Abstract:
The slide card includes a base panel, a locking panel, and an additional panel. The locking panel is integrally formed with the base panel. The base panel and the additional panel each include cavities for holding product items. The locking panel is hingedly connected directly to one of the end edges of the base panel along a hinge. The locking panel is folded about the hinge to take a folded position where the locking panel is disposed over the first portion of the base panel. The locking panel has at least one second embossment integrally formed therewith and projecting therefrom. The at least one the first embossment and the at least one second embossment are disposed next to each other with the hinge disposed therebetween.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/167,411 filed on May 28, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to unit dose packaging systems, and more particularly to an improved slide card having blisters integrally formed therewith and elements for enhancing performance of a locking panel of the slide card. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Unit dose packaging systems are useful as a means for dispensing individual, or unit, dose of a medicament. Such systems are even more useful when they have the added features of providing resistance to the package being opened by a child while at the same time facilitating ease of opening, closing and general use by older individuals whose manual dexterity may have decreased with age. These two attributes are typically referred to as packages, or systems, that are “child-resistant” and “senior-friendly,” respectively. 
         [0004]    The MeadWestvaco Corporation, or one of its predecessor entities, owns patents issued in the United States that disclose unit dose packaging systems that possess child-resistant and senior-friendly characteristics. MeadWestvaco Corporation, the owner of the present application, is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,829, U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,893, U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,636 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,272, which disclose unit dose packaging systems. The specifications and teachings of those four patents are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,829 discloses a unit dose packaging system having a slide card that is received within a shell. The insertable inner slide card is formed from side panels and side panel extensions, both of symmetric construction, that are folded over upon one another to form the slide card. One set of the symmetric side panels contain conventional unit dose packaging holes for receiving respective unit dose blisters. The symmetric equivalents of these panels contain perforated areas corresponding to the holes for permitting removal of respective unit doses. The side panel extensions are disposed at one end of and extend longitudinally from the side panel portions to form an extension to form a panel that will be a part of the systems locking arrangement. The extension is folded over onto the side panel portion to be in condition to engage two separate locking mechanisms. In both locking arrangements, the leading edge of the extension engages an edge and/or opening in the sleeve or shell in a manner that inhibits withdrawal of the slide card until desired. One locking mechanism is positioned at a posterior end of the sleeve/shell to maintain the insert in place fully inserted in the sleeve/shell. A release mechanism can be depressed to lower and disengage the extension, thereby allowing the insert to be withdrawn. A second locking mechanism is formed by folded panels disposed at the anterior end of the sleeve, which is the opening. The folded panel or panels provide a stopping mechanism upon which the extension catches to prevent the slide card from being completely withdrawn 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,893 discloses an improvement in the sleeve/shell of a cut-out and node to facilitate use of a first locking mechanism that fully retains the slide card within the sleeve/shell. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,636 discloses a unit dose packaging system wherein the outer sleeve includes offset notches for grasping and removing an internal slide card and the outer sleeve is at least partially laminated with a polymeric film. 
         [0008]    Preventing or inhibiting undesired partial or full removal of the internal slide card from the sleeve/shell is important in helping facilitate resistance to child tampering and use by seniors. Thus, it will be appreciated that it is useful to have a unit dose package that enhances the operation of features that prevent or inhibit the undesired removal of the internal slide card from the sleeve/shell. 
         [0009]    Because cost of manufacturing is an important factor in the production of any product, it will likewise be appreciated that it is desirable to have a unit dose package that is efficient to operate, is durable and sturdy, and simple to construct thereby reducing the cost of manufacture. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    The present invention provides an inner slide card for selective insertion and withdrawal from a sleeve, the slide card including a base panel having at least a first blister, a locking panel connected to a first end edge of the base panel along a first hinge, an additional panel having at least a second blister; the additional panel connected to a second edge of the base panel along a second hinge, a lidding film adhered directly to the base panel and the additional panel and sealing the first and second blisters, wherein with the slide card in a flat configuration the lidding film forms a first outward surface and the base panel forms a second, opposed outward surface. 
         [0011]    In certain embodiments the slide card consists essentially of a lidding film adhered to a series of panels formed from plastic. In certain embodiments the panels are thermoformed from plastic. 
         [0012]    In certain embodiments the second edge of the base panel is opposite the first end edge of the base panel. In certain embodiments the second edge is a longitudinal edge of the base panel and is perpendicular to the first end edge of the base panel. 
