LOCKABLE PACKAGING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to lockable packaging such as child-resistant, senior-friendly packages for healthcare type applications, sleeve-and-drawer style packages for consumer goods such as food, recreational drugs (e.g., tobaccos, cigars, cigarettes, etc.), toys, hardware, and electrical items, or the like, and more specifically, but not exclusively to a lockable slide receptacle (e.g., a blister card, a tray, a box, etc.), an outer shell (or sleeve) and to a sleeve-and-drawer style package having an internal slide receptacle, releasably lockable within an outer shell. Typical examples of sleeve-and-drawer packages where the present invention may be employed include, but not limited to, unit dose packages for pharmaceutical tablets, capsules or lozenges and security packages to deter package pilferage for small high-value items, such as consumer electronics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of packaging, particularly in the field of healthcare and medication packaging, it is often required to provide consumers or patients with secure packaging that has child-resistant features to restrict or prevent access to the package contents by a child. At the same time, it is useful for the patient to be able to access their own medication with some degree of ease, as such it is beneficial if the packaging is also “senior-friendly”. Many packages are available that comprise an inner slide card that holds articles such as medicaments, tablets or vitamins in blisters. The blisters are sealed (often by a foil layer) to retain product freshness and arranged in rows to encourage patient's to take the appropriate dose (it being readily visible how many items have been consumed and how many items are to be consumed). The blisters may be formed directly within the slide card or a separate blister strip may be attached to a sheet of material to form an inner slide card. The inner slide card, with the blisters of articles, is then slidable inside an outer sleeve. The inner slide card is usually retained and locked inside, the inner slide card providing a locking flap that engages the outer sleeve. An unlocking mechanism is usually provided on the outer sleeve to permit the release of the inner slide card. Such unlocking mechanisms often require some dexterity to operate or require user realisation that co-ordinated operation of more than one feature is required, this may make the package child-resistant.

Further considerations in this technical field are the need for such packages to be reopened and relocked many times without failure. A course of medication may, for example, require twenty-one or more doses to be taken over a period of time and the package must be useable to re-lock and release the blister containing slide card repeatedly without failure. Equally, the cost of providing healthcare products and medication must as far as possible be minimised and as such it is desirable to keep the cost of the packaging as low as possible, whilst maintaining its durability. Whilst it is also advantages to provide clearly printed information (such as pill calendars and/or other patient directed information) on the package, the size of the package is preferably minimised, not only to reduce its production costs by using less material, but also to reduce shipping costs. A light-weight and compact package, with a locking feature that can withstand repeated use is therefore advantageous.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of packaging, more specifically, but not exclusively, in the field of packages comprising inner slide-cards and outer-shells.

A package or components of a package of the invention may include means for containing, displaying, locking, unlocking and retaining an internally positioned blister slide card. A package according to the invention may include an opening that allows the insertion and partial extraction of an inner card and may provide means for positioning the card with in the structure such that elements of the inner slide card engage the outer structure to mechanically lock the slide card in place thereby preventing the slide card (or blister strip) from being pulled or withdrawn from the outer structure. Preferably a package of the invention provides means in the outer structure for disengaging the mechanical locking features of the outer shell and inner slide card such that the inner slide card can be pulled and or at least partially extracted from the outer structure. The outer shell may be produced from clear, translucent and or opaque materials.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a package comprising an outer shell and optionally a lockable receptacle such as a blister strip, inner slide card or slidable tray or box, the outer shell comprising internal structural elements, shaped and configured to control the pathway followed by a lockable inner receptacle as it is inserted into the outer shell, the outer shell and inner receptacle having complimentary parts of a mechanical locking mechanism and the pathway being configured such that the receptacle is optimally positioned within and relative to the outer shell for the operation of the mechanical locking mechanism location in a locking mechanism.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a lockable receptacle comprising a main portion having at least one receiving cavity for holding an article and comprising a locking flap hinged to the main portion, the locking flap comprising one or more locking tabs being outwardly projectable relative to the main portion upon folding the locking flap about an interrupted hinge connection between the locking flap and main portion.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a lockable receptacle comprising a main portion having at least one receiving cavity for holding an article and comprising a locking flap hinged to the main portion, the locking flap comprising one or more locking tabs being outwardly projectable relative to the main portion upon folding the locking flap about an interrupted hinge connection between the locking flap and main portion and the locking flap comprising one or more stoppers being formed as one or more projections from the locking flap.

Optionally, the at least one locking tab may be configured such that it is engageable with an outer shell of a package to lock the lockable receptacle within the outer shell and/or to prevent complete withdrawal of the lockable receptacle from the outer shell.

Optionally, the at least one locking tab may be defined in part by cut line or frangible line which interrupts the hinge connection between the locking flap and the main portion of the lockable receptacle.

Optionally, the at least one lockable receptacle may be formed from plastics material and formed such that the locking flap has a natural tendency to stay in a folded position relative to the main strip. Optionally, the at least one lockable receptacle may be thermoformed.

Additionally or alternatively, the stopper may project from the at least one locking flap and may be disposed in close proximity to the locking tab. Preferably, the at least one stopper may be trapezoidal in cross-section.

Optionally, the locking flap may comprise one or more longitudinal ribs disposed adjacent to a stopper.

Preferably, the at least one locking flap may comprise two locking tabs and each may be formed in part by an arcuate cut line that interrupts a hinge connection between the locking flap and the main portion and the locking flap may comprise two stoppers adjacent to each of the arcuate cut lines and each of the two stoppers may be trapezoidal in cross-section with a top part having a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane of the locking tab.

