Packaging for a band-shaped wound care product

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging (10) for a band-shaped product (20) for wound care comprising: a forming element (11), a covering element (12) opposite the forming element (11) and at least partially connected to the forming element (11) in a sealing zone (13), a first chamber (14) formed between the covering element (12) and the forming element (11), the first chamber (14) being configured to receive the band-shaped product (20), a second chamber (15) formed between the covering element (12) and the forming element (11), the second chamber (15) being configured to receive an end section (21) of the band-shaped product (20), and a connecting lumen (16) between the first (14) and the second (15) chamber, wherein the end section (21) of the band-shaped product (20) can be passed through the connecting lumen (16) into the second chamber (15). Furthermore, the invention also relates to a kit and a method.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to packaging for a band-shaped product for wound care, in particular a wound tamponade, packaging containing a band-shaped product for wound care, and a method for removing the band-shaped product.

[0002] Typically, band-shaped wound care products, especially wound tampons or packing bandages, are provided in sterile packaging with a length of at least 1 meter. Particularly in the field of otolaryngology (ENT), medical personnel cut off the required length from the packing bandage inside the packaging, soak the cut-off piece in a solution, and insert the tamponade into one nostril or ear canal. The remaining piece of packing bandage is then removed from the packaging and used in the same way for the other nostril or ear canal.

[0003] Various packaging options are known in the prior art, for example, rigid polyethylene boxes that can be used as dispensers. The ribbon-like product can be pulled out of the polyethylene box over the edge of a dispensing opening. These polyethylene boxes are packaged in an additional sterile container to ensure sterile storage. After the ribbon-like product has been dispensed, both the sterile container and the polyethylene box must be disposed of, resulting in disproportionately large amounts of waste.

[0004] Alternatively, sterile packaging, so-called peel pouches, are used, which produce less waste but cannot be used as dispensers. Such sterile packaging is described, for example, in EP 0 650 713 B1. In a peel pouch or blister pack, the ribbon-shaped product is usually located between two layers of paper or film that are joined together at a circumferential edge, creating a chamber within this edge that can hold the ribbon-shaped product.

[0005] A wound treatment kit is known from US patent 2010 / 0274205 A1. The packaging has several individually sealed compartments, each containing one component of the kit. Instructions for the user are printed on the compartment lids, indicating the order in which the kit components should be removed from the packaging and applied.

[0006] A disadvantage of the known packaging is that the ribbon-shaped product must always be pulled out over the edge of the packaging or the dispensing opening. Sterility cannot be adequately guaranteed in this area. Especially with repeated dispensing, there is also a risk that the edge will become contaminated, compromising the required cleanliness of the ribbon-shaped product.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the objective of proposing packaging for a band-shaped product for wound care, which reduces the risk of soiling and / or contamination of the band-shaped product with germs during removal.

[0008] This problem is solved by packaging for a tape-shaped wound care product, comprising a forming element and a covering element, wherein the covering element is opposite the forming element and is connected to the forming element, at least partially, in a sealing zone. A first chamber, formed between the covering element and the forming element, is configured to hold the tape-shaped product. A second chamber, formed between the covering element and the forming element, is configured to hold an end section of the tape-shaped product. The packaging also includes a connecting lumen between the first and second chambers, wherein the end section of the tape-shaped product can be passed through the connecting lumen from the first to the second chamber.The design of the packaging has the advantage that the space formed between the cover element and the mold element, namely the first and second chambers as well as the connecting lumen, is protected from external contamination. A ribbon-shaped product stored in the first chamber of the packaging according to the invention can thus be guided from the first chamber, through the connecting lumen, into the second chamber without having to pull the ribbon-shaped product over a non-sterile or potentially contaminated edge of the packaging.

[0009] Another advantage is that the second chamber can hold the ribbon-like product and thus serve as a base or tray for placing it. This eliminates the need for an additional tray. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of the portion of the ribbon-like product pulled out of the first chamber falling onto the floor or a surface and becoming contaminated. For example, if only a portion of the entire ribbon-like product is needed, it can be pulled out of the first chamber and placed in the second. The portion in the second chamber can then be separated from the rest of the ribbon-like product without the need for an external container, such as a kidney-shaped dish.

[0010] A particular advantage is that the second chamber can also be used directly for applying ointments and solutions to the tape-shaped product. For example, a section detached from the tape-shaped product can be placed in the second chamber, and then a solution containing active ingredients can be added. Once the section in the second chamber is sufficiently saturated with solution, the user, such as a doctor, applies the saturated section to the patient. Another section of the tape-shaped product can then be saturated in the second chamber.

