sufficiently open to provide access to its contents and the other drawer is sufficiently closed to prevent access to its contents. To be reached.
The latch normally biases the first and second drawers to the closed state. The latch unlatches at least one drawer against the application of the normal biasing force.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the stopper includes an abutment facing the first opening in the first drawer and an abutment facing the second opening in the second drawer. Each abutment engages to define a stopper when each drawer is spaced apart.

In another embodiment of the invention, at least one abutment is connected to the corresponding drawer by a link extending in the other drawer direction.
In another embodiment of the invention, each abutment is connected to the corresponding drawer by a link extending in the other drawer direction.
In other embodiments of the present invention, the shape of each drawer is the same.
In another embodiment of the invention, the shell further defines a side opening that provides access to the longitudinal passage from the outside of the shell.
In another embodiment of the invention, a latch is at least partially disposed within the longitudinal passage and is accessible through the side opening upon withdrawal of the drawer.
In another embodiment of the invention, the latch includes a first latch that engages the first drawer and a second latch that engages the second drawer.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the shell further defines first and second side openings that provide access to the longitudinal passage from outside the shell.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second latches are at least partially disposed within the longitudinal passage, and the first and second drawers are unlatched upon the first and second drawers, respectively. Accessible through the opening.
In another embodiment of the invention, the first drawer has a first drawer abutment facing the first drawer opening, and the latch has a first latch abutment facing the second drawer opening, The drawer abutment and the first latch abutment are positioned to engage each other when the first drawer is closed and the latch is normally biased to close the first drawer.

In another embodiment of the invention, the second drawer has a second drawer abutment facing the first drawer opening, and the latch has a second latch abutment facing the second side opening, The two drawer abutment and the second latch abutment are positioned to engage each other when the first drawer is closed and the latch is normally biased to close the first drawer.
In another embodiment of the invention, the first and second latches are unlatched by moving transversely in opposite directions within the longitudinal passage, and when both latches are opened, the first and second drawers are opened. The abutment is disengaged from the corresponding latch abutment.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the first drawer and latch only when the first drawer is pushed and closed further to engage the unlatching mechanism and thus actuate the latch to unlatch the first drawer. Is unlatched.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the second drawer and latch only when the second drawer is pushed and further closed to engage the unlatching mechanism and thus actuate the latch to unlatch the second drawer. Is unlatched.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the unlatching mechanism includes an inclined portion on the latch and an inclined portion on the link protruding from the drawer, and the engaged link separates the drawer abutment from the latch abutment. Move.
In another embodiment of the invention, the ramp on the latch and the corresponding ramp on the drawer are normally biased in the longitudinal direction when the drawer is closed, and in the longitudinal direction under engagement when the drawer is further pushed closed. Align.
In another embodiment of the invention, the container further includes a stopper that is sufficiently close to each drawer to be simultaneously pushed into engagement with both the first drawer unlatching mechanism and the second drawer unlatching mechanism. Thus, only one of the first and second drawers can be opened at a time.
In another embodiment of the invention, the first and second latches are identical in shape.

  A simple and easily manufactured package is provided that can accept different types of products and package conditions.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package embodiment in which the lid is opened and the inside can be seen. FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 showing a detail of the lower side of a part of the insert tray. FIG. 2A is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 of another embodiment with modified first and third legs 60 and 90 but without pivots 84 and 102. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 showing the latch in its released position. FIG. 3A is a perspective view similar to FIG. 3 showing another embodiment of FIG. 2A. FIG. 4 is a partial detailed sectional view showing an engagement state of one latch. FIG. 5 is a partial detailed cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 showing the disengagement state of the latch. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an opened state of a package according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 shown with the package closed. FIG. 8 is a partially broken perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 showing details of the bottom well. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 showing the inside of the bottom shell. 10 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 showing the outside of the bottom shell. 11 is a side view showing the outside of the bottom shell of the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the bottom well and the lid well by partially breaking the embodiment of FIG. 6 with the package closed. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the lid shell of the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the embodiment of FIG. 6 in a state in which it is opened, partially cut away to show each well, a product stick is placed in the well, and each cell is covered with a seal sheet. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another example package showing different arrangements and shapes of wells. FIG. 16 is a detailed view of another example package showing a corrugated shell for the bottom shell and / or lid shell. FIG. 17 is a plan view similar to FIG. 9 of another embodiment in which each well of the bottom shell has a perimeter seal. FIG. 18 is a plan view similar to FIG. 13 of another embodiment in which each well of the lid shell has a perimeter seal. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of another example package with a blister sheet connected to the package and a perimeter seal around each well in a closed state. FIG. 20 is a partially broken perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 19 shown in an open state. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a similar perspective view showing the shell of the embodiment of FIG. 21 alone. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 21 showing details of the drawer. FIG. 24 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 21 showing the details of the latches and drawers with the shell removed and the ramps 70, 72, 84, 86 shown in phantom. FIG. 25 is a perspective view mainly showing the bottom of the drawer of the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 26 is a perspective view mainly showing an upper portion of the drawer of the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing one side of the latch according to the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing the other side of the latch according to the embodiment of FIG. 29 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 21 partially cut away to show the inner wall. FIG. 31 is another cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 21 showing the interior in more detail.

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings showing some embodiments. However, the invention may be embodied in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. In the figures, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.
Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a package 40 is shown having a first shell portion 42, a second shell portion 44, a hinge 56, and a latch 58 as common features. A package is generally defined herein as having two parts or leaves that are releasably connected to be openable and closable. The two parts or each leaf need not have matching, sized or matching edges in the package defined herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first shell portion 42 has a first peripheral portion 46 and a second peripheral portion 48, and the second shell portion 44 has a first peripheral portion 50 and a second peripheral portion 52, respectively. The second peripheral portions 48 and 52 are the entire peripheral portions of the first and second shell portions 42 and 44 except for the first peripheral portions 46 and 50.
In the illustrated embodiment, the second peripheral portion 52 of the second shell portion 44 includes a first latch abutment 54 that is engaged or disengaged by a latch 58 as described below. In each exemplary embodiment, hinge 56 is coupled to first shell portion 42 and second shell portion 44 at their first peripheral portions 46 and 50 positions, thus defining a bivalve package. However, each hinge and each hinge connecting portion are not basic components and are not essential for the implementation of any of the inventive embodiments disclosed herein. For example, instead of the hinge 56, the first and second shell portions 42 and 44 are releasably engaged with the first and second shell portions 42 and 44 between their respective first peripheral portions 46 or 50. Can have more than one hook or other latch.

  In the illustrated embodiment, a latch 58 may be provided that mutually latches each second peripheral portion 48 and 52 of each of the first and second shell portions 42 and 44. The illustrated latch 58 includes a first leg 60, a second leg 62, an actuator portion 64, and a second latch abutment 66. The first and second first legs 60 and 62 correspond to an angle (eg, 90 degrees and / or each angle between the side edge of the second shell portion 44 and the front edge of the second shell portion). And the first leg 60 is fixed to the first shell portion 42.

