Pharmaceutical package

Abstract

The invention relates to a carrier for pharmaceutical compositions, the carrier comprising at least a first and a second portion. Each of the first and second portions comprises at least two cavities for housing pharmaceutical composition, and at least one cover sheet covering said at least two cavities. The cavities of the first and second portions are arranged so that the first and second portions can be placed in an overlapping configuration with the cavities of the first portion positioned in spaces between the cavities of the second portion. At least one of the cavities of the first portion comprises at least one bulge, and at least one of the cavities of the second portion comprises at least one depression adapted to engage with said at least one bulge to form a mutual engagement between the first and second portions. By this engagement, mutual movement of the first and second portions is restricted, so that a rigid structure is produced. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical package such a carrier and a container for holding said carrier.

Claims

1. A carrier for pharmaceutical compositions or supplements, said carrier comprising at least a first and a second portion, each of the first and second portions comprising: at least two cavities for housing a pharmaceutical composition, and at least one cover sheet covering said at least two cavities, said at least one cover sheet comprising elements; wherein the cavities of the first and second portions are configured such that the first and second portions can be placed in an overlapping configuration with the cavities of the first portion positioned in spaces between the cavities of the second portion, and wherein at least one of the cavities of the first portion comprises at least two bulges extending in opposite directions, and at least two neighbouring cavities of the second portion each comprises at least one depression positioned and configured to engage with one of said at least two bulges of the at least one cavity of the first portion to form a mutual engagement between the first and second portions resulting in a snap-fit being established, by which engagement mutual movement of the first and second portions is restricted, so that a rigid structure is obtained; the at least two neighbouring cavities with depressions having a cavity with bulges arranged in the space there between when the first and second portions are placed in an overlapping configuration, so that the engagement between the first and second portions is obtainable by engagement between the bulges and the depressions; wherein the at least one cavity comprising at least two bulges further comprises at least two protuberances extending in the same directions as the at least two bulges, the at least two protuberances being dimensioned and configured to engage with surfaces of cavities of the second portion resulting in an interference-fit being established, so that mutual movement of the first and second portions is further restricted.

2. The carrier for pharmaceutical compositions or supplements according to claim 1, wherein the first and second portions are made as separate units.

3. The carrier for pharmaceutical compositions or supplements according to claim 1, wherein the first and second portions are made as two pivotally connected halves of one unit.

4. The carrier for pharmaceutical compositions or supplements according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the cavities comprise a plurality of projections extending in a direction perpendicular to the at least one cover sheet.

5. The carrier for pharmaceutical compositions or supplements according to claim 1, wherein said carrier comprises one or more recess located on at least one edge of said carrier.

6. The carrier for pharmaceutical compositions or supplements according to claim 5, wherein said at least one cover sheet covers said one or more recess.

7. The carrier for pharmaceutical compositions or supplements according to claim 1, wherein said elements are or comprise tear-off elements, peel-off elements, snips, strips, flaps, or combinations thereof.

8. The carrier for pharmaceutical compositions or supplements according to claim 1, wherein said first or second portion has at least one bevelled corner.

9. A pharmaceutical package comprising: a carrier for pharmaceutical composition or supplements according to claim 1; a container for holding said carrier for pharmaceutical composition; wherein said container comprises at least two pivotally connected halves; wherein at least one of said two pivotally connected halves comprises sidewalls having one or more indentation, and when said carrier is contained in said at least one of said two pivotally connected halves, said one or more indentation allows for pinching said elements between thumb and another finger of a user.

10. The pharmaceutical package according to claim 9, wherein said one or more sidewalls indentation and said one or more carrier recess are matching.

11. The pharmaceutical package according to claim 9, wherein, when said carrier is contained in said at least one of said two pivotally connected halves, said one or more sidewall surrounds said carrier.

12. The pharmaceutical package according to claim 9, wherein at least one of said two pivotally connected halves is a carrier holder, and wherein the other one of said two pivotally connected halves is a lid.

13. The pharmaceutical package according to claim 9, wherein at least one of said two pivotally connected halves comprises a first and a second endwall, wherein said first endwall comprises at least one protrusion extending towards said second endwall.