         [0013]    In certain embodiments the slide card further includes a spine panel between the base panel and the additional panel. 
         [0014]    In certain embodiments the additional panel is folded along the second hinge and overlaps the base panel with the lidding film in facing relationship. In certain embodiments the additional panel is folded along the second line until the first and second blisters are in facing relationship. In certain embodiments the first and second blister are intercalated. 
         [0015]    In certain embodiments the slide card is combined with an open-ended sleeve, wherein the slide card is received within the sleeve. In certain embodiments the locking panel is held with the sleeve by the locking panel contacting a lock feature within the sleeve. In certain embodiments the sleeve includes a release button which disengages the locking panel from the lock feature. 
         [0016]    In certain embodiments the locking panel includes a stiffening feature. In certain embodiments the stiffening feature includes a first debossment. In certain embodiments the stiffening feature includes a first embossment. 
         [0017]    In certain embodiments the first hinge is formed by a single weakened line. In certain embodiments the first hinge is formed by a groove line. In certain embodiments the first hinge is formed by a series of perforations. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1A  is a top plan view of a slide card in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1B  is a side cross section view of the slide card of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0020]      FIG. 1C  is a side view of several elements of the slide card. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the slide card of  FIG. 1  showing the locking panel partially pivoted with respect to the base panel. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the slide card of  FIG. 1  with the additional panel partially pivoted upward with respect to the base panel towards a fully pivoted configuration wherein the slide card would be inserted within a sleeve or shell and the locking panel disposed for engagement by one or more locks of the sleeve/shell. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3B  is a side view of the slide card with the additional panel partially pivoted with respect to the base panel. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3C  is an end view of the slide card of  FIG. 3B . 
           [0025]      FIG. 3D  is a side view of the slide card with the additional panel fully pivoted with respect to the base panel. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3E  is an end view of the slide card of  FIG. 3D . 
           [0027]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the slide card along with a sleeve for receiving the slide card. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the slide card partially received into the sleeve. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4C  is a sectional side view of the slide card partially received into the sleeve. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a slide card in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the slide card of  FIG. 5  showing the locking panel partially pivoted with respect to the base panel. 
           [0032]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of the slide card of  FIG. 5  with the additional panel partially pivoted downward with respect to the base panel towards a fully pivoted configuration wherein the slide card would be inserted within a sleeve or shell and the locking panel disposed for engagement by one or more locks of the sleeve/shell. 
           [0033]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of the slide card with the additional panel partially pivoted with respect to the base panel. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7C  is an end view of the slide card of  FIG. 7B . 
           [0035]      FIG. 7D  is a side view of the slide card with the additional panel fully pivoted with respect to the base panel. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7E  is an end view of the slide card of  FIG. 7D . 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of a slide card in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the slide card of  FIG. 8  showing the locking panel partially pivoted with respect to the base panel. 
           [0039]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of the slide card of  FIG. 8  with the additional panel partially pivoted downward with respect to the base panel towards a fully pivoted configuration wherein the slide card would be inserted within a sleeve or shell and the locking panel disposed for engagement by one or more locks of the sleeve/shell. 
           [0040]      FIG. 10B  is a side view of the slide card with the additional panel partially pivoted with respect to the base panel. 
           [0041]      FIG. 10C  is an end view of the slide card of  FIG. 10B . 
           [0042]      FIG. 10D  is a side view of the slide card with the additional panel fully pivoted with respect to the base panel. 
           [0043]      FIG. 10E  is an end view of the slide card of  FIG. 10D . 
           [0044]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view of a slide card in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the slide card of  FIG. 11  showing the locking panel partially pivoted with respect to the base panel. 
           [0046]      FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of the slide card of  FIG. 11  with the additional panel partially pivoted downward with respect to the base panel towards a fully pivoted configuration wherein the slide card would be inserted within a sleeve or shell and the locking panel disposed for engagement by one or more locks of the sleeve/shell. 
           [0047]      FIG. 13B  is a side view of the slide card of  FIG. 13A  showing the additional panel partially pivoted with respect to the base panel. 
           [0048]      FIG. 13C  is an end view of the slide card of  FIG. 13B . 
           [0049]      FIG. 13D  is a side view of the slide card with the additional panel fully pivoted with respect to the base panel. 
