Patent Publication Number: US-7900772-B2

Title: Child-resistant, senior-friendly unit dose container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 USC §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/182,812, filed Jun. 1, 2009. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a container, or package, for containing and storing items, such as tablets, doses of medicine, or the like, that can be dispensed therefrom, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a compact package that includes a molded plastic outer sleeve for housing one or more blister cards and that provides child-resistant, senior-friendly dispensing properties. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,581,642 B2 issued to Knutson et al. and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2009/0045096 A1 of Knutson et al. and 2009/0178948 A1 of Reilley et al. are assigned to Anderson Packaging, Inc., the assignee of the present application, and disclose examples of packages including a molded plastic sleeve and blister card combination that provides child-resistant, senior-friendly dispensing properties. Other examples of packages are disclosed by U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2007/0102318 A1 and 2005/0183981 A1. 
     Although the packages disclosed by the above referenced patent and published applications are suitable for their intended purposes, there is a need for alternate designs of such packages that are of novel construction and that are difficult for a young child to open (i.e. receive a so-called “F=1” child resistant rating), yet can readily be opened and closed by an intended end-user, such as a senior citizen. Preferably, the package includes a molded plastic container body or sleeve for storing a blister card, tray or the like on which numerous items, such as tablets, doses of medicine, or the like, are individually secured in blister compartments. The blister card should be able to be slid between a retracted position in which the items are protected and housed within the package and a dispensing position in which the blister card at least partially extends in an exposed condition from the package. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention, a package including a blister card and a hollow plastic sleeve having child-resistant, senior-friendly dispensing properties is provided for storing and dispensing tablets or like small individual items. The blister card includes a card section having a plurality of blister compartments for holding the tablets or like items, and the sleeve includes an opposed pair of side edges and at least one dispensing end. The sleeve provides a compact protective housing for the blister card when the blister card is in a storage position within the sleeve, and the blister card is retained in a stable manner within the sleeve and is only capable of sliding type-movement relative to the sleeve in an end-to-end direction. This sliding movement is between the storage position and a dispensing position in which a proximal end of the card section extends outside the sleeve to expose some or all of the blister compartments. 
     According to this embodiment of the present invention, the plastic sleeve is formed from separate first and second opposed molded body sections that are substantially identical. For instance, the first and second body sections can be completely identical having been manufactured from the same mold or from identical molds. The combination of the blister card and sleeve provides a plurality of latches and latch-catchers that cooperate to automatically lock and retain the blister card in the storage position when the blister card is slid within the sleeve to the storage position. 
     The opposed pair of side edges of the sleeve includes a pair of opposed resiliently-depressible tabs for unlatching the latches from the latch-catchers when the pair of opposed tabs are simultaneously depressed toward one another. One of the pair of opposed resiliently-depressible tabs is formed integral with the first body section and the other of the pair of opposed resiliently-depressible tabs is formed integral with the second body section, and both of the resiliently-depressible tabs must be simultaneously depressed to permit the blister card to slide relative to the sleeve from the storage to a dispensing position. Preferably, but not by way of limitation, the side edges and the pair of opposed depressible tabs are spaced apart by 2 inches (5.1 cm) or more, whereby the pair of opposed depressible tabs are difficult to simultaneously depress by a single small hand of a young child due to the spacing thereby enhancing the child-resistance property of the package. 
     In one particular contemplated version of the present invention, the above referenced sleeve is adapted to house a single blister card. According to this embodiment, the sleeve includes a pair of latches that extend in opposite directions toward opposite faces of the blister card from an opposed pair of wall panels (i.e., upper and lower) of the sleeve, and when the blister card is in the storage position, the blister card includes a pair of latch-catchers for cooperatively engaging and catching the oppositely-extending latches to automatically lock the blister card in the storage position within the sleeve. Each of the opposed depressible tabs in the side edges of the sleeve has an arm with an oppositely tapered surface extending within the sleeve transverse to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve. Accordingly, when each of the opposed tabs is depressed, each of the oppositely tapered surfaces of the arms engages and flexes the card section of the blister card in an opposite direction such that an adjacent one of the latches is released from an adjacent one of the latch-catchers. Thus, each one of the arms flexes the card section in an opposite direction relative to the opposed arm of the opposed tab since the latches themselves extend in opposite directions toward the card. For instance, one corner of the card section is flexed upwardly out of engagement with a latch extending from below the blister card, and an opposite corner of the card section is flexed downwardly out of engagement with the opposite latch extending from above the blister card. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve can house two or more separate blister cards. In this embodiment, the hollow plastic sleeve has an opposed pair of wall panels, an opposed pair of side edges, and an opposed pair of open dispensing ends. One of the blister cards is slidable relative to the sleeve to a dispensing position through one of the opposed pair of dispensing ends of the sleeve and another one of the blister cards is slidable relative to the sleeve to a dispensing position through an opposite one of the opposed pair of dispensing ends of the sleeve. 
