U.S. patent application number 13/518892 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-31 for dispenser for wafer pockets containing wafers and wafer pocket assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to BAYER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GMBH. The applicant listed for this patent is Sven Filler, Kirsten Gollin, Uwe Karla, Kathrin Reichardt. Invention is credited to Sven Filler, Kirsten Gollin, Uwe Karla, Kathrin Reichardt.
Application Number | 20130026175 13/518892 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43618839 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130026175 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reichardt; Kathrin ; et
al. |
January 31, 2013 |
DISPENSER FOR WAFER POCKETS CONTAINING WAFERS AND WAFER POCKET
ASSEMBLY
Abstract
In order to ensure reliable consumption of medicines present in
the form of wafers, to allow the medicines to be easily removed
from a dispenser 1 and to allow the latter to be easily refilled
with medicines, the dispenser 1 and a wafer pocket booklet 100
which can be introduced into the dispenser 1 are proposed. The
wafers are packed in wafer pockets 20, and the dispenser 1
according to the invention contains the wafer pockets 20. For this
purpose, the dispenser 1 comprises a supply space 9, at least one
holding element 19 and at least one dispensing opening 5 for one
wafer pocket 20 in each case, wherein the wafer pocket 20 can be
dispensed from the dispenser 1 in a dispensing direction A. In an
inventive fashion, the at least one wafer pocket 20 has in each
case a wafer region 21 containing the wafer and in each case at
least one residual region 24 of the at least one wafer pocket 20,
said residual region 24 remaining in the dispenser 1 when the wafer
region 21 is removed. The wafer region 21 is connected to the at
least one residual region 24 at least in certain sections, in each
case via at least one predetermined partition line 28.1, 28.2 which
has, at least in certain sections, an extent component 29 parallel
to the dispensing direction A.
Inventors: |
Reichardt; Kathrin; (Berlin,
DE) ; Gollin; Kirsten; (Potsdam, DE) ; Filler;
Sven; (Oranienburg, DE) ; Karla; Uwe;
(Basdorf, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Reichardt; Kathrin
Gollin; Kirsten
Filler; Sven
Karla; Uwe |
Berlin
Potsdam
Oranienburg
Basdorf |
|
DE
DE
DE
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
BAYER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
GMBH
Monheim
DE
|
Family ID: |
43618839 |
Appl. No.: |
13/518892 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
December 22, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2010/070462 |
371 Date: |
October 5, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/26 ;
220/507 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 1/035 20130101;
B65D 83/0835 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/26 ;
220/507 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/08 20060101
B65D083/08; B65D 25/04 20060101 B65D025/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 23, 2009 |
DE |
10 2009 060 945.8 |
Claims
1. A dispenser having at least one wafer pocket containing a wafer,
wherein the dispenser has a supply space, at least one holding
element for the at least one wafer pocket and at least one
dispensing opening for in each case one wafer pocket, through which
opening the wafer pocket can be dispensed from the dispenser in a
dispensing direction, characterized in that the at least one wafer
pocket has in each case a wafer region containing the wafer and in
each case at least one residual region of the at least one wafer
pocket, said residual region remaining in the dispenser when the
wafer region is dispensed, and in that the wafer region is
connected at least in certain sections to the at least one residual
region in each case via at least one predetermined partition line
which has, at least in certain sections, an extent component
parallel to the dispensing direction, and characterized in that
optionally at least one predetermined partition line runs parallel
to the dispensing direction.
2. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that two
predetermined partition lines are present, and in that the
predetermined partition lines are perforation sections.
3. (canceled)
4. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the
wafer region adjoins the at least one residual region in certain
sections via the at least one predetermined partition line and
additionally via at least one indent in the wafer pocket.
5. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the
at least one holding element has at least one holding rivet which
engages through openings in the wafer pockets and has the purpose
of securing the at least one wafer pocket in the at least one
holding element, and characterized in that the holding element is
optionally detachably attached in the dispenser.
6. (canceled)
7. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the
at least one predetermined partition line is formed by in each case
one web between the wafer region and the at least one residual
region.
8. The dispenser as claimed in claim, characterized in that the at
least one holding element has at least one wall forming in each
case a receptacle space for a respective residual region of the
wafer pockets and separating said receptacle space from the supply
space, wherein in each case at least one connecting opening to the
supply space is located in the wall through which connecting
opening the at least one wafer pocket can extend into the at least
one receptacle space, wherein the web is located in the region of
the connecting opening.
9. The dispenser as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the
wall is embodied in such a way that when a tensile force is applied
to the wafer pocket in the dispensing direction, the wafer region
becomes detached from the residual region located in the at least
one receptacle space.
10. The dispenser as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the
wall is adapted for separating the residual region from the wafer
region.
11. The dispenser as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the
wall has a notching edge acting counter to the dispensing
direction.
12. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the
at least one holding element is arranged in the dispenser on a side
of the dispenser located opposite the dispensing opening for the
wafer pockets.
13. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a
run-up slope for a wafer pocket to be dispensed is located in the
supply space, with the result that the wafer pocket to be dispensed
is directed through the dispensing opening.
14. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, claims, characterized in
that a grip opening which permits an uppermost wafer pocket to be
pushed forward manually is formed in a main outer surface of the
dispenser.
15. (canceled)
16. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a
display surface, to which time data can be applied, is provided
adjacent to the dispensing opening.
17. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1 claims, characterized in
that the wafer pockets are contained in a stack in the dispenser
and each has a mark in one of a plurality of marking sections
arranged alongside one another in a region adjacent to a marking
edge on the wafer pocket, wherein the respective marks are arranged
incrementally from one wafer pocket to the next wafer pocket in
successive marking sections inside the stack.
18. The dispenser as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that the
marking sections are aligned with fields for the time data on the
display surface.
19. A wafer pocket booklet, comprising at least two wafer pockets
which are connected to one another in a stack and which each have a
wafer region containing a wafer and each have at least one residual
region which remains in the dispenser when the wafer region is
dispensed, wherein the wafer pockets are connected to one another
by means of at least one holding element, characterized in that the
wafer region is connected to the at least one residual region at
least in certain sections, in each case via at least one
predetermined partition line which has, at least in certain
sections, an extent component parallel to the dispensing direction,
and characterized in that optionally at least one predetermined
partition line runs parallel to the dispensing direction.
20. The wafer pocket booklet as claimed in claim 19, characterized
in that two predetermined partition lines are present, and in that
the predetermined partition lines are perforation sections.
21. (canceled)
22. The wafer pocket booklet as claimed in claim 19, characterized
in that the wafer region adjoins the at least one residual region
at least in certain sections via the at least one predetermined
partition line and additionally via at least one indent in the
wafer pocket.
