WO2011014737A1 - Mécanisme de données d’adhérence pour récipient conçu pour des emballages - Google Patents

Mécanisme de données d’adhérence pour récipient conçu pour des emballages Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011014737A1
WO2011014737A1 PCT/US2010/043848 US2010043848W WO2011014737A1 WO 2011014737 A1 WO2011014737 A1 WO 2011014737A1 US 2010043848 W US2010043848 W US 2010043848W WO 2011014737 A1 WO2011014737 A1 WO 2011014737A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
data
pack
blister pack
gear
cylinder
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2010/043848
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Caleb S. Loftin
Ryan A. Bailey
John A. Gelardi
Original Assignee
Meadwestvaco Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Meadwestvaco Corporation filed Critical Meadwestvaco Corporation
Publication of WO2011014737A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011014737A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
    • A61J7/04—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers

Definitions

  • adherence data generally refers to data that is displayed or presented to a user that tracks the user's adherence to a protocol pertaining to contents that are dispensable from a blister pack that is stored within a shell pack.
  • a typical example of a protocol would be the schedule for dispensing medicine such as a pill stored within a unit of a blister pack. For instance, a user may be prescribed a medicine that is to be taken once per day for a week. There would be seven (7) unit doses contained in seven (7) respective blisters on a blister pack.
  • the blister pack itself can be contained within a shell pack housing that includes an adherence data mechanism having seven (7) corresponding markings.
  • One logical marking scheme would indicate the days of the week (Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat) such that after each instance of taking a pill, the adherence mechanism would advance to illustrate the next day.
  • a shell pack is essentially a two piece molded plastic casing having an open end for receiving and releasing a blister pack.
  • One such shell pack design is described in the commonly owned US provisional patent application (61/082,663) entitled, "Package for Securing a Blister Pack”.
  • the adherence data mechanisms described herein are designed to count the number of times a blister pack has been accessed from the shell pack. The counting information is then used to provide adherence data to the user of the shell pack. The adherence data indicates to the user information such as, for instance, what dose they are currently scheduled to take next.
  • the general idea is to incorporate a rotatable cylinder marked with adherence data that is coupled with a gear mechanism.
  • the gear mechanism is actuated by the motion of the blister pack in and out of the shell pack.
  • the blister pack When the blister pack is either withdrawn from the shell pack or completely re-inserted within the shell pack, it will engage the gear mechanism such that the rotatable cylinder is advanced to its next position wherein that position can be marked with adherence data to indicate the current or next scheduled dose.
  • a rotatable cylinder is marked with adherence data and coupled with a gear mechanism that is integral with or incorporated into a shell pack housing.
  • the gear mechanism is actuated by the motion of a blister pack in and out of the shell pack.
  • the blister pack When the blister pack is either withdrawn from the shell pack or completely re-inserted within the shell pack, it will engage the gear mechanism such that the rotatable cylinder is advanced to its next position wherein that position can be marked with adherence data to indicate the current or next scheduled dose of the blister pack contents.
  • FIG. 1 is a cut away perspective view of a shell pack with its cover removed to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism that reacts to a blister pack as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adherence data mechanism of FIG. 1 removed from the shell pack.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the adherence data mechanism of FIG. 1 coupled with the shell pack.
  • FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the adherence data mechanism according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the adherence data mechanism according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 6 is a cut away perspective view of a shell pack with its cover removed to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism that reacts to a blister pack as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack according to a second embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 7 is another cut away perspective view of a shell pack with its cover removed to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism that reacts to a blister pack as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack according to a variation of the second embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 8 is an illustration of a shell pack and the components of an adherence data mechanism that react to a blister pack as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack according to a third embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 9 is an illustration of a shell pack with an adherence data mechanism operably attached with the shell pack according to the third embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 10 is an illustration of a shell pack with an adherence data mechanism operably attached with the shell pack according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 11 is a cut away side view of a shell pack to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism that reacts to a blister pack as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 12 is a cut away front view of a shell pack to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism that reacts to a blister pack as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 13 is a cut away perspective view of a shell pack to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism that reacts to a blister pack as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the present disclosure describes four embodiments for providing adherence data to a user. Characteristics of the design for each embodiment may vary somewhat as may the position or location of the adherence data to the user with respect to the outer portion of the shell pack. The goal or result of each embodiment, however, remains the same, to provide and update adherence data to a user.
