UNIT DOSE PACKAGING SYSTEM WITH REUSABLE ELECTRONICS COMPONENT

Abstract

Described herein is an apparatus and method for attaching a removable and reusable electronics component to a to a slide card that can be preprinted with electrical traces for the purpose of collecting data on pill expression. A removable and reusable electronics component can be coupled with a slide card incorporating preprinted electrical traces, using a hub like plastic seating component attached to and through the slide card.

Description

BACKGROUND

Unit dose packaging is an attractive packaging format for certain pharmaceutical applications because it is convenient, yet sturdy enough to be opened and closed numerous times until the course of medication is completed, and also enables the user to track the consumption of doses according to the prescribed schedule. Examples of such packaging are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,829 (Johnstone), which is commonly assigned with this application.

The Johnstone patent relates to a unit dose paperboard package that includes an outer paperboard sleeve, an inner paperboard slide card that is lockably retained within the sleeve. The sleeve includes a plurality of side panels operatively connected to each other such that one of said plurality of side panels includes a first inner slide card releasing means, and another of said side panels includes a second inner slide card releasing means, such that the inner slide card retaining and releasing means are located substantially adjacent to said unit dose dispensing means.

An improvement over that described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,829 is contained in another commonly assigned patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,636). In this patent the package is rendered less susceptible to unintentional opening and has improved structural stability. Child resistance is a feature particularly desired for pharmaceutical packaging, and is mandated by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of conductive 1970.

In addition to child resistance it is also desirable that the unit dose packaging system be senior friendly to permit easy withdrawal of the package contents with minimum manipulation. Such a withdrawal means should be easy to use even if the patients manual dexterity or strength is reduced.

The aforesaid patents permit the user to track consumption of medication doses (e.g., pills) by visually inspecting the packaging. However, significantly more data can be obtained pertaining to the consumption of unit doses if a reusable electronics component that automatically tracked and transmitted dosing events was able to be removably integrated with the packaging.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the disclosure describes a unit dose paperboard package insert. The unit dose package insert includes a paperboard blank comprised of a bottom panel and a top panel. The bottom panel includes one or more areas of weakness outlined by perforations. The bottom panel further includes an electrical trace element having at least first and second ends positioned away from the areas of weakness wherein the electrical trace element intersects the one or more areas of weakness such that when an area of weakness is compromised the electrical trace element is broken for that area of weakness. The top panel includes one or more unit dose cut out areas and an electronics seating hub component cut out area. The unit dose package insert also includes a blister pack comprised of one or more sealed unit doses positionable atop the bottom panel such that the unit doses are substantially above the unit dose cut out areas. There is also an electronics seating hub component adapted to mechanically receive a removable, reusable electronics component wherein the electronics seating hub component is positioned proximate to the termination of the electrical trace element ends. The top panel substantially covers and is adhered to the bottom panel to secure the blister packs and electronics seating hub component securely between the top and bottom panel such that the sealed unit doses protrude through the unit dose cut out areas and the electronics seating hub component protrudes through the electronics seating hub component cut out area.

The blank can further include a crease that defines a boundary between the top panel and the bottom panel such that folding the blank along the crease positions the top panel substantially covering the bottom panel aligning the cut out areas of the top panel with the areas of weakness of the bottom panel. A pair of additional creases can also be included in which the space in between the creases defines an end panel when the unit dose package insert is folded back over itself along each crease.

In one embodiment, the electronics seating hub component comprises a housing including first and second pairs of opposing walls. One wall of the first pair of opposing walls includes at least one opening at the base of the wall that is adapted to receive a tab that is attached to an electronics component. The opposite wall of the first pair of opposing walls includes a cut out area to facilitate insertion and removal of the electronics component within the electronics seating hub component. One wall of the second pair of opposing walls includes a detent adapted to receive a corresponding inverted detent that is attached to an electronics component such that the electronics component remains seated in place upon lining up the detent and inverted detent.

In another embodiment, the electronics seating hub component comprises a pair of opposed rigid side members, each including a dovetail slot extending substantially the length of each side member. There is also rigid cross member including one or more electrical contacts that are electrically coupled with the electrical trace element ends. An electronics component having a corresponding dovetail slot can be slidably seated with the electronics seating hub component.

In another embodiment, the disclosure describes a reusable electronics component that can be electrically coupled with a disposable unit dose package to collect and disseminate data pertaining to the expression of unit doses. The reusable electronics component includes a seating mechanism adapted to fit into an electronics seating hub component, a microcontroller, an RF module coupled with the microcontroller for sending and receiving data wirelessly, an electrical trace contact interface coupled with the microcontroller for electrically coupling the reusable electronics component with electrical traces present on the disposable unit dose package, and a software application coupled with the microcontroller for detecting when a unit dose has been expelled from the disposable unit dose package. The reusable electronics component can further include a display for displaying data, an indicator light for providing a visual status indication, a speaker for providing an audible status indication, a power jack for recharging an internal power source of the electronics component, and a data port for providing a wired data output mechanism.

