U.S. patent application number 11/762380 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-18 for packaging system and method of use.
This patent application is currently assigned to BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.. Invention is credited to Michael Baklycki, Kimberly A. McClain, Thomas D. McDevitt.
Application Number | 20080308443 11/762380 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38983449 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080308443 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baklycki; Michael ; et
al. |
December 18, 2008 |
PACKAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE
Abstract
A packaging system includes a container having a closed end, an
open end, a longitudinal axis running through the closed end and
the open end, and an outer surface, a closure assembly fitted to
the open end of the container and having an access port, and a
detachable cap disposed over the access port. The system also
includes a label disposed about the container, the label having
first and second sections separated by a perforated boundary. The
first section of the label is attached at least in part to the
outer surface of the container and extends between the closed end
and the perforated boundary. The second section extends at least
between the perforated boundary and the cap. A method of using the
system is also provided.
Inventors: |
Baklycki; Michael;
(Bensalem, PA) ; McClain; Kimberly A.; (Salem,
NJ) ; McDevitt; Thomas D.; (Richboro, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAXTER HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
ONE BAXTER PARKWAY, DF2-2E
DEERFIELD
IL
60015
US
|
Assignee: |
BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.
Deerfield
IL
BAXTER HEALTHCARE S.A.
Wallisellen
|
Family ID: |
38983449 |
Appl. No.: |
11/762380 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/459.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2251/009 20130101;
B65D 2251/0015 20130101; B65D 55/0818 20130101; B65D 51/002
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/459.5 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A packaging system comprising: a container having a closed end,
an open end, a longitudinal axis running through the closed end and
the open end, and an outer surface; a closure assembly fitted to
the open end of the container and having an access port; a
detachable cap disposed over the access port; and a label disposed
about the container, the label having first and second sections
separated by a perforated boundary, the first section of the label
attached at least in part to the outer surface of the container and
extending between the closed end and the perforated boundary, and
the second section extending at least between the perforated
boundary and the cap.
2. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the second section of
the label is attached at least in part to the cap.
3. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the second section of
the label has a background of a color that contrasts with the first
section of the label.
4. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the second section of
the label includes a warning message, the warning message
comprising alphanumeric symbols.
5. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the closure assembly
includes a valve disposed over the open end and a crimp ring with a
first end disposed over a portion of the valve to define the access
port and a second end.
6. The packaging system of claim 5, wherein: the container
comprises a cylindrical glass vial including a wall defining a
closed end and an open end, the wall having an outer surface, an
inner surface defining a receptacle, and a flange-like rim disposed
about the open end; and the second end of the crimp ring is
disposed over a portion of the flange-like rim.
7. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the cap has a top
surface and comprises a warning message defined on the top
surface.
8. A packaging system comprising: a container having a closed end,
an open end, a longitudinal axis running through the closed end and
the open end, and an outer surface; a closure assembly fitted to
the open end of the container and having an access port; a
detachable cap disposed over the access port; and a label disposed
about the container, the label having first and second sections
separated by a perforated boundary, the first section of the label
attached at least in part to the outer surface of the container and
extending between the closed end and the perforated boundary, and
the second section extending at least between the perforated
boundary and the cap, the first section of the label having a first
region and a second region, the first and second regions extending
from the closed end to the perforated boundary, the first and
second regions being angled relative to the longitudinal axis, the
first region consisting essentially of a name of a product and the
second region consisting essentially of a concentration of the
product.
9. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein the second section of
the label is attached at least in part to the cap.
10. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein the second section of
the label has a background of a color that contrasts with the first
section of the label.
11. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein the second section of
the label includes a warning message, the warning message
comprising alphanumeric symbols.
12. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein the closure assembly
includes a valve disposed over the open end and a crimp ring with a
first end disposed over a portion of the valve to define the access
port and a second end.
13. The packaging system of claim 12, wherein: the container
comprises a cylindrical glass vial including a wall defining a
closed end and an open end, the wall having an outer surface, an
inner surface defining a receptacle, and a flange-like rim disposed
about the open end; and the second end of the crimp ring is
disposed over a portion of the flange-like rim.
14. The packaging system of claim 12, wherein the crimp ring is of
a color that contrasts with the first section of the label.
15. The packaging system of claim 12, wherein a warning message is
defined on the crimp ring between the first and second ends of the
crimp ring.