Optionally, the main portion may comprise a substantially “T”-shaped rib.

Optionally, the one or more stoppers may provide a bracing mechanism or bracing means such that when a force is applied to the lockable receptacle in the region of the locking flap and/or in the region of the hinged connection between the locking flap and main portion, the stoppers enable the locking flap and/or the lockable receptacle to flex or distort in the region of the locking tab to cause the locking tab to be brought out of locking engagement with an outer shell to thereby unlock the lockable receptacle from the outer shell to facilitate its withdrawal.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an outer shell for accommodating a lockable receptacle such as a blister strip or pack, a tray, a box or the like, the outer shell comprising first and second inner surfaces defining at least in part an inner housing into which the lockable receptacle is positionable, the outer shell comprising first and/or second guide elements disposed internally on said first and/or second surfaces, said first and/or second guide elements being formed as one or more ramps to guide and position a lockable receptacle as it is inserted into the outer shell.

According to yet a further aspect, the invention provides an outer shell for accommodating a lockable receptacle such as a blister strip, a tray, a box or the like, the outer shell comprising first and second inner surfaces defining at least in part an inner housing into which the inner slide card is positionable, and comprising one or more apertures for receiving part of an inner slide card for locking the inner slide card to the outer shell.

Optionally, the outer shell may further comprise one or more depressions disposed adjacent to one of said one or more apertures. The one or more depressions may serve to assist in the correct placement of a lockable receptacle as it is inserted into locking relationship with the outer shell and/or may provide for a more secure locking engagement between outer shell and a lockable receptacle by providing two off set edges between which a locking tab or other engaging element or projection of the lockable receptacle is caught.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided, an outer shell for accommodating a lockable receptacle card such as a blister strip, the outer shell comprising first and second inner surfaces defining at least in part an inner housing into which the inner slide card is positionable and lockable, wherein one of the inner surfaces is provided by a first panel which comprises an aperture for receiving at least part of a locking tab of a lockable receptacle and wherein a second panel is provided in overlapping alignment with said first panel, the second panel comprising one or more detents or projections that function to space the first and second panels.

Optionally, the outer shell may be formed from paperboard and the one or more detents or projections may extend from an inner surface of the second panel and are formed as pressed out impressions or embossments pressed out from the outer surface of that second panel. Preferably, the one or more detents or projections are formed as a series of substantially parallel lines.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a package comprising an outer shell and a blister strip, the blister strip comprising a main portion having at least one blister cavity for holding an article and comprising a locking flap hinged to the main portion, the locking flap comprising one or more locking tabs being outwardly projectable relative to the main portion upon folding the locking flap about an interrupted hinge connection between the locking flap and main portion and the locking flap comprising one or more stoppers being formed as one or more projections from the locking flap, the outer shell comprising first and second inner surfaces defining at least in part an inner housing into which the blister strip is positionable, the outer shell comprising first and/or second guide elements disposed internally on said first and/or second surfaces, said first and/or second guide elements being formed as one or more ramps to guide and position the locking flap of the blister strip as it is inserted into the outer shell, the outer shell further comprising one or more apertures for receiving the one or more locking tabs of the blister strip and the first and/or second guide elements being positioned relative to the one or more apertures such that the locking flap is properly positioned by the first and/or second guide elements to affect proper engagement of the one or more locking tabs within the one or more apertures.

Optionally, the outer shell may further comprise one or more front end guide elements and/or one or more depressions and/or the blister strip may be formed such that the locking flap has a natural tendency to stay in a folded position relative to the main strip.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a blister strip according to an embodiment of the invention, usable in conjunction with the outer shells of FIG. 3, 9, 14A or 14B and/or the outer shells formed from the blanks of FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 for creating a package;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view from above of the blister strip of FIG. 1 and top and bottom components of the outer shell of FIG. 3;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view from below of the blister strip of FIG. 1 and top and bottom components of the outer shell of FIG. 3;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above of an outer shell according to a first embodiment of the invention for use in forming a package along with the blister strip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a closed package formed from the outer shell of FIG. 3 and the blister strip of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of the package of FIG. 4 with part of the package cut-away so that the inner features can be seen;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are an end view and an enlarged view of a portion of that end view taken at the cut-away section shown in FIG. 5B without the blister strip disposed within the outer shell so that the relative position of first and second guides provided by the bottom and top parts of the outer shell is shown;

FIGS. 6C1 and 6C2 are end views of the cut-away section of the package of FIG. 5B;

FIGS. 6D to 6H show partial end views of a cut-away section of a package wherein the blister strip is progressively inserted into the outer shell and the blister is guided by first and second guides of the outer shell such that it adopts the proper aligned position for engagement with the outer shell;

FIGS. 7A and 8A are perspectives view from the side and above of a blister strip in a normal folded condition, wherein the locking flap is angled with respect to the main strip and the locking tabs project upwardly relative to the main strip ready for engagement with an outer shell. For accuracy of reproduction of the illustration colour copies of the black and white numbered FIGS. 7A and 8A are provided as well;