In each exemplary embodiment, the actuator portion 64 of the first leg 60 is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 generally longitudinally from the latched position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 by the user with the finger. When it is moved to the release position, it is positioned so as to move in the horizontal direction (direction indicated by “L” in FIGS. 1 to 3A). In each exemplary embodiment, the actuator portion 64 can be moved laterally when pushed inward with a finger. In this embodiment, since the second leg is arranged in parallel with the front edge of the second shell portion 44 and the angle between the two legs is 90 degrees, the lateral movement of the actuator portion is the first leg. Perpendicular to 60 (the first leg 60 extends in the direction indicated by “V” in FIGS. 1 to 3A) and thus also perpendicular to the side edge of the second shell portion 44 and in front of the second shell portion 44. The edge is parallel. Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 2, 2A, 3 and 3A, an elastic element such as a leaf spring 106 may be provided that resists movement and applies a bias to the actuator portion 64 to its latched position. In each exemplary embodiment, the leaf spring 106 is optionally pressed against a portion of the insert 78 (described below, a recess 110 that defines a sidewall in each exemplary embodiment) and is elastically adapted to travel of the actuator portion 64. resist.
In each exemplary embodiment, a second latch abutment 66 is secured to the second leg 62. The second latch abutment 66 in each exemplary embodiment engages the first latch abutment 54 when the second leg 62 is in its latched position illustrated in FIGS. When the part 62 is in the release position illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, the first latch abutment 54 is configured to be released. Optionally, a leaf spring 108 may be provided that functions similarly to the leaf spring 106, as shown in FIGS.

The package 40 illustrated in each figure may have any one or more of a number of additional and optional features in addition to the common and optional features in each exemplary embodiment. Zero, one, or one or more of these additional and optional features may be employed individually or in any combination.
A first optional feature of each embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 is that each of the first and second shell portions 42 and 44 may have peripheral edges 68 and 70 that meet. A matching peripheral edge is defined as a peripheral edge that is generally matched and aligned when the package 40 is closed.

A second optional feature of each embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 is that a lip seal arrangement may be provided that isolates the interior of the package 40 from the external environment when the package 40 is closed. For example, the package 40 may include a first closure lip 72 that defines an enclosure 74 on the first shell portion 42 and a matching second closure lip 78 on the second shell portion 44. The second closure lip 76 is positioned to engage the first closure lip 72 when the first shell portion 42 and the second shell portion 44 are latched to seal the enclosure 74 from the ambient ambient air of the enclosure 74. obtain. The case where the lip is ring-shaped endless or continuous is referred to as a “closed loop”. The loop may have a round shape, an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape with rounded corners, an irregular shape, or other shapes.
FIG third optional feature of the embodiments of the 1-5 the insert 78 is provided as a part of the first shell portion defines a first closure lip 72 and the remainder portion component of the first shell portion 42 It is to be connected to. The insert 78 illustrated in FIG. 1 may have the form of a tray having a recess positioned within the first closure lip 72 (hereinafter also referred to as the tray 78) and may be defined by the sidewall 112. The recess may define a seal portion of the container. The tray 78 may also include a peripheral flange 114 positioned outside the first closure lip 72. In each exemplary embodiment, the peripheral flange 114 hides most of the latches 58 and 88, but the first and second latch abutments 54 and 66, and the third and fourth third latch abutments 86 and 98, respectively. Includes holes 116 and 118 that can be engaged.

  A fourth optional feature of each embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 is that at least a portion of the latch 58 and at least a portion of the second latch 88 are between the peripheral flange 114 of the insert 78 and the first shell portion 42. It can be positioned. Thus, while the latches 58 and 88 are concealed, the second and fourth second legs 62 and fourth legs 92 or the leaf springs 106 and 108 are pressed against them, and the latches 58 and 88 are thus latched. It is to provide a side wall 112 that acts as a bearing surface for applying a bias to the position. The second latch 88 and the structure with which the second latch engages are not a basic or essential configuration, and may be replaced with a single latch that appropriately latches to close the container. For example, a single second latch 88 can be modified to carry both the second and fourth second latch abutments 66 and 98, and both abutments can be modified to latch in the same direction. .

  A fifth optional feature of each of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 is provided with a bend ramp 80 positioned to engage the second leg 62 so that the second leg 62 is in its latched position (eg, FIG. 1, 2, and 4) when moved to the release position (shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) in the longitudinal direction as a whole, the bending inclined portion 80 contacts the abutment 82 for applying a bias. It is to be. In each exemplary embodiment, the bend ramp 80 is a bend in the fourth leg 92, but when the latches 58 and 88 move in the opposite direction to their unlatched positions, the second leg 62 is left in the figure. On the other hand, there is an advantage that the bending inclined portion 80 moves rightward in the figure. By the relative movement of the two latches, the passing speed thereof is doubled compared to the movement speed of any latch with respect to the fixed structure, and thus the bending speed of the second leg 62 is doubled.

A sixth optional feature of each embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 is that the first leg 60 can be secured to the first shell portion 42 by a first pivot 84. By providing the first pivot 84, the user can move the actuator portion 64 to pivot the first leg 60 relative to the first shell portion 42. Alternatively, the first pivot 84 may be any other or alternative bias that applies a bias to the latch 58 to its latched position, assuming that the first leg 60 is resilient. A fixed mounting point or bearing point that provides force may be substituted.
A seventh optional feature of each embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 is that the container latching arrangement may further include a third latch abutment and a second latch 88. A third latch abutment 86 may be provided on one of the first and second shell portions 42 and 44. A second latch 88 may be provided to releasably latch each second peripheral portion 48 and 52 of the first shell portion 42 and the second shell portion 44.

The eighth optional feature of each embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 is that the second latch 88 includes third and fourth third legs 90 and 92; an actuator portion 94 and a fourth latch abutment 98 ; It is to include. The third and fourth third legs 90 and 92 can be connected at an angular position as illustrated. The third leg 90 can be secured to the other of the first and second shell portions 42 and 44 with respect to the third latch abutment 86. The actuator portion 94 of the third leg 90 can be positioned so that the user can move laterally entirely with a finger. Moving the actuator portion 94 of the third leg 90 in the illustrated embodiment causes the fourth leg 92 to move generally longitudinally from its latched position to its released position.

The fourth latch abutment 98 can be fixed to the fourth leg 92. The fourth latch abutment 98 may be configured to engage the third latch abutment 86 when the fourth leg 92 is in its latched position, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. The fourth latch abutment 98 may be configured to release the third latch abutment 86 when the fourth leg 92 is in its release position, as shown in the illustrated embodiment.
The ninth optional feature of each embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 is that the actuator portions 64 and 94 of the first and third first legs 60 and 90 are at least 5 cm, and optionally at least 6 cm. Optionally separated by at least 7 cm, optionally at least 8 cm, optionally at least 9 cm, optionally at least 10 cm.

The tenth optional feature of each of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 is that the actuator portions 64 and 90 of the first and third first legs 60 and 90 operate simultaneously to provide the first shell portion 42. And each second peripheral portion 48 and 52 of the second shell portion 44 can be optionally configured to unlatch.
The ninth and / or tenth features may be employed to provide a child-friendly but senior-friendly package 40.
Desirably for this purpose, the actuator portions 64 and 94 are sufficiently spaced so that an infant who should not have access to the contents of the package 40 is difficult or impossible to operate simultaneously with one hand. Actuator portions 64 and 94 should be close enough to allow adults, including seniors, to access the contents of package 40 with one hand, preferably to easily operate to open the package.

