Flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package and method of making

Abstract

A flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package provides immediate visual feedback and permits ready access to information and content.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of co-pending U.S. Ser. No. 10/922,590, entitled A System And Method For Patient Medication Regimen Adherence and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/610,665, entitled Medication Adherence Package And Method Of Making, filed on Sep. 17, 2004, U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/699,667, entitled Medication Adherence Package, System And Method, filed on Jul. 15, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/709,275, entitled Flexible Multi-Pocketed Re-Sealable Package, filed on Aug. 18, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/______, entitled Flexible Multi-Pocketed Re-Sealable Package With Pinch Tab, filed on Sep. 16, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a packaging system and more particularly a flexible re-sealable packaging system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many types of packaging for medication regimens, medical and surgical supplies, parts and food products. While they are available in a variety of flexible re-sealable types, they provide generally uniform sizes and limited configurations. To package medication regimens, medical and surgical supplies, parts, food products, kits and various other collections of items necessitates the use of a plurality of individual packages. This results in mistakes in packaging the collection as well as the subsequent misplacing of a particular package. While these items can be packaged in a blister like pack, this prevents the items from being resealed, individually accessed as well as does not permit an individual to create their own limited quantity configurations.

Therefore there is a need for a packaging system which is flexible in configuration and re-sealable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with and a method for making the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained from consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing, in which:

FIG. 1a is a front view of a double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual adherence feedback and information;

FIG. 1b is a back view of the double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual adherence feedback and information;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a single-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual adherence feedback and information;

FIGS. 3a, b & c are detailed views of various embodiments of the re-sealable package edge;

FIG. 4 is computer generated visual adherence aid sheet;

FIG. 5 is a front view of another embodiment of a double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual adherence feedback and information;

FIG. 6 is a front view of another embodiment of a flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual adherence feedback and information;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a continuous roll of the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual adherence feedback and information;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a continuous fan fold of the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual adherence feedback and information;

FIGS. 9a and 9b are an exemplary embodiment showing the automated opening of the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual adherence feedback and information;

FIG. 10 is an exemplary embodiment of a funnel loading system for the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual adherence feedback and information;

FIG. 11 is a further embodiment of the present invention double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package;

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are yet another set of drawings of an embodiment of the present invention flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with mixed sized pockets; and,

FIGS. 15a, 15b and 15c are yet another set of drawings of an embodiment of the present invention flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with a pinch open tab.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Although the present invention, flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package is particularly well suited for use with prescription medications and medical supply kits, it is equally well suited for non-prescription, over the counter medications, dietary supplements, medical and surgical supplies, parts, food products, kits and various other collections of items.

The present invention is well suited for a variety of different sizes, and thicknesses with a large number of industrial and consumer applications that provide users and advantage over current methods and allow user to systematically collect, pre-separate, and allot, and/or distribute materials/supplies for daily supply/use.

Hospitals and medical centers can use this packaging to prepare steam autoclaved sterilization of medical instruments. Design allows users to prepare, view, and separate contents by medical procedures/floor etc. Physical Therapy Centers will use this package to prepare Gel Wraps for specific joints, store in the freezer and distribute to various centers.

Forensic departments will use this package to collect specimens from crime scenes, group specimens by room, office etc and separate contents by lab. Other uses include field sampling of biological materials.

Consumers can use it to package meals, while keeping some items separate, such as a wet cut tomato, pickles, etc.

Reference should now be made to the drawing figures, on which similar or identical elements are given consistent identifying numerals throughout the various figures thereof.

Referring to FIG. 1a there is shown a front view of a double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual feedback and information. In FIG. 1b there is shown a back view of the double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual feedback and information of FIG. 1a.

The double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual feedback and information 10 is made from a flexible sheet material such a thermoplastic material (polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.) as well as other suitable flexible sheet material. The flexible sheet material can be coated or may contain a material to resist UV radiation and other light bandwidths thus enabling the packaging of medication sensitive to light. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 has a front-side 12 and a backside 14. Sealable edges 16 and 18 have zipper sliders 20 and 22 which close and open reclosable fasteners 24 and 26. The reclosable fasteners 24 and 26 comprise strips having separably interlockable complementary resilient plastic profiles and lateral pull flanges of greater thickness than the sheet material. Opposite sides of the strips are generally aligned with its profiles. Various reclosable fasteners 24 and 26 are known to those skilled in the art for providing reclosable bags. The reclosable fasteners 24 and 26 comprise strips on the inner facing surface walls which have co acting releasable interlocking rib and groove elements which join to close by the application of a pressing force, and which can be opened by forcibly drawing the elements apart. The sealable edges 16 and 18 are shown with optional zipper sliders 20 and 22. Fusing the front-side 12 to the backside 14 generally parallel to the sealable edges 16 and 18 at approximately the mid-section creates fusion line 28 which divides the flexible sheet material into two pockets. Fusing the front-side 12 to the back-side 14 generally perpendicular to the sealable edges 16 and 18 at six approximately equally spaced intervals creates fusion lines 30 which further divides the flexible sheet material into seven upper pockets 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 & 44 and seven lower pockets 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 & 64. The seven upper pockets 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 & 44 have a writable area 66 as well as indicia 78. The seven lower pockets 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 & 64 have a writable area 66 as well as indicia 80. The indicia 78 can identify morning medications with a symbol of the sun as well as identify the individual days of the week Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The indicia 80 can identify evening medications with a symbol of the moon as well as identify the individual days of the week Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Writable areas 66 can be used for further identification such as time, requirements (with food, water, etc.)

