WO2006034123A2

WO2006034123A2 - Flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package and method of making

Info

Publication number: WO2006034123A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/033346
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy J. Peters
Original assignee: Peters Timothy J
Priority date: 2004-09-17
Filing date: 2005-09-16
Publication date: 2006-03-30
Also published as: US20060219595A1; WO2006034123A3

Abstract

A flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package provides immediate visual feedback and permits ready access to information and content.

Description

FLEXIBLE MULTI-POCKETED RE-SEALABLE PACKAGE AND METHOD

OF MAKING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a packaging system and more particularly a flexible

re-sealable packaging system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many types of packaging for medication regimens, medical and

surgical supplies, parts and food products. While they are available in a variety of

flexible re-sealable types, they provide generally uniform sizes and limited

configurations. To package medication regimens, medical and surgical supplies,

parts, food products, kits and various other collections of items necessitates the use of

a plurality of individual packages. This results in mistakes in packaging the collection

as well as the subsequent misplacing of a particular package.

Therefore there is a need for a packaging system which is flexible in

configuration and re-sealable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a flexible multi-

pocketed re-sealable package with and a method for making the flexible multi- pocketed re-sealable package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained from

consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing, in which: FIG. Ia is a front view of a double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable

package with visual adherence feedback and information;

FIG. Ib is a back view of the double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable

package with visual adherence feedback and information;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a single-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable

package with visual adherence feedback and information;

FIGs. 3a, b & c are detailed views of various embodiments of the re-sealable

package edge;

FIG. 4 is computer generated visual adherence aid sheet;

FIG. 5 is a front view of another embodiment of a double-sided flexible multi-

pocketed re-sealable package with visual adherence feedback and information;

FIG. 6 is a front view of another embodiment of a flexible multi-pocketed re-

sealable package with visual adherence feedback and information;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a continuous roll of the flexible multi-pocketed

re-sealable package with visual adherence feedback and information;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a continuous fan fold of the flexible multi- pocketed re-sealable package with visual adherence feedback and information;

FIGs. 9a and 9b are an exemplary embodiment showing the automated

opening of the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual adherence

feedback and information;

FIG. 10 is an exemplary embodiment of a funnel loading system for the

flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual adherence feedback and

information; FIG. 1 1 is a further embodiment of the present invention double-sided flexible

multi-pocketed re-sealable package;

FIGs. 12, 13 and 14 are yet another set of drawings of an embodiment of the

present invention flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with mixed sized

pockets; and,

FIGs. 15a, 15b and 15c are yet another set of drawings of an embodiment of

the present invention flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with a pinch open

tab.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Although the present invention, flexible multi -pocketed re-sealable package is

particularly well suited for use with prescription medications and medical supply kits,

it is equally well suited for non-prescription, over the counter medications, dietary

supplements, medical and surgical supplies, parts, food products, kits and various

other collections of items. It is also well suited for a variety of different sizes, and

thicknesses with a large number of industrial and consumer applications that provide

users and advantage over current methods and allow user to systematically collect,

pre-separate, and allot, and/or distribute materials/supplies for daily supply/use.

Hospitals and medical centers can use this packaging to prepare steam

autoclaved sterilization of medical instruments. Design allows users to prepare, view,

and separate contents by medical procedures/floor etc. Physical Therapy Centers will

use this package to prepare Gel Wraps for specific joints, store in the freezer and

distribute to various centers. Forensic departments will use this package to collect specimens from crime scenes, group specimens by room, office etc and separate

contents by lab. Other uses include field sampling of biological materials.

Consumers can use it to package meals, while keeping some items separate, such as a

wet cut tomato, pickles, etc.

Reference should now be made to the drawing figures, on which similar or

identical elements are given consistent identifying numerals throughout the various

figures thereof.

Referring to FIG. 1 a there is shown a front view of a double-sided flex-ible

multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual feedback and information. In FIG. Ib

there is shown a back view of the double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable

package "with visual feedback and information of FIG. Ia.

