WO2011014737A1

WO2011014737A1 - Adherence data mechanism for package container

Info

Publication number: WO2011014737A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/043848
Authority: WO
Inventors: Caleb S. Loftin; Ryan A. Bailey; John A. Gelardi
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Corp
Current assignee: WestRock MWV LLC
Priority date: 2009-07-30
Filing date: 2010-07-30
Publication date: 2011-02-03
Anticipated expiration: 2012-01-30

Abstract

A rotatable cylinder marked with adherence data that is coupled with a gear mechanism is incorporated into a shell pack housing. The gear mechanism is actuated by the motion of a blister pack in and out of the shell pack. When the blister pack is either withdrawn from the shell pack or completely re-inserted within the shell pack, it will engage the gear mechanism such that the rotatable cylinder is advanced to its next position wherein that position can be marked with adherence data to indicate the current or next scheduled dose of the blister pack contents.

Description

ADHERENCE DATA MECHANISM FOR PACKAGE CONTAINER

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of an adherence data mechanism adapted to work with a plastic shell type housing ('shell pack') for dispensing products contained in blister packs. The term "adherence data" generally refers to data that is displayed or presented to a user that tracks the user's adherence to a protocol pertaining to contents that are dispensable from a blister pack that is stored within a shell pack. A typical example of a protocol would be the schedule for dispensing medicine such as a pill stored within a unit of a blister pack. For instance, a user may be prescribed a medicine that is to be taken once per day for a week. There would be seven (7) unit doses contained in seven (7) respective blisters on a blister pack. The blister pack itself can be contained within a shell pack housing that includes an adherence data mechanism having seven (7) corresponding markings. One logical marking scheme would indicate the days of the week (Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat) such that after each instance of taking a pill, the adherence mechanism would advance to illustrate the next day.

[0002] A shell pack is essentially a two piece molded plastic casing having an open end for receiving and releasing a blister pack. One such shell pack design is described in the commonly owned US provisional patent application (61/082,663) entitled, "Package for Securing a Blister Pack".

[0003] The adherence data mechanisms described herein are designed to count the number of times a blister pack has been accessed from the shell pack. The counting information is then used to provide adherence data to the user of the shell pack. The adherence data indicates to the user information such as, for instance, what dose they are currently scheduled to take next.

[0004] The general idea is to incorporate a rotatable cylinder marked with adherence data that is coupled with a gear mechanism. The gear mechanism is actuated by the motion of the blister pack in and out of the shell pack. When the blister pack is either withdrawn from the shell pack or completely re-inserted within the shell pack, it will engage the gear mechanism such that the rotatable cylinder is advanced to its next position wherein that position can be marked with adherence data to indicate the current or next scheduled dose.

SUMMARY

[0005] A rotatable cylinder is marked with adherence data and coupled with a gear mechanism that is integral with or incorporated into a shell pack housing. The gear mechanism is actuated by the motion of a blister pack in and out of the shell pack. When the blister pack is either withdrawn from the shell pack or completely re-inserted within the shell pack, it will engage the gear mechanism such that the rotatable cylinder is advanced to its next position wherein that position can be marked with adherence data to indicate the current or next scheduled dose of the blister pack contents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a cut away perspective view of a shell pack with its cover removed to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism that reacts to a blister pack as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adherence data mechanism of FIG. 1 removed from the shell pack.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the adherence data mechanism of FIG. 1 coupled with the shell pack.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the adherence data mechanism according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the adherence data mechanism according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. [0011] FIG. 6 is a cut away perspective view of a shell pack with its cover removed to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism that reacts to a blister pack as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack according to a second embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 7 is another cut away perspective view of a shell pack with its cover removed to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism that reacts to a blister pack as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack according to a variation of the second embodiment of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a shell pack and the components of an adherence data mechanism that react to a blister pack as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack according to a third embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a shell pack with an adherence data mechanism operably attached with the shell pack according to the third embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a shell pack with an adherence data mechanism operably attached with the shell pack according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 11 is a cut away side view of a shell pack to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism that reacts to a blister pack as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a cut away front view of a shell pack to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism that reacts to a blister pack as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 13 is a cut away perspective view of a shell pack to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism that reacts to a blister pack as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The present disclosure describes four embodiments for providing adherence data to a user. Characteristics of the design for each embodiment may vary somewhat as may the position or location of the adherence data to the user with respect to the outer portion of the shell pack. The goal or result of each embodiment, however, remains the same, to provide and update adherence data to a user.

