Stack Package

Abstract

A plurality of containers each have multiple pockets for articles. A rupturable cover sheet covers the pockets of each container. A peripheral flange extends substantially below the bottom of each container for telescopically engaging a container below it to removably unite the containers into a single package. The flange alternatively has detent means.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Blister packages for pharmaceutical tablets, capsules and the like are well known, but their packaging is generally complex and expensive and precludes the rapid counting out for dispensing a substantial number of individual tablets or capsules. This invention eliminates these defects and provides for the packaging of small articles such as pharmaceutical tablets or capsules which is at once inexpensive and convenient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A stack package for articles has a plurality of containers each containing multiple pockets for articles. Means attached to the periphery of each container telescopically engages an adjacent container to removably unite the containers into a single package, said means preferably being a peripheral flange having a height greater than the height of the remainder of the container to which it is attached. A rupturable cover sheet overlies the pockets of each container. Advantageously lines of weakness are placed at spaced intervals for dividing up each container. Detent means to releasably hold each flange to its adjacent container may be provided, and the flanges may be tapered.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one of the containers of the stack package of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical section through a stack package of the invention employing containers of the type shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section, partially broken away, of the stack package of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a vertical section, partially broken away, of a modified stack package in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternative container for a stack package in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a vertical section, partially broken away, of a stack package employing containers of the type shown in FIG. 5.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to FIG. 1, blister package container 2 for use in a stack package in accordance with the invention has a sheet 4 in which are formed a plurality of depending blisters 6. Each blister 6 contains a pharmaceutical tablet 8. Sheet 4 has a depending peripheral flange 10 extending substantially below the bottom 11 of container 2 (FIG. 3). Flange 10 is vertically split at spaced intervals as indicated at 12. Sheet 4 is advantageously formed from a material conventionally used in making blister pack containers, such as for example, rigid polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, cellulose acetate or polyethylene.

Overlying the top of sheet 4 is a cover sheet 14 of, for example, any material normally used in blister pack containers such as, metal foil, paper, cellophane, cardboard. Sheet 4 should be readily rupturable to permit the removal of a tablet 8 upwardly therethrough. Advantageously the cover sheet 14 will be from about 1 to about 5 mils in thickness, and sheet 4 is advantageously from about 10 mils to about 25 mils in thickness. Cover sheet 14 is advantageously adhered to sheet 4 by, for example, heat sealing advantageously employing a thermoplastic adhesive such as, for example, a polyethylene adhesive or casein. If desired, an adhesive without heat sealing may be employed.

As seen in FIG. 2, a plurality of containers 2 are removably secured together by telescoping the containers together to form a unitary package 18 which for purposes of shipment can have transparent overwrap indicated at 20. The telescoping of a peripheral flange 10 over the adjacent peripheral flange 10 is aided by the splits 12 which permit the outwardly flexing of flange 10.

For purposes of dispensing, the overwrap 20 is removed. If, for example, it is desired to dispense to an out-patient thirty tablets, the top three containers 2 will be removed from package 18 providing 27 tablets to be given to the patient. Three more tablets will be provided by removing another container and separating it along one of the perforation lines 22 to provide three more tablets.

It will be seen that package 18 is an economical one, very compact, and very convenient for dispensing any particular number of tablets.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the individual containers may be varied by having a modified flange 26 depending from sheet 4 provided with a peripheral inwardly extending lip 28 adapted to be received in a peripheral groove 30 in the adjacent flange 26 to form in effect a detent arrangement to removably lock adjacent containers together for greater security against inadvertent separation.

An alternative blister pack container 32 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 differing from the container 2 essentially in having a tapered peripheral flange. The container 32 has a sheet 34 containing a plurality of depending blisters 36, each containing a capsule 38. An outwardly tapered peripheral flange 40 extends downwardly from sheet 34 a substantial distance below the blisters 36. A cover sheet 42 overlies sheet 34. Weakened perforated lines 44 extending across sheet 34 and down flange 40 provide for ready separation. As shown in FIG. 6, the containers 32 are readily removably locked together by telescoping one container flange 40 over an adjacent container flange 40.

The foregoing embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

I claim:

1. A stack package comprising:

a plurality of stacked telescoped containers each having multiple article holding pockets of a predetermined depth,

a peripheral flange depending from each container, having a vertical extent greater than the depth of the pockets of the container to which it is attached, and being vertically slit at spaced intervals facilitating the telescopic engagement of an adjacent container,

said flanges, except the flange on the lowermost container, respectively telescopically engaging an adjacent container and removably uniting the containers into a single package.