Abstract:
A dispensing container ( 12, 212 ) for housing and sequentially dispensing packets ( 124 ) is taught. Also taught are the carton blanks ( 10, 210 ) for erecting the respective containers. A length of packets created by severably attaching sequential packets ( 124 ) along respective tear lines ( 129 ) is rolled or folded then positioned within the container for later dispensing. Child-resistance features that impede removal of each packet ( 124 ) include routing the length of packets between opposing panels ( 16, 24 ) or between opposing panels and an edge of folded panels ( 224, 239 ) that exert a lateral pressure on the packets ( 124 ). In some embodiments the panels ( 16, 24 ) include apertures ( 64, 92 ) that catch or otherwise engage a feature of a packet, such as a blister, to further impede removal of each packet ( 124 ). To further impede removal of a packet ( 124 ), access notches ( 56, 256, 290 ) that allow the user to grasp the packet are narrowly constructed.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods of dispensing items or products, and more specifically, to an apparatus and method for dispensing severably attached packets such as blisters, pouches, and the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In the personal care industry, many types of containers have been developed for packaging a variety of items or products such as, unit dose medicants, pills, tablets, capsules, condoms, contact lenses, and the like. One typical type of packaging or packet is the conventional blister pack and another is the pouch. In a typical blister pack, a thermoforming technique is used to fabricate a plastic shell containing individual blisters or a tray of blisters for holding small consumable items. A backing sheet, generally comprising a foil material, is affixed to the back of the shell, thereby enclosing at least one item in a corresponding blister. To release an item from a blister, a user applies pressure to a blister forcing the item to rupture the backing sheet. The blister pack or a tray including items is often inserted within an outer sleeve for safely storing and protecting the items therein. The outer sleeve often includes child-resistant features, such as, locking mechanisms that are configured to releasably remove the blister pack or tray from the sleeve. A drawback of the conventional blister package is that when the blister pack or tray is lockably removed from the outer sleeve, the entire contents of the package is exposed, making all of the items available at once. Similar drawbacks exist with other types of packets. 
         [0003]    Alternative dispensing containers have been designed for dispensing one or more packets. These conventional dispensing containers generally comprise a container including a chamber, a release slot, and a plurality of releasably attached packets that are folded or rolled and housed within the dispensing container. A packet is accessed by slideably removing the blister from the release slot. Generally, these dispensing containers are relatively expensive to manufacture because the containers generally include a plurality of complex parts that require additional time to manufacture and assemble. A further disadvantage of some dispensing containers is that they do not include child-resistant safety features. The packets can be continuously removed from the dispensing container and as a result, a child may continuously pull on the length of attached packets to gain access to all the packets at once. 
         [0004]    It is desirable that packages holding consumable goods, such as pills or medicines packaged in packets, include child-resistant features that limit the amount of items being dispensed at one time. It is further desirable that the package be senior friendly to permit easy withdrawal of the package contents. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there remains in the art a need for a dispensing container that is inexpensive, light-weight, simple and easy to manufacture and assemble, and includes child-resistant safety features that require multiple coordinated motions for dispensing in a regulated manner. There is also a need for an apparatus that is senior friendly to permit easy withdrawal of the package contents with little manipulation, even if the user&#39;s manual dexterity or strength is reduced. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the known art and the problems that remain unsolved by providing a dispensing container including a thumb notch that engages one edge of a blister for preventing one or more blisters from being withdrawn from the container. The thumb notch is detachably removed from the top of the dispensing container to expose one edge of a blister. 
         [0007]    In another aspect, there is provided a dispensing container that meets the needs for child-resistance and senior friendliness by providing a dispensing container including a resilient panel and a blister aperture for receiving at least one blister of a blister strip. The resilient panel correspondingly aligns underneath the blister aperture to bias a blister through the blister aperture. An attempt to remove a blister from the dispensing container directs a blister to engage with an edge of the blister aperture, thereby frustrating the removal of the blister from the dispensing container. The blister strip includes a plurality of blisters including at least one item, each blister being connected to each other along a tear line for easily severing a blister from the blister strip. The blister strip is folded into an accordion and inserted within the dispensing container allowing a greater amount of blisters to be stored within the dispensing container, thereby utilizing less space. Pressure is applied to side panels of the dispensing container and a user simultaneously grasps and pulls the blister strip to sequentially dispense at least one blister at a time. The dispensing container includes security features which mandate the necessary coordination and combination of simultaneous actions by a user for removing at least one blister at a time. 