[0020] A first embodiment of an adherence data mechanism is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. FIG. 1 is a cut away perspective view of a shell pack 10 with its cover removed to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism 100 that reacts to a blister pack 20 as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack 10 according to a first embodiment of the disclosure. The shell pack illustrated here includes a raised notch 40 that is adapted to receive and retain the blister pack 20 via a blister pack aperture 30. Also shown in a dashed circle is a region of contact 50 where the leading edge of the blister pack 20 will contact a portion of the adherence data mechanism 100.

[0021] FIGS. 2-3 illustrate perspective views of the adherence data mechanism 100 of FIG. 1 removed from the shell pack 10 and coupled with the shell pack 10 respectively. In FIG. 2, a portion of the shell pack 10 is shown having a shell pack opening 15 configured to receive the adherence data mechanism 100. In FIG. 3, the adherence data mechanism 100 is shown snapped in place within the shell pack opening.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the adherence data mechanism according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. From this view, a data cylinder 104 that is marked with adherence data 105 is visible. Also shown is a flex arm 102 that is a curved resilient plastic piece that is coupled on one end with the main structure of the adherence data mechanism 100. FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the adherence data mechanism according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. This view of the adherence data mechanism 100 shows more of the data cylinder 104 and adherence data 105 markings thereon as well as a rear view of the flex arm 102. Flex arm 102 includes an engagement notch 103 at its non-coupled end. A portion of an advancement gear 106 is shown directly beneath the data cylinder 104. Also shown are a pair of snap fit connectors 108 that serve to retain the adherence data mechanism 100 within the shell pack 10 when inserted and snapped into place.

[0023] The data cylinder 104 and advancement gear 106 share a common axial alignment and can both rotate when an external force is applied. The advancement gear's teeth are configured to accept the engagement notch 103 on the end of flex arm 102. The advancement gear 106 and the attached data cylinder 104 can be rotated when the engagement notch 103 is pushed into one of the advancement gear's teeth thereby urging the advancement gear 106 to rotate in the direction of the push.

[0024] Referring back to FIG. 1, the adherence data mechanism 100 is actuated by the blister pack 20. As the blister pack 20 is fully re-seated within the shell pack 10 its leading edge will contact a portion of the flex arm 102 somewhere in the area defined by the region of contact 50. The blister pack 20 will initially contact the flex arm 102 before being fully re-seated. The blister pack will push against the flex arm 102 urging it forward. The engagement notch 103 on the uncoupled end of flex arm 102 will be forced in between the teeth of the advancement gear 106 eventually making contact with the advancement gear 104. As the blister pack is pushed inward to its fully seated position, the flex arm 102 continues to urge against the advancement gear until the engagement notch 103 cause the advancement gear 106 and, in turn, the data cylinder 104 to rotate a certain distance.

[0025] FIGS. 2-3 show that the adherence data mechanism 100 includes a cut out area that allows the data cylinder 104 and any adherence date marked thereon to show through. The result allows a user to view the adherence data through the opening on the adherence data mechanism 100 which has been snap fit into the shell pack 100. Each time the blister pack is withdrawn and re-seated the re-seating motion will cause the data cylinder 104 to rotate changing the appearance of the adherence data 105. Thus, withdrawing the blister pack 20 from the shell pack 10 for purposes of retrieving a unit dose followed by fully re-seating the blister pack 20 within shell pack 10 will cause the data cylinder to advance from, for instance, "Mon" to "Tue". This data may indicate the next scheduled dose for the contents of the blister pack. A user can now merely glance at the shell pack and determine when the next and/or last dose was taken.

