U.S. patent application number 13/148124 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-01 for device and use for storage and provision of medicament wafers.
This patent application is currently assigned to BAYER PHARMA AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT. Invention is credited to Sven Filler, Uwe Karla, Kathrin Reichardt.
Application Number | 20120048771 13/148124 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42102632 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120048771 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reichardt; Kathrin ; et
al. |
March 1, 2012 |
DEVICE AND USE FOR STORAGE AND PROVISION OF MEDICAMENT WAFERS
Abstract
The invention relates to a device for storage and provision of
medicament wafers 2 serving preferably for contraception or hormone
replacement therapy, said device comprising a stack 1 of medicament
pockets 4 for the storage and provision of the medicament wafers 2,
wherein first medicament pocket areas 10 have openings 8 aligned
with one another, and at least one connecting element 9 that is
guided through the openings 8 and that connects the medicament
pockets 4 to one another and arranges them movably relative to one
another.
Inventors: |
Reichardt; Kathrin; (Berlin,
DE) ; Filler; Sven; (Oranienburg, DE) ; Karla;
Uwe; (Wandlitz, DE) |
Assignee: |
BAYER PHARMA
AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
Berlin
DE
|
Family ID: |
42102632 |
Appl. No.: |
13/148124 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
February 3, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP10/00646 |
371 Date: |
October 24, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/535 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 1/03 20130101; A61J
3/078 20130101; A61J 7/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/535 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/04 20060101
B65D083/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 6, 2009 |
DE |
10 2009 008 027.9 |
Claims
1. Device for storage and provision of medicament wafers (2), said
device comprising a stack (1) of medicament pockets (4) for the
storage and provision of the medicament wafers (2), wherein first
medicament pocket areas (10) have openings (8) aligned with one
another, and at least one connecting element (9) that is guided
through the openings (8) and that connects the medicament pockets
(4) to one another and arranges them movably relative to one
another.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least
one connecting element (9) is a rivet.
3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least
one connecting element (9) comprises a box-shaped lower part (9a),
with a rib (9c) arranged therein for passing through the openings
(8), and an upper part (9b) closing off the box-shaped lower part
(9a).
4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the
box-shaped lower part (9a) has a base plate (9d), a wall (9e)
sitting on the base plate (9d) and partially enclosing and
therefore guiding the respective first medicament pocket areas
(10), and the rib (9c).
5. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the openings
(8) are in the form of oblong holes.
6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the shape of
the openings (8) is such that the connecting element (9) guided
through the openings (8) slides therein without friction.
7. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the
medicament pockets (4) each consist of the first medicament pocket
area (10), in which the openings (8) but not the medicament wafer
(2) are located, and of a second medicament pocket area (11), in
which the medicament wafer (2) is located, wherein the first
medicament pocket area (10) and the second medicament pocket area
(11) are connected separably to each other.
8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first
medicament pocket area (10) and the second medicament pocket area
(11) are connected to each other via a perforation (7).
9. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that each of the
second medicament pocket areas (11) has, on a marking edge, a
marking (3) in one of several marking portions (22) arranged next
to one another at the marking edge, wherein the respective markings
(3) within the stack (1) are arranged in successive marking
portions (22) from one medicament pocket (4) to the next medicament
pocket (4).
10. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the stack
(1) is additionally connected to a support (5) by means of the at
least one connecting element (9).
11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the stack
(1) is arranged between the support (5) and a cover (12) that at
least partially covers the second medicament pocket areas (11).
12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the cover
(12) and the support (5) are formed in one piece.
13. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that successive
date indicators (6) are arranged on the support (5) or on the cover
(12).
14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the date
indicators (6) are days of the week or calendar days.
15. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the date
indicators (6) are arranged on an edge of the cover (12) adjoining
the second medicament pocket areas (11), such that the date
indicators (6) are aligned with markings (3) which, in the second
medicament pocket areas (11), are each located on a marking edge
adjoining the edge of the cover (12) having the date indicators
(6), in each case in one of several marking portions (22) arranged
next to one another on the marking edge and, in the second
medicament pocket areas (11) within the stack (1), are arranged in
successive marking portions (22) from one medicament pocket (4) to
the next medicament pocket (4).
16. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the support
(5) has an end strip (17) protruding from an edge of the second
medicament pocket areas (11) and has the date indicators (6) on the
end strip (17), wherein the date indicators (6) are aligned with
markings (3) which, in the second medicament pocket areas (11), are
located on a marking edge adjoining the end strip (17), in each
case in one several marking portions (22) arranged next to one
another on the marking edge and, in the second medicament pocket
areas (11) within the stack (1), are arranged in successive marking
portions (22) from one medicament pocket (4) to the next medicament
pocket (4).
17. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the support
(5) is formed in one piece with a lid (13) that closes in order to
cover the second medicament pocket areas (11).
18. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the lid
(13) extends as far as the cover (12), and either the lid (13) and
the cover (12) each have a closure element (15, 15') or only the
cover (12) or only the support (5) has a closure element (15''), as
a result of which the lid (13) can be closed with the cover
(12).
19. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the one
closure element (15) is a metal element and the other closure
element (15') is a magnet element, or in that the closure elements
(15, 15') form a velcro closure, or in that the one closure element
(15) is button-like and the other closure element (15') is shaped
like a buttonhole, or in that the closure element (15'') is a
rubber band.
20. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the
medicament pockets (4) additionally each have an edge-side cutout
(16), wherein the cutouts (16) become incrementally larger from
medicament pocket (4) to medicament pocket (4), such that the
cutouts (16), when seen across all the medicament pockets (4) in
the stack (1), have a step-shaped profile.
21. A method for storage and provision of medicament wafers (2)
serving for contraception or hormone replacement therapy which
comprises locating the wafers in the device of claim 1.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a device for storage and provision
of medicament wafers, i.e. of medicaments in laminar form, and to a
use of the device for medicament wafers serving for contraception
or hormone replacement therapy.