In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, a method of assembling a unit dose package insert is described. A blank comprised of a top panel and a bottom panel, wherein the top panel and a bottom panel include one or more creases, cut outs, and perforations required to accommodate a blister pack and an electronics seating hub component is formed. Electrical traces are applied to the blank in a desired pattern so as to ensure each unit dose has a portion of the electrical trace associated therewith. The blister pack is adhered to the bottom panel of the blank such that each unit dose is substantially over a perforated area. The electronics seating hub component is also adhered to the bottom panel such that electrical trace terminations are coupled with corresponding electrical trace contacts in the electronics seating hub component. The top panel is then sealed to the bottom panel thereby encasing the blister pack and the electronics seating hub component firmly and immovably between the top and bottom panels of the unit dose package insert. The electrical traces can be comprised of conductive ink that is printed onto the blank.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, a unit dose package system is described. The unit dose package system includes a slide card insert comprised of a blank that includes a bottom panel and a top panel. The bottom panel includes one or more areas of weakness outlined by perforations. The bottom panel further includes an electrical trace element having at least first and second ends positioned away from the areas of weakness wherein the electrical trace element intersects the one or more areas of weakness such that when an area of weakness is compromised the electrical trace element is broken for that area of weakness. The top panel includes one or more unit dose cut out areas and an electronics seating hub component cut out area. The unit dose package insert also includes a blister pack comprised of one or more sealed unit doses positionable atop the bottom panel such that the unit doses are substantially above the unit dose cut out areas. There is also an electronics seating hub component adapted to mechanically receive a removable, reusable electronics component wherein the electronics seating hub component is positioned proximate to the termination of the electrical trace element ends. The top panel substantially covers and is adhered to the bottom panel to secure the blister packs and electronics seating hub component securely between the top and bottom panel such that the sealed unit doses protrude through the unit dose cut out areas and the electronics seating hub component protrudes through the electronics seating hub component cut out area. The unit dose package system further includes a reusable electronics component mechanically and electrically coupled with the electronics seating hub component to create a complete electrical circuit between each unit dose and the reusable electronics component. A cover adapted to receive the slide card insert such that the slide card insert is lockably and slidably engaged within the cover is also included.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a unit dose packaging system according to one embodiment of the disclosure including an internal slide card and outer sleeve with child resistant button release means.

FIGS. 2 a and 2b illustrate views of the slide card.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an electronics component that can be removably coupled with a slide card according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating components of an electronic component like that illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of an electronics seating hub and an electronics component.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of an electronics seating hub and an electronics component.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the various layers and components that comprise a finished slide card according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a data flow diagram that describes a process for assembling a slide card according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a unit dose package in which a seating hub is not permanently incorporated into the package.

FIG. 10 a is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, illustrating the connection of an electronic component to the unit dose package using a temporary mounting hub.

FIG. 10 b is a partial, side, schematic view of the process of connecting an electronic component to the paneling of the unit dose package, using a temporary mounting hub in the manner provided in FIG. 10a.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a variation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, in that no slotting is provided in the paneling for attachment of an electronic component via a seating hub.

FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the variation shown in FIG. 11, illustrating the connection of an electronic component to the unit dose package using a hinged slide-mount.

FIGS. 13 a-13b are schematic front, side, and back views, respectively, of the blister pack employed in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a unit dose package in which a seating hub is not permanently incorporated into the package.

FIG. 15 is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, illustrating the connection of an electronic component to the unit dose package using a temporary mounting hub.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a variation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, in that no slotting is provided in the paneling for attachment of an electronic component via a seating hub.

FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the variation shown in FIG. 16, illustrating the connection of an electronic component to the unit dose package using a hinged slide-mount.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a unit dose package in which a seating hub is not permanently incorporated into the package.

FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, illustrating the connection of an electronic component to the unit dose package using a temporary mounting hub.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a variation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, in that no slotting is provided in the paneling for attachment of an electronic component via a seating hub.

FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the variation shown in FIG. 20, illustrating the connection of an electronic component to the unit dose package using a hinged slide-mount.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the unit dose package comprises a slide card 20, which can be releasably, lockably engaged with an outer sleeve 10. The outer sleeve 10 is comprised of a top panel 11 and a bottom panel 12, which are foldably connected by side panels 13 and 14, and an end panel 15, which secures one end opening of the package.

The top panel 11 can include a release mechanism 16, which is formed by a series of connected cuts in the sleeve substrate made by conventional techniques. The cut edges form a flexible tab that can be depressed to exert pressure on one or more layers of substrate underlying top panel 11 to release a locking mechanism 38 of slide card 20 that engages a reciprocal locking mechanism 39 of the outer sleeve 10 and allow the slide card 20 to be withdrawn sufficiently to expose one or more blisters 23 that have been associated with slide card 20.

Top panel 11 can further include a notch 17 that provides a finger hold to facilitate withdrawal of slide card 20. A corresponding notch (not shown) having similar dimensions as notch 17 is positioned parallel to but offset from notch 17 in the edge of the bottom panel. Notch 17 is shown positioned close to the center of the edge of top panel 11 while its corresponding notch on the opposite side panel is positioned off center such that there is incomplete overlap with notch 17. The position of these notches along the outer edges of the sleeve 10 and their placement in relation to each other may be varied depending on the overall dimensions of the package.

Slide card 20 can be folded along creases to form an end panel 22 and also define a second area 21 that can be utilized for additional blister packaging. An electronics component 25 is shown seated within an electronics seating hub component 24. The electronics component 25 when seated in electronics seating hub component 24 have a height dimension that is very close to the height of end panel 22. This is so that when the slide card 20 is fully inserted in outer sleeve 10, the end panel 22 cannot be collapsed. This provides an additional measure of child resistance to the packaging. In addition, a protruding element 45 is placed such that when the slide card 20 is folded over onto itself to create opposing top and bottom panels, the protruding element 45 on the top panel will be proximate to the electronics component 25/electronics seating hub component 24 on the bottom panel in a manner that prevents the top panel from sliding out further enhancing the child resistant aspect of the packaging.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a slide card 20 is shown in an isometric view. As just described, the slide card 20 includes an electronics seating hub component 24 that can be positioned proximate to one or more electrical trace ends (not shown) so as to enable the contacts 28 (see, e.g., FIG. 5) of the electronics component 25 to operatively connect or to the one or more electrical trace ends. Dashed lines define creases for an end panel 22 and a locking mechanism 38. The slide card 20 can be folded along the creases to create the end panel 22 and a locking mechanisms 38 such that when the slide card 20 is folded and inserted into the outer sleeve 10, a packaging solution is created that allows the slide card 20 to be coupled with the outer sleeve 10 in a slidable and lockable manner. It is noted that the protruding element is not shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, but can of course be present.

When folded, the slide card 20 forms two opposed panels each capable of containing blister packs 23. In FIG. 2A, the electronics seating hub component 24 is shown on what could be considered the lower panel of the slide card 20 while in FIG. 2B, the electronics seating hub component 24 is shown on what could be considered the upper panel of the slide card 20. Thus, the electronics seating hub component 24 can be situated strategically on the slide card 20 and is not necessarily restricted to a single location.