         [0008]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a dispensing container comprising: a plurality of tabs and a plurality of panels operatively connected to each other to form a dispensing container, where a first panel includes a blister aperture, and where a second panel includes a thumb notch, a resilient panel and a third panel. The panels are foldably oriented so that the first panel is folded over the second panel so that the resilient panel correspondingly aligns with the blister aperture. 
         [0009]    The dispensing container further includes a blister strip comprising a plurality of serially attached blisters where at least one blister contains at least one item, and where the blister strip is inserted between the first panel and the second panel so that one edge of a blister releasably engages with the thumb notch. The resilient panel biases the at least one blister through the blister aperture. 
         [0010]    Advantageously, the blister strip is folded into an accordion and housed within the dispensing container. At least one panel includes an access notch for easily grasping and pulling a blister from the dispensing container. 
         [0011]    Regarding the embodiments described herein, as well as those covered by the claims, the dispensing container may or may not be at least partially laminated to provide tear resistance and may be constructed of a cardboard, paperboard, plastic, or tear-resistant paperboard material. In addition, the dispensing container may be configured to include a variety of shapes and sizes and may or may not be reusable. Further, alternative package embodiments may or may not include information that is printed on any surface of the dispensing container or the blister strip, or both. Alternatively, the dispensing container may include an external panel with a pocket for housing or accommodating an insert comprising information. An example of the information may include dosage or product information, compliance instructions, coupons, promotional material, date; time, or any other information. 
         [0012]    The invention includes a method of packaging items. In one embodiment the first step is cutting a blank from a substrate material, the blank comprising a plurality of tabs, and a plurality of panels operatively connected to each other; and wherein a first panel includes a blister aperture; and further wherein a second panel includes a thumb notch, a resilient panel and a third panel. The blank is then folded to form a dispensing container. A first panel is folded over the second panel so that the resilient panel correspondingly aligns with the blister aperture. The next step is forming a blister strip including a plurality of serially attached blisters and loading at least one item into at least one blister. 
         [0013]    The method of packaging also includes inserting the blister strip between the first panel and the second panel where at least one blister extends through the blister aperture and one edge of the blister releasably engages with the thumb notch for preventing access to the at least one blister. A further step includes folding the blister strip into an accordion and housing the accordion folded blister strip within the dispensing container. 
         [0014]    Another embodiment, of the present invention, includes a method of dispensing at least one item from a dispensing container. The first step is folding a blister strip including a plurality of serially attached blisters into an accordion where at least one blister holds at least one item. A further step includes sealing the accordion folded blister strip into the dispensing container where one edge of a blister releasably engages with a thumb notch. The next step is removing the thumb notch from the dispensing container, along perforated scores, for exposing one edge of a blister. A first access step includes applying pressure on a plurality of panels of the dispensing container so that a first panel bows upwardly for allowing a blister to clear an edge of a blister aperture formed within the first panel. A next access step includes simultaneously grasping and pulling at least one blister from the dispensing container and tearing the at least first blister along a tear line. The access steps are repeated for sequentially dispensing at least one blister at a time. 
         [0015]    Optionally, the dispensing container may include indicators or indicia which may be printed on or formed within one or more of a plurality of panels for indicating to a user the location and/or direction a user should apply pressure on the dispensing container for withdrawing at least one blister from the dispensing container. Further, the dispensing container or blister strip may or may not include an indicator for indicating to a user when its time to consider replacing the container with additional blisters. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a dispensing container blank, according to the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the partially erected blank of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a packet blank, according to the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of a folded packet strip being inserted within the dispensing container, according to the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the dispensing container of  FIG. 3  including a thumb notch for releasably securing the packet strip therein, according to the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the dispensing container of  FIG. 5  including the partially removed thumb notch, according to the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 7 and 8  show perspective views of the dispensing container of  FIG. 6 , according to the present invention, showing a sequence of steps for dispensing one packet at a time. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an alternative dispensing container blank, according to the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the partially erected blank of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the further erected blank of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the further erected blank of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the exemplary dispenser erected from the blank of  FIG. 9 , according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    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. 
