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GB2561600A - Tablet packaging - Google Patents

Tablet packaging Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2561600A
GB2561600A GB1706301.7A GB201706301A GB2561600A GB 2561600 A GB2561600 A GB 2561600A GB 201706301 A GB201706301 A GB 201706301A GB 2561600 A GB2561600 A GB 2561600A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
mask
tray
retaining web
template
depression
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1706301.7A
Other versions
GB201706301D0 (en
Inventor
Lant Jon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Origin Packaging Ltd
Original Assignee
Origin Packaging Ltd
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 Origin Packaging Ltd filed Critical Origin Packaging Ltd
Priority to GB1706301.7A priority Critical patent/GB2561600A/en
Publication of GB201706301D0 publication Critical patent/GB201706301D0/en
Publication of GB2561600A publication Critical patent/GB2561600A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/04—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills
    • B65D83/0445—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills all the articles being stored in individual compartments
    • B65D83/0463—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills all the articles being stored in individual compartments formed in a band or a blisterweb, inserted in a dispensing device or container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D73/00—Packages comprising articles attached to cards, sheets or webs
    • B65D73/0078—Packages comprising articles attached to cards, sheets or webs the articles being retained or enclosed in a folded-over or doubled card
    • B65D73/0085—Packages comprising articles attached to cards, sheets or webs the articles being retained or enclosed in a folded-over or doubled card within a window, hole or cut-out portion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B65D75/36—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet or blank being recessed and the other formed of relatively stiff flat sheet material, e.g. blister packages, the recess or recesses being preformed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B65D75/36—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet or blank being recessed and the other formed of relatively stiff flat sheet material, e.g. blister packages, the recess or recesses being preformed
    • B65D75/367—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet or blank being recessed and the other formed of relatively stiff flat sheet material, e.g. blister packages, the recess or recesses being preformed and forming several compartments
    • 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
    • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/03—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for pills or tablets
    • A61J1/035—Blister-type containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B65D75/36—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet or blank being recessed and the other formed of relatively stiff flat sheet material, e.g. blister packages, the recess or recesses being preformed
    • B65D2075/361—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet or blank being recessed and the other formed of relatively stiff flat sheet material, e.g. blister packages, the recess or recesses being preformed the two sheets or blanks being mutually slidable or comprising slidable elements

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Composite Materials (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