Also shown within the electronics seating hub component 24 is a set of electrical trace contacts 32. These contacts terminate a corresponding set of electrical traces (not shown) that can be pre-printed on the slide card to correspond with each unit dose of the blister packs 23. When an electronics component 25 is operatively seated within the electronics seating hub component 24, a corresponding set of contacts 28 (see, FIG. 5 for an example embodiment) operatively engages the trace contacts to complete an electronics circuit. It should be noted that the placement and number of electrical trace contacts 32 within an electronics seating hub component 24 can be a design choice that is best adapted to a given configuration.

In practical use of a packaging system, a user can simply remove and re-use an electrical component 25 each time a new slide card 20 of unit doses is received. As an additional benefit, the height dimension of the electrical component 25 adds additional structural support to a folded slide card when seated.

Referring to FIG. 3, an example electronics component 25 is illustrated from an exterior perspective. In addition to internal electrical components, the electronics component 25 can include one or more of a display 50, a set of LED lights 51, 52, 53, a speaker 54, a power jack 55, and a data port 56. Depending on the hardware and software capabilities of the electronics component 25, a display can be utilized to illustrate the current date/time, the date/time of the last recorded dose, and the date/time of the next scheduled dose. This information can be pre-programmed by the user via a device that can be coupled either wirelessly or via data port 56 to the software within the electronics component 25. In addition, one or more LED lights 51, 52, 53 can be color coded to indicate the current status of the next unit dose. For instance, a green LED 51 could indicate that a user is current with his medication. A yellow LED 52 could indicate that the user is within an hour of the next scheduled unit dose, and a red LED 53 could indicate that the user is past due on his next schedule dose. A speaker 54 could beep to give the user an audible status indicator. For instance, one beep could indicate that the next scheduled dose is within minutes while 3 beeps could indicate that the next scheduled dose is past due. The beeps can be repeated for a predetermined cyclical period.

The electronics component 25 can be powered by removable or re-chargeable batteries. If re-chargeable, a power jack 55 can allow an external source to re-charge the internal batteries when a power cable is inserted into the power jack 55. A data port can accept a data cable that would allow a wired transfer of data between the electronics component 25 and another device. This could be in addition to or in lieu of a wireless transmission mechanism. The data port can be a USB cable for instance but may also be adapted for other data formats as well.

Referring to FIG. 4, a block diagram of the internal components of an example electronics component 25 is illustrated. A microcontroller 60 coordinates the activities of the remaining components. A pin trace contact interface 63 provides the mechanism to complete circuit(s) individually between the rest of the electronics component 25 and a plurality of blister packs wherein each blister pack can be individually associated with an electrical trace such that rupturing a blister pack will also break the electrical trace associated with the blister pack. Such an event can create a detectable change in electrical potential throughout the entire circuit that indicates the dispensing of a unit dose. There is an assumption that the unit dose is then ingested by a user as prescribed.

The electronics component 25 can further comprise one or more of an RF module 61 and associated antenna 62, one or more batteries 64, a display 50, a speaker 54, LED indicator lights 51-53, a power jack 55, a data port 56, and software applications with associated memory 65.

The software applications and associated memory 65 can be programmed to respond variously to the detection of a rupture blister package. The event can be recorded and date/time stamped as data and packed into a message format suitable for wireless transmission over the RF module 61. The RF module 61 can include cellular protocols such as GSM or CDMA, or can be limited to more short range communication protocols such as Bluetooth, WiFI, or WiMax. Data can be received and/or sent between the electronics component 25 and one or more external devices utilizing the RF module 61 and a corresponding appropriate network. Or, the data can be sent out via the data port 56 which can be a USB cable or other suitable cable/data format pairing.

As described earlier, the microcontroller 60 can include a clock element that knows the current date/time and, in conjunction with the software application(s) 65 that has been programmed with a dosage schedule, provides visual and/or audible alerts and reminders to the user via the LED indicators 51-53 or the speaker 54.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of an electronics seating hub and an electronics component. In this example, the electronics component 25 includes one or more tabs 26 that are somewhat hook shaped. One or more detents 27 can also be included on either side of the electronics component 25 to help keep it in place when mechanically coupled with the electronics seating hub component 24. Also shown are a series of electrical trace contacts 28. The electronics seating hub component 24 is comprised of a housing 29 having a corresponding number of inverted detents 31 on the interior surface that are positioned to correspond with detents 27 when the electronics component 25 is mechanically coupled with the electronics seating hub component 24. The housing 29 further comprises electrical trace contacts 32 and one or more openings 30 that are adapted to receive the one or more tabs 26 such that the tabs 26, when properly manipulated will fit through the openings 30 and seat the electronics component 25 securely in the electronics seating hub component 24. To help achieve this, the housing 29 can include a cut out area 40 on the housing wall opposite the wall electronics component when inserting and removing it into the electronics seating hub component 24.

In operation, the electronics component 25 is tilted so that the tabs 26 can fit through the openings 30 of the electronics seating hub component 24. The electronics component 25 can then be pivoted or rocked downward until the detents 27 and inverted detents 31 engage one another. This will also bring contacts 28 and contacts 32 into an operatively electrically coupled relationship and complete the circuitry contained on the slide card 20 and within the electronics component 25.

It should be noted that the orientation and placement of the contacts 28, 32, tabs 26, openings 30, cut out areas 40 and detents 27, 31 described above can be design choices and are not limited to only the configuration shown.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of an electronics seating hub and an electronics component. In this embodiment, the electronics seating hub component 24 is comprised of a rigid member 33 having opposing side members 41, 42 connected by an end member 43. The side members 41, 42 include a dovetail 34 slot extending substantially the length of the side members 41, 42. A plurality of electrical trace contacts 35 can be disposed on the interior surface of the end member 43.

The electrical component 25 includes a portion having a matching dovetail 36 pattern and electrical contacts 37 such that the electrical component can be slidably inserted into the electronics seating hub component 24 by aligning the matching dovetail portions. Upon full insertion of the electronics component 25 into the electronics seating hub component 24, contacts 35 and 37 will contact one another to create an electrically coupled relationship.