           [0050]      FIG. 13E  is an end view of the slide card of  FIG. 13D . 
           [0051]      FIG. 14A  is a top plan view of a slide card in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 14B  is a perspective view of the slide card of  FIG. 14A  showing the locking panel partially pivoted with respect to the base panel. 
           [0053]      FIG. 14C  is a perspective view of the slide card of  FIG. 14A  with the additional panel partially pivoted upward with respect to the base panel towards a fully pivoted configuration wherein the slide card would be inserted within a sleeve or shell and the locking panel disposed for engagement by one or more locks of the sleeve/shell. 
           [0054]      FIG. 15A  is a top plan view of a slide card in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0055]      FIG. 15B  is a perspective view of the slide card of  FIG. 15A  showing the locking panel partially pivoted with respect to the base panel. 
           [0056]      FIG. 15C  is a perspective view of the slide card of  FIG. 15A  with the additional panel partially pivoted downward with respect to the base panel towards a fully pivoted configuration wherein the slide card would be inserted within a sleeve or shell and the locking panel disposed for engagement by one or more locks of the sleeve/shell. 
           [0057]      FIGS. 16A-16E  show cross sectional views of various types of hinge lines for connecting a locking panel or an additional panel to a base panel.  FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a slide card in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0058]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
         [0059]    Referring first to  FIG. 1A , there is illustrated a slide card  101  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Slide card  101  has a base panel  140  and a locking panel  120  connected by a first hinge  130 . The base panel has blisters  150  for holding a medicament M. For simplicity only a few medicaments are shown in the Figures, but it will be understood that each blister  150  may at least initially contain a medicament. The base panel  140  has one or more fold-resisting abutments  180  formed therein, and the locking panel  120  has one or more fold-resisting abutments (generally denoted as  170 ) formed therein, in each case the abutments formed proximate the first hinge  130 . For simplicity with the drawings, the abutments  170 ,  180  are not shown on all the Figures. 
         [0060]    Additional panel  142  is connected to base panel  140  through a second hinge  132 . Additional panel  142  has blisters  152  for holding a medicament M. 
         [0061]    A lidding film  145  covers at least the portions of base panel  140  and additional panel  152  that have the blisters  150 ,  152 . The lidding film  145  is shown here as a transparent material, but it will be understood that the lidding film  145  may be an opaque material such as a metal foil or a translucent material. The lidding film  145  is shown as one continuous piece of material, although more than one piece of material may be used, provided it covers any blister  150 ,  152  that contains a medicament M. 
         [0062]    Blisters  150 ,  152  and abutments  170 ,  180  may be pressed downward (debossed) into the panels as illustrated in the Figures here. If this is done, the upper surface of the panels will be flat and will readily seal to the lidding film  145 . If certain features (such as the abutments  170 ,  180 ) need not be sealed by the lidding film such features might also be also formed by embossing. 
         [0063]    It should be noted that the slide card panels may be made entirely of a single blank of plastic material and one or more sheets of lidding film to cover the blisters. Thus when the slide card  101  is in a flat configuration with hinges  130 ,  132  not folded, the slide card  101  in its base panel  140  portion has a first or surface formed by lidding film  145 , and an opposite or lower surface formed by the plastic of base panel  140 . A paperboard layer or partial paperboard layer is not found on either the first or second surfaces. 
         [0064]      FIG. 1B  shows a side cross section view of the slide card, indicating the approximate shape of the blisters  150  and abutments  170 ,  180 . The abutments may serve to stiffen the slide card, particularly the locking panel  120  and the end of the slide base panel  140  adjacent the locking panel. The ends of the abutments  180  proximate to fold line  130  may be tapered like ramps in order to fit against the ends of abutments  170  proximate to fold line  130  when the locking panel  120  is folded back along fold line  130  toward base panel  140 .  FIG. 1C  shows example side views of the abutments  170  (individually identified as  171 ,  172 ,  173 ) that are formed in the locking panel  120 . In particular, those abutments  171 ,  173  which contact the abutments  180  may be tapered to fit against abutments  180 . The shape, depth, and taper angle of the abutments may be such to resist folding of the locking panel beyond a certain angle. 
         [0065]    Suitable materials to form the base panel, locking panel, and additional panel may include polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, bio-based plastics, triplex, and other plastics. Suitable materials for the lidding film may include aluminum, bio-based plastics, and other plastics. Suitable materials for the sleeve may include paperboard, laminated paperboard, plastics, and other sheet materials. 
