PACKAGING MEMBER FOR A PHOTOSENSITIVE DRUG SUBSTANCE

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a packaging member (1) for a photosensitive drug substance being made of a substantially stiff sheet-like material which defines an outer packaging surface (20) and an inner packaging surface (30). The packaging member (10) comprises a front wall member (1), a rear wall member (2) and at least four side wall members (3, 4, 5, 6). The inner packaging surface (30) of at least one of the front wall member (1), the rear wall member (1) and/or the at least four side wall members (3, 4, 5, 6) comprises a colour being adapted to provide for a light absorption of at least about 50%.

Claims

1. A packaging member for a photosensitive drug substance being made of a substantially stiff sheet-like material defining an outer packaging surface and an inner packaging surface, wherein the packaging member comprises a front wall member, a rear wall member and at least four side wall members, characterized in that the inner packaging surface of at least one of the front wall member, the rear wall member and/or the at least four side wall members comprises a colour being adapted to provide for a light absorption of at least about 50%.

2. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein the inner packaging surface of at least two of the front wall member, the rear wall member and/or the at least four side wall members comprises a colour being adapted to provide for a light absorption of at least about 50%.

3. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein the inner packaging surface of at least three of the front wall member, the rear wall member and/or the at least four side wall members comprises a colour being adapted to provide for a light absorption of at least about 50%.

4. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein the inner packaging surface of at least four of the front wall member, the rear wall member and/or the at least four side wall members comprises a colour being adapted to provide for a light absorption of at least about 50%.

5. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein the inner packaging surface of at least five of the front wall member, the rear wall member and the at least four side wall members comprises a colour being adapted to provide for a light absorption of at least about 50%.

6. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein the inner packaging surface of the front wall member, the rear wall member and four side wall members comprises a colour being adapted to provide for a light absorption of at least about 50%.

7. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein the colour being adapted to provide for a light absorption of at least about 75%, preferably of at least about 90%, more preferably of at least about 95% and still more preferably of at least about 99%.

8. The packaging member of according to claim 1, wherein the front wall member comprises a front closure flap (11) and/or the rear wall member comprises a rear closure flap.

9. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the side wall members comprise front side flaps and/or rear side flaps.

10. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the side wall members comprises a bonding flap.

11. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein the side wall member opposite from the side wall member with the bonding flap comprises an uncoloured field on the inner packaging surface which preferably corresponds to the bonding flap.

12. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein, except from the uncoloured field, the rest of the inner packaging surface of the side wall members comprises the colour being adapted to provide for light absorption.

13. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein the folding lines formed between the individual side wall members and between the side wall member with the bonding flap and the bonding flap itself remain uncoloured.

14. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein the bonding flap comprises a bonding section and a shielding section wherein the shielding section preferably has an attachment portion.

15. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein the side wall member opposite from the side wall member with the bonding flap comprises an uncoloured field on the inner packaging surface which preferably corresponds to the bonding section of the bonding flap.

16. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein the side wall member with the bonding flap comprises an uncoloured field on the inner packaging side which preferably corresponds to the attachment portion of the shielding section of the bonding flap.

17. The packaging member of claim 1, wherein one of the side wall members, preferably the side wall member facing the side wall member with the bonding flap in the assembled state, comprises a rear side flap having a folding section wherein the folding section preferably has an attachment portion.

18. The packaging member of claim 1, wherein the side wall member with the rear side flap comprises an uncoloured field on the inner packaging surface which preferably corresponds to the attachment portion of the rear side flap.

19. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the side wall members comprises an access opening.

20. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein the colour is applied to the inner packaging surface in the form of a dark printing.

21. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein the colour is applied to the inner packaging surface in the form of a dark coating.

22. The packaging member according to claim 1, wherein the packaging member is in the form of a secondary packaging defining a receiving space for a photosensitive drug substance in a primary packaging.