PRIOR ART
[0002] Medicament wafers are film-shaped articles containing
pharmaceutically active substances held in an active substance
carrier. The active substances in the wafers can, for example, be
administered by the transmucosal route, i.e. via the oral mucosa,
by means of the wafers being placed on or under the tongue, after
which the active substance carrier dissolves and in so doing
releases the active substances. The wafers provided are enclosed in
film pockets. According to DE 101 59 746 B4, these pockets can be
composed of at least one support film and at least one cover film,
in which case at least the film with the larger surface area has
two parallel side edges, and the film-like or laminar material
(wafer) is enclosed in a gas-tight and moisture-proof manner
between the support film and the cover film. Devices for storage
and provision of medicament wafers can contain film pockets stacked
therein.
[0003] The device described in DE 101 59 746 B4 for storage and
provision of wafers comprises a housing which is partitioned at
least once and on whose lateral inner faces the side edges of the
stacked film pockets bear, while the edge of a support film
protruding beyond the edge of an associated cover film bears on a
front inner face, and in which the stacked film pockets are pressed
by means of a spring against the upper inner face of the housing.
The front, upper area of the housing has two slits for separate
dispensing of the support film and cover film, the wafer being able
to be provided with the support film or with the cover film. After
a film pocket has been removed, the spring has the purpose of
holding the remaining film pockets together near the slits and
positioning them for further removal. A separating tool for
separating the support film from the cover film is arranged between
the slits, on which separating tool the uppermost support film
bears via its area lying in front of the front edge of the cover
film. A transport element, which is rotatable about an axis of
rotation, transports the medicament pockets out of the housing.
[0004] This device has the disadvantage that a user has no
possibility of monitoring whether a wafer intended to be taken at a
certain time has already been taken or is still to be taken. As a
result, two wafers can easily be taken instead of one, or the user
completely forgets to take the wafer. Moreover, with this closed
device, the user cannot see how many wafers he has already taken or
how many wafers remain to be taken. Opening this compact device is
not envisioned and would destroy it.
[0005] As regards the possibility of monitoring the time and
frequency of administration of tablets, coated pills or the like,
the prior art discloses so-called medicament blister packs, i.e.
articles for storage of tablets, coated pills or the like, in which
the tablets, coated pills or the like are contained in pockets
embossed in a first foil, and the foil is connected to a second
foil that seals the pockets and can be torn off.
[0006] In EP 0 166 763 B1, for example, a blister pack is provided
with a row of pockets for the tablets, where the pockets correspond
in an unambiguous manner to the days of at least one calendar month
and where, in addition, consecutive integer indicia are arranged in
proximity to the pockets in such a way that each pocket can be
visually identified with one and only one calendar day of the
calendar month, and where consecutive integer indicia are arranged
in proximity to tear-off zones in the second foil in such a way
that they are visible from the rear face of the second foil, and
where each zone can be visually identified with one and only one
calendar day of the calendar month. Each pocket can therefore be
visually identified, both from the front face and also from the
rear face, with one and only one calendar day. Taking the tablets
on a daily basis and monitoring user compliance is made easier in
this way.
[0007] Moreover, EP 0 511 726 B1 describes an arrangement which is
used to receive tablets in an array and comprises the following: a
blister pack with a predetermined surface area within which are
located a plurality of tablets configured in a chosen array, a
container for receiving the blister pack, and a day calendar which
can be oriented with respect to the array of tablets in the blister
pack, the day calendar being movable in order to position a
selected start day on a first tablet in the array of tablets, and
with pointers being provided on the container, and the blister pack
has a locating notch near its edge and in proximity to a first
tablet, such that the first tablet to be taken is indicated.
[0008] Furthermore, DE 10 2005 032 015 A discloses a case which
receives a blister pack and comprises a first case half and a
second case half hinged thereon. The first case half is designed as
a pocket for receiving the blister pack and has an outer part and
an inner viewing part and also first apertures in the viewing part
and second apertures in the outer part, the first apertures being
aligned with the second apertures, specifically at least where the
receptacles for the tablets are located in the blister pack after
it is received in the pocket. The second case half has a
compartment for receiving a display means displaying days of the
week, and windows for displaying the days of the week in an inner
viewing surface of the second case half in the area of the
compartment, the windows being arranged in such a way that they are
assigned to the columns of the receptacles of a blister pack
received in the pocket.
[0009] However, these embodiments of devices for storage and
provision of medicament units relate to tablets in blister packs,
not to medicament wafers in medicament pockets.
[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to make
available a device for storage and provision of medicament wafers
which makes it possible to monitor the progress with which
medicament wafers are taken.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to ensure that
the wafers are reliably removed from the device in a predetermined
rhythm, i.e. that the device allows the user to monitor whether a
medicament wafer has been taken as planned at a predetermined
time.
[0012] A further object of the present invention is to make
available a device for storage and provision of medicament wafers
which is suitable for everyday use, has the required mechanical
stability and can be produced easily and simply and therefore
inexpensively.
[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
safe means of storing the medicament wafers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] These and other objects are achieved by the claimed device
for storage and provision of medicament wafers and by the claimed
use of the device. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are
set forth in the dependent claims.
[0015] A medicament pocket in the device according to the invention
typically consists of a base film and of a cover film. The cover
film can be connected, for example glued or welded, to the base
film via a preferably strip-shaped join that extends along the side
edges of the cover film. Moreover, in a particularly preferred
embodiment, the base film and the cover film, on at least one side
edge, can each have protruding tabs that are not connected to each
other. This makes it much easier to tear apart and thus open the
medicament pocket in order to remove the wafer contained therein,
because the two films can be easily gripped. A medicament wafer is
enclosed, preferably in an airtight and moisture-proof manner,
between the base film and the cover film inside an area formed by
the join. The film pockets can have a small raised area, which is
either a result of their structure or is caused by the wafer and is
provided only in the area thereof.