The double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual

feedback: and information 10 is made from a flexible sheet material such a

thermoplastic material (polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.) as well as other suitable

flexible sheet material. The flexible sheet material can be coated or may contain a

material to resist UV radiation and other light bandwidths thus enabling the packaging

of medication sensitive to light. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10

has a front-side 12 and a backside 14. Sealable edges 16 and 18 have zipper sliders 20

and 22 which close and open reclosable fasteners 24 and 26. The reclosable fasteners

24 and 26 comprise strips having separably interlockable complementary resilient

plastic profiles and lateral pull flanges of greater thickness than the sheet material.

Opposite sides of the strips are generally aligned with its profiles. Various reclosable

fasteners 24 and 26 are known to those skilled in the art for providing reclosable bags. The reclosable fasteners 24 and 26 comprise strips on the inner facing surface walls

which have co acting releasable interlocking rib and groove elements which join to

close by the application of^" a pressing force, and which can be opened by forcibly

drawing the elements apart. The sealable edges 16 and 18 are shown with optional

zipper sliders 20 and 22. Fusing the front-side 12 to the backside 14 generally parallel

to the sealable edges 16 and 18 at approximately the mid-section creates fusion line 28

which divides the flexible sheet material into two pockets. Fusing the front-side 12 to

the back-side 14 generally perpendicular to the sealable edges 16 and 18 at six

approximately equally spaced intervals creates fusion lines 30 which further divides

the flexible sheet material into seven upper pockets 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 & 44 and seven lower pockets 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 & 64. The seven upper pockets 32, 34, 36,

38, 40, 42 & 44 have a writable area 66 as well as indicia 78. Trie seven lower

pockets 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 & 64 have a writable area 66 as well as indicia 80. The

indicia 78 can identify morning medications with a symbol of the sun as well as

identify the individual days of the week. The indicia 80 can identify evening

medications with a symbol of the moon as well as identify the individual days of the

week. Writable areas 66 can be used for further identification such as time,

requirements (with food, water, etc.)

The backside 14 of the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 has a

storage pouch 50 which is formed by fusing the flexible sheet material along two or

three edges creating fusion lines 46. The storage pouch 50 has one or two open edges

48. Indicia 68 is printed or attached to the storage pouch 50. The indicia 68 can be used to provide advertisements, information about the item, as well as other

appropriate material. A writable area 70 enables identification to be included.

The storage pouch 50 permits medication regimen schedules and physician

contact information to be included, enables storage of prescriptions, as well as related

information.

By perforating along the fusion lines 30 and perforating or cutting a notch or

slot in sealable edges 16 and 18 the multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 can be

easily folded and/or rolled for compact storage. Furthermore, the notch or slot in

sealable edges 16 and 18 simplifies and controls the opening and closing of the

sealable edges 16 and 18 such that each of the seven upper pockets 32, 34, 36, 38, 40,

42 & 44 and each of the seven lower pockets 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 & 64 may be

individually controlled.

Referring to FIG. 2 there is shown a front view of a single-sided flexible multi-

pocketed re-sealable package with, visual feedback and information. The back view of

the single-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual feedback and

information is similar to that shown in FIG. Ib but of correspondingly different

dimensions.

Referring to FIGs. 3a, 3b & 3c are detailed views of various embodiments of the re-sealable package edge. The reclosable fastener 24 has co-acting releasable

interlocking rib and groove elements which join to close by the application of a

pressing force, and which can be opened by forcibly drawing the elements apart. As

patients may have difficulty becaxise of illness, arthritis, tremors and other conditions

which make opening and closing the reclosable fastener 24 somewhat difficult. The zipper slider 20 is used to apply the pressing force to close the interlocking rib and

groove elements and to alternatively apply the force to draw the elements apart, thus

assisting the patients in opening and closing the reclosable fastener 24. When a bump

72 is provided in a location over which the zipper slider 20 moves over, the ^"bump 72

functions as a partial zipper stop, slowing the sliding movement, thus enabling a

single pocket to be opened at a time. Alternately a distortion or indentation 74 may

also be used as a partial zipper stop.

Referring to FIG. 3c there is shown a tab 76 which acts as a releasable zipper

stop. In an embodiment that does not include a zipper slider 20 when the reclosable

fastener 24 is pulled open the tab 76 provides a stop to limit drawing apart of the

interlocking rib and groove elements. The tab 76 can be a bendable tab, a re-sealable

tab which can use a loop and hook attachment, a fold over tab, as well as various other

suitable configurations.

