WO2004052749A1

WO2004052749A1 - Device for containing a blister pack

Info

Publication number: WO2004052749A1
Application number: PCT/EP2003/014466
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian Edwards; Donna Jackson; Ronald Kelly; Dennis Mcarthur
Original assignee: Mso Cleland Limited
Priority date: 2002-12-12
Filing date: 2003-12-12
Publication date: 2004-06-24
Also published as: GB0228983D0; AU2003293921A1

Abstract

A device for containing a blister pack, the device comprising a slidable member (52) in which one or more dispensing apertures (54) are formed. The slidable member (59) is slidable between a non-dispensing state and a dispensing state. The device further includes means for biasing (56) the slidable member (52) to the non-dispensing state. In the preferred embodiment, the slidable member (52) is located within a pocket (38) and the biasing means comprises one or more buckling members (56) which, when the slidable member (52) moves to the dispensing state, buckle through a respective aperture (50) formed in the pocket (38).

Description

DEVICE FOR CONTAINING A BLISTER PACK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for containing a blister pack, or similar container.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Blister pack type containers, or packages, are well known. Typically, a blister pack comprises a first sheet of material, in which there is formed one or more blisters, and a second sheet of material fixed to the first sheet so that a respective sealed receptacle is defined by each blister and the second sheet. The second sheet is formed from a rupturable material, typically aluminium. Each receptacle contains an article, commonly a pharmaceutical tablet or capsule, which may be dispensed from the blister pack by a user pressing on the respective blister so that the article ruptures the second sheet. As for all containers which may hold potentially dangerous articles, it is desirable that the articles cannot readily be dispensed by children.

It is known to provide a device for inhibiting removal of articles from a blister pack which includes a slidable sheet having a respective aperture for each receptacle. The slidable sheet is slidable between a non-dispensing position in which the sheet blocks passage of the articles from the receptacles, and a dispensing position in which the apertures are in register with the receptacles thereby allowing articles to be dispensed. United States Patent US 5,244,091 (Tannenbaum) discloses such a device. The US 5,244,091 device suffers from the problem that a user is required to move the slidable sheet back to the non- dispensing position after use. United States Patent US 5,150,793 (Tannenbaum) addresses this problem by providing a device in which the blister pack is slidable within a housing between a non-dispensing position, in which the housing blocks passage of the articles from the receptacles, and a dispensing position in which apertures provided in the housing allow the articles to be dispensed. The blister pack is resiliently biased to adopt the non-dispensing position in the absence of any external forces. The device of US 5,150,793 is considered to be relatively complex, and therefore relatively expensive to manufacture.

It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a device which mitigates the problems outlined above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides a device for containing a blister pack comprising one or more blisters containing a respective one or more articles, the device comprising a slidable member in which one or more dispensing apertures are formed, the slidable member being slidable between a non-dispensing state, in which it prevents at least some of said articles from being dispensed from the respective blister, and a dispensing state, in which at least one dispensing aperture is substantially in register with one or more respective blisters so that the or each respective article may be dispensed therethrough, wherein the device further includes means for biasing the slidable member to the non-dispensing state.

Preferably, the biasing means comprises one or more resilient members arranged to deform as the slidable member moves from the non-dispensing state to the dispensing state such that the resilience of the or each deformed member urges the slidable member to the non-dispensing state. More preferably, the or each resilient member comprises a respective resilient buckling member arranged to buckle as the slidable member moves from the non-dispensing state to the dispensing state. Preferably, the device further comprises a first pocket in which the slidable member is located, wherein a respective aperture is formed in an outer wall of the pocket adjacent the or each buckling member, the aperture being arranged to allow the respective buckling member to buckle therethrough.

Preferably, one end of the or each buckling member is fixed to the slidable member, the respective other end of the or each buckling member being arranged to engage with, or abut against, a side of the first pocket, so that the reaction of the or each buckling member against the side of the pocket as the slidable member moves towards the dispensing state causes the or each buckling member to buckle.

In the preferred embodiment, said one or more resilient members are integrally formed with the slidable member.

Advantageously, the slidable member comprises a tab which protrudes out of said first pocket, by which tab a user can actuate the slidable member from the non- dispensing state to the dispensing state.