     This multi-blister card package can further include a divider panel positioned between the blister cards within the sleeve. For instance, a pair of blister cards can be disposed back-to-back within the sleeve with the divider panel sandwiched therebetween. The sleeve of this package can include a separate set of latches for each one of the blister cards. Thus, each of the blister cards can include a corresponding set of latch-catchers for cooperatively engaging and catching its corresponding set of latches when the blister card is in a storage position to automatically lock the blister card in the storage position within the sleeve, and the opposed pair of side edges of the sleeve can include separate sets of opposed resiliently-depressible tabs. One set of tabs is used to unlatch said latches from the latch-catchers of one of the blister cards, and the other set of tabs is used to unlatch the latches from the latch-catchers of the other one of the blister cards. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a one-piece, molded plastic body section, or half, is provided. The body section can be assembled with a like body section to form a hollow plastic sleeve for housing one or more blister cards having a plurality of blister compartments. The body section can include a major wall panel of slightly greater dimensions in plan as compared to that of the blister card such that the wall panel can cover and shield a front or rear face of the blister card. Sidewalls project from opposite sides of a face of the wall panel, and at least one of said sidewalls includes an integrally-formed, resilient, depressible tab. The body section can also include a pair of spines or support rails projecting from the face of the wall panel a spaced distance from the sidewalls and extending in a direction along the sidewalls. A latch projects from the face of the wall panel adjacent the tab and preferably between one of the sidewalls and one of the support rails. A stop or the like can project from the face of the wall panel at a dispensing end and/or at the end of the sleeve opposite the dispensing end. 
     According to yet a still further aspect of the present invention, a method of assembling the above referenced package is provided. The method includes molding a plurality of identical plastic body sections and assembling together any two of the body sections to form a hollow sleeve having at least one dispensing end. After assembling the container body or sleeve, the method includes the step of loading at least one blister card into the sleeve by inserting the blister card into the dispensing end and sliding the blister card in an end-to-end direction into the sleeve to a storage position where it automatically becomes locked within the sleeve. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention should become apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view of a first embodiment of a package including a sleeve with a blister card retained in a storage position according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the package of  FIG. 1  with the blister card partially extended from the sleeve; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the package of  FIG. 1  showing the respective alignment of the opposed body sections of the sleeve and the blister card therebetween; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 1  along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  in which the blister card is in the storage position; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 1  similar to the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 4  except that  FIG. 5  shows the unlocking tabs on the opposite side edges of the sleeve in a depressed condition required to unlock the blister card from the sleeve; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 1  along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 1  in which the blister card is in the storage position; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 1  similar to the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 6  except that  FIG. 7  shows the blister card in a dispensing position fully extended from the sleeve; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged perspective view of a rear corner of one of the body sections of the sleeve of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is perspective view of a second embodiment of a package including a sleeve with a blister card retained in a storage position according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the package of  FIG. 9  with the blister card partially extended from the sleeve; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the package of  FIG. 9  showing the respective alignment of the opposed body sections of the sleeve and the blister card therebetween; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 9  along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 9  in which the blister card is in the storage position; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 9  similar to the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 12  except that  FIG. 13  shows the unlocking tabs on the opposite side edges of the sleeve in a depressed condition required to unlock the blister card from the sleeve; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 9  along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 9  in which the blister card is in the storage position; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 9  similar to the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 14  except that  FIG. 15  shows the blister card in a dispensing position fully extended from the sleeve; 
         FIG. 16  is perspective view of a third embodiment of a package including a sleeve with a blister card retained in a storage position according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view of the package of  FIG. 16  showing the respective alignment of the opposed body sections of the sleeve and the blister card therebetween; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 16  along line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 16  in which the blister card is in the storage position; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 16  similar to the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 18  except that  FIG. 19  shows the unlocking tabs on the opposite side edges of the sleeve in a depressed condition required to unlock the blister card from the sleeve; 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 16  along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 16  in which the blister card is in the storage position; 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 16  similar to the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 20  except that  FIG. 21  shows the blister card in a dispensing position fully extended from the sleeve; 