16. The packaging system of claim 12, wherein a warning message is
defined on the crimp ring about the access port.
17. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein the cap has a top
surface and comprises a warning message defined on the top
surface.
18. A method of use of a packaging system comprising a container
having a closed end, an open end, and an outer surface, a closure
assembly fitted to the open end of the container and having an
access port, a detachable cap disposed over the access port, and a
label disposed about the container, the label having first and
second sections separated by a perforated boundary, the first
section of the label attached at least in part to the outer surface
of the container and extending between the closed end and the
perforated boundary, and the second section extending at least
between the perforated boundary and the cap, the method comprising:
grasping the container; breaking the label along the perforated
boundary to separate the first section of the label from the second
section of the label; and removing the second section of the label
and the cap.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein breaking the label comprises:
grasping an edge of the second section of the label; and tearing
the label along the perforated boundary.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the second section of the label
is removed separately from the cap.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This patent is directed to a packaging system and methods of
use, and, in particular, to a packaging system with informational
features and methods of use.
[0002] One common way of administering pharmaceutical products is
by injecting the product in liquid form. Often, the liquid product
will be packaged in a vial in a condition ready for administration.
The vial will have a stopper at one end, through which a needle of
a syringe may be passed so as to draw the product out of the
vial.
[0003] A label is affixed to the outside of the vial so that a
medical professional can determine the contents of the vial. A
textual description of the product will be oriented about the
periphery of the vial, or aligned with the axis of the vial.
Sometimes, a portion or region of the label will be color-coded to
differentiate different products and/or dosages for the
professional that will be administering the product.
[0004] It is important that the label accurately convey the
identification of the product and dosage to the administering
professional. Certain pharmaceuticals (e.g., morphine) are so
powerful that administration of the pharmaceutical except where
indicated is to be avoided whenever possible. Other pharmaceutical
products may contain the same active agent, but at different
concentrations and, therefore, are intended for completely
different purposes (compare Heparin and Hep-Lock products). In
either instance, administration of a product where not indicated
(or contraindicated) may have severe consequences, and may even
lead to the death of the patient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect, a packaging system includes a container
having a closed end, an open end, a longitudinal axis running
through the closed end and the open end, and an outer surface, a
closure assembly fitted to the open end of the container and having
an access port, and a detachable cap disposed over the access port.
The system also includes a label disposed about the container, the
label having first and second sections separated by a perforated
boundary. The first section of the label is attached at least in
part to the outer surface of the container and extends between the
closed end and the perforated boundary. The second section extends
at least between the perforated boundary and the cap.
[0006] In another aspect, a packaging system includes a packaging
system including a container having a closed end, an open end, a
longitudinal axis running through the closed end and the open end,
and an outer surface, a closure assembly fitted to the open end of
the container and having an access port, and a detachable cap
disposed over the access port. The system also includes a label
disposed about the container, the label having first and second
sections separated by a perforated boundary. The first section of
the label is attached at least in part to the outer surface of the
container and extends between the closed end and the perforated
boundary, while the second section extends at least between the
perforated boundary and the cap. The first section of the label has
a first region and a second region, the first and second regions
extending from the closed end to the perforated boundary, the first
and second regions being angled relative to the longitudinal axis,
the first region consisting essentially of a name of a product and
the second region consisting essentially of a concentration of the
product.
[0007] According to still another aspect, a method of use of a
packaging system is provided, the system including a container
having a closed end, an open end, and an outer surface, a closure
assembly fitted to the open end of the container and having an
access port, a detachable cap disposed over the access port, and a
label disposed about the container, the label having first and
second sections separated by a perforated boundary, the first
section of the label attached at least in part to the outer surface
of the container and extending between the closed end and the
perforated boundary, and the second section extending at least
between the perforated boundary and the cap. The method includes
grasping the container, breaking the label along the perforated
boundary to separate the first section of the label from the second
section of the label, and removing the second section of the label
and the cap.
[0008] Additional aspects of the disclosure are defined by the
claims of this patent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the packaging system
according to the present disclosure with a two-part label, the
label being intact;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the packaging system of FIG.