23. The wafer pocket booklet as claimed in claim 19, characterized
in that the wafer pockets have openings through which a holding
rivet of the holding element can engage in order to combine the
wafer pockets to form the stack by means of the at least one
holding element.
24. The wafer pocket booklet as claimed in claim 19, characterized
in that the wafer pockets each have a mark in one of a plurality of
marking sections arranged alongside one another in a region
adjacent to a marking edge on the wafer pocket, wherein the
respective marks are arranged incrementally from one wafer pocket
to the next wafer pocket in successive marking sections inside the
stack.
25. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser for
wafer-containing wafer pockets and a booklet made of such wafer
pockets. Such dispensers are used, for example, for making
available medicines and sweets in a wafer form, in particular for
hormone medicines and quite particularly for contraception or for
hormone replacement therapy, and for presentations containing
analgesics or nicotine.
PRIOR ART
[0002] Medicines or sweets in a wafer form are conventionally made
available in a primary package, in which the wafers are enclosed by
being sealed or welded between two sealing films, in particular a
carrier film and a cover film, or a top film and a bottom film, so
as to be impermeable to outside moisture and air, and can be
stored. The wafers are removed from these primary packages by
tearing open the sealing films, and are applied, usually via the
oral cavity. For this purpose, the sealing films are either
detached from each other, or they are torn so that the wafer can be
removed.
[0003] Such a package for films containing active substances is
disclosed in DE 10 2006 041 921 A1. This package has a carrier
layer and a cover layer which is detachably connected to the
latter. In the specific design of the package disclosed in said
document, the package also has two surface areas which are opposite
one another in a paired arrangement and separated from one another
by a web, the cover layer not being connected to the carrier layer
within said arrangement, as a result of which two spaces which are
separate from each other and are enclosed on all sides are formed
for receiving said films in pairs. Moreover, a further surface area
in which the carrier layer is not connected to the cover layer is
present within said web, as a result of which a hollow space which
is enclosed on all sides is formed. Finally, a perforation line is
present within the web. The further surface area within the web of
the double package forms a tear-open aid, such that the surface
required for this is reduced relative to the surface areas which
are intended to accommodate the packaged material. The perforation
line within the further surface area extends in the direction of
this surface area. By making an initial tear in the carrier layer
and the cover layer at the perforation line, and by subsequently
continuing this tear, the abovementioned further surface area is
divided approximately into two halves. As a result of the two
layers of the package being cut through, free edges are formed
which can serve as a tear-open aid, with the result that a
tear-open aid is produced.
[0004] Another embodiment for packaging a wafer is disclosed in DE
10 2004 047 447 B4. The package described therein has a first
surface area for the wafer, which in this surface area is enclosed
on all sides by a carrier film and a cover film by being sealed or
welded in. The package has a second surface area in which the
carrier layer is not connected to the cover film. Moreover, a
perforation line is present which extends at least partially within
the second surface area, the perforation being provided both in the
carrier layer and in the cover layer. The cutting through of the
perforation has the effect of producing a free edge of the cover
layer, which serves as a gripping aid and permits manual removal of
the cover layer from the carrier layer.
[0005] These primary packages can also be made available and ready
for use in a secondary package.
[0006] For example, DE 101 59 746 A1 describes a dispensing device
for storing and making available stacked film pockets filled with
wafers. The film pockets are formed by a carrier film of greater
surface and by a smaller cover film, with the result that the
carrier film protrudes beyond the cover film on one side. The
dispensing device comprises a housing which is partitioned at least
once and against whose lateral inner sides the side edges of the
stacked film pockets bear, while that edge of the carrier film
which protrudes beyond the edge of the associated cover film bears
on a front inner side. The film pockets are pressed with
spring-loading against the upper inner side of the housing. The
front, upper region of the housing has two slits for ejection of
the film pocket parts and of the wafer. A blade, on which the
uppermost carrier film lies, spatially in front of the front edge
of the cover film, is arranged between the slits. Moreover, a
rotatable transport element, with which the uppermost film pocket
can be conveyed out of the dispensing device, rests on the
uppermost film pocket. The blade separates the carrier film from
the cover film during the conveying out process, wherein the wafer
adheres to the cover film. These two films are dispensed separately
through the two slits.
[0007] In addition, DE 10 2006 022 198 B4 discloses a multi-pack
made up of pouches. This multi-pack contains at least one sealed
pouch for a wafer containing an active substance, wherein each
wafer is stored sealed in a sealed pouch. The sealed pouches are
stacked in the multi-pack and detachably attached by means of
predetermined partition seams. Each sealed pouch has a
predetermined partition seam which bounds a tear-open area. The
gripping piece is connected to the tear-open area. By pulling the
gripping piece, the tear-open area is opened and the active
substance-containing product is exposed. Further pulling of the
gripping piece separates the predetermined partition seams. In the
stacked state in the multi-pack, the individual sealed pouches are
secured by means of two pins, which extend through the pouches in
two through-openings, or are locked in another way with a form fit
or force fit. The multi-pack can, for example, be a square box with
a lid which folds open or slides open or can be taken off.
[0008] The primary and secondary packages described above for
wafers are complicated and consequently can only be manufactured
with quite considerable expenditure. It is also disadvantageous
that the wafer pockets are either placed individually in the
secondary package (DE 101 59 746 A1) or fixedly connected to the
secondary package (DE 10 2006 022 198 B4). This requires either
that, in the first case, the secondary packages are filled
individually with wafer pockets by the user or a manufacturer or,
in the other case, the secondary packages which have already been
filled with wafer pockets are made available by the manufacturer.
It is therefore necessary for the user either to throw away the
empty secondary package or to return it to the manufacturer for
refilling. However, it is problematic for a user to fill the
secondary package with wafer pockets when the wafer pockets have to
be filled into the secondary package in a specific sequence in
order, for example, to maintain a predefined medicine-taking
regime. This is because in this case errors may occur during the
filling process which then adversely affect the stringent
observance of the wafer being taken in the specific sequence. The
aforementioned problem can be solved if the wafer pockets are
attached in the secondary packaging. However, it is not desirable
to discard the secondary packaging after the wafer pockets have
been consumed, since this would generate needless waste and, in
addition, a new secondary package would have to be made available
each time. The alternative possibility, namely that of returning
the secondary package to the manufacturer for refilling, is
likewise disadvantageous, since this will entail considerable
logistical expenditure.
[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to be able
to ensure, using customary solutions for providing wafer pockets in
a secondary package, an exactly predefined sequence of the pockets
in the secondary package with the least possible logistical
expenditure and material outlay, thereby ensuring that a
medicine-taking regime can be strictly complied with. In addition,
the wafer pockets are to be easy to remove from the secondary
package.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] These objects are achieved by means of the dispenser for
wafer-containing wafer pockets as claimed in patent claim 1, the
wafer pocket booklet which comprises at least two wafer pockets
which are connected to each other in a stack, according to patent
claim 19, and the use of the dispenser as claimed in patent claim
25. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the
dependent claims.