The coupling between the electronics seating hub component 24 and the electronics component 25 can be configured in other ways in addition to those described above. The embodiments described herein are not limited to merely the configurations described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the various layers and components that comprise a slide card according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The slide card 20 starts as a reinforced blank that has been designed to receive one or more blister packs 79 comprised of individual unit doses 23. The slide card 20 generally comprises a bottom panel 71 and a top panel 72. The top panel 72 is designed to be folded over and sealed on top of the bottom panel 71. Alternatively, the top 72 and bottom 71 panels can be separate from one another wherein the top panel 72 is positioned over the bottom panel 71 rather than folded into place.

The bottom panel includes areas of weakness defined by perforations 74 such that sufficient force downward will cause the perforated area to tear leaving an opening in the bottom panel 71 capable of passing a unit dose. An electrical ink trace element 73 is applied to the bottom panel 71 such that each perforated area includes part of the electrical trace element 73. The electrical trace element 73 terminates in an area reserved for an electrical seating hub component 24. In addition, creases 77 allow for the slide card to be folded into another spatial dimension once the top panel 72 has been folded over the bottom panel 71. There is space 78 reserved on the panel for additional traces and blister packs as desired.

The top panel includes first cut out areas 75 for each individual unit dose 23 of blister pack 79. A second cut out area 76 is designed to allow the electrical seating hub component 24 to protrude from the slide card 20 once assembled. A third cut out area 46 is designed to allow protruding element 45 to protrude from the slide card 20 once assembled.

A locking mechanism 38 can also be included to provide enhanced child resistant functionality. The locking mechanism 38 is adapted to engage a first reciprocal catch 39 that is within the outer sleeve 10 shown in FIG. 1. To release the slide card locking mechanism 38, a user would depress the release mechanism 16 shown in FIG. 1.

Protruding element 45 also provides enhanced child resistant functionality in that it encounters electronics seating hub component 24 and electronics component 25 when a user tries to remove the top panel of the slide card 20. This action is prevented because the protruding element can not be pulled over the electronics seating hub component 24 and electronics component 25.

The illustrated electrical traces 73 can be applied directly on the slide card 20, in a manner well known by those skilled in the art. The electrical traces 73 can be printed on the slide card 20 using conventional printing or lithography methods such as but not limited to screen or off-set methods. The inks used in the printing method to form the circuitry are conductive inks, selected based on the performance needs of the individual circuits. Conductive inks typically include conductive metals such as but not limited to copper or silver. The ink used to form the illustrated electrical traces 73 can be a carbon-based conductive ink readily understood by those skilled in the art.

The electronics component 25 is designed to be reusable with respect to multiple unit dose slide card inserts. Thus, the actual electronics component is not shipped with the unit dose slide card insert originally. Rather, a user is responsible for inserting the electronics component 25 into the electronics seating hub component 24 when receiving the unit dose packaging system. However, since the electronics component 25 itself aids in enhancing the child resistant aspect of the packaging, the original packaging can have a dummy electronics component already seated in the electronics seating hub component 24. When a user receives the unit dose packaging system containing the dummy electronics component, he simply removes the dummy component and inserts the real electronics component 25.

FIG. 8 is a data flow diagram that describes a process for assembling a slide card such as that illustrated in FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The steps do not necessarily occur in chronological order. At 81, electrical traces are printed on the blank in the desired pattern so as to ensure each unit dose has a portion of the electrical trace associated therewith. At 82, the blank is then manipulated to contain all the creases, cut outs, and perforations required to accommodate the blister pack(s) and electronics seating hub component. At 83, the blister pack(s) are adhered to the bottom panel of the blank such that each unit dose is substantially over a perforated area. At 84, the electronics seating hub component is then adhered to the bottom panel such that the electrical trace terminations of the printed conductive ink are mated to corresponding electrical trace contacts in the electronics seating hub component. At 85, the blank is then folded over and sealed according to the creases thereby encasing the blister pack(s) and electronics seating hub component firmly and immovably between the top and bottom panels of the slide card.

As an alternative process for assembling a slide card, a blister pack and electronics seating hub component may be placed on the top panel, with the blister cavities and electronics seating hub component protruding through apertures in the top panel. These components may be adhered to the top card. The bottom panel would be folded over and the entire structure sealed at one time.

Further embodiments are disclosed as unit dose packages 100 (FIGS. 9-13), 200 (FIGS. 14-17), and 300 (FIGS. 18-21). The disclosed unit dose packages 100, 200, and 300 have like-named components that are similar in structure and function, unless expressly indicated to the contrary. Further, the unit dose packages 100, 200, and 300 may incorporate features (e.g., a sleeve and/or child-proofing) associated with other above-described embodiments, and such combinations of elements are deemed to be within the scope hereof.

The disclosed unit dose package 100 may include a paneling component 102, a blister pack 104, and an electrical trace element 106. As per this embodiment, the electrical trace element 106 may be particularly associated with the blister pack 104, as will be detailed later.

The paneling component 102 may include at least a first (e.g., bottom) panel 108, through which a unit dose of medicine is ultimately expressed, and may yet further include a second (e.g., top) panel 110. Where both are employed, the top panel 110 may substantially cover and be adhered (e.g., via adhesive/glue or an intermediate tape) to the bottom panel 108 so as to secure the blister pack 104 therebetween. The bottom panel 108 and top panel 110 may be separate or integral. For example, the bottom and top panel 108, 110 may be part of a unitary paneling component 102, connected by a first panel fold 112. Further, the paneling component 102 can be made, for example, of paperboard, plastic, etc., and, if separately produced, the bottom and top panels 108, 110 need not be made of the same material. The bottom panel 108 may, in one wallet card embodiment, define a first bottom panel section 108a and a second bottom panel section 110a, and the top panel 110 may, in a like manner, define a first top panel section 110a and a second top panel section 110b. A wallet fold 113 may integrally link the first bottom panel section 108a and the second bottom panel section 110a, as well as the first top panel section 110a and the second top panel section 110b. The wallet fold 113 may have a width, for example, that accommodates for the unit doses carried by the wallet card. As a whole, such a wallet card arrangement may provide, e.g., additional space for instructional and/or promotional information to be printed and/or further mechanical protection for the unit doses carried thereby.

