REUSABLE PACKAGE FOR BLISTER PACKS AND THE LIKE
Field Of the Invention
The present invention relates to reusable and refillable packaging and more particularly relates to aτeusable package for dispensing medication. Although the reusable
package will be described according to a number of embodiments and with reference
to its use in dispensing medication and in particular blister pack medication it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that it may be used for holding a variety of articles other than medication such as but not limited to hardware. Background Art There are numerous packages presently available in the marketplace for dispensing medication. Certain of these packages are particularly useful in dispensing medication
in nursing homes as they provide a facility allowing insertion of tablets traditionally
obtained from blister packs provided by drug manufacturers into receptacles in those packages, so the time a patient should take prescribed medication may be readily determined.
An example of a known package is disclosed in US patent 4,384,649 which describes a package for dispensing medication having a pair of outer cover sheets which are
secured together by means of hinging along one edge so that cover sheets can be opened and latched together in a closed condition in which the sheets lie closely adjacent and surround and enclose a blister pack in which can be placed a plurality of
drugs in specially formed pockets. These pockets are closed by a frangible foil layer
which is common to most manufacturer's blister packs This causes the blister packs to be rigidly supported by the plastics cover sheet which is permanent and which can be reopened to be refilled with further blister packs. The use of this svstem is time
I
consuming and involves double handling of the drugs in that they must first be removed from the manufacturer's blister pack and inserted into the blister pack compatible with the plastics cover sheet This double handling can lead to errors and also increases the time and cost to the pharmacist in providing drugs, particularly to institutions such as nursing homes and hospitals
Another known medication dispensing package is described in Australian specification 52461/86 and comprises a blister pack for dispensing doses of medication The pack comprises a sheet of flexible plastics material which is deformed to one side of the sheet so as to define a plurality of pockets each for receiving a respective dose This package is essentialh characterised in the
the plurality of pockets are laid out and does not deal with the problem of double handling involved in filling and the considerable costs associated with that The prior art has developed in recognition to problems which
e occurred in administration of medication in nursing homes, particularly those relating to self administiation especially
old people who arc prone to forgetfulness and therefore mistakes in the self administration of drugs
This problem is to an extent addressed in Australian patent 632769 which discloses a medication dispensing package for use
a patient comprising a caid hav ing at least four panels separated by fold lines and foldable over one anothei. wherein the panels
apertures to provide windows and have protruding through the indows transparent and manualK depressible blisters providing respective cavities and fonning parts of two separate flat blister sheets rcspectiveh K ing between a pair of folded over panels The characterising feature of this disposable foldable medication card is the sets of lines marked with the da\ s of the week and another set of lines marked on the card with the times of da\ at which medication contained in the blister packs inserted into the package is to be taken Thus, the art has developed to overcome the problem of errors in administration but has not extended to finding more
convenient cost effective and labour saving ways to charge the necessary packaging with drugs for administration in nursing homes, hospitals and for self administration
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one embodiment, the present invention provides, in combination with first and second generally planar members, a receptacle for holding artιcle(s) therein, wherein the first and second members are moveablc relative to each other between a first position in which the artιcle(s) are retained within the receptacle and a second position in which the artιcle(s) can be released from the receptacle
The receptacle
be incorporated in either the first or second member, but is preferably incorporated in the second member Preferably the second member is shdabh mounted to the first member and in the first position the- first member covers an opening to the receptacle and. after sliding movement to the second position, the opening to the receptacle is revealed Preferably the slidcable mounting is facilitated b a preformed profiled part on the second member which engages with a corresponding slot formed in the first member PreferabK that part of the fust member that covers the receptacle opening in the first position includes a transparent w indow formed therein, which enables am artιcle(s) located in the receptacle to be viewed
Preferably, the second member is fonned from a transparent material so that am artιclc(s) therein can also be view ed from an underside of the receptacle According to one embodiment, the first member is formed from two lavers of planar sheet adhered together, ith one of the sheets having a cut-out therein and into and out of which the receptacle slides when moved between the first and second positions Prcferabl). slots are formed on either side of the first member and the second member has respective protrusions which arc received in and extend through the slots and travel therein during movement between the first and second positions, the slots guiding and delimiting the sliding movement of the second member
Preferably the slots terminate w lth the first member such that removal of the second member
from the first member during sliding movement is prevented
Preferably, the artιcle(s) arc drugs, more preferably drugs provided in gcncralK planar, untampered blister pack(s) (topically blister pack(s) as provided b\ the original manufacturer of the drugs) Thus, repackaging of the drugs is not required with preferred arrangements according to the invention