[0016] The device according to the invention for storage and
provision of medicament wafers comprises a stack of medicament
pockets for the storage and provision of the medicament wafers, and
at least one connecting element. The medicament pockets each have
first medicament pocket areas with openings which are aligned with
one another and through which the at least one connecting element
is guided and connects the medicament pockets to one another and
arranges them movably relative to one another.
[0017] By virtue of the ability of the connecting element, which is
guided through the aligned openings, to arrange the medicament
pockets movably relative to one another, it is advantageously
achieved that the areas of the medicament pockets having the
opening do not have to lie directly on one another, and instead
they can be spaced slightly apart from one another. This avoids a
situation in which, because of the increased thickness of the
medicament pockets in the area of the respective medicament wafer,
the stack fans out in an impractical and inappropriate way in the
direction of the medicament pockets otherwise lying tightly over
one another, specifically on the side directed away from the
opening in the medicament pockets, in the same way, for example, as
a book which has become wet and in which the side areas of the
pages of the book that are not bound in the spine take up more room
overall in their spatial extent and thus leave the book looking
unsightly and misshapen.
[0018] Compared to the prior art, this simple device has the
further advantage that the user is always able to check the number
of medicament pockets remaining and, knowing the total number of
medicament pockets at the start of the first administration and
knowing the starting date of the first administration or removal of
a medicament pocket, can determine whether he/she has already
removed a medicament pocket or has still to remove it. In addition,
the user can determine how long the treatment still has to go or
when he/she will need a new device.
[0019] The device according to the invention can preferably be used
for the storage and provision of medicament wafers serving for
contraception or hormone replacement therapy.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The at least one connecting element, which is guided through
the openings, connects the medicament pockets to one another and
arranges them movably relative to one another, can be designed, for
example, as a rivet, i.e. the at least one connecting element can
consist of two for example rod-shaped connecting element parts,
which can be plugged into each other or screwed together or
adhesively bonded to each other. The at least one connecting
element can also be rod-shaped.
[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, the connecting
element can also have a compact design in which it consists of two
parts and, when these are joined together, can almost completely
fill the openings in the medicament pockets. The at least one
connecting element can in particular comprise a box-shaped lower
part, with a rib arranged therein for passing through the openings,
and an upper part closing off the box-shaped lower part. Moreover,
the box-shaped lower part of the box-shaped connecting element can
have a base plate, a wall sitting on the base plate and partially
enclosing and therefore guiding the respective first medicament
pocket areas, and the rib.
[0022] A connecting element is in any case to be understood as a
component that is guided through the openings in the medicament
pockets and connects the medicament pockets. Thus, a rivet and also
the rib of the compact connecting element can be understood as
connecting elements. In the case of the rib, additional suitable
holding devices are of course needed at the foot and head of the
rib in order to hold the stack together. These additional holding
devices can, for example, be provided by the box structure
consisting of the box-shaped lower part and upper part.
Alternatively, the foot and head of the rib can also be provided
with differently configured head and foot parts that hold the stack
together. The rib can also be designed as a rivet with two
rib-shaped rivet heads.
[0023] When connecting element parts forming the at least one
connecting element are joined together, they can latch onto each
other and are preferably not able to be separated again without
being destroyed, or they can be adhesively bonded or welded to one
another or can also be joined together using another joining
technique. In all these cases, the join constitutes what is called
a tamper-evident closure, i.e. a closure that is secure against
tampering. It is particularly preferable if the at least two parts
forming the connecting element are joined together by a form-fit
connection.
[0024] A rivet is to be understood as a connecting element that
consists of at least two parts, which engage in each other and are
thus connected to each other with a form fit, and that is also
able, by means of suitable head designs, to hold together the stack
of medicament pockets arranged therebetween.
[0025] The openings, which are located in the first medicament
pocket areas, are preferably in the form of oblong holes. In a
particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the medicament
pockets can be connected using two connecting elements spaced apart
from each other, and, in particular, the connecting elements can
each be guided through adjoining the ends of the oblong holes. This
embodiment avoids individual medicament pockets shifting relative
to one another. In this way, the connecting elements also act as
guide elements for the medicament pockets.
[0026] The shape of the openings is preferably such that a
connecting element guided through the openings slides therein
without friction.
[0027] By means of the chosen structure of the device, the
medicament pockets, with the wafers contained in them, are stacked
together as in a notepad or book and can be removed one after
another, preferably from the top. When the pocket lying at the top
is removed in order to administer a first wafer, the pocket lying
below it in the stack becomes visible. This pocket lying underneath
can then be removed during a subsequent second time of
administration. The other pockets with the wafers can be removed
according to the sequence of pockets in the stack. The pocket can
be removed by being torn off or torn out.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the medicament
pockets, in addition to having the first medicament pocket area, in
which the openings but not the medicament wafer are located, also
have a second medicament pocket area, in which the medicament wafer
is located.
[0029] The first medicament pocket area and the second medicament
pocket area are preferably connected separably to each other. The
first medicament pocket area and the second medicament pocket area
are preferably connected to each other via a perforation. This
allows the pockets to be easily removed from the stack, for example
by being torn out or severed. In a particularly preferred
embodiment of the invention, the perforation via which the first
medicament pocket areas and the second medicament pocket areas are
connected to each other is not formed across the full width of the
medicament pockets and is instead shorter and merges at both of its
ends into slits, which act like notches. This makes removal of the
medicament wafer even easier. It has been found that it is thus
possible to avoid or reduce the difficulties that often arise at
the start of the process of separating the second medicament pocket
area on account of the firm material property of the medicament
pockets.