  • FIG. 1 is a cut away perspective view of a shell pack 10 with its cover removed to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism 100 that reacts to a blister pack 20 as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack 10 according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the shell pack illustrated here includes a raised notch 40 that is adapted to receive and retain the blister pack 20 via a blister pack aperture 30. Also shown in a dashed circle is a region of contact 50 where the leading edge of the blister pack 20 will contact a portion of the adherence data mechanism 100.
  • FIGS. 2-3 illustrate perspective views of the adherence data mechanism 100 of FIG. 1 removed from the shell pack 10 and coupled with the shell pack 10 respectively.
  • a portion of the shell pack 10 is shown having a shell pack opening 15 configured to receive the adherence data mechanism 100.
  • the adherence data mechanism 100 is shown snapped in place within the shell pack opening.
  • FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the adherence data mechanism according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. From this view, a data cylinder 104 that is marked with adherence data 105 is visible. Also shown is a flex arm 102 that is a curved resilient plastic piece that is coupled on one end with the main structure of the adherence data mechanism 100.
  • FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the adherence data mechanism according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. This view of the adherence data mechanism 100 shows more of the data cylinder 104 and adherence data 105 markings thereon as well as a rear view of the flex arm 102. Flex arm 102 includes an engagement notch 103 at its non-coupled end. A portion of an advancement gear 106 is shown directly beneath the data cylinder 104. Also shown are a pair of snap fit connectors 108 that serve to retain the adherence data mechanism 100 within the shell pack 10 when inserted and snapped into place.
  • the data cylinder 104 and advancement gear 106 share a common axial alignment and can both rotate when an external force is applied.
  • the advancement gear's teeth are configured to accept the engagement notch 103 on the end of flex arm 102.
  • the advancement gear 106 and the attached data cylinder 104 can be rotated when the engagement notch 103 is pushed into one of the advancement gear's teeth thereby urging the advancement gear 106 to rotate in the direction of the push.
  • the adherence data mechanism 100 is actuated by the blister pack 20.
  • the blister pack 20 As the blister pack 20 is fully re-seated within the shell pack 10 its leading edge will contact a portion of the flex arm 102 somewhere in the area defined by the region of contact 50.
  • the blister pack 20 will initially contact the flex arm 102 before being fully re-seated.
  • the blister pack will push against the flex arm 102 urging it forward.
  • the engagement notch 103 on the uncoupled end of flex arm 102 will be forced in between the teeth of the advancement gear 106 eventually making contact with the advancement gear 104.
  • the flex arm 102 continues to urge against the advancement gear until the engagement notch 103 cause the advancement gear 106 and, in turn, the data cylinder 104 to rotate a certain distance.
  • FIGS. 2-3 show that the adherence data mechanism 100 includes a cut out area that allows the data cylinder 104 and any adherence date marked thereon to show through.
  • the result allows a user to view the adherence data through the opening on the adherence data mechanism 100 which has been snap fit into the shell pack 100.
  • Each time the blister pack is withdrawn and re-seated the re-seating motion will cause the data cylinder 104 to rotate changing the appearance of the adherence data 105.
  • withdrawing the blister pack 20 from the shell pack 10 for purposes of retrieving a unit dose followed by fully re-seating the blister pack 20 within shell pack 10 will cause the data cylinder to advance from, for instance, "Mon" to "Tue". This data may indicate the next scheduled dose for the contents of the blister pack.
  • a user can now merely glance at the shell pack and determine when the next and/or last dose was taken.
  • FIGS. 6-7 there are shown two alternative engagement mechanisms used to rotate the advancement gear when the blister pack 20 is fully re-seated within the shell pack 10.
  • the overall concept and operation remain the same in that the action of re-seating the blister pack 20 within shell pack 10 will cause the advancement gear 204 and the corresponding data cylinder 202 to rotate allowing adherence data marked thereon to be displayed to the user.
  • the components comprising the adherence data mechanism 200 in this embodiment are integrated into the shell pack 10 rather than being a discrete component that is snapped into place within a shell pack 10.
  • FIG. 6 is a cut away perspective view of a shell pack 10 with its cover removed to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism 200 that reacts to a blister pack 20 as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack 10 according to a second embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the data cylinder 204 and advancement gear are permanently seated within the shell pack 10 as are a movable first hammer mechanism 206 and a movable second hammer mechanism 208.
  • the blister pack 20 will engage the first hammer mechanism 206 in a region of contact defined by 205 as the blister pack 20 is re-seated within the shell pack 10.
  • the first hammer mechanism 206 pushes forward into the second hammer mechanism 208.