[0011] Thus, the second chamber serves as a sterile base and storage area for a section of the ribbon-shaped product. The first chamber, together with the connecting lumen, functions as a dispenser from which the ribbon-shaped product can be dispensed.

[0012] Preferably, the sealing zone can run along an outer circumference of the packaging. This allows the two chambers and the connecting lumen to be completely enclosed by the cover element and the molded element and separated from the environment, preventing contamination or germs from entering the packaging.

[0013] Additionally, the cover element and the forming element can be provided that they are not connected at a side edge or corner of the packaging, allowing them to be freely lifted and pulled apart to open the packaging. Alternatively, the cover element can have a larger surface area than the forming element. Preferably, the cover element extends beyond the forming element at a side or corner of the packaging, thus forming a flap. This flap facilitates easier opening of the packaging.

[0014] The cover element and the forming element can be joined in the sealing zone using any sealing method that results in an airtight seal, thus maintaining the sterility of the ribbon-shaped product contained in the packaging. The cover element and the forming element can be joined by ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding.

[0015] The elements are preferably joined together by heat sealing.

[0016] According to the invention, a ribbon-shaped product is understood to be a product whose longitudinal extent is generally greater than its transverse extent. Alternatively, such a product can also be described as strip-shaped. The ribbon-shaped product is not rigid, but flexible and therefore rollable.

[0017] Preferably, the band-shaped product can be a gauze bandage or a gauze material, as described, for example, in DIN EN 14079. In particular, the packaging according to the invention is suitable for packaging a tamponade bandage or wound packing. Tamponade bandages are often not applied in one piece, but rather divided into sections. The second chamber is particularly advantageous in this respect, as the section already removed from the first chamber can be placed in the second chamber.

[0018] Preferably, the ribbon-like product can be received in roll form in the first chamber. This allows for a uniform unwinding of the ribbon-like product and thus simplifies its removal from the packaging. Compared to a ribbon-like product folded into sections, a ribbon-like product arranged in roll form prevents compression of the ribbon-like product at the fold points.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the volume of the second chamber can be larger than the volume of the first chamber. This allows the ribbon-shaped product to be placed loosely into the second chamber. Furthermore, the larger volume of the second chamber allows sufficient liquid to be held to saturate the ribbon-shaped product. Alternatively, the volumes of the two chambers can be approximately the same.

[0020] The first chamber can have a volume of 5 cm³3 up to 150 cm 3 , preferably 10 cm 3 up to 45 cm 3 exhibit.

[0021] The second chamber can preferably have a volume of 30 cm³ 3 up to 300 cm 3 exhibit. The volumes of the chambers can also be adapted to the dimensions of the ribbon-shaped product.

[0022] Advantageously, the connecting lumen is formed between the molded element and the cover element. This allows for a simple packaging design with few components and only a few manufacturing steps.

[0023] Preferably, the first chamber can be separated from the second chamber by a web. The web is formed in the mold element and extends from one longitudinal side of the mold element to the opposite longitudinal side. The web is designed such that its end face is closer to the cover element than the bottom surface of the first or second chamber. The end face of the web is not connected to the cover element. Thus, a connecting lumen is formed between the end face of the web and the cover element. This design prevents liquids from the second chamber from entering the first chamber. Therefore, the ribbon-shaped product stored in the first chamber remains protected.

[0024] In general, the connecting lumen also serves to keep the opening between the first and second chambers as small as possible. The connecting lumen, or the opening between the first and second chambers, should be chosen to be large enough so that the ribbon-shaped product can be pulled out of the first chamber without significant resistance. At the same time, there must be minimal resistance between the sides of the connecting lumen and the ribbon-shaped product to prevent a section of the ribbon-shaped product that has already been pulled out of the first chamber from slipping back into place. This also prevents dirt from entering the first chamber.

[0025] Preferably, the internal dimensions of the connecting lumen correspond at least to the thickness and width of the ribbon-shaped product. This prevents the section of the ribbon-shaped product pulled out of the first chamber, or the end section of the ribbon-shaped product, from slipping back into the first chamber, and also prevents dirt from entering the first chamber.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the packaging is sterilizable. Particularly preferably, the packaging can be sterilized with ethylene oxide (EO). This prevents yellowing of the ribbon-shaped product and ensures a high degree of whiteness.