The bottom and top panels 108, 110 are designed to facilitate the expressing of unit doses (not expressly shown) from a given blister pack 104. In one embodiment, the bottom panel 108 may be provided with at least one area of panel weakness 114 (defined, for example, by at least one nick or perforation and/or a reduced thickness) to promote easy punch-out at such locations for unit dose delivery. In a corresponding manner, the top panel 110 may include at least one unit dose cut out or opening 116 to accommodate therethrough protruding unit doses carried by a given blister pack 104. The number of areas of panel weakness 114 and dose cut outs 116 may, for example, be chosen to match the number of unit doses that the given unit dose package 100 is intended to supply.

The blister pack 104, as best seen in FIGS. 13a-13c, may include a blister substrate 138 and at least one unit dose site 140 (i.e., a carrier location for a given unit dose of medicine). Further, as a feature of the embodiment of FIGS. 9-12, the blister substrate 138 may act as the carrier of the electrical trace element 106. The electrical trace element 106 defines at least first and second trace ends 142. In this embodiment, the electrical trace element 106, including the trace ends 142 thereof, may be deposited or otherwise coated on the blister substrate 138, either directly or on an intermediate coating.

As is the case with each of unit dose package embodiments, the at least first and second trace ends 142 may extend away from the at least one area of panel weakness 114 and may be proximate to and exposed through an electronics receiving region 118 (as seen, e.g., in FIG. 10a). By such placement of the at least first and second trace ends 142, a connection between the electrical trace element 106 and the electronic component 120 may be made. Further, for a situation in which the electrical trace element 106 may be formed on the back of the blister substrate 138, the surface upon which the electrical trace element 106 should not be a conductor (e.g., metal), as might otherwise be the case for a blister substrate 138. Thus, the blister substrate 138 could be made of a non-conductive material (e.g., paperboard, plastic, etc.) and/or coated with a non-conductive layer, thereby providing a non-conductive surface upon which the electrical trace element 106 could then be deposited.

In addition to the unit dose cut outs 116, other through holes may be created in paneling 102. In this embodiment, an electronics receiving region 118 may, for example, be in the form of an opening. Such an opening may be cut, punched, or otherwise formed through the bottom panel 108. The receiving region 118 may, further, be adapted mechanically receive an electronics component 120 and may, particularly, be configured for exposing the electrical trace element 106 for electrical connection with the electronics component 120.

FIGS. 10 a and 10b show the unit dose package in a sealed arrangement. One exemplary manner for attaching the electronics component 120 to a unit dose package 100 may readily be seen. This example may include at least one mounting opening 122 within the paneling component 102. For example, the at least one mounting opening 122 may take the form of an opposed pair of C-shaped slots, extending through both the bottom and top panels 108, 110. A mounting hub 124, a reusable version of which is shown, may be adapted to connect to the electronics component 120 and the paneling component 102, via the at least one mounting opening 122, with a hub base 126, at least one hub projection 128, and at least one hub slot 130; and at least one extended projection/tab 132 and at least one detent projection/tab 134 directly protruding, respectively, from opposed sides of the electronics component 120. Each hub projection 128 may extend directly from and essentially perpendicularly to the hub base 126. So that each hub projection 128 may be received through a corresponding mounting opening 122 as part of the attachment process, the number of hub projections 128 may be the same or less than the number of mounting openings 122, and the configuration (e.g., size, shape, positioning) of the hub projections 128 and the corresponding mounting openings 122 should facilitate insertion (e.g., a slide fit) of the former into the latter. The mechanical placement tolerance associated with the mounting openings 122 and those similar to them in other disclosed embodiments may be controlled to help ensure a link between the electronics component 120 and the trace element 106. For example, the mechanical placement tolerance could be controlled to 0.5 mm.

Further, each given extended tab 132 may be inserted through a respective hub slot 130 for providing a stable connection between the electronics component 120 and the mounting hub 124. Meanwhile, each detent tab 134 may generally be shorter than a given extended tab 132 and rounded and/or angled faces. Because of the configuration of such detent tabs 134, a given detent tab 134 may readily be snap-fit into a corresponding hub slot 130. That snap fit therebetween, along with the connection between a given extended tab 132 and a corresponding hub slot 130, can enable a steady yet releasable linkage of the electronics component 120 to a unit dose package 100, via the mounting hub 124. It is further understood that the mounting hub 124 could instead be pre-assembled with or built into the paneling component 102.

The process of attaching the electronics component 120 to a unit dose package 100 in the manner of FIGS. 10a and 10b may be, for example, be achieved through a multiple step procedure. Each hub projection 128 may first be inserted through a corresponding mounting opening 122 to a point where the hub base 126 abuts the paneling component 102. Upon such positioning, the at least one extended tab 132 associated with the electronics component 120 may be introduced at an angle into a respective hub slot 130. Thereupon, the electronics component 120 may be pivoted downwardly, relative to the free/unconnected side thereof (see FIG. 10b), until the at least one detent tab 134 locks into place in a respective hub slot 130.

Another potential means of attaching the electronics component 120 to a unit dose package 100 is illustrated in the variation shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. As per that variation, a slide clip 136 may, for example, be used to connect an electronics component 120 to a paneling component 102. While the slide clip 136 may be shown to be a pivotable connector (e.g., a spring-loaded pivot), it may, for example, be a simple slide clip construction, e.g., similar to a paper clip or a spring clip used on a pencil/pen. A slide clip 136 should be able to generate sufficient force between the electronics component 120 and the electrical trace element 106 to ensure a consistent electrical connection therebetween, or such force would need to be provided via another means (e.g., adhesive or mechanical connector). As a by-product of using the slide clip 136, as can be seen in FIG. 11, no mounting openings 122 would necessarily have to be provided in the panel component 102.

