WO2025136115A1

WO2025136115A1 - Medical box

Info

Publication number: WO2025136115A1
Application number: PCT/NO2024/050283
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gagi Peskovic; Bendik BØ
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-12-18
Filing date: 2024-12-18
Publication date: 2025-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-18
Also published as: NO348388B1; NO20231365A1

Abstract

A box suitable for medicine is provided. The object is achieved by a box comprising a sleeve (200), and a body (300) comprising at least one container (400) with a respective lid (420), wherein the body (300) can be inserted into the sleeve (200) when the least one container (400) is sealed with the respective lid (420).

Description

TITLE: Medical Box

Background of the Invention

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to packaging in general and more specifically a box suited for medical use, such as medicaments.

Background Art

State of the art is reflected in sealed packaging. It is strongly preferred that medicaments and medical equipment are packaged in a way that avoids moisture, breakage and possibly exposure to light, and sealed containers provide such functionality. It is also desirable to see if the container has been opened, and therefore that each medicament is packaged separately. Unfortunately, sealing according to prior art can be hard to break, especially for people with impairments or disabilities, people with eye problems or arthritis.

From prior art one should refer to US8123036B2, which according to its abstract, discloses a pill assembly configured to receive the correct selection of medications in the correct dosages for a particular patient. The pill assembly comprises containers wherein at least one of the containers is configured to receive a plurality of different pills. The containers are adjacent to one another. The pill assembly also comprises a plurality of lids. Each of the lids is configured to seal a corresponding container. The containers have a top surface with a flange that is configured to receive the corresponding lid. Each lid has a surface that is configured to receive a printable indicia with patient specific information. The pill assembly may also comprise a sleeve that is configured to slidably interface with the containers.

CN101980929A discloses according to a translation of its abstract a child-resistant medication container comprising: a housing having an open end, - a support for supporting medication, said support being slidably mounted in the housing, - first locking means for locking the support in the housing and for unlocking the support so that the support may be slid to the outside of the housing through the open end, said first locking means comprising a first locking member coupled to the housing and a second locking member coupled to the support, said first and second locking members being engageable with each other, and at least one button operable to act on the first locking means, said at least one button comprising a first button operable to disengage the first and second locking members, second locking means for maintaining engagement between the first and second locking members, and a second button operable to act on the second locking means to permit disengaging the first and second locking members by operating the first button.

CA2533723C discloses according to its abstract a cover assembly including a cover for covering at least one compartment of a medication dispenser. The cover includes an inner and outer end portion. A locking tab is formed in the inner end wall of the cover for being received in a slot formed in the medication dispenser for securing the cover to the medication dispenser. The locking tab includes a weakened portion for allowing the cover to be fractured and separated from the locking tab as the outer end potion is lifted away from the medication dispenser during removal of the cover. The weakened portion fractures before the outer end portion of the cover is lifted a distance from the medication dispenser less than or equal to a minimum dimension of a pill for preventing removal of the pill from the at least one compartment without removal of the cover from the compartment.

There is therefore a need for a method and a system to overcome the above- mentioned problems.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

Therefore, a main objective of the present invention is to provide a box suited for medicines that are safe in storage and convenient when opening.

Means for Solving the Problems

The objective is achieved according to the invention by a box as defined in the preamble of claim 1 , having the features of the characterising portion of claim 1.

A number of non-exhaustive embodiments, variants or alternatives of the invention are defined by the dependent claims. The present invention attains the above-described objective by a box comprising a sleeve and a body for insertion into the sleeve.

In a first aspect of the invention, a box is provided, comprising a sleeve and a body, the body comprising at least one container with a respective lid, characterised in that the body can be inserted into the sleeve when the least one container is sealed with the respective lid.

In a preferred embodiment, the body is provided with a release tab for extracting the body from the sleeve. This provides a convenient way to open the box by extracting the body from the sleeve. The body may be fully extracted and removed from the sleeve, or it may be extracted only sufficiently to reach a desired container. In some embodiments, the box can be provided with means to prevent the body to be fully extracted from the sleeve.

In a more preferred embodiment, the sleeve is provided with an incision for receiving the release tab. This avoids accidental opening of the box, while being convenient and simple to open intentionally.

In a preferred embodiment, the body further comprises a recess for a device. Some medicaments require further devices such as inhalators, syringes etc. that should be kept with the medicine.

In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve is provided with a locking mechanism. This can provide positive action for locking the box and optionally also provide a clear indication that the box is securely locked. By positive action, it is meant that the user can quickly verify that the locking mechanism is engaged, such as by for instance tactile of visual inspection. When the locking mechanism is opened, a part of it extends outwards from the body and the sleeve when the body is inserted into the sleeve.

