Abstract:
A system for opening encased articles has a cutting apparatus that includes a channel formed from spaced-apart parallel walls. A cutting member having a cutting edge extends from one wall into the channel. A protrusion disposed in the channel at least partially overlaps and at least partially obstructs the cutting member. The channel is adapted for receiving the flanged edge of the article and the protrusion is displaceable to expose the cutting edge of the cutting member. A system further has the cutting apparatus juxtaposed with a container for storing at least one encased article.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 60/756,094, filed Jan. 3, 2006, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The invention relates to the packaging of encased articles such as those wrapped in a protective seal and, more specifically, to a system for storing and opening encased articles.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     A blister pack is a type of package wherein items or articles to be protected are sealed between a substantially planar substrate and at least one concave compartment structure called a blister. Several terms in the art of blister-type packaging have interchangeable meanings and definitions; therefore, the following naming convention will be used herein for clarity. The term “blister” is used herein to refer to the bubble of plastic or similar material that forms the actual protective encasement for an item or article. The terms “unit dose blister” and “unit dose blister encasement” are used herein to refer to the packaging formed by a single blister bubble and its associated substrate backing. A unit dose blister encasement typically has at least one flanged edge, and, more typically a flanged perimeter. The term “blister pack” is used herein to refer to an aggregate of multiple unit dose blister encasements.  
         [0004]     The blister (that is, the bubble) is typically made of a plastic type material. The substrate may be paper, foil, plastic, or a laminate of one or more of these materials. The encased item or article is typically removed by pushing the article or item from the blister side of the pack through the planar substrate. In the case of a child-resistant package, both the substrate and the blister are made so as to be difficult to penetrate.  
         [0005]     The unit dose blister encasement is useful for packaging an individual, or a unit, dose of pharmaceutical products. When used for this purpose, the blister pack is particularly suitable for the packaging and distribution of multiple unit doses in a single package. A well known, typical blister pack is arranged as an array of individual, or unit, dose blister encasements. In some embodiments, a blister can store more than a single unit dose. Each blister in a blister pack is typically segregated by lines of demarcation. The intersecting lines of demarcation define individual unit dose blister encasements. The line of demarcation may be a frangible line, such as a perforated line, that facilitates separation of a unit dose blister encasement from the blister pack.  
         [0006]     A problem with encased articles including those in unit dose blister encasements and pouches is that often it may be difficult to push the item, or article through the protective covering. This problem can exist because the blister substrate is made particularly durable to maintain the freshness and efficacy of the encased article, or the substrate can be made to inhibit removal of the encased article or item, as in the use of a child-resistant package. The same is true for pouches with a tough exterior and child-resistance rating. Thus, a need exists for a means for facilitating removal of an encased item or article from a blister, blister pack, pouch, or similar protective seal.  
         [0007]     It is known to provide a cutting apparatus that employs a protruding blade to puncture a substrate. However, such blades are typically exposed and create a hazard for users. Other known cutting apparatuses are large, costly, and difficult to integrate into containers. Further, cutting apparatuses can typically be used for only one type of encased article.  
         [0008]     Although prior attempts to solve the problem of removing an encased article from its protective seal are known, there remains the need for a convenient means to store encased articles together with a means for safely and efficiently cutting the unique protective seal that encases the article.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The various embodiments of the present invention overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a system for opening encased articles. By way of example and not limitation, an encased article includes an item that is sealed by any flexible or semi-flexible protective covering, is shrink-wrapped, or is blister-wrapped.  
         [0010]     According to one aspect of the invention, a cutting apparatus having a channel for receiving an encased article includes a cutting member disposed within the channel so as to engage the seal of the encased article as it is translated within the channel.  
         [0011]     According to another aspect of the invention, a cutting apparatus having a channel for receiving an encased article is defined between two walls and a cutting member, disposed within the channel, is protected by a displaceable protrusion.  
         [0012]     According to further aspects of the invention, a cutting apparatus is juxtaposed in various ways with a container for storing at least one unit dose encasement.  
         [0013]     Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are included within the scope of the present teaching and are protected by the accompanying claims.  