[0027] To ensure the packaging is opened correctly, markings or instructions in the form of text or pictograms may be applied to the lid. It is particularly advantageous if the markings or instructions are printed on the lid.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a marking line can be provided on the cover element, positioned such that it runs over the connecting lumen between the first and second chambers, particularly over the bridge. The marking line indicates to the user the limit to which the cover element can be detached from the molded element when opening the packaging. If the cover element is detached only up to the marking line, the second chamber is opened, but the first chamber remains closed by the cover element, preventing the ribbon-shaped product from falling out or becoming contaminated in the first chamber. Furthermore, this prevents the user from touching the ribbon-shaped product stored in the first chamber. Alternatively or additionally, markings can be provided on the molded element in the same manner.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the invention, the cover element can have a groove or weakening that runs over the web and parallel to the web. This allows the cover element to be folded over in one winding direction, such that the area of ​​the cover element covering the second chamber comes to lie above the first chamber. This simplifies handling the packaging and removing the strip-shaped product.

[0030] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cover element can be formed in two parts. One part of the cover element covers the first chamber, and a second part of the cover element covers the second chamber. This embodiment also makes it possible to open the second chamber without removing the cover element over the first chamber.

[0031] Preferably, the packaging has a length of 5 cm to 20 cm, and particularly preferably 10 cm to 18 cm. The width of the packaging is preferably between 4 cm and 10 cm. A width of 5 cm to 7 cm is particularly preferred.

[0032] The height of the packaging can roughly correspond to the width of the ribbon-shaped product, preferably it can be slightly larger.

[0033] Preferably, the packaging dimensions are designed so that the user can hold it between their fingers in one hand and open it with the other. This allows for particularly easy handling when using the packaging.

[0034] The cover element can be a film made of metal or plastic, in particular a polyethylene film. A cover element made of paper or comprising paper is particularly preferred. This allows sterilization of the sealed package with ethylene oxide. Other preferred materials for the cover element are nonwovens, in particular high-density polyethylene nonwovens (e.g., Tyvek, a registered trademark of DuPont), and other materials that provide a sufficiently large gas exchange surface to enable sterilization with ethylene oxide.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the molded element can be made of a plastic, preferably a thermoplastic and, in particular, a thermoformable plastic. This reduces material consumption and manufacturing complexity, which can lead to cost savings. Examples of suitable plastics are polypropylene (PP), polyamides (PA), and polyurethanes (PU); polyethylene terephthalate (PET), amorphous polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene (PE), and combinations thereof, such as PET / PE, are particularly preferred.

[0036] The thermoformable plastic mold not only reduces manufacturing costs but also allows the volumes of the first and second chambers to be adjusted via the chamber depth. This enables the packaging to be adapted to different ribbon-shaped products without the need for costly molds.

[0037] Preferably, the mold element is formed in one piece, which allows for cost-effective and simple provision of the mold element and thus the packaging.

[0038] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a kit comprising packaging according to one of the previously described embodiments and a band-shaped product for wound care. The band-shaped product is contained in the first chamber, with an end section of the band-shaped product contained in the second chamber. The end section of the band-shaped product is guided from the first chamber to the second chamber through the connecting lumen between the first and second chambers. This enables the simple provision of a sterile-packaged band-shaped product.

[0039] Preferably, the ribbon-shaped product has a length of 0.2 m to 10 m, more preferably 0.5 m to 5 m, and most preferably 1 m to 2 m. This allows a suitable quantity of the ribbon-shaped product to be provided for the treatment of a single patient.

[0040] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the width of the ribbon-shaped product is between 0.5 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 0.75 cm and 5 cm, and particularly preferably between 1 cm and 2 cm. These are typical ranges for ribbon-shaped products.

[0041] The end section of the ribbon-shaped product extends between 0.5 cm and 10 cm into the second chamber, preferably between 4 cm and 6 cm. This allows for easy grasping with tweezers or fingers to pull the ribbon-shaped product out of the first chamber.

[0042] According to the invention, a freestanding end of the ribbon-shaped product is referred to as the end section.

[0043] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a method for removing the ribbon-shaped product from a package according to one of the preceding embodiments. The method comprises the following steps: a) partially loosening the cover element so that the second chamber is exposed and the first chamber remains covered by the cover element, b) grasping (for example, with the hand or tweezers) the end section and pulling out a section of the ribbon-shaped product from the first chamber, c) optionally separating the section from the ribbon-shaped product, d) positioning the section in the second chamber, and e) removing the section from the second chamber.

[0044] Separating the section pulled out of the first chamber is not always necessary, as the ribbon-like product can also be removed along its entire length while still in the packaging. Alternatively, the section can first be positioned in the second chamber and then separated from the rest of the ribbon-like product.

[0045] The method according to the invention enables hygienic and ideally aseptic dispensing of the ribbon-shaped product. In particular, the ribbon-shaped product does not need to be pulled out of a dispenser over a potentially contaminated edge, but is dispensed via the connecting lumen located between the first and second chambers, which remains sterile until the packaging is opened. This reduces the risk of contamination of the ribbon-shaped product, especially contamination with harmful germs.