1 with the section of the label separated and the cap removed;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the method of use of the
packaging system of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the packaging system
with the label intact as in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the packaging system
illustrating the angle, taken relative to the longitudinal axis, of
the first and second regions of the first section of the label;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the packaging system according to the present disclosure with a
one-part label; and
[0015] FIG. 7 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a cap
for use with the packaging system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Although the following text sets forth a detailed
description of different embodiments of the invention, it should be
understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the
words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The
detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does
not describe every possible embodiment of the invention since
describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not
impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented,
using either current technology or technology developed after the
filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope
of the claims defining the invention.
[0017] It should also be understood that, unless a term is
expressly defined in this patent using the sentence "As used
herein, the term `_` is hereby defined to mean . . . " or a similar
sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term,
either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary
meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in
scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent
(other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any
term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to
in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that
is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader,
and it is not intended that such claim term be limited, by
implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a
claim element is defined by reciting the word "means" and a
function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended
that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the
application of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, sixth paragraph.
[0018] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an embodiment of packaging system 50
according to the present disclosure and its use. Packaging system
50 may be used for a pharmaceutical product, such as heparin or
morphine. Alternatively, packaging system 50 may be used with other
products. Examples of injectable drugs employed in system 50 may
include, but are not limited to: abarelix, abciximab,
acetazolamide, acetonide, acetylcysteine, acyclovir, adalimumab,
adenosine, adipiodone, agalsidase beta, albumin, aldesleukin,
aldesleukin, alefacept, alemtuzumab, alfentanil, alglucosidase,
allopurinol, alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor, alphacon-1, alprostadil,
alteplase, amifostine, amikacin, aminocaproic acid, aminophylline,
amiodarone, amobarbital, amphotericin b, ampicillin, amrinone,
anakinra, antithrombin iii, antivenom serum, apomorphine,
aprotinin, aredia, argatroban, arginine, aripiprazole,
asparaginase, atenolol, atracurium, atropine, aurothioglucose,
axetil, azacitidine, azathioprine, azithromycin, aztreonam,
bacillus calmette-guerin, bacitracin, basiliximab, benzoic acid,
benztropine, betamethasone, bevacizumab, bivalirudin, bleomycin,
bortezomib, botulinum a toxin, bretylium, bumetanide, bupivacaine,
buprenorphine, busulfan, butorphanol, caffeine, calcitonin
(salmon), calcitriol, capreomycin, carboplatin, carboprost,
carmine, carmustine, carnitine, caspofungin, cefazolin, cefepime,
cefotaxime, cefotetan, cefoxitin, ceftazidime, ceftizoxime,
ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, cefuroxime, cetuximab, chloramphenicol,
chloroprocaine, chlorothiazide, chlorpromazine, chondroitin,
choriogonadotropin alfa, cidofovir, cilastatin, cimetidine,
cinacalcet, ciprofloxacin, cisatracurium, cisplatin, cladribine,
clavulanic acid, clindamycin, clofarabine, clonidine, codeine,
colchicine, colistin, conivaptan, corticorelin, corticotrophin,
cosyntropin, cyanocobalamin, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine,
cysteine, cytarabine, dacarbazine, daclizumab, dactinomycin,
dalfopristin, dalteparin, dantrolene, daptomycin, darbepoetin alfa,
daunorubicin, ddavp, decitabine, deferoxamine, denileukin diftitox,
desmopressin, dexamethasone, dexmedetomidine, dexpanthenol,