The eleventh optional feature of each embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 is the absence of an opening spring, struts, or the like to automatically open the package upon unlatching. When the latches 58 and 88 are disengaged, the second shell portion 44, which is a lid in this embodiment, is not automatically opened by the spring, but the second shell portion 44 must be lifted by hand to open the package. . For this purpose, the first shell portion 42 has a recess that coincides with the bend ramp 96 and the second peripheral portion 52 of the second shell portion 44 straddles this recess.
After releasing the latches 58 and 88, the user can lift the section of the second peripheral portion 52 across the recess of the package 40 to open the package 40 and access its contents. This configuration has child safety. This is because, in normal operation, the two actuator parts 64 and 94 are engaged with one hand and the second shell part 44 is lifted with the other hand. The user's hand needs to be large enough to disengage the two actuator portions 64 and 94 simultaneously. In addition, since a complicated operation such as grasping one and twisting the other is not necessary to open the package 40, the necessary bias force is controlled so that a large force is not required for opening. Can be designed easily.

The twelfth optional feature of each embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 is that the second and fourth second legs 62 and 92 can optionally be positioned generally parallel in their latched positions. It is. “Parallel to the whole” shall mean a situation in which when the package is latched, the majority of the length of each leg extends adjacent to each other with approximately the same distance along the common length. . As will be understood from the present specification, when the package 40 is unlatched, each leg portion does not need to be maintained in a mutually parallel state because each operation portion thereof is in the lateral direction.
The thirteenth optional feature of each of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 is that the second and fourth second legs 62 and 92 are optionally directed from their latched position to the release position. In other words, it can be positioned in a reversely arranged state in the longitudinal direction.
The fourteenth optional feature of each embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 includes a bend ramp 80 and optionally a bend ramp 96, one of the second and fourth second legs 62 and 92, or Optionally engaged with both and when the engaged second and fourth second legs 62 and 92 are moved generally longitudinally from their latched position to their released position, these second and fourth Each fourth second leg 62 and 92 can be positioned in contact with a biasing abutment 82 or 100.

  In each exemplary embodiment, each of the second and fourth second legs 62 and 92 are both bend ramps, that is, a bend ramp 80 defined by the fourth leg 92 and the first shell portion 42 first. 2. Engage with each of the bend ramps 96 defined by the wall recesses that define the peripheral portion 48. By juxtaposing the two bending inclined portions, the lateral movement of the second leg portion 62 when the package 40 is unlatched is increased as described below. When the bending inclined portion 96 engages with the fourth leg portion 92, the fourth leg portion 92 is moved inward in the lateral direction with respect to the package, and the second leg portion 62 is also moved inward in the lateral direction. When the bending inclined portion 80 is engaged with the second leg portion 62, the second leg portion 62 is further moved inward in the lateral direction. This produces an action comparable to a composite lever. Optionally, only the second leg 62 is abutted against the sidewall 112, or optionally or additionally, against the wall of the hole 116 to generate a biasing force that resists unlatching.

A fifteenth optional feature of each of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 lies in a method of applying a bias that directs the actuator portion toward its latched position. When the second leg 62 is moved longitudinally from its latched position to its release position, the second leg 62 is engaged with the second leg 62, and the second leg is engaged with the first abutment 82 for applying a bias. There may be provided a first bend ramp 80 positioned to be in contact with.
A sixteenth optional feature of the arrangement is that when the fourth leg 92 is moved longitudinally from its latched position to its released position generally longitudinally, the fourth leg 92 engages with the fourth leg 92. The second bend ramp 96 can be provided and positioned so that the portion 92 is in contact with the second biasing abutment 100.
The seventeenth optional feature of each of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 is that the first leg 60 can be secured to the first shell portion 42 by a first pivot 84 and the third leg 90 can also be a second pivot. It can be fixed to the first shell portion 42 by 102.

  Referring to FIGS. 6-20, a package 120 is shown and includes a bottom shell 122, a lid shell 124, an integral hinge 126, a first lid 128, and a second lid 130. These components can be manufactured in different processes depending on the design specifications. In each exemplary embodiment, the bottom shell 122, the lid shell 124, the integral hinge 126, the first lid 128, and the second lid 130 are formed as a single injection molded part 120 that is one-shot molded into one mold. . In other embodiments, one or more of each component or part can be separately formed and joined, thus forming a one-piece package, or each component can be formed in one or more molds or in one or more shots. Can do. The package can be blow molded or thermoformed.

  The bottom shell 122 has an inner surface 132 and an outer surface 134, and is at least one first bottom well, in this embodiment five bottom wells 136, 138, 140, 142, 144 on the inner surface 132. Has one bottom well. Each well is formed by a recess in the bottom shell 122. In each exemplary embodiment, each bottom well, eg, 136, is defined by an upstanding wall 146 that extends from the bottom shell 122 to a generally flat edge seal surface and surrounds the well 136 and the like.

In each exemplary embodiment, the bottom wells 136-144, particularly upright walls such as 146 and 148, reinforce the deformability of the bottom shell 122. This reinforcing action enhances the bendability of the bottom shell 122 and thus each bottom by prying or otherwise bending the bottom shell 122 while the package 120 is closed and the lids 128-131 are interengaged. It is beneficial to keep the contents of the shell safer for access to the contents of the wells 136-144.
In each exemplary embodiment, the bottom well, such as 136, has a length (measured along the longer upstanding wall, such as 146 and 148), and a flat edge seal surface 156-164 throughout the bottom shell 122. (Which is measured along the shorter upright wall, such as 152 and 154), and the bottom shell 122 has a generally flat edge seal surface 156-164 and a generally orthogonal depth.

In each illustrative embodiment, the edge seal surfaces 156-164 are generally coplanar edge seal surfaces 156, 158, 160, 162, of each bottom well 136, 138, 140, 142, 144 of the bottom shell 122, 164 is a discontinuous surface defined by 164. In other embodiments, facing upright walls, such as 148 and 166, between two wells can be combined, thus reducing or eliminating gaps such as 150, and possibly each of the edge seal surfaces 156-164. The portions can be joined to form a single continuous sealing surface 156-164.
In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the bottom well is formed by a corrugated portion 168 of the bottom shell 122. In the corrugated structure, the inner surface 132 and the outer surface 134 both undulate.
In each exemplary embodiment, the length of the bottom well 136-144 is at least three times longer than its width, and approximately 20 times longer as illustrated.

The lid shell 124 also has an inner surface 172 and an outer surface 174. The lid shell has on its inner surface 172 at least first and second lid wells, in this embodiment five lid wells 176, 178, 180, 182, and 184. Each well can be formed by a respective recess in the lid shell 124. In each illustrative embodiment, each lid well, such as 176, is each defined by an upstanding wall 186 that extends from the lid shell 124 to a generally flat edge seal surface and surrounds the well, such as 176. In each exemplary embodiment, there are at least two adjacent lid wells, and in this embodiment, the lid well upright walls 186 and 188, which are five lid wells, are spaced apart from each other and define a gap as indicated at 190 therebetween. To do.
In each illustrative embodiment, upright walls such as lid wells 176-184, specifically 186 and 188, enhance the counter-deformability of lid shell 124. This reinforcing action reinforces the bendability of the lid shell 124, thus the package 120 is closed and the lid shell 124 is pegged or otherwise bent by each lid 128-131 being interengaged. It is beneficial to keep the shell contents safer for access to the contents of the lid wells 176-184.