14. The pharmaceutical package according to claim 13, wherein said first or second portion has at least one bevelled corner, and wherein said at least one protrusion is complementary to said at least one bevelled corner.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) The pharmaceutical package according to the invention will now be described in more detail with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show one way of implementing the present invention and is not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a picture of the schematically 3-dimensional view of a single use pharmaceutical package in its closed state having two means for opening located on the longest and opposite sides of the according to some embodiments of the invention.

(3) FIG. 2 shows a picture of the schematically 3-dimensional view of a single use pharmaceutical package in its open state when the carrier for pharmaceutical composition has been removed according to some embodiments of the invention.

(4) FIG. 3 shows a picture of the single use pharmaceutical package in its open state as depicted in FIG. 2.

(5) FIG. 4 shows a picture of the schematically 3-dimensional view of the top surface carrier in its unfolded state according to some embodiments of the invention.

(6) FIG. 5 shows a picture of the schematically 3-dimensional view of the bottom surface of the carrier in its unfolded state according to some embodiments of the invention.

(7) FIG. 6 shows a picture of the carrier in its folded state according to some embodiments of the invention.

(8) FIG. 7 shows a picture of the schematically 3-dimensional view of the carrier in its folded state contained in the holder according to some embodiments of the invention.

(9) FIG. 7a shows the package of FIG. 7 where a cover sheet has been outlined onto the carrier.

(10) FIG. 7b shows the package of FIGS. 7 and 7a refilled with different pharmaceutical compositions or supplements protected by a transparent cover sheet.

(11) FIG. 7c shows the package of FIG. 7b in its unfolded state.

(12) FIG. 8 shows a picture of the schematically 3-dimensional views of a carrier of a single use pharmaceutical package according to some embodiments of the invention.

(13) FIG. 9 shows a way to use the package and get access to the content of the container according to some embodiments of the invention.

(14) FIG. 10 shows a picture of the carrier in its unfolded state according to some embodiments of the invention.

(15) FIG. 11 shows a picture of the container for holding the carrier, according to some embodiments of the invention.

(16) FIG. 12 shows a picture of the package where the carrier is inserted into the container, according to some embodiments of the invention.

(17) FIG. 13 shows a carrier where the cavities comprise bulges and depressions adapted for mutual engagement when the two portion are folded into a folded configuration.

(18) FIGS. 14.a and 14.b show the cross-sections of the carrier in FIG. 13 along the lines A-A and B-B in FIG. 13, respectively.

(19) FIG. 15 shows two embodiment of the invention comprising a button for opening the container. FIGS. 15.a and 15.b show two opposite orientations of one embodiment, and FIGS. 15.c and 15.d show another embodiment in a closed and in a half opened state, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

(20) FIG. 1 shows a picture of the schematically 3-dimensional view of a single use pharmaceutical package 1 in its closed state. Package 1 shows opening elements 2 and 3 (not visible) located on the longest and opposite side of the package. FIG. 1 shows also gripping elements 4 and 5 (not visible) located on the longest and opposite side of the package. The gripping elements 4 and 5 and the opening elements 2 and 3 are located conveniently close to each other. The gripping elements may have the same size and shape of the opening elements thus providing a degree of child safety, as children will be confused on which one of the elements is the opening element, thus hindered from opening the package. In general, the package and/or the container and/or the lid may comprise functional and not functional elements having the same size and shape to provide a degree of child protection.

(21) FIG. 2 shows a picture of the schematically 3-dimensional view of a single use pharmaceutical package 8 in its open state when the carrier for pharmaceutical composition has been removed.

(22) The container 8 comprises at least two pivotally connected halves, i.e. a lid 9 and a holder 10. Both may comprise sidewalls with one or more indentations. FIG. 2 shows the holder sidewalls having indentations 6 and 7.

(23) Indentations 6 and 7 have a curved shape. However, indentations may have any shape, size or dimension allowing for finger access to the cover sheet covering the cavities of the carrier. Indentation is thus adapted to allow a finger to grab a gripping element present on at least part of the cover sheet.

(24) The container 8 may be a casing such as a box made of plastic material, such as a hard polymer.

(25) The lid 9 has the function of closing the container and protecting the contained carrier for pharmaceutical compositions. Lid 9 and holder 10 comprise opening elements with members 11 on the holder 10 that mutually engage with members 12 on the lid 9 upon folding and/or pressing of the lid 9 onto the holder 10.

(26) FIG. 3 shows a picture of the single use pharmaceutical package 8 in its open state as depicted in FIG. 2.