23. Packaging product comprising a packaging member according to claim 1 and a photosensitive drug substance which is contained within the packaging member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The packaging member according to the present invention is described in more detail hereinbelow, in comparison with a prior art packaging member, by way of an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0042] FIG. 1: a top view on an outer surface of a prior art packaging member in an unfolded state;

[0043] FIG. 2: a top view on an inner surface of a prior art packaging member in an unfolded state;

[0044] FIG. 3: a perspective view of a prior art packaging member in an assembled state;

[0045] FIG. 4: a top view on an outer surface of an inventive packaging member in an unfolded state;

[0046] FIG. 5: a top view on an inner surface of an inventive packaging member in an unfolded state;

[0047] FIG. 6: a perspective view of an inventive packaging member in an assembled state;

[0048] FIG. 7: a top view on an inner surface of a preferred embodiment of an inventive packaging member in the unfolded state;

[0049] FIG. 7: a top view on an inner surface of a further preferred embodiment of an inventive packaging member in the unfolded state; and

[0050] FIG. 8: a top view on an inner surface of a still further preferred embodiment of an inventive packaging member in the unfolded state.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0051] In the following description certain terms are used for reasons of convenience and are not intended to limit the invention. The terms right, left, up, down, under and above refer to directions in the figures. The terminology comprises the explicitly mentioned terms as well as their derivations and terms with a similar meaning. Also, spatially relative terms, such as beneath, below, lower, above, upper, proximal, distal, and the like, may be used to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different positions and orientations of the devices in use or operation in addition to the position and orientation shown in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is turned over, elements described as below or beneath other elements or features would then be above or over the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term below can encompass both positions and orientations of above and below. The devices may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Likewise, descriptions of movement along and around various axes include various special device positions and orientations.

[0052] To avoid repetition in the figures and the descriptions of the various aspects and illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that many features are common to many aspects and embodiments. Omission of an aspect from a description or figure does not imply that the aspect is missing from embodiments that incorporate that aspect. Instead, the aspect may have been omitted for clarity and to avoid prolix description. In this context, the following applies to the rest of this description: If, in order to clarify the drawings, a figure contains reference signs which are not explained in the directly associated part of the description, then it is referred to previous or following description sections. Further, for reason of lucidity, if in a drawing not all features of a part are provided with reference signs it is referred to other drawings showing the same part. Like numbers in two or more figures represent the same or similar elements.

[0053] FIG. 1 shows a top view on the outer packaging surface 20 respectively the outer carton of a prior art packaging member 10 in the unfolded state. In such prior art packaging members the outer carton 20 usually has a white colour onto which the branding of the respective drug or medicament is printed.

[0054] FIG. 2 shows a top view on the inner packaging surface 30 respectively the inner carton of a prior art packaging member 10 in the unfolded state. In such prior art packaging members the inner carton 30 comprises an unprinted inner surface, i.e. with bright colours reflecting large proportions of incident light.

[0055] In FIG. 3 the prior art packaging member 10 is depicted in its assembled (box-like) state with the carton defining the reiving space 62 of the box 10 wherein the inner packaging surface remains unprinted. Thus, in the opened state of the packaging member 10 incident light will be reflected by the inner side walls and thus directed onto, for example, pills in a blister inside the receiving space 62.

[0056] FIG. 4 shows a top view on the outer packaging surface 20 respectively the outer carton of an inventive packaging member 10 in the unfolded state. Also the inventive packaging members usually comprise an outer carton 20 having a white colour onto which the branding of the respective drug or medicament is printed.