In each exemplary embodiment, a lid well such as 176 has a length (measured along the longer upstanding wall such as 186 and 188) and a flat edge seal surface 196-204 across the lid shell 124. And a generally parallel width (measured along the shorter upright wall, such as 192 and 194), a generally flat edge seal surface 196-204 and a generally orthogonal depth of the lid shell 124. Have
In each exemplary embodiment, the edge seal surfaces 196-204 are generally coplanar edge seal surfaces 196, 198, 200, 202 of each lid well 176, 178, 180, 182, 184 of the lid shell 124. , 204 is a discontinuous surface defined by. In other embodiments, facing upright walls, such as 198 and 206, between two wells can be combined, thus reducing or eliminating a gap, such as 190, and possibly each of the edge seal surfaces 196-204. The portions can be joined to form a single continuous sealing surface 196-204.
In the illustrated embodiment, the lid wells 176-184 have a length that is at least three times its width and, as illustrated, 12 times.

In each exemplary embodiment, each portion of bottom shell 122 and lid shell 124 that separates bottom wells 136-144 from the outside of the container has a thickness of at least 0.5 mm, alternatively at least 0.8 mm, alternatively at least 1 mm, respectively. Alternatively, it may be at least 2 mm and may have a thickness sufficient to provide a barrier layer that meets the requirements of the particular article that can be carried in each well and to seal the passage of moisture, oxygen, or both.
The integral hinge 126 connects the bottom shell 122 and the lid shell 124. The integral hinge 126 allows the bottom shell 122 and the lid shell 124 to close in a mutual manner. Non-integral hinges may optionally be used, although this may increase manufacturing costs.

The package 120 has at least one lid, in this embodiment, two lids. When the package 120 is closed, the edge seal surfaces of the lid shell 124 and the bottom shell 122 face each other and are adjacent to each other as shown in FIG. 12, thus preventing access to each well. In this embodiment, when the lids of the first lid portions 128 to 129 and the second lid portions 130 to 131 are closed, these lids fix the bottom shell 122 to the lid shell 124 so as to be freely released.
The first lids 128 to 129 are formed by downwardly connecting at least a first upward lid abutment 210 (FIGS. 7 and 13) fixed to the lid shell 124 and a first lid detent 128 fixed to the bottom shell 122. At least the first bottom abutment 212 includes a first bottom abutment that is normally pressed against the upward first lid abutment 210 when the package 120 is closed (as shown in FIG. 2). In other embodiments, the first lid may be centered and the package 120 may be secured using this single lid.

The first downward bottom abutment 212 is resiliently attached to the corresponding (bottom) shell 122 as best shown in FIG. The first lid detent 128 is attached to the elastic tab 214 at its proximal portion 216. The distal portion 218 of the elastic tab is offset to increase the amount of deflection of the tab 214 in this example, down (with reference to the direction of FIG. 9) without contacting the remainder of the package 120. .
The downwardly-facing first bottom abutment 212 carried on the tab 214 is normally biased at the molding position shown in each figure, and at that position, the detent 128 is fixed to the lid shell 124 so as to be inserted into the hole 129. The first lid abutment 210 facing upward is engaged (see FIGS. 7 and 13). The downwardly facing first bottom abutment 212 can flex elastically toward the remainder of the package 120 in this embodiment against biasing, thus disengaging the upwardly facing first lid abutment 210, The detent 128 is removed from the hole 129 and the first lid 128 is released.

The second lid portions 130 to 131 are at least a second lid abutment 220 (FIG. 7 and FIG. 13) that is fixed upward to the lid shell 124 and a downward direction of the second lid detent 130 that is fixed to the bottom shell 122. The second bottom abutment 212 includes a second bottom abutment that is normally pressed against the upward second lid abutment 220 when the package 120 is closed.
The downward second bottom abutment on detent 130 is resiliently attached to the corresponding (bottom) shell 122 as best shown in FIG. The detent 130 is attached to the elastic tab 222 at its proximal portion 224. The distal portion 226 of the elastic tab 222 is offset in this example to increase the amount of deflection of the tab 222 upward (as seen in the direction of FIG. 9) without contacting the rest of the package 120. The The second lid portions 130 to 131 function in the same manner as the first lid portions 128 to 129 as described above.

  The first lid 128 is separated from the second lid 130. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second lids 128-129 and 130-131 should normally operate at least substantially simultaneously to open the package 120. Each abutment elastically attached to each of the first and second lids has its distal portions 218 and 226 pinched with fingers and thumbs of one hand, and the abutment elastically attached to one lid is elastically attached to the other lid. It can be operated by urging it toward the abutment and releasing the lid. While the distal portions 218 and 226 are twisted inward with one hand, the thumb tab 228 may be engaged to open the package. The need to operate two elastic tabs and thumb tabs on different parts of the package 120 provides child safety, but still provides a lid that is relatively easy to open for adults with a wider hand span than children.

The package 120 includes a sealing sheet 230 that adheres to the generally flat edge sealing surfaces 156-164 surrounding the bottom wells 136-144 and hermetically seals the individual bottom wells, as shown in FIG. The sealing sheet may be applied by any convenient means including, for example, ultrasonic welding, solvent welding, heat sealing, adhesives, or others known to those skilled in the art. The package 120 shown in FIG. 14 also includes a sealing sheet 232 that is applied to a generally flat edge sealing surface 196-204 surrounding the lid wells 176-184 to hermetically seal the individual wells. Optionally, each well can be “moist” sealed as defined below.
If sealing is not required in this embodiment, the flexible film need not have a barrier providing sealing and sealing properties. For example, a paper sticker can be used. In other embodiments, a pocket may be designed to constrain the product within the package to eliminate the need for a flexible film.

  The flexible film material can be formed in a manner that allows one compartment to be opened at a time. Seal sheets 230 and 232 are optionally weakened, cut or perforated between adjacent wells, such as cut portions 234-240 of seal sheet 230 and cut portions 242-248 of seal sheet 232, for example. Thus, separation removal is possible, such as 270 (between two adjacent cuts such as 234 and 236), where adjacent wells can be individually removed without unsealing or unsealing to unseal or unseal one well. Strips can be defined. The consumer accesses the product by peeling off the flexible film material to expose one compartment. Alternatively or alternatively, each compartment can be opened using a tool. As another option, a pull tab may be provided with a thread or other material that opens the compartment when pulled through a flexible film covering the well.