Unlike typical rigid storage boxes, the present invention flexible multi-

pocketed re-sealable package 10 provides moisture and airtight seal which minimizes

the exposure of the medications to moisture. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable

package 10 can be rolled and easily tucked into a jacket pocket, purse, brier case, etc.

By being able to see at least partially through the front-side 12 of the flexible multi-

pocketed re-sealable package 10, visual adherence feedback is immediately and

continually provided, not requiring the patient to keep track of when and if they took

their medication.

By using a series of four flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable packages 10

which are identified Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, and Week 4 a patient can liave their medication regimen organized for a month at a time. This assists the patient in

identifying when refills are needed in advance enabling the patient to have the

pharmacy fill the prescriptions as well as contact the physician(s) for renewals as necessary.

The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 can be used to distribute

physician starter samples of a medication, with promotional material printed on the

package.

Referring to FIG. 4 there is shown a computer generated visual adherence aid

sheet. The visual adherence aid sheet 100 shown corresponds to the double-sided

flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual feedback and information 10

shown in FIGs Ia & Ib. The visual adherence aid sheet 100 has an upper portion 102

which corresponds to the seven upper pockets 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 & 44 and a lower portion 104 which corresponds to the seven lower pockets 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 & 64.

The upper portion 102 has a narrative area 110 and a visual area 106. The narrative

area 110 provides a list of the medication, dosage and special information. The visual

area 106 provides an image of the corresponding medications (preferably in actual

size and actual color). The lower portion 104 has a narrative area 112 and a visual

area 108. The narrative area 112 provides a list of the medication, dosage and special

information. The visual area 108 provides an image of the corresponding medications

(preferably in actual size and actual color). A comment and note area 114 includes

physician information, patient information and other information as relevant. The

visual adherence aid sheet 100 can be placed in the storage pouch 50 for ready access. A pharmacy can provide the patient with an empty flexible multi-pocketed re-

sealable package 10 and the visual adherence aid sheet 100. Alternatively, the

pharmacy can fill the first week of medication in the empty flexible multi-pocketed re-

sealable package 10 for the patient, or even fill a set of flexible multi-pocketed re-

sealable packages 10 for a four- week period for the patient.

While the present invention flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 are

shown with a 7 day twice daily configuration, it is equally well suited for other

configurations including for medication regimens which are more frequent that twice

a day.

Referring to FIG. 5 there is shown a front view of another embodiment of a

double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual feedback and

information. This embodiment of the double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-

sealable package with visual feedback and information can be manufactured from two continuous strips (rolls) of flexible sheet material such a thermopla.stic material

(polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.) The flexible sheet material can be coated or may

contain a material to resist UV radiation and other light bandwidths thus enabling the

packaging of medication sensitive to light. The continuous strips (roll s) of flexible

sheet material have strips with separably interlockable complementary r&silient plastic

profiles (re-closable fasteners) 402, 404 and lateral pull flanges of greater thickness

than the sheet material. Various re-closable fasteners are known to thos& skilled in the

art for providing re-closable bags.

The two continuous strips (rolls) of flexible sheet material are> thermally or

ultrasonically fused creating fusion lines 406, 408 by rolling, pressing, stamping etc. thus forming a continuous strip which has re-sealable double-sided multiple pockets.

In order that the double-sided multi-pocketed re-sealable package can be easily folded

and/or rolled for compact storage, the fused flexible sheet material is punched,

stamped or notched through the re-closable fasteners in a "U" or "V" shape 410, 412

and the middle horizontal and vertical fusion lines are punched or stamped with a "+"

shape 414. This particular shape (cutout) could equally well be four circles, ovals, etc.

which interrupt fusion lines 406 and 408. This encourages easy folding along the axis

that is defined by the openings, such that the multiple pockets may be accordion

folded and the top & bottom halves may be folded together this resembling a small

wallet like shape. The particular shapes are illustrative as it should be known that

other suitable geometrical shapes and sizes can be used as well.