Preferably, the slidable member comprises a respective dispensing aperture for each blister, the dispensing apertures being substantially in register with a respective blister when the slidable member is in the dispensing state.

Preferably, the slidable member comprises a generally planar sheet.

In the preferred embodiment, one or more dispensing apertures are formed in the outer wall of the pocket, the or each dispensing aperture in the outer wall being substantially in register with one or more dispensing apertures in the slidable member when in the dispensing state, and being at least partially obscured by the slidable member when in the non-dispensing state. Preferably, the outer wall is provided by a second generally planar sheet, the device further comprising a first generally planar sheet in which one or more locating apertures are formed, the blister pack being located, in use, between said first and second sheets such that the or each blister protrudes through a respective locating aperture, the slidable member being located between said blister pack and said second sheet.

More preferably, a third generally planar sheet is provided between said first and second sheets, the third sheet comprising one or more dispensing apertures substantially in register with a respective locating aperture in said first sheet and dimensioned to allow the passage of an article therethrough.

In the preferred embodiment, the first pocket is provided between the first and second sheets and, more particularly, between the second and third sheets. In an alternative embodiment, the first sheet and third sheet may be omitted and the first pocket is provided between the second sheet and the blister pack.

Other advantageous aspects of the invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of a specific embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A specific embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of device for containing a blister pack according to the invention, the device being shown in a non- dispensing state; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 shown in a dispensing state;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a conventional blister pack;

Figure 4 is a simplified cross-sectional side view of part of the device of Figure 1 in the non-dispensing state;

Figure 5 is a simplified cross-sectional side view of part of the device of Figure 2 in the dispensing state;

Figure 6 is a plan view of an unassembled alternative embodiment of a device for containing an blister pack; and

Figure 7 is a simplified cross-sectional side view of part of the device of Figure 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown, generally indicated as 10, a preferred embodiment of a device for containing a blister pack, or similar container.

Figure 3 shows a conventional blister pack-type container 12 which comprises a first generally planar sheet 14 in which there are formed a plurality of recesses, or cavities, commonly referred to as blisters 16. The first sheet 14, or at least the portions thereof which form the blisters 16, is formed from a material which may readily be deformed by force applied by a user, usually the user's finger or thumb. Typically, the first sheet 14 is formed from plastics, for example polyvinylchloride (PNC). The blister pack 12 further comprises a second generally planar sheet 18 fixed to the reverse face of the first sheet 14 with respect to the blisters 16. The arrangement is such that the second sheet 18 covers the respective mouths of the blisters 16. Hence, a respective sealed receptacle 20 is formed between the second sheet 18 and respective blisters 16. The second sheet 18, or at least the areas of the sheet 18 that cover the mouths of the blisters 16, is formed from a material which may readily be ruptured by the force applied by the user. Typically, the second sheet 18 comprises aluminium foil.

Each receptacle 20 contains a respective article. Commonly, pharmaceutical or medicinal articles, such as pills tablets or capsules, are contained within the receptacles 20, although it will be understood that the receptacles may contain a wide variety of articles, including mechanical or electrical components. The illustrated embodiment is particularly suited to hold articles in pill, tablet or capsule form, and in Figures 4 and 5 each illustrated receptacle 20 is shown containing a respective tablet 22.

To dispense an article 22 from the blister pack 12, a user (not shown) presses on the respective blister 16. The force applied by the user is transmitted to the second sheet 18, via the article 22, thereby causing the second sheet 18 to rupture and allowing the article 22 to be dispensed. The blister pack 12 shown in Figure 3 comprises fifteen blisters 16 arranged in three rows of five blisters 16 although it will be understood that the invention is not limited to use with such packs 12. In practice, a blister pack may contain one or more blisters in any arrangement.