In each embodiment, the sealing sheets 230 and 232 may originally have two separate sheet forms or a form in which a part of one sheet straddles the integral hinge. The sheet straddling the web can be removed or left accordingly.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for filling a package 120 with a product is provided. Each piece of product, for example, stick-like product pieces 252-268, shown in cross-section in FIG. 14, is placed in each of the bottom and lid wells 136-144 and 176-184. The wells 136 to 144 and 176 to 184 of the bottom shell 122 and the lid shell 124 are covered with sealing sheets 230 and 232 for closing them. Sealing sheets 230 and 232 are sealed to generally flat edge sealing surfaces 156-164 and 196-204, thus sealing each well 136-144 and 176-184. Each portion between the two wells of the sealing sheets 230 and 232 is weakened or cut at the positions indicated by 234 to 240 of the sealing sheet 230 and weakened or cut at the positions indicated by 242 to 248 of the sealing sheet 232, Thus, a strip is formed between the two cuts as indicated by numeral 270. In one embodiment, each strip 270, etc. of the sealing sheet covers one well, but one strip 270 is one, such as when the article to be dispensed is a tablet and the recommended dose for a single dose is two tablets. The above wells may be covered. In one embodiment, each strip is separated from one or more adjacent strips of sheet seals covering another well.
In another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 15, the well as shown at 272 is generally circular and is also provided on the two offset lines in the lid 274 and the bottom 276. This example can be used for tablets or disk or spiral dosage forms or other articles. The lid and bottom wells do not cross when the package is closed. One utility when offsetting the bottom and lid wells is to allow each bottom well opening pull tab or other structure to protrude into the space between each offset lid well and vice versa. It can be used. Alternatively, the offset wells of the lid and the bottom may have a mutual binding configuration, and the bottom well may protrude in a state facing a part between the two lid wells and vice versa.

FIG. 16 shows details of another embodiment of the package, showing details of a wavy shell wall for the bottom shell 122 that can also be used for the lid shell 124. In this embodiment, both the inner surface 132 and the outer surface 134 are waved.
17 and 18 illustrate an additional embodiment of the present invention, which also includes a bottom shell 280 and a lid shell 282. FIG. In this embodiment, a perimeter seal 283 is incorporated into the bivalve shell and includes a lip 284 on the bottom shell 280 and a lip 286 on the lid shell 282. Each lip may form a butt-to-lip seal or may constitute a concentric surface with a matching taper for the sides of each lip to engage. Optionally, the perimeter seal 283 can have a “wet” property as described below. In yet another embodiment, the perimeter seal may have resealability that re-establishes the moisture tight seal upon opening and closing the bivalve package. For example, at least the package can be designed to remain wet until the required number of open access to all wells is reached when one well is accessed at a time.

19 and 20 show another embodiment of the present invention that can be used as a blister package holder or outer package. Each lip 284 and 286 can be a concentric surface with a matching taper that forms a perimeter seal 283, which is also an optional feature in FIGS. 19-20 as also shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 also show a bottom shell 290 and a lid shell 292, each of which supports and is attached to blister sheets 294 and 296 sealed to cover sheets 298 and 300. It is beneficial to permanently secure the blister seats 294 and 296 within the package so that removing the blister pack from the outer package before dispensing the contents from the package does not avoid the child safety lid.
The outer package of FIGS. 17 and 18 or 19 and 20 can be molded as a single piece with an integral hinge and a child safety lid. In these embodiments, the flexible film optionally does not need to provide a seal, which increases design and material flexibility. For example, a simple, inexpensive paper-based material can be used to close each compartment, while a perimeter seal can provide a sealing function.

In each embodiment of the present invention, if a seal is required, each well or other packaging element may optionally include a material that removes the gas that needs to protect the product from them. The materials can be added separately to the well or can be made as an integral part of the bottom shell and / or the lid shell. For example, a multi-material molding process may be used to mold a first material for the bottom and a second material in the form of a polymer or plastic material that entrains the active agent therein.
An example of a plastic entrained activator is a three-component formulation, the process of which is described in US Pat. Nos. 5,911,937, 6,214,255, No. 6,130,263, No. 6,174,952, No. 6,613,405, No. 6,124,006. Another example is a two-component mixture of active agent and polymer.

In some embodiments, desiccant can be used as the active agent in the entrained polymer. The desiccant can be used for moisture removal in the product and / or packaged environment. The desiccant can be selected to maintain a predetermined relative humidity range. In one example, a molecular sieve desiccant can be used to maintain the relative humidity below 10%. In other examples, a silica gel desiccant may be used to maintain the relative humidity range between 10-30 RH (relative humidity)% or 30-50% RH or 40-60% RH. The relative humidity can be controlled by, for example, the amount of silica gel incorporated into the polymer.
Optionally, other active agents such as oxygen absorbers or preservatives can be used. They can also be incorporated into two-component formulations as well as the three-component formulations described above.
In certain embodiments, a product dosage form is provided in at least one of the bottom or lid wells. Products include, but are not limited to, component extrusion sticks, component roll sheets, leaf portions, powders and binders, lozenges, tablets, plugs, combinations of these types (eg, leaf roll portions, etc.) or Other forms may be included.

“Moisture tightness” in packages, wells or other containers is defined below.
For a complete package with a perimeter seal, “damp” means less than about 2500 micrograms of moisture ingress into the package, less than about 2000 micrograms in other embodiments, and about 1500 micrograms in other embodiments. Less than about 500 micrograms in other examples, less than about 300 micrograms in still other examples, and less than about 150 micrograms in still other examples, and the following test methods: (A) Place approximately 1 gram of molecular sieve in the container and record the weight; (b) close and seal the container; (c) seal the container at 80% relative humidity and a temperature of 22 ° C. (72 ° F.). (C) after one day, measure the weight of the container containing the molecular sieve, (d) measure the weight of the container after two weeks, and (e) measure the weight of the container. Subtracting the measured weight sample values after the one day fruit, then divided by the number of days, thus determined by test method to calculate the moisture ingress date amount in micrograms.

  For each well of the package, “damp” means less than about 750 micrograms of moisture ingress into individual sealed wells, in other embodiments less than about 500 micrograms, and in other embodiments about 250 It means less than micrograms, in other examples less than about 150 micrograms, in other examples less than about 100 micrograms, and the following test method: (a) about 0.2 grams of molecular sieve ( (More or less depending on the well size) is placed in the container and the weight is recorded, (b) the well is closed and sealed, the container is closed, (c) the sealed container is 80% relative humidity Placed in an environmental chamber at a temperature of 22 ° C. (72 ° F.), (c) after one day, weigh the vessel containing the molecular sieve, and (d) measure the vessel weight after 2 weeks. Wherein the (e) the container weight measurement result subtracting the measured weight sample values after 1 day, and then divided by the number of days, thus determined by test method to calculate the moisture ingress date amount in micrograms. Tests for multiwell packages can be performed on individual wells, all wells, or any number of wells between one and all.

Referring to FIGS. 21-23, a child safety container, generally designated 330, is shown and is defined by a shell or housing cover 332, two drawers or product trays 334 and 336, and abutments 338 and 340. In this embodiment, a latch defined by a first latch 342 and a second latch 344 is included.
Shell 332 may optionally have opposing first and second drawer openings 346 and 348, respectively. The shell 332 may define a longitudinal passage 350 from the first drawer opening 346 to the second drawer opening 348. In the illustrated embodiment, the shell 332 may define a first side opening 352 and, in this embodiment, a second side opening 354 that provides access to the longitudinal passage from the outside of the shell 332.
The first drawer 334 is slidably received in the longitudinal passage 350 and protrudes through the first drawer opening 346 when the first drawer 334 is open, and in other embodiments slightly protrudes when the drawer is closed. . In the illustrated embodiment, the first drawer 334 can optionally have a first drawer abutment 340 that faces the first opening 350. The first drawer 334 has a gasket 356 and a storage area 358 for storing articles in the container 330.