         [0014]     The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and features of the present invention, which should be construed to be merely illustrative of various potential applications of the invention. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed information in a different manner or by combining various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects and a more comprehensive understanding of the invention may be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system for opening unit dose blister encasements, according to the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cutting apparatus of a system for opening unit dose blister encasements, according to the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system for opening unit dose blister encasements with a cutting apparatus mounted at an exterior corner of a container, according to the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system for opening unit dose blister encasements, with a cutting apparatus thereof positioned for juxtaposition with a container, according to the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system for opening unit dose blister encasements, with a cutting apparatus shown adjacent a container, according to the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system for opening unit dose blister encasements, with a cutting apparatus positioned for juxtaposition with a container, according to the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system for opening unit dose blister encasements, with a cutting apparatus fully juxtaposed in place with a container, according to the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system for opening unit dose blister encasements, with a cutting apparatus fully juxtaposed in place with a container, according to the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0023]     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. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as an illustration, specimen, model or pattern. 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.  
         [0024]     Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, the drawings illustrate certain of the various aspects of exemplary embodiments of a system for opening an enclosed article including a container and a cutting apparatus. In the system, a cutting apparatus includes a cutting member disposed in a channel. The cutting apparatus is protected by a displaceable protrusion.  
         [0025]     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a system  10  for opening unit dose blister encasements is illustrated. The system  10  includes a container  12  and a cutting apparatus  14 . Here, the cutting apparatus  14  is located within the container  12  and facilitates opening the seal of an encased article. In operation, the cutting apparatus  14  can cut a flanged portion  18  of a unit dose blister  16 , such that the substrate can be separated from a blister bubble  20  to access an article within the blister  16 .  
         [0026]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary embodiment of the cutting apparatus  14  of a system for opening an enclosed article is illustrated. The cutting apparatus  14  includes a first wall  22  and a second wall  24  that at least partially define a channel  26 . In the exemplary embodiment, the walls  22 ,  24  are substantially parallel to one another and each of the walls  22 ,  24  extend from a base  28 . A support wall  30  is substantially perpendicular to the first wall  22  and extends from the top end of the first wall  22 . However, the orientation and relation between the support wall  30  and first wall  22  may change according to design needs.  
         [0027]     The cutting apparatus  14  includes a cutting member  32 . The cutting member  32  includes a cutting edge  34  and is substantially perpendicularly disposed in the channel  26 . The cutting member  32  is positioned such that, as a unit dose blister  16  is translated through the channel  26 , the cutting edge  34  engages the flanged portion  18  of the unit dose blister  16 . In the exemplary embodiment, the cutting member  32  extends from the first wall  22  toward the second wall  24 . A protrusion  36  extends from the second wall  24  toward the first wall  22 . The protrusion  36  is positioned above, and substantially aligned with, the cutting member  32  in the channel  26 . The protrusion  36  is sized, shaped, and positioned to protect and/or hide the cutting member  32 . More specifically, the protrusion  36  is designed such that items translating between open ends of the channel  26 , or items inserted in the top of the channel  26 , are temporarily obstructed by the protrusion  36  until selectively translated or otherwise urged through the channel  26 . A relief notch  38  is formed opposite the protrusion  36 , preferably at the base of the cutting member  32 . One function of the relief notch  38  is to receive and accommodate the protrusion  36 .  
         [0028]     For purposes of teaching, and not limitation, a method of attaching the cutting apparatus  14  to the container  12  to form an exemplary embodiment of a system for opening an enclosed article is now described. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a cutout  40  is formed in a corner of the container  12 . The cutout  40  defines a flap  42 . The cutting apparatus  14  can then be attached to the inside of the container  12  such that the channel  26  of the cutting apparatus  14  is accessible. More specifically, the second wall  24  aligns with, and is attached to, the inside of the flap  42 . Additionally, the support wall  30  is attached to the inside of the top wall of the container  12 . In some embodiments the flap  42  is eliminated and the cutting apparatus is attached with sidewalls (not shown), to the interior sidewalls of the container  12 .  
         [0029]     In other exemplary embodiments, the cutting apparatus  14  can be attached to the outside of the container  12 . The cutting apparatus  14  can be attached to any corner formed by two walls of the container  12 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the cutting apparatus  14  is attached to a corner of the container  12  that is formed by an end wall and the top wall. More specifically, the support wall  30  of the cutting apparatus  14  may be attached to the top wall of the container  12 , and the first wall  22  of the cutting apparatus  14  may be attached to the end wall of the container  12 . The cutting apparatus  14  can be attached to the container  12  by any suitable means for attachment including tapes, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, Velcro®, and the like.  