Yet other potential means of attaching the electronics component 120 to a unit dose package 100 are possible. As broadly suggested by the variation illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10a, and 10b, one of the electronics component 120 and the paneling component 102 could be provided with a first alignment mechanism and the other provided with a second co-acting alignment mechanism. For example, the first alignment mechanism could be, e.g., a projection/tab/protrusion, and the other thereof could be provided with a corresponding slot. As further possibilities, the first and second alignment mechanisms could be a hook-and-loop (e.g., Velcro) combination or any sort of snap-fit combination. It should be also understood that the first and/or second alignment mechanisms need not be an integral part of the electronics component 120 and/or the paneling component 102, so long as that given alignment mechanism is able to produce the desired result. The temporary mounting hub 124 is one such an example of a non-integral alignment mechanism.

The disclosed unit dose package 200 may include a paneling component 202, a blister pack 204, and an electrical trace element 206. The primary difference between the unit dose packages 100 and 200 is the manner in which the electrical trace element 206 is incorporated into the unit dose package 200. More particularly, in the embodiment associated with unit dose package 200, the electrical trace element 206 may be carried separately (e.g., not deposited on the blister pack 204). The description of the disclosed unit dose package 200, as such, focuses on those details related to the mounting/positioning of the electrical trace element 206 and modifications associated with such placement, as the remaining features are similar to those otherwise associated with the unit dose package 100.

The features distinguishing the unit dose package 200 from the unit dose package 100 are best seen in FIGS. 14 and 16. Instead of potentially being carried on the blister pack 204, the electrical trace element 106 is deposited, wired, or otherwise incorporated into a trace element carrier 208. The trace element carrier 208 may have a non-conductive surface upon which the electrical trace element 106 is provided or another mechanism (e.g., an insulating coating) by which portions of the electrical trace element 206 may be electrically isolated from one another.

For example, the trace element carrier 208 may, for example, be an adhesive tape (e.g., single- or double-sided); a paperboard, plastic, or other insulating substrate; or a dielectric-coated metal foil. Alternatively, the substrate material need not be limited to such, so long as the portions of the electrical trace element 206 may be electrically isolated from one another (e.g., via selective coating). As suggested by the potential use of an adhesive tape for the trace element carrier 208, it is to be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art may choose use any various adhesive and/or mechanical fastening means to ensure the desired position of trace element carrier 208 and, thereby, the electrical trace element 206 relative to the paneling component 202 and/or the blister pack 204. It is to be understood that, in a manner similar to a given electrical trace element 206, the trace element carrier 208 may be constructed (e.g., material, thickness, etc.) in a manner that facilitates the expression of a given unit dose from the unit dose package 200 yet still is strong enough to withstand production, to avoid accidental dispersal of medicine, and/or, potentially, to be folded (as per FIGS. 15, 17).

The paneling component 202 may include at least a first/bottom panel 210, through which a given unit dose is ultimately expressed, and, optionally, a second/top panel 212. Where both are employed, as is the case illustrated (FIGS. 14-17), the top panel 212 may substantially cover and be adhered (e.g., via adhesive/glue or an intermediate tape) to the bottom panel 210 so as to secure the blister pack 204 therebetween. The bottom panel 210 may be provided with at least one area of panel weakness 214 (defined, for example, by a perforation or reduced thickness) to promote easy punch-out at such locations for unit dose delivery. In a corresponding manner, the top panel 212 may include at least one unit dose cut outs or openings 216 to accommodate therethrough protruding unit doses carried by a given blister pack 204. As such, the trace element carrier 208 may thereby be located between the bottom panel 210 and the blister pack 204 in a manner to position the electrical trace element 206 relative to the at least one area of panel weakness 214 to allow ready delivery of medicine. That is, when a given dose of medication (not specifically shown) is expressed out of the unit dose package 200, the electrical trace element 206 and the corresponding region of the trace element carrier 208 are broken, along with the respective area of panel weakness 214.

An electronics receiving region/opening 218 may be formed through the bottom panel 210 to permit mechanical receipt of an electronic/electronics component 220. In a manner quite similar to that shown in FIGS. 9, 10a, and 10b, one potential manner of receiving the electronics component 220 is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, employing at least one mounting opening 222 in the paneling component 202 and a separate mounting hub 224, a reusable form of which is illustrated. Another variation, paralleling that of FIGS. 11 and 12, is shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in which a slide clip 226 is used to hold the electronics component 220 in place on the paneling component 202. It is, however, to be understood that other mechanisms, such as those discussed above with the unit dose package 100, may be used to mount the electronics component 220. For example, the trace element carrier 208 may have the mounting hub 224 preassembled therewith and/or built in thereto. Other known hub-to-electronic component connections could be used in relation to the mounting hub 224 and the electronics component 220, e.g., pin-and-socket or USB-type. The particular type of connection used may, in part, be chosen based on the number of uses expected (i.e., certain connector types may offer greater protection of contact points during transitioning).

In particular, the electrical trace element 206 may have at least first and second trace ends 228 that are exposed via the electronics receiving region 218, and such at least first and second trace ends 228 may thereby form an electrical connection with the mounted electronics component 220. Such trace ends 228 may, potentially, be located anywhere on the trace element carrier 208, so long as such placement facilitates connection thereof with a given electronics component 220. Further, such trace ends 228 may, for example, be directed away from any areas of the electrical trace element 206 that might be subject to breakage in the normal course of use of the unit dose package 200.

Finally, with respect to the unit dose package 200, the blister pack 204 may include, for example, a blister substrate 230 and at least one dosage site 232 (i.e., location where a given unit dose of medicine stored/carried). It is noted that, since the blister pack 204 need not carry the electrical trace element 206 as per the case of the unit dose package 100, any blister pack construction known in the art could potentially be employed as part of this embodiment.

The disclosed unit dose package 300 (FIGS. 18-21) may, for example, include a paneling component 302, a blister pack 304, and an electrical trace element 306. The primary difference between the disclosed unit dose package 300 and the other two unit dose packages 100 and 200 is the manner in which the electrical trace element 306 is incorporated into the unit dose package 300. More particularly, in the embodiment associated with unit dose package 300, the electrical trace element 206 may be carried (e.g., coated or deposited) on the paneling component 302. The description of the disclosed unit dose package 300, as such, focuses on those details related to the mounting/positioning of the electrical trace element 306 and modifications associated with such placement, as the remaining features are similar to those otherwise associated with the unit dose packages 100, 200.