The second drawer 336 is slidably received in the longitudinal passage 350 and is relatively movable with respect to the first drawer 334 and protrudes through the second drawer opening 348 when the second drawer is opened, in other embodiments. It also protrudes slightly when the drawer is closed. In the illustrated embodiment, drawers 334 and 336 have the same shape and function.
A stopper defined by abutments 338 and 340 is positioned in passage 350. The stopper engages each of the first and second drawers 334 and 336 to prevent the first and second drawers from sliding apart beyond the movement limits associated with the shell. The movement limit is reached when one of the first and second drawers is fully open to provide access to its contents and the other is closed sufficiently to prevent access to its contents. To do.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the stopper includes an abutment 336 facing the first opening 346 in the first drawer 334 and an abutment 340 facing the second opening 348 in the second drawer 336, with the drawers 334 and 336 being When moved in the separating direction, the first and second abutments 338 and 340 engage to define a stopper. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one of the abutments 338 and 340, each abutment in this embodiment, extends in the direction of the other drawer 336 of one drawer 334 (and conversely from the other drawer 336). Link 362 in distraction configuration) Linked to a corresponding drawer 334 or 336 by a link 360. In the illustrated embodiment, the stopper can optionally have a first portion 360 for the first drawer 334 and a second portion 362 for the second drawer 336. Alternatively, the stopper may be the first and second parts that engage each other as illustrated, or in other embodiments the first and second parts or parts of the latch that engage parts of the shell. There may be first and second portions that engage.

  In this embodiment, the first and second latches 342 and 344 are normally biased by the elasticity of the first and second push button gaskets 364 and 366 deformed by being pressed against the shell 332, and thus the first and second latches are applied. Each of the two drawers 334 and 336 is latched and sealed and closed as shown in FIGS. A latch such as number 342 is operable to unlatch at least one of the drawers 334 and 336 against its normal bias application. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch includes a first latch 342 that engages the first drawer 334 and a second latch 44 that engages the second drawer 336. Alternatively, a one-part latch can be used to engage both drawers 334 and 336 simultaneously or alternately. The first latch 342 may optionally have a first latch abutment 368 facing the first drawer opening 346, the first latch 342 being a ramp 370 in this embodiment, described below, and Specifically, this embodiment includes a part of the unlatching mechanism which is a pair of inclined portions 370 and 372 on the latch 342.

In this embodiment, the first and second latches 342 and 344 are at least partially disposed in the longitudinal passage 350 and the first and second drawers 334 and 336 are unlatched to unlatch the first and second drawers 334 and 336, respectively. Two side openings 352 and 354, respectively. The second latch 344 may optionally have a second latch abutment 374 that faces the first drawer opening 346.
In the illustrated embodiment, latch 344 is operated using push buttons, which in this embodiment are push buttons 376 and 378.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second latches 342 and 344 have the same shape.
Each drawer 334 and 336 and corresponding latch 342 and 344 define an unlatching mechanism 380 and 382. In the illustrated embodiment, the unlatching mechanisms 380 and 382 engage the drawer abutment 390 with a ramp 370 or 372 on the latch 342 or 344 and a link 388 projecting from the drawer 334 and engage the abutment with the latch abutment 368. Inclined portions (in the present embodiment, inclined portions 384 and 386) are included on the link that is deviated far from (in the direction behind the plane of FIG. 24).

In the illustrated embodiment, the first drawer abutment 390 and the first latch abutment 368 are mutually connected when the first drawer 334 is closed and the latch 342 is normally biased to latch the first drawer 334 closed. Positioned to engage. Similarly, in this embodiment, the second drawer abutment 392 and the second latch abutment 374 are used when the second drawer 336 is closed and the latch 344 is normally biased to latch the second drawer 336 closed. Are positioned to engage each other.
In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second latches 342 and 344 are unlatched across the longitudinal passage 350 and are unlatched so that when both latches 342 and 344 are actuated, a corresponding latch abutment 368 is obtained. Alternatively, the first and second drawer abutments 390 and 392 are disengaged from 374.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first drawer 334 and the latch 342 are pushed only when the first drawer 334 is pushed further closed to engage the unlatching mechanism 380 and the latch 342 is actuated to unlatch the first drawer 334. One drawer 334 is configured to be unlatched. In the illustrated embodiment, the second drawer 342 and latch 344 are similarly only pushed when the second drawer 336 is pushed further closed to engage the second unlatching mechanism 382 and the second drawer is unlatched from the latch 344. The two drawers 336 are unlatched.
The unlatch mechanism indicated by numeral 380 in this embodiment operates as follows.
In the illustrated embodiment, the ramps 370 and 372 on the latch 344 and the corresponding ramps 384 and 386 on the drawer 334 are shown in FIG. 24 when the drawer 334 is closed (each ramp forms a substructure in its entirety). ), When the drawer 334 is pushed and further closed and the inclined portions 384 and 386 move to the right side in FIG. 24, they are aligned in the longitudinal direction under the engagement relationship.

In the illustrated embodiment, each first stopper 394 (of drawer 334) and second stopper 396 (of drawer 336) limit the movement of links 360 and 398, thus each drawer 334 and 336 is unlatching mechanism 380 of first drawer 334. And the undrawn mechanism 382 of the second drawer 336 is prevented from being pushed sufficiently close to engage, thus only one of the first and second drawers is opened at a time.
The shell 332 of the exemplary embodiment includes guides 400 and 402 that receive the link 388 of the drawer 334 when the unlatching mechanism 380 is engaged and the link 388 is moved, and the unlatching mechanism 382 is engaged and the link of the drawer 336 is When moved, it has similar guides 404 and 406 that receive the link of the drawer 336, in which case each guide guides the drawer when open. The shell 332 also includes a guide 408 for guiding the drawer link 360 and a guide 410 for guiding the other drawer link 398.

The drawer as shown at 334 may further include a partial cover as shown at 412. In one embodiment, the partial cover 412 can be molded with the integral hinge 414 as an integral part of the drawer 332 in the direction indicated by the phantom line 412 ′ in FIG. The partial cover 412 ′ can then be folded and optionally secured to the body of the drawer 334 by a catch or similar configuration. Alternatively, or alternatively, partial cover 412 can be captured in its closed position when drawer 334 is inserted into shell 332 during assembly of container 330 with partial cover 412 in the closed position shown in solid lines in FIG. . A partial cover, such as that shown at 412, restricts access to the laminate 416, thus prompting the user to remove one sheet 416 at a time from the top of the laminate of sheets 416.
The exemplary embodiments will be further described below.

  Exemplary embodiments include a package 330 that is useful, for example, in limiting the number of doses presented to a user of a solid oral dose under a bulk arrangement. Package 330 is optionally portable, lightweight and easy to use. The illustrated package 330 has push buttons 376, 378 that are difficult to press for infants and a child safety lid that is effective in that the drawer is simultaneously pushed into the package. Also, the two drawer configuration that can operate only one at a time limits the amount of user access to the contents for a given time. Package 330 may optionally enhance user attachment to the product. Packages with tactile elements that are fun and attractive to operate are considered here to produce such attachments.