The backside 14 of the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 has a storage pouch 50 which is formed by fusing the flexible sheet material along two or three edges creating fusion lines 46. The storage pouch 50 has one or two open edges 48. Indicia 68 is printed or attached to the storage pouch 50. The indicia 68 can be used to provide advertisements, information about the item, as well as other appropriate material. A writable area 70 enables identification to be included.

The storage pouch 50 permits medication regimen schedules and physician contact information to be included, enables storage of prescriptions, as well as related information.

By perforating along the fusion lines 30 and perforating or cutting a notch or slot in sealable edges 16 and 18 the multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 can be easily folded and/or rolled for compact storage. Furthermore, the notch or slot in sealable edges 16 and 18 simplifies and controls the opening and closing of the sealable edges 16 and 18 such that each of the seven upper pockets 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 & 44 and each of the seven lower pockets 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 & 64 may be individually controlled.

Referring to FIG. 2 there is shown a front view of a single-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual feedback and information. The back view of the single-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual feedback and information is similar to that shown in FIG. 1b but of correspondingly different dimensions.

Referring to FIGS. 3a, 3b & 3c are detailed views of various embodiments of the re-sealable package edge. The reclosable fastener 24 has co-acting releasable interlocking rib and groove elements which join to close by the application of a pressing force, and which can be opened by forcibly drawing the elements apart. As patients may have difficulty because of illness, arthritis, tremors and other conditions which make opening and closing the reclosable fastener 24 somewhat difficult. The zipper slider 20 is used to apply the pressing force to close the interlocking rib and groove elements and to alternatively apply the force to draw the elements apart, thus assisting the patients in opening and closing the reclosable fastener 24. When a bump 72 is provided in a location over which the zipper slider 20 moves over, the bump 72 functions as a partial zipper stop, slowing the sliding movement, thus enabling a single pocket to be opened at a time. Alternately a distortion or indentation 74 may also be used as a partial zipper stop.

Referring to FIG. 3c there is shown a tab 76 which acts as a releasable zipper stop. In an embodiment that does not include a zipper slider 20 when the reclosable fastener 24 is pulled open the tab 76 provides a stop to limit drawing apart of the interlocking rib and groove elements. The tab 76 can be a bendable tab, a re-sealable tab which can use a loop and hook attachment, a fold over tab, as well as various other suitable configurations.

Unlike rigid storage pillboxes, the present invention flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 provides moisture and airtight seal which minimizes the exposure of the medications to moisture. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 can be rolled and easily tucked into a jacket pocket, purse, brief case, etc. By being able to see at least partially through the front-side 12 of the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10, visual adherence feedback is immediately and continually provided, not requiring the patient to keep track of when and if they took their medication.

By using a series of four flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable packages 10 which are identified Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, and Week 4 a patient can have their medication regimen organized for a month at a time. This assists the patient in identifying when refills are needed in advance enabling the patient to have the pharmacy fill the prescriptions as well as contact the physician(s) for renewals as necessary.

The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 can be used to distribute physician starter samples of a medication, with promotional material printed on the package.

Referring to FIG. 4 there is shown a computer generated visual adherence aid sheet. The visual adherence aid sheet 100 shown corresponds to the double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual feedback and information 10 shown in FIGS. 1a & 1b. The visual adherence aid sheet 100 has an upper portion 102 which corresponds to the seven upper pockets 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 & 44 and a lower portion 104 which corresponds to the seven lower pockets 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 & 64. The upper portion 102 has a narrative area 110 and a visual area 106. The narrative area 110 provides a list of the medication, dosage and special information. The visual area 106 provides an image of the corresponding medications (preferably in actual size and actual color). The lower portion 104 has a narrative area 112 and a visual area 108. The narrative area 112 provides a list of the medication, dosage and special information. The visual area 108 provides an image of the corresponding medications (preferably in actual size and actual color). A comment and note area 114 includes physician information, patient information and other information as relevant. The visual adherence aid sheet 100 can be placed in the storage pouch 50 for ready access.