dexrazoxane, dextasone, diatrizoic acid, diazepam, diazoxide,
dicyclomine, digibind, digoxin, dihydroergotamine, diltiazem,
dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, dipyridamole, dobutamine,
docetaxel, dolasetron, dopamine, dornase alfa, doxacurium,
doxapram, doxercalciferol, doxorubicin, doxycycline, droperidol,
drotrecogin alfa, dyphylline, eculizumab, edetic acid, edrophonium,
efalizumab, enalaprilat, enoxaparin, ephedrine, epinephrine,
epirubicin, epoetin alpha, epoprostenol, eptacog alfa,
eptifibatide, ergocalciferol, ergocalciferol, ertapenem,
erythromycin, erythropoietin alpha, esmolol, esomeprazole,
estradiol, estrogen, etanercept, ethacrynic acid, ethanolamine,
ethiodized oil, etidronic acid, etomidate, etoposide, exenatide,
factor ii, factor ix, factor vii, factor viii, factor x,
famotidine, fenoldopam, fentanyl, filgrastim, floxuridine,
fluconazole, fludarabine, flumazenil, fluorescein, fluphenazine,
follicle-stimulating hormone, follitropin, fomepizole,
fondaparinux, foscarnet, fosphenytoin, fulvestrant, furosemide,
gadobenic acid, gadodiamide, gadopentetate, gadoteridol,
gadoversetamide, gallium, galsulfase, ganciclovir, ganirelex,
gatifloxacin, gemcitabine, gemtuzumab, gentamicin, glatiramer,
glucagon, glycopyrrolate, gm-csf, gold sodium thiomalate,
gonadorelin, gonadotropin, goserelin, granisetron, haemophilus b
polysaccaride, haloperidol, hemin, heparin, hetastarch,
hexacetonide, histamine, hyaluronic acid, hyaluronidase,
hydralazine, hydrocortisone, hydromorphone, hydroxocobalamin,
hydroxyzine, hylan, hyoscyamine, hypromellose, ibuprofen,
ibutilide, idarubicin, idursulfase, ifosfamide, imatinib mesylate,
imiglucerase, imipenem, immune globulin, indigo, indomethacin,
infliximab, insulin, interferons, iodine, iodixanol, iohexol,
iopamidol, iopromide, iothalamic acid, ioversol, ioxaglic acid,
ioxilan, irinotecan, iron dextran, isoniazid, isophane,
isoproterenol, kanamycin, ketamine, ketorolac, labetalol,
lansoprazole, laronidase, lepirudin, leucovorin, leuprolide,
levetiracetam, levobupivacaine, levofloxacin, levothyroxine,
lidocaine, lincomycin, linezolid, liothyronine, lispro, lorazepam,
luteinising hormone, mechlorethamine, medroxyprogesterone,
melphalan, meperidine, meperidine, mepivacaine, meropenem, mesna,
metaraminol, methadone, methocarbamol, methohexital, methotrexate,
methoxamine, methyldopate, methylene blue, methylergonovine,
methylprednisolone, metoclopramide, metoprolol, metronidazole,
micafungin, midazolam, milrinone, minocycline, mitomycin,
mitoxantrone, mivacurium, mofetil, molybdenum, morphine, morrhuic
acid, moxifloxacin, muromonab-cd3, mycophenolate, nafcillin,
nalbuphine, nalmefene, naloxone, nandrolone, natalizumab,
nelarabine, neostigmine, nesiritide, nicardipine, nitroglycerin,
nitroprusside, norepinephrine, octreotide, olanzapine, omalizumab,
ondansetron, oprelvekin, orphenadrine, ovine, oxacillin,
oxaliplatin, oxymorphone, oxytetracycline, oxytocin, ozogamicin,
paclitaxel, palifermin, palivizumab, palonosetron, pamidronic acid,
pancuronium, panitumumab, pantoprazole, papaverine, paricalcitol,
pegalated interferon alfa-2b, pegaptanib, pegaspargase,
pegfilgrastim, pegvisomant, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin,
pemetrexed, penicillin g, pentamidine, pentazocine, pentobarbital,
pentostatin, phenobarbital, phentolamine, phenylacetic acid,
phenylephrine, phenytoin, physostigmine, phytonadione,
piperacillin, polymyxin b, porfimer, pralidoxime, pramlintide,
prilocaine, procainamide, procaine, prochlorperazine, progesterone,
promethazine, propofol, propranolol, protamine, pyridostigmine
hydroxide, pyridoxine, quinidine, quinupristin, ranitidine,
rasburicase, remifentanil, rho d immune globulin, rifampin,
rituximab, rocuronium, ropivacaine, scopolamine, secretin,
sermorelin, sincalide, somatrem, somatropin, spectinomycin,
streptokinase, streptomycin, streptozocin, succinylcholine,
sufentanil, sulbactam, sulfamethoxazole, sulphan blue, sumatriptan,
tacrolimus, tazobactam, teniposide, terbutaline, teriparatide,
testosterone, tetracaine, tetradecyl sulfate, theophylline,
thiamine, thiopental, thiotepa, thyroid stimulating hormone,
thyrotropin, ticarcillin, tigecycline, tinzaparin, tirofiban,
tobramycin, topotecan, torsemide, tranexamic acid, trastuzumab,
treprostinil, triamcinolone, triflutate, trimethobenzamide,
trimethoprim, trimetrexate, triptorelin, tromethamine, tuberculin,
typhoid vaccine, urofollitropin, urokinase, valproic acid,
vancomycin, varicella, vasopressin, vecuronium, verapamil,
verteporfin, vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine, voriconazole,
warfarin, ziconotide, zidovudine, ziprasidone, zoledronic acid.