Exemplary embodiments include a bulk package that dispenses solid oral dosages to users. Solid oral dosages can include, but are not limited to, edible films, tablets, lozenges, and capsules. In one embodiment, the product is an edible film. In one embodiment, the edible film has a rectangular shape, and the size may be, for example, 25 mm × 35 mm. The bulk package of the illustrative embodiment has a substantially rectangular shape, for example with parallel pipes with rounded edges and corners, and is relatively thin so that the package can be easily carried in a pocket or handbag. The edible film is laminated to a tray positioned in the bulk package. The bulk package incorporates two trays, one at each end of the package.
Each tray slides out of each end of the package. In one embodiment, each tray holds up to 25, more preferably up to about 10 edible films. The bulk package shown in FIG. 21 may optionally have 20 edible film pieces, 10 on each tray.

The package is opened by sliding each tray out using two buttons 376 and 378 located in the center of the package. Each button is mounted on a latch 342, 344 that controls the child safety mechanism. The package is released by pushing one button (or drawer) inward about 1-2 mm while pushing and holding each button. When the tray pushed inward is released, the tray moves out of the bulk package housing. After releasing the tray, the user can access the product by sliding the tray manually to open it further.
The package is designed to allow access to only one tray at a time. When one tray is opened to the user, the other tray is locked in the package.

After the tray is opened, the user can release the two push buttons 376 and 378. The released push button moves the latch outward by the spring back of the flexible gasket and returns it to its home position. The user can close the package by sliding the open tray back into the housing cover. In the illustrated embodiment, the tray can be flush with the housing cover when seated completely within the package. It is possible to extrude the tray about 1 to 2 mm from a flush state. The tray is locked again in the package in its closed position and cannot be reopened until the above sequence is repeated.
In the illustrated embodiment, the bulk package consists of five parts: a housing cover, two identical side buttons with latches, and two identical product trays.

  Bulk packages are designed to protect the product against moisture exposure. The bulk package may optionally have a seal formed between the product tray and the housing cover, as illustrated, and may optionally have a seal formed between the push button and the housing cover. . The bulk package re-establishes the seal during its service life (after opening and closing the tray). Resealable seals are designed for opening and closing up to 50 times per tray. In one embodiment, each seal is tested as follows: (a) about 1 gram of molecular sieve is placed in the container and the weight is recorded; (b) the container is closed and sealed; (c) the sealed container is Place in an environmental chamber under conditions of 80% relative humidity and 22 ° C (72 ° F), (c) measure the weight of the container including the molecular sieve after one day, and (d) measure the weight of the container after two weeks. (E) Subtract the measured weight sample value after one day from the container weight measurement result, and then divide by the number of days, thus determined by the test method to calculate the moisture ingress date in micrograms, 22 ° C./80 It has a daily moisture ingress that is less than 2000 micrograms, preferably less than 1500 micrograms under conditions of% RH (relative humidity).

The tray assembly has three parts: (1) a product tray, (2) a flexible gasket (also used as a button) at one end position, and (3) a product lid that partially restricts access to the product. Is composed of.
The product tray acts as a reservoir to hold the laminated edible film. The product tray may optionally have a ramp that facilitates the removal of one piece from the laminated edible film. The inclined portion assists film piece separation from the top of the edible film in the laminated state. Typically, the user slides the top piece toward the inclined portion with a finger placed on the top of the laminated edible film. The product tray can be composed of a single material (ie, polypropylene or polyethylene) or can incorporate an active polymer (ie, a desiccant plastic) that controls the moisture level within the product. In one embodiment, the product tray is manufactured by a two-shot injection molding process, with the outer portion being molded from a thermoplastic resin (ie, polypropylene or polyethylene) and the inner portion (tilted portion) being molded from a desiccant plastic. The desiccant plastic material is, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,911,937, 6,080,350, 6,130,263, 6,174,952, which is incorporated herein by reference. 6, 214, 255, 6,486, 261, and 7,005, 459.

The flexible gasket material is positioned on one end of the product tray. Two protrusions are positioned on the side opposite the flexible gasket material. Referring to FIG. 24, the shorter projection can optionally have a slot in its center interior. The longer protrusion may optionally have a hook-like feature along one side thereof. The shorter projection interacts with the latch mechanism. The longer protrusion extends into the opposing tray to prevent simultaneous opening of both trays.
The product tray can optionally have a lid that extends partially over the top of the tray. The lid can be made as a separate part or integrated with the product tray. When in one piece, the lid can be hinged to the product tray. In one embodiment, the product tray and lid are molded in a single injection molding process. The lid does not assemble over the top of the tray prior to product filling. The lid can be hinged in its “open” position. After filling the product tray, the lid can be rotated closed and locked accordingly. A closed lid cannot be removed.

The gasket provides two functions: (1) a seal between the housing cover and the product tray, and (2) a spring restoring force as the user pushes the product tray inward. While manipulating the package, the user applies an inward force to the tray on the gasket material.
The gasket can be manufactured as a separate part or integrated into the product tray. In one embodiment, the gasket is molded into the product tray by a two shot injection molding process. The gasket may be composed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Suitable TPEs are materials that have good water vapor transmission rates and materials that readily adhere (affinity) to thermoplastics for product trays.

  The push button latch and product tray are incorporated into the housing cover. Each push button latch has a hook feature at its distal end. When the push button is incorporated into the housing cover, the hooks are locked together, thus preventing the push button latch from being removed from the package. Each push button is an integral part of the child safety mechanism in the package. Each latch, in its closed position, prevents the product tray from being opened if the push button is not pressed. The product tray can optionally have a short tab with a slot with a protrusion along its distal end, which can be assembled over the latch. The protrusion and the latch interfere with each other to prevent the product tray from being opened.

The housing cover can be composed of a single material. In a preferred embodiment, the housing cover can be manufactured as a single part by injection molding. The material for the housing cover can optionally provide a good barrier in protecting the product in the package from moisture and UV light. The material may optionally also have dimensional stability, as there are functional features in the housing cover to assist in package operations involving other forms of bulk packages. Suitable materials include polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and the like.
The inner and bottom surfaces of the housing cover can optionally have two channels that protrude outwardly from the bottom surface. These channels are used to capture short tabs with long holes with the protrusions.

The tab with a slot in the product tray can optionally have a non-slip set in the middle along the top surface. When the push button latch is pushed in, these slip stoppers ride on the push button latch. At the same time, one of the product trays is pushed in. The bottom surface of the push button latch may optionally have a corresponding anti-slip so that the tab is moved downward about 2-3 mm. When the pushbutton tab is fully depressed, the tab is moved downward, thus aligning the tab with one of the channels in the housing cover. When released, the product tray slides out of the package, while the tab is captured in one of the channels in the housing cover.
The product tray can then be pulled out until the long tab of the product tray reaches its moving end. The moving end is a position where a bowl-like feature of one product tray can come into contact with a bowl-like feature of the corresponding product tray. The maximum open distance of the product tray is defined by the ridge feature.

The push button latch may consist of two parts: (1) a push button that forms a seal with the housing cover, and (2) a movable latch that releases the product tray. The push button latch can be made and assembled from two parts. In the preferred embodiment, the push button latch is made by a two-shot injection molding process. The push button is made of a thermoplastic elastomer with similar material conditions as the gasket on the product tray.
The push button latches are pushed inward from each other. In this embodiment, each push button latch moves about 4 mm inward. A non-slip set on the bottom of each latch engages a corresponding non-slip set on a short tab with a slot with a protrusion on the product tray to move the tab downward. This allows the tab to fit into one of the channels in the housing or bar, thus allowing one product tray to be opened outward.
Here, “include” does not exclude other elements or steps, and “single” does not exclude a plurality.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications can be made within the present invention.