  • Second hammer mechanism 208 is generally comprised of a flat section that is co-planar with the bottom of the shell pack 10. It partially fills an open space on the bottom surface of the shell pack 10 that can be termed a hammer slot 215. There is also a vertically protruding element on the second hammer mechanism 208 that is designed to engage the teeth of the advancement gear 204. When the first hammer mechanism 206 is pushed into the second hammer mechanism 208, the second hammer mechanism 208 will travel along the hammer slot 215 such that the vertically protruding element of the second hammer mechanism 208 will engage the advancement gear and cause it and the data cylinder to rotate.
  • FIG. 7 is another cut away perspective view of a shell pack 10 with its cover removed to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism 200 that reacts to a blister pack 20 as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack 10 according to a variation of the second embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the hammer mechanism 210, 212, 214 is somewhat different from the hammer mechanism 206, 208 shown in FIG. 6.
  • the entire hammer mechanism is a single unit comprised of a primary hammer surface 212, a secondary hammer surface 210 and a hammer handle portion 214.
  • the primary hammer surface 212 engages the blister pack 20 while the secondary hammer surface 210 engages the advancement gear 204.
  • the hammer handle portion 214 is coupled on its opposite end with the shell pack 10 and allows the primary 212 and secondary 210 hammer surfaces to travel along a hammer slot 215 cut out area.
  • the hammer surfaces 210, 212 travel along the hammer slot 215 and engage the advancement gear to rotate the data cylinder 202 thereby causing the adherence data printed on the data cylinder 202 to change in the user viewable area.
  • FIGS. 8-9 there is shown another embodiment of an adherence data mechanism.
  • the chief difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiments is that the data cylinder 306 and advancement gear 304 are vertically oriented as opposed to horizontally oriented.
  • FIG. 8 is an illustration of a shell pack 10 and the components of an adherence data mechanism 302, 304, 306, 308 that react to a blister pack (not shown) as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack 10 according to a third embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the shell pack includes an opening on its top surface for the adherence data mechanism.
  • a combination advancement gear 304 and data cylinder 306 are seated within the opening such that they can rotate freely.
  • An adherence data cover 302 fits atop the shell pack opening and snaps into place.
  • the adherence data cover 302 includes an opening for viewing the adherence data marked upon the data cylinder 306.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates the shell pack 10 and adherence data mechanism of FIG.
  • FIGS. 10-13 there is shown an embodiment similar to that in FIGS. 8-9 in that the data cylinder 306 and advancement gear 304 are vertically oriented as opposed to horizontally oriented.
  • the blister pack engaged the advancement gear by pushing against the teeth of the gear.
  • the blister pack includes an additional aperture that catches on a tooth of the gear when fully re-seated. The act of pulling the blister pack out will cause the gear to rotate as the gear aperture pulls against the gear tooth and separates from the advancement gear in general.
  • FIG. 10 is an illustration of a shell pack 10 with an adherence data mechanism operably attached with the shell pack 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure.
  • a surface of the shell pack 10 includes an index control tab 402 (optional) and a cut out data cylinder opening 403 that exposes a data cylinder 404 that is marked with adherence information.
  • the optional index control tab 402 allows a user to depress the tab to manually advance the data cylinder to a desired position.
  • FIG. 11 is a cut away side view of a shell pack 10 to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism that reacts to a blister pack 20 as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the advancement gear 406 is seen with one of its teeth protruding down through the gear aperture 408 in the blister pack 20.
  • an edge of the blister pack defined by the gear aperture 408 will pull against the advancement gear 406 causing it to rotate until the blister pack 20 has cleared the advancement gear thereby rotating the data cylinder 404 in the process exposing the next increment of data visible through the data cylinder opening 403.
  • 12-13 are a cut away front view and a cut away perspective view respectively of the shell pack 10 to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism that reacts to a blister pack (not shown) as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure. These views further illustrate the advancement gear 406 and data cylinder 404 as they are seated within the shell pack 10.
  • the adherence mechanism may be placed on the side, the top, the bottom, or the ends of the package as so desired by manufacturing preferences. It is to be understood that the adherence mechanism may be advanced by an alternate interaction between the blister and the mechanism other than an arm. It is to be understood that an adherence mechanism such as the one described herein could be added to a paperboard package, plastic package, thermoformed package or any other type of package containing a blister card or tray as well. In particular it may be added to any package, sleeve or outer shell designed to hold a blister or tray capable of sliding in and out of an outer package, sleeve or shell in a manner similar to that described herein.
  • the inner tray or blister may interact with the adherence mechanism when it is slid into or out of the outer package, sleeve or shell.
  • the outer package may have a cut out portion to allow the user to see the date of day as set forth on the adherence mechanism. It is to be understood that dates could be on the adherence mechanism rather than the days of the week.

