GB2414982A

GB2414982A - Child-resistant blister packaging

Info

Publication number: GB2414982A
Application number: GB0412941A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roger George Alexand Remington
Original assignee: 3Point Blue Ltd
Current assignee: 3Point Blue Ltd
Priority date: 2004-06-10
Filing date: 2004-06-10
Publication date: 2005-12-14
Anticipated expiration: 2024-06-10
Also published as: GB0412941D0; GB2414982B

Abstract

A blister pack for tablets or capsules has a rupturable metal foil layer 3 and an additional layer 4 having semi-perforated lines A - D. To remove a tablet 1, a blister 2 must be squeezed downwardly and horizontally to rupture the foil 3 and sever the additional layer at the semi-perforated lines.

Description

Chilci-re-sistant Blister Packaging. Cage 1.

This invention relates to packaging, often termed, blister packs, which hold within separate compartments individual tablets or capsules. Blister packs are openco by pressing a f inter on the flexible sheet forming each compartment in order to transmit force through the tablet or capsule to a metal foil covering the base of the blister or compartment.

This foil is easily torn under moderate force, thereoy releasing the tablet or capsule from its compartment, and the process may be repeated until all individual blisters within a sheet of packaging have been discharged.

The object of this invention is to prevent metal foil rupture and tablet or capsule release being performed easily by people who do not understand the nature, purpose, and rec- ornmencled dosage of medicine hold in blister packs. Thus access to potentially dangerous medicines, especially by children, is avoided by employing two nanipulatory processes for tablet or capsule release, applier' simultaneously or in sequence.

Downward pressure on the blister at one of two diametrically opposite points firstly ruptures the metal foil locally, and then horizontal squeezing of the blister pushes the medicine through a torn perforation adjacent to the ruptured foil.

The combination of downward pressure and horizontal squeezing is unli7-. ely to be comprehended by young chilclren.

According to the present invention there is provided a pack consisting of a sheet of flexible, material rnoulced to provide an array of blisters or con partments whose openings or mouths are sealed with a metal foil in the conventional way though Cage 2.

an acoitional layer of material bearing seri-perforations in an array of parallel lines is attached to either the upper or lower surface of said metal foil. Spacing of the parallel lines is arranged so that several lines cross each area of blister in the,ac}age. If pressure is applied to said additional layer through a blister where lines of semi-perforation are near the diametrical axis of the blister maximal resistance to tearing along said lines is experienced. If pressure is applied to a blister where said lines are nearly tangential to the blister boundary a reduced resistance to tearing is experienced and the metal foil in that region also tears or ruptures more readily. After the metal foil and semiperforated layer have torn or ruptured a tablet or capsule within the blister may be expelled through this opening by means of a squeezing action applied by the fingers to the side walls of the blister. Thus simultaneous downward pressure and horizontal squeezing achieve both an exit pathway, on either side of the blister and expulsion of the medicine.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a blister and tablet in section, drawn vertic ally to indicate the metal foil and additional layer.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of a single blister anc; tablet, with parallel lines of semi->erforation running across the blister.

Figure 3 shown in vertical section a blister distorted bi' Page 3.

pressure applied in the reyion where lines of serni-perloration are nearly tangential to the blister wall i.e. at right angles to the Mane of the paper, and to the left of the diametric axis of the blister.

Figure it shows a later stage in the expulsion process, where a tablet is emerging beyond tile blister margin where rupture of metal foil and additional layers has occurred and an extra force is applied by squeezing the blister wall.

With reference to k'ig.l, a blister wall 2 contains a tablet 1 the blister cavity being closed by a metal foil 3 and semi perforated additional layer 4. The foil and additional layers could be reversed, according to preference and ease of manufact ure.

Fig.2 shows a similar blister in plan view, where somi perlorated lines 5 are shown by way of example, and. the parallel array of these lines crosses the blister opening tangentially, diametrically, and in intermediate positions. A portion or strip of additional layer 6 is shown between semi-perforation lines A and E, while C and D indicate equivalent lines on the opposite side of the blister. Foil rupture and tablet exit nay result from applied pressure equally readily at lines + B or C + D. Fiy.3 shows force X rupturing metal foil 3 at point i, while strip G is separated by tearing along its boundaries or lines of serni-perforation(A & B. Fiy.2). !1 adjacent strip is shown separating under force X at line &.

i-ig.r shows lines of semi-perforation nearer the diametric axis of the blister being torn and separating under continued E,age 1.

force x, while squeezing force Y expels tablet 1 in the direction of arrow Z. Tearing of the semi-perorations at lines and reduces the strength of layer 4, thereby allowing tablet 1 to pass rupture 7 when force Y is applied.

young child applying moderate pressure to the blister would not rupture the metal foil unless he or s'ne pushec downwards near lines A * E, or C + D. Chile these positions may be marked for adult guidance, they are unlikely to 'oe understood by young children. Furthermore, foil rupture alone would not release the tablet; the scueezing force must also be applied while downward pressure is maintained in order to push aside the strips(6) weakened by tearing at parallel semi-perforations. Layer 4 may be composed of a flexible material which allows individual strips to extend in length after the weakening stage, thereby aiding tablet release.

Claims

Claims 5 1. An additional layer of material attached to the foil ridding

of a medicament blister pack.

2. An additional layer as claimed in Claim 1 which allows access to tablets through simultaneous downward pressure and horizontal squeezing.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS: 1. A pack comprising a sheet of a first material defining an array of blisters or compartments and a sheet of a foil; wherein a layer of a second material is provided on an upper or a lower surface of said foil, wherein the second material bears semi perforations in an array of parallel lines.
2. A pack as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first material is a flexible moulded material.
3. A pack as claimed in claim I or claim 2 wherein the parallel lines of semi perforations are spaced such that a plurality of lines cross each blister or compartment of the pack
4. A pack as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each blister or compartment contains a medicament.
5. A pack as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the foil is provided on the first material and the second material is provided on the foil.
6. A pack as claimed ID claim 5 wherein the semi-perforations are formed on an outermost surface of the second material.
7. A pack substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.
8. A layer material for attachment to a foil of a medicament blister pack, the layer material bearing semi-perforations in an array of parallel lines.
9. A layer material for attachment to a blister pack, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.