         [0029]    Further, it will be understood that the present invention is applicable to the packaging, storing, and dispensing of various items or products. Accordingly, the terms, “item” or “product” as used herein includes all manner of small and portable items or products that are prepackaged or otherwise releasably attached that a user may wish to keep secure and dispense in a regulated manner. 
         [0030]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers represent like elements throughout,  FIG. 1  is a plan view of an exemplary blank  10  for forming an embodiment of a dispensing container  12 , best shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Here, the illustrated blank  10  comprises an extension or glue panel  14 , an inner panel  16 , an inner side panel  18 , a bottom panel  20 , a first side panel  22 , a top panel  24  and a second side panel  26 . The panels  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 , and  26  are hingedly connected along fold lines  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38 , respectively. 
         [0031]    The inner panel  16  is also hingedly connected to a first inner extension panel  40  and a second inner extension panel  42  along fold lines  44  and  46 , respectively. The second inner extension panel  42  is severed from the inner side panel  18  along cut line  43 . A first inner tab  48  and a second inner tab  60  are hingedly connected to the first inner extension panel  40  and the second inner extension panel  42  along fold lines  52  and  54 , respectively. The inner panel  16  further includes a thumb notch  56  comprising a stop tab  59  that is defined by a full depth cut  60  and fold line  62 . Thumb notch  56  is further defined by a frangible or severance line  58  for detachably removing the thumb notch  56 . The inner panel  16  includes a feed aperture  64  that is defined by a full depth cut  66 . Extending laterally from both sides of the feed aperture  64  are fold lines  69 . 
         [0032]    Each side panel  22 ,  26  includes a dust cover tab or top end tabs  70 ,  72  and a bottom end panel  74 ,  76  that are hingedly connected along fold lines  78 ,  80 ,  82  and  84 , respectively. Each dust cover tab  70 ,  72  in the illustrated embodiment includes a recess  86  and  88 , respectively. 
         [0033]    Top panel  24  includes an access notch  90  that, here, correspondingly aligns with a blister aperture  92 . As illustrated, blister aperture  92  extends completely through top panel  24 . In alternative embodiments there is no blister aperture  92 . The top panel  24  further includes a bottom extension panel  94 . The bottom extension panel  94  is hingedly connected to the top panel  24  along fold line  100  and includes a bottom tab  102  that is hingedly connected along fold line  104 . 
         [0034]    The blank  10  may comprise paperboard, cardboard, plastic, tear-resistant paperboard or any combination thereof. The selection of this material may be made according to the packaging needs. At least a part of one or both side of the blank  10  may be laminated with a stiffing agent, such as a polymer film. In this manner, the exterior surface of the dispensing container is made more resistant to tearing. Optionally, this lamination may not extend over the entire surface of the blank  10  since only tear prone regions may require lamination. In certain embodiments, the material may be selected from biaxially oriented or cross-laminated polymetric films such as a high density polyethylene, polyolefins, polyesters or any combination thereof. In other embodiments, the lamination may be provided at stress points such as the package corners and exposed edges by applying one or more strips of the polymeric film, e.g. as a tape, over these areas. 
         [0035]    Turning now to the erection of the blank  10 ,  FIG. 2  represents a substantially erected dispensing container  12  as described immediately below. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the particular sequence of folds discussed below are neither limiting nor the only sequence of folds possible to erect the dispensing container  12  from the blank  10 . With reference to both  FIGS. 1 and 2 , extension panel  14  is folded inwardly, that is, toward the reader along fold line  28 . The inner panel  16 , inner side panel  18 , and bottom panel  20  are also folded inwardly along fold lines  30 ,  32 , and  34 , respectively. The back of extension panel  14  is then attached to the face of the first side panel  22  along the fold line  36 , such that the fold lines  28 ,  36  are adjacent and parallel. The top panel  24  and the second side panel  26  are then folded inwardly along the remaining fold lines  36 ,  38  so that the faces of the top panel  24  and second side panel  26  can be attached to the backs of inner panel  16  and inner side panel  18 . The panels may be attached using any suitable means for attaching including adhesive, interlocking panels, and mechanical fasteners, as understood by those skilled in the art. 