[0011] Insofar as certain elements are mentioned below only in the
singular, for example a holding element, a receptacle space, a
wafer region of a wafer pocket, a residual region of a wafer
pocket, a predetermined partition line of a wafer pocket, a
perforation section of a wafer pocket, and an indent in a wafer
pocket or a dispensing opening, the plural is also additionally
meant in each case, that is to say a plurality of, for example,
holding elements, receptacle spaces, wafer regions of a wafer
pocket, residual regions of a wafer pocket, predetermined partition
lines of a wafer pocket, perforation sections of a wafer pocket,
indents in a wafer pocket or dispensing openings, unless expressly
stated otherwise.
[0012] The dispenser according to the invention for the
wafer-containing wafer pockets has a supply space, at least one
holding element for at least one wafer pocket and at least one
dispensing opening for in each case one wafer pocket, through which
opening the wafer pocket can be dispensed from the dispenser in a
dispensing direction. In an inventive fashion, the at least one
wafer pocket has in each case a wafer region containing the wafer
and in each case at least one residual region of the at least one
wafer pocket, said residual region remaining in the dispenser when
the wafer region is dispensed. In addition, the wafer region is
connected, at least in certain sections, to the at least one
residual region, in each case via at least one predetermined
partition line which has, at least in certain sections, an extent
component parallel to the dispensing direction of the wafer pockets
out of the dispenser.
[0013] In this way, the wafer pockets can be connected to one
another in a stacked fashion in the dispenser and accommodated in
the dispenser and easily detached from the stack by tearing off in
order to be dispensed in the dispensing direction. After the
consumption of the wafer pockets, a new stack can be inserted into
the dispenser by manually removing the holding element with the
remaining residual regions, allowing a new holding element with a
wafer pocket stack to be inserted. The removal of a wafer pocket
from the dispenser is simplified to a high degree by virtue of the
fact that the wafer region with the residual region, which remains
in the dispenser after the dispensing of the wafer region, is
connected via a predetermined partition line which has, at least in
certain sections, an extent component parallel to the dispensing
direction of the wafer pockets out of the dispenser, because by
virtue of the tensile force in the dispensing direction, the wafer
region can as a result be easily separated from the at least one
residual region. This facilitates operator control.
[0014] The extent component of the predetermined partition line
which runs parallel to the dispensing direction of the wafer
pockets out of the dispenser is the directional component of the
predetermined partition line--at least of one section of the
predetermined partition line--which arises as a result of
orthogonal decomposition of the direction of the predetermined
partition line into a direction parallel to the dispensing
direction and into a direction perpendicular thereto. Therefore, if
the predetermined partition line runs at an angle>0.degree. and
<90.degree. to the dispensing direction, the predetermined
partition line therefore has both an extent component which runs
parallel to the dispensing direction and an extent component which
runs perpendicular or diagonal thereto. If the angle between the
predetermined partition line and the dispensing direction is
0.degree., the predetermined partition line has exclusively an
extent component parallel to the dispensing direction. In this
case, the absolute value of the extent component is as large as the
length of the predetermined partition line. If the angle between
the predetermined partition line and the dispensing direction were
to be 90.degree., the predetermined partition line would have
exclusively an extent component perpendicular to the dispensing
direction but no extent component parallel to the dispensing
direction. The latter case is therefore not according to the
invention. The angle of the predetermined partition line with
respect to the dispensing direction is preferably 0.degree., i.e.
the predetermined partition line runs parallel to the dispensing
direction. If the angle is not 0.degree. but rather <0.degree.,
it should be, for example, less than 75.degree. and preferably less
than or equal to 45.degree. at least in certain sections.
[0015] Since the predetermined partition line between the wafer
region and the at least one residual region has an extent component
parallel to the dispensing direction, the wafer region of a wafer
pocket can be easily detached from the at least one residual region
of the wafer pocket when a tensile force is applied to the wafer
pocket in the dispensing direction. This permits easy removal of a
wafer pocket from the dispenser. It is particularly preferred if
the wafer region is connected to the at least one residual region
exclusively via at least one predetermined partition line which has
in each case an extent component parallel to the dispensing
direction. In this case, there is no predetermined partition line
between the wafer region and the residual regions which has, at
least in certain sections, no direction component at all parallel
to the dispensing direction.
[0016] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, two
predetermined partition lines are present, wherein the
predetermined partition lines are perforation sections.
[0017] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the at
least one predetermined partition line runs parallel to the
dispensing direction.
[0018] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the
wafer region adjoins the at least one residual region in certain
sections via the at least one predetermined partition line and
additionally via at least one indent in the wafer pocket.
[0019] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the at
least one holding element has at least one holding rivet which
engages through openings in the wafer pockets and has the purpose
of securing the at least one wafer pocket in the at least one
holding element.
[0020] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the
holding element which holds the at least one wafer pocket is
detachably attached in the dispenser.
[0021] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the at
least one predetermined partition line is formed by in each case
one web between the wafer region and the at least one residual
region.
[0022] In the latter case, it is particularly preferred if the at
least one holding element has at least one wall forming in each
case a receptacle space for a respective residual region of the
wafer pockets and separating said receptacle space from the supply
space, and in each case at least one connecting opening to the
supply space is located in each of the walls, through which
connecting opening the at least one wafer pocket can extend into
the at least one receptacle space, wherein the web is located in
the region of the connecting opening.
[0023] The wafer pocket booklet according to the invention
comprises at least two, preferably 28 or 30, wafer pockets
connected to one another in a stack. In the latter alternative
embodiment of the invention, the wafer pockets are secured in the
holding element by virtue of the fact that in each case a residual
region of a wafer pocket extends into at least one receptacle space
of the holding element and is held there, in particular, with a
form fit. The at least one holding element preferably has in each
case a wall forming a receptacle space for a respective residual
region of the wafer pockets, wherein in each case at least one
connecting opening is located in the wall, through which connecting
opening the wafer pockets can extend into the respective receptacle
space. The respective residual regions of the wafer pockets which
extend into the receptacle spaces are connected to the respective
wafer region of the wafer pockets via the connecting openings.
There is in each case a web in the region of a connecting
opening.
[0024] The wafer pocket booklet according to the invention is
located for use in the dispenser according to the invention. For
this purpose, the dispenser has at least one of the holding
elements specified above, with which the wafer pockets are held in
the stack. As a result, the wafer pockets are held in a stack in
the dispenser. The holding element with the wafer pockets is
accommodated in the dispenser, in particular attached therein. The
holding element is preferably detachably attached in order to be
able to remove the holding element from the dispenser again after
the wafer pockets have been used up. After the consumption of the
wafer pockets, a new wafer pocket stack can be attached by means of
its holding element in the dispenser after the removal of the old
wafer pocket stack.