FIGS. 7B and 8B are perspective views from the side and above of the blister strip of FIGS. 7A and 7B respectively, showing the result of a downward force “D” applied in a central position on the locking tab in the region of a fold line between the locking tab and the main strip, to mimic the action of an unlocking tab (72) of an outer shell on the blister strip and to illustrate the resultant bending of the blister strip which leads to the locking tab and the main strip adopting a more coplanar relationship in an unlocking configuration of the blister strip;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view from above of an outer shell according to a second embodiment of the invention for use in forming a package along with the blister strip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of the blister strip of FIG. 1 and top and bottom components of the outer shell of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a closed package formed from the outer shell of FIG. 9 and the blister strip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an opened package formed from the outer shell of FIG. 9 and the blister strip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view from above of the blister strip of FIG. 1 and top and bottom components of an outer shell according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of an opened package comprising the blister strip of FIG. 1 and the outer shell according to the third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14B is a perspective view of an opened package comprising the blister strip of FIG. 1 and an outer shell according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a blank of sheet material for forming an outer shell according to another embodiment of the invention, usable in conjunction with a blister strip or a slide card, such as that shown in FIG. 1 or 18A, to form a package;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a blank of sheet material for forming an outer shell according to a further embodiment of the invention, usable in conjunction with a blister strip or slide card, such as that shown in FIG. 1 or 18A, to form a package;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a blank of sheet material for forming an outer shell according to yet another embodiment of the invention, usable in conjunction with a blister strip or slide card, such as that shown in FIG. 1 or 18A, to form a package;

FIG. 18A is a perspective view from above of a blister strip according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18B. is a perspective view of an outer shell formable from the blank of FIG. 17;

FIGS. 19A, 20A and 21A are cross-sectional views of a package formed from the blank of FIG. 17 and the blister strip of FIG. 18A in a closed, unlocked and fully opened position respectively, the cross-section is taken along line Y-Y as shown in FIG. 18A;

FIGS. 19B, 20B and 21B are cross-sectional views of a package formed from the blank of FIG. 17 and the blister strip of FIG. 18A in a closed, unlocked and fully opened position respectively, the cross-section is taken along line Z-Z as shown in FIG. 18A; and

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a lockable package according to a further embodiment of the invention wherein the lockable receptacle is shown in the form of a slidable tray which has been completely withdrawn from the respective outer shell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks, lockable receptacles and outer sleeves are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. Indeed, it will be understood that the package, blanks, lockable receptacles and outer sleeves described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

The present invention provides a restricted access package 30 comprising a lockable receptacle (e.g., a blister strip, an inner slide card, a slidable tray or box, etc.) 20, 120, 620, 720 and an outer shell 31, 131, 231, 331, 631, 731. The lockable receptacle 20, 120, 620, 720 and outer shell 31, 131, 231, 331, 631, 731 have co-operative features which can lock the receptacle 20, 120, 620, 720 within the outer shell 31, 131, 231, 331, 631, 731 to thereby allow only restricted access to the receptacle 20, 120, 620, 720. Additionally, the receptacle 20, 120, 620, 720 and outer shell 31, 131, 231, 331, 631, 731 of the present invention have co-operative features to enable the receptacle 20, 120, 620, 720 to be unlocked and withdrawn or slid-out from the outer shell so that a user may access the blisters and articles held therein. In a locked configuration of the package 30, the receptacle 20, 120, 620, 720 is stowed within the respective outer shell and locked in place by a mechanical complimentary locking mechanism such that the articles held in the cavity or cavities cannot be accessed. Operation of a release mechanism is required in order to unlock the receptacle 20, 120, 620, 720 from the outer shell 31, 131, 231, 331, 631, 731 and to allow its withdrawal from the outer shell 31, 131, 231, 331, 631, 731.

Operation of the release mechanism requires knowledge of the operation of the locking mechanism and some dexterity to operate the unlocking features and at the same time, withdraw the lockable receptacle. In this way, access to the lockable receptacle may be restricted to only those users of sufficient knowledge and dexterity.

As a further optional aspect of the invention, it is envisaged that in certain embodiments, the lockable receptacle 20, 120, 620, 720 and outer shell 31, 231, 331, 631, 731 may have co-operative features (44/61; 44/296; 44/396; 644/696; 744/796) to prevent, restrict or otherwise mitigate against the receptacle 20, 120, 620, 720 from being completely removed from the outer shell 31, 231, 331, 631, 731. (An unlocked configuration is illustrated in respect of a second illustrated embodiment of outer shell 131 in FIG. 12. In FIG. 12 a perspective drawing shows a disengaged blister slide card 20 withdrawn to a limited extent from the outer shell 131.)

The outer shell structure optionally includes elements that guide and properly position the lockable receptacle to approximate or exact preferred positions within the outer shell to ensure the proper functioning of co-operative features provided on the outer shell and lockable receptacle of the package. Optionally, the elements that guide and properly position the lockable receptacle may assist in the initial insertion of the lockable receptacle, its position within the structure, its locking, unlocking, outward travel of the receptacle and retention of the receptacle to the outer shell structure.

It will be understood upon reading the foregoing that the present invention provides an outer shell with beneficial features and a lockable receptacle with beneficial features. The outer shell and lockable inner receptacle are usable with one another and optionally, benefit may be found by utilising the outer shell with its beneficial features with other lockable receptacles and/or by utilising the lockable receptacle with its beneficial features with other outer shells or outer sleeves.

Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown a perspective view of a lockable receptacle in the form of a blister strip or inner slide card 20 that comprises a main strip 24. The blister strip 20 of the illustrated embodiment is a thermoformed plastic sheet (for example PVC) having two sets of fifteen cavities 22, each for receiving an article (not shown). Optionally, the inner slide card 20 may be lidded or sealed with a backing sheet such as an aluminium foil sheet, paperboard layer or other perforable or peelable film. Whereas perforable films are often used in pharmaceutical push-through-packages where a tablet is pushed out of the blister and this action breaks the backing film to allow that tablet to exit the blister, in other embodiments, the backing film may, for example, be peelable and therefore not necessarily of the push-though type. The embodiments described having punch-through backing sheets are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting.

In other envisaged embodiments, the inner slide card or blister strip 20 may be formed of other sheet material for example other plastics or paperboard. In other arrangements, the blister strip may have one or more blisters 22 integrally formed therein, and may only optionally be formed by thermoforming. Alternatively or additionally, the inner slide card 20 may comprise two parts, a card type element (not shown) and a blister strip, the blister strip being attached to the card-type element such that the two parts together form a unitary element that is capable of accommodating one or more articles in individual cavities and that is capable of being withdrawn out of and pushed by relative sliding movement into an outer shell 31. The articles to be accommodated by the blisters 22 of the inner slide card may for example be tablets, pills capsules or for example any other form of medicament, healthcare item, personal item, drug, vitamin, electrical component or other article. The inner slide card or blister strip 20 may be capable of holding one or more items or articles. The terms inner slide card and blister strip are used to refer to components that are placed inside the outer shell and to which the blisters or cavities are attached or within which the blisters of cavities are integrally formed. The terms inner slide card and blister strip may be used to refer to components formed of paperboard, plastics material, combinations of material and such components may be formed from a single piece of material or a composition of different materials.

In the illustrations accompanying the description, the blister strip 20 is shown with a series of empty blisters 22 that have not been backed or sealed. It will be understood that when reference to a package is made herein it may mean a package containing an inner slide card having or not having articles disposed and sealed within the blister cavities 22.

Turning now in more detail to the structure of the blister strip or inner slide card 20 shown in FIG. 1, the inner slide card 20 comprises a main strip 24, in which article holding cavities 22 are formed. In the illustrated inner slide card, two sets of fifteen cavities 22 are formed either side of the stem 28 of a substantially ‘T’-shaped ridge 26. The cavities 22 project from an upper surface of the main strip. The underside 25 of the main strip 24 can have a backing sheet attached thereto to retain and seal each article within a cavity 22 once the blister strip 20 has been loaded with articles (not shown). The stem 28 of the substantially ‘T’-shaped ridge 26 terminates proximate to a leading edge of the slide card 20. The leading edge of the slide card 20 is the edge that first exits the outer shell 31 when the slide card 20 is withdrawn from the outer shell 31. The substantially ‘T’-shaped ridge 26, 28 is optionally pressed or moulded out of the main portion 24 of the blister strip 20 such that the underside 25 of the main portion of the blister strip 20 has indentations corresponding to the impression of the substantially ‘T’-shaped ridge 26, 28 (see FIGS. 7B, 8A and 8B). The ‘T’-shaped ridge 26 may assist the bending of the blister strip 20 when a force is applied to the blister strip 20 in order to release the blister strip from a locked position. This is described further below.

Returning to the structure of the blister strip 20 of FIG. 1, a locking flap 40 is connected by a hinge (formed as a creased or demarcated or otherwise weakened fold line 46) to a trailing end of the main strip 24 of the blister strip or slide card 20. One or more engaging elements 44 are provided on or by the locking flap 40. The one or more engaging elements 44 are configured such that they can each engage one or more locking edges 56 provided in or by an outer shell 31 (optionally by means of one or more apertures 57) and/or such that they can be inserted into one or more apertures 57 to achieve a locking engagement of the blister strip 20 and outer shell 31. The cooperation of these features is further described below.

In the illustrated embodiment, two engaging elements 44 are provided and each engaging element 44 takes the form of a locking tab 44 integrally formed as part of the locking flap 40 and extending beyond the hinging edge 46. The locking tabs 44 are each formed by an arcuate cut line that interrupts the fold line 46, as such the locking tabs 44 are arcuate in shape. Other shapes of locking tab are suitable, (for example, square, trapezoidal and curvilinear). Optionally in other embodiments, the one or more engaging elements 44 may take a variety of other structures and forms. Where the engaging elements 44 are provided as locking tabs they may be formed by one or more frangible connections, apertures or slits rather than by a cut line as in the illustrated arrangement of FIG. 1 and/or may have a shape different to the arcuate tabs shown, provided that their structure is suitable to form a locking engagement with the outer shell 31. Where more than one locking tab 44 is provided, they may not all be similar in size and shape.

The locking flap 40 of the blister strip 20 further optionally comprises one or more raised stoppers or pads 42. In the illustrated embodiment two stoppers 42 are provided, each immediately adjacent to one of the locking tabs 44. Each stopper 42 is substantially trapezoidal in cross section having a substantially flat top portion disposed in substantially parallel alignment, in its normal position, with the plane of the locking flap 40. At least one stopper 42 is optionally press-formed or moulded out of the locking flap 40 such that the underside 47 of the locking flap 40 has indentations corresponding to the impression of the stoppers 42 (see FIGS. 7B, 8A and 8B).