System 50, in its various embodiments, may also be useful for the
provision of vaccines, vitamins and other nutritional agents.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, packaging system 50 includes
container 60, closure assembly 70, cap 80, and label 90. Closure
assembly 70 is fitted to an open end of container 60, and includes
an access port. Closure assembly 70 may be resealable. Cap 80 is
fitted over the access port, and label 90 is disposed about
container 60.
[0020] Label 90 has first and second sections 92, 94, separated by
perforated boundary 96. First section 92 of label 90 is attached at
least in part to an outer surface of container 60. Label 90 may
partially or fully cover the perimeter of container 60. First
section 92 of label 90 covers container 60 up to perforated
boundary 96. Second section 94 extends at least between perforated
boundary 96 and cap 80.
[0021] First section 92 of label 90 has first region 100 and,
optionally, second region 102. First and second regions 100, 102
extend from perforated boundary 96 to the opposing edge of first
section 92. First and second regions 100, 102 are angled relative
to longitudinal axis 104 of system 50 (see FIG. 5). First region
100 consists essentially of the name of a product to be packaged in
container 60. Optional second region 102 consists essentially of a
concentration of the product, or other description of the product.
Second section 94 of label 90 may include informational or warning
message 110.
[0022] A method of use of packaging system 50 is illustrated in
FIG. 3. First, a user grasps container 60 (block 112). The user
then breaks label 90 along perforated boundary 96, thereby
separating first section 92 of label 90 from second section 94
(block 114). Boundary 96 may be broken by grasping an edge of
second section 94, preferably normal to the axis 104, and tearing
second section 94 loose from first section 92 and cap 80. This
motion also may result in removal of the section 94 (block 116).
Finally, cap 80 may be removed from container 60 (118). Optionally,
though not preferred, it is possible to remove cap 80 first,
followed by the breaking of boundary 96. Also, the removal of
section 92 and cap 80 may be achieved in a single step.
[0023] Packaging system 50 in general, and label 90 in particular,
includes a number of informational features that assist the user
administering the product packaged in container 60. For instance,
label 90 has been designed to highlight the name and, optionally,
the concentration of the product, or other description of the
product. One way in which the name and concentration have been
highlighted is through the unconventional orientation of regions
100, 102 of label 90, which regions 100, 102 are neither parallel
nor orthogonal to axis 104. Further, by segregating essentially
only the name and concentration to regions 100, 102, label 90
reduces the informational "clutter" that may accompany conventional
presentations. System 50 also requires active manipulation of label
90 during the use of system 50, namely the separation of label 90
along perforated boundary 96. It is believed that active
manipulation of label 90 will improve the user's appreciation of
the informational content of label 90. Each of these features may
contribute to the improvements provided by system 50.
[0024] The embodiment of system 50 illustrated in general terms in
FIGS. 1 and 2 is now described in greater detail with regard to
FIG. 4.
[0025] According to the present embodiment of system 50, container
60 may be in the form of a vial. Vial 60 may be cylindrical in
shape, and may be made of a materials such as glass or plastic, for
example. The vial may have wall 120 that defines first, closed end
122 and second, open end 124. Wall 120 may have outer surface 126
and inner surface 128, which in turn defines receptacle 130. Wall
120 may also define flange-like rim 132 that is disposed about open
end 124. Given the cylindrical shaped of vial 60, rim 132 may have
an annular shape, with outermost edge 134 and opposing surfaces
136, 138.
[0026] As mentioned previously, system 50 has longitudinal axis
104. As illustrated best in FIGS. 1 and 5, closed end 122 and open
end 124 of vial 60 may have a substantially circular shape, with
centerpoints, one of which (142) is shown. According to at least
the illustrated embodiment of vial 60, longitudinal axis 104 may
pass through centerpoints 142 of closed and open ends 122, 124.
[0027] Fitted to open end 124 of vial 60 is closure assembly 70.
According to the illustrated embodiment, closure assembly 70 may
include valve 150 and crimp ring 152. Valve 150 controls access to
open end 124 of vial 60, while crimp ring 152 maintains the
position of valve 150 at open end 124.