[0025] Since a booklet of wafer pockets which is bound by means of
a holding element can be introduced into the dispenser and attached
there, the wafer pocket booklet can be handled independently of the
dispenser, in particular can be manufactured, stored, treated and
handed over to a user. Finally, the user can handle this booklet
separately, for example can insert it independently into a
dispenser or simply firstly store it before using the booklet. A
sequence of wafer pockets which is fixed in such a booklet during
the manufacturing process is therefore maintained during each
handling process. Individual wafer pockets therefore cannot be
inadvertently interchanged with one another. It is therefore
possible for a predefined medicine-taking regime to be readily
complied with by a user even with, for example, differently marked
wafer pockets, without this sequence, once it has been set during
the manufacture of the wafer pocket stack, changing due to
incorrect handling by the user or on the way to the user.
Furthermore, the presence and the sequence of the wafer pockets in
the wafer pocket stack can be proven at any time when necessary by
means of the remaining residual regions of the wafer pockets.
[0026] Furthermore, the invention also provides the advantage that
the user does not have to obtain the wafer pocket stack together
with the dispenser and already mounted therein. Instead, it is
sufficient if the wafer pocket stack in which the wafer pockets are
connected to one another is obtained separately by the user. The
connection of the wafer pockets in the stack ensures that the
sequence thereof is not changed even during handling. Consequently,
the dispenser can be used repeatedly, i.e. the user does not have
to discard the dispenser after the wafer pockets have been consumed
or return the dispenser to the manufacturer. The latter would
involve considerable logistical effort.
[0027] A wafer pocket is typically composed of a carrier film and a
cover film or else of a lower film and an upper film. The cover
film or upper film can be connected to the carrier film or lower
film, for example bonded or welded thereto, or vice versa, by means
of a preferably strip-shaped connection, running along the side
edges of the cover film or upper film. In addition, in one
particularly preferred embodiment the carrier film or lower film
and the cover film or upper film can have, on in each case at least
one side edge, respectively protruding tabs which are not connected
to one another. This significantly simplifies the pulling apart and
therefore opening of the wafer pockets in order to remove the wafer
contained therein because the two films can be easily gripped. A
wafer is enclosed between the carrier film or upper film and the
cover film or lower film, in a preferably air-tight and
moisture-tight fashion, within a region which is formed by the
connection. The film pockets can have a small elevation owing to
the design or only in the region of the wafer, due to said
wafer.
[0028] The dispenser according to the invention can preferably be
used to store and make available medicinal wafers which it is
desirable or necessary to take according to a stringent
medicine-taking regime.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The dispenser according to the invention typically comprises
a base part and a cover part. These two parts can each be formed,
in particular, in the form of half shells and form the supply space
by connection. The two parts can be connected to one another, in
particular, in a frictionally locking, non-positively locking or
positively locking fashion. For example, the cover part can be
plugged onto the base part and latched thereto. Although the two
parts should remain securely connected to one another during use,
in order to avoid a wafer pocket stack located therein from
dropping out, the cover part should also be capable of being easily
taken off (detached) again in order to be able to re-insert a wafer
pocket stack with a holding element into the dispenser. The two
parts are preferably shaped in such a way that the dispenser has an
essentially rectangular shape, wherein the precise shaping can be
influenced, for example, according to ergonomic or design criteria,
that is to say, for example, with a lateral grip depression or grip
ribbing or other patterning and/or rounded and/or beveled edges and
corners.
[0030] When the dispenser is used, it contains a stack of
wafer-containing wafer pockets. This stack is held together by the
at least one holding element. The unit composed of the holding
element and the wafer pocket stack held by the holding element,
wherein the holding element is preferably sealed against
unauthorized or unintentional removal of the wafer pockets or
residual regions, for example with a holding component lid which is
connected in a securely frictionally locking, non-positively
locking or positively locking fashion, can be attached, in
particular in a detachable fashion, in the dispenser in order to be
able to easily insert this unit and to be able to easily remove the
holding element again after the wafer pockets have been used up.
For this purpose, suitable snap-action connections which are known
to a person skilled in the art, or, for example, even a
touch-and-close fastener or for example even merely a compartment
in which the holding element is laid, can be used. Alternatively, a
frictionally locking connection can be provided by pressing the
holding element, for example, into a depression or a compartment in
the dispenser. At any rate, when necessary a suitable device for
detachably holding the holding element on the inside of the
dispenser is provided.
[0031] The holding element which holds the wafer pocket stack is
preferably inserted into the dispenser in such a way that the wafer
pockets can be detached individually from the holding element. For
this purpose, an arrangement in which an uppermost wafer pocket is
detached from the holding element, for example, torn off, parallel
to its main extent direction can be particularly preferably
selected. In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the
holding element is therefore, in particular, mounted in an edge
region of the dispenser, on the inner side thereof, with the result
that the wafer pockets can be detached from the holding element by
pulling them off laterally, and they can subsequently be removed in
succession from the dispenser. The direction in which a wafer
pocket is detached from the stack by tearing off is preferably the
same as the direction in which the wafer pocket is dispensed from
the dispenser. For this reason, in the dispenser a dispensing
direction can be defined in which the wafer pockets are dispensed
from the dispenser.
[0032] In the first particularly preferred embodiment of the
invention, the wafer pockets have an opening through which at least
one holding rivet of the holding element can engage with the result
that the wafer pockets are held by the holding element. This
results in the securely connected stack of wafer pockets. This
opening can be of circular design or else elongated. At any rate,
its shape is preferably predefined by the cross section of the at
least one holding rivet in such a way that although the wafer
pockets are securely held on the at least one holding rivet, they
can easily slide in the vertical direction. In addition, the
holding element can have clamping elements, which press from above
or from below onto the stack of the wafer pockets, i.e. onto the
stack of the residual regions of the wafer pockets and are located
in the holding element or are components of the holding element. In
this way, the residual regions are reliably prevented from slipping
down out of the holding element.
[0033] Two predetermined partition lines can preferably be provided
by means of which the wafer region is connected to the at least one
residual region. Otherwise, indents in the wafer pocket may be
provided by means of which the wafer region and the residual
regions adjoin one another. Part of the boundary of the wafer
region on the side of the residual regions can also be formed by
the at least one opening through which the at least one holding
rivet engages. The wafer region and the at least one residual
region in this particularly preferred embodiment are therefore
connected exclusively by means of the two predetermined partition
lines. These can easily be cut open.