The locking flap 40 optionally comprises one or more longitudinal ribs 43, disposed in parallel alignment with one another. These ribs may assist the proper bending or flexing of the locking flap 40 when the locking flap 40 is deflected to cause unlocking of the locking tabs 44 from an outer shell 31. Optionally a longitudinal rib 43 may be provided either side of each stopper 42. In the illustrated configuration, four longitudinal ribs 43 are provided on the locking flap 40, two on either side of the two stoppers 42. At least one longitudinal rib 43 is optionally pressed or moulded out of the locking flap 40 such that the underside 47 of the locking flap 40 has indentations corresponding to the impression of the longitudinal ribs 43 (see FIGS. 7B, 8A and 8B). The number, size, shape and configuration of the optional longitudinal ribs 43 may be varied from that illustrated.

In use, the locking flap 40 is folded, about hinge connection 46 toward the upper surface of the main portion of the blister strip 20, towards the blisters 22 and way from the backing side 25 of the blister strip 20. This folded configuration results in the engaging elements 44 to project outwardly beyond the plane of the blister strip 20. This is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 5A, 6A, 6B, 7A and 8A. Once the engaging elements 44 are exposed, they can each be inserted into an aperture 57 formed in the bottom part 14 of the outer shell 31. In FIG. 5 this locked configuration of the package 30 is shown.

In some embodiments the blister strip 20 may have a natural tendency to stay in the position where the locking flap 40 is folded toward the upper surface of the main portion 24 of the blister strip 20. This natural tendency may result from the forming process. More specifically, the blister strip may be thermoformed such that its normal position comprises an angle between the locking flap 40 and main strip 24.

Alternatively, in other embodiments, the blister strip's 20 natural position may be unfolded and a force may be required to fold the locking flap 40 about the hinge line 46. In such an arrangement, the locking flap 40 will have a natural tendency to return to its unbiased unfolded position where the locking flap 40 and main portion 24 are substantially coplanar. If the locking flap 40 returns to a position where it is substantially coplanar with the main portion 24, then the locking flap 40 can become unlocked by the disconnection of the locking tabs 44 from the apertures 57.

In FIG. 3 there is shown a perspective view of an outer shell portion 31 capable of receiving an inner slide card 20, such as a blister card, inner slide card or blister strip 20 (see FIG. 1) for forming a package 30 (see FIG. 4). The outer shell 31 may be formed from a variety of materials for example plastics material, paperboard material and/or combinations of these and other materials.

In an embodiment of the invention, the outer shell 31 may be formed of two affixable parts, a top part 12 and a bottom part 14 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). The top part and bottom part 12, 14 may be made from plastics material, or other suitable material and/or may be transparent, opaque or translucent. Optionally the outer shell 31 may be formed from a single unit comprising hinged parts. Further optionally, the outer shell 31 may be formed, for example, from paperboard. In FIGS. 15, 16 and 17, exemplary embodiments of three blanks 410, 510, 610 of foldable sheet material, such as paperboard, for forming outer shells according to further optional embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

The outer shell 31 (and likewise each outer shell formed from the blanks 410, 510 and 610 and the outer shells 131, 213 and 331 shown in FIGS. 9, 14A and 14B) are configured to receive the blister strip 20 or another suitable inner slide card or blister card. As such the top and bottom 12, 14 of the outer shell 31 are spaced, shaped and dimensioned to create a cavity or inner housing, into which the blister strip 20 can be placed. The blister 20 is preferably slideably placed into the housing provided by the outer shell 31 and in such a manner that the co-operative mechanical lock is able to operate. In FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B illustrations are provided of an end-view of a cut-away portion of the outer-shell 31 of FIG. 3, having a blister strip 20 stowed within the housing it provides.

In the first illustrated embodiment of outer shell 31 that may be used in conjunction with a blister strip, (for example the blister strip 20 illustrated in FIG. 1), the outer shell comprises a number of features that co-operate with features of the blister strip 20:

The bottom part 14 is provided with one or more apertures 57 (see FIGS. 2A, 2B, 5A and 5B each for receiving a locking tab 44, which may abut or contact an engaging edge 56 of the aperture 57. The apertures 57 are each substantially rectangular and disposed near a rear-end of the outer shell 31. Optionally, at least one aperture 57 may be provided with a substantially “D”-shaped lip or depression 58 (see FIG. 2A, 2B, 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B). The depression 58 may take many and various forms and may not be “D”-shaped in other envisaged embodiments. A purpose of the depression 58 may be to provide a localised reduction in the height of the housing provided by the outer shell 31 in which the blister strip 20 is placed. In the region of the depression 58, at least a portion of the main strip 24 of the blister 20 may be locally depressed. Additionally, or alternatively the depression 58 may assist in the steering and proper alignment of the blister strip as it is inserted into the outer shell 31. Additionally or alternatively, the close proximity of the depression 58 to the aperture 57 may serve to lower the position of the engaging edge 56 and/or cause an increase in the engagement between the locking tab 44 and aperture 57 which may strengthen the locking of the blister strip 20 inside the outer shell 31. The off-set between the lowered engaging edge 56 and the opposite side of the aperture 57 can result in a beneficial secure location or engagement of a locking tab 44 of the blister in the locking aperture 57.

The bottom part 14 is additionally provided with an unlocking or release mechanism 72 which optionally takes the form of a depressible tab 72 defined in part by an arcuate cut line 73 and optionally having pre-formed on its underside one or more longitudinal ribs 74. Optionally there may be three ribs 74 disposed in substantially parallel alignment and having a central rib of longest length to match the contour of the arcuate depressible tab 72. Preferably the depressible tab 72 is formed in the outer shell 31 such that it is biased to adopt a coplanar relationship with the plane of the bottom part 14. The depressible tab 72 is deflectable relative to the bottom part 14 only by the materials inherent flexibility and not necessarily by reason of a pre-formed hinge. Optionally a preformed hinge may be provided to articulate the depressible tab 72. At least one longitudinal rib 74 may optionally be pressed or moulded out of the bottom part 14 such that the outer side of the bottom part 14 has indentations corresponding to the impression of the longitudinal ribs 43 (see FIG. 2B).