[0030] To further simplify or improve the overview of the number of
medicament pockets, the medicament pockets can each additionally
have a cutout located on an edge of the medicament pockets that is
preferably formed jointly by the first and second medicament pocket
areas. The cutouts can, for example, be punched out of the
medicament pocket. They give a view of a graphic mark on the
medicament pocket lying underneath in the stack. The graphic mark
can, for example, be a symbol, such as two coloured dots, a smiley
face, a company logo or a crossbar. The cutout becomes
incrementally larger from medicament pocket to medicament pocket,
such that the cutouts, when seen across all the medicament pockets
in the stack, have a step-shaped profile, with the result that the
marks on all the medicament pockets are visible. The cutouts and
the graphic marks that can be discerned through them also have the
advantage that, during the production of the stack, the production
personnel or a suitable monitoring device can easily check that the
stack is complete and can thus easily check the number of
medicament pockets in the stack.
[0031] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, each of
the second medicament pocket areas has, on a marking edge, a
marking in one of several marking portions arranged next to one
another at the marking edge, wherein the respective markings on the
second medicament pocket areas within the stack are arranged in
successive marking portions from one medicament pocket to the next
medicament pocket. In this way, a user can easily monitor the
progress with which the medicament wafers are administered.
[0032] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the stack
can additionally be connected to a support by means of the at least
one connecting element, which support is used to give the stack
additional stability and protect it against mechanical damage. In
addition, a cover can be provided which at least partially covers
the second medicament pocket areas. The cover can, for example,
also be a component part of the connecting element. The stack is
preferably arranged between the support and the cover at least
partially covering the second medicament pocket areas. It is
particularly preferable if the cover and the support are formed in
one piece.
[0033] The support and the cover are provided in particular for
protection of the medicament pockets. The support and the covers
are preferably made of a stable material, for example card or
plastic. The cover and/or the support can also be provided with an
inscription or a logo or with some other arrangement that does not
exclusively have functional purposes and instead also or
exclusively serves aesthetic purposes. For example, a mirror or a
graphic representation, e.g. a photograph or a drawing, can also be
arranged on the inside face of the cover. Likewise, this site can
also be provided with a storage area in which, for example,
cosmetic articles such as face powder or similar make-up can be
kept ready. A pocket calculator or a clock can also be provided on
the inside face of the cover. Said devices and representations can
be provided equally or in addition on the outside face of the cover
and/or on the inside face or the outside face of the support.
[0034] In another particular embodiment, successive date indicators
are arranged on the support or on the cover. The date indicators
are aligned with the marking portions on the medicament pockets and
allow the user to monitor the administration of the wafers.
[0035] If the date indicators are arranged on the cover, the cover
preferably only partially covers the second medicament pocket
areas, specifically only to such an extent that the markings on the
second medicament pocket areas can still be seen when the cover is
closed and can be aligned with the date indicators. However, the
date indicators can also be arranged on the inside face of the
cover, such that they are visible together with the markings on the
medicament pockets when the wafer pocket booklet has been
opened.
[0036] Preferably, the date indicators are arranged on an edge of
the cover adjoining the second medicament pocket areas.
Accordingly, the date indicators are aligned with markings which,
in the second medicament pocket areas, are each located on a
marking edge adjoining the edge of the cover having the date
indicators. The markings are in each case provided in one of
several marking portions arranged next to one another on the
marking edge and, in the second medicament pocket areas within the
stack, are arranged in successive marking portions from one
medicament pocket to the next.
[0037] Moreover, the support can have an end strip protruding from
an edge of the second medicament pocket areas and has the date
indicators on the end strip. In this case, the date indicators can
be aligned with markings which, in the second medicament pocket
areas, are located on a marking edge adjoining the end strip. The
markings are provided in each case in one several marking portions
arranged next to one another on the marking edge. They are
arranged, in the second medicament pocket areas within the stack,
in successive marking portions from one medicament pocket to the
next. The date indicators can be arranged either on the inside face
of the end strip or on the outside face thereof. In the first case,
the date indicators and preferably also the markings are visible
only when the end strip is folded out. In the second case, the end
strip has to be folded in to make the date indicators visible. In
this case, the markings on the medicament pockets are to be
arranged in such a way that they are adjacent to the date
indicators on the end strip when the latter is folded in.
[0038] With the aid of the two last-mentioned embodiments, the
progress with which the medicament wafers are administered can be
better monitored, since this progress is related to the date
indicators.
[0039] If the wafers are to be taken daily, the date indicators, in
a preferred embodiment, indicate days of the week or days of the
calendar, the latter being shown by the numbering of the days of a
month. Compared to the indication of calendar days, indicators
showing days of the week have the advantage of a more frequent rate
of repetition. This permits an easier arrangement of date
indicators on the end strip of the support or the cover since, for
the first day, only the matching day of the week has to be chosen
from the seven days of the week, whereas, in the case of calendar
days being indicated, the matching calendar day has to be chosen
from 28, 29, 30 or 31 calendar days.
[0040] The date indicators are preferably provided by applying, to
the end strip of the support or to the cover, a display means that
has the date indicators, for example a display strip. For example,
a display strip containing the date indicators can be applied by
sliding it into a holder on the end strip of the support or on the
cover or by affixing it to the end strip of the support or to the
cover. For example, the holder can designed as a slit which, in the
area of the date indicators arranged on the inserted display strip,
has windows which permit a view of the date indicators and permit
assignment to an aligned marking on the top medicament pocket.
[0041] A display strip of this kind can, for example, initially
have about twice as many successive date indicators as can be
accommodated in the holder, so as to be able to suitably prepare
the display strip for application to the end strip of the support
or to the cover. After determining when a wafer is to be taken for
the first time, the associated date indicator on the display strip
is placed on the end strip of the support or the cover, and,
starting from this determined date indicator, the length of the
display strip is then reduced to the length area corresponding to
the available length on the end strip of the support or the cover.