A tablet storage container 10 may have a framework 16, retaining web 14, and sliding pill mask 12, folded around a sealed blister pack tray (50, fig 8). The mask 12 may have a window 24 and be slidable in relation to the blister and retaining web 14, to align windows 24, apertures 28 in the retaining web, and depressions in the blister pack. This allows a user to dispense a tablet out of the blister pack by pushing the tablet through the alignment, and prevent dispensation by sliding the mask 12 back to misalign the holes. The blister pack tray (50, fig 8) may be anchored in place by depressions in the blister pack engaging with location apertures 30 in framework 16. The container 10 may be formed from a single integral blank, with the sliding mask 12 being separable, to allow sliding, via perforations 15 (fig 7). Envelope portions 18 may enclose the container (fig 6). Manipulation apertures 29, 32 may help a user slide the mask 12.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Tablet packaging
Abstract Title: Childproof blister pack container with sliding mask (57) A tablet storage container 10 may have a framework 16, retaining web 14, and sliding pill mask 12, folded around a sealed blister pack tray (50, fig 8). The mask 12 may have a window 24 and be slidable in relation to the blister and retaining web 14, to align windows 24, apertures 28 in the retaining web, and depressions in the blister pack. This allows a user to dispense a tablet out of the blister pack by pushing the tablet through the alignment, and prevent dispensation by sliding the mask 12 back to misalign the holes. The blister pack tray (50, fig 8) may be anchored in place by depressions in the blister pack engaging with location apertures 30 in framework 16. The container 10 may be formed from a single integral blank, with the sliding mask 12 being separable, to allow sliding, via perforations 15 (fig 7). Envelope portions 18 may enclose the container (fig 6). Manipulation apertures 29, 32 may help a user slide the mask 12.
Figure GB2561600A_D0001
*^-10
At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.
1805 17
1/5
Figure GB2561600A_D0002
^>10
FIG. 1
1805 17
2/5
Figure GB2561600A_D0003
Figure GB2561600A_D0004
FIG.3
1805 17
Figure GB2561600A_D0005
FIG. 4
Figure GB2561600A_D0006
FIG. 5
4/5
1805 17 m cv
Figure GB2561600A_D0007
5/5
1805 17
Figure GB2561600A_D0008
FIG. 7
Figure GB2561600A_D0009
0000000
FIG. 8
TABLET PACKAGING
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to tablet packaging, a template for making tablet packaging, and methods of making and using the tablet packaging.
Background to the invention
Conventionally, packaging for medicinal tablets is based on the use of a blister pack. That is, the tablets are stored in a tray that has an array of depressions. Each depression holds a single tablet and is sealed by means of an aluminium covering layer that is applied to the flat side of the tray. The blister pack is typically sold inside a carton box, which also houses a patient information leaflet.
It is desirable to provide packaging for medicinal tablets that addresses one or more of the following issues:
«the need to prevent unauthorised access to the medication, for example, by children;
• the need to provide tamper-proof packaging;
• the need to avoid the inclusion of a separate patient information leaflet, as this can easily become lost.
Summary of the invention
At its most general, the present invention may provide a tablet storage device in which access to one or more tablets may be controlled by a mask portion that is slidable between a first position in which the mask portion blocks access to the tablet and a second position in which an opening provided in the mask portion is aligned with the tablet.
Typically, the tablet storage device is configured for use with a blister pack of tablets, the blister pack comprising an array of depressions. In this case, the mask portion typically comprises an array of openings corresponding to the array of depressions in the blister pack.
Ina first aspect, the present invention may provide a tablet storage device comprising a tablet tray, a retaining web and a mask provided therebetween;
the tablet tray having at least one depression extending on a first side thereof, the depression being configured to accommodate a tablet;
the retaining web extending across the second side of the tray and being anchored to the tray, and comprising at least one access aperture that is located over the entrance to the at least one depression;
the mask being slidable in relation to the tray and the retaining web;
wherein the mask comprises at least one window that is adapted to be positioned over the entrance to the at least one depression, so as to allow access to the depression.
The depression may be sealed at its entrance (for example, by means of an aluminium foil seal) and contain a tablet. In other cases, the seal may have been broken and the tablet removed.
Preferably, the tablet storage device further comprises a framework for supporting the tray, the framework being provided on the first side of the tray and comprising at least one locating aperture that accommodates the depression, the retaining web being bonded to the framework.
In this case, the tablet storage device generally comprises a first manipulation opening provided on the retaining web and a second manipulation opening provided on the framework, the openings overlapping each other so as to expose the mask on both sides thereof, thus allowing the mask to be gripped and made to slide.
In general, the mask comprises indicator means for showing the position of the mask relative to the at least one depression. The indicator means may be a tab extending from the mask.
The window may be provided by an opening in the mask. However, if additional security is required, the window may comprise a scored cover, that is, a cover having a line of weakness extending partially or wholly around its perimeter. The cover may be detached from the mask by pressing the depression and enclosed tablet towards the second side of the tray.
The tray typically comprises a further depression extending on a first side thereof, the further depression being configured to accommodate a tablet. In this case, the access aperture provided by the retaining web may extend over the entrances to the depression and the further depression.
The tablet storage device may additionally comprise an envelope that is movable from a closed arrangement in which the envelope extends around the tray and the retaining web and an open arrangement in which the tray and the retaining web are exposed. The envelope may provide a surface on which patient information may be printed.
Typically, the envelope comprises a closing tab and the device comprises a retaining slot to accommodate the closing tab when the envelope is in the closed arrangement.
In a second aspect, the present invention may provide a tablet storage device precursor 25 comprising a tray, a retaining web and a mask, the tray having at least one depression extending on a first side thereof, the depression containing a tablet and having a seal at its entrance;
the retaining web extending across the second side of the tray and being anchored to the tray, and comprising at least one aperture that is located over the entrance to the at least one depression;
the mask comprising at least one window having a size sufficient to allow the tablet to 5 pass therethrough;
the mask being anchored to the tray and the retaining web.
Preferably, the tablet storage device precursor comprises a region of weakness that allows the mask to be disconnected from the tray and the retaining web, such that the mask becomes slidable in relation to the tray and the retaining web, so as to provide a tablet storage device according to the first aspect of the invention. If the region of weakness is not present, the mask may be disconnected from the tray and the retaining web through a tearing or cutting action.
Typically, the region of weakness is a perforated line.
In a third aspect, the present invention may provide a template suitable to provide a holder for a tray of tablets, the tray having at least one depression extending on a first side thereof;
wherein the template comprises a framework portion, a mask portion and a retaining web portion, the framework portion, the mask portion and the retaining web portion being integrally formed, the framework portion comprising at least one locating aperture to accommodate the depression;
the retaining web portion comprising at least one access aperture; and the mask portion comprising at least one window;
the template being foldable to provide a folded arrangement in which the mask portion is positioned between the retaining web portion and the framework portion and in which the access aperture overlaps the locating aperture.
Preferably, a region of weakness, such as a perforated line, is provided between the mask portion and an adjacent portion of the template.
In certain cases, the window is provided by an opening in the mask portion. Alternatively, the window may comprise a scored cover, that is, a cover having a line of weakness extending partially or wholly around its perimeter.
In general, the mask portion comprises indicator means that is configured to indicate the 10 position of the mask portion relative to the framework portion when the template is in the folded arrangement. The indicator means may be a tab extending from the mask portion.
Typically, the framework portion comprises a further locating aperture for accommodating a further depression extending on the first side of the tray. In this case, the access aperture overlaps the locating aperture and the further locating aperture when the template is in the folded arrangement.
Preferably, the retaining web portion and the framework portion each comprise a respective manipulation opening, wherein in the folded arrangement, the openings overlap each other.
Typically, the template comprises two tabs that are arranged to allow the retaining web portion to be secured to the framework portion when the template is in the folded arrangement. In general, the tabs extend from the retaining web portion.
Typically, prior to folding the template, the retaining web portion lies between the mask portion and the framework portion.
Preferably the template further comprises an envelope portion, wherein the envelope portion, the framework portion, the mask portion and the retaining web portion are integrally formed;
wherein the framework portion, the mask portion and the retaining web portion 5 extend along a first axis and the envelope portion extends along a second axis; and further wherein:
the envelope portion is located adjacent the framework portion or the retaining web portion.
The envelope portion typically comprises a tab at its free end; and the template is provided with a corresponding retaining slot at the boundary between the envelope portion and the remainder of the template, the retaining slot being adapted to retain the tab when the template is in the folded arrangement.
In a fourth aspect, the present invention may provide a method of making a tablet storage device according to the first aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of providing a precursor according to the second aspect of the invention and causing the mask to become disconnected from the tray and the retaining web, such that the mask is slidable relative to the tray and the retaining web.
The device formed through the method of the fourth aspect of the invention may comprise one or more optional features of the device of the first aspect of the invention, taken alone or in combination.
In a fifth aspect, the present invention may provide a method of making a tablet store precursor according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of:
• providing a template according to the third aspect of the invention and a tablet tray, the tablet tray having at least one depression extending on a first side thereof, the depression containing a tablet and being sealed at its entrance;
• locating the depression in the locating aperture of the framework; and • folding the template such that the mask portion is positioned between the retaining web portion and the tray, and the access aperture overlaps the depression.
The precursor formed through the method of the fifth aspect of the invention may comprise one or more optional features of the precursor of the second aspect of the invention, taken alone or in combination.
Detailed description
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following Figures in which:
Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a template for use as packaging for a tray of tablets, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention;
Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view of the template of Figure 1 at a first stage of folding; Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of the template of Figure 1 in the intermediate folded arrangement;
Figure 4 shows a schematic underside view of the template of Figure 1 in the intermediate folded arrangement during the stage of folding the envelope;
Figure 5 shows a schematic plan view of the template of Figure 1 in the final folded and closed arrangement;
Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the closed and folded template of Figure 5, taken along the line A-A;
Figure 7 shows a schematic plan view of the template of Figure 1 in the final folded and closed arrangement, during tearing off of the retaining strip that retains the mask to the web; Figure 8 shows a section of the template of Figure 1, during insertion of a blister pack.
Referring to Figure 1, a template 10 has a mask portion 12, a retaining web portion 14, a framework portion 16 and an envelope portion 18. The mask portion 12, a retaining web portion 14, a framework portion 16 and an envelope portion 18 are integrally formed.
The mask portion 12, the retaining web portion 14 and the framework portion 16 are 10 arranged along a longitudinal direction of the template, the retaining web portion 14 being located between the mask portion 12 and the framework portion 16. The envelope portion 18 extends in a lateral direction from the framework portion 16.
Fold lines 13a,b,c are provided at the boundary between the mask portion 12 and the 15 retaining web portion 14; at the boundary between the retaining web portion 14 and the framework portion 16; and at the boundary between the framework portion 16 and the envelope portion 18. Additional fold lines 20 are provided within the envelope portion 18, the additional fold lines extending in the longitudinal direction of the template 10.
Perforated lines 15 are provided equidistant on each side of the fold line 13a that lies between the mask portion 12 and the retaining web portion 14. The perforated lines extend in a lateral direction of the template 10. The length of the web portion 14 from fold line 13b to perforated line 15a corresponds to the length of the framework portion 16.
Mask portion 12 has a tab 22 provided at its free end, and an array of windows 24. The windows 24 are provided by openings in the mask portion 12. In alternative embodiments, the windows 24 may be provided by covers that are scored at their perimeters. The windows 24 are arranged as four columns of six windows each, the columns extending in the longitudinal direction of the template 10.
Retaining web portion 14 has two tabs 26 extending in a lateral direction of the template, the 5 tabs being located on opposite sides of the web portion 14. Tabs 26 have self-adhesive surfaces covered with a protective film. The web portion 14 also has four access apertures, each aperture having a longest dimension that extends in a longitudinal direction of the template 10, the four apertures being arranged side-by-side across the web portion 14.
Each aperture 28 encloses an area that is greater than that taken up by a single column of windows 24 in the mask portion 12. Each aperture 28 is located so that it overlaps a single column of windows 24 in the mask portion 12 when the mask portion is folded against the web portion 14 along fold line 13a. The web portion 14 also includes a manipulation aperture 29.
Framework portion 16 has an array of locating apertures 30. The locating apertures 30 are arranged as four columns of six windows each, the columns extending in the longitudinal direction of the template 10. The size and distribution of the array of locating apertures 30 matches the size and distribution of the array of windows 24 provided on the mask portion
12.
Framework portion 16 also has a manipulation aperture 32 that is the same size as the manipulation aperture 29 provided in the web portion 14. The manipulation apertures 29,32 are located symmetrically about fold line 13b, such that they are in correspondence with each other when the web portion 14 is folded against the framework portion 16.
A slot 34 is provided along a central section of fold line 13b between web portion 14 and framework portion 16. The width of the slot 34 is sufficient to accommodate tab 22 when the template is in the folded configuration.
Envelope portion 18 has a tab 36 at its free end. A slot 38 is provided along a central section of fold line 13c between framework portion 16 and envelope portion 18. The width of the slot 38 is sufficient to accommodate tab 36 when the template is in the folded configuration.
In use, a blister pack 50 of tablets is positioned on the framework 16 as shown in Figure 8. The blister pack comprises a tray that has an array of depressions 52, each of which holds a tablet. In order to seal the tablets within the depressions 52, the tray has an aluminium foil covering on its flat side as is known in the art. The depressions are arranged as four columns of six depressions each. The size and distribution of the array of depressions matches that of the array of windows 24 provided on the mask portion 12, as well as that of the array of locating apertures 30 provided on the framework portion 16.
In order to position the blister pack 50 on the framework 16, each depression 52 is accommodated in a respective locating aperture 30.
Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the template is folded at fold line 13a, so that the mask portion 12 overlaps the web portion 14. Tab 22 is aligned with slot 34, so as to be able to pass through it when the device is used. The template is then folded at line 13b, so that the mask portion 12 contacts the aluminium foil covering of the blister pack 50. The protective film is removed from tabs 26 on the web portion 14 and they are wrapped around the blister pack
50, so that the adhesive surfaces of the tabs make contact with and adhere to the framework 16. Thus, the template is secured in this intermediate folded configuration.
The folded strip 60 extending from perforated lines 15a,b to fold line 13a protrudes beyond the framework portion 16.
Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the envelope portion 18 is then folded at fold line 13c and internal fold lines 20, so that it is wrapped around the layered structure made up of the framework portion 16, the blister pack 50, the mask portion 12 and the web portion 14. Tab 36 is inserted into slot 38 in order to retain the envelope portion in its wrapped arrangement.
The envelope portion 18 provides an additional layer of protection for the tablets, as well as a surface on which patient information may be printed and/or to which a patient information leaflet may be affixed.
The folded strip 60 extending from perforated lines 15a,b to fold line 13a protrudes beyond 10 the envelope portion 18.
The template has now been folded into a tablet storage device, and can be stored, sold, or transported in this form.
Referring to Figure 6, blister pack 50 comprises depressions 52 that each house a tablet.
The entrances to the depressions are sealed by a layer of aluminium foil 53. Mask 12 lies between blister pack 50 and web portion 14. The windows 24 provided on the mask portion 12 are out of alignment with the depressions 52 of the blister pack 50. Thus, access to the tablets is prevented.
In order to access the tablets in the tablet storage device, folded strip 60 is torn away, as shown in Figure 7. This decouples the mask portion 12 from the web portion 14. The envelope portion 18 is unfolded to reveal the retaining web portion 14. The mask portion 12 is exposed at the manipulating openings 29,32 and so can be manipulated by the user using his finger and thumb to slide the mask portion 12 between the retaining web portion 14 and the flat surface of the blister pack 50. Thus, the windows 24 of the mask portion can be aligned with the depressions 52 of the blister pack. Due to the presence of access apertures 28 in the retaining web portion 14, the aluminium foil sealing the entrance to the depressions becomes exposed and so can be peeled away as is known in the art, in order to access the tablet housed in the depression.
Sliding the mask portion 12 to align the windows 24 with the depressions 52 of the blister 5 pack 50 causes the tab 22 to protrude from the framework portion 16 and the retaining web portion 14 via slot 34. By pushing the tab 22 back into the gap between the framework portion 16 and the retaining web 14 (for example, by pressing the tab 22 against a flat surface), the windows 24 of the mask portion 12 can be brought out of alignment with the depressions 52 of the blister pack 50, so as to prevent access to the tablets.
The skilled person will understand that in other embodiments of the invention, the configuration of the template may be adapted to conform to the blister pack with which the template is to be used. For example:
• the number and/or distribution of windows 24 may vary;
«the number and/or distribution of locating apertures 30 may vary; and/or the dimensions of the access apertures 28 may vary.

Claims (27)

1. A tablet storage device comprising a tablet tray, a retaining web and a mask provided therebetween;
the tablet tray having at least one depression extending on a first side thereof, 5 the depression being configured to accommodate a tablet;
the retaining web extending across the second side of the tray and being anchored to the tray, and comprising at least one access aperture that is located over the entrance to the at least one depression;
the mask being slidable in relation to the tray and the retaining web;
10 wherein the mask comprises at least one window that is adapted to be positioned over the entrance to the at least one depression, so as to allow access to the depression.
2. A tablet storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a framework for
15 supporting the tray, the framework being provided on the first side of the tray and comprising at least one locating aperture that accommodates the depression, the retaining web being bonded to the framework.
3. A tablet storage device according to claim 2, comprising a first manipulation opening
20 provided on the retaining web and a second manipulation opening provided on the framework, the openings overlapping each other so as to expose the mask on both sides thereof, thus allowing the mask to be gripped and made to slide.
4. A tablet storage device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
25 mask comprises indicator means for showing the position of the mask relative to the at least one depression.
5. A tablet storage device according to claim 4, wherein the indicator means is a tab extending from the mask.
6. A tablet storage device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
5 window is provided by an opening in the mask.
7. A tablet storage device according to any one of claims 1 -5, wherein the window comprises a cover that is scored at its perimeter.
10
8. A tablet storage device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray comprises a further depression extending on a first side thereof, the further depression being configured to accommodate a tablet.
9. A tablet storage device according to claim 8, wherein the access aperture provided
15 by the retaining web extends over the entrances to the depression and the further depression.
10. A tablet storage device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an envelope that is movable from a closed arrangement in which the
20 envelope extends around the tray and the retaining web and an open arrangement in which the tray and the retaining web are exposed.
11. A tablet storage device according to claim 10, wherein the envelope comprises a closing tab and the device comprises a retaining slot to accommodate the closing tab
25 when the envelope is in the closed arrangement.
12. A tablet storage device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the depression contains a tablet and has a seal at its entrance.
A tablet storage device precursor comprising a tray, a retaining web and a mask, the tray having at least one depression extending on a first side thereof, the depression containing a tablet and having a seal at its entrance;
the retaining web extending across the second side of the tray and being anchored to the tray, and comprising at least one aperture that is located over the entrance to the at least one depression;
the mask comprising at least one window having a size sufficient to allow the tablet to pass therethrough;
the mask being anchored to the tray and the retaining web.
A precursor according to claim
13, comprising a region of weakness that allows the mask to be disconnected from the tray and the retaining web, such that the mask becomes slidable in relation to the tray and the retaining web, so as to provide a tablet storage device according to any one of claims 1-12.
A precursor according to claim
14, wherein the region of weakness is a perforated line.
A template suitable to provide a holder for a tray of tablets, the tray having at least one depression extending on a first side thereof;
wherein the template comprises a framework portion, a mask portion and a retaining web portion, the framework portion, the mask portion and the retaining web portion being integrally formed, the framework portion comprising at least one locating aperture to accommodate the depression;
the retaining web portion comprising at least one access aperture; and the mask portion comprising at least one window;
the template being foldable to provide a folded arrangement in which the mask portion is positioned between the retaining web portion and the framework portion and in which the access aperture overlaps the locating aperture.
5 17. A template according to claim 16, wherein a region of weakness is provided between the mask portion and an adjacent portion of the template.
18. A template according to claim 17, wherein the region of weakness comprises a perforated line.
19. A template according to any one of claims 16-18, wherein the window is provided by an opening in the mask portion.
20. A template according to any one of claims 16-18, wherein the window comprises a
15 cover that is scored at its perimeter.
21. A template according to any one of claims 16-20, wherein the mask portion comprises indicator means that is configured to indicate the position of the mask portion relative to the framework portion when the template is in the folded
20 arrangement.
22. A template according to claim 21, wherein the indicator means is a tab extending from the mask portion.
25
23. A template according to any one of claims 16-22, wherein the framework portion comprises a further locating aperture for accommodating a further depression extending on the first side of the tray.
24. A template according to claim 23, wherein in the folded arrangement the access aperture overlaps the locating aperture and the further locating aperture.
25. A template according to any one of claims 16-24, wherein the retaining web portion
5 and the framework portion each comprise a respective manipulation opening, wherein in the folded arrangement, the openings overlap each other.
26. A template according to any one of claims 16-25, comprising two tabs that are arranged to allow the retaining web portion to be secured to the framework portion
10 when the template is in the folded arrangement.
27. A template according to claim 26, wherein the tabs extend from the retaining web portion.
15
28. A template according to any one of claims 16-27, wherein prior to folding the template, the retaining web portion connects the mask portion to the framework portion.
29. A template according to any one of claims 16-28, further comprising an envelope
20 portion, wherein the envelope portion, the framework portion, the mask portion and the retaining web portion are integrally formed;
wherein the framework portion, the mask portion and the retaining web portion extend along a first axis and the envelope portion extends along a second axis; and further wherein:
25 the envelope portion is located adjacent the framework portion or the retaining web portion.
31. A template according to claim 29, wherein the envelope portion comprises a tab at its free end; and the template is provided with a corresponding retaining slot at the boundary between the envelope portion and the remainder of the template, the retaining slot
5 being adapted to retain the tab when the template is in the folded arrangement.
32. A method of making a tablet storage device according to any one of claims 1 -12, comprising the steps of providing a precursor according to any one of claims 13-15 and causing the mask to become disconnected from the tray and the retaining web,
10 such that the mask is slidable relative to the tray and the retaining web.
33. A method of making a tablet store precursor according to any of claims 13-15 comprising the steps of:
• providing a template according to any one of claims 16-31 and a tablet tray, the tablet
15 tray having at least one depression extending on a first side thereof, the depression containing a tablet and being sealed at its entrance;
• locating the depression in the locating aperture of the framework; and • folding the template such that the mask portion is positioned between the retaining web portion and the tray, and the access aperture overlaps the depression.
Intellectual
Property
Office
Application No: GB1706301.7 Examiner: John He wet
GB1706301.7A 2017-04-20 2017-04-20 Tablet packaging Withdrawn GB2561600A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1706301.7A GB2561600A (en) 2017-04-20 2017-04-20 Tablet packaging

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1706301.7A GB2561600A (en) 2017-04-20 2017-04-20 Tablet packaging

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201706301D0 GB201706301D0 (en) 2017-06-07
GB2561600A true GB2561600A (en) 2018-10-24

Family

ID=58795732

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1706301.7A Withdrawn GB2561600A (en) 2017-04-20 2017-04-20 Tablet packaging

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2561600A (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5244091A (en) * 1991-10-16 1993-09-14 Pci/Delvco, Inc. Device for inhibiting removal of an article from a blister container
US6394275B1 (en) * 2000-10-11 2002-05-28 F. M. Howell & Company Child resistant package
WO2003004382A1 (en) * 2001-07-05 2003-01-16 Ads Graphics Limited Childproof blister packaging
US20080202973A1 (en) * 2007-02-22 2008-08-28 Alcan Global Pharmaceutical Packaging, Inc. Child resistant card
US20100108677A1 (en) * 2007-10-31 2010-05-06 Caleb Loftin Child resistant blister package housing with removable tab strips

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5244091A (en) * 1991-10-16 1993-09-14 Pci/Delvco, Inc. Device for inhibiting removal of an article from a blister container
US6394275B1 (en) * 2000-10-11 2002-05-28 F. M. Howell & Company Child resistant package
WO2003004382A1 (en) * 2001-07-05 2003-01-16 Ads Graphics Limited Childproof blister packaging
US20080202973A1 (en) * 2007-02-22 2008-08-28 Alcan Global Pharmaceutical Packaging, Inc. Child resistant card
US20100108677A1 (en) * 2007-10-31 2010-05-06 Caleb Loftin Child resistant blister package housing with removable tab strips

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