Optionally, the bottom part 14 may be provided with one or more foldable tabs 61, prongs or other suitable abutment or engagement means for restricting the complete withdrawal of the blister strip 20 from the outer shell 31 (see FIG. 2A and optional apertures 296, 396 in FIGS. 13 and 14A and 14B).

The bottom part 14 may optionally be provided with one or more first guides 70 (see FIGS. 2A, 6A, 6B, 6C1 and 6C2). The one or more first guides 70 are optionally moulded or press formed out of the plane of the bottom part 14. The one or more first guides 70 are formed as flattened triangular ramps that are angled relative to the plane of the bottom part 14.

The top portion 12 is also optionally provided with front end guide elements 77, in the illustrated configuration three such guide elements are provided and each is substantially trapezoidal or triangular in cross-section. The number, shape and precise location of the front end guide elements 77 may be altered providing that the front end guide elements 77 provide a suitable way of positioning and/or aligning the main strip 24 of the blister strip 20 within the outer shell 31. The front end guide elements 77 provide particular benefit during the unlocking of the blister strip 20 from the outer shell 31 when a downward force applied to the locking flap 40 at the opposite end of the blister strip 20 may otherwise cause the undesirable movement of the leading end of the blister strip 20.

The top portion 12 is also optionally provided with one or more second guides 75 (see FIG. 2B) close to the rear (closed) end of the outer shell 31. The second guides 75 are optionally formed as flattened triangular ramps that are angled relative to the plane of the top part 12. The second guides 75 optionally abut the side walls of the top part 12 and when the top part 12 is formed from plastic and/or moulded the ramped second guides 75 may be formed as integral protrusions of the side walls. When the top part 12 is positioned above the bottom part 14, the one or more second guides 75 depend from the top part 12. The outer shell 31 and the end package 30 may be oriented so that the “top part 12” is disposed beneath the “bottom part 14”, in such an orientation, the one or more ramped second guides 75 may be considered as upstanding from the top part 12. This orientation of the package 30 or outer shell 31 (with the top part 12 beneath the bottom part 14) is shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C1 and 6C2. FIGS. 6A and 6B, end views of a cut-away outer shell 31 without the blister strip 20, illustrate the position of the second guide 75. The second guide 75 is spaced from the rear-end of the outer shell 31.

The one or more first guides 70 are optionally offset longitudinally and laterally from the top part 12 second guides 75. The one or more first guides 70 are spaced further from the rear-end of the outer shell 31 than the one or more second guides 75 are. In other words, the front ascending faces of the one or more first guides 75 are closer to the front-end of the outer shell 31 than the second guides 70 and as such are contacted first by the blister strip 20 as it is inserted into the outer shell 31.

The first guides 75 serve to facilitate the correct placement of the locking flap 40 within the closed outer shell 31. When the blister strip 20 is slid into the outer shell 31, the trailing edge of the locking flap 40 contacts or abuts with an “ascending” (when viewed as in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C1 and 6C2) front face of each of the ramped first guides 75. (The trailing edge of the blister strip is defined as the edge that would exit the outer shell last if the blister strip 20 could be completely withdrawn therefrom.).

As a force is applied to continue the inward sliding of the blister strip 20 into the outer shell 31, the locking flap 40 (if already angled relative to the main strip 24) is gradually unfolded and moved toward the plane of the main strip 24 as the edge of the locking flap 40 follows the contour provided by the first guide ramp 75. As the locking flap 40 reaches and starts to pass a flattened top part of the ramped guides 75 at least a portion of the locking flap 40 and main strip 24 may be substantially co-planar. At this point the main portion of the blister strip 24 may be disposed beneath the depression 58 further restricting and thus controlling the pathway taken by the blister strip 20 and locking flap 40. The locking flap 40 then contacts the front faces of the second guides 70 which continue to control the bending and positioning of the locking flap 40 as it is inserted into the outer shell 31. (An optional folding sequence that may be followed by the locking flap 40 as it is progressively inserted into the outer shell 31 is illustrated in FIGS. 6D to 6H). Once the locking flap 40 is fully inserted, it is captured between the first and second guides 75, 70 as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6H. The first and second guides 75, 70 whilst off-set longitudinally, may optionally overlap laterally. Optionally, the first and second guides 75, 70 do not overlap laterally, whilst still providing a sufficiently restricted pathway to control the folding, bending and positioning of the locking flap 40 and blister strip 20 within the outer shell 31 to ensure its proper location therein and to ensure the proper location of the locking tabs 44 in the apertures 57.

If the blister strip 20 is unfolded when it is inserted into the outer shell 31 and the locking flap 40 and main portion 24 are substantially co-planar when the blister strip 20 is inserted, then the presence of the first ramp 75 still causes the locking flap 40 to follow the contour of that ramp and the locking flap 40 will fold about hinge line 46 in order to follow the restricted pathway provided by the contours of the faces of the two co-operative first and second guide 75, 70. The only difference being that the locking flap 40 will not contact the first guide 75 until further up that ramp, or may not contact it at all, being first steered by the curved rear of the depression 58 across the top of the first guide 75 until the locking flap 40 contacts the second guide 70 and is then caused to fold into the locked position.