For example, the display strip can be bent aside or cut off for the
first administration. The display strip thus prepared is then
secured in the holder on the end strip of the support or the cover,
for example pushed into it or clamped there, or affixed to the end
strip of the support or the cover, such that the date indicators
are aligned with the markings on the medicament pockets. Of course,
the date indicators on the display strips or the end strips of the
support or of the cover can also be applied in handwritten form.
The days of the week, days of the calendar or other date indicators
are preferably applied at the start of a phase of administration of
the wafers.
[0042] In another embodiment of the invention, the support on which
the stack of medicament pockets is arranged is also preferably
formed in one piece with a lid that closes in order to cover the
second medicament pocket areas. Depending on the embodiment, the
lid can comprise the above-described end strip with date
indicators.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the lid can extend as far as the
cover, and either the lid and the cover can each have a closure
element or only the cover or only the support can have a closure
element, such that the lid can be closed with the cover.
[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, for example, a
first closure element can be a metal element, e.g. a metal strip,
and a second closure element can be a magnet element, e.g. a
magnetic strip. It is likewise conceivable that the closure
elements form a velcro closure. In another variant of the
invention, the closure elements can also form a press-stud system,
e.g. as in a purse. In another embodiment, one closure element can
be button-like and the other closure element shaped like a
buttonhole and they can be accordingly connected to each other.
Likewise, one of the closure elements can be designed as a clip,
which is inserted into a slit-like opening in the second closure
element. Moreover, the support or the cover can have a stretchable
closure element, for example a rubber band. In this embodiment, the
closed lid, which extends as far as the closed cover and bears on
the latter or under it, is connected to the cover by the rubber
band, said rubber band being guided round the outside of the whole
device.
[0045] A device according to the invention, which can used for
contraception, can contain a stack of, for example, 120 medicament
pockets for receiving medicament wafers. For contraception, it has
hitherto been customary for one administration unit, i.e. one
wafer, to be taken each day for 21 days, this administration phase
being followed by a medication-free phase of 7 days. Alternatively,
one administration unit can also be taken each day for 24 days,
this administration phase being followed by a medication-free phase
of 4 days. In the case of modern contraceptives, however, flexible
administration cycles are used that last longer than 21 days, for
example up to 120 days. This longer administration phase is then
followed by a medication-free phase of 4 days, for example. To be
able to provide wafers in sufficient numbers for such a case, a
greater number of medicament pockets than a total of 28 can also be
made available in the stack. For example, or even 120 medicament
pockets for the administration phase can be provided in the
device.
[0046] The device according to the invention is preferably
forgery-proof. For this purpose, one or more security features are
provided on the device to make it possible to verify that the
device is genuine, for example imprints in microscript, holograms,
tilt images or other security features.
[0047] The figures described below serve to provide a general
understanding of the invention. However, they are not to be
understood as limiting the invention, and instead they merely
explain certain embodiments that are preferred, without excluding
other preferred embodiments.
[0048] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a stack of wafers
according to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0049] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a stack of wafers
according to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0050] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a wafer pocket booklet
according to a third embodiment of the invention, with step-shaped
cutouts in the state when closed;
[0051] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a wafer pocket booklet
according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;
[0052] FIG. 5 shows another perspective view of the wafer pocket
booklet from FIG. 4 in the closed state;
[0053] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a wafer pocket booklet
according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;
[0054] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a wafer pocket booklet
according to a sixth embodiment of the invention in different
stages of assembly; FIG. 7a: support with a slit; FIG. 7b-1: stack
and connecting element in separate view; FIG. 7b-2: stack and
connecting element assembled; FIG. 7c: device in the assembled
state; FIG. 7d: device in the closed state; FIG. 7e: alternative
embodiment of the wafer pocket booklet;
[0055] FIG. 8 shows a side view of the wafer pocket booklet from
FIG. 4 in the opened and closed state;
[0056] FIG. 8a shows a side view of the wafer pocket booklet from
FIG. 8, but with magnetic closure;
[0057] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the wafer pocket booklet
from FIG. 4 in the partially opened and closed state with a
stretchable connecting element;
[0058] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the wafer pocket booklet
from FIG. 9 in the opened and closed state with another closure
element;
[0059] FIG. 11 shows a side view of the wafer pocket booklet
according to the invention in the partially opened state and the
closed state;
[0060] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a
wafer pocket booklet with the connecting element from FIG. 7 in
different stages of assembly; FIG. 12a: support with the connecting
element; FIG. 12a-1: first variant of the arrangement of a strip
showing days of the week; FIG. 12a-2: second variant of the
arrangement of a strip showing days of the week; FIG. 12b: after
insertion of the stack; FIG. 12c: device partially closed.
[0061] The same reference signs in the figures designate the same
features.
[0062] FIG. 1 shows a wafer pocket booklet according to the
invention for storage and provision of medicament wafers 2. The
wafer pocket booklet consists of a stack of several medicament
pockets 4, 4', 4'' for the storage and provision of the medicament
wafers 2. The medicament pockets 4, 4', 4'' have first medicament
pocket areas 10 and second medicament pocket areas 11. The
medicament wafers 2 are contained in the second medicament pocket
areas 11. The first medicament pocket areas 10 have openings 8
aligned with one another. The openings 8 are designed as oblong
holes. The connecting element 9 is guided through the openings 8.
The connecting element 9 connects the medicament pockets 4, 4', 4''
to one another and arranges them movably relative to one another.
The connecting element 9 is a rivet. The first medicament pocket
areas 10 and the second medicament pocket areas 11 are each
connected to one another via a perforation 7, which makes it easier
to remove a medicament wafer 2 by simply tearing the second
medicament pocket area 11 from the first medicament pocket area 10
at the perforation 7. The first medicament pocket area 10 remains
in the wafer pocket booklet.
