U.S. patent application number 13/133977 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-24 for single piece re-closable unit pack.
Invention is credited to Urja Bhooshan Kulkarni, Avinash Shantaram Mlandale, Praful Ramachandra Naik.
Application Number | 20110284532 13/133977 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42242406 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110284532 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Naik; Praful Ramachandra ;
et al. |
November 24, 2011 |
SINGLE PIECE RE-CLOSABLE UNIT PACK
Abstract
The present invention relates to a one piece re-closable unit
pack comprising a first layered structure (1) wherein one or
plurality of containment(s) (2) are formed to contain product(s)
wherein the said containment(s) (2) up stand from first surface of
the said first layered structure (1) thereby creating one or
plurality of corresponding opening/s on the second surface of the
said first layered structure, a second layered structure (3)
affixed to the unformed region of the second surface of the first
layered structure (1) wherein portion of the second layered
structure (3) corresponding to the opening of the containment(s)
(2) is ruptured to remove the product, at least one portion (10)
comprising the containment(s) (2) wherein the region (4) between
the said portions (10, 20) is foldable; optionally one or plurality
of unformed portion/s, optionally constructed to provide child
resistant capability and/or unique identifiers to authenticate a
packaged product.
Inventors: |
Naik; Praful Ramachandra;
(Maharashtra, IN) ; Mlandale; Avinash Shantaram;
(Maharashtra, IN) ; Kulkarni; Urja Bhooshan;
(Maharashtra, IN) |
Family ID: |
42242406 |
Appl. No.: |
13/133977 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
October 15, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IN2009/000578 |
371 Date: |
August 10, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2575/3218 20130101;
B65D 2215/00 20130101; B65D 2203/02 20130101; B65D 75/327
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/6 |
International
Class: |
B65D 6/00 20060101
B65D006/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 12, 2008 |
IN |
2597/MUM/2008 |
Jun 9, 2009 |
IN |
1389/MUM/2009 |
Claims
1. A single piece re-closable unit pack comprising a first layered
structure wherein one or plurality of containment(s) are formed to
contain product(s) wherein the said containment(s) up stand from
first surface of the said first layered structure thereby creating
one or plurality of corresponding opening/s on the second surface
of the said first layered structure, a second layered structure
affixed to the unformed region of the second surface of the first
layered structure wherein portion of the second layered structure
corresponding to the opening of the containment(s) is ruptured to
remove the product, at least one portion comprising the
containment(s) wherein the region between the said portions is
foldable; optionally one or plurality of unformed portion/s;
engaging and corresponding receiving provision disposed on the said
portion's such that the said portions are held together when
folded.
2. A single piece re-closable unit pack comprising a first layered
structure wherein one or plurality of containment(s) are formed to
contain product(s) wherein the said containment(s) up stand from
first surface of the said first layered structure thereby creating
one or plurality of corresponding opening/s on the second surface
of the said first layered structure, a second layered structure
affixed to the unformed region of the second surface of the first
layered structure wherein portion(s) of the second layered
structure corresponding to the opening of the containment(s) is
ruptured to remove the product, at least two portions comprising
the containment(s) wherein the region between the said portions is
foldable; optionally one or plurality of unformed portion's wherein
the said containment(s) of each of the said portions are disposed
such that upon folding the said portions, containment(s) do not
overlap; engaging and corresponding receiving provision disposed on
the said portion/s such that the said portions are held together
when folded.
3. A single piece re-closable unit pack as claimed in claim 1
comprising of a first layered structure in which one or plurality
of enclosed spaces containment(s) are formed to contain the
product(s) wherein the said containment(s) up stand from first
surface of the said first layered structure defining one or
plurality of corresponding opening/s in a second surface of the
said first layered structure; a second layered structure that
encloses the said containment wherein portion of the enclosing
layered structure corresponding/superimposed to the containment
portion is ruptured/removed while removing the product wherein the
said second layered structure is affixed to the unformed portion of
the second surface of the first layered structure to enclose the
said openings to seal the products in the upstanding
containment(s); an unformed portion/region that is disposed between
the first, second and the third portion wherein the first portion
comprises of cluster of containment(s) of the formed cavities and
the said second and third portions are unformed; the region between
the said three portions is adapted for fold/to facilitate fold such
that the said portions are laid down/overlay on each other upon
folding; an engaging provision provided in the form a raised
regions/projections disposed along the periphery of the said third
portion wherein corresponding to raised regions/projections there
is provided a receiving provision in the form of an opening to
removably receive the said projections on the first portion;
wherein the first and second portions are provided with stiffner
provision along the periphery wherein the unformed region between
the said first and second portion is folded so that the first
portion overlays on the second portion to cover the containments of
the said first portion, the unformed region between the said
portions second and third portion is folded so as to overlay on the
first portion.