[0026] In a second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, there are shown two alternative engagement mechanisms used to rotate the advancement gear when the blister pack 20 is fully re-seated within the shell pack 10. The overall concept and operation remain the same in that the action of re-seating the blister pack 20 within shell pack 10 will cause the advancement gear 204 and the corresponding data cylinder 202 to rotate allowing adherence data marked thereon to be displayed to the user. The components comprising the adherence data mechanism 200 in this embodiment are integrated into the shell pack 10 rather than being a discrete component that is snapped into place within a shell pack 10.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a cut away perspective view of a shell pack 10 with its cover removed to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism 200 that reacts to a blister pack 20 as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack 10 according to a second embodiment of the disclosure. In this embodiment the data cylinder 204 and advancement gear are permanently seated within the shell pack 10 as are a movable first hammer mechanism 206 and a movable second hammer mechanism 208. In operation, the blister pack 20 will engage the first hammer mechanism 206 in a region of contact defined by 205 as the blister pack 20 is re-seated within the shell pack 10. The first hammer mechanism 206 pushes forward into the second hammer mechanism 208. Second hammer mechanism 208 is generally comprised of a flat section that is co-planar with the bottom of the shell pack 10. It partially fills an open space on the bottom surface of the shell pack 10 that can be termed a hammer slot 215. There is also a vertically protruding element on the second hammer mechanism 208 that is designed to engage the teeth of the advancement gear 204. When the first hammer mechanism 206 is pushed into the second hammer mechanism 208, the second hammer mechanism 208 will travel along the hammer slot 215 such that the vertically protruding element of the second hammer mechanism 208 will engage the advancement gear and cause it and the data cylinder to rotate. Just as described above, a cut out area allows the data cylinder 202 and any adherence date marked thereon to show through the shell pack for the user to read. [0028] FIG. 7 is another cut away perspective view of a shell pack 10 with its cover removed to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism 200 that reacts to a blister pack 20 as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack 10 according to a variation of the second embodiment of the disclosure. In this variation, the hammer mechanism 210, 212, 214 is somewhat different from the hammer mechanism 206, 208 shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the entire hammer mechanism is a single unit comprised of a primary hammer surface 212, a secondary hammer surface 210 and a hammer handle portion 214. The primary hammer surface 212 engages the blister pack 20 while the secondary hammer surface 210 engages the advancement gear 204. The hammer handle portion 214 is coupled on its opposite end with the shell pack 10 and allows the primary 212 and secondary 210 hammer surfaces to travel along a hammer slot 215 cut out area. When the blister pack is re-seated the hammer surfaces 210, 212 travel along the hammer slot 215 and engage the advancement gear to rotate the data cylinder 202 thereby causing the adherence data printed on the data cylinder 202 to change in the user viewable area.

[0029] In a third embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8-9, there is shown another embodiment of an adherence data mechanism. The chief difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiments is that the data cylinder 306 and advancement gear 304 are vertically oriented as opposed to horizontally oriented.

[0030] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a shell pack 10 and the components of an adherence data mechanism 302, 304, 306, 308 that react to a blister pack (not shown) as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack 10 according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. The shell pack includes an opening on its top surface for the adherence data mechanism. A combination advancement gear 304 and data cylinder 306 are seated within the opening such that they can rotate freely. An adherence data cover 302 fits atop the shell pack opening and snaps into place. The adherence data cover 302 includes an opening for viewing the adherence data marked upon the data cylinder 306. FIG. 9 illustrates the shell pack 10 and adherence data mechanism of FIG. 8 operably attached with the shell pack 10 and showing data through the opening of the adherence data cover 302. [0031] The mechanism of this embodiment works similar to that described above in that a blister pack is inserted into the shell pack 10. When a blister pack is fully re-seated its leading edge will directly engage the teeth of advancement gear 304 causing the gear and the data cylinder 306 with its markings to rotate.

[0032] In a fourth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10-13, there is shown an embodiment similar to that in FIGS. 8-9 in that the data cylinder 306 and advancement gear 304 are vertically oriented as opposed to horizontally oriented. In the embodiment described in FIGS. 8-9, the blister pack engaged the advancement gear by pushing against the teeth of the gear. In the present embodiment, the blister pack includes an additional aperture that catches on a tooth of the gear when fully re-seated. The act of pulling the blister pack out will cause the gear to rotate as the gear aperture pulls against the gear tooth and separates from the advancement gear in general.

[0033] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a shell pack 10 with an adherence data mechanism operably attached with the shell pack 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure. A surface of the shell pack 10 includes an index control tab 402 (optional) and a cut out data cylinder opening 403 that exposes a data cylinder 404 that is marked with adherence information. The optional index control tab 402 allows a user to depress the tab to manually advance the data cylinder to a desired position.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a cut away side view of a shell pack 10 to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism that reacts to a blister pack 20 as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure. In this view, the advancement gear 406 is seen with one of its teeth protruding down through the gear aperture 408 in the blister pack 20. When the blister pack 20 is withdrawn an edge of the blister pack defined by the gear aperture 408 will pull against the advancement gear 406 causing it to rotate until the blister pack 20 has cleared the advancement gear thereby rotating the data cylinder 404 in the process exposing the next increment of data visible through the data cylinder opening 403. [0035] FIGS. 12-13 are a cut away front view and a cut away perspective view respectively of the shell pack 10 to reveal the inner mechanisms and an adherence data mechanism that reacts to a blister pack (not shown) as it is inserted and withdrawn from the shell pack 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure. These views further illustrate the advancement gear 406 and data cylinder 404 as they are seated within the shell pack 10.

