Packaging for unitary dosage items

Abstract

The present invention provides an alternative solution to packaging for a plurality of unitary dosage items that is convenient for a user to carry with them. Preferably, the easily portable package contains a number of unitary dosage items that will remind a user of which dosages have been administered. The present invention is particularly useful for unitary dosages of items whose stability or shelf life may be enhanced by decrease of exposure to degradative influences, such as light, oxygen or physical destruction.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention provides packaging for unitary dosage items, such as capsules or tablets in a blister pack, where each sheet of the blister pack is individually wrapped in a paperboard sleeve to form an easily portable unit. Several of these portable units are packaged in a box for the consumer. Such packaging is particularly useful for oxygen- and light-sensitive dosage items, for example, omega-3-fatty acid, vitamin D, flax oil or conjugated linoleic acid nutritional supplements.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Large bottles of pills, tablets and capsules are difficult to conveniently carry around with a person. This presents a problem, particularly when they need to take a unit dosage several times a day. Patient compliance is higher when it is easier for the person to take their dose of a medication. Pill boxes have existed for a very long time, for people to conveniently carry.[0003]Reminder pill boxes are also known, such as a container with 7...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]It is an advantage of the present invention that an inner unit package of the present invention is easily personally portable.

[0018]It is a benefit of the present invention that an inner unit package of the present invention contains several unit dosages of the pill or capsules to last for a short period of time.

[0019]It is an advantage of present invention that the sleeve of the inner unit package provides a shield for light-sensitive pills or tablets to prolong their stability.

[0020]It is a benefit of the present invention that the outer package is of a convenient size and that it contains several easily portable inner unit packages.

[0021]It is an advantage of the present invention that the sleeve of the inner unit package provides protection against physical destruction (e.g. crushing or breakage) of the pills or tablets.

Problems solved by technology

Large bottles of pills, tablets and capsules are difficult to conveniently carry around with a person.

This presents a problem, particularly when they need to take a unit dosage several times a day.

In some cases, the patient has difficulty opening a pill bottle, or difficulty in handling a large, cumbersome bottle.

This type of packaging is somewhat limiting for breakable, fragile pills and capsules.

Some pills, tablets and capsules are fragile and can be physically damaged during storage and transport.

These liquid capsules may leak in storage if they get crushed.

Pills or tablets may also be fragile or subject to damage by crushing or contact during transport and storage.

A problem with some blister packaging, particularly press-release types, is that the packaged unit dosage may be released during storage or transport if the blister package is subject to some physical stress, such as folding or physical pressure.

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