(27) FIG. 4 shows a picture of the schematically 3-dimensional view of the top surface of the carrier 13 in its unfolded.

(28) The carrier 13 comprises at least a first 14 and a second portion 15. The first 14 and second portion 15 are adapted to mutually engage upon folding and/or pressing of said second portion 15 and said first portion 14 onto each other.

(29) Cavities 16 and 17 have dimensions and sizes so as to accommodate one or more pharmaceutical compositions. For example, FIG. 4 shows a smaller cavity 17 where one pharmaceutical composition, e.g. in the form of capsule containing a liquid may be contained and a larger cavity 16, where more than one pharmaceutical composition, in the form of tables, may be contained.

(30) The carrier 13 comprises recesses 18 on the edge of the carrier 13. Recesses may be on one or both side edges.

(31) The carrier 13 is generally made out of a thermoformed plastic sheet.

(32) FIG. 5 shows a picture of the schematically 3-dimensional view of the bottom surface of the carrier 13 in its unfolded state.

(33) It can be seen that cavities 16 and 17 on the first portion 15 have size, dimension and shape that fit in the spaces 19 between other cavities of the second portion 14, so as to engage by interference fit between the other cavities of the second portion 14. Thus, by folding the first portion 15 onto the second portion 14 a rigid structure is produced.

(34) FIG. 6 shows a picture of the carrier 20 in its folded state. Easy folding of the first portion 21 into the second portion 22, is possible as cavities of the first and second portion have complementary shapes. Thus, cavities on a first carrier portion are adapted to engage in an interference fit with cavities on a second carrier portion when the carrier is folded.

(35) Two complementary shapes can be combined together so that their surfaces mutually engage, e.g. plug-socket or key-lock.

(36) An interference fit, also referred to as a press fit, provides fastening between two carriers simply by friction after the carriers, e.g. the complementary shapes of the cavities, are pushed in contact.

(37) FIG. 6 shows that the carrier 20 has recesses on its edge, which are on the same side of the carrier, whether the carrier is in its folded or unfolded state. Recesses are conveniently located on the same side of the carrier, while indentations are located on both of the longest and opposite sides of the holder. When the pharmaceutical composition contained in the cavities of the top surface of the carrier have been used, the carrier can lifted from the holder, turned by 180 and re-inserted in the holder. The bottom surface of the carrier becomes thus accessible and the cover sheet covering the bottom surface of the carrier gets accessible thought the indentation located on the opposite side of the holder.

(38) FIG. 7 shows a picture of the package 24 where the carrier 23 in its folded state contained in the holder 25.

(39) Recesses 26 on the carrier 23 are matching with the indentations 27 on the sidewalls of the holder 25. This allow for a finger, such as a thumb to enter the opening created in between the indentations 27 and the recesses 26. When the carrier 23 contains pharmaceutical composition, a cover sheet (not shown) covers and protect the pharmaceutical composition and reach the edge 29 of the carrier 23, thus covering also the recesses 26.

(40) FIG. 7a shows the package 24 of FIG. 7 where a cover sheet 30 has been arranged onto carrier 23. Cover sheet 30 reaches edge 29 and covers recesses 26.

(41) The openings 31 defined by indentations 27 and cover sheet 30 covering recesses 26 allow for pinching of an element 32 between thumb and another finger of a user.

(42) Punched lines 33 allow for multiple opening of cavities 34 and 28, while the other cavities remain sealed.

(43) FIG. 7b shows the package 24 wherein one of the cavities is filled with three tablets while the other cavity is filled with a capsule containing a liquid. The tablets and capsules are protected by a transparent cover sheet.

(44) FIG. 7c shows the packages 39 and 40 in their unfolded state. It can be noticed that the positioning of the three tablets in the two packages is different according to different filling procedures.

(45) FIG. 8 shows a picture of the schematically 3-dimensional views of a carrier 35 where at least one cavity has a multi-compartment feature. Carrier 35 has cavities 36 and 37. The space inside cavity 37 is separated by separations 38, such as partial walls 38. This ensures physical separation inside a single cavity between different pharmaceutical compositions or supplements in the form, e.g. of tablets.

(46) Separation walls 38 have a dimension, i.e. a highest that is lower than the cavity depth. Thus, the number of sealing points required between the carrier surface and the cover sheet may be reduced compared to a carrier with multiple cavities.