[0034] In the alternative embodiment, the wall separating the at
least one receptacle space from the supply space can, in
particular, be embodied in such a way that when a tensile force is
applied to the wafer pocket in the dispensing direction of the
wafer pocket the wafer region of a wafer pocket becomes detached
from the dispenser from the residual region of the wafer pocket
extending into the at least one receptacle space. This permits easy
removal of a wafer pocket from the dispenser.
[0035] For this purpose, the connecting openings between the
respective receptacle spaces and the supply space in the dispenser
are configured in such a way that the wafer region can easily be
separated from the residual regions extending into the receptacle
spaces. These openings preferably extend in a direction which has
at least one component parallel to a dispensing direction for the
wafer pockets. The respective extension directions for the
connecting openings are defined by the boundaries at the walls
bounding them. The connecting openings can, in particular, run
parallel to the dispensing direction or else at an
angle.noteq.0.degree. with respect to the dispensing direction, for
example at an angle with respect to the dispensing direction which
is greater than 0.degree., preferably greater than 20.degree. and
quite particularly preferably greater than 30.degree., but is
smaller than 90.degree., in particular smaller than 75.degree. and
quite particularly preferably smaller than or equal to
45.degree..
[0036] It is particularly preferred if the wall separating the at
least one receptacle space from the supply space is embodied in the
form of a notching tool for separating the residual region
extending into the at least one receptacle space. The notching
effect of the notching tool allows easy detachment of the wafer
region from the residual region remaining in the receptacle space.
As a result, the part of the wafer pocket which contains the wafer
can be detached from the holding element with a small tensile force
and therefore removed from the dispenser.
[0037] In particular, the wall can have a notching edge acting
counter to the dispensing direction of the wafer pocket from the
dispenser. For this purpose, this wall can be arranged parallel to
the dispensing direction of the wafer pockets, and the notching
edge of this wall can be oriented counter to the dispensing
direction and perpendicular with respect thereto. The wall can, for
this purpose, form a cutter on the notching edge by means of a
one-sided or two-sided bevel toward the edge. By applying tensile
force to the uppermost wafer pocket, this cutter cuts into the web
of the wafer pocket which is located in the region of the
connecting opening in the wall and causes the wafer pocket to be
easily torn in the region of its web by means of the notch effect
of said cutter.
[0038] The wall preferably runs linearly parallel to the dispensing
direction. Alternatively, it can also run at an angle with respect
to the dispensing direction which is greater than 0.degree.,
preferably greater than 20.degree. and quite particularly
preferably greater than 30.degree., but which is smaller than
90.degree., in particular smaller than 75.degree. and quite
particularly preferably smaller than or equal to 45.degree..
[0039] In a further alternative embodiment, the wall separating the
at least one receptacle space from the supply space can be
repeatedly penetrated in the region of the connecting opening, that
is to say a plurality of partial wall elements which are spaced
apart from one another form a plurality of openings between them,
which openings pass through the wafer pockets inserted into the
holding element at corresponding breakthroughs, wherein these
breakthroughs preferably result together in a perforation. This
perforation also allows easy separation of the wafer region from
the residual region located in the receptacle space and therefore
permits the wafer pocket to be easily removed from the
dispenser.
[0040] For example, the perforation can run preferably linearly
parallel to the dispensing direction as in the case of the wall
having a notching edge. Alternatively, it can also run at an angle
with respect to the dispensing direction which is greater than
0.degree., preferably greater than 20.degree. and quite
particularly preferably greater than 30.degree. but which is
smaller than 90.degree., in particular smaller than 75.degree. and
quite particularly preferably smaller than or equal to 45.degree..
In particular if the perforation runs linearly at an angle which is
greater than 20.degree. with respect to the dispensing direction,
easy separation and dispensing of a wafer pocket are made
possible.
[0041] The embodiments above for easy separation of the main part
of the wafer pocket from the section extending into the receptacle
space can be combined with one another, for example by virtue of
the fact that each wall section of the wall passing through the
perforation again has in each case a notching edge.
[0042] In one particularly favorable embodiment of the invention in
which receptacle spaces are provided, the dispenser according to
the invention can be embodied in such a way that a holding element
with two receptacle spaces for a respective residual region can be
accommodated therein. The residual regions which are accommodated
by the receptacle spaces of this holding element can be provided at
in each case one corner of the wafer pocket. A further space, which
is open toward the supply space, for the wafer pocket can be
located between the two receptacle spaces of the holding element,
into which further space a central region of the wafer pocket
projects. This central region remains preferably connected to the
main part of the wafer pocket when the wafer region is separated
from the residual regions extending into the receptacle spaces, and
said central region can, in particular, serve as a tearing-open
aid, for example by virtue of the fact that the carrier film or
lower film and the cover film or upper film are not connected to
one another in this region. The holding element which has two
receptacle spaces each with a connecting opening and each with a
wall for separating the respective receptacle space from the supply
space can be provided for accommodating in each case two residual
regions at adjacent corners of the wafer pocket.
[0043] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if a holding
element is embodied as a holding block which can be inserted into
the dispenser. In the first, particularly preferred embodiment, the
holding block preferably has an outer wall which is arranged on a
longitudinal side and two outer walls which are arranged on narrow
sides and which adjoin one another and are separated on a
baseplate. In addition, one or more holding rivets can be fitted
onto the baseplate. After the insertion of the wafer pockets, a
cover plate can be fitted onto the holding rivet or the holding
rivets can be fitted onto the walls and attached there in order to
secure the wafer pockets in the holding block. The cover plate is
intended, in particular, to prevent the sections dropping out of
the receptacle spaces or being able to be removed therefrom, with
the result that the wafer pockets in the wafer pocket stack are
connected in a positively locking fashion to the holding block. For
example, the cover plate can be connected to the upper edges of the
walls in a frictionally locking fashion, but preferably in a
non-positively locking fashion, positively locking fashion or
materially joined fashion. For example, recesses are contained in
the upper region of the walls, which recesses latch into the
projections of the cover plate during the insertion, and/or the
cover plate is welded or bonded to the walls. The cover plate is
preferably welded to the walls, for example using ultrasound.
[0044] Alternatively, in the second alternative embodiment in
particular when two or more receptacle spaces are provided, they
can be combined in a holding block. For this purpose, a
single-piece (integral) unit is formed. For example, the walls
forming the receptacle spaces can be connected to one another via a
further wall. Moreover, it may be advantageous that the walls are
additionally connected to one another via a baseplate onto which
the walls are fitted and with which the walls are preferably
connected in a materially joined fashion. The baseplate forms,
together with the walls, the receptacle spaces in each case. The
holding block can, furthermore, have a cover plate which
additionally closes off the receptacle spaces.
[0045] The holding block is preferably designed for attachment to
the base part of the dispenser, with the result that the holding
block with the wafer pockets attached therein remains attached to
the base part if the dispenser is opened by removing the lid
part.