[0046] In this context, aseptic refers to the reduction of contamination caused by harmful pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses.

[0047] Furthermore, it can be provided that, prior to removal of the section (step e), the section is soaked with a treatment solution in the second chamber. The soaked section is then removed from the second chamber and can be applied. This offers the advantage that no additional container needs to be provided for soaking; the packaging can be used directly. Thus, a container is always available for soaking, namely the second chamber of the packaging. This also saves waste and costs.

[0048] The treatment solution can be, for example, saline solution, Ringer's solution, or solutions containing antibiotics or disinfectants. Ointment-like preparations are also included under the term "treatment solution." Other examples of treatment solutions are decongestant nasal drops, preparations containing myrtol, or expectorants.

[0049] Furthermore, several sections of the ribbon-shaped product can be successively impregnated with a treatment solution in the second chamber. After a first section has been removed from the second chamber, a second section can be withdrawn from the first chamber to also be impregnated with the treatment solution already present in the second chamber. Alternatively, the treatment solution can be removed from the second chamber, and then the steps of the procedure can be repeated from step b).

[0050] The bridge can preferably have a height of 1 mm to 10 mm, particularly preferably 5 mm.

[0051] The invention, as well as further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The features that can be derived from the description and the drawings can be applied individually or in any combination according to the invention.

[0052] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic section through a packaging according to the invention, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the packaging with the ribbon-shaped product inserted, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the first steps of the procedure for extracting the ribbon-shaped product, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of further steps of the procedure for removing the ribbon-shaped product, and Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a further step of the procedure for removing the ribbon-shaped product.

[0053] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic section through a package 10 in a first embodiment of the invention. A deep-drawn molded element 11 is shaped to form a first chamber 14 and a second chamber 15, which are separated by a bridge 17. A paper cover element 12, suitable for medical purposes, is connected to the molded element 11 in a sealing zone 13, in particular sealed, so that the first chamber 14 and the second chamber 15 are airtightly enclosed by the molded element 11 and the cover element 12. The sealing zone 13 is formed in the figures as the circumferential edge of the package 10. In the area of ​​the bridge 17, the cover element 12 is not connected to the molded element 11, so that the first chamber 14 is connected to the second chamber 15 via a connecting lumen 16.

[0054] Preferably, the molded element 11 is deep-drawn from a PET / PE film and is therefore transparent. This allows the packaging 10 to also serve as a display package.

[0055] The thickness of the mold element 11 is approximately 350 µm, with the PET layer thickness being approximately 300 µm and the PE layer thickness approximately 50 µm. A thickness of approximately 300 µm for the mold element 11 is also possible.

[0056] Packaging 10 preferably has a width of 7 cm and a length of 17.5 cm.

[0057] In the embodiment according to Fig. 2 is a ribbon-shaped product 20, which is wound into a roll and inserted into the first chamber 14. The cover element 12 is almost completely separated from the forming element 11; only in a section of the sealing zone 13 are the cover element 12 and the forming element 11 connected. In regular use, however, the cover element is only separated from the forming element 11 up to the level of the web 17, so that the second chamber 15 is open, but the first chamber 14 is not. An end section 21 of the ribbon-shaped product 20 is guided through the connecting lumen 16 and thus over the web 17 from the first chamber 14 into the second chamber 15, so that this free end of the ribbon-shaped product 20 extends into the second chamber 15.

[0058] In this embodiment, the second chamber 15 is larger than the first chamber 14 to facilitate easy removal of the ribbon-shaped product 20. This also allows the ribbon-shaped product 20, or a section thereof, to be soaked with a treatment solution in the second chamber 15.

[0059] Fig. Figure 3 schematically illustrates the first steps of the procedure for removing the ribbon-shaped product 20 from the packaging 10. The packaging 10 has dimensions that allow it to be easily held in one hand by the user. With the other hand, the user can then peel the cover element 12 away from the forming element 11, starting at one of the corners near the second chamber 15, until the second chamber 15 is exposed. This means that the connection between the forming element 11 and the cover element 12 in the sealing zone is separated up to the area of ​​the connecting lumen 16. This area is indicated by a marking line (not shown) on the cover element 12. Alternatively or additionally, the forming element 11 can also have a groove that marks this area. The bridge 17 can also be shaped in such a way that the user can see how far to open the packaging 10.

[0060] Subsequently, the end section 21 can be grasped using tweezers or fingers, and the ribbon-like product 20 can be pulled out of the first chamber 14 to the desired length. The end section 21 and the ribbon-like product 20 pulled out of the first chamber 14 remain positioned within or at least substantially above the second chamber 15, so that it can be placed in the second chamber 15 and the ribbon-like product 20 is thus not soiled and / or contaminated with germs.