         [0066]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the slide card  101  with the locking panel  120  folded upward along hinge  130  so that the locking panel  120  overlies part of base panel  140 . For simplicity the abutments  170 ,  180  are not shown. In the perspective view it is more clearly evident that the blisters  150 ,  152  are depressions in the base panel  140  and additional panel  142 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 3A  shows a perspective view of slide card  101  with the additional panel  142  folded partway over along hinge  132  and approaching a face-to-face contact with the base panel  140 , wherein the lidding film  145  on the base panel  140  will contact or face the lidding film  145  on additional panel  142 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 3B  shows a side view of the slide card with the additional panel  142  folded partway over along hinge  132 .  FIG. 3C  shows an end view from the end opposite the locking panel  120 . The locking panel is omitted from the end view.  FIG. 3D  shows a side view with the additional panel  142  folded completely over onto the base panel  140 .  FIG. 3E  shows the corresponding end view. 
         [0069]      FIG. 4A  shows a perspective view of slide card  101  along with a sleeve  202  for receiving the slide card.  FIG. 4B  shows a perspective view of slide card  101  partially received into sleeve  202 .  FIG. 4C  shows a side view cross section of the structure with the slide card  101  fully received into sleeve  202 . The locking panel  120  may be caught by an interior structure  208  within sleeve  202 , such as an edge of an inner panel within the sleeve. An unlocking button  205  may be provided in sleeve  202 , which may be depressed to flex the locking panel  120  away from the interior structure  208  in order that the slide card  101  may be pulled from sleeve  202 . 
         [0070]    Referring now to the side view of the slide card  101  in  FIG. 4C , the alignment and relative disposition of fold-resisting abutments  170 ,  180  with respect to one another can be seen. Since abutments  170 ,  180  are generally perpendicular to the hinge  130 , the abutments may help stiffness the base panel  140  and the locking panel  120  and enable a more secure locking action. 
         [0071]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is illustrated a slide card  102  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Slide card  102  has a base panel  140  and a locking panel  120  connected by a first hinge  130 . The base panel has blisters  150  for holding a medicament M. The base panel  140  has one or more fold-resisting abutments  180  formed therein, and the locking panel  120  has one or more fold-resisting abutments  170  formed therein, in each case the abutments formed proximate the first hinge  130 . 
         [0072]    Instead of additional panel  142  being connected to the base panel  140 , with slide card  102 , the base panel is first connected through hinge  132  to a spine panel  141 , which in turn is connected through third hinge  133  to additional panel  142 . Additional panel  142  has blisters  152  for holding a medicament M. A lidding film  145  covers at least the portions of base panel  140  and additional panel  142  that have the blisters  150 ,  152 . The lidding film  145  is shown here as a transparent material, but it will be understood that the lidding film  145  may be an opaque material such as a metal foil or a translucent material. The lidding film  145  is shown as one continuous piece of material that covers the base panel  140 , spine panel  141 , and additional panel  142 , although more than one piece of material may be used, provided it covers any blister  150 ,  152  that contains a medicament M. 
         [0073]    Blisters  150 ,  152  and abutments  170 ,  180  may be pressed downward (debossed) into the panels as illustrated in the Figures here. If this is done, the upper surface of the panels will be flat and will readily seal to the lidding film  145 . However, certain features such as the abutments  170 ,  180  need not be sealed by the lidding film and therefor the abutments  170 ,  180  may be also formed by embossing. 
         [0074]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the slide card  101  with the locking panel  120  folded downward along hinge  130  so that the locking panel  120  underlies part of base panel  140 . Having the locking panel folded downward as shown may provide better engagement of the slide card  102  with the interior structure  208  within sleeve  202 . (The slide card  102  may be inverted so that the locking panel  120  will engage the interior structure  208 . For simplicity the abutments  170 ,  180  are not shown. In the perspective view it is more clearly evident that the blisters  150 ,  152  are depressions in the base panel  140  and additional panel  142 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 7A  shows a perspective view of slide card  102  with the additional panel  142  and spine panel  141  folded partway under base panel  140  along hinge  132 ,  133  and approaching a face-to-face orientation with the base panel  140 , wherein the lidding film  145  on the base panel  140  will face the lidding film  145  on additional panel  142 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 7B  shows a side view of the slide card  102  with the spine panel  141  and additional panel  142  folded partway under along hinges  132 ,  133 .  FIG. 7C  shows an end view from the end opposite the locking panel  120 . The locking panel is omitted from the end view.  FIG. 7D  shows a side view with the additional panel  142  folded completely under base panel  140 .  FIG. 7E  shows the corresponding end view. 