[0046] The at least one holding element can be arranged on a side
of the dispenser located opposite the dispensing opening for the
wafer pockets. The dispensing opening can be embodied, in
particular, in the form of a dispensing slit.
[0047] In order to be able to dispense a wafer pocket from the
dispenser without impediment, preferably a run-up slope for a wafer
pocket to be dispensed is formed in the supply space, said run-up
slope directing the wafer pocket to be dispensed through the
dispensing opening.
[0048] In order to be able to dispense an uppermost wafer pocket
from the dispenser, a grip opening which permits the uppermost
wafer pocket to be pushed forward manually can be formed in a main
outer surface of the dispenser, for example in the lid part. This
grip opening is preferably elongated and formed parallel to the
dispensing direction in the outer surface of the dispenser. The
uppermost wafer pocket can be pushed forward with a finger through
this grip opening and out through the dispensing opening.
[0049] Alternatively, a device as in the case of DE 10 2008 014 533
A1 may be present, that is to say a transporting roller or else a
transporting wheel which is in frictionally locking contact with
the uppermost wafer pocket and conveys said wafer pocket out of the
dispenser through manual rotation.
[0050] Furthermore, a display surface can be provided adjacent to
the dispensing opening on the dispenser according to the invention,
to which display surface time data can be applied. This time data
may be, for example, calendar dates, in particular weekday
information. In the latter case, 7 fields arranged one next to the
other can be applied to the display surface, to be precise
preferably parallel to the dispensing slit. The time data can be
applied to the display surface by, for example, adhering a plate
containing the time data.
[0051] This time data serves to allow the user to check when
dispensing a wafer pocket whether this wafer pocket is to be
removed within a prescribed time interval. Furthermore, in order to
achieve this, each wafer pocket has a mark in one of a plurality of
marking sections arranged alongside one another in a region
adjacent to a marking edge on the wafer pocket, wherein the
respective marks are arranged incrementally from one wafer pocket
to the next wafer pocket in successive marking sections inside the
stack. The marking sections on the marking edge are arranged one
next to each other in accordance with the fields of the time data
on the dispenser, and when a wafer pocket is dispensed they are
arranged flush therewith. The width of the fields of the time data
on the display surface and the width of the marking sections are
for this purpose, in particular, of equal size. During the
medicine-taking regime with respective daily consumption of one
wafer, the time data comprises weekday information. In this case, 7
weekday items of information of this type are located on the
display surface. In the same way, 7 marking sections with in each
case one mark are located on each wafer pocket. When a wafer pocket
is dispensed, the marking on this wafer pocket is aligned with one
of the items of weekday information so that the user can check
whether the marked piece of weekday information corresponds to the
current weekday.
[0052] The dispenser according to the invention is preferably of
counterfeit-proof design. For this purpose, one or more safety
marks can be provided on the dispenser which permit the genuineness
of the dispenser to be checked, and these may be, for example,
printed labels using a microscript, holograms, tilted images or
other safety features. In the same way, such safety features can
also be provided on the wafer pockets in order to be able to
prevent falsification.
[0053] The figures described below show preferred embodiments
according to the invention. However, the invention is not
restricted to these embodiments. They serve merely to illustrate
the invention.
[0054] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a holding block which is
open toward the top with a separately illustrated cover plate and a
wafer pocket which can be inserted into the holding block, in a
first embodiment according to the invention;
[0055] FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of a wafer pocket in a
variant of that in FIG. 1;
[0056] FIG. 2 shows a perspective illustration of a wafer pocket
booklet which is obtained by mounting a wafer pocket stack in a
holding block, according to the first embodiment according to the
invention;
[0057] FIG. 3 shows a perspective illustration of the wafer pocket
booklet from FIG. 2 after the uppermost wafer pocket has been torn
off;
[0058] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a holding block which is
open toward the top and a wafer pocket which can be inserted into
the holding block, in a second embodiment according to the
invention;
[0059] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a holding block which is
open toward the top and a wafer pocket which can be inserted into
the holding block, in a third embodiment according to the
invention;
[0060] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a wafer pocket booklet
composed of a stack of wafer pockets, combined by means of a
holding block, according to the second or the third embodiment
according to the invention;
[0061] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a wafer pocket booklet
composed of a stack of wafer pockets which are combined by means of
a holding block, in which stack the uppermost wafer pocket has been
separated out from the holding block, according to the second or
the third embodiment according to the invention;
[0062] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the base and lid parts
forming a dispenser according to the invention, according to the
second embodiment according to the invention;
[0063] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a dispenser according to
the invention in the ready-to-use state; and
[0064] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a dispenser according to
the invention with a rotatable transporting wheel.
[0065] Identical reference symbols in the figures respectively
denote identical elements.
[0066] The holding block 10 shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment
according to the invention comprises a baseplate 11, side walls,
specifically a left-end wall 12.1 and a right-end wall 12.2 as well
as a rear wall 12.3 and a cover plate 13. The cover plate 13 is
fitted onto the walls 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 in order to mount the
holding block 10 with wafer pockets 20 located therein. The holding
block 10 is inserted as a holding element for the wafer pockets 20.
The holding block 10 also has a holding rivet 19 which fits on the
baseplate 1. The cover plate 13 also has latching webs 13.1, 13.2,
13.3 which, during the mounting of the holding block 10, engage in
corresponding cutouts 12.11, 12.21 in the walls 12.1, 12.2 and in a
cutout 19.1 in the latching rivet 19 and latch there.
[0067] The wafer pocket 20 has a wafer region 21 and a residual
region 24. Furthermore, an opening 26 is provided through which the
latching rivet 19 engages in the mounted state, with the result
that the wafer pocket 20 is held by the holding block 10. The wafer
region 21 and the residual region 24 adjoin one another by means of
an indent 27 in the wafer pocket 20. In the region of the indents
27, the wafer region 21 and the residual region 24 are not
connected to one another. The wafer region 21 and the residual
region 24 are merely connected to one another by means of two
perforation sections, specifically a left-hand perforation section
28.1 and a right-hand perforation section 28.2. These two
perforation sections 28.1, 28.2 extend parallel to a dispensing
direction A of the wafer pocket 20 in which the wafer region 21 is
removed from the dispenser. The perforation sections therefore have
extent components (represented by lines 29) parallel to the
dispensing direction A.
[0068] A variant of the wafer pocket 20 is shown in FIG. 1a. This
differs from that shown in FIG. 1 in that the perforation sections
28.1, 28.2 do not run parallel to the dispensing direction A but
rather at an angle.noteq.0.degree.. The resulting extent components
29 parallel to the dispensing direction A are also indicated.