In another form the present invention comprises a package for holding and dispensing articles such as capsules, tablets and the like, wherein the package includes at least a first generally planar unitary member including means integral with the unitars member which enable the formation of an envelope which receives and retains a second member having at least one recess for holding said articlc/s. wherein, the depth or height of each said at least one recess is such that the recess extends beyond an upper and /or lower surface of said first planar member so as to improve the visibility of the article/s therein wherein said second membei is slidabK retained m the first member and is capable of movement between a nested position in hich the the second member nests in the first member and retains said articlc/s therein and an extended configuration m which the second member is partialK or fulK released from the envelope of the first member thereby allowing dispensing of said article/s
In another form the present invention comprises a package for holding and dispensing articles such as capsules, tablets and the like, wherein the package includes at least a first generalK planar unitan, member including means integral with the unitary member which enable the formation of an envelope which receives and retains a second member the package further comprising having at least one recess for holding said articlc/s. wherein, the depth or height of each said at least one recess is such that the recess extends
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an upper and /or lower surface of said first planar member so as to improve the visibility of the articlc/s therein wherein said second member is slidabK retained in the first member and is capable of movement between a nested position in which the the second member nests in the first member
and retains said article/s therein and an extended configuration in which the second member is partialK or fully released from the envelope of the first member thereby allowing dispensing of said article/s
In another form the present invention comprises a package for holding and dispensing articles such as capsules, tablets and the like, wherein the package includes at least a first generally planar unitary member including means integral with the unitary member which enable the formation of an envelope which receives and retains a second member having at least one recess for holding said article/s. wherein, the depth or height of each said at least one recess is such that the recess extends beyond an upper and /or lower surface of said first planar member so as to improve the visibility of the articlc/s therein wherein said second member is shdably retained in the first member and is capable of movement between a nested position in which the the second member nests in the first member and retains said articlc/s therein and an extended configuration m which the second member is partialK or fully released from the envelope of the first member thereby allowing dispensing of said articlc/s. wherein said envelope is formed in said first member by integral tabs which are folded over such that a surface of said tab engages an opposing surface of said first member therebv creating a groove along which side edges of said second member travel during said movement between said nested configuration and said extended configuration, and wherein said first member further includes at least one formation which enables said package to be supported by a support member
In another form the present invention comprises a package for holding and dispensing articles such as capsules tablets and the like, wherein the package includes at least a first gencralK planar unitary member including means integral with the unitary member which enable the formation of an envelope hich receives and retains a second member having at least one recess for holding said article/s. wherein, the depth 01 height of each said at least one recess is such that the recess extends bey ond an upper and /or lower surface of said first planar member so as to improve the visibihtv of the article/s therein wherein said second member is shdably
retained in the first member and is capable of movement between a nested position in which the the second member nests in the first member and retains said article/s therein and an extended configuration in which the second member is partially or fully released from the envelope of the first member thereby allowing dispensing of said article/s; wherein said envelope is formed in said first member by integral tabs which are folded over about fold lines such that a surface of each said tab engages an opposing surface of said first member forming two layers over at least part of the area of said first member, thereby creating respective recesses along which side edges of said second member travel during said movement between said nested configuration and said extended configuration; and wherein said first member further includes at least one formation which enables said package to be supported by a support member According to one embodiment, the first planar member is generally U shaped having a substantially rectangular or square portion from which depend the tabs which form the legs of the U and whose length is the same as the length of one edge of said rectangular or square portion. Preferably the tabs are folded about a transverse fold line such that the end of the tab once the tab is folded terminates at a second edge of said rectangular or square portion. Preferably the tabs arc fastened to said square or rectangular portion such that the tabs each form a return which retains and slidably engages an edge surface of said second member. Preferably, the second member includes a recess which provides a medication tray and whose depth and dimensions are proportioned according to the contents to be held by said package. Preferably, the first and second members arc fabricated from plastics.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 : shows a refillable package according to a preferred embodiment of the invention:
Figure 2 sho s the package of Figure 1 m an open or extended configuration.
Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the packages shown in Figures 1 and 2. this time with additional indents to allow stacking on its longitudinal edge. Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a panel 2 in accordance with the invention. Figure 5 shows a front view of a medication dispensing package according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 show s a rear view of the package of figure 5. Figure 7 shows a rear view of the female envelope portion of the package of figure 5 on its own. Figure 8 shows a front view of an insert for the package of figure 5 according to a preferred embodiment.
Figure 9 shows a side elevation of the insert of figure 8
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a perspective view of a package for containing articles such as medication Package 1 comprises a first planar member in the form of a piimarv panel 2 which may be fabricated from cardboard, paper plastics wood or the like The panel
2 has along one edge thereof indents 3 and 4 to enable convenient hanging oi stacking of the package on a support for display purposes Panel 2 further comprises a cut out or recess 5 in which can be located for sliding a second generally planar member in the form of insert 6 comprising a receptacle 7 in which an article 8 mav be contained
Panel 2 further comprises recesses or slots 9 and 10 which receive 1 protuberances 1 1 and 12 respectively which are integral with member 6 Transparent member 6 is preferablv a moulded plastics material enabling visual access to article 8 inside receptacle 7 Panel 2 also includes an aperture 13 (typically covered with a clear film) which enables article 8 to be seen from the reverse side According to Figure 1 article 8 is a blister pack of medication containing rows of
scaled tablets 14. Preferably, panel 2 comprises upper layer 2a and lower layer 2b which sandwiches therebetween a peripheral planar flange 15 of member 6. The protuberances 1 1 and 12 each depend up from a part of flange 15. Although upper and lower layers 2a and 2b of panel 2 sandwich parts of flange 15. member 6 is still nevertheless able to move easily (slide) relative to panel 2 and this is achieved by movement of member 6 in the directions indicated by arrow 16. As member 6 slides relative to panel 2 protruberances 1 1 and 12 guide member 6 by engaging against the edges of slots 9 and 10. Transparent member 6 is able to move between the position shown in Figure 1 in which member 6 nests inside cutout or recess 5 and. with the assistance of lower layer 2b. is able to retain articles 8 inside receptacle 7: and the positions of Figures 2 and 3 in which the receptacle 7 is no longer completely covered by layer 2b and thus article 8 can be removed from or placed in the receptacle. As receptacle 7 is transparent it is possible for a user to sec and identify,' the article inside receptacle 7 at all times. Figure 2 shows the embodiment of figure 1 w ith insert 6 exploded from recess 5. It can also be seen from Figure 2 that the position of protrusions 1 1 and 12 have moved along slots 9 and 10. The transparent insert member 6 can be pulled away from member 2 until protrusions 1 1 and 12 abut the ends 9a and 10a respectively of slots 9 and 1 . The arrangement enables ready release of article 8 in order to recharge refillable package 1. Article 8 or a new article may be inserted in the direction of arrow 18 until it enters receptacle 7 whereupon transparent member 6 may then.be slid in the direction of arrow 19 until it reaches the nested position shown in Figure 1, thereby enclosing and retaining the article in the package.The above described embodiment of the invention provides a convenient refillable package enabling quick insertion and release of an article to be held therein. This dramatically improves on the prior art arrangements and most importantly eliminates the need for the pharmacist to remove drugs from manufacturers blister packs and insert these one by one into packaging devices according to the prior art methodology. Thus, the embodiment
described above results in considerable labour (hence cost and time) savings when prepaiing the medication for use in nursing homes and hospitals
Referring now to Figure 3 there is shown an alternative embodiment of the package of Figures 1 and 2 wherein the package has along its longitudinal edge additional indents 20 and 21 which allow the package to be hung or stacked from its longitudinal edge It will be appreciated that the indents may be placed on any one of. or at any position along the edges of the package according to requirements