         [0077]    As shown, in this configuration the blisters  150 ,  152  may contact each other. Therefor the overall height or thickness of the slide card  102  may be approximately the combined height of blisters  150 ,  152 . Also the overall height or thickness of the slide card  102  may be the height of spine panel  141 . 
         [0078]    As seen in  FIGS. 7B and 7D , abutments  170 ,  180  may contact one another in this configuration and may tend to push the locking panel  120  outward relative to the base panel  140 . This may help provide a good locking action. 
         [0079]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is illustrated a slide card  103  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Slide card  103  is in many aspects similar to slide card  102 , excepting for the blisters  150 ′,  152 ′. 
         [0080]    Slide card  103  has a base panel  140  and a locking panel  120  connected by a first hinge  130 . Base panel has blisters  150 ′ for holding a medicament M. The base panel  140  has one or more fold-resisting abutments  180  formed therein, and the locking panel  120  has one or more fold-resisting abutments  170  formed therein, in each case the abutments formed proximate the first hinge  130 . 
         [0081]    Base panel is connected through hinge  132  to a spine panel  141 ′, which in turn is connected through third hinge  133  to additional panel  142 . Additional panel  142  has blisters  152 ′ for holding a medicament M. A lidding film  145  covers at least the portions of base panel  140  and additional panel  142  that have the blisters  150 ′,  152 ′. The lidding film  145  is shown here as a transparent material, but it will be understood that the lidding film  145  may be an opaque material such as a metal foil or a translucent material. The lidding film  145  is shown as one continuous piece of material that covers the base panel  140 , spine panel  141 ′, and additional panel  142 , although more than one piece of material may be used, provided it covers any blister  150 ′,  152 ′ that contains a medicament M. 
         [0082]    Blisters  150 ′,  152 ′ and abutments  170 ,  180  may be pressed downward (debossed) into the panels as illustrated in the Figures here. If this is done, the upper surface of the panels will be flat and will readily seal to the lidding film  145 . However, certain features such as the abutments  170 ,  180  need not be sealed by the lidding film and therefor such features may be also formed by embossing. 
         [0083]    Blisters  150 ′,  152 ′ may be sized, positioned, or shaped so as to intercalate when the slide card is folded as shown in  FIGS. 10B, 10C . For example, the blisters may be narrower, there may be additional space between adjacent blisters, and the blisters  152 ′ on additional panel  142  may be shifted relative to the blisters  150 ′ on the base panel  140 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the slide card  102  with the locking panel  120  folded downward along hinge  130  so that the locking panel  120  underlies part of base panel  140 . Having the locking panel folded downward as shown may provide better engagement of the slide card  102  with the interior structure  208  within sleeve  202 . (The slide card  103  may be inverted so that the locking panel  120  will engage the interior structure  208 . For simplicity the abutments  170 ,  180  are not shown. In the perspective view it is more clearly evident that the blisters  150 ,  152  are depressions in the base panel  140  and additional panel  142 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 10A  shows a perspective view of slide card  103  with the additional panel  142  and spine panel  141  folded partway under base panel  140  along hinge  132 ,  133  and approaching a face-to-face orientation with the base panel  140 , wherein the lidding film  145  on the base panel  140  will face the lidding film  145  on additional panel  142 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 10B  shows a side view of the slide card  103  with the spine panel  141 ′ and additional panel  142  folded partway under along hinges  132 ,  133 .  FIG. 10C  shows an end view from the end opposite the locking panel  120 . The locking panel is omitted from the end view.  FIG. 10D  shows a side view with the additional panel  142  folded completely under base panel  140 .  FIG. 10E  shows the corresponding end view. 
         [0087]    As shown, in this configuration the blisters  150 ′,  152 ′ may intercalate, that is fit between, each other. Therefor the overall height or thickness of the slide card  103  may be approximately the height of blisters  150 ′,  152 ′. Also the overall height or thickness of the slide card  103  may be the height of spine panel  141 ′. 
         [0088]    As seen in  FIGS. 10B and 10D , abutments  170 ,  180  may contact one another in this configuration and may tend to push the locking panel  120  outward relative to the base panel  140 . This may help provide a good locking action. 
         [0089]    Referring now to  FIG. 11 , there is illustrated a slide card  104  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Slide card  104  is in many aspects similar to slide card  103 , excepting for the placement of blisters  150 ′,  152 ′. It will be noted that the blisters  150 ′,  152 ′ are positioned away from hinge  132  by at least a distance x. 
         [0090]    Slide card  104  has a base panel  140  and a locking panel  120  connected by a first hinge  130 . Base panel  140  has blisters  150 ′ for holding a medicament M. The base panel  140  has one or more fold-resisting abutments  180  formed therein, and the locking panel  120  has one or more fold-resisting abutments  170  formed therein, in each case the abutments formed proximate the first hinge  130 . 
         [0091]    Base panel is connected through hinge  132  to additional panel  142 . Additional panel  142  has blisters  152 ′ for holding a medicament M. A lidding film  145  covers at least the portions of base panel  140  and additional panel  142  that have the blisters  150 ′,  152 ′. The lidding film  145  is shown here as a transparent material, but it will be understood that the lidding film  145  may be an opaque material such as a metal foil or a translucent material. The lidding film  145  is shown as one continuous piece of material that covers the base panel  140  and additional panel  142 , although more than one piece of material may be used, provided it covers any blister  150 ′,  152 ′ that contains a medicament M. 
         [0092]    Blisters  150 ′,  152 ′ and abutments  170 ,  180  may be pressed downward (debossed) into the panels as illustrated in the Figures here. If this is done, the upper surface of the panels will be flat and will readily seal to the lidding film  145 . However, certain features (such as the abutments  170 ,  180  need not be sealed by the lidding film and therefor the abutments  170 ,  180  may be also formed by embossing. 
         [0093]    Blisters  150 ′,  152 ′ may be sized, positioned, or shaped so as to intercalate when the slide card is folded as shown in  FIGS. 13B-13E . For example, the blisters may be narrower, there may be additional space between adjacent blisters, and the blisters  152 ′ on additional panel  142  may be shifted relative to the blisters  150 ′ on the base panel  140 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the slide card  104  with the locking panel  120  folded downward along hinge  130  so that the locking panel  120  underlies part of base panel  140 . Having the locking panel folded downward as shown may provide better engagement of the slide card  104  with the interior structure  208  within sleeve  202 . (The slide card  104  may be inverted so that the locking panel  120  will engage the interior structure  208 . For simplicity the abutments  170 ,  180  are not shown. In the perspective view it is more clearly evident that the blisters  150 ,  152  are depressions in the base panel  140  and additional panel  142 . 
         [0095]      FIG. 13A  shows a perspective view of slide card  104  with the additional panel  142  folded partway under base panel  140  along hinge  132  and approaching a face-to-face orientation with the base panel  140 , wherein the lidding film  145  on the base panel  140  will face the lidding film  145  on additional panel  142 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 13B  shows a side view of the slide card  104  with the additional panel  142  folded partway under along hinge  132 .  FIG. 13C  shows an end view from the end opposite the locking panel  120 . The locking panel is omitted from the end view.  FIG. 13D  shows a side view with the additional panel  142  folded completely under base panel  140 .  FIG. 13E  shows the corresponding end view. 
         [0097]    As shown, in this configuration the blisters  150 ′,  152 ′ may intercalate, that is fit between, each other. Therefor the overall height or thickness of the slide card  104  may be approximately the height of blisters  150 ′,  152 ′. Although slide card  104  lacks a spine panel, blisters  150 ′,  152 ′ may be located a sufficient distance X away from hinge  132  so that the sufficient distance X allows some flexing of the base panel  140  and additional panel  142  adjacent hinge  132 . 
         [0098]    As seen in  FIGS. 13B and 13D , abutments  170 ,  180  may contact one another in this configuration and may tend to push the locking panel  120  outward relative to the base panel  140 . This may help provide a good locking action. 
         [0099]    Referring now to  FIG. 14A , there is illustrated a slide card  105  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Slide card  105  is in many aspects similar to the earlier shown slide cards, excepting for the placement of the additional panel  142  extending off an end of the slide card (e.g. opposite end from the locking panel  120 ). 
         [0100]    Slide card  105  has a base panel  140  and a locking panel  120  connected by a first hinge  130 . Base panel  140  has blisters  150  for holding a medicament M. The base panel  140  has one or more fold-resisting abutments  180  formed therein, and the locking panel  120  has one or more fold-resisting abutments  170  formed therein, in each case the abutments formed proximate the first hinge  130 . 
         [0101]    Base panel is connected through hinge  132  to additional panel  142 . Additional panel  142  has blisters  152  for holding a medicament M. A lidding film  145  covers at least the portions of base panel  140  and additional panel  142  that have the blisters  150 ,  152 . The lidding film  145  is shown here as a transparent material, but it will be understood that the lidding film  145  may be an opaque material such as a metal foil or a translucent material. The lidding film  145  is shown as one continuous piece of material that covers the base panel  140  and additional panel  142 , although more than one piece of material may be used, provided it covers any blister  150 ,  152  that contains a medicament M. 
         [0102]    Blisters  150 ,  152  and abutments  170 ,  180  may be pressed downward (debossed) into the panels as illustrated in the Figures here. If this is done, the upper surface of the panels will be flat and will readily seal to the lidding film  145 . However, certain features (such as the abutments  170 ,  180  need not be sealed by the lidding film and therefor the abutments  170 ,  180  may be also formed by embossing. 
         [0103]      FIG. 14B  shows a perspective view of the slide card  105  with the locking panel  120  folded upward along hinge  130  so that the locking panel  120  overlies part of base panel  140 . Having the locking panel folded upward as shown may provide better engagement of the slide card  105  with the interior structure  208  within sleeve  202 . For simplicity the abutments  170 ,  180  are not shown. In the perspective view it is more clearly evident that the blisters  150 ,  152  are depressions in the base panel  140  and additional panel  142 . 
         [0104]      FIG. 14C  shows a perspective view of slide card  104  with the additional panel  142  folded partway over base panel  140  along hinge  132  and approaching a face-to-face orientation with the base panel  140 , wherein the lidding film  145  on the base panel  140  will face the lidding film  145  on additional panel  142 . 
         [0105]    Referring now to  FIG. 15A , there is illustrated a slide card  106  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Slide card  106  is in many aspects similar to slide card  105 , excepting for the placement of blisters  150 ′,  152 ′, and the use of a spine panel  141 . 
         [0106]    Slide card  106  has a base panel  140  and a locking panel  120  connected by a first hinge  130 . Base panel has blisters  150 ′ for holding a medicament M. The base panel  140  has one or more fold-resisting abutments  180  formed therein, and the locking panel  120  has one or more fold-resisting abutments  170  formed therein, in each case the abutments formed proximate the first hinge  130 . 
         [0107]    Base panel is connected through hinge  132  to spine panel  141  which is then connected through hinge  133  to additional panel  142 . Additional panel  142  has blisters  152 ′ for holding a medicament M. A lidding film  145  covers at least the portions of base panel  140  and additional panel  142  that have the blisters  150 ′,  152 ′. The lidding film  145  is shown here as a transparent material, but it will be understood that the lidding film  145  may be an opaque material such as a metal foil or a translucent material. The lidding film  145  is shown as one continuous piece of material that covers the base panel  140 , spine panel  141 , and additional panel  142 , although more than one piece of material may be used, provided it covers any blister  150 ′,  152 ′ that contains a medicament M. 
         [0108]    Blisters  150 ′,  152 ′ and abutments  170 ,  180  may be pressed downward (debossed) into the panels as illustrated in the Figures here. If this is done, the upper surface of the panels will be flat and will readily seal to the lidding film  145 . However, certain features (such as the abutments  170 ,  180  need not be sealed by the lidding film and therefor the abutments  170 ,  180  may be also formed by embossing. 
         [0109]    Blisters  150 ′,  152 ′ may be sized, positioned, or shaped so as to intercalate when the slide card is folded as shown in  FIG. 15C . For example, the blisters may be narrower, there may be additional space between adjacent blisters, and the blisters  152 ′ on additional panel  142  may be shifted relative to the blisters  150 ′ on the base panel  140 . 
         [0110]      FIG. 15B  shows a perspective view of the slide card  106  with the locking panel  120  folded downward along hinge  130  so that the locking panel  120  underlies part of base panel  140 . Having the locking panel folded downward as shown may provide better engagement of the slide card  106  with the interior structure  208  within sleeve  202 . (The slide card  106  may be inverted so that the locking panel  120  will engage the interior structure  208 . For simplicity the abutments  170 ,  180  are not shown. In the perspective view it is more clearly evident that the blisters  150 ,  152  are depressions in the base panel  140  and additional panel  142 . 
         [0111]      FIG. 15C  shows a perspective view of slide card  106  with the spine panel  141  and additional panel  142  folded partway under base panel  140  along hinges  132 ,  133  and approaching a face-to-face orientation with the base panel  140 , wherein the blisters  150 ′ on the base panel  140  will intercalate, that is, fit between, the blisters  152 ′ on additional panel  142 . 
         [0112]    Thus, the overall height or thickness of the slide card  106  may be approximately the height of a blister  150 ′ or  152 ′, or of spine panel  141 . 
         [0113]      FIGS. 16A-16E  show various types of hinges that may be used alone or in combination to form hinges  130 ,  132 ,  133 . 
         [0114]      FIG. 16A  shows a formed hinge  134  that may be formed as a score or groove into or between the material of locking panel  120 , base panel  140 , and additional panel  142 . The groove formed into the surface of the panel may coincide with a ridge on the opposite side of the material as shown in  FIG. 16A , or the groove may exist without the opposite-side ridge, as shown by hinge  135  in  FIG. 16B . 
         [0115]      FIG. 16C  shows a hinge  136  made up of a series of discontinuous holes into or through the panel material.  FIG. 16D  shows a hinge  137  made up of a series of discontinuous slots into or through the panel material. 
         [0116]    Hinge  138  may be formed in the opposite direction from the other elements, namely, the fold-resisting abutments  170 ,  180 , as shown in  FIG. 16E . The hinge  138  as illustrated in  FIG. 16E  thus may be formed in an upward direction, opposite the direction in which the abutments  170 ,  180  are formed. 
         [0117]    The flexibility of hinge types  134 ,  135 ,  136 ,  137 ,  138  may be controlled by adjusting the depth into or through the material, the width of the hinge area, or the relative proportions of the holes or slots compared with the undisturbed material along the hinge line. 
         [0118]    The slide cards  101 - 106  may be made of plastic material and can be formed by manufacturing processes such as thermo-forming or die-press with a tool set. An integrated slide and blister panel as taught by the invention is simple and can be simply formed by these processes. 
         [0119]    In another aspect of the invention, the ability of the locking panel  120  to be engaged by an aperture or panel that forms a part of the locking arrangement of the system&#39;s sleeve or shell is enhanced by biasing the locking panel away from a substantially parallel condition with respect to the base panel  140 . A fold-resisting mechanism serves this purpose. The hinge  130  serves as a fold-resisting mechanism to bias the locking panel. The amount of bias in the hinge  130  may be controlled by manufacturing techniques such as varying the thickness of the hinge  130  or otherwise varying the degree to which a line forming the hinge  130  is weakened to permit bending. An abutment  170 ,  180  may serve as an additional or distinct fold-resisting mechanism or element. The abutment  170 ,  180  prevents the locking panel  120  and base panel  140  from being placed into a substantially parallel condition with respect to one another. Although one abutment  170 ,  180  on either of the locking panel  120  and the base panel  140  is sufficient to serve as a fold-resisting mechanism or element, more than one be used on either one or both panels. The use of opposing abutments  170 ,  180  on respective locking panel  120  and base panel  140 , provides the advantage of being able to minimize the height of each abutment while still achieving desirable fold resistance. Although the abutment may take many forms, an embossed abutment may be easily manufactured in a substrate, particularly a slide card substrate of plastic. 
         [0120]    In another aspect of the invention, the card may be used without a locking panel. An example of such a card  107  is shown in  FIG. 17 , which is similar to  FIG. 2  but does not include a locking panel. If no locking panel is used, edge  131  may optionally be moved inward, for example to line  131   a  as denoted in  FIG. 17 . 
         [0121]    Embodiments shown in other Figures herein may also be used with or without a locking panel. 
         [0122]    In certain embodiments, the cards  101 - 107  may be used with or without a sleeve or shell. 
         [0123]    It must be emphasized that the law does not require and it is economically prohibitive to illustrate and teach every possible embodiment of the present claims. Hence, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clean understanding of the principles of the invention. Variations, modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.