[0061] Now, the ribbon-shaped product 20, which has been extracted from the first chamber 14 and is located in the second chamber 15, can be separated, for example, with scissors from the ribbon-shaped product 20 still located in the first chamber 14, as shown in Fig. 4 shown. This preferably takes place within the second chamber 15 in such a way that a new end section 22 is created, from which a piece of the ribbon-shaped product 20 can again be pulled out.

[0062] According to Fig. 5. The detached piece of the ribbon-shaped product 20 can now either be soaked with a treatment solution, which is filled into the second chamber 15, or it can be removed directly and applied. Preferably, the treatment solution is then removed from the second chamber 15.

[0063] Subsequently, using the now exposed new end section 22, another piece of the ribbon-shaped product 20 can be pulled out of the first chamber 14, or the second chamber 15 can be covered again with the cover element 12. This protects the ribbon-shaped product 20 from contamination by the packaging 10 until further use. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 0 650 713 B1

[0004] US 2010 / 0274205 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Packaging (10) for a band-shaped product (20) for wound care, comprising: a shaped element (11), a cover element (12) which is opposite the shaped element (11) and is at least partially connected to the shaped element (11) in a sealing zone (13), a first chamber (14) which is formed between the cover element (12) and the shaped element (11), the first chamber (14) is designed to receive the band-shaped product (20), a second chamber (15) which is formed between the cover element (12) and the shaped element (11), the second chamber (15) is designed to receive an end section (21) of the band-shaped product (20), and a connecting lumen (16) between the first (14) and the second (15) chamber, wherein the end section (21) of the band-shaped product (20) can be passed through the connecting lumen (16) into the second chamber (15). is. [2] Packaging (10) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the sealing zone (13) runs along an outer circumference of the packaging (10). [3] Packaging (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the band-shaped product (20) is a gauze bandage, a gauze or in particular a tamponade bandage. [4] Packaging (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the band-shaped product (20) can be received in roll form in the first chamber (14). [5] Packaging (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first chamber (14) is separated from the second chamber (15) by a web (17). [6] Packaging (10) according to claim 5, characterized by that the connecting lumen (16) is formed between the web (17) and the cover element (12). [7] Packaging (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the internal dimensions of the connecting lumen (16) correspond at least to the thickness and width of the band-shaped product (20). [8] Packaging (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the packaging (10) is sterilizable, in particular EO-sterilizable. [9] Packaging (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a marking line is provided on the cover element (12) which is arranged such that it runs over the connecting lumen (16) between the first (14) and the second chamber (15). [10] Packaging (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cover element (12) is made of paper or comprises paper. [11] Packaging (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the volume of the second chamber (15) is greater than or equal to the volume of the first chamber (14). [12] Packaging (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the shaped element (11) consists of a plastic, preferably of a thermoplastic and in particular of a deep-drawable plastic. [13] Kit comprising a package (10) and a band-shaped product (20) for wound care, wherein the package (10) comprises: a cover element (12), a shaped element (11) which is opposite the cover element (12) and is at least partially connected to the cover element (12), a first chamber (14) which is formed between the cover element (12) and the shaped element (11), wherein the band-shaped product (20) is received in the first chamber (14), a second chamber (15) which is formed between the cover element (12) and the shaped element (11), wherein an end section (21) of the band-shaped product (20) is received in the second chamber (15), and a connecting lumen (16) between the first (14) and the second (15) chamber, wherein the end section (21) of the band-shaped product (20) is guided through the connecting lumen (16) into the second chamber (15). is. [14] Kit according to claim 13, characterized bythat the strip-shaped product (20) has a length of 0.2 m to 10 m, preferably of 0.5 m and 5 m and particularly preferably of 1 m to 2 m. [15] Kit according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by that the band-shaped product (20) has a width of 0.5 cm to 10 cm, preferably of 0.75 cm and 5 cm and particularly preferably of 1 cm to 2 cm. [16] Method for removing the strip-shaped product (20) from a package (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: a) partially detaching the cover element (12) so that the second chamber (15) is exposed and the first chamber (14) remains covered by the cover element (12), b) engaging the end portion (21) and pulling a portion of the strip-shaped product (20) out of the first chamber (14), c) optionally: separating the section from the strip-shaped product (20), d) Positioning the section in the second chamber (15) e) Removal of the section from the second chamber (15). [17] Method according to claim 16, characterized by that the procedure further comprises: - soaking the section positioned in the second chamber (15) (step d) in a treatment solution.

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