4. A single piece re-closable unit pack as claimed in claim 1-2
wherein the engaging and corresponding receiving provision is
provided on the said first layered structure in the form of a
raised region in the vicinity of the said containment(s) on one of
the said portions wherein corresponding to raised region is
provided with a receiving provision in the form of a recesses to
removably receive the said raised region such that when folded the
said raised region is pressfitted in the recesses.
5. A single piece re-closable unit pack as claimed in claims 1-4
wherein the boundary of the said portions is defined by a formed
region bounding the containment (s) in the said first layered
structure to function as stiffener.
6. A single piece re-closable unit pack as claimed in claims 1-5
wherein engaging provision is in the form of a stripe that is an
extension of the first portion wherein the said strips one of the
ends is in the vicinity of the said recesses as claimed in claim 4
wherein the said first portion is provided with a receiving
provision in the form of a slot to removably receive other end of
the said stripe that is adapted to pressfit in the said slot
wherein the length of the said stripe is such that upon folding
said portion on each other the said stripe wraps around the package
and the said other end is pressfitted in the said slot.
7. A single piece re-closable unit pack as claimed in claims 1-6
comprising a first layered structure wherein one or plurality of
containment(s) are formed to contain product(s) wherein the said
containment(s) up stand from first surface of the said first
layered structure thereby creating one or plurality of
corresponding opening/s on the second surface of the said first
layered structure, a second layered structure affixed to the
unformed region of the second surface of the first layered
structure wherein portion of the second layered structure
corresponding to the opening of the containment(s) is ruptured to
remove the product, at least two portions comprising the
containment(s) wherein the region between the said portions is
foldable; optionally one or plurality of unformed portion/s wherein
the said containment(s) of each of the said portions are disposed
such that upon folding the said portions, containment(s) do not
overlap, an extended unformed planar portion is provided as an
extension to the first portion wherein the said extended planar
portion is adapted to be folded over the said first portion, an
engaging provision provided on the one of the ends of the said
planar portion that is removably pressfited in the receiving
provision in the form of a slot of the unformed portion between the
said first and second portion to engage the said extended
portion.
8. A single piece re-closable unit pack as claimed in claims 1-7
comprising a central triangular portion provided with an opening at
one of the corners, three triangular portions disposed along the
three edges of the said central portion wherein the first portion
is foldably disposed such that the first layered structure as
claimed in claim 1 in which one or plurality of enclosed spaces
containment(s) are formed to contain the product(s) is in the same
plane and upper surface side of the central planar portion, an
engaging provision that projects from the first planar portion; the
second triangular planar portion that is foldably disposed along
the second edge of the said central portion in such a manner that
the enclosed spaces containment(s) up stand on the opposite face of
the said central portion, that is the second repturable layered
structure adjoins the upper surface of the said central portion;
the third triangular planar portion that is foldably disposed along
third edge of the said central planar portion wherein this planar
portion is provided with a receiving provision in the form of a
slot at the base and a stripe extended from the apex wherein the
third said planar portion is folded such that it overlays on the
said central portion such that the containment(s) are on the upper
surface and the first portion is folded so as to overlay on the
capsule side of the said third planar portion wherein the
containment(s) of the first portion are disposed in a manner with
respect to the containment(s) of the said third portion such that
they do not overlap when the said portions overlay wherein the said
stripe wraps around the three portions and fits in the said slot so
as to hold the portions together when folded.
9. A single piece re-closable unit pack as claimed in claims 1-8
wherein the fold comprises of perforations and/or scoring to
facilitate fold/s.
10. A single piece re-closable unit pack as claimed in claim 9
wherein the foldable region comprises of scoring wherein when
folded the said region protrudes outwards in a convex profile.
11. A single piece re-closable unit pack as claimed in claims 1-10
wherein the unit pack is provided with an identification tag for
identifying the package for authentication wherein the tag
comprises at least two sets of identification information, said at
least two sets of identification information comprising a first set
of identification information and a second set of identification
information each arranged within a different surface, side or plane
of the identification tag, and identification features of said
first set of identification information and identification features
of said second set of identification information are arranged at a
fixed relative spatial position with respect to each other, said
fixed spatial relationship being used for identifying the package
system.