As described, the continued insertion of the blister strip 20 into the outer shell 31 and the position and angle of the front face of the one or more second guides 70 causes the locking flap 40 to fold, about hinge line 46, relative to and toward the blister side of the main portion 24 of the blister strip 20 (See FIGS. 6A and 6B). The folding of the locking flap 40 relative to and toward the main portion 24 of the blister strip, as guided by the first and second guides, causes the locking tabs 44 to project outwardly from the locking flap 40, beyond the notional limit of the hinge line 46. The positioning of guides 70, 75 within the outer shell has been configured such that when the locking tabs 44 project outwardly, the projecting locking tabs 44 are proximate to the apertures 57 on the outer shell 31 and are readily received and/or encouraged into those apertures 57. The location and size and structure of the depressions 58 may also assist in the proper alignment and engagement of the locking tabs 44 in the apertures 57. The package 30 having the blister strip 20 locked within the outer shell 31 is illustrated in perspective view in FIG. 4 and in cut-away perspective view in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The angled position of the locking flap 40 is shown along with the location of the locking tabs 44 within the apertures 57. It can be seen that the stoppers 42 are disposed in or nearly in contact with the top portion 12.

End views of the locked blister strip 20 along the cut-away portion of FIG. 5B are provided in FIGS. 6C1 and 6C2. Additionally an end view of the cut-away portion of FIG. 5B without the blister strip 20 is shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B where the proximity and position and shape of the first and second guides 75, 70 can be seen.

Unlocking of the blister strip 20, in order to gain access to its contents, is achieved by pressing on the depressible unlocking mechanism 72. It will be seen that the depressible portion 72 is disposed between the two apertures 57 and close to the locking flap 40. Applying a substantially downward force onto the depressible tab 72 of the unlocking mechanism 72 causes the depressible tab 72 to contact and bear down on a substantially central portion of the locking flap 40, close to the hinge line 46 and close to the locking tabs 44. The location of the unlocking mechanism is tailored to the position of the locking mechanism and is not limited to being substantially central.

In FIGS. 7A and 8A, the folded position of the locked blister strip 20 is shown, albeit outside of the outer shell, wherein the locking flap 40 is angled relative to the main portion 24 and the locking tabs 44 project upwardly in their engaging position. A gap (G) can be seen between the locking flap 40 and main portion 24 in the region of the locking tabs 44 (see FIGS. 7A and 8A). In FIGS. 7B and 8B a downward force D is shown. The downward force D mimics the action of the depressible tab 72 and it can be seen that the locking flap 40 bends or warps about the central region sufficiently to cause a localised bending of the locking flap 40 into closer alignment with the main portion 24. The locking tabs 44 are brought out of the protruding position and this action is sufficient to withdraw the tabs from the apertures 57 and cause unlocking of the blister strip 20 from the outer shell 31. A dexterous user can then at the same time, pull on the leading edge of the blister strip 20 at the open end of the outer shell and at least partially withdraw the blister strip 20 from the outer shell 31.

The bending or warping of the locking flap 40 is controlled to cause the movement of the locking tabs 44 that is necessary for their withdrawal from the apertures 57. The control of the bending or warping of the locking flap 40 is optionally assisted by, the capturing of the locking flap at its ends close to the sides of the outer shell 31 by the first and second guides 75, 70; the longitudinal ribs 43; the presence of the stoppers 42 which may brace against the top part 12 and limits the whole locking flap 40 from simple being pushed down with the force of the depressible tab 72. The resistance provided by the stoppers at either end of the locking flap 40 may assist in the warping of the locking flap 40 to cause its unlocking. The stoppers 42 function to maintain the opposite ends of the locking flap 40 at the appropriate height to ensure proper bowing of the blister strip 20 to allow the locking tab 44 to sink into the main surface of the blister strip 20.

After unlocking and withdrawing the blister strip 20, the locking tabs 44 are brought out of alignment with the locking apertures 57 and continued depression of the depressible unlocking tab 72 is no longer necessary and the blister strip by simply pulling on its leading end can be withdrawn freely from the outer shell 31 until the locking tabs 44 projecting from the folded locking flap 40 contact and engage or abut the tabs 61. This contact limits the extent to which the blister strip 20 can be withdrawn from the package and optionally, but beneficially ensures that the outer shell and blister strip 20 remain as a joined or attached unit for the convenience of the end user. Other mechanisms for limiting the extent of withdrawal of the blister strip from the outer shell may be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 to 21B, there are shown alternative embodiments of the present invention. In the second though to eighth illustrated embodiments, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100” or “200” and so on to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment and third embodiments and so on. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 will be described in any greater detail.

In FIGS. 9 and 10 an optional outer shell 131 is illustrated in which the optional tabs 61 have been omitted and the blister strip 20 when used in conjunction with this outer shell 131 can be completely withdrawn from the outer shell 131.

In FIG. 13 an alternative mechanism 296 for limiting the extent of withdrawal of the blister strip 20 from the outer shell is provided by a pair of rectangular apertures 257 positioned close to the open end of the outer shell and formed on the bottom part 214. Other shapes and position of aperture 257 are envisaged. Where fewer or greater locking tabs 44 are used, then fewer or greater number of apertures 257 will be used. In FIG. 14A, the engagement of the locking tabs 244 of the blister strip 20 in the apertures 257 of the mechanism 296 for limiting the extent of withdrawal of the blister strip 20 from the outer shell 231 is illustrated.