Referring now to Figure 4. where like reference numerals will be used to denote similar or like parts, primary panel 2 is show n in an unfolded (disassembled) format As can be seen, panel 2 is formed from a single planar sheet of material (t pically cardboard or paper) and cut out as indicated The panel 2 is then formed by folding upper and low er lay crs 2a and 2b about hinge line 30 and then adhering them together along the abutting faces Typically lower layer 2b has a further aperture 32 which aligns with region 34 in the upper layer 2a when the layers aie folded together In this regard t pically a patient's photo or other information can be provided at region 34 Typically both the aperture 13 and apertuie 32 arc covered with a plastic film material so that contact and/or removal of article (s) /item (s) via the apertures at the receptacle 7 and region 34 is prevented
As also seen, product information 36 (eg patient information about drug taking procedures and times) can be arranged on the outer face 38 of lower layer 2b
Two alternative configurations for insert 6 involve sizing the receptacle to accommodate two blister pack articles in parallel arrangement, and in an alternative embodiment the receptacle is sized to accommodate three blister pack articles in parallel relationship The transparent insert member 6 can thus be selected and interchanged w ith existing transparent members when more than one blister pack is required to discharge a full
course of medicine or multiple (different) medicines in different packs.
Whilst the receptacle has been shown integrally formed with member 6. it can equally be integrally formed with panel 2, in which case member 6 can simply be a moveable window covering the panel. This window can. be slidably mounted to panel 2, or can be hinged to panel 2 for pivoting between a closed and open position. In other words, it is not essential that the receptacle necessarily be associated with either the panel or the member.
Figure 5 shows a front view of a typical layout for a package according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The layout includes sec through dose time indicia, patient details and a panel for a patient's photograph for additonal identification purposes. Figure 6 shows an underside view of the arrangement of figure 5 comprising envelope 40 formed by engagement of tabs 41 and 42 which with body 43. Tabs 41 and 42 may be formed integrally with body 43 such that they are folded over and fastened to body 43 by means of fasteners 44. these may be heat sealing points or simple fasteners which may be plastics rivets or the like. The package further comprises a slidable insert 45 including viewing window 46 for patient indentification such as a photograph. Insert 45 further includes a medication tray receptacle for receiving a conventional medication pack such as a blister pack. Figure 7 shows the envelope 40 of figure
6 with insert 45 removed. Envelope 40 includes tabs 41 and 42 which are fixed to body 43 by means of fasteners 44. The tabs define a groove in which insert 45 slides in and out according to whether the package is being opened or closed. Figure 8 shows a plan view of insert 45 exploded from the package of figure 6 including receptacle 47 which receives medication therein. Figure 9 shows a side elevation of the insert 45 having well 47 depending from the plane of the insert. This view also shows a shallow recess 48 for receiving an article of indentifiation such as a photo or the like.
Although the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments for use in receiving and releasing drugs, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the refillable package arrangement can be used in a variety of applications and for holding a
multiplicity of different articles For instance, it may be possible to insert nails inside recess 7 for sale purposes but the package also has the added advantage that when articles held therein have been used, the package can be retained rather than discarded, for multiple reuse This clearly has environmental implications and assists in elimination of packaging waste Furthermore, the package meets the requirements for additional instruction for dispensed medicine and in particular instructions which state "Do not move from original packaging until dose is required" It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention as described vv ithout departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention