EP2623084A1 - Flexible medication box - Google Patents

Abstract

The package (1) has chambers (2) arranged adjacent to each other, where each chamber is equipped with a closure system (5) for filling and removing tablets. The chambers are connected with one another in a movable manner, where the package is made from flexible foil material (4). The closure system is designed as a pressure lock, Velcro (RTM: hook and loop fastener), slide closure or pushbutton-closure. A closure opening (3) is formed at each chamber side, and a closure plate (11) is formed an upper side of each chamber.

Description

The invention relates to a package for particular portion-wise storage of tablets, comprising at least two mutually adjacent chambers, each chamber is equipped with a closure system for filling and removal of the tablets.

Different versions of medicine boxes are known from the prior art, which patients should facilitate the timely use of medication. In contrast to a tablet box in which similar tablets are stored, the medicine box is usually about the safekeeping of an individual assortment of different tablets.

Such drug boxes are provided with an inner division, so that tablets can be sorted in portions for delayed release into individual compartments and can be removed from the patient particularly easily and safely again. From the state of the art, for example, so-called plastic rotary pill boxes with four or seven compartments are known, which have a through-colored or transparent lid with a release opening, wherein the release opening for removing the contents of a single compartment is in each case further rotated in one direction. More complex embodiments may also include a child safety device, a lettering with braille and a compartment for the leaflet. Furthermore, there are meanwhile medicine boxes with multiple alarm system, which remind the patient, for example by means of a presettable alarm on the timely removal of the appropriately prepared tablet portions.

However, multi-compartment medicine boxes, which for example serve to store a whole week's supply of portioned tablets, are considered impractical by many patients in handling. Depending on the embodiment of the closures used, it may happen with such a medication box that unintentionally several compartments open at the same time and thus several individually prepared tablet portions are erroneously taken together. Furthermore, such medicine boxes, which are usually made of hard plastic or a comparable rigid material, have large external dimensions and therefore can not be easily inserted by patients in clothing and discreetly carried on the body.

Furthermore, it is disadvantageous that the medicine boxes currently used in hospitals and nursing homes must be laboriously cleaned and disinfected after being returned by the patient before they can be used for a next patient.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a package for the storage of tablets, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

This object is achieved by a package according to the preamble of claim 1 having the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention are set forth in the subclaims and the description.

A package according to the invention for in particular portion-wise storage of tablets, comprising at least two mutually adjacent chambers, each chamber is equipped with a closure system for filling and removing the tablets is made of a flexible film material.

Advantageously, such a flexible multi-chamber packaging according to the invention for the storage of tablets represents a cost-effective alternative to the rigid medicine boxes on the market. In addition to the lower production costs, a multi-chamber packaging according to the invention is distinguished from the known from the prior art versions further by their increased flexibility and their lower external dimensions, whereby a carrying the packaging is also possible in fashionably cut, on the body of the patient tight-fitting garments. Furthermore, with multi-chamber packages according to the invention, it is also possible to use the package as a disposable product and thus advantageously without having to carry out a complicated cleaning or disinfection of the tablet package prior to its reuse.

Appropriately, adjacent chambers are movably connected together in a package according to the invention. The individual chambers can thus be folded or rolled up, whereby particularly compact dimensions of the packaging can be achieved.

In the context of the invention, neither the number, nor the arrangement of the adjacent chambers to each other creative limits set. For example, it is possible to design a packaging according to the invention with three to seven chambers arranged side by side in a row. For example, embodiments with three or four chambers can be used to store the daily dose of medication for a patient, each containing in portions portions of tablets for intake in the morning, at noon, in the evening and - if necessary - at night. A further embodiment variant of a packaging according to the invention may comprise, for example, seven chambers which are arranged in strip form next to one another in series. For example, this package can be used to store a weekly ration of tablet servings, which the patient only needs to take once a day.

Likewise, it is conceivable to arrange the chambers in a matrix arrangement, for example, with a total of 21 or 28 chambers in three or four rows of seven columns each. This package thus serves to store a whole Wochenration of tablet portions, which are distributed over the day in three or four doses.

In the case of a packaging according to the invention, each chamber is advantageously pocket-shaped and has a closure opening with a closure system on each side of the chamber. By means of the closure opening provided with a closure system, tablets can be removed in a particularly convenient manner from the respective chamber in portions or portions. The closure system reliably prevents unintentional emptying of the tablets from the packaging.

• aufgeschweißter Druckverschluss,
• aufgeschweißter Gleitverschluss,
• aufgeklebter Klettverschluss,
• eingepresster Druckknopf-Verschluss,
• aufgeklebtes Wiederverschluss-Klebeband,
• Einstecklasche.

In a packaging according to the invention, the closure system is particularly advantageously selected from the group consisting of:

• welded-on pressure closure,
• welded-on slide fastener,
• glued velcro,
• pressed-in snap fastener,
• glued reclosable tape,
• Tuck.

Usually, all chambers are each equipped with the same closure system. In the context of the invention, however, it is also conceivable to use different closure systems for individual chambers. different

Locking systems on the individual chambers offer the advantage that unintended confusion during filling or when removing the tablets from the respective chambers can be avoided. Thus, for example, individual chambers with their own closure system, which differs visually and / or haptically from the closures of the remaining chambers, can be marked for the preservation of an emergency medication. As closure systems, all closures known from the prior art for film bags can be combined with the packaging according to the invention.

• Polyethylen,
• Polypropylen,
• Polyvinylchlorid,
• Verbundfolien enthaltend Polyester, Polyamid, Polyethylen und/oder Polypropylen.

In a particularly expedient embodiment of the invention, in a packaging, the flexible film material is selected from the group consisting of:

• polyethylene,
• polypropylene,
• polyvinyl chloride,
• Composite films containing polyester, polyamide, polyethylene and / or polypropylene.

By using the selected film materials particularly flexible packaging can be produced cheaply.

Polyethylene (PE) film materials can be used, for example, in the following grades: LDPE (Low Density PE), MDPE (Medium Density PE) and / or HDPE (High Density PE). It is also possible, for example, to use the qualities OPP (oriented polypropylene) and / or CPP (cast polypropylene) in polypropylene (PP) film materials. OPP is used, for example, for the production of high-strength films, packaging tapes, yarns or composite films. Cast polypropylene (also known as UPP film or unstretched polypropylene) is a versatile packaging material. Compared to conventional PE films, CPP is characterized by extremely high transparency, stiffness and abrasion resistance. These properties make CPP, along with OPP, the most widely used polymer in the packaging industry. Main areas of application are the packaging of food, textiles or medical articles and as a lamination layer in multilayer films.

Depending on the requirements of the packaging, it is also possible, for example, to use composite films and multilayer films as film material. By way of example, packagings according to the invention can be produced from composite films with polyester (PET), polyamide (PA, OPA), polyethylene (LDPE, MDPE, HDPE) and / or polypropylene (CPP, OPP) be. Thus, it is within the scope of the invention also possible to provide particularly robust, durable packaging, which are designed for continuous use as a tablet package. This is particularly suitable for multi-way packaging for longer-term personal use.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention relates to a package in which each chamber has the same chamber size. In this embodiment, preferably the same chambers are joined together in the same size to form a package, which has a particularly advantageous effect on a simplified material logistics and lower production costs.

It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention to produce packages which have a plurality of chambers in different chamber sizes.

Suitably, each chamber is at least partially made of a transparent film material in a package according to the invention. In this embodiment, it is particularly easy to determine the respective chamber contents without opening the locking system from the outside. Thus, a proper and complete removal of the prepared tablet portion from a chamber can be determined safely.

Each chamber of a packaging according to the invention advantageously has at least one inscribable and / or printable labeling field. It is thus possible to apply both general and individual information tailored to the patient on the outside of the packaging. Various printing on the front and / or back of the package are possible. For example, the individual chambers of a package can each be printed on its front side with: morning, noon, evening, night, need. On their backs the chambers are provided for example with information on the days of the week, a label field for taking time and patient name, advertising logos, and the like.

Furthermore, there are no limits to the color design of a packaging according to the invention. The front sides of the chambers are transparent, for example, whose backs are white, colored or metallized. It is also possible to provide different sizes and different valve designs of the chambers.

In a development of the invention, a packaging can be used as one-way packaging. This eliminates a costly cleaning or disinfection of the packaging, which is particularly advantageous when used in hospitals for outpatient treatment.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the respective schematic drawings.

• Fig. 1 eine erste erfindungsgemäße Ausführung einer Verpackung im Grundriss;
• Fig. 2 eine zweite erfindungsgemäße Ausführung einer Verpackung im Grundriss;
• Fig. 3 bis Fig. 5 jeweils weitere erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungen einer Verpackung in isometrischen Ansichten schräg von vorne;
• Fig. 6A bis Fig. 6H jeweils unterschiedliche Verschlusssysteme als Details einer erfindungsgemäßen Verpackung.

Show it:

• Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a package according to the invention in plan view;
• Fig. 2 a second embodiment of a package according to the invention in plan view;
• FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 in each case further embodiments according to the invention of a package in isometric views obliquely from the front;
• FIGS. 6A to 6H each different closure systems as details of a package according to the invention.

Fig. 1 represents a packaging 1 according to the invention with three adjacent chambers 2, which chambers 2 each have a closure opening 3 at their upper side in the figure. The packaging 1 is made of a flexible film material 4 made of a plastic, for example cast polypropylene (CPP, unstretched polypropylene). Compared to conventional PE films, CPP is characterized by a very high transparency 12. Because of the transparent film material 12, the respective contents of the individual chambers, usually tablets stored in portions, can be seen particularly comfortably from the outside.

Each closure opening 3 of the chamber 2 has a closure system 5, which allows filling and emptying of the chambers 2. Here, a closure flap 11, which is arranged on the upper side of each chamber 2 provided with the closure opening 3 and made of the same flexible film material 4, is plugged into a push-in flap 11.1 for closing. A labeling field 14 for labeling or printing is provided on the outside of the package 1. The individual chambers 2 are each closed by means of welds 15 on three sides or separated from one another by these welds 15. Due to the flexible film material 4, the package 1 can be particularly easily folded or rolled up.

Fig. 2 relates to an embodiment of a package 1, which is opposite to in Fig. 1 shown packaging 1 differs essentially by the nature of the closure system 5 of each chamber 2. Here, a pressure closure 6 is provided which has a closure profile comprising tongue and groove at each closure opening 3. Such pressure closures for ziplock bags are offered under a wide variety of product names and brand names, such as Leistenverschluss-, quick-closing or reclosure bag.

If, after filling, the front and rear sides of the film material 4 of a chamber 2 are pressed against one another in the region of the pressure closure 6, then the chamber 2 is approximately hermetically sealed. The pressure lock 6 can be opened and closed as often as desired and is thus particularly suitable for removing tablets 13 or small parts of all kinds, such as spices, samples and products that are only partially removed or re-packaged after use.

The pictures FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 each show packaging 1, which comprise four juxtaposed chambers 2. In Fig. 3 the chambers 2 each have pressure locks 6. For example, polyethylene (PE) is used here as the film material 4, the front side of the chambers 2 being transparent or the backside being made of a white, opaque material. Labeling fields 14 are provided on the transparent front side of the chambers 2, some of which are already printed and partly inscribable.

The packaging 1 in Fig. 4 is made of a film material 4 made of polypropylene (PP) and also has a pressure closure 6. The labeling fields 14 differ slightly from those in FIG Fig. 3 illustrated embodiment.

Fig. 5 shows a package 1 with four chambers 2, which are each equipped with closure tabs 11 for closing the shutter openings 3. The closure tabs 11 are in each case inserted into push-in tabs 11.1 or pulled out of the push-in tabs 11.1 to open the chambers 2. In Fig. 5 the closure tab 11 of the third chamber 2 is shown from the left in the closed state.

FIGS. 6A to 6H each show in detail different closure systems 5, which are individually or jointly suitable for closing the closure openings 3 of the chambers 2 of a package 1 according to the invention.

Fig. 6A, 6C and FIG. 6D respectively show pressure seals 6, which have a closure profile comprising tongue and groove. Along the free edge of the closure tabs 11 to a first pressure closure strip 6.1 is arranged in the form of a groove, which is engageable in a second, the first pressure closure strip 6.1 complementary pressure closure strip 6.2 in the form of a spring in engagement. The second pressure closure strip 6.2 is fastened, for example, on the outside or on the front side of the respective chamber 2. The pressure lock 6 can be easily closed by squeezing the two pressure closure strips 6.1 and 6.2. By pulling apart the two pressure closure strips 6.1 and 6.2, the pressure closure 6 can also be opened again.

Fig. 6A shows a laterally beveled locking tab 11, in which the first pressure closure strip 6.1 is designed slightly shorter than the second pressure closure strip 6.2. Fig. 6C shows a pressure closure 6 with a closure tab 11, in which the two pressure closure strips 6.1 and 6.2 have substantially the same length. The in Fig. 6D illustrated pressure closure 6 has a rounded closure tab 11. The chamber 2 can be deformed particularly flexible in the region of the closure flap 11 due to this configuration of the closure flap 11 in the closed state, when the two complementary pressure closure strips 6.1 and 6.2 are connected to one another. Thus, larger portions of tablets can be stored safely in such a chamber 2.

Fig. 6B shows a closure system 5 with a locking tab 11 which can be inserted for closing in a tuck 11.1.

Fig. 6E illustrates a closure system 5 comprising a slide fastener 7, which is provided with a slider 7.1. The slider 7.1 slides in mutually complementary Gleitverschlussleisten the sliding closure 7 and can be pushed back and forth in the direction of arrow 7.2. During a sliding movement in one direction of the arrow 7.2, the two are brought together by the slider 7.1 and the chamber 2 is closed. During the countermovement in the reverse direction of the arrow 7.2, the sliding closure strips are again separated from each other and the closure opening 3 is in turn released for removal of the chamber contents. The sliding closure strips have a similarity with the pressure closure strips in the case of a pressure closure and, like these, are usually welded onto the film material 4. However, the sliding closure 7 differs from the pressure closure 6 in that the two complementary sliding closure strips do not have to be manually pressed together or opened again by pulling apart, but that this is done by the slider 7.1 during the sliding movement 7.2 is done along the Gleitverschlussleisten. In particular, in older patients or patients with poor eyesight, a sliding closure 7 has the advantage that here - in contrast to a pressure lock 6 - to close the two Gleitverschlussleisten must not be made to cover manually. Such a sliding closure 7 is thus comparable in its functionality with a zipper.

Fig. 6F shows a further variant of a closure system 5, which can be used in a package 1 according to the invention. Here, a resealable adhesive tape 10 is arranged as an adhesive strip on the outside of each chamber 2, for example by gluing stationary. The closure flap 11 is designed so that it projects over the adhesive strip of the resealable adhesive tape 10 in the folded-over state. By pressing the folded flap 11 in the region of the adhesive tape 10, therefore, the chamber 2 can be closed. By pulling off the closure tab 11, the chamber 2 can be opened again. This process is repeatable several times.

Fig. 6G illustrates a closure system 5 with a hook and loop fastener 8, wherein in a known manner, a first Velcro strip 8.1 is glued with closure hook, for example, on a portion of the closure flap 11. A second Velcro strip 8.2 with loops is glued to the outside of the chamber 2 and positioned so that in the folded-over position of the closure flap 11, the two Velcro strips 8.1 and 8.2 are engageable. The hook and loop fastener 8 is also executed several times resealable.

Fig. 6H shows a further embodiment of a closure system 5 with a snap fastener 9. The two closure parts 9.1 and 9.2 of the snap fastener 9, of which a closure part 9.1 is provided with a recess, the other closure part 9.2 with a matching, complementary head, are here made of plastic and are attached by pressing on the film material 4. Likewise, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention to use a snap fastener which is made of a different material, for example of metal.

Further embodiments of packages according to the invention having a plurality of chambers, which are arranged next to one another and connected to one another in a plurality of rows or columns, are not explicitly shown, but are also encompassed by the invention.

List of position signs:

1

packaging

2

chamber

3

Closure opening of the chamber

4

film material

5

locking system

6

ziplock

6.1

first pressure sealing strip

6.2

second pressure closure strip

7

slide shutter

7.1

Slider

7.2

arrow

8th

velcro fastener

8.1

first Velcro tape

8.2

second Velcro tape

9

Snap closure

9.1

first part of the snap fastener

9.2

second part of the snap fastener

10

resealable adhesive tape

11

flap

11.1

tuck

12

Transparent film material

13

tablet

14

labeling field

15

Weld

Claims (9)

Packaging (1) for in particular portion-wise storage of tablets (13) comprising at least two mutually adjacent chambers (2), each chamber (2) each having a closure system (5) for filling and removal of the tablets (13) is equipped characterized in that the packaging (1) is made of a flexible film material (4). Packaging (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that adjacent chambers (2) are movably connected to each other. Packaging (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each chamber (2) is designed pocket-shaped and each having on a chamber side a closure opening (3) with a closure system (5). Packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the closure system (5) is selected from the group consisting of: - welded-on pressure lock (6), - welded slide closure (7), - glued velcro (8), - Pressed push-button closure (9), glued-on reclosable adhesive tape (10), - insertion tab (11, 11.1). Packaging (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the flexible sheet material (4) is selected from the group consisting of: - polyethylene, - polypropylene, - polyvinyl chloride, - Composite films containing polyester, polyamide, polyethylene and / or polypropylene. Packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each chamber (2) has the same chamber size. Packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each chamber (2) is at least partially made of a transparent film material (12). Packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each chamber (2) has at least one inscribable and / or printable labeling field (14). Use of a package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 as a disposable packaging.

Images