In a more preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism in an open position is arranged to provide access to the recess for holding the device while in a closed position also closes access to the recess. This provides access to the devices without having to extract the body from the sleeve. Typically, the recess is enclosed at the bottom and two sidewalls and optionally at a distal end by the body, and enclosed at the top and optionally by the distal end by the sleeve, and by the locking mechanism at a proximal end. By opening the locking mechanism, the proximal end is opened, and the device can be extracted through the proximal end.

In a preferred embodiment, the least one container is formed as part of a container layer. This is convenient for mass production, and is also simpler for cleaning, sterilizing and reuse. In mass production, it is convenient to assemble part in layers or parts stacked up from above. The container layer can be one layer but can also be assembled by stacking a layer with container walls upon a layer with container floor.

In a preferred embodiment, the least one lid is formed as part of a lid layer. This is convenient for mass production, and is also simpler for cleaning, sterilizing and reuse. The use of a separate lid layer makes it simpler to use different materials, where the lid layer should preferably be from a resilient material for reuse. The use of harder materials is also possible, where the lid then breaks free from the container, and is typically single use. By making the lids as a layer, this too can be assembled into a body 300 by stacking the lid layer 320 onto the container layer 310.

In a preferred embodiment, the least one lid is attached to the body via a neck. The neck provides anchoring to the body, via the lid layer if present or otherwise. The neck can be of a resilient material and ensures that the lid is not lost. This in turn can improve reuse.

Some polymers change colour or become white when stressed, and in a more preferred embodiment, at least part of the neck is made of such a polymer in order to provide visual indication that the neck has been bent in order for the at least one container to be uncovered by lifting the respective lid.

In a preferred embodiment, the least one lid is provided with a lid tab. The lid tab is inside the sleeve when the box is closed, and thus it is possible to make the lid tab larger and easier to open when the box is opened, without compromising the security. This two-step opening process secures against unintentional opening. At the same time the larger lid tab is more accessible to the visually impaired, or people with arthritis or the like.

In preferred embodiments, at least parts of the container is transparent for inspection of a contents of the container. Effects of the Invention

The present invention comprises a technological advantage over known systems and methods by use of a sleeve and body, in that a tight fitting of the body into the sleeve ensures that all containers are properly closed and kept securely closed.

The present invention provides several further advantageous effects: it makes it possible to visually verify that the box is properly closed, it makes it easy to open the box while avoiding unintentional opening, it makes it possible to use individual containers that can be easily unsealed and opened while avoiding unintentional actions, it improves protection against air and moisture, the lids are convenient for labelling or indications for users, and the box is compact.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above and further features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims and together with advantages thereof will become clearer from consideration of the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The invention will be further described below in connection with exemplary embodiments which are schematically shown in the drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a closed box according to one embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 2 shows the box of Fig. 1 partially opened,

Fig. 3 shows the sleeve of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 4 shows the body of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 5 shows details of a lid in an opened position, and

Fig. 6 shows an alternative embodiment.

Description of the Reference Signs

The following reference numbers and signs refer to the drawings:

Detailed Description of the Invention

Various aspects of the disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such an apparatus or method which is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.

The invention will be further described in connection with exemplary embodiments which are schematically shown in the drawings.

Principles forming the Basis of the Invention

The inventors have recognized that a convenient box suited for medicine, can be created from a sleeve and a body part comprising containers, wherein the body part can be inserted into the sleeve when the containers are all closed, and when the body part is fully inserted, the sleeve will ensure that the containers are securely closed. The body 300 is like a male part that fits closely to the sleeve 200 like a female part. The tight fit ensures that all containers must be sealed by the respective lids in order for the successful mating.

An optional locking mechanism can be used to keep the box closed and also visually indicate that the box is closed.

Fig. 1 shows a closed box 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. In this state a sleeve 200 covers most of a body 300, so that an upper part with a release tab 302 can be seen through an incision 212 formed at the sleeve 200. The sleeve 200 is provided with an optional locking mechanism 204, here shown as flush with the top, indicating that the box is fully closed.

On opening, the release tab is engaged and provides grip to extract the body 300 through the top opening 230 of the sleeve 200. Fig. 2 shows the box of Fig. 1 partially opened, exposing the contents of the body 300.

Fig. 3 shows the sleeve of Fig. 1 , showing the locking mechanism 204 in an open position, so that a device stored in the recess 330 for a device is made accessible, without having to extract the body 300 from the sleeve 200.

Fig. 4 shows the body 200 of Fig. 1 , with a plurality of containers 400. Each container comprises a lower part 410 which contains the contents to be stored. Typically, the lower part 410 comprises a container floor 412 from which container walls 414 rises up to a container opening 416.

Each container can be a detached separate unit or combined to larger units.