The features distinguishing the unit dose package 300 from the unit dose packages 100, 200 are best seen in FIGS. 18 and 20. Instead of potentially being carried on the blister pack 304 or on a separate element (e.g., a trace element carrier), the electrical trace element 306 is deposited, wired, coated, or otherwise incorporated into and/or on paneling component 302. In particular, the paneling component 302 may include at least a first/bottom panel 308, through which a unit dose is ultimately expressed, and, optionally, a second/top panel 310. In this embodiment, the electrical trace element 306 is deposited on the bottom panel 308.

Where both panels 308, 310 are employed, as is the case illustrated (FIGS. 18-21), the top panel 310 may substantially cover and be adhered (e.g., via adhesive/glue or an intermediate tape) to the bottom panel 308 so as to secure the blister pack 304 therebetween. The bottom panel 308 may be provided with at least one area of panel weakness 312 (defined, for example, by a perforation or reduced thickness) to promote easy punch-out at such locations for unit dose delivery. In a corresponding manner, the top panel 310 may include at least one unit dose cut outs or openings 314 to accommodate therethrough protruding unit doses carried by a given blister pack 304. The electrical trace element 306 is positioned relative to the at least one area of panel weakness 312 so that, when a given dose of medication (not specifically shown) is expressed out of the unit dose package 300, a given section of the electrical trace element 306 is broken, along with the respective area of panel weakness 312.

An electronics receiving region/opening 316 may be formed, e.g., through the bottom panel 308 to permit mechanical receipt of an electronic/electronics component 318. In a manner quite similar to that shown in FIGS. 9, 10a, and 10b, one potential manner of receiving the electronics component 318 is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, employing at least one mounting opening 320 in the paneling component 302 and a separate temporary mounting hub 322. Another variation, paralleling that of FIGS. 11 and 12, is shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in which a slide clip 324 is used to hold the electronics component 220 in place on the paneling component 202. It is, however, to be understood that other mechanisms, such as those discussed above with the unit dose package 100, may be used to mount and align the electronics component 318.

Further, the electrical trace element 306 may have at least first and second trace ends 326 that are exposed via the electronics receiving region 316, and such at least first and second trace ends 326 may thereby form an electrical connection with the mounted electronics component 318. Such trace ends 326 may, potentially, be located anywhere on the bottom panel 308, so long as such placement facilitates connection thereof with a given electronics component 318. Further, such trace ends 326 may, for example, be directed away from any areas of the electrical trace element 306 that might be subject to breakage in the normal course of use of the unit dose package 300. Yet, additionally, it is to be understood that, for example, the trace ends 326 may be located on an opposite half (not labeled) of the bottom panel 308 than the main portion of the electrical trace element 306, thereby allowing one page of an insert or slide card to be dedicated to connection with an electronics component 318 and the other one or more pages be used for unit dose dispersal.

Furthermore, with respect to the unit dose package 300, the blister pack 304 may include, for example, a blister substrate 328 and at least one dosage site 330 (i.e., location where a given unit dose of medicine stored/carried). It is noted that, since the blister pack 304 need not carry the electrical trace element 306 as per the case of the unit dose package 100, any blister pack construction known in the art could potentially be employed as part of this embodiment.

Other embodiments and variations associated with the disclosed unit dose packages 100, 200, 300 may be possible. For one, any number of pages/sheets of unit doses, as practical, could be provided. Additionally, it is to be understood that each such unit dose packages 100, 200, 300 could be used as a stand-alone package (e.g., wallet dispenser) or as a slidable insert in the manner disclosed elsewhere in this application (e.g., insertable into a sleeve). Yet further, one of the ordinary skill in the art may choose to extend the trace ends onto the opposite one of the top and bottom panels and/or to relocate the position of the electronics receiving region, so long as that combination permits connection between the trace ends and the electronics component. More simply, it is further contemplated that the electrical trace element and/or the trace ends thereof might be associated with the top panel and that the electronics receiving cut out be formed in the bottom panel.

It is believed that the present disclosure includes many other embodiments that may not be herein described in detail, but would nonetheless be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the disclosures made. Accordingly, this disclosure should not be read as being limited only to the foregoing examples or only to the designated preferred embodiments.

Claims

1. A unit dose package comprising: a bottom panel and a top panel, the bottom panel including at least one area of weakness, the top panel including at least one unit dose cut out area, one of the top panel and bottom panel having an electronics receiving cut out area formed therein, the electronics receiving cut out area being adapted to mechanically receive an electronics componenta blister pack comprised of at least one sealed dose of medication, the blister pack being positioned atop the bottom panel such that each dose of medication has a respective area of weakness associated therewith; andan electrical trace element having at least first and second ends positioned away from at least one area of weakness, the electrical trace element being positioned relative to the at least one area of weakness such that, when a given dose of medication is expressed, the electrical trace element is broken for the corresponding area of weakness corresponding to the given expressed dose of medication, the electronics receiving cut out area being positioned proximate to the at least first and second ends of the electrical trace element,wherein the top panel substantially covers and is adhered to the bottom panel so as to secure the blister pack between the top and bottom panel such that the sealed doses protrude through the unit dose cut out areas and the at least first and second ends of the electrical trace element are exposed through the electronics receiving cut out area.

2. The unit dose package of claim 1, wherein the blister pack further comprises a nonconductive substrate, and the electrical trace element is disposed directly on the nonconductive substrate.

3. The unit dose package of claim 1, wherein the electrical trace element is disposed on a trace element carrier, and the trace element carrier is positioned between the bottom panel and the blister pack.

4. The unit dose package of claim 3, wherein the trace element carrier is an adhesive member, the adhesive member being attached to at least one of the bottom panel and the blister pack.

5. The unit dose package of claim 1, wherein the electrical trace element is disposed on the bottom panel.

6. The unit dose package of claim 1, wherein the at least first and second ends of the electrical trace elements are associated with the one of the top panel and the bottom panel, the electronics receiving cut out area being formed in the other of the top panel and the bottom panel.