         [0036]    Continuing the folding sequence of the illustrated dispensing container  12 , the top dust covers  70 ,  72  are folded downwardly along fold lines  78 ,  80  and oriented in a general horizontal position thereby closing the void and partially forming the top end wall of dispensing container  12 . The first inner extension panel  40  and the first inner tab  48  are likewise folded downwardly along fold lines  44  and  52 , respectively. The first inner tab  48  is inserted within a recess defined by the edges of dust covers  70 ,  72  and a lateral top edge of bottom panel  20 . Here, recesses  86  and  88  combine to form a semi-circular arch that correspondingly aligns with the semi-circular arch of thumb notch  56 . The first inner extension panel  40 , or the first inner tab  48 , or both, may be adhesively attached to tabs  70 ,  72  or to the inner surface of bottom panel  20 . 
         [0037]    When erected, the back of the inner panel  16  rests against the face of the top panel  24  so that the feed aperture  64  is under the blister aperture  92 . The inner panel  16  and the top panel  24  combine to form a channel  55  for slideably receiving a blister strip  108 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Before continuing with a description of the erecting of the dispenser  12 , we turn to a description of the exemplary packet strip  108 . 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 3  there is illustrated an embodiment of severably attached packets in the form of a blister strip blank  110 , for forming an embodiment of a blister strip  108 . The blister strip blank  110  comprises a back panel  112  that is hingedly connected to a front panel  114  along a longitudinal fold line  116 . The front panel  114  includes a plurality of front sections  118  that are severably connected to each other along tear lines  120 . Each front section  118  includes at least one aperture  122  for receiving an item-containing blister  124 , best shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0039]    Continuing with  FIG. 3 , the back panel  112  includes a plurality of back sections  126  that are severably connected to each other along tear lines  128 . As shown, each back section  126  correspondingly aligns with the aperture  122  of the adjacent front section  118  along the fold line  116 . Each back section  126  includes at least one dispensing aperture  130  that is defined by a plurality of perforated scores  132  formed within the substrate of back panel  112 . Tear lines  120  and  128  combine to form a frangible line  129 , best illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The width of the blister strip  108  is slightly smaller than the width of the feed aperture  64  so that the blister strips  108  can removably slide within dispensing container  12  and through the channel  55 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
         [0040]    Turning now to the configuration of the blister strip  108 , one or more blisters  124  are disposed between a corresponding front section  118  and a corresponding back section  126 . The one or more blisters  124  hold at least one or more items  121 . Each blister  124  extends through a corresponding aperture  122 . The back panel  112  is folded along fold line  116  and securely attached to the front panel  118 . At least one blister  124  is securely sandwiched between a corresponding back section  126  and front section  118 . The blister strip blank  110  may be fabricated from paperboard, cardboard, plastic, tear-resistant paperboard or any combination thereof, and the like. Each blister  124  may be transparent for allowing a viewer to easily identify the item disposed within the blister  124  or opaque for preventing a viewer from seeing the contents therein. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments the severably attached packets are folded and inserted within the dispenser  12 , while in other embodiments the packets are rolled and inserted within the dispenser  12 . 
         [0042]    Turning now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , in loading the illustrated rolled or folded severably detached packets into the dispenser  12 , the packets are inserted through the open end and the first packet or a leader of some kind is threaded through the back of the feed aperture  64  and placed so that the leading edge of the first packet or leader rests immediately below the thumb notch  56 . The inner extension panel  42  and the bottom extension panel  94  can now be folded to form the bottom end wall and line the container  12 . 
         [0043]    Regarding those embodiments that are loaded with a blister strip and include a blister aperture  92 , the blister strip may be loaded outwardly such that a blister  124  is captured by the aperture  92 , as best shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Regarding those embodiments without a blister aperture, the blister strip may be loaded inwardly such that a blister  124  is captured by the feed aperture  64 . Capturing a blister  124  with either the blister aperture  92  or feed aperture  64  creates a child resistant feature as explained below. In all embodiments, it is recommended that in loading the packets the leading portion or first edge  107 , after being threaded through the aperture  64  and between the inner panel  16  and top panel  24 , be positioned so that it is accessible after removing the thumb notch  56 , as also explained immediately below. 