12. A single piece re-closable unit pack as claimed in claims 1-11
wherein a reader means is provided to identify and read the unique
identification information on the said package wherein the reader
means is suitably able to detect the identification information
relating to the product package and conveys the information or
generates a signal in response to the information which is
communicable to the external device. Suitably, the information is
encoded and preferably is optical, electronic, magnetic or a
combination thereof.
13. A single piece re-closable unit pack as claimed in claims 1-12
wherein the pack is provided with a means to detect disengagement
of the said engaging provision from the receiving provision to
monitor and/or record of package and/or product access from the
package system wherein the pack is provided with a wired/wireless
communication means capable of interacting with external/remote
device/s.
14. A single piece re-closable unit pack as claimed in claims 1-13
wherein embedded system is adapted to fit in/on the said pack to
detect disengagement of the said engaging provision from the
receiving provision to monitor and/or record of package and/or
product access from the package system wherein the said sensing
means comprises of signal generating provision/s, data processing
means, data logging and storing means configured with a
communication means an optional communication switch, a power
source, optional audio signal generating means, an oscillator
wherein the said signal generating means gets activated upon
disengaging the said package from the package holding provision
wherein the activation of the signal generating provision may be
done by various means such as electronic, mechanical, optical,
visual.
15. A single piece re-closable unit pack wherein the package is
adapted to fit external engaging and corresponding receiving
provisions folding region wherein engaging provision in the form of
a pressing means operationally coupled with the receiving provision
in the form of flaps that are adapted to hold the layered
structures of the package together wherein the provision comprises
of a engaging provision in the form of a press button/switch
wherein upon pressing the said press button/switch the flaps are
raised resulting in disengagement of the two portions of the
package.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a one piece re-closable
unit pack such as blister pack and method of manufacturing the
same. Further the said re-closable and lockable blister pack is
optionally constructed to provide child resistant capability and/or
unique identifiers to aid in establishing the authenticity and
genuineness of a packaged product.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Packs such as blister packs that comprises of one or
plurality of deformable protrusions formed in a flexible sheet with
a closure for each of the protrusions are primarily but not
exclusively used to packaged in products such as medicaments.
Products in blister packs are either sold as such or are generally
encased in a container for extra protection during transportation
and handling. The container serves multiple purposes like providing
protection to the blister pack(s), serve as a substrate to display
product information and/or usage instructions, lockable provisions
to serve as child resistant packs, etc. Further, establishing the
authenticity and genuineness of a packaged product is essential as
counterfeited products when consumed can cause grave harm to the
end users.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,202 discloses a Paperboard blank for a
self-contained, reclosable package. It relates to paperboard blanks
which are used to form self-contained, reclosable packages.
Structures of this type, generally, are comprised of one piece of
paperboard that when folded act as an outer package when sealed and
an innovative reclosable package after being opened.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,829 discloses a unit dose packaging
system (UDPS) having a child resistant locking feature. The
invention relates to a two piece paperboard package that houses a
unit dose product on an internal slide card within an outer
paperboard shell. This package may have one or more internal or
external lock(s) that prevent the slide card from being pulled out
without triggering some type of lock release mechanism. This
package is focused around providing a child resistant,
senior-friendly unit dose package that can be opened and closed
numerous times and then finally disposed of.
[0005] There is an unfulfilled need in the market place for single
piece re-closable packages especially blister packs that do not
need additional encasing systems and are yet capable of being child
resistant. Additionally, many clinical indications require the
patient to take limited dosages and hence the packaging must be
tailored to meet such a need so as to ensure patient compliance and
also avoid wastage of the medicines, yet has the capability of
being re-closable and also eliminating the need of additional
carton/closure to encase/house the pack along with optional child
resistant characteristics. Further, it is desirable to provide such
single piece re-closable child resistant packs with unique
identifiers to aid in establishing the authenticity and genuineness
of a packaged product and for diverse applications including
anticounterfeiting, pharmaco-vigilence in clinical trials,
enhancing patience compliance, etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The main object of the invention is to provide a single
piece re-closable unit pack such as blister pack and method of
manufacturing the same.
[0007] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a single
piece re-closable unit pack such as a blister pack that requires
the patient to take limited dosages to ensure patient compliance
and also avoid wastage of the medicines
[0008] Further object of the invention is to provide a unit pack
such that the portions of the same portions are held together when
folded.