[0057] The packaging member 10 comprises a front wall member 1, a rear wall member 2 and side walls members 3, 4, 5 and 6 wherein side walls members 3 and 5 represent the small side walls and side walls members 4 and 6 represent the broad side walls of the packaging member 10. The outer side wall member 3 comprises front and rear side flaps 31 and 32 which interact, in the assembled state shown in FIG. 6 with front and rear side flaps 51 and 52 of the inner side wall member 5. The outer side wall member 3 also comprises at its free longitudinal side a bonding flap 33 by means of which the outer side wall member 3 is attached (from the inside) to the free longitudinal side of broad side wall member 6. The inner broad side wall member 4 comprises at its top end top wall member 1 with top closure flap 11. The outer broad side wall member 6 in turn comprises at its rear end rear wall member 2 with rear closure flap 22. Between the outer small side wall member 3 and bonding flap 33 as well as side flaps 31, 32, between the inner broad side wall member 4 and the top wall member 1, between the top wall member 1 and the top closure flap 11, between the inner small side wall member 5 and the side flaps 51 and 52, between the outer broad side wall member 6 and rear wall member 2 and between the rear wall member 2 and the rear closure flap 22 folding lines f are provided (only exemplarily shown), respectively. The folding lines f may be provided in the form of weakenings in the carton material.

[0058] FIG. 5 shows a top view on the inner packaging surface 30 respectively the inner carton of an inventive packaging member 10 in the unfolded state. FIG. 5 is thus symmetrically identical with FIG. 4 (i.e. like FIGS. 1 and 2) and the respective elements comprise the same reference numbers as in FIG. 4. In contrast to the prior art solution described above in connection with FIGS. 1 to 3, the packaging member 10 according to the present invention comprises across its entire inner surface 30 a dark colour (and/or a dark coating), which is adapted to absorb up to almost all incident light. It is however also conceivable that only some of the wall members and/or flaps comprise the dark colour which lastly depends on the drug respectively medicine to be received by the packaging member 10. Further, it is also conceivable that some or all of the wall members and/or flaps comprise individually different colours.

[0059] In FIG. 6 the inventive packaging member 10 is depicted in its assembled (box-like) state with the carton defining the (dark) reiving space 62 of the box 10 comprising a uniform dark colour for ensuring the intended light shielding. Thus, in the opened state of the packaging member 10 light will almost fully be absorbed by the inner side walls and thus not directed onto, for example, pills in a blister inside the dark receiving space 62. The exemplary access opening 61 may also be omitted in other embodiments.

[0060] FIG. 7 shows a top view on the inner packaging surface 30 respectively the inner carton of a preferred embodiment of an inventive packaging member 10 in the unfolded state. FIG. 7 is substantially identical with FIG. 5 and the respective elements comprise the same reference signs as in FIG. 5. In contrast to the packaging member shown and described in FIG. 5, the packaging member 10 of FIG. 7 comprises at the outer edge of side wall member 6 an uncoloured field 63 which corresponds with bonding flap 33 of side wall member 3. The outer (uncoloured) surface of bonding flap 3 is glued together with the uncoloured field 63 of side wall member 6. In this manner, dark colour can be saved and the adhesive bond is stronger than if a coloured and an uncoloured surface are glued together.

[0061] In a further preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the front wall member 1 with closure flap 11, the rear wall member 2 with closure flap 22, the side flaps 51, 52 and the side flaps 31, 32 also remain uncoloured, i.e. together with the uncoloured field 63 of side wall member 6. In this manner, even more dark colour can be saved without substantially impeding the light absorbing effect due to the overlappings created by the aforementioned wall members and flaps.

[0062] FIG. 9 shows a top view on the inner packaging surface 30 respectively the inner carton of a still further preferred embodiment of an inventive packaging member 10 in the unfolded state. Here, the front wall member 1 with closure flap 11, the rear wall member 2 with closure flap 22, the side flaps 51, 520 and the side flaps 31, 32 remain uncoloured. The side wall member 6 comprises an uncoloured field 64, the side wall member 5 comprises an uncoloured field 66 and the side wall member 3 comprises an uncoloured field 65. Also the (vertical) folding lines f formed between the individual side wall members 3, 4, 5 and 6 and between the side wall member 3 with the bonding flap 33, 330 and the bonding flap 33, 330 itself remain uncoloured. Additionally, also the (horizontal) folding lines f between side wall member 3 and its side flaps 31, 32, between the side wall member 4 its front wall member 1, between the side wall member 5 and its side flaps 52, 520 and between the side wall member 6 and its rear wall member 2 remain uncoloured.