Referring now in particular to Figures 4 and 5, the device 10 comprises a first generally planar sheet 30 which is shaped to define a respective locating aperture 32 for each blister 16. The number and arrangement of apertures 32 corresponds to the number and arrangement of blisters 16 on the blister pack 12 to be contained by the device 10. The apertures 32 are dimensioned to allow a respective blister 16 to fit therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 10 may be used to contain the blister pack 12 of Figure 3. The device also includes a second generally planar sheet 34 in which there is formed a respective dispensing aperture 36 for each blister 16. The number and arrangement of apertures 36 corresponds to the number and arrangement of blisters 16 on the blister pack 12 to be contained by the device 10. The apertures 36 are dimensioned to allow an article 22 to pass therethrough. The first and second sheet 30, 34 of the device 10 are positioned face-to-face with one another such that the respective set of apertures 32, 36 are substantially in register with one another. The first and second sheets 30, 34 are fixed to one another around at least a portion of their common periphery, e.g. by heat sealing, so as to form a first envelope or pocket 38 therebetween. In Figures 1 and 2, the pocket 38 is shown bounded by dashed line 40 along three sides and the second sheet 34 provides the outer wall of the pocket 38 and of the device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second sheets 30, 34 are formed from a single, folded sheet of material and so the fourth side 42 of the pocket 38 is provided by the fold. In alternative embodiments, the first and second sheets 30, 34 may be formed separately and fixed to one another at the fourth side 42 by any convenient means. An aperture 44 is provided in the fourth side 42 of the pocket 38, as is described in more detail hereinafter.

Preferably, along the side 46 of the pocket 38 which is opposite side 42, a portion

(not visible) of the second sheet 34 is folded such that it is located inside the pocket 38. The resultant fold line 48 serves as a locating device as is explained in more detail below.

In addition to the dispensing apertures 36, the second sheet 34 includes one or more apertures 50 which form part of a biasing mechanism as is described in more detail below. In the preferred embodiment, the second sheet 34 includes two apertures 50 which are preferably substantially rectangular in shape. The respective sides of the apertures 50 preferably extend substantially parallely with one or other of the sides of the second sheet 34. The device 10 further includes a slidable member in the form of a generally planar slidable sheet 52 in which a respective dispensing aperture 54 is formed for each blister 16. The number and arrangement of apertures 54 ideally corresponds to the number and arrangement of blisters 16 on the blister pack 12 to be contained by the device 10. The apertures 54 are dimensioned to allow an article 22 to pass therethrough. Hence, the apertures 54 substantially correspond in size and arrangement with the dispensing apertures 36 formed in the second sheet 34 and with the apertures 32 formed in the first sheet 30. When the device 10 is assembled, the slidable sheet 52, which is shown in broken outline in Figures 1 and 2, is located in the pocket 38 formed between the first and second sheets 30, 34. In this state of assembly, the first sheet 30, the second sheet 34 and the slidable sheet 52 lie in substantially parallel planes, the latter sheet 52 being sandwiched between the former two sheets 30, 34.

The slidable sheet 52 is movable, in a first substantially linear direction, between a non-dispensing state, or position (as depicted in Figures 1 and 4) and a dispensing state, or position (as depicted in Figures 2 and 5). The first linear direction of movement is indicated in the drawings by arrow A- A', the slidable sheet moving generally in direction A when moving from the non-dispensing state to the dispensing state, and in the direction A' when moving from the dispensing state to the non-dispensing state.

In the non-dispensing state, the slidable sheet 52 is positioned so that the apertures 54 are not in register with the respective apertures 32, 36 of the first and second sheets 30, 34. The arrangement may be such that the apertures 36 are fully or partially occluded by the slidable sheet 52 in the non-dispensing state. In Figures 1 and 4, the apertures 36 are shown as partially occluded in the non-dispensing state. It will be understood that, in the non-dispensing state, the dispensing apertures 36 should be occluded by the slidable sheet 52 at least to the extent that an article 22 is prevented from passing through. In the dispensing state, the dispensing apertures 54 of the slidable sheet 52 are substantially in register with the respective apertures 32, 36 of the first and second sheets 30, 34 so that an article 22 can pass through the respective dispensing apertures 36, 54 of both the slidable sheet 52 and the second sheet 34.