12 lid shell 40 package 42 first shell portion 44 second shell portion 46 first peripheral portion 48 second peripheral portion 50 first peripheral portion 52 second peripheral portion 54 first latch abutment 56 hinge 58 latch 60 first leg Portion 62 second leg 64 actuator portion 66 second latch abutment 68, 70 peripheral edge 72 first closing lip 74 enclosure 76 second closing lip 78 insert 80 first inclined portion 82 first abutment 84 first pivot 86 Third latch abutment 88 Second latch 90 Third leg 92 Fourth leg 94 Actuator portion 96 Second inclined portion 98 Fourth latch abutment 100 Second abutment 102 Second pivot 104 Remaining portion 106 Leaf spring 108 Leaf spring 110 Recess 112 Side wall 114 Surrounding hula 116, 118 hole 120 single injection molded part 122 bottom shell 124 lid shell 126 integral hinge 128 first lid 129 first hole 130 second lid 132 inner surface 134 outer surfaces 136, 138, 140, 142, 144 bottom well 146 Upright wall 156 Edge seal surface 168 Wavy portion 172 Inner surface 174 Outer surface 176 Lid well 186 Upright wall 196 Edge seal surface 210 Lid abutment 212 Bottom abutment 214 Elastic tab 216 Proximal portion 218 Distal portion 220 Lid abutment Ment 222 elastic tab 224 proximal portion 226 distal portion 228 thumb tab 230 sealing sheet 232 sealing sheet 240 cut portion 268 product piece 270 strip 280 bottom shell 282 lid shell 283 perimeter seal 284 lip 286 lip 290 Bottom shell 292 Lid shell 294 Blister sheet 298 Cover sheet 330 Container 332 Housing cover 334 Product tray 336 Abutment 338 Abutment 340 Abutment 342 First latch 344 Second latch 346 First opening 348 Second opening 352 First side 352 Opening 354 Second side opening 356 Gasket 358 Storage area 360 First part 362 Second part 364 Button gasket 368 First latch abutment 370 Inclined part 374 Second latch abutment 376 Button 378 Button 380 Unlatching mechanism 382 Second unlatching mechanism 382 384 Inclined portion 388 Link 390 Abutment 392 Abutment 394 First stopper 396 Second stopper 398 Second link 400 Guide 404 Guide 408 Ga De 410 guide 412 portion cover 414 living hinge 416 laminate

Claims (20)

A package,
A first shell portion (42) having a first peripheral portion (46) and a second peripheral portion (48);
A second shell portion (44) having a first peripheral portion (50) and a second peripheral portion (52), the second peripheral portion (52) including a first latch abutment (54);
A hinge (56) connecting the first and second shell portions at their first peripheral portion (46, 50) position;
A latch (58) for releasably latching each second peripheral portion of the first shell portion and the second shell portion to each other;
The latch
In the first and second leg portions coupled at an angle (60, 62), the first leg (60) is fixed to the first shell portion, the second leg portion (62), wherein First and second legs arranged parallel to the front edge of the adjacent wall in the first shell portion ( 42 );
The actuator portion (64) of the first leg is displaced by the user with his / her finger parallel to the front edge of the adjacent wall of the first shell portion, thereby releasing the second leg from its latched position. An actuator portion adapted to be moved to a position;
The second latch abutment (66) fixed to the second leg is engaged with the first latch abutment (54) in the latched position, and the first latch abutment (54) in the released position. A second latch abutment having a configuration for releasing
Including package. The first and second shell portions (42, 44) each having a peripheral edge (68, 70) that matches when the first and second shell portions are closed. package. A first closure lip (72) on the first shell portion forming an enclosure;
When the second surrounding portion of the first shell portion and the second shell portion are latched together with a second closing lip (76) on the second shell portion that matches the first closing lip. A second closure lip that seals the enclosure from ambient air outside the enclosure;
The package according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The package of claim 3, further comprising an insert (78) forming a first closure lip (72) and connecting to the first shell portion.   The package of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the latch (58) is positioned between the insert (78) and the first shell portion (42). It is positioned so as to bend the second leg (62) engages the second leg (62) is moved longitudinally across a second leg portion towards the release position from its latching position The package according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a first bending inclined portion (80).   The package according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first leg is fixed to the first shell portion by a pivot (84), and when the actuator portion is moved, the first leg pivots with respect to the first shell portion. .   The package according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the actuator portion of the first leg is normally biased toward its latching position. A third latch abutment (86) on any of the first and second shell portions;
A second latch (88) for releasably latching each second peripheral portion of each of the first and second shell portions;
Further including
The second latch (88)
A third latch abutment (86) in which the third leg (90) is the first and second shell portions, with the third and fourth legs (90, 92) being connected at an angle. Each of the third and fourth legs fixed to the other with respect to
An actuator portion (94) of the third leg (90) is adapted to move with the user's finger, and an actuator portion for moving the fourth leg (92) from its latched position to a release position;
A fourth latch abutment (98) fixed to the fourth leg (92) is engaged with the third latch abutment (86) when the fourth leg is in its latching position, and the fourth leg A fourth latch abutment configured to release the third latch abutment when the portion is in its release position;
The package in any one of Claims 1-8 containing.   The package of claim 9 wherein the actuator portions of each of the first and third legs are separated by at least 7.26 cm.   The package according to claim 9 or 10, wherein each of the second and fourth legs is generally parallel in its latched position.   12. A package according to any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein each of the second and fourth legs is positioned to move longitudinally in opposite directions from its latched position to its released position. Engages the fourth leg, when the fourth leg engaged is moved longitudinally across to the release position from the latching position, to so that bending the fourth leg engaged package according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising a second bent inclined portion (96) to be positioned. First bent inclined portion (80), the package according to the second leg (62) is positioned to engage with and fourth leg 請 Motomeko 7 that will be formed by. Second bent inclined portion (96), the package according to the fourth leg (92) first are positioned and to engage with the shell portion (42) Ru formed by 請 Motomeko 13 or 14.   10. At least one of the first and third legs is fixed to the first shell portion by a pivot (84, 102) and moving the actuator portion causes the second leg to pivot about the first shell portion. The package in any one of -15.   The package according to claim 9, wherein at least one actuator portion of each of the first and third legs is normally biased in one direction of latching. When the second leg is moved from the latching position toward the release position in the entire longitudinal direction, the second leg is bent when the first bending inclined portion (80) is engaged with the second leg. A first bend ramp that is positioned to wrap ;
In the second bent inclined portion that engages with the fourth leg (96), the fourth leg portion is moved longitudinally across to the release position from its latching position so that bending the fourth leg The package according to claim 9, further comprising a second bending inclined portion to be positioned . 19. Package according to claim 18, wherein the first bend ramp (80) is formed by a fourth shell portion and the second bend ramp (96) is formed by a first leg.   The first leg is fixed to the first shell portion by the first pivot (84). When the actuator portion is moved, the first leg is pivoted with respect to the first shell portion, and the third leg is the second pivot ( 102) The package of claim 9, wherein the third leg pivots relative to the first shell portion when the actuator portion of the third leg is moved by being fixed to the first shell portion by 102).

Images