[0063] The bonding flap 330 of side wall member 3 of this embodiment is extended as compared to the bonding flap 33 shown for instance in FIGS. 7 and 8. Here, the bonding flap 330 includes a bonding section 331, a shielding section 332 and an attachment portion 333. The bonding flap 330 is folded four times, namely about folding line f formed between side wall member 3 and the bonding section 331, about additional folding line f formed between the bonding section 331 and the shielding section, about additional folding line f formed in an intermediate position of the shielding section 332 and about the additional folding line f formed between the shielding section 332 and the attachment portion 333 at the outer end of the bonding flap 330. The uncoloured outer surface of the attachment portion 333 is glued together with the uncoloured field 65 of side wall member 3. Thereby, a rectangular shielding respectively holding construction for e.g. a vial in the packaging is created. The uncoloured outer surface of the bonding section 331 is glued together with the uncoloured field 64 of side wall member 6.

[0064] In a similar manner as the bonding flap 330, the rear side flap 520 is folded four times, namely about folding line f formed between side wall member 5 and the folding section 521, about the two additional folding line f formed in an intermediate position of the folding section 521 and about the additional folding line f formed between the folding section 521 and the attachment portion 522 at the outer end of the rear side flap 520. The uncoloured outer surface of the attachment portion 522 is glued together with the uncoloured field 66 of side wall member 5. Thereby, a pedestal-like supporting respectively holding construction for e.g. a vial in the packaging is created which, together with the shielding respectively holding construction, provides for an easy and efficient protection for e.g. a vial contained in the assembled box.

[0065] This description and the accompanying drawings that illustrate aspects and embodiments of the present invention should not be taken as limitingthe claims defining the protected invention. In other words, while the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this description and the claims. In some instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Thus, it will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope and spirit of the following claims.

[0066] The disclosure also covers all further features shown in the FIGS. individually although they may not have been described in the afore or following description. Also, single alternatives of the embodiments described in the figures and the description and single alternatives of features thereof can be disclaimed from the subject matter of the invention or from disclosed subject matter. The disclosure comprises subject matter consisting of the features defined in the claims or the exemplary embodiments as well as subject matter comprising said features.

[0067] Furthermore, in the claims the word comprising does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article a or an does not exclude a plurality. A single unit or step may fulfil the functions of several features recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The terms essentially, about, approximately and the like in connection with an attribute or a value particularly also define exactly the attribute or exactly the value, respectively. The term about in the context of a given numerate value or range refers to a value or range that is, e.g., within 20%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 2% of the given value or range. Components described as coupled or connected may be electrically or mechanically directly coupled, or they may be indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0068] 1 front wall member [0069] 2 rear wall member [0070] 3 side wall member (narrow side) [0071] 4 side wall member (broadside) [0072] 5 sidewall member (narrow side) [0073] 6 side wall member (broadside) [0074] 10 packaging member [0075] 10 packaging member (prior art) [0076] 11 closure flap (front) [0077] 20 outer packaging surface [0078] 20 outer packaging surface (prior art) [0079] 22 closure flap (rear) [0080] 30 inner packaging surface [0081] 30 inner packaging surface (prior art) [0082] 31 side flap (front) [0083] 32 side flap (rear) [0084] 33 bonding flap (FIGS. 4, 5 and 7) [0085] 330 bonding flap (FIG. 8) [0086] 331 bonding section [0087] 332 shielding section [0088] 333 (outer) attachment portion [0089] 51 side flap (front) [0090] 52 side flap (rear) (FIGS. 4, 5 and 7) [0091] 520 side flap (rear) (FIG. 8) [0092] 521 folding section [0093] 522 (outer) attachment portion [0094] 61 access opening [0095] 62 receiving space [0096] 62 receiving space (prior art) [0097] 63 uncoloured field (FIGS. 7 and 8) [0098] 64 uncoloured field (FIG. 9) [0099] 65 uncoloured field (FIG. 9) [0100] 66 uncoloured field (FIG. 9) [0101] f folding lines (exemplary) [0102] f folding lines (additional folding lines in FIG. 9)