(47) A carrier having multi-compartments cavities has the advantage of allowing easy access to multiple pharmaceutical compositions or supplements that are stored in a way in which physical contact between pharmaceutical composition is still hindered.

(48) FIG. 9 shows a way to use the package and get access to the content of the container according to some embodiments of the invention.

(49) To open the pharmaceutical package, the opening means, such as unlock buttons may be pushed so as to open the container. The carrier may be removed and access to the tablets can be achieved by removal of a strip. This may be convenient when the holder does not have indentation along its side walls. Direct access to the content of the cavities may be achieved by direct removal of the strip element or part of the cover sheet while the carrier is contained in the holder, due to the presence of indentations, according to some other embodiments of the invention.

(50) FIG. 10 shows a picture of the carrier in its unfolded state according to some embodiments of the invention.

(51) FIG. 11 shows a picture of the container for holding the carrier, according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 11 shows that the one of the two pivotally connected halves 50 of the container comprises a first endwall 51 that comprises two protrusions 52 extending towards the second endwall.

(52) FIG. 12 shows a picture of the package where the carrier is inserted into the container, according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 12 shows that the protrusions 52 may be complementary to bevelled edges 53.

(53) Thus, the pharmaceutical package is adapted so that the carrier 54 when folded can be positioned inside the container in a desired direction, i.e. wherein the bevelled edges 53 and the corresponding protrusions 52 match allowing for positioning of the carrier 54 in a desired and predetermined position.

(54) This has the advantage that the carrier containing pharmaceutical compositions or supplements may be positioned only in a desired direction thus allowing for perfect match between indentations on the sidewalls of the container and recesses on the edge of the carrier. In this way, a user will be able to easily pitch elements of the cover sheet for removing the cover sheet and access the cavities housing pharmaceutical compositions or supplements.

(55) FIG. 13 shows a carrier 13 according to the present invention, where one of the cavities 16 of the first portion 14 comprise bulges 56 extending in opposite directions, and two of the cavities 16 of the second portion 15 comprises depressions 55 adapted for mutual engagement when the two portions 14,15 are folded into a folded and overlapping configuration. Hereby a mutual engagement between the first and second portions can be obtained, by which engagement mutual movement of the first and second portions is restricted, so that a rigid structure is produced. The bulges 56 and depressions 55 are provided on the larger cavities in the embodiment in FIG. 13. However, it would also be possible to provide bulges and depressions on the smaller cavities instead of or in combination with those on the larger cavities. As shown in the figure, the cavity 16 comprising the two bulges 56 further comprises two protuberances 57 extending in the same directions as the two bulges 56. The two protuberances 57 are dimensioned and arranged to engage with surfaces of cavities 16 of the second portion 15, so that mutual movement of the first and second portions 14,15 is further restricted.

(56) As shown in FIG. 13, the cavities may comprise a plurality of projections 58 extending in a direction perpendicular to the at least one cover sheet. Such projections 58 are preferably dimensioned and arranged so that they contact the other portion than the one on which they are arranged. Hereby a more rigid and stable carrier is obtained when the first and second portions are in mutual engagement. The improved stability is due to the larger number of contact points between the first and second portion of the carrier.

(57) FIGS. 14.a and 14.b show the cross-sections of the carrier in FIG. 13 along the lines A-A and B-B in FIG. 13, respectively.

(58) FIGS. 15.a and 15.b show schematically 3-dimensional views of a pharmaceutical package in its closed state having a pair of opening elements 58,59 located on the shortest and opposite sides of the pharmaceutical package according to some embodiments of the invention. In this way, a higher level of child safety is achieved, as a child's hand cannot simultaneously exert pressure on both opening elements 58, 59 located at a distance that is longer than the distance between the child's thumb and one of the child's four other fingers when opened.

(59) FIGS. 15.c and 15.d show schematically 3-dimensional views of a container 8 of a pharmaceutical package in its closed state and while opening according to some embodiments of the invention. Upon applying pressure on the opening elements 60,61, the container 8 is unlocked and can be opened, whereby access to the content is obtained.

(60) In FIG. 15, the container 8 is shown without the indentations for simplicity of illustration only; however, such indentations will be present in a container forming part of the pharmaceutical package according to the present invention.

(61) Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by the accompanying claim set. In the context of the claims, the terms comprising or comprises do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as a or an etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims, may possibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features is not possible and advantageous.