[0063] FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the wafer pocket
booklet according to the invention. The wafer pocket booklet
according to FIG. 2 is substantially identical to the design of the
wafer pocket booklet in FIG. 1. The wafer pocket booklet consists
of a stack 1 of several medicament pockets 4, 4', 4'' for the
storage and provision of the medicament wafers 2. The medicament
pockets 4, 4', 4'' have first medicament pocket areas 10 and second
medicament pocket areas 11, wherein the second medicament pocket
areas are once again provided with aligned openings 8. The opening
8 is designed as an oblong hole. In contrast to FIG. 1, the
medicament pockets 4, 4', 4'' in this embodiment are connected to
one another by a compact connecting element 9. The compact
connecting element 9 completely fills the opening in the assembled
state.
[0064] The compact connecting element 9, which is a rivet, is shown
above the stack 1. The connecting element 9 has a lower part 9a and
an upper part 9b. The lower part 9a engages from underneath through
the oblong holes 8. The column-like rivet holders 9d, 9e are
secured on a base plate 9c and spaced apart from each other in such
a way that the outer flanks of the rivet holders 9d, 9e bear
loosely on the rounded ends of the oblong holes. These outer flanks
tilt slightly inwards towards the top (see enlarged view of the
rivet holder 9e) such that the medicament pockets 4, 4', 4'' placed
one after another onto the lower part 9a of the rivet slide easily
with their respective oblong hole 8 onto the rivet 9. Once the
whole stack 1 has been formed, the rivet 9 is closed, by means of
the upper part 9b of the rivet being pressed in between the
column-like rivet holders 9d, 9e. For the form-fit connection of
the upper part 9a of the rivet to the lower part 9b of the rivet,
both rivet parts have serrated side faces that latch onto each
other. After the rivet 9 has been closed, the stack 1 can be
handled without any problem, without fear of the integrity of the
stack 1 being adversely affected during handling. The form-fit
connection also ensures that the rivet cannot be opened without the
connecting element being destroyed. This permits a design that is
secure against tampering. Moreover, the riveted stack 1 can also be
used to replenish a separate support. The rivet 9 is of such a
length that the medicament pockets 4, 4', 4'' have vertical play
thereon. It is possible in this way to take account of the
difference in thickness between the second medicament pocket areas
11 and the first medicament pocket areas 10. The medicament pockets
4, 4', 4'' also slide on the rivet 9 without friction.
[0065] The first medicament pocket areas 10 and the second
medicament pocket areas 11 are connected to each other via a
perforation 7, wherein the perforation as a whole is shorter than
in FIG. 1, i.e. does not extend across the full width of the
medicament pockets 4, 4', 4'', and instead merges into slits 20 at
its two ends. In this way, the removal of the medicament wafer 2,
which is located in the second medicament pocket area 11, is
facilitated by easier tearing of the second medicament pocket area
11 from the first medicament pocket area 10 at the perforation 7.
It has in fact been found that, because of the nature of the
material at the transitions from the first medicament pocket area
10 to the second medicament pocket area 11, the medicament pocket
areas 10, 11 often cannot be easily separated from each other,
which problem is avoided by this means. After separation, the first
medicament pocket area 10 remains in the wafer pocket booklet.
[0066] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention with a structure analogous to FIG. 1, wherein the
medicament pockets 4, 4', 4'' each additionally have a cutout 16
and a marking 3. The cutouts 16 are each located at an edge of the
medicament pocket 4 that the first and second medicament pocket
areas 10, 11 have in common. The individual cutouts 16 of the
successive medicament pockets 4, 4', 4'' in the stack 1 are
designed in such a way that they become incrementally larger from
medicament pocket to medicament pocket, as a result of which the
cutouts, seen across all the medicament pockets, have a step-shaped
profile from medicament pocket to medicament pocket. The cutouts
16, which can be punched out for example from the medicament
pockets 4, 4', 4'' during the production process, allow a view of a
graphic mark 21, shown as two dots in the area of the cutout, on
the medicament pocket 4', 4'' lying under it in the stack 1.
[0067] In this embodiment, the stack 1 is arranged on a support.
The stack 1 and the support are connected to each other by two
rivets 9. Alternatively, it would also be possible to use just one
rivet 9' to connect the stack 1 to the support and to connect the
medicament pockets 4, 4', 4'' to one another. The marking 3 can be
seen on the top medicament pocket 4 in the second medicament pocket
area 11.
[0068] In this embodiment, the support has an end strip 17
protruding from one edge of the second medicament pocket areas 11
and has date indicators 6 arranged on the end strip 17. Said edge
of the second medicament pocket areas 11 is the marking edge, on
which a marking 3 is located. The date indicators 6, here weekday
indicators, are aligned with the respective marking 3.
[0069] The date indicators 6 are applied, for example, by affixing
a strip showing the date indicators and comprise the days of the
week "Mon", "Tue", "Wed", "Thu", "Fri", "Sat", "Sun". This strip is
prepared in such a way that the indicator of the first day of the
week appears to the far left. A first marking 3 aligned with the
weekday indicator "Mon" is arranged on the top medicament pocket 4.
Further markings are not shown, since they are concealed by the
upper medicament pocket 4.
[0070] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention with a design with step-shaped cutouts 16 analogous to
FIG. 3. In this embodiment, a cover 12 is provided in addition to
the support 5, wherein the support 5 and the cover 12 are formed in
one piece. The cover 12 extends across the first medicament pocket
area 10 and as far as the lower edge of the second medicament
pocket area 11. It ends almost flush with the second medicament
pocket area 11. A closure element in the form of a metal strip is
applied on or introduced into the cover 12 at the end thereof. In
addition to the cover 12, the support 5 is formed in one piece with
a closing lid 13 for covering part of the second medicament pocket
area 11. The lid 13 comprises the protruding end strip 17 with date
indicators 6 as also shown in FIG. 3, in this case weekday
indicators. The date indicators 6 are aligned with the respective
markings 3, which are located on the marking edge of the second
medicament pocket areas 11 adjacent to the end strip 17 and are
arranged in successive marking portions 22 from one medicament
pocket 4 to the next medicament pocket 4.