[0009] Other object of the invention is to provide a child safe yet
senior friendly unit pack with a self enclosing/re-closing
capability that eliminates the need of additional carton/closure to
encase/house the pack for enabling/rendering child resistant
characteristics.
[0010] Yet another object of the invention is to provide child
resistant characteristics in a blister pack without using
additional housing/enclosure/carton.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a system and
method of manufacturing the child resistant blister pack.
[0012] Yet another object of the invention is to use preferably
same material of the blister for rendering child resistant
characteristics.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a uniquely
identifiable package.
[0014] Yet another object of the invention is to provide at least
two sets of identification information on the product package.
[0015] Another object of the invention is to detect and record
access of the product package from the closure and communicate to
the external device.
[0016] Another object of the invention is to enhance visibility of
graphics/matter on the closure of the blister pack to the end
user.
[0017] Yet another object of the invention is to optimally utilize
unit pack for displaying graphics/matter/information related to the
product/unit pack.
[0018] Thus one aspect of the invention provides a unit pack
comprising:
A single piece re-closable unit pack comprising a first layered
structure wherein one or plurality of containment(s) are formed to
contain product(s) wherein the said containment(s) up stand from
first surface of the said first layered structure thereby creating
one or plurality of corresponding opening/s on the second surface
of the said first layered structure, a second layered structure
affixed to the unformed region of the second surface of the first
layered structure wherein portion of the second layered structure
corresponding to the opening of the containment(s) is ruptured to
remove the product, at least two portions comprising the
containment(s) wherein the region between the said portions is
foldable; optionally one or plurality of unformed portion/s;
wherein the said containment(s) of each of the said portions are
disposed such that upon folding the said portions, containment(s)
do not overlap; engaging and corresponding receiving provision
disposed on the said portion/s such that the said portions are held
together when folded.
[0019] In another aspect of the invention there is provided a
single piece re-closable unit pack comprising
a first layered structure wherein one or plurality of
containment(s) are formed to contain product(s) wherein the said
containment(s) up stand from first surface of the said first
layered structure thereby creating one or plurality of
corresponding opening/s on the second surface of the said first
layered structure, a second layered structure affixed to the
unformed region of the second surface of the first layered
structure wherein portion of the second layered structure
corresponding to the opening of the containment(s) is ruptured to
remove the product, single portion comprising the containment(s)
and at least one unformed portion wherein the region between the
said portions is foldable; engaging and corresponding receiving
provision disposed on the said portion/s such that the said
portions are held together when folded.
[0020] In another aspect of the invention a reader device is
provided to identify and read the unique identification information
on the said package.
[0021] In another aspect of the invention a reader means is
provided to identify and read the unique identification information
on the said package wherein the reader means is suitably able to
detect the identification information relating to the product
package and conveys the information or generates a signal in
response to the information which is communicable to the external
device. Suitably, the information is encoded and preferably is
optical, electronic or magnetic wherein the reader means comprises
of
one or more reading elements arranged to correspond to the position
of each set of identification information on the package for
reading the at least two sets of identification information;
wherein the said reader means is adapted to read a signal from the
at least one identification feature of each of the at least two
sets of identification information arranged on or incorporated
within different surfaces, sides or planes of the package, and
wherein the reading device is configured such that it defines the
spatial relationship between a first discrete area of the first set
of identification information to be read and a second discrete area
of the second set of identification information to be read, and
determining, using the reading device, at least one characteristic
of a property of the at least one identification feature of the
first set of identification features, thereby obtaining a first
signal, determining, using the reading device, at least one
characteristic of a property of the at least one identification
feature of the second set of identification features, thereby
obtaining a second signal, using a processing unit to
derive/form/generate at least one signature for the object, using
said first and said second signals (and thereby inherently or
explicitly the features' spatial relationship).