         [0044]    Turning now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , thumb notch  56  is detached along the severance lines  58 ,  60  thereby exposing an edge  107  of a blister  124 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Thumb notch  56  may comprise any shape or size and is aligned in combination with recesses  86 ,  88 , and access notch  90  to form an access area for grasping and pulling a blister  124  from the dispensing container  12 . In some embodiments where the blisters are loaded to face outwardly, an attempt to pull a blister  124  from the dispensing container  12  is frustrated by the blister  124  engaging with the edge of the blister aperture  92 . Therefore, even if thumb notch  56  is torn open, removed or compromised, engagement of a blister  124  with the edge of the blister aperture  92  provides a child-resistant feature that prevents a child from gaining immediate access to the items  121 . Thus, thumb notch  56  and blister aperture  92  cooperate to provide a child-resistant feature. In other embodiments where the blisters are loaded to face inwardly an attempt to pull a blister  124  from the dispensing container  12  is frustrated by the blister  124  engaging the edge of the feed aperture  64 . Thus, thumb notch  56  and feed aperture  64  cooperate to provide a child-resistant feature. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8  there is illustrated of a dispensing container  12 , according to the present invention, showing a sequence of one method for dispensing at least one blister  124 . To remove a blister  124  from the dispensing container  12 , a user, using a finger and thumb of one hand, applies pressure along the first and second side panels  22 ,  26 , near top edges  23 ,  25  of top panel  24 . The applied pressure forces the top panel  24  to bow upwardly so that the blister  124  disengages with or clears the circumferential edge of the blister aperture  92 . As pressure is being applied, the user simultaneously grasps a blister  124 , using a finger and thumb of the other hand, via, access notch  90 , and pulls the blister  124  outwards from dispensing container  12 . As one blister  124  slides out of the dispensing container  12 , a second, severably attached blister  124  moves forward. Another method for disengaging the blister  124  is to push inwardly on the face of the blister  124  until it is below the edge of the blister aperture  92 . In those embodiments where the blisters  124  engage the feed aperture  64 , the user inserts a finger through the thumb notch  56  to press the face of the blister  124  inwardly toward the top panel  24  while grasping the edge  107  or blister  124  and lifting or pulling the blister through the thumb notch  56 . 
         [0046]    The exposed blister  124  may then be severed or detached along a tear line  129 . To remove an item  121  from the separated blister  124 , pressure is applied to the blister  124  forcing the item  121  to tear the protective backing, as is well understood. The dispensing container  12  may or may not include a tear guide or blade that is connected to one of the panels  16  or  24  to help tear the blister  124  along the tear line  129 . Further, the dispensing container may or may not be transparent and may be reusable or disposable. 
         [0047]    Next, and with reference to  FIGS. 9-13 , there is illustrated a second embodiment of the present invention. Because the first illustrated embodiment shares many common elements with the second illustrated embodiment, the common elements that appear in the second embodiment have been labeled with the same element numbers as the first illustrated embodiment except that the prefix “2” or “3” has been inserted. For example, the bottom panel  20  first shown in  FIG. 1  is substantially the same element as bottom panel  220  first shown in  FIG. 9  so both panels have in common the initial element designation of “20”. Use of this numbering convention should allow a quick and ready understanding of the second embodiment without unnecessary repetition of the teaching above. 
         [0048]    Turning now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a plan view of an exemplary blank  210  for forming an embodiment of a dispensing container  212 , best shown in  FIG. 13 . Here the illustrated blank  210  comprises an extension or glue panel  214 , an inner panel  216  including an inner wall section  217  and top wall section  219 , a bottom panel  220 , a first side panel  222 , a top panel  224 , and a second side panel  226 . The panels  214 ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 ,  226  and  216  are hingedly connected along fold lines  228 ,  230 ,  232 ,  234  and  236 , respectively. The inner wall section  217  is hingedly connected to the inner panel  216  along a first fold line  237  and along a second fold line  239  to the top wall section  219  that also includes a receiving notch  221 . 