Abstract

L’invention concerne un cylindre rotatif avec des données d’adhérence couplé à un mécanisme d’engrenage incorporé dans un logement d’étui paquet. Le mécanisme d’engrenage est actionné par le mouvement d’un emballage-coque dans et hors de l’étui paquet. Lorsque l’emballage-coque est soit retiré de l’étui paquet ou complètement réinséré à l’intérieur de l’étui paquet, il engagera le mécanisme d’engrenage de sorte que le cylindre rotatif est avancé à sa position suivante dans laquelle cette position peut être marquée avec des données d’adhérence pour indiquer la dose actuelle et la dose suivante planifiée des contenus de l’emballage-coque.
PCT/US2010/043848 2009-07-30 2010-07-30 Mécanisme de données d’adhérence pour récipient conçu pour des emballages WO2011014737A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US22986409P 2009-07-30 2009-07-30
US61/229,864 2009-07-30

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WO2011014737A1 true WO2011014737A1 (fr) 2011-02-03

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2636469A (en) * 1952-01-09 1953-04-28 Hosmere C Mckay Capsule dispenser
US3344951A (en) * 1966-04-18 1967-10-03 Creative Packaging Inc Ejection pill dispenser with indicating means
WO2000009419A2 (fr) * 1998-08-17 2000-02-24 Akzo Nobel N.V. Appareil distributeur de pilules et distributeur et emballage de pilules s'y utilisant
WO2008002232A1 (fr) * 2006-06-30 2008-01-03 Astrazeneca Ab Contenant muni d'un dispositif chronologique indiquant l'heure de prise de la dernière dose ou l'heure de prise de la dose suivante
US8266308B2 (en) 2006-02-21 2012-09-11 Comtrol Corporation System, method, and device for communicating between a field device, device controller, and enterprise application

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2636469A (en) * 1952-01-09 1953-04-28 Hosmere C Mckay Capsule dispenser
US3344951A (en) * 1966-04-18 1967-10-03 Creative Packaging Inc Ejection pill dispenser with indicating means
WO2000009419A2 (fr) * 1998-08-17 2000-02-24 Akzo Nobel N.V. Appareil distributeur de pilules et distributeur et emballage de pilules s'y utilisant
US8266308B2 (en) 2006-02-21 2012-09-11 Comtrol Corporation System, method, and device for communicating between a field device, device controller, and enterprise application
WO2008002232A1 (fr) * 2006-06-30 2008-01-03 Astrazeneca Ab Contenant muni d'un dispositif chronologique indiquant l'heure de prise de la dernière dose ou l'heure de prise de la dose suivante

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