[0028] Valve 150 may be defined by a layer of Teflon-coated rubber,
the layer having opposing first and second surfaces 162, 164 and
outer edge 166. Given the cylindrical geometry of vial 60, outer
edge 166 of valve 150 may be circular in shape. Given the material
used, the layer may be punctured repeatedly by a needle, for
example, but reseal thereafter so as to limit movement of product
disposed in receptacle 130 through open end 124.
[0029] Crimp ring 152 may be defined by cylindrical metal sleeve
170 having a cylindrical shape. Sleeve 170 has first end 172 with
annular metal band 174 that defines circular opening 176. Sleeve
170 also has intermediate, tube-like portion 178 and second end
180.
[0030] As assembled, valve 150 is disposed with second surface 164
disposed over open end 124 of vial 60 abutting surface 136. Edge
166 of valve 150 may, but need not necessarily, extend to outermost
edge 134 of rim 132. Crimp ring 152 may be disposed over the
assembly of valve 150 and vial 60, such that first end 172 abuts
first surface 162 of valve 150. Opening 176 thereby defines access
port 182 for closure assembly 70. With first end 172 abutting first
surface 162, second end 180 is disposed over and about rim 132 such
that second end 180 abuts surface 138.
[0031] Disposed over access port 182 is cap 80. Cap 80 may be made
of a plastic or metal material. Cap 80 may have opposing surfaces
190, 192 and downturned edge 194. Cap 80 is disposed over crimp
ring 152 such that surface 192 abuts first end 172 of ring 152.
Furthermore, cap 80 may be attached to closure assembly 70, and in
particular the portion of closure assembly 70 that defines access
port 182, with a releasable adhesive or by friction fitting, for
example.
[0032] Returning to label 90, label 90 may be made of paper or
other material suitable for printing that has been backed, at least
in part, with an adhesive. The adhesive used with label 90 may
require label 90 to be torn to remove label 90 from the surface to
which it is affixed. First section 92 of label 90 may be attached
at least in part to outer surface 126 of vial 60. Second section 94
of label 90 may be attached at least in part to cap 80, and in
particular edge 194.
[0033] First section 92 may extend from first edge 200 generally
aligned with closed end 122 of vial 60 to perforated boundary 96.
First region 100 of first section 92 may thus extend substantially
from closed end 122 of vial 60 to perforated boundary 96.
Similarly, second region 102 of first section 92 may also
substantially extend from closed end 122 to perforated boundary
96.
[0034] First and second regions 100, 102 may, as noted above, be
angled relative to longitudinal axis 104. The nature of this
relationship is shown particularly in FIG. 5. As will be noted, to
be angled relative to the longitudinal axis means that regions 100,
102 are not aligned with axis 104 (parallel to axis 104), nor do
regions 100, 102 lie in a plane that is orthogonal or substantially
orthogonal to longitudinal axis 104. Rather, regions 100, 102 lie
in planes that make non-zero, non-right angle .theta. with
longitudinal axis 104. By contrast, the text in remainder 202 of
first section 92 may be aligned either along axis 104 or orthogonal
or substantially orthogonal to axis 104.
[0035] According to certain embodiments, the angle of regions 100,
102 relative to axis 104 may lie in the range of between twenty and
eighty degrees, and more preferably in the range of between thirty
degrees and sixty degrees. As illustrated, the angle may be
forty-five degrees. Shallower and steeper angles may be possible in
certain embodiments.
[0036] However, in selecting the angle of regions 100, 102, it is
presently believed that the angle should not be selected so shallow
as to extend region 100, 102 more than half-way about the periphery
of container 60. That is, if region 100, 102 extends through more
than about 180 degrees about the periphery of container 60, the
user may not be able to visualize all of the information contained
in region 100, 102 at a single time. To maximize the possibility
that all of the information in a given region 100, 102 may be read
by the user at one time, the angle of inclination of region 100,
102 may thus be limited.
[0037] First and second regions 100, 102 may have a contrasting
background color in regard to remainder 202 of first section 92 of
label 90. That is, if remainder 202 of label 90 has a tan
background color, for example, regions 100, 102 may have a neutral
color or white for the background color. A contrasting background
color may further differentiate regions 100, 102 in combination
with the angled nature of regions 100, 102.