[0036] It is to be understood that the adherence mechanism may be placed on the side, the top, the bottom, or the ends of the package as so desired by manufacturing preferences. It is to be understood that the adherence mechanism may be advanced by an alternate interaction between the blister and the mechanism other than an arm. It is to be understood that an adherence mechanism such as the one described herein could be added to a paperboard package, plastic package, thermoformed package or any other type of package containing a blister card or tray as well. In particular it may be added to any package, sleeve or outer shell designed to hold a blister or tray capable of sliding in and out of an outer package, sleeve or shell in a manner similar to that described herein. The inner tray or blister may interact with the adherence mechanism when it is slid into or out of the outer package, sleeve or shell. The outer package may have a cut out portion to allow the user to see the date of day as set forth on the adherence mechanism. It is to be understood that dates could be on the adherence mechanism rather than the days of the week.

[0037] It is believed that the present invention includes many other embodiments that may not be herein described in detail, but would nonetheless be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the disclosures made. Accordingly, this disclosure should not be read as being limited only to the foregoing examples or only to the designated preferred embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An adherence data mechanism for use with a shell pack housing containing a blister pack, the adherence data mechanism comprising:

a data cylinder;

an advancement gear having a plurality of gear teeth coupled with the data cylinder; and

a flex arm piece for engaging the blister pack, the flex arm piece including an engagement notch adapted to engage the teeth of the advancement gear when the blister pack pushes against the flex arm piece,

wherein the blister pack, when fully re-seated, will push against the flex arm causing the engagement notch to catch against one of the advancement gear teeth and cause the advancement gear to rotate the data cylinder.

2. The adherence data mechanism of claim 1 further comprising at least one snap fit connector for coupling the adherence data mechanism with the shell pack.

3. The adherence data mechanism of claim 2 wherein the data cylinder is marked at periodic intervals with data.

4. A shell pack system for providing access to a blister pack, the shell pack system including an adherence data mechanism comprising:

a data cylinder capable of being marked at periodic intervals with data;

a movable first hammer mechanism for engaging the blister pack;

a movable second hammer mechanism adapted to engage the teeth of the advancement gear,

wherein the blister pack, when fully re-seated, will push against the first hammer mechanism allowing it to push against the second hammer mechanism causing the second hammer mechanism to move through a hammer slot to catch against one of the

advancement gear teeth to cause the advancement gear to rotate the data cylinder.

5. The shell pack system of claim 4 wherein the data cylinder is marked at periodic intervals with data.

6. A shell pack system for providing access to a blister pack, the shell pack system including an adherence data mechanism comprising:

a data cylinder capable of being marked at periodic intervals with data;

a movable hammer mechanism for engaging the blister pack, the hammer mechanism including a primary hammer surface adapted to engage the blister pack, a secondary hammer surface adapted to engage the teeth of the advancement gear when the blister pack pushes against the first surface and a hammer handle portion that is movably coupled with the shell pack,

wherein the blister pack, when fully re-seated, will push against the primary hammer surface allowing the hammer mechanism to move through a hammer slot causing the secondary hammer surface to catch against one of the advancement gear teeth to cause the advancement gear to rotate the data cylinder.

7. The shell pack system of claim 6 wherein the data cylinder is marked at periodic intervals with data.

8. An adherence data mechanism for use with a shell pack housing containing a blister pack, the adherence data mechanism comprising:

a data cylinder; and

an advancement gear having a plurality of gear teeth coupled with the data cylinder; wherein the blister pack, when fully re-seated, will push against one of the advancement gear teeth and cause the advancement gear to rotate the data cylinder.

9. The adherence data mechanism of claim 8 further comprising a data cylinder cover having an aperture, the data cylinder cover for covering the adherence data mechanism contained within the shell pack while providing a view of the data cylinder.

10. The adherence data mechanism of claim 9 wherein the data cylinder is marked at periodic intervals with data.

11. An adherence data mechanism viewable through a shell pack housing that contains a blister pack that includes a gear aperture, the adherence data mechanism comprising:

a data cylinder; and

an advancement gear having a plurality of gear teeth coupled with the data cylinder, wherein the blister pack, when fully seated, will have one of the advancement gear teeth protruding through the gear aperture such that withdrawing the blister pack will cause an edge of the blister pack defined by the gear aperture to pull against the advancement gear causing it to rotate until the blister pack has cleared the advancement gear thereby rotating the data cylinder.

12. The adherence data mechanism of claim 11 further comprising an index control tab that, when depressed, will manually advance the advancement gear and data cylinder.

13. The adherence data mechanism of claim 12 wherein the data cylinder is marked at periodic intervals with data.

14. An adherence data mechanism for use with a paperboard package containing a blister pack or tray, the adherence data mechanism comprising:

a data cylinder;