In FIG. 14B a further variation of an outer shell is shown, in which a second unlocking tab 372 is provided proximate the mechanism 396 for limiting the extent of withdrawal of the blister strip 20 from the outer shell 331. This enables the limitation on the extent of the withdrawal of the blister strip 20 to be overridden. This feature may be beneficial for the re-use of the outer shell with a fresh second blister strip 20 after using all articles held by a first blister strip.

In FIGS. 15, 16 and 17, paperboard blanks 410, 510, 610 are illustrated, each of which is foldable to form an outer sleeve such as that illustrated in perspective view in FIG. 18B. The outer sleeve 631 of FIG. 18B has been formed from the blank 610 of FIG. 17. Each of the blanks 410, 510, 610 comprises a pair of bottom part forming panels 414A/414B; 514A/514B and 614A/614B, a top part forming panel 412, 512, 612 and end closure panels 407; 507 and 607. An inner one of the bottom part panels 414B; 514B; 614B comprises an aperture 457; 557; 657 which at least provides an engaging edge 456; 556; 656 for engaging a locking tab 44 of the blister strip 20 and/or for engaging a locking tab 644 of a blister strip 620 (see FIG. 18A). Additionally and in alignment with the locking aperture 457; 557; 657, an outer one of the bottom part panels 414B; 514B; 614B provides an unlocking mechanism 472; 572; 672 which optionally takes the form of a depressible tab 472; 572; 627 defined at least in part by a cutline 473; 573; 673. Optionally demarcations 474; 574; 674 embossed into the material provide gripping ribs to assist in the pressing of the depressible tab 472; 572; 672.

The locking of the blister strip 20, 620 inside the outer shell is achieved by pushing the folded blister strip 20, 620 into the formed outer sleeve; withdrawal of the blister strip 20, 620 is restricted by the engagement of the locking tab 44, 644 against the engaging edge 456, 556, 656 provided by the locking aperture 457, 557, 657, This engagement is illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B which show cross-sectional representations taken along the lines YY and ZZ (see FIG. 18A) once the blister strip has been inserted into the outer shell 631.

To release the locking tab, depressible tab 72 is pushed and this raises the locking tab 644 past the engaging edge 656, pulling at the same time on the blister strip disengages the blister strip 620 (see FIGS. 20A and 20B).

As a further optional feature of the embodiment of FIGS. 16 and 17, an aperture 596, 696 to limit the extent to which the blister strip can be withdrawn is provided. In FIGS. 21A and 21B the engagement of the locking tabs 644 in the aperture 696 is illustrated.

FIG. 22 illustrates an eighth embodiment of the invention wherein the lockable receptacle is shown in the form of a slidable tray or drawer member 720. The tray 720 has a single receiving cavity for receiving almost any article or articles. The locking flap 740 is provided with two locking tabs 744 which are similar, if not identical, to those disclosed in the foregoing embodiments. One or more stoppers (not illustrated) are also employed by the locking flap 40 and projecting downward from the side of the locking flap 740 that is not visible in FIG. 22. The outer sleeve 731 useful with the slidable tray 720 may be a paperboard or plastic shell that is equivalent substantially to any one of those described in the foregoing embodiments.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the outer shell, bottom part, top part, blister strip or inner slide card and the panels for forming the paperboard outer sleeves may be adjusted to accommodate differing size and/or shape requirements. The size, shape, number and configuration of the guide elements, front end guides, stoppers, ribs, depressions and/or the locking tabs, longitudinal ribs, unlocking mechanism (72) and other described features, may be altered from that illustrated providing that the alternative configuration is suitable to enable that feature to perform its function. For example, the trapezoidal shaped stoppers may be substituted for stoppers of square, rectangular, curved and other shaped, not necessarily uniform shaped, and the so shaped stoppers may provide a suitable support for the locking flap during the unlocking of the locking flap's engaging or locking elements.

In other embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that only one stopper will be provided as a continuous rib spanning across the two locking tabs 44 rather than the provision of two separate stoppers. Such a continuous stopper may or may not be of uniform depth along its length, it may be shallower in the warping region of the blister strip. Further alternatively, more than two stoppers may be provided and this may be in combination with more than two locking tabs or in combination with two or less than two locking tabs. The aforementioned one or more stoppers may take a variety of shapes and sizes as described above.

The outer shell and blister strips may be formed by a variety of techniques (for example blow moulding, thin wall injection moulded, vacuum formed and or formed using heat and/or pressure). and using a variety of materials and indeed using combinations of materials (such as plastics blister strip and paperboard outer sleeve). The beneficial features described that guide and/or securely lock and/or affect unlocking of the bliser strip and outer shell allow the structure to be produced using thinner nominal wall sections compared to existing ridged and semi redged outer shell structures. These guide elements may be shaped in alternative and/or complimentary fashion to that illustrated and it will be understood that a variety of configurations of guide elements can be used to create constrained pathways for controlling the insertion of a blister strip or inner slide card into an outer shell type structure.

The configuration of the locking flap and/or the configuration of the guiding and locking features allow the locking flap and optionally other key design elements to be formed such that the structures length is significantly shorter than current solutions. The smaller footprint of the outer shell, blister strip and packages according to the invention allow the design to be in general more efficent and cost effective than current solutions.

It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not limit the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. Any reference to hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more of the following, a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention.

LOCKABLE PACKAGING

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