[0038] A still further differentiation of regions 100, 102, and in
particular the text used in regions 100, 102, may be provided
through the use of a contrasting font type or font size. For
example, while the text in remainder 202 of first section 92 of the
label may have a six point font size, the text in regions 100, 102
may have a ten point font size. In fact, it may be recognized that
by angling regions 100, 102 relative to axis 104, regions 100, 102
may include more area than a region oriented parallel to or
orthogonal to axis 104, thus permitting use of a larger font size.
Similar to the contrasting background color, the contrasting
background font may further differentiate regions 100, 102. Any
font size may be printed on regions 100, 102 and sections 92, 94,
so long as such sizes identify the product, other descriptions and
warnings to the user of the product.
[0039] It will be recognized that while the illustrated embodiment
uses angled regions 100, 102 with contrasting color and font size,
it is not a requirement of the present disclosure that all three
features be used in combination. For example, angled regions 100,
102 may be used in combination with neither, either or both of the
contrasting color and the contrasting font size.
[0040] Second section 94 may extend from perforated boundary 96 to
second edge 210. Second edge 210 may be disposed above edge 194 of
cap 80. According to certain embodiments, such as the embodiment
illustrated, second edge 210 may be generally aligned with first
surface 190 of cap 80.
[0041] Second section 94 may have a contrasting background color
relative to first section 92 of label 90. In particular, while
first section 92 may feature background colors of tan and white,
for example, second section 94 may feature a background color such
as red. Preferably, colors such as red, orange and fluorescent
yellow may be used for the background color of second section 94.
Any color combination may be employed in sections 92, 94, but
preferably such section colors contrast to aid the practitioner in
using system 50. As noted above, it is not necessary for all
embodiments of present system 50 to use such colors, although it
may aid in differentiating warning message 110 displayed in second
section 94 from other portions of label 90.
[0042] Warning message 110 may be textual, in the form of
alphanumeric characters, for example. However, warning message 110
is not limited to alphanumeric characters. For example, icons or
symbols may be used in combination with or in substitution for
alphanumeric message 110. For that matter, message 110 may be
conveyed without any icons, symbols, or characters at all, but by
the color of section 94 alone. If a textual message is incorporated
into warning message 110, then the font size of the text may be
varied relative to that used in one or more regions 100, 102, 202
of first section 92 of label 90 to create differentiation.
[0043] It will be further recognized that a number of variants are
possible, not only relative to the structures already discussed,
but relative to additional features that may be combined with or
substituted for those already described.
[0044] For example, second section 92 of label 90 may be optional,
and may not be included according to all embodiments of system 50
according to the present disclosure. An illustration of such an
embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 6, with similar parts numbered
similarly. Label 220 is disposed about vial 60. Label 220 has a
single section with first region 222 and, optionally, second region
224. The remainder of label 220 is indicated as 226. Regions 222,
224 lie in planes that make a non-zero, non-right angle with a
longitudinal axis of the vial 60, similar to regions 100, 102. In
general, other than the fact that the label 220 has but a single
section, the comments made relative regions 100, 102 and remainder
202 may apply with equal force to regions 222, 224 and reminder
226. In fact, such a label with angled regions may be used with
containers other than a vial, as shown; the label may be used with
ampuls, syringes, and other devices. It will also be recognized
that the perforated boundary may be used in a label without the
angled regions in the first section of the label.
[0045] As another example of an alternative embodiment, crimp ring
152 may have a color that contrasts with one or more of regions
100, 102, 202 of first section 92 of label 90. In this regard,
color of crimp ring 152 may preferably be red, orange or
fluorescent yellow, similar to the color of second section 94 of
label 90.
[0046] Further, crimp ring 152 may have a warning message displayed
on a portion or area of ring 152. For example, ring 152 may have a
warning message defined or displayed on intermediate region 178
between first and second ends 172, 180. Alternatively, the warning
message may be defined or displayed on band 174 disposed about
opening 176 that defines, in part, access port 182. Similar
comments to those made above relative to warning message 110 may be
made in regard to the warning message displayed on crimp ring
152.
[0047] Additionally or in the alternative, warning message 240 may
be displayed or defined on a portion or area of cap 80. For
example, the message may be displayed or defined on surface 190 of
cap 80. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 7, message 240 may be
disposed about the periphery of surface 190 of cap 80.
* * * * *