Child-Resistant Container for Housing a Blister Card

Abstract

A child-resistant container for housing a blister card includes a top section and bottom section with an opening on one side for a blister card to be moved from a stored position to a dispensing position, partially removed form the container. A blister card sits against the inner surface bottom section and is held there by a trap arm molded into the top section. The trap arm has a plate that presses down on the blister holding it in place. The blister card is unreachable, except via an opening in the bottom of the container. The user pushed on the blister card through the thumbhole causing the blister into a dispensing position. As the blister moves out of the container a notch in the blister card catches on a hook molded into the trap arm not permitting the card to completely leave the container.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority from, and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 978,768, filed Oct. 10, 2007, and entitled Child-Resistant Container for Housing Medication.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to senior-friendly, child-resistant containers for holding blister cards that store and dispense medication.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The use of child resistant packaging is well known in the art for goods ranging from household items to pharmaceutical products. This type of packaging is very useful when the product being delivered may be harmful to children. To satisfy this need, the pharmaceutical industry utilizes two main methods of dispensing medication, either loosely in a bottle or more discretely in a blister card.[0004]The child resistant traditional “amber” bottle utilizes a “push and turn” cap. With this technology, a person wishing to open the bottle must press down to release a locking mechanism while turning ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a child-resistant container with a secure enclosure that can only be accessed through a thumbhole. The container has a trap that bends and releases the blister card when the user pushes on it, allowing it to move forward and be removed from the container. The trap prevents the blister card from being pushed back into the container. The invention also allows for high-speed filling and automation, reducing manufacturing and distribution costs and making packing and shipping easier."

Problems solved by technology

This type of packaging is very useful when the product being delivered may be harmful to children.

These bottles are effective for mass distribution of a medication, but have significant drawbacks.

First, “amber” bottles are smaller in size and do not provide a sufficiently stable gripping surface to allow a user of limited dexterity, i.e., the elderly, to access the medication easily.

Secondly, there is a significant problem related to stability of the individual pills.

In this way, the chances of contamination are increased as the user must repeatedly open and close the bottle to get the medication.

Furthermore, the shelf life and effectiveness of a medication can be decreased by being over exposed to hand oils and body moisture due to over handling.

Finally, an “amber” bottle provides no compliance feature that provides the user with information as to whether or not a dose has been taken.

Although this type of packaging ensures stability and allows for patient compliance, it does not provide enough protection or child resistance.

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