7. The unit dose package of claim 1, wherein at least one of the top panel and the back panel comprises a first mechanical alignment mechanism, the electronics component comprising a second mechanical alignment mechanism, the first mechanical alignment mechanism being configured for aligningly connecting with the respective second mechanical alignment mechanism.

8. The unit dose package of claim 7, wherein the first mechanical alignment mechanism includes one of a slot and a mating protrusion and the second mechanical alignment mechanism includes the other of the slot and the mating protrusion.

9. The unit dose package of claim 7, wherein the first mechanical alignment mechanism and the second mechanical alignment mechanism together are configured for forming a snap-fit.

10. The unit dose package of claim 1, wherein the top panel and the bottom panel are one of separate and integral, relative to one another.

11. The unit dose package of claim 1, wherein the unit dose package is one of an insert and a stand-alone unit.

12. The unit dose package of claim 11, wherein the unit dose package is an insert, the insert being configured for slide insertion into a sleeve.

13. A package for holding medication, comprising: a panel including at least one area of weakness formed therein;a blister pack comprised of at least one dose of medication, the blister pack being positioned relative to the panel such that each dose of medication has a respective area of weakness associated therewith; andan electrical trace element associated with at least one of the panel and the blister pack, the electrical trace element including at least first and second ends positioned away from the at least one area of weakness, the electrical trace element being positioned relative to the at least one area of weakness such that, when a given dose of medication is expressed, the electrical trace element is broken for a respective area of weakness corresponding to the given expressed dose of medication,wherein the panel includes a receiving region adapted to mechanically receive an electronics component, wherein the receiving region is positioned proximate to the at least first and second ends of the electrical trace element.

14. The unit dose package of claim 13, wherein the blister pack further comprises a nonconductive substrate, and the electrical trace element is disposed directly on the nonconductive substrate.

15. The unit dose package of claim 13, wherein the electrical trace element is disposed on a trace element carrier, and the trace element carrier is positioned between the bottom panel and the blister pack.

16. The unit dose package of claim 15, wherein the trace element carrier is an adhesive member, the adhesive member being attached to at least one of the bottom panel and the blister pack.

17. The unit dose package of claim 13, wherein the electrical trace element is disposed on the bottom panel.

18. The unit dose package of claim 13, wherein the receiving region is formed in the bottom panel.

19. The unit dose package of claim 13, wherein at least one of the top panel and the back panel comprises a first mechanical alignment mechanism, the electronics component comprising a second mechanical alignment mechanism, the first mechanical alignment mechanism being configured for aligningly connecting with the respective second mechanical alignment mechanism.

20. The unit dose package of claim 19, wherein the first mechanical alignment mechanism includes one of a slot and a mating protrusion and the second mechanical alignment mechanism includes the other of the slot and the mating protrusion.

21. The unit dose package of claim 19, wherein the first mechanical alignment mechanism and the second mechanical alignment mechanism together are configured for forming a snap-fit.

22. The unit dose package of claim 13, wherein the unit dose package is one of an insert and a stand-alone unit.

23. The unit dose package of claim 22, wherein the unit dose package is an insert, the insert being configured for slide insertion into a sleeve.

24. The unit dose package of claim 22, wherein the unit dose package is a stand-alone unit in the form a wallet card.

25. A unit dose package system, comprising: a package for holding medication, comprising: a panel including at least one area of weakness formed therein, the panel further defining a receiving region therein;a blister pack comprised of at least one dose of medication, the blister pack being positioned relative to the panel such that each dose of medication has a respective area of weakness associated therewith; andan electrical trace element associated with at least one of the panel and the blister pack, the electrical trace element including at least first and secondends positioned away from the at least one area of weakness, the electrical trace element being positioned relative to the at least one area of weakness such that, when a given dose of medication is expressed, the electrical trace element is broken for a respective area of weakness corresponding to the given expressed dose of medication, the receiving region is positioned proximate to the at least first and second ends of the electrical trace element; andan electronics component mechanically received relative to the receiving region of the panel, the electronics component being releasably, electronically attached relative to the at least first and second ends of the electrical trace element.

26. The unit dose package system of claim 25, wherein the electronics component is releasably attached via a slide clip mechanism.

27. The unit dose package of claim 25, wherein the panel comprises a first mechanical alignment mechanism, the electronics component comprising a second mechanical alignment mechanism, the first mechanical alignment mechanism aligningly connecting with the respective second mechanical alignment mechanism.

28. The unit dose package of claim 27, wherein the first mechanical alignment mechanism includes one of a slot and a mating protrusion and the second mechanical alignment mechanism includes the other of the slot and the mating protrusion.

29. The unit dose package of claim 27, wherein the first mechanical alignment mechanism and the second mechanical alignment mechanism together are configured for forming a snap-fit.

30. A package for holding medication, comprising: a slide card including at least one area of weakness formed therein, the panel including a receiving region adapted to mechanically receive an electronics component;a blister pack comprised of at least one dose of medication, the blister pack being positioned relative to the slide card such that each dose of medication has a respective area of weakness associated therewith; andan electrical trace element associated with at least one of the slide card and the blister pack, the electrical trace element including at least first and second ends positioned away from the at least one area of weakness, the electrical trace element being positioned relative to the at least one area of weakness such that, when a given dose of medication is expressed, the electrical trace element is broken for a respective area of weakness corresponding to the given expressed dose of medication, the receiving region being positioned proximate to the at least first and second ends of the electrical trace element; anda sleeve which houses the slide card.

31. The package of claim 30, wherein the slide card further comprises a locking mechanism, wherein the sleeve further comprises a reciprocal locking mechanism, and wherein the locking mechanism and the reciprocal locking mechanism cooperate to lock the card within the sleeve.

32. The package of claim 31, wherein the sleeve further comprises a release located proximate the reciprocal locking mechanism, wherein the release, when activated, enables the slide card to be moved substantially outside of the sleeve.

33. The package of claim 30, wherein the package is child resistant compliant.

34. The package of claim 30, further comprising an electronics component, the electronics component being mechanically received relative to the receiving region of the slide card, the electronics component being releasably attached relative to the at least first and second ends of the electrical trace element.