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent in the following detailed description and the preferred
embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0023] FIG. 1 Schematic of the package (Sheet 1)
[0024] FIG. 2 Schematic of the package (Sheet 2--FIG. 1 of patent
of addition)
[0025] FIG. 3 Schematic of the package (Sheet 3)
[0026] FIG. 4 Schematic of the package (Sheet 4--FIG. 2 of patent
of addition)
[0027] FIG. 5 Schematic view of the package (Sheet 5)
[0028] FIG. 6 Schematic view of the package (Sheet 6)
[0029] FIG. 7 Schematic view of the package (Sheet 7)
[0030] FIG. 8 Schematic view of the package (Sheet 8)
[0031] FIG. 9 Schematic view of the package (Sheet 9)
[0032] FIG. 10 Schematic view of the package (Sheet 10)
[0033] FIG. 11 Schematic view of the package (Sheet 11)
[0034] FIG. 12 Schematic view of the package (Sheet 12)
[0035] FIG. 13 Schematic view of the package (Sheet 13)
[0036] FIG. 14 Schematic view of the package (Sheet 14)
[0037] One of the embodiments of the packs is depicted in FIG. 1.
It comprises of a first layered structure 1 in the form of a mono
or multi layered structure in which one or plurality of enclosed
spaces containment(s) 2 are formed to contain the product(s)
wherein the said containment(s) up stand from first surface of the
said first layered structure defining one or plurality of
corresponding opening/s in a second surface of the said first
layered structure (not shown). The pack further comprises of a
second rupturable layered structure 3 (closure) that encloses the
said containment(s) wherein portion of the enclosing lamina
corresponding/superimposed to the containment(s) portion is
ruptured/removed while removing the product wherein the said
layered structure is secured/bonded/affixed/attached to the
unformed portion of the second surface of the first layered
structure to enclose the said openings to seal the products in the
upstanding containment(s). A unformed portion/region 4 is disposed
between the portions indicated as 10 and 20 where cluster of
containment(s) portion of the formed cavities wherein the said
portion 4 is adapted for fold/to facilitate fold along the lines
indicated as 5 of the first and second layered structure such that
the portions 10 and 20 are laid down/overlay on each other upon
folding as shown in the figure. The containment(s) are disposed in
a manner on the said formed portions such that upon folding they do
not overlap and are interspaced between each other so
containment(s) of a portion 10 is placed in the space between the
two capsules of portions 20. To hold both the portions together
when folded, an engaging provision is provided in the form of a
raised region/projection 7 in the vicinity of the said portion 10
wherein corresponding to raised region/projection 7 is provided
with a receiving provision in the form of a recesses 8 to removably
receive 7 on the other portion 20 such that when folded 7 is
pressfitted in the recesses 8 as shown in the FIG. 1c. Optionally
the boundary of the portions 10 and 20 are defined by stiffners in
the form of formed portion indicated as 9 in FIG. 1(c).
[0038] One of the embodiments of the packs, for the purpose of
clinical conditions of patients needing limited doses, is depicted
in FIG. 2. It comprises of a first layered structure 1 in the form
of a mono or multi layered structure in which one or plurality of
enclosed spaces containment(s) 2 are formed to contain the
product(s) wherein the said containment(s) up stand from first
surface of the said first layered structure defining one or
plurality of corresponding opening/s in a second surface of the
said first layered structure (not shown). The pack further
comprises of a second rupturable layered structure 3 (closure)
(refer FIG. 2(c)) that encloses the said containment(s) wherein
portion of the enclosing lamina corresponding/superimposed to the
containment(s) portion is ruptured/removed while removing the
product wherein the said layered structure is
secured/bonded/affixed/attached to the unformed portion of the
second surface of the first layered structure to enclose the said
openings to seal the products in the upstanding containment(s). As
shown in FIG. 2(b), an unformed portion/region 4 is disposed
between the portions indicated as 10 and 20 wherein the portion 20
comprises of cluster of containment(s) portion of the formed
cavities wherein the said portion 4 is adapted for fold/to
facilitate fold such that the portions 10 and 20 are laid
down/overlay on each other upon folding as shown in the FIG. 2(c).
(The provision of clusters in only one portion reduces multiple
pass of the sheet through the forming machine This sentence as is
in the patent of Addition is not correct indication of forming of
sheet with multiple portions each with blisters and problems of
forming therein.)
[0039] To hold both the portions together when folded, an engaging
provision is provided in the form of a raised region/projection 7
in the vicinity of the said portion 10 wherein corresponding to
raised region/projection 7 is provided with a receiving provision
in the form of a recesses 8 to removably receive 7 on the other
portion 20 such that when folded 7 is press-fitted in the recesses
8. Optionally the boundary of the portions 10 and 20 are defined by
stiffners in the form of formed portion indicated as 9 in FIG.
2(c).