[0069] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 1, the wafer pocket 20 is
laid into the holding block 20 mounting so that the holding rivet
19 slides into the opening 26 in the wafer pocket 20. As a result,
the residual region 24 of the wafer pocket is located in the
holding block 10, while the wafer region 21 is located outside the
holding block 10. After the mounting of, for example, 28 or else 30
wafer pockets 20 in the holding block 10, the cover plate 13 is
fitted onto the walls 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 and the holding rivet 19 and
latched there and/or welded there, for example by means of
ultrasound.
[0070] A wafer pocket booklet 100 mounted in this way and
comprising the holding block 10 and the stack composed of wafer
pockets 20 is illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0071] FIG. 3 also illustrates that the wafer region 21' of an
uppermost wafer pocket 20' has been torn out of the holding block
10. For this purpose, a tensile force has been applied in the
dispensing direction A, with the result that the wafer region 21'
of the uppermost wafer pocket 20' has been torn off from the
residual region remaining in the holding block 10, in the region of
the perforation sections 28.1, 28.2 which already existed
before.
[0072] The holding block 10 which is shown in FIG. 4 in the second
embodiment according to the invention has a baseplate 11 as well as
side walls, specifically left-hand walls 12.1 and right-hand walls
12.2. The holding block 10 also has a cover plate 13 which is
fitted onto the walls 12.1 and 12.2 as soon as the wafer pockets 20
are laid in the holding block 10. The walls 12.1, 12.2 enclose two
receptacle spaces, a left-hand receptacle space 14.1 and a
right-hand receptacle space 14.2. The walls 12.1, including the
left-hand walls 15.1, 15.3 and a part of the rear wall 12.3, form
the left-hand receptacle space 14.1, and the walls 12.2, including
the right-hand walls 15.2, 15.4 and a part of the rear wall 12.3,
form the right-hand receptacle space 14.2. In each case securing
elements for the wafer pockets 20 are formed by the receptacle
spaces 14.1, 14.2 and walls 12.1, 15.1, 15.3, 12.3 and 12.2, 15.2,
15.4, 12.3. Each of the walls 15.3, 15.4 leaves an opening 18.1,
18.2 clear so that the wafer pockets 20 can extend there into the
respective receptacle spaces 14.1, 14.2. These connecting openings
18.1, 18.2 are bounded by the oblique wall bodies 12.31 and 12.32
on the one side and by the respective wall 15.3 and 15.4 on the
other side. The connecting openings run approximately parallel to
the dispensing direction A of the wafer pockets 20. The respective
walls, specifically the left-hand dividing wall 15.3 and the
right-hand dividing wall 15.4, have a left-hand notching edge 16.1
and a right-hand notching edge 16.2. These notching edges 16.1,
16.2 are arranged in such a way that they act counter to the
dispensing direction A of the wafer pockets 20. The notching edges
16.1, 16.2 are formed by a one-sided bevel of the respective
receptacle space 14.1, 14.2 toward the outside. The bevels result
in sharp (cutting) edges which apply the notch effect making it
easier to tear off the wafer regions 21 of the wafer pockets 20
from the respective residual regions 24.1, 24.2.
[0073] The wafer pockets 20 initially have a wafer region 21 in
which the wafer is welded or sealed in, and two residual regions
24.1, 24.2 which, as shown in FIG. 4, are shaped according to the
shaping of the holding block 10: The residual regions 24.1, 24.2 of
the pocket 20 are located on a narrow side of a wafer pocket 20.
The residual regions 24.1, 24.2 are connected to a central region
23 of the wafer region 21 via webs, specifically a left-hand web
25.1 and a right-hand web 25.2. Alternatively, just a single
receptacle space with just one web may also be provided. In the
central region 23, the carrier film or lower film and the cover
film or upper film are preferably not connected to one another,
with the result that the user can grip each of these two films with
one hand and pull them apart from one another. The webs 25.1, 25.2
are made so wide that the residual regions 24.1, 24.2 are kept
stable by the central region 23, but on the other hand when a
tensile force is applied to the wafer region 21 of the wafer pocket
20 they do in turn easily tear apart. For this purpose the webs
25.1, 25.2 (or also just one web) can, in one particularly
advantageous embodiment, be additionally provided with perforations
(indicated) in order to make the tearing off even easier. In order
to attach the wafer pocket 20 in the holding block 10, the residual
regions 24.1, 24.2 are inserted into the receptacle spaces 14.1,
14.2. The central region 23 of the wafer pocket 20 is then located
in the connecting space 17 which is located between the receptacle
spaces 14.1, 14.2, and the wafer region 21 of the wafer pocket 20
(however without the connecting region 23) projects out of the
holding block 10, while the central region 23 of the wafer region
21 is located in the holding block 10. The webs 25.1, 25.2 directly
adjoin the notching edges 16.1, 16.2. When a tensile force is
applied to the wafer pocket 20 in the dispensing direction A,
notching forces then act from these notching edges 16.1, 16.2, on
the webs 25.1, 25.2, with the result that the wafer region 21 is
sheared off from the residual regions 24.1, 24.2 and can be
detached from the holding block 10.
[0074] The holding block 10 shown in FIG. 5 in the third embodiment
according to the invention has, as in the case of the first
embodiment according to the invention, a baseplate 11 and side
walls 12.1, 12.2. The holding block 10 also has a cover plate 13,
which is fitted onto the walls 12.1, 12.2, as soon as the wafer
pockets 20 are laid in the holding block 10. The wall 12.1,
including the walls 15.1, 15.3 and part of the rear wall 12.3, and
the wall 12.2, including the walls 5.2, 5.4 and part of the rear
wall 12.3, respectively enclose a receptacle space, specifically a
left-hand receptacle space 14.1, and a right-hand receptacle space
14.2. The walls 12.1, including the left-hand walls 15.1, 15.3 and
part of the rear wall 12.3, form the left-hand receptacle space
14.1, and the walls 12.2, including the right-hand walls 15.2, 15.4
and part of the rear wall 12.3, form the right-hand receptacle
space 14.2. In contrast to the first embodiment according to the
invention, the receptacle spaces 14.1, 14.2 are also formed by
perforation bars, specifically left-hand perforation bars 17.1 and
right-hand perforation bars 17.2. Openings 18.1, 18.2 are
respectively left between the perforation bars 17.1, 17.2, through
which openings 18.1, 18.2 wafer pockets 20 extend into the
respective receptacle spaces 14.1, 14.2. The connecting openings
are formed in the present case by the totality of all the openings
18.1, 18.2. The connecting openings are in turn bounded by the rear
wall 12.3 and the walls 15.3 and 15.4, respectively. The connecting
openings run at an angle>0.degree. with respect to the
dispensing direction A of the wafer pockets 20.