[0071] The date indicators 6 are applied by affixing a strip
showing the date indicators and comprise the days of the week
"Mon", "Tue", "Wed", "Thu", "Fri", "Sat", "Sun". This strip is
prepared in such a way that the indicator of the first day of the
week appears to the far left. A first marking 3 aligned with the
weekday indicator "Mon" is arranged on the top medicament pocket 4.
Further markings are not shown, since they are concealed by the
upper medicament pocket 4.
[0072] Another closure element 15', designed as a magnetic strip,
is arranged on the lid 13.
[0073] FIG. 5 shows another perspective view of the wafer pocket
booklet shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, the wafer pocket booklet from
FIG. 4 is shown in closed state. The lid 13 lies on the cover 12
and thus closes the booklet according to the invention. Decorations
and a logo are applied on the cover 12 and on the lid 13.
[0074] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention with support 5 and cover 12. The wafer pocket booklet
according to the invention in FIG. 6 corresponds in principle to
the view of the booklet in FIG. 4.
[0075] In contrast to the wafer pocket booklet in FIG. 4, the date
indicators 6 in this embodiment, here days of the week, are located
on the closure element 15 at the end of the cover 12. The cover 12
extends only as far as the edge of the surface showing the markings
3 on the second medicament pocket areas 11 and leaves the markings
exposed when the cover is closed. In this way, the marking 3 on the
top medicament pocket 4 remains visible when the cover 12 is
closed.
[0076] In this embodiment, the lid 13 with the closure element 15'
is designed without end strip and date indicators and is integrally
formed directly on the support 5, the lid 13 closing the wafer
pocket booklet as in FIG. 4.
[0077] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a wafer pocket booklet
according to a second embodiment of the invention in different
stages of assembly.
[0078] FIG. 7a shows a support 5 with a slit 19 formed in the
support according to another embodiment of the invention. An end
strip 17 with date indicators 6, adjoined by a lid 13, is formed
integrally on the support 5.
[0079] FIG. 7b-1 shows a stack 1 with medicament pockets 4, 4', 4''
having a marking 3, wherein the medicament pockets 4, 4', 4'' have
a perforation 7 with slits 20 as in FIG. 2.
[0080] In this embodiment, another connecting element 9 is shown,
consisting of the lower connecting element part 9a and the upper
connecting element part 9b. The lower connecting element part 9a is
box-shaped and contains, at the centre, a rib 9c for engaging in
the openings 8 in the medicament pockets 4, 4', 4''. The rib 9c is
arranged on the base plate 9d. The base plate 9d further supports a
wall 9e which, on three sides and partially on the fourth side,
sits on the edge of the base plate. The upper connecting element
part 9b is designed as a plate and can be fitted snugly onto the
lower connecting element part 9a and, for example, connected
thereto by adhesive bonding or by means of ultrasonic welding. In
this embodiment, the upper connecting element part 9b is designed
at the same time as cover 12 and therefore also takes over the
function of the latter. At the lower end, the connecting element 9
has a tab 18 with which the stack 1, held together by the
connecting element, is inserted into a separate support 5.
Insertion is made possible, for example, by the slit 19 shown in
the support 5 in FIG. 7a. In this way, a reusable support 5 can be
replenished many times over with an assembled stack 1.
[0081] In a particularly expedient variant of this embodiment, the
connecting element 9 is designed as a rivet (not shown). For this
purpose, the rib 9c has a slit-shaped recess that extends in the
longitudinal direction and runs from the top face of the rib down
into the rib. In this case, the plate 9b is also provided with a
downwardly projecting further rib, which is preferably designed in
one piece with the plate and has the function of engaging in the
recess in the lower rib 9c. This permits a connection of the upper
connecting element part 9b to the lower connecting element part 9a.
This connection can also be provided as a form-fit connection, for
example by means of the additional rib on the plate 9b and the
walls of the recess in the rib 9c each having serrated surfaces
that latch onto each other when the rivet is closed. Moreover, the
end face of the wall 9e can also be provided with a slit, and the
underside of the plate 9b can have, for example, a further
longitudinal rib that engages in the slit in the wall and, for
example, is locked therein.
[0082] FIG. 7b-2 shows a stack 1 that has been fitted into the
lower connecting element part 9a. The box-shaped wall 9e of the
lower connecting element part 9a completely encloses the outsides
of the medicament pocket area 10 and thus serves as an outer guide
for the medicament pockets 4, 4', 4''.
[0083] FIG. 7c shows the wafer pocket booklet according to the
invention combined with the support 5 and the lid 13. For this
purpose, the assembled stack 1 is inserted by means of the tab 18
(FIG. 7b-1) into the slit 19 (FIG. 7a) of the support 5. This
embodiment has the advantage that the support 5 can be used more
than once, with only new stacks 1 being used in each case.
[0084] FIG. 7d shows, finally, the closed wafer pocket booklet of
this embodiment, wherein print has been arranged on the lid 13. In
this embodiment, the lid 13 is designed such that, in the closed
state of the booklet, it extends over the medicament pockets 4, 4',
4'' as far as the edge of the cover 12 and ends almost flush with
the latter.
[0085] FIG. 7e shows an embodiment variant serving as an
alternative to the embodiment described above. This differs from
the embodiment in FIG. 7a to FIG. 7d in that the cover 12 is guided
away rearwards from the stack 1 and in that the date indicators 6
on the lid 13 are located in front of a closure block 14, which
serves to receive a closure element, for example a magnetic
strip.