         [0049]    The bottom panel  220  is hingedly attached to an outer end wall panel  240  along a receiving notch  241  and a fold line  244 , which in turn is hingedly connected to an inner end wall panel  248  along a fold line  246 . An engaging tab  249  is located at the distal edge of the inner end wall panel  248 . The top panel  224  is hingedly attached to a removable top wall  225  along a severance line  262  and includes a removable thumb notch  256 . Adjacent to the top wall  225  and top panel  224  are removed sections  223 . An engaging tab  250  is positioned along the top wall  225 . At the opposite end of the top panel  224  is foldably attached a bottom wall tab  294  along a fold line  300 , and to the bottom wall tab  294  is foldably attached a bottom tab  302 . The side panels  222 ,  226  are each hingedly connected to top dust cover tabs  270 ,  272  and bottom dust cover tabs  274 ,  276 , along respective fold lines  278 ,  280 ,  282 ,  284 . The inner panel  216  further includes an access notch  290 , positioned to span both the inner wall section  217  and top wall section  219 . 
         [0050]    Turning now to an exemplary sequence for erecting the illustrated dispenser  212  from the illustrated blank  210 , the inner panel  216  is folded and positioned substantially parallel to the top panel  224 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Note that in  FIG. 11  the inner wall section  217  has been folded inwardly such that the fold line  239  contacts the top panel  224  and forms an angled inner wall. Subsequently, the bottom panel  220  is folded and positioned to overlap the inner panel  216  and the glue panel  214  is attached to the side panel  226  to form a tubular carton. At this time or later, the severably attached packets  108  can be loaded into the cavity created by the opposing side walls  222 ,  226  and opposing inner panel  216  and top panel  224 , and the leading edge  107  of the first packet can be threaded between the fold line  239  and top panel  224 . Thereafter, the end can be closed by folding the bottom dust cover tabs  274 ,  276  and bottom wall tab  294  and bottom tab  302 . 
         [0051]    Turning now to  FIG. 12 , there is shown the top wall section  219  folded such that the respective receiving notches  221 ,  241  are immediately adjacent and positioned to collectively receive the respective engaging tabs  249 ,  259 . This configuration of an angled inner wall section  217  and angled top wall section  219  urges the common edge, identified by the fold line  239 , against the inside of the top panel  224  to hamper or otherwise restrict the withdrawal of a packet from the dispenser  212 . The removable top wall  225  is then folded over the top wall section  219  and the engaging tab  259  is inserted in the receiving notch  241  so as to also matingly engage the receiving notch  221 . 
         [0052]    With reference now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the top end wall is completed and the dispenser  212  completely erected by folding the top dust tabs  270 ,  272  inwardly and then the outer end wall panel  240  downwardly to cover the dust tabs  270 ,  272 . Thereafter, the inner end wall panel  248  is folded under the dust tabs  270 ,  272  and the engaging tab  249  inserted into the receiving notch  241  together with the removable top wall engaging tab  259 . 
         [0053]    In practice, a user accesses the contents of the dispenser  212  by severing the thumb notch  256  and pulling off the removable top wall  225  to expose the leading edge  107  of a packet  124  captured between the folded edge  239  and top panel  224 . In some embodiments the top wall  225  can be configured to remain as an additional impediment to access. The amount of lateral force exerted by the folded edge  239  against the packet  124  is largely determined by the pressure exerted by the folded inner wall section  217  and top wall section  219 . Removing a packet  124  requires the user to insert a finger or tool through the narrow access notch  290 , grasp the small amount of exposed packet  124 —typically, but not necessarily, between a finger positioned through the access notch  290  and a thumb position over the thumb notch  256 , and pull the packet  124  with sufficient force to overcome the lateral pressure exerted by the folded edge  239  without allowing the packet  124  to slip. This combination of lateral pressure against the packet  124  and narrow access cooperate to provide a child-resistant feature 
         [0054]    As taught by the illustrated embodiments, the child-resistant features include coordinated motions to overcome the restricted dispensing of packets. Some embodiments include restricting access by capturing packets between adjacent panels and engaging a blister packet from a feed aperture  64  or blister aperture  92  while simultaneously pulling a blister  124  from the dispensing container  12  for sequentially dispensing one blister  124  at a time, while other embodiments include restricting access by capturing packets between adjacent panels that apply an external force—without fully engaging an adjacent packet—which frustrates removal of the packet from the dispenser  12 . Other embodiments include combinations of these features. 
         [0055]    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.