A pharmacy can provide the patient with an empty flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 and the visual adherence aid sheet 100. Alternatively, the pharmacy can fill the first week of medication in the empty flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 for the patient, or even fill a set of flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable packages 10 for a four-week period for the patient.

While the present invention flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 are shown with a 7 day twice daily configuration, it is equally well suited for other configurations including for medication regimens which are more frequent that twice a day.

Referring to FIG. 5 there is shown a front view of another embodiment of a double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual feedback and information. This embodiment of the double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual feedback and information can be manufactured from two continuous strips (rolls) of flexible sheet material such a thermoplastic material (polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.) The flexible sheet material can be coated or may contain a material to resist UV radiation and other light bandwidths thus enabling the packaging of medication sensitive to light. The continuous strips (rolls) of flexible sheet material have strips with separably interlockable complementary resilient plastic profiles (re-closable fasteners) 402, 404 and lateral pull flanges of greater thickness than the sheet material. Various re-closable fasteners are known to those skilled in the art for providing re-closable bags.

The two continuous strips (rolls) of flexible sheet material are thermally or ultrasonically fused creating fusion lines 406, 408 by rolling, pressing, stamping etc. thus forming a continuous strip which has re-sealable double-sided multiple pockets. In order that the double-sided multi-pocketed re-sealable package can be easily folded and/or rolled for compact storage, the fused flexible sheet material is punched, stamped or notched through the re-closable fasteners in a “U” or “V” shape 410, 412 and the middle horizontal and vertical fusion lines are punched or stamped with a “+” shape 414. This particular shape (cutout) could equally well be four circles, ovals, etc. which interrupt fusion lines 406 and 408. This encourages easy folding along the axis that is defined by the openings, such that the multiple pockets may be accordion folded and the top & bottom halves may be folded together this resembling a small wallet like shape. The particular shapes are illustrative as it should be known that other suitable geometrical shapes and sizes can be used as well.

A security tear off seal can be used to provide a tamper resistant package permitting the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package to be filled with starter medications, sample medications, or even as a new distribution packaging for medications.

Referring to FIG. 6 there is shown a front view of another embodiment of a flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual adherence feedback and information. In this embodiment the opening of the re-sealable pockets are all oriented in the same direction. Although shown with four pockets across, it is equally well suited for one, two, three, five or more pockets across. This embodiment can be a predetermined length such as seven, one row for each day, or less or more. Additionally, it may be a continuous strip or roll, with horizontal perforations at a predetermined interval such as seven, one row for each day, or less or more, or at each row for maximum flexibility.

This embodiment and other embodiments may be prepackaged with medication or may be empty. When the double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package is provided empty, it may be filled by a pharmacy, a user, a doctor, as well as a dispensary such as in a hospital, acute care facility or nursing home. When combined with bar code identifications, such as on each pocket which can be printed at the time of filling, a bar code reader can be used such as at a bedside to scan the medication identification as it is given as well as used to correctly identify which medication is due. RFID technology may also be employed for various tracking applications.

This allows the reduction in missed medications, incorrect administration as well as other medication errors. Thus when coupled to automated medical facilities it can greatly reduce errors and associated liability. This also allow for easy post release dosing of the patient.

Referring to FIG. 7 there is shown a perspective view of a continuous roll of the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual feedback and information.

Referring to FIG. 8 there is shown a perspective view of a continuous fan fold of the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual feedback and information.

Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b is an exemplary embodiment showing the automated opening of the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with visual feedback and information. A grab finger 202 grasps the outer margins of a pocket (with a suitable number of grab fingers corresponding to the with of the strip) and when they move closer together the pockets pop open, thus enabling hand filling, automated filling as well as insertion of a filling funnel 300 (shown in FIG. 10). Other methods of opening the pockets include application of pressure along the top edge when the packets are “Z” folded. Numerous other methods of opening the pockets are known to those skilled in the suitable art.

Referring to FIG. 10 there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a funnel loading system for the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package. The funnel loading system 300 may be inserted by an end user, or may be easily inserted as the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 is unrolled and the bending of the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package provides a small opening in the pockets for insertion.

A method of filling the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package wherein the pockets are opened to a squashed cup shape for simple rapid sequential or simultaneous filling is also provided.

When the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package is preloaded security tamper protection and environmental control is provided by an outer envelop. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package has UV Protection within the plastic material.

FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment of the present invention double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10. This embodiment may also be configured for the pocket arrangement shown in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are yet another set of embodiment of the present invention flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with mixed sized pockets. Referring to FIG. 12 there is shown a three pocket configuration of the multi-pocketed re-sealable package with mixed sized pockets 400. The larger pocket 402 can be used for storing a large item such as a sandwich while the smaller pockets 404, 406 contain items such as a cut tomato and pickles. Referring to FIG. 13 there is shown a double sided embodiment of the three pocket configuration 400 of the multi-pocketed re-sealable package with mixed sized pockets which provides six pockets. Referring to FIG. 14 there is shown yet another three pocket configuration 400 of the multi-pocketed re-sealable package with mixed sized pockets.

Referring to FIGS. 15a, 15b and 15c there is shown yet another embodiment of the present invention flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package with a pinch open tab. Referring to FIG. 15a there is shown a front view of the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 with a pinch open tab 102. A notch 104 enables the re-sealable package 10 to pop open angled at the notch 104 when the pinch tab 102 is pinched manually or mechanically. Referring to FIG. 15b there is side view of the present invention flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 with a pinch open tab 104. Referring to FIG. 15c there is partial close up side view of the present invention flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package 10 with a pinch open tab 104. A reclosable fastener 124 is shown above the pinch open tab 104.

Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. The double-sided flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package can be designed to easily fold in half enabling both the upper and lower pockets to be filled at the same time. An end seal can be included permitting the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package to be stored in a rolled up configuration. The pocket interior surfaces can be lightly textured to reduce the sticking of medications to their surface. The RFID can incorporate a means for activating a beep when it is time for the medication to be dispensed. A flap over the top of the seventh pocket can be used to hold a medical chart and/or prescribing information, etc. Finger grips or numbs can be include on the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package to allow ease of opening. A pocket flap can be included which allows the flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package system after filled and folded to be contained by the pocket for easy carrying and storage. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. The flexible sheet material may be fused thermally, ultrasonically, chemically or by other suitable means. The pockets can include a gusset near the center of the package so that the medication is not pinched in the bottom of the pocket. The zipper slider can have an extended pull, which is swiveled to be positioned over the next day's regimen dose. Details of the structure may be varied substantially without departing from the spirit of the invention and the exclusive use of all modifications, which will come within the scope of the appended claims, is reserved.

Claims

1. A flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package comprising:

a front sheet of flexible material having a top, bottom, first end and second end;

a back sheet of flexible material having a top, bottom, first end and second end, the first end of the back sheet of flexible material coupled to the first end of the front sheet of flexible material, the second end of the front sheet of flexible material and coupled to the second end of the back sheet of flexible material, and the front sheet of flexible material fused to the back sheet of flexible material wherein a plurality of pockets are defined;

top strips having separably interlockable complementary resilient plastic profiles and lateral pull flanges of greater thickness than the sheet material coupled to the top of the front sheet of flexible material and the top of the back sheet of flexible material for sealing the plurality of pockets.

2. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 1 further comprising a barcode identifier.

3. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 1 wherein the separably interlockable complementary resilient plastic profiles comprise strips which have co acting releasable interlocking rib and groove elements which join to close by application of a pressing force, and which open by forcibly drawing the elements apart.

4. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 1 further comprising a storage pouch formed by fusing a flexible sheet material along at least two edges.

5. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 1 wherein the front sheet of flexible material has a writable area.

6. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 1 wherein the package is perforated where the front sheet of flexible material is fused to the back sheet of flexible material.

7. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 1 wherein the package is scored where the front sheet of flexible material is fused to the back sheet of flexible material.

8. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 1 wherein the front sheet of flexible material is resistant to UV radiation.

9. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 1 wherein the back sheet of flexible material is resistant to visible light.

10. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 1 where in the plurality of pockets have at least two different sizes.

11. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of rows of pockets.

12. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 11 wherein the separably interlockable complementary resilient plastic profiles of the plurality of rows of pockets are orientated in the same direction.

13. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 11 wherein the separably interlockable complementary resilient plastic profiles of the plurality of rows of pockets are orientated in opposite directions.

14. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 1 further comprising a pinch open tab.

15. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 14 wherein the pinch open tab has a notch.

16. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 11 wherein the plurality of pockets are pre-filled.

17. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 10 wherein the separably interlockable complementary resilient plastic profiles of the plurality of rows of pockets of at least two different sizes are orientated in the same direction.

18. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 10 wherein the separably interlockable complementary resilient plastic profiles of the plurality of rows of pockets of at least two different sizes are orientated in the opposite direction.

19. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 10 wherein the separably interlockable complementary resilient plastic profiles of the plurality of rows of pockets of at least two different sizes are orientated at approximately ninety degrees in direction.

20. The flexible multi-pocketed re-sealable package as recited in claim 1 further comprising an RFID tag.