The slidable sheet 52 is associated with resilient biasing means preferably in the form of at least one buckling member or leg 56 arranged to engage with a side of the pocket 38. The arrangement is such that the or each leg 56 is substantially in register with a respective one of the apertures 50 formed in the second sheet 34. In the preferred embodiment, the slidable sheet 52 comprises two legs 56, the respective free ends, or feet 58, of which engage with, or abut against, the fourth side 42 of the pocket 38. Preferably, each leg 56 is generally rectangular in shape and is normally substantially co-planar with the slidable sheet 52. Preferably still, the legs 56 are co-formed, or integrally formed, with the sheet 52. The legs 56 are formed from a deformable resilient material, for example polyvinylchloride (PNC) plastics. When the slidable sheet 52 is located in the pocket 38, each leg 56 lies substantially in register with a respective aperture 50. The relative width of the legs 56 and the apertures 50 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement (A-A') of the slidable sheet 52 is such that each leg 56 is able to pass through the respective aperture 50 upon buckling in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the slidable sheet 52. Preferably, the sides of the apertures 50 which extend substantially in the direction A are slightly curved (i.e. opposite sides of the apertures 50 are concave) to allow room for the respective legs 56 to pass through when buckled.

The slidable sheet 52 is also provided with a tab 64 which, when the slidable sheet 52 is in the pocket 38, projects out of the pocket 38 so that it may be gripped by a user. The tab 64, when pulled in direction A by the user, moves the slidable sheet 52 into the dispensing state as is described below. In the preferred embodiment, the tab 64 is co-planar with the slidable sheet 52 and projects through the aperture 44 formed in side 42 of the pocket 38. Preferably, a substantially U-shaped portion of each of the first and second sheets 30, 34 is removed at the aperture 44 to facilitate gripping of the tab 64.

As can best be appreciated from Figures 1 and 2, the preferred arrangement is such that, when the slidable sheet 52 is in the non-dispensing state, the legs 56 are substantially co-planar with the slidable sheet 52. When a user pulls on the tab 64 in direction A (i.e. in order to actuate the slidable sheet 52 from the non- dispensing state to the dispensing state) the action between the legs 56 and the side 42 of the pocket 38 cause the legs 56 to buckle, or deform. In so doing, at least a portion of each leg 56 is forced through the respective aperture 50 (Figure 2). The buckling of the legs 56 allows the slidable sheet 52 to be moved in direction A.

The resilience of the legs 56, when buckled, causes the legs 56 to urge the slidable sheet 52 in the direction A', i.e. towards the non-dispensing state. Hence, the legs 56 and apertures 50 together provide a mechanism for biasing the slidable sheet 52 towards the non-dispensing state.

In the preferred embodiment, the apertures 50 are located adjacent the side 42 of the pocket 38 against which the legs 56 abut. The dimensions of the apertures 50 are arranged to allow a sufficient portion of the respective legs 56 to project through when buckled so as to generate enough resilient biasing force to push the slidable sheet 52 back to the non-dispensing state. It will be understood, therefore, that the required dimensions of the apertures 50 will depend not only on the dimensions of the respective legs 56 but also on the material from which the legs 56 are made.

Preferably, the slidable sheet 52 further includes a locating recess 60 arranged for engagement with the folded portion of the second sheet 34 at fold line 48. Engagement of the locating recess 60 and the folded portion of the second sheet 34 at fold line 48 serves to position the slidable sheet 52 within the pocket 38 and so facilitates the assembly of the device 10. In this connection, it is preferred that the slidable sheet 52 is dimensioned so that its sides 62 are spaced-apart from the corresponding sides of the pocket indicated by dashed line 40. This prevents the edges of the slidable sheet 52 from becoming trapped between the first and second sheets 30, 34 during sealing and ensures that the slidable sheet 52 is free to move within the pocket 38.

Optionally, a third generally co-planar sheet 70 is provided between the first and second sheets 30, 34. The third sheet 70, which is shown in Figures 4 and 5, is provided with dispensing apertures 71 , the number and arrangement of which corresponds with the apertures 32, 36 formed in the first and second sheets 30, 34 respectively. The third sheet 70 is fixed or sealed to the first sheet 30 around at least part of their respective peripheries to form a second pocket between the first and third sheets 30, 70. In use, the second pocket contains the blister pack 12. In this embodiment, the first pocket 38 is still provided between the first and second sheets 30, 34, although it is bounded by the second and third sheets 34, 70.