[0086] FIG. 8 shows a variant of the embodiment from FIG. 4 in a
side view, in which the closure elements 15, 15' are designed as a
velcro closure. The closure element 15' is arranged at the end of
the cover 12, on the underside thereof, and the closure element 15
is arranged at the end of the lid 13 on the upper side thereof
(when seen in the closed state). In the closed state of the device,
the closure elements 15 and 15' engage in each other as shown in
FIG. 8.
[0087] It will be seen from FIG. 8 that the rivet 9 is of such a
length that the medicament pockets have vertical play thereon.
[0088] A wafer pocket booklet with a magnetic closure is shown in
FIG. 8a. On the edge of the lid 13, a metal strip 15 is applied
preferably across the full width thereof, and, on the edge area of
the cover 12, a magnetic strip 15' is applied likewise preferably
across the full width thereof.
[0089] FIG. 9 shows perspective views of a variant of the
embodiment from FIG. 4 in the partially opened state and in the
closed state. The device has a compact connecting element 9, formed
by the connecting element parts 9a and 9b (FIG. 2). On the support
5, a closure element 15'' is provided which is designed as a rubber
band.
[0090] In the view of the closed embodiment in FIG. 9, it will be
seen that the rubber band 15'' surrounds the device and thus closes
the cover 12 with the lid 13.
[0091] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a variant of the
embodiment from FIG. 9 in the opened state and in the closed state.
The device has a closure element 15, 15' differing from the wafer
pocket booklet shown in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, a closure
element 15 is provided in the cover 12 and a closure element 15' is
provided in the lid 13. The closure element 15 is designed as a
clip, and the closure element 15' is designed as a slit or oblong
hole. To close the cover 12 with the lid 13, the clip 15 is pushed
into the slit 15'. In the view of the closed embodiment in FIG. 10,
it will be seen that the clip 15 engages in the slit 15' and thus
closes the lid 13 with the cover 12.
[0092] FIG. 11 shows side views of another embodiment of the
invention in the partially opened state and in the closed state.
The lid 13 has a closure element 15, which is designed like a
buttonhole. The material of the lid 13 is preferably card. The
connecting element 9 is designed as a rivet, which at the same time
serves as closure element 15' and takes over the function of the
latter.
[0093] In order to close the lid 13 in this case with the rivet 9,
the connecting element 15 of the lid 13, designed as a hole, is
pressed with light pressure onto the rivet 9. The head end of the
rivet 9 is guided through the hole 15 and thus closes the
device.
[0094] FIGS. 12a, 12b, 12c show another embodiment of a wafer
pocket booklet in different stages of assembly.
[0095] The stack 1 comprises a large number of medicament pockets
4, for example 28 pockets, of which only the uppermost medicament
pocket is visible. The medicament pocket 4 contains a sealed-in
wafer 2. Marking portions are located at the lower edge of the
medicament pockets 4. A marking 3 is located on one of the marking
portions 22. In the second (not visible) medicament pocket lying
beneath the upper and visible medicament pocket 4, this marking is
arranged on the marking portion lying next to the first marking
portion in which the marking is located on the uppermost medicament
pocket.
[0096] The medicament pockets 4 are notched on both sides in the
upper area at 20 and have a perforation 7. In addition, the
medicament pockets 4 have oblong holes 8 through which a rib 9c
engages in the assembled state of the wafer pocket booklet.
[0097] In FIG. 12a, the lower connecting element part 9a is shown
on the support 5. As in the embodiment from FIG. 7, the connecting
element is in two parts: it has a lower part 9a and an upper part
9b. The lower part 9a comprises a rib 9c, a frame 9e and also a
base plate 9d. The rib 9c engages from below through the oblong
holes 8. The frame 9e sits on the edge of the base plate 9d. It
delimits the base plate 9d on three sides and also partially on the
fourth side. At the point where this frame 9e is not present, the
medicament pockets 4 can extend through the connecting part having
the perforation 7. Otherwise this frame 9e engages flush around the
upper part of the medicament pockets 4 and therefore guides the
latter in such a way that they sit firmly without play in the wafer
pocket booklet. The upper connecting element part 9b is formed by a
plate, which can be secured with a form fit or with a materially
cohesive fit on the lower connecting element part 9a. This plate 9b
is connected to the support 5, for example materially cohesively
(welding, gluing or the like).
[0098] The lower connecting element part 9a is secured on the
support 5, for example by gluing. When producing the stack 1 of
medicament pockets 4, the supports 5 are preferably made available
with the lower connecting element part 9a. The medicament pockets 4
are then placed onto the support 5, wherein the rib 9c of the lower
part 9a secured on the support 5 slides into the oblong hole 8 of
the pockets 4. The medicament pockets 4 are held on the support 5
by this rib 9c and by the frame 9e. In addition, their position is
determined exactly by the frame 9e.
[0099] After all the medicament pockets 4 of a wafer pocket booklet
have been stacked together and the connecting element has been
closed, the support 5 is provided with a strip 6 showing the days
of the week. The strip 6 showing the days of the week can be
applied both in the position shown in FIG. 12a-1 and also in the
position shown in FIG. 12a-2. The strip 6 showing the days of the
week is arranged such that it is flush with the marking portions 22
on the medicament pockets 4. In this way, the user can tell on
which day of the week the wafer 2 in the upper medicament pocket 4
has to be taken.
[0100] The support 5 is then folded over at the upper end in such a
way that the end forms a cover 12 for the wafer pocket booklet.
Information concerning the manufacturer and the name of the
medicament or even a logo can be arranged on the cover 12. The
cover 12 extends across the entire surface of the medicament
pockets 4 and across the protruding edge of the support 5 at the
lower end of the wafer pocket booklet.
[0101] The wafer pocket booklet is assembled after the connecting
element has been folded over and closed.
* * * * *