Best Modes of Carrying Out the Invention

Fig. 4 shows the body of Fig. 1 , wherein the containers 400 is made from two parts: a single container layer 310 that comprises all container lower parts 410, and a single lid layer 320 which comprises all container lids 420. The container layer 310 and lid layer 320 comprise mutual attachment means 312 and 322, here shown as holes 312 provided at the container layer 310 for receiving pins 322 provided on the lid layer 320. When mated, the individual lids 420 can close and seal the respective container openings 416.

The individual lids 420 are mutually separated with lid layer incisions 324. Preferably the container layer 310 is provided with container layer separators 314 that extends into the lid layer incisions 324 when the lids are closed. This provides a smooth uninterrupted surface for improved hygiene.

Fig. 5 shows details of a container lid in an opened position, with a container lid 420 attached to a neck 428 and provided with a sealing part 424.

The container lid is preferably attached by a neck 428 that acts are a hinge. Preferably this is made of a material that changes appearance when bent, indicating that the lid has already been opened once. Each container lid 420 is preferably provided with a lid tab 422 that lets a user easily grip the lid and open it in order to access the contents of the container.

In preferred embodiments, the container lower part 410 comprises a floor 412 surrounded by walls 414, that preferably rise straight up with a substantially uniform cross section, to the opening 416. The container lid 420 may in embodiments just close over the opening and rely on the tight fit inside the sleeve to stay closed. More preferably the lid comprises a sealing part 424 that extends downwards, so that when the lid is closed over the container, the sealing part 424 form a tight seal along at least parts of the container wall. It is preferred that the sealing part 424 is resilient where it engages the walls so as to form a tight and moisture proof sealing, together with the upper part 426 of the lid that closes the container opening 416.

It is also preferred that the container lid 420 provides a sealing function around the lip of the container opening 416. This can be combined with or used as an alternative to the embodiment with the sealing part 424.

The user interfaces of the box, such as the sleeve front face, the release tab, the lids and the lid tabs, can be provided with braille or a texture to help users recognize the different parts.

Alternative Embodiments

A number of variations on the above can be envisaged. For instance, the lids can be made to open in a direction along the plane of the container layer.

Fig. 6 shows such an alternative embodiment where the containers are oriented similarly to the embodiments shown above, where container lids 420 cover an upper part of container lower parts 410. The difference is that the container lids 420 are pulled sideways in order to uncover the contents of the container.

In a variation of this, the lids are positioned at the side of the container layer.

For the embodiments where the container is opened by moving the lid sideways, the lids will be secured by the sleeve side walls 240 of the sleeve 200. Again, a tight fit will ensure that the containers will be properly closed and kept securely closed. It is desirable to verify that the containers have been filled correctly. Blister packs solve this by using transparent plastic for the blisters. In one embodiment, the lids are made of a transparent material. In many cases, however, materials suited for lids are preferred to be flexible, resilient, and sufficiently deformable to form a tight sealing fit when closed against the container, and such materials, such as rubber, latex, and polyurethane are opaque. Instead, in some embodiments at least parts of the container or container layer 310 is made of a transparent material that may be hard, allowing inspection of sealed containers from below, even when the lids are opaque. After inspection, the container layer may in some embodiments be attached to a body rear face (not shown), for further protection against sunlight. Transparent here means transparent for optical inspection and may be in the visible spectrum of infrared spectrum.

Industrial Applicability The invention according to the application finds use in safe storage and access to stored goods such as medicine.

Claims

1. A box comprising: a sleeve (200), and a body (300) comprising at least one container (400) with a respective lid (420), characterised in that the body (300) can be inserted with a tight fit into the sleeve (200) when the least one container (400) is sealed with the respective lid (420).

2. The box according to claim 1 , wherein the body (300) is provided with a release tab (302) for extracting the body (300) from the sleeve (200).

3. The box according to claim 2, wherein the sleeve (200) is provided with an incision (212) for receiving the release tab (302).

4. The box according to claim 1 , wherein the body (300) is further provided with a recess (330) for a device.

5. The box according to claim 1 , wherein the sleeve (200) is provided with a locking mechanism (204).

6. The box according to claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism (204) in an open position provides access to a recess (330) while in a closed position also closes access to the recess (330).

7. The box according to claim 1 , wherein the least one container (400) is formed as part of a container layer (310).

8. The box according to claim 1 , wherein the least one lid (420) is formed as part of a lid layer (320).

9. The box according to claim 1 , wherein the least one lid (420) is attached to the body (300) via a neck (428).

10. The box according to claim 9, wherein the neck (428) is made of a material that changes appearance when bent and is thus arranged to provide visual indication that the neck (428) has been bent in order for the at least one container (400) to be uncovered by lifting the respective lid (420).

11. The box according to claim 1 , wherein the least one lid (420) is provided with a lid tab (422).

12. The box according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least part of the container (400) is transparent for inspection of a contents of the container.