[0075] The wafer pockets 20 firstly have a wafer region 21 in which
the wafer is welded or sealed, and two residual regions 24.1, 24.2,
which, as shown in FIG. 5, are shaped according to the shaping of
the holding block 10. The residual regions 24.1, 24.2 of the pocket
20 are located on a narrow side of a wafer pocket 20. The residual
regions 24.1, 24.2 are connected via perforations, specifically a
left-hand perforation 26.1 and a right-hand perforation 26.2, to
the central region 23 of the wafer pocket 20. Alternatively, just a
single receptacle space with just one perforation can also be
provided. In the central region 23, the carrier film and the cover
film are preferably not welded or sealed to one another. The
central region 23 is a component of the wafer region 21 of the
wafer pocket 20 and preferably serves as a tear-off aid after the
separation of the wafer region 21. Perforations 26.1, 26.2 are
embodied in such a way that the residual regions 24.1, 24.2 are
kept stable by the central region 23, but on the other hand can in
turn be easily detached from the residual regions 24.1, 24.2 when
the main part 21 of the wafer pocket 20 is torn off. In order to
attach the wafer pocket 20 in the holding block 10, the residual
regions 24.1, 24.2 are inserted into the receptacle spaces 14.1,
14.2. For this purpose, the perforation bars 17.1, 17.2 pass
through the respective perforations 26.1, 26.2. If the wafer pocket
20 is inserted into the holding block 10, the central region 23 of
the wafer pocket 20 is located in the connecting space 17 located
between the receptacle spaces 14.1, 14.2, and the main part of the
wafer region 21 of the wafer pocket 20 projects out of the holding
block 10. The perforations 26.1, 26.2 directly adjoin the walls
15.3, 15.4. The application of a tensile force to the wafer pocket
20 in the dispensing direction A then causes the wafer region 21 to
be torn off from the residual regions 24.1, 24.2 and allows it to
be detached from the holding block 10.
[0076] FIG. 6 shows a wafer pocket booklet 100 which is formed by a
mounted stack of wafer pockets 20 and a holding block 10 according
to the first embodiment according to the invention, which holding
block 10 holds together the wafer pockets 20.
[0077] FIG. 7 shows the wafer pocket booklet 100 shown in FIG. 6.
The wafer pocket booklet 100 comprises the stack of wafer pockets
20 with a central region 23 which can still be seen partly at the
top. The wafer pockets 20 are held together by means of the holding
block 10. However, in this case the uppermost wafer pocket 20',
together with its central region 23', is already separated out from
the holding block 10 in the dispensing direction A. The residual
regions of this wafer pocket 20' have remained in the receptacle
spaces in the holding block 10.
[0078] FIG. 8 shows the two base and cover parts which form a
dispenser 1 according to the invention. The base part is denoted by
the reference number 2, and the cover part by the reference number
3. A holding block 10 with wafer pockets 20, which are held
together by the holding block 10 to form a stack, is inserted into
the base part 2. The holding block 10 is shown in the opened
position for purposes of illustration, that is to say the cover
plate is not fitted on. However, during normal operation the
holding block 10 is closed off by means of the cover plate, with
the result that the wafer pockets 20 cannot fall out or be removed.
The holding block 10 is latched into the base part 2, with the
result that it cannot fall out even if the dispenser 1 is opened.
Furthermore, the holding block 10, and therefore the entire stack
of wafer pockets 20, are secured in the base part 2 in order to
push the uppermost wafer pocket 20 out of the dispenser 1. The
parts 2, 3 form together a storage space 9 for the stack of wafer
pockets 20.
[0079] After the insertion of the holding block 10, the cover part
3 is fitted with the stack of wafer pockets 20 onto the base part 2
and latched.
[0080] In order to dispense the uppermost wafer pocket 20 from the
dispenser, said wafer pocket 20 is pushed out manually with a
finger in the dispensing direction A through the opening 4 in the
cover part 3. At the same time, a tensile force is applied to the
uppermost wafer pocket 20, with the result that the wafer region 21
of the wafer pocket 20 is torn off from the residual regions 24.1,
24.2 of the wafer pocket 20, said residual regions 24.1, 24.2
remaining in the receptacle spaces 14.1, 14.2 of the holding block
10, with the result that the wafer region 21 of the uppermost wafer
pocket 20 becomes detached from the holding block 10. A dispensing
slit 5 in the cover part 3 serves to dispense the wafer region 21
of this uppermost wafer pocket 20 after its detachment from the
rest of the wafer stack, said dispensing slit 5 being located on a
narrow side of the cover part 3, approximately on the side edge of
the cover part 3. So that the separated-off uppermost wafer pocket
20 reliably slides in and through the dispensing slit 5, a run-up
slope 6 is present in the base part 2, which run-up slope 6 is
located on the inner wall of the base part 2 on the narrow side
which lies opposite the narrow side to which the holding block 10
is attached, specifically in the region of the dispensing slit 5.
As a result of the force applied to the uppermost wafer pocket 20
in the dispensing direction A, the wafer region 21 of the uppermost
wafer pocket 20 is conveyed in the dispensing direction A after the
detachment from the holding block 10, and passes over the run-up
slope 6 and directly outward through the dispensing slit 5, where
it can be removed by the user.
[0081] In addition, a weekday strip 7 can be seen on the cover part
3, which weekday strip 7 is applied to a display surface adjacent
to the dispensing slit 5, and parallel thereto. 7 weekday fields
which are arranged one next to the other are present, which weekday
fields are aligned with corresponding marking sections in a region
adjacent to a marking edge 22 on the wafer pockets 20 when a wafer
pocket 20 is dispensed from the dispensing slit 5. A mark on one of
the marking sections is located on each wafer pocket 20 and said
mark therefore shows, in alignment with one of the weekday fields,
the day of the week on which the wafer contained in the dispensed
wafer region of the wafer pocket 20 is to be taken (not
illustrated). Consistent checking of the consumption of the
respective wafers is therefore possible. Successive wafer pockets
20 in the stack contain the marks in successive marking sections
since the wafers contained in the wafer pockets 20 are to be taken
on successive days. In a corresponding way, other medicine-taking
rhythms can also be predefined.
[0082] FIG. 9 illustrates the dispenser 1 according to the
invention in the ready-to-use state. For this purpose, the cover
part 3 is fitted onto the base part 2. Both parts 2, 3 are latched
to one another. In this case, the weekday strip is not used up. For
the purpose of illustration, only the display surface 8 to which
the weekday strip can be applied is illustrated.
[0083] FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of a dispenser according
to the invention with a rotatable transporting wheel 30,
respectively in the open position and the closed position. The
transporting wheel 30 serves to convey the uppermost wafer pocket
20 in the dispensing direction A and to push it out of the
dispensing slit 5.
* * * * *