The first, second, third and slidable sheets 30, 34, 70, 52 may be formed from any suitable material, for example card or plastics. However, the legs 56, or at least a part thereof, are formed from a flexible, resilient material, conveniently plastics. Conveniently, the slidable sheet 52 and legs 56 are co-formed from the same material, preferably a plastics material. By way of example only, the slidable sheet 52 and legs 56 may be formed from a PVC sheet approximately 0.5mm thick, the legs 56 being approximately 12mm in width (in a direction perpendicular to the direction A-A'). This is found to provide a more than adequate biasing force for returning the slidable sheet 52 to the non-dispensing state.

In Figures 1 and 2, the device 10 is shown in wallet form in which a lid 80 is hingedly connected to the body of the device 10 described above. Providing the device in wallet form is a preferred option. When the lid 80 is closed, the blisters 16 are covered by the lid 80 and are therefore protected to an extent from accidental pressure.

When the device 10 is assembled, the blister pack 12 (not visible in Figures 1 and 2) is located in the second pocket 72 such that a respective blister 16 protrudes through a respective aperture 32 formed in the first sheet 30. The slidable sheet 52 is located within the first pocket 38. In the absence of any external forces, the slidable sheet 52 adopts the non-dispensing state (Figures 1 and 4). In this state, the dispensing apertures 36, 71 of the second and third sheets 34, 70 are at least partially occluded by the slidable sheet 52 such that the articles 22 are prevented from being dispensed from the blister pack 12. A user may actuate the slidable sheet 52 into the dispensing state by exerting force on the tab 64 in direction A. This causes the legs 56 to buckle outwardly of the device 10 through the respective apertures 50. In the dispensing state, the dispensing apertures 54 of the slidable sheet 52 are in register with the dispensing apertures 36, 71 of the second and third sheets 34, 70. Hence, when the user presses a blister 16 containing an article 22, the article 22 ruptures the second sheet 18 of the blister pack 12 and is dispensed from the blister pack 12 and from the device 10 by passing through the respective dispensing apertures 71, 54, 36 of the third sheet 70, the slidable sheet 54 and the second sheet 34. When the user releases the tab 64, the energy stored in the buckled legs 56 is released as the legs 56 return to their rest state thereby actuating the slidable sheet 52 back to the non-dispensing state.

Because the slidable sheet 52 is biased to adopt the non-dispensing state, articles 22 are not dispensed accidentally if, for example, the device 10 is unintentionally squeezed or squashed. Further, because articles 22 cannot be dispensed until the slidable sheet 52 is moved to the dispensing state, it is less likely that children would be able to access the articles 22. The provision of a slidable sheet 52 with simple biasing means, particularly when integrally formed, makes the manufacture of the device 10 relatively simple and inexpensive. While it is preferred to use biasing means in the form of one or more buckling members, other biasing means may be employed instead. For example, one or more flat springs, e.g. a curved or S-shaped length of resilient material (not shown), may be used in place of the or each leg 56. The arrangement would be such that the or each flat spring would be compressed upon movement of the slidable sheet 52 from the non-dispensing state to the dispensing state, and so be biased to urge the slidable sheet 52 back to the non-dispensing state. The use of flat springs in this way would obviate the need for the apertures 50 since the springs would not buckle outwardly.

In a particularly preferred embodiment (not illustrated), the respective U-shaped portions of the first and/or second sheets which are removed at the aperture 44 (and which are therefore absent in Figures 1 and 2) to expose the tab 64, are detachably formed, for example by means of a perforated seam, with the respective first or second sheet 30, 34. The U-shaped portion(s) are removed by the user when he first wishes to dispense an article. Until then, the U-shaped portion(s) prevent the tab 64 from being pulled to operate the device 10. Additionally, or instead, a respective detachable insert (not shown) may be provided, for example by means of a perforated seam, in one or both of the apertures 50. When in place, the or each insert prevents the respective leg 56 from buckling and therefore prevents operation of the device.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a device 1 10 for containing a blister pack. The device 110 is shown in plan view in an unassembled state. The device 110 is generally similar to the device 10 and like numerals are used to indicate like parts. However, unlike the device 10, the device 110 does not include a third generally planar sheet (marked as 70 in Figures 1-5). Rather, the first and second sheets 130, 134, when assembled, together form a pocket in which the slidable sheet 152 and blister pack (not shown) are contained. To assemble the device 110, the first sheet 130 is folded against second sheet 134 along line 142. In this folded state, the apertures 132 in the first sheet 130 are substantially in register with a respective aperture 136 in the second sheet 134. The sheets 130, 134 are fixed or sealed around their peripheries to form the pocket referred to above. In this embodiment, the slidable sheet 152 is directly adjacent the underside (second sheet 18) of the blister pack. In the non- dispensing state, the slidable sheet prevents items from being dispensed from the blisters. In the dispensing state, the apertures 154 in the sliding sheet 152 are substantially in register with a respective blister mouth and with the apertures 136 in the second sheet 134, thereby allowing items to be dispensed from the blisters, through the slidable sheet 152 and through the second sheet 134.