[0040] Another variant of this embodiment is depicted in FIG. 3
wherein engaging and corresponding receiving provision to hold the
said portions together when folded is provided in the form of a
stripe 80 that functions as engaging provision in addition to the
means 7. One of the ends of the said stripe is
attached/integrated/extended portion of (from) the said second
layered structure from the region in the vicinity of the said
recesses 8 as depicted in the FIG. 3(b). The said portion 20 is
provided with a slot 90 to removably receive other end 85 of the
stripe 80 that is adapted to pressfit in the said slot. The length
of the said stripe 80 is such that upon folding said portion 20 on
10 as shown in FIG. 3(c), the said stripe wraps around the package
and the end 85 is pressfitted in the said slot 90 as shown in the
FIG. 3(d). Further, upon folding the projection 7 also pressfits in
the said recesses 8. In operation, user has to release the end 85,
unwrap the said stripe and further release the said projection 7
from recess 8 with slight force to unfold the package and access
product.
[0041] Yet another embodiment is depicted in FIG. 4. As described
in FIG. 2, it comprises of a first layered structure 1 in which one
or plurality of enclosed spaces containment(s) 2 are formed to
contain the product(s) wherein the said containment(s) up stand
from first surface of the said first layered structure defining one
or plurality of corresponding opening/s in a second surface of the
said first layered structure (not shown). The pack further
comprises of a second layered structure 3 (closure) that encloses
the said containment wherein portion of the enclosing layered
structure corresponding/superimposed to the containment portion is
ruptured/removed while removing the product wherein the said second
layered structure is secured/bonded/affixed/attached to the
unformed portion of the second surface of the first layered
structure to enclose the said openings to seal the products in the
upstanding containment(s).
[0042] An unformed portion/region 4 is disposed between the
portions indicated as portion 10 of cluster of containment(s) of
the formed cavities and unformed portion indicated by 20 and
between the unformed portions indicated by 20 and 30 wherein the
said portion 4 is adapted for fold/to facilitate fold such that the
portions 10 and 20 and portions 10 and 30 are laid down/overlay on
each other upon folding as shown in the FIG. 4(b) and FIG. 4(c)
respectively. To hold both the portions together when folded, an
engaging provision is provided in the form raised
regions/projections 7 disposed along the periphery of the portion
30 wherein corresponding to raised regions/projections 7 is
provided with a receiving provisions in the form of an opening 8 to
removably receive 7 on the other portion 10 such that when folded 7
is engaged in the opening 8 as shown in the FIG. 4(c). The portions
10 and 20 are provided with stiffener provision 11 and 21
respectively along the periphery of the said portions as seen in
FIG. 4(b). As shown in FIG. 4(c) the unformed portion between the
said portions 10 and 20 is folded so that the portion 10 overlays
on the portion 20 to cover the containments of portion 10. Further
the unformed portion between the said portions 20 and 30 is folded
so as to overlay on the portion 10.
[0043] Yet another embodiment is depicted in FIG. 5. As described
in FIG. 1, it comprises of a first layered structure 1 in which one
or plurality of enclosed spaces containment(s) 2 are formed to
contain the product(s) wherein the said containment(s) up stand
from first surface of the said first layered structure defining one
or plurality of corresponding opening/s in a second surface of the
said first first layered structure (not shown). The pack further
comprises of a second rupturable layered structure 3 (closure) that
encloses the said containment wherein portion of the enclosing
layered structure corresponding/superimposed to the containment
portion is ruptured/removed while removing the product wherein the
said second layered structure is secured/bonded/affixed/attached to
the unformed portion of the second surface of the first layered
structure to enclose the said openings to seal the products in the
upstanding containment(s). A unformed portion/region 4 is disposed
between the portions indicated as 10 and 20 where cluster of
containment(s) portion of the formed cavities wherein the said
portion 4 is adapted for fold/to facilitate fold such the portions
10 and 20 are laid down/overlay on each other upon folding as shown
in the FIG. 5(b). To hold both the portions together when folded,
an engaging provision is provided in the form of a raised
region/projection 36 in the vicinity of the said portion 20 wherein
corresponding to raised region/projection 36 is provided with a
receiving provision in the form of an opening 35 to removably
receive 36 on the other portion 10 such that when folded 36 is
engaged in the opening 35 as shown in the FIG. 5d. The
containment(s) are disposed in a manner on the said formed portions
such that upon folding they are not overlapped and are interspaced
between each other such that containment(s) of a portion 10 is
placed in the space between the two containment(s) of portions 20.
