Integrated closure feature for packaging system

Abstract

An integrated closure feature for a package including a tab (25) integrated into the raised surface of a vaulted carton ad an outer cover secured to the carton possessing a pocket into which the tab fits, providing a secure lock for the package. The package is capable of housing and dispensing a unit dose product such as a blister pack. The product to be dispensed is contained on an internal slide card (300) that is removably and lockably engaged within an inner chamber. The package possesses a secure lock which provides a child resistant and user-friendly dosing means that can be opened and closed numerous times while in use, then disposed of when all the unit doses are exhausted.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn integrated closure feature for a packaging system according to the embodiments of the invention is comprised of a tab integrated into the raised surface of a vaulted carton and an outer cover secured to the carton possessing a pocket into which the tab fits, providing a secure lock for the package. The outer cover and the internal carton may be cut from any suitable material, for example plastic, paperboard or, if desired, a laminate of paperboard and another foldable material, for example a foil or a polymeric film. The selection of this substrate may be made according to the packaging need, and accordingly, a substrate material generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA is also within the scope of the invention. In certain embodiments, the substrate may be selected from a sheet of bleached sulfate board, solid unbleached sulfate board (SUS), clay-coated newsback (CCNB), or any other suitable board substrate, such a substrate preferably ranging in thi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

An integrated closure feature for a packaging system according to the embodiments of the invention is comprised of a tab integrated into the raised surface of a vaulted carton and an outer cover secured to the carton possessing a pocket into which the tab fits, providing a secure lock for the package. The outer cover and the internal carton may be cut from any suitable material, for example plastic, paperboard or, if desired, a laminate of paperboard and another foldable material, for example a foil or a polymeric film. The selection of this substrate may be made according to the packaging need, and accordingly, a substrate material generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA is also within the scope of the invention. In certain embodiments, the substrate may be selected from a sheet of bleached sulfate board, solid unbleached sulfate board (SUS), clay-coated newsback (CCNB), or any other suitable board substrate, such a substrate preferably ranging in thickness from about 0.008 inches up to about 0.050 inches. For example, the paperboard may be clay coated on one side (C1S) or on both sides (C2S), with a coating such as a fluidized blend of mineral pigments selected from coating clay, calcium carbonate and / or titanium dioxide with starch or adhesive, or various combinations of these materials. Successive densification and polishing (via calendering) finishes each coated surface to a high degree of smoothness and renders it suitable for graphics printing of superior quality.

The outer cover of the package and the inner vaulted carton provide additional protection for the internal slide card, which can house a unit dose product. The internal slide card includes a stop feature, typically a folded extension thereof, which engages with a catch feature, typically also a folded extension, on the inner vaulted carton, to prevent the user from pulling the internal slide card completely away from the package.

Optionally, other means for improving the structural integrity of the overall package may be incorporated. Such features include lamination of the inner vaulted carton with a polymeric film, as described above, which also improves tear resistance. Lamination of the slide card with a polymeric firm, which also improves tear resistance, may also be added.

Problems solved by technology

Preferably, neither the complete laminate film nor the selectively applied film strips will detract from the package's aesthetic appearance or interfere with printability or any of the other desirable display features.

Images