A security tear off seal can be used to provide a tamper resistant package

permitting the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package to be filled with starter

medications, sample medications, or even as a new distribution packaging for

medications.

Referring to FIG. 6 there is shown a front view of another embodiment of a

flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual adherence feedback and

information. In this embodiment the opening of the re-sealable pockets are all

oriented in the same direction. Although shown with four pockets across, it is equally

well suited for one, two, three, five or more pockets across. This embodiment can be

a predetermined length such as seven, one row for each day, or less or more.

Additionally, it may be a continuous strip or roll, with horizontal perforations at a predetermined interval such as seven, one row for each day, or less or more, or at each

row for maximum flexibility.

This embodiment and other embodiments may be prepackaged with

medication or may be empty. When the double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-

sealable package is provided empty, it may be filled by a pharmacy, a user, a doctor,

as well as a dispensary such as in a hospital, acute care facility or nursing home.

When combined with bar code identifications, such as on each pocket which can be

printed at the time of filling, a bar code reader can be used such as at a bedside to scan

the medication identification as it is given as well as used to correctly identify which

medication is due. RFID technology may also be employed for various tracking

applications.

This allows the reduction in missed medications, incorrect administration as

well as other medication errors. Thus when coupled to automated medical facilities it

can greatly reduce errors and associated liability. This also allow for easy post release dosing of the patient.

Referring to FIG. 7 there is shown a perspective view of a continuous roll of

the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual feedback and information.

Referring to FIG. 8 there is shown a perspective view of a continuous fan fold

of the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual feedback and information.

Referring to FIGs. 9a and 9b is an exemplary embodiment showing the

automated opening of the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual

feedback and information. A grab finger 202 grasps the outer margins of a pocket (with a suitable number of grab fingers corresponding to the with of the strip) and

when they move closer together the pockets pop open, thus enabling hand filling,

automated filling as well as insertion of a filling funnel 300 (shown in FIG. 10).

Other methods of opening the pockets include application of pressure along the top

edge when the packets are "Z" folded. Numerous other methods of opening the

pockets are known to those skilled in the suitable art.

Referring to FIG. 10 there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a funnel

loading system for the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package. The funnel

loading system 300 may be inserted by an end user, or may be easily inserted as the

flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 is unrolled and the bending of the

flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package provides a small opening in the pockets

for insertion.

A method of filling the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package wherein

the pockets are opened to a squashed cup shape for simple rapid sequential or

simultaneous filling is also provided.

When the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package is preloaded security

tamper protection and environmental control is provided by an outer envelop. The

flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package has UV Protection within the plastic material.

FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment of the present invention double-sided

flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10. This embodiment may also be

configured for the pocket arrangement shown in FIG. 6. FIGs. 12, 13 and 14 are yet another set of embodiment of the present invention

flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with mixed sized pockets. Referring to

FIG. 12 there is shown a three pocket configuration of the multi -pocketed re-sealable

package with mixed sized pockets 400. The larger pocket 402 can be used for storing

a large item such as a sandwich while the smaller pockets 404, 406 contain items such

as a cut tomato and pickles. Referring to FIG. 13 there is shown a double sided

embodiment of the three pocket configuration 400 of the multi-pocketed re-sealable package with mixed sized pockets which provides six pockets. Referring to FIG. 14

there is shown yet another three pocket configuration 400 of the multi-pocketed re- sealable package with mixed sized pockets.

Referring to FIGs. 15a, 15b and 15c there is shown yet another embodiment of

the present invention flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with a pinch open tab. Referring to FIG. 15a there is shown a front view of the flexible multi-pocketed

re-sealable package 10 with a pinch open tab 102. A notch 104 enables the re-sealable package 10 to pop open angled at the notch 104 when the pinch tab 102 is pinched

manually or mechanically. Referring to FIG. 15b there is side view of the present

invention flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 with a pinch open tab 104.

Referring to FIG. 15c there is partial close up side view of the present invention

flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 with a pinch open tab 104. A

reclosable fastener 124 is shown above the pinch open tab 104.