Further, an extended unformed planer portion 25 is provided as an
extension to the portion 20 in the form of a lamina wherein cluster
of containment(s) is not provided. The said extended planer portion
is adapted to be folded along line 26 as shown in FIG. 5(b).
Further the said extended portion is provided with a engaging and
receiving provision 30 that is removably pressfited in the slot 31
to engage the said extended portion. As shown in FIG. 5(d) and (e),
the planer portion of 10 overlays the planer portion 20 wherein the
planer portion 25 overlays on the unformed portion, that is said
second layered structure (closure) of planer portion 10 and the
said provision 30 is inserted in the slot 31. In operation, user
has to release the end 30 of the said planer portion 25 from the
said slot 31 followed by disengaging the said projection 36 from
the opening 35 to access the product. FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 depicts
variants of the invention and the engaging and receiving provisions
used for holding the portions together when folded.
[0044] Another embodiment of the package is elaborated in FIG. 10.
It comprises of a central triangular layered structure planer
portion 80 provided with an opening 81 at one of the corners. Three
layered structured planer triangular portions are disposed along
the three edges of the said central portion 80. The said three
portions are integral part of the said central portion. The first
planer portion 83 is foldably disposed such that the first layered
structure (as described in FIG. 1) in which one or plurality of
containment(s) 84 are formed to contain the product(s) is in the
same plane and upper surface side of the central planer portion 80
as indicated in FIG. 10. Further, an engaging provision 85 is
provided in the form of a projection the first planer portion 83.
The second triangular planer portion 86 is foldably disposed along
the second edge of the said central portion 80 in such a manner
that the enclosed spaces containment(s) upstand on the opposite
face of the said central portion, that is the second repturable
layered structure adjoins the upper surface of the said central
portion 80. Further, the third triangular planer portion 87 is
foldably disposed along third edge of the said central planer
portion 80. This planer portion is provided with a receiving
provision in the form of a slot 90 at the base and a engaging
provision that is in the form of a stripe 91 provided at the apex
as shown in the figure. In operation, the third planer portion 87
is folded such that it overlays on the said central portion 80 such
that the containment(s) are on the upper surface as shown in FIG.
10(b). Further the first portion 83 is folded so as to overlay on
the capsule side of the said third planer portion as shown in FIG.
10(c). The containments of the portion 83 are disposed in a manner
with respect to the containments of the said third portion 86 such
that they are not overlapped and are disposed next to each other
when 83 overlays on 86. The said stripe 91 wraps around the three
portions and fits in the slot 90 as shown in the FIGS. 10(d) and
10(e).
[0045] FIGS. 11, 12, 13 depict variants of the fold regions and
variants of folds. The fold region comprises of foldable area and
perforations/scoring to facilitate the fold. As indicated in FIG.
11 the region 90 comprises of scoring and a foldable region wherein
when folded the said region protrudes outwards in convex shape
(indicated as 90) as shown in FIG. 11(b). FIGS. 12 and 13 indicate
variants of the fold region wherein a combination of scoring,
perforations is used to facilitate fold.
[0046] Another aspect of the invention wherein the package is
adapted to fit engaging and corresponding receiving provisions is
shown in FIG. 14. An external engaging provision 120 is adapted to
fit in the folding region. It comprises of a engaging provision in
the form of a pressing means 121 operationally coupled with the
receiving provision in the form of flaps 122 that are adapted to
hold the layered structures of the package together as indicated in
FIG. 14(a) The provision comprises of a engaging provision in the
form of a press button/switch 121. Upon pressing the said press
button/switch 121, the flaps are raised resulting in disengagement
of the two portions of the package as shown in the FIG. 14(b).
[0047] In another embodiment a reader means is provided to identify
and read the unique identification information on the said package
wherein the reader means is suitably able to detect the
identification information relating to the product package and
conveys the information or generates a signal in response to the
information which is communicable to the external device. Suitably,
the information is encoded and preferably is optical, electronic,
magnetic or a combination thereof.
[0048] In one of the embodiment of the package system, a uniquely
identifiable information and/or combination of information is
provided on the package.
[0049] In yet another embodiment product package is provided with
an identification tag for identifying the package for
authentication. The tag comprises at least two sets of
identification information, said at least two sets of
identification information comprising a first set of identification
information and a second set of identification information each
arranged within a different surface, side or plane of the
identification tag, and identification features of said first set
of identification information and identification features of said
second set of identification information are arranged at a fixed
relative spatial position with respect to each other, said fixed
spatial relationship being used for identifying the package
system.