In a further alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the first and third sheets 30, 70 are omitted and the pocket in which the slidable sheet 52 is contained is formed between the second sheet 52 and the blister pack 12. The blister pack may be clamped or fixed to the second sheet around its periphery in any conventional manner.

It will be understood that the first, second, third and slidable sheets 30, 34, 70, 52 need not necessarily comprise an individual respective aperture for each blister 16. For example, with reference to the specific blister pack 12 shown in Figure 3, one or more of the aforesaid sheets may comprises apertures that are wide enough in a direction perpendicular to A-A' to be in register with more than one blister 16 in said direction. Further, the apertures 32, 36, 71 in the first second and third sheets may be long enough in the direction A-A' to coincide with more than one blister 16.

It will also be understood that the invention may be used not only with the blister pack 12 described herein, but with any blister pack, or similar container, comprising one or more blisters.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein which may be modified or varied without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device for containing a blister pack comprising one or more blisters containing a respective one or more articles, the device comprising a slidable member in which one or more dispensing apertures are formed, the slidable member being slidable between a non-dispensing state, in which it prevents at least some of said articles from being dispensed from the respective blister, and a dispensing state, in which at least one dispensing aperture is substantially in register with one or more respective blisters so that the or each respective article may be dispensed therethrough, wherein the device further includes means for biasing the slidable member to the non-dispensing state.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, in which the biasing means comprises one or more resilient members arranged to deform as the slidable member moves from the non-dispensing state to the dispensing state such that the resilience of the or each deformed member urges the slidable member to the non-dispensing state.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the or each resilient member comprises a respective resilient buckling member arranged to buckle as the slidable member moves from the non-dispensing state to the dispensing state.

4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a first pocket in which the slidable member is located, wherein a respective aperture is formed in an outer wall of the pocket adjacent the or each buckling member, the aperture being arranged to allow the respective buckling member to buckle therethrough.

5. A device as claimed in Claim 3 or 4, wherein one end of the or each buckling member is fixed to the slidable member, the respective other end of the or each buckling member being arranged to engage with, or abut against, a side of the first pocket, so that the reaction of the or each buckling member against the side of the pocket as the slidable member moves towards the dispensing state causes the or each buckling member to buckle.

6. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 5, wherein said one or more resilient members are integrally formed with the slidable member.

7. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 6, wherein the slidable member comprises a tab which protrudes out of said first pocket, by which tab a user can actuate the slidable member from the non-dispensing state to the dispensing state.

8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the slidable member comprises a respective dispensing aperture for each blister, the dispensing apertures being substantially in register with a respective blister when the slidable member is in the dispensing state.

9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the slidable member comprises a generally planar sheet.

10. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 9, wherein one or more dispensing apertures are formed in the outer wall of the pocket, the or each dispensing aperture in the outer wall being substantially in register with one or more dispensing apertures in the slidable member when in the dispensing state, and being at least partially obscured by the slidable member when in the non- dispensing state.

11. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 10, wherein the outer wall is provided by a second generally planar sheet, the device further comprising a first generally planar sheet in which one or more locating apertures are formed, the blister pack being located, in use, between said first and second sheets such that the or each blister protrudes through a respective locating aperture, the slidable member being located between said blister pack and said second sheet.

12. A device as claimed in Claim 11, wherein a third generally planar sheet is provided between said first and second sheets, the third sheet comprising one or more dispensing apertures substantially in register with a respective locating aperture in said first sheet and dimensioned to allow the passage of an article therethrough.