         [0030]     To access the contents of a unit dose blister  16 , the flanged portion  18  is translated through the channel. As the flanged portion  18  is translated through the channel  26 , the leading edge of the flanged portion  18  first engages the protrusion  36 . The protrusion  36  is shaped such that, when the protrusion  36  is engaged by the leading edge of the flanged portion  18 , the force against the protrusion  36  causes the second wall  24  to deflect. The second wall  24  flexes to allow the cutting member  32  to slit or puncture a blister backing and/or pouch. In the exemplary embodiment, the protrusion  36  moves to expose the cutting member  32  to the leading edge of the flanged portion  18 . As the flanged portion  18  continues to translate through the channel  26 , the flanged portion  18  is engaged by the cutting edge  34  of the cutting member  32  and the resistance of the second wall  24  holds the protrusion  36  against the flanged portion  18 . After the trailing edge of the flanged portion  18  clears the cutting member  32 , the elasticity of the second wall  24  returns the protrusion  36  to its substantially undeflected position. The cutting member  32  thereby cuts the blister substrate, or removes a section of the unit dose blister  16 , such that the contents can be accessed. The cutting edge  34  is preferably positioned below the blister bubble  20 , or so close to the perimeter of the blister bubble  20 , such that the cutting edge  34  does not substantially project into the blister bubble  20 . A user may increase pressure on the cutting member  32  by pressing on the second wall  24 .  
         [0031]     In another exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , a system includes additional elements that facilitate the attachment of a cutting apparatus  114  to a container  112 . The container  112  includes a cutout  140  disposed in a corner of the container  112  and apertures  142  disposed in opposing side walls of the container  112 . The cutting apparatus  114  includes side walls  144  and detents  146  that extend from the inside of the side walls  144 . The cutting apparatus  114  is received in the cutout  140  of the container  112 . Additionally, the cutting apparatus  114  is secured to the container  112  as the detents  146  are received in respective apertures  142 .  
         [0032]     In still another exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , a system includes additional elements that facilitate the attachment of a cutting apparatus  214  to a container  212 . The container  212  includes a cutout  240  that defines a flap  242 . The container  212  further includes slots  250  in opposing walls that align with the cutout  240 . The cutting apparatus  214  includes an insert structure  252  that is sized and shaped to be received in the container  212  through cutout  240 , and that positions cutting apparatus  214  in the cutout  240 . The insert structure  252  includes detents  254  that are designed to be received in respective slots  250 . The cutting apparatus  214  can be secured to the container  212  by inserting the insert structure  252  in the cutout  240  until the detents  254  are received in the slots  250 , thereby positioning the cutting apparatus  214  adjacent to the corner of the container  212 . In some embodiments the cutting apparatus  214  is positioned along the center of the container  212 , while in other embodiments the cutting apparatus  214  is positioned at other locations within the container  212 .  
         [0033]     In a further exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , a system includes a cutting apparatus  314  attached to a container  312 . The cutting apparatus  314  includes a first wall  322  and a second wall  324  that at least partially define a channel  326 . In this embodiment, the walls  322 ,  324  are substantially parallel to one another and each of the walls  322 ,  324  extend from a base  328 . A first support wall  330  is substantially perpendicular to the first wall  322  and extends from the top end of the first wall  322 . A second support wall  331  is substantially perpendicular to the second wall  324  and extends from the top end of the second wall  324 .  
         [0034]     The cutting apparatus  314  further includes a cutting member  332  (not shown) that includes a cutting edge  334  (not shown). The cutting member  332  is disposed in the channel  326 . The cutting member  332  is positioned such that, as the illustrated unit dose blister  316  is translated through the channel  326 , the cutting edge  334  engages the flanged portion  318  of the unit dose blister  316 . In the exemplary embodiment, the cutting member  332  extends from the first wall  322  toward the second wall  324 . A protrusion  336  extends from a cantilever  338 , the cantilever  338  being defined by cuts in the second wall  324 .  