[0050] In yet another embodiment the identifiers are present in a
tag on the product package wherein one identifier comprises a
readable layer of randomly distributed material which is capable of
encoding identification information, for example a conductive
material, magnetized or magnetisable material, semiconductive
particle and optically active particles; the second identifier
suitably comprises optical information, for example a 1-D or 2-D
bar code.
[0051] In yet another embodiment at least two sets of
identification information is provided on the product package
and/or said layered structures. In another variant of this
embodiment unique identifying information is suitably included on
the package in the form of oriented or orientable particles and may
relate to for example, the manufacturer of the package or to an
individual. Preferably the identification information comprises
information derived from a magnetic field and/or an electric field
and optionally optical or magneto-optical information. In yet
another variant of this embodiment nano/micro particulate materials
and/or material composites with measurable material metrics are
used on the package for identification information.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the product package suitably
comprises a substantially non-magnetic host material having pores,
wherein at least some of the pores contain a substantially magnetic
material which is codeable to encode identification information for
identifying the product package or a unit dose package. The product
package may comprise a substantially electrically-insulating host
material having pores, wherein at least some of the pores contain a
substantially electrically-conducting material which is codeable to
encode identification information for identifying the unit dose
package. Desirably, the electrically-conducting material is
connectable to a voltage source.
[0053] In yet another embodiment the package system is provided
with a means to detect disengagement of the engaging provision from
the corresponding receiving provision of the package to monitor
and/or record of package and/or product access from the package
system. In another variant of this embodiment the package system is
provided with a wired/wireless communication means capable of
interacting with external/remote device/s.
[0054] In another embodiment a sensing means in the form of
embedded system is adapted to fit on the said package system to
detect disengagement of the engaging provision from the
corresponding receiving provision of the package to monitor and/or
record of package and/or product access from the package system.
The said sensing means comprises of signal generating provision/s,
data processing means, data logging and storing means configured
with a communication means an optional communication switch, a
power source, optional audio signal generating means, an oscillator
(Real time clock) wherein the said signal generating means gets
activated upon disengaging the said package from the package
holding provision. The activation of the signal generating
provision may be done by various means such as electronic,
mechanical, optical, visual. In a specific embodiment, visual
display and the audio signal generating means is provided to alert
the user of the time and date of the products to be consumed and
also provides quantitative information about the number of products
in the package. As the user disengages the package from the closure
a signal from the said signal generating provision is sent to the
said data processing means wherein the time & date of product
dispensed is logged into the data logging provision of the said
data processing means. Using the optional communication feature,
the user may transfer the logged data to an external device by
optionally embedded the communication switch.
[0055] In one of the variants said logged data in the said data
processing is transferred/transmitted via communication means to an
external device/s with the aid of RF wherein the said logged data
to be transferred is superimposed on the RF field, generated by the
RF circuit. In yet another variant of this embodiment the said
logged data in the said data processing means is
transferred/transmitted via communication means to the said
external device/s using an IR link wherein the said logged data to
be transferred is in the form of coded pulses or frequency. In yet
another variant of this embodiment the said logged data in the said
data processing means is transferred/transmitted via communication
means to the said companion device through wired and/or any direct
contact methods such as I2C, SPI, serial or parallel communication
but not limited to these. In yet another variant of this embodiment
the data is transferred using wireless communication means such as
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zeegbee, Wi-Max, GPRS, GSM, Wibree but not
limited to it.
[0056] Thus it is evident from the present invention that the
synergistic operational combination of the said package and
combination of first layered structure in which one or plurality of
enclosed spaces containment(s) are formed to contain the product(s)
wherein the said containment(s) up stand from first surface of the
said first layered structure defining one or plurality of
corresponding opening/s in a second surface of the said first
layered structure, second rupturable layered structure that
encloses the said containment wherein portion of the enclosing
layered structure corresponding/superimposed to the containment
portion is ruptured/removed while removing the product wherein the
said second layered structure is secured/bonded/affixed/attached to
the unformed portion of the second surface of the first layered
structure (to enclose the said openings to seal the products in the
upstanding containment(s)) along with a unformed portion/region
disposed between the portion of the formed cavities wherein the
said portion is adapted for fold/to facilitate fold of the first
and second layered structure provides self enclosing/re-closing
capability that eliminates the need of additional carton/closure to
encase/house the pack providing provision for holding portions of
the package along with optional child resistant
characteristics.
* * * * *