The double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package can be designed

to easily fold in half enabling both the upper and lower pockets to be filled at the same

time. An end seal can be included permitting the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package to be stored in a rolled up configuration. The pocket interior surfaces can be

lightly textured to reduce the sticking of medications to their surface. The RFID can

incorporate a means for activating a beep when it is time for the medication to be

dispensed. A flap over the top of the seventh pocket can be used to hold a medical

chart and/or prescribing information, etc. Finger grips or numbs can be include on the

flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package to allow ease of opening. A pocket flap

can be included which allows the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package system

after filled and folded to be contained by the pocket for easy carrying and storage.

The flexible sheet material may be fused thermally, ultrasonically, chemically or by

other suitable means. The pockets can include a gusset near the center of the package

so that the medication is not pinched in the bottom of the pocket. The zipper slider

can have an extended pull, which is swiveled to be positioned over the next day's

regimen dose. Details of the structure may be varied substantially without departing

from the spirit of the invention and the exclusive use of all modifications, which will

come within the scope of the appended claims, is reserved.

Claims

I CLAIM:

1. A flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package comprising:

a front sheet of flexible material having a top, bottom, first end and second

end;

a back sheet of flexible material having a top, bottom, first end and second

end, the first end of the back sheet of flexible material coupled to the first end of the

front sheet of flexible material, the second end of the front sheet of flexible material

and coupled to the second end of the back sheet of flexible material, and the front

sheet of flexible material fused to the back sheet of^" flexible material wherein a

plurality of pockets are defined;

top strips having separably interlockable complementary resilient plastic profiles and lateral pull flanges of greater thickness than the sheet material coupled to

the top of the front sheet of flexible material and the top of the back sheet of flexible

material for sealing the plurality of pockets.

2. The flexible multi -pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 1 further comprising an identifier barcode or RFID tag.

3. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claims 1 or 2

wherein the separably interlockable complementary resilient plastic profiles comprise

strips which have co acting releasable interlocking rib and groove elements which join

to close by application of a pressing force, and which open by forcibly drawing the

elements apart.

4. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claims 1 , 2 or 3

further comprising a storage pouch formed by fusing a flexible sheet material along at

least two edges.

5. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claims 1, 2, 3 or

4 wherein the front sheet of flexible material has a writable area.

6. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claims 1 , 2, 3, 4

or 5 wherein the package is perforated where the front sheet of flexible material is

fused to the back sheet of flexible material.

7. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claims 1, 2., 3, 4,

5 or 6 wherein the package is scored where the front sheet of flexible material is fused

to the back sheet of flexible material.

8. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claims 1, 2, 3, 4,

4, 6 or 7 wherein the front sheet of flexible material is resistant to UV radiation.

9. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claims 1, 2, 3, 4,

5, 6, 7 or 8 wherein the back sheet of flexible material is resistant to visible light.

10. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claims 1 , 2, 3, 4,

5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 where in the plurality of pockets have at least two different sizes.

11. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claims 1 , 2, 3, 4,

5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 further comprising a plurality of rows of pockets.

12. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claims 1 , 2, 3, 4,

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 wherein the separably interlockable complementary resilient

plastic profiles of the plurality of rows of pockets are orientated in the same direction.

13. The flexible multi -pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claims 1, 2, 3, 4,

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 wherein the separably interlockable complementary resilient

plastic profiles of the plurality of rows of pockets are orientated in opposite directions.

14. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claims 1, 2, 3, 4,

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13 further comprising a pinch open tab.

15. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claims 1, 2, 3, 4,

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14 wherein the pinch open tab has a notch.

16. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claims 1, I₉. 3, 4,

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 wherein the plurality of pockets are pre-filled.

17. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claims 1, 2, 3, 4,

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 wherein the separably iπterlockable

complementary resilient plastic profiles of the plurality of rows of pockets of at least

two different sizes are orientated in the same direction.

18. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claims 1, 2, 3, 4,

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17 wherein the separably interlockable

two different sizes are orientated in the opposite direction.

19. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claims 1, 2, 3, 4,

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 wherein the separably interlockable complementary resilient plastic profiles of the plurality of rows of pockets of at least

two different sizes are orientated at approximately ninety degrees in direction.

20. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 1 wherein

the flexible material is thermal plastic.