         [0035]     The protrusion  336  is positioned above, and substantially aligned with, the cutting member  332  in the channel  326 . The protrusion  336  is sized, shaped, and positioned to protect or hide the cutting member  332 . More specifically, the protrusion  336  is designed such that items translating between open ends of the channel  326 , or items inserted in the top of the channel  326 , are obstructed by the protrusion  336 .  
         [0036]     For purposes of teaching, and not limitation, an exemplary embodiment of a method of attaching the cutting apparatus  314  to the container  312  is now described. Referring to  FIG. 6 , a cutout  340  is formed in the container  312  that is offset from a corner of the container  312 . The cutting apparatus  314  is received in the cutout  340  and the support walls  330 ,  331  are attached to opposing sides of the cutout  340 .  
         [0037]     To access the contents of the illustrated unit dose blister  316 , the flanged portion  318  is translated through the channel  326 . The leading edge of the flanged portion  318  first engages the protrusion  336 . The protrusion  336  is shaped such that, when the protrusion  336  is engaged by the leading edge of the flanged portion  318 , the force against the protrusion  336  causes the cantilever  338  to deflect. Accordingly, the protrusion  336  moves to expose the cutting member  332  to the leading edge of the flanged portion  318 . As the flanged portion  318  continues to translate through the channel  326 , the flanged portion  318  is engaged by the cutting edge  334  of the cutting member  332  and the elastic resistance of the cantilever  338  holds the protrusion  336  against the flanged portion  318 . After the trailing edge of the flanged portion  318  clears the cutting member  332 , the elasticity of the cantilever  338  returns the protrusion  336  to its substantially undeflected position. The cutting member  332  thereby cuts the blister substrate or removes a section of the unit dose blister  316  such that the contents can be accessed. The cutting edge  334  is preferably positioned below blister bubble  320 , or close to the perimeter of the blister bubble  320 , such that the cutting edge  334  does not substantially project into the blister bubble  320 .  
         [0038]     In a still further exemplary embodiment of a system  410  for opening an encased article, shown in  FIG. 7 , the support wall  430  of a cutting apparatus  414  as described herein can be inserted, press fit, or otherwise attached between the end flaps  442 ,  443  of a container  412 . When the support wall  430  is inserted between the flaps  442 ,  443  of a container  412 , a wedge-shaped space is defined between the container  412  and the first wall  422  of the cutting apparatus  414 . The first wall  422  extends from the insertion area of the container  412 , where the support wall  430  is inserted between edge flaps  442 ,  443  of the container  412 , at an angle relative to a wall of the container  412 . The base  428  of the cutting apparatus  414  is thus set apart from the adjacent wall  413  (a top wall in the view illustrated) of the container  412 . In this embodiment, a user can press on the base  428  of the cutting apparatus  414  to flex the first  422  and second  424  walls such that the walls separate to increase the width of the channel opening. As the second wall  424  separates from the first wall  422 , the cutting member (not fully shown) is at least partially exposed, and the channel is widened to allow a unit dose blister or pouch to easily pass through the channel. It should be noted that a protrusion (not fully shown) extending from one of the first and second walls of the cutting apparatus  414  at least partially shields the cutting member in this exemplary embodiment also.  
         [0039]     Also, in this embodiment, the second wall  424  and base  428  of the cutting apparatus  414  can be pressed by a user to provide additional functionality other than that of passively flexing the second wall. For example, the user can press the center area of the second wall, as a unit dose blister or pouch is translated through the channel, to apply pressure that forces the cutting edge deeper through the blister or pouch. The cutting edge can be used for cutting or puncturing the unit dose blister or pouch. To puncture a unit dose blister or pouch, the unit dose blister or pouch can be placed in the channel of the cutting apparatus between the cutting member and the second wall. The second wall can then be pushed toward the first wall such that the edge of the cutting member punctures the backing or flanged portion of the unit dose blister or pouch.  
         [0040]     In yet a further exemplary embodiment of a system  510  for opening encased articles shown in  FIG. 8 , a cutting apparatus  514  as described herein can be attached to a container  512  such that the channel of the cutting apparatus is accessible in a space under a flap  542  of the container  512 . This embodiment is particularly useful for cutting or slicing pouches  586  (as illustrated in  FIG. 8 ) that hold items to be accessed. Further, the cutting apparatus  514  described herein may be configured to be removable from the container  512 , which can provide additional child resistance.  
         [0041]     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 clear 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.