         FIG. 22  is perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a package including a sleeve with a blister card retained in a storage position according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is perspective view of the package of  FIG. 22  in which both blister cards are shown in fully-extended dispensing positions; 
         FIG. 24  is an exploded view of the package of  FIG. 22  showing the respective alignment of the opposed body sections of the sleeve, a divider panel, and the pair of blister cards when both blister cards are in storage positions; 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 22  along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 22  in which both blister cards are in the storage position; 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 22  similar to the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 24  except that  FIG. 25  shows the unlocking tabs on the opposite side edges of the sleeve in a depressed condition required to unlock the upper blister card as shown in the drawing from the sleeve; 
         FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 22  along line  27 - 27  of  FIG. 22  assuming both blister cards are in the storage position; 
         FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 22  similar to the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 26  except that  FIG. 27  shows the unlocking tabs on the opposite side edges of the sleeve in a depressed condition required to unlock the lower blister card as shown in the drawing from the sleeve; 
         FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 22  along line  29 - 29  of  FIG. 22  in which the blister cards are in the storage position; and 
         FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 23  along line  30 - 30  of  FIG. 23  in which both blister cards are in a dispensing position fully extended from the sleeve. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to the structure of packages comprising one or more separate blister cards contained within a protective plastic sleeve. The present invention is also directed to a one-piece, injection-molded, plastic body section, or half, that can be assembled with a like body section to form a hollow plastic sleeve for housing one or more blister cards. The present invention is further directed to a method of assembling such a package. Various embodiments are disclosed herein and various alterations can be made to the embodiments within the scope of the present invention. 
     Turning to a first embodiment of such a package, package  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8  and is assembled from a single blister card  12  and a pair of identical body sections,  14  and  16 , that when joined together form a hollow sleeve  18  for housing the single blister card  12 . As an example, the body sections  14  and  16  can be made of plastic, such as polypropylene or like thermoplastic material, and can be formed, for instance, by injection molding or like plastic molding technique. 
     The purpose of the sleeve  18  is to form a protective compact case for housing the blister card  12 . This particular embodiment of the sleeve  18  includes opposite major wall panels  20  and  22 , opposite side edges  24  and  26 , and a single dispensing end  28 . The blister card  12  is initially loaded into the sleeve  18  via insertion into the dispensing end  28  and by sliding the blister card  12  in an end-to-end direction into the sleeve  18  to a storage position best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  4  and  6 . In the storage position, the blister card  12  is held in a substantially stationary position relative to the sleeve  18  and very little movement of the blister card  12  relative to the compact sleeve  18  is permitted. An alternative manner of loading the blister card  12  includes positioning the blister card  12  into one of the body sections,  14  or  16 , before the body sections  14  and  16  are secured together. 
     For reasons explained in greater detail below, the blister card  12  automatically becomes locked in the storage position when it is fully inserted within the sleeve  18 , and thereafter, a user is required to perform multiple simultaneous actions to free the blister card  12  from the storage position to enable the blister card  12  to slide relative to the sleeve  18  to a dispensing position. The above referenced multiple simultaneous actions are of a type not readily accomplished by a young child but that can readily be performed by intended users, such as adults. 
     A dispensing position of the card blister  12  relative to the sleeve  18  is best illustrated in  FIG. 2  of the present application and enables access to at least some of the items carried by the blister card  12 . If desired, the blister card  12  can be slid to a fully-extended dispensing position as best illustrated in  FIG. 7 . In the dispensing position, the blister card  12  partially extends through the dispensing end  28  of the sleeve  18  and is not fully separated from the sleeve  18 . Rather, in the fully-extended dispensing position illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a distal end  30  of the blister card  12  remains captured within the sleeve  18  to tether the blister card  12  to the sleeve  18 . 
     The blister card  12  is slid into the sleeve  18  to the storage position from the dispensing position by being pushed into the sleeve  18 . The blister card  12  automatically becomes locked in the storage position and thereafter cannot be slid to the dispensing position until the above referenced multiple simultaneous actions are again performed. The above described operations permit the package  10  to have child-resistant properties sufficient for a so-called F=1 child resistant rating, yet still is able to be readily opened by an intended user during the entire life of the package  10 . The package  10  can be adapted for use as a unit dose package. 
     Turning first to the structure of the blister card  12 , it will typically have a thin sheet-like card section  32  with a plurality of blister compartments  34  projecting from a top face  36  of the card section  38 . See  FIG. 3 . By way of example, the blister card  12  can be made of a transparent plastic tray defining a plurality of separate upstanding blister compartments  34  and have a foil backing  38  forming an underside  40  of the blister card  12  for sealing the pills, tablets or like items within the blister compartments  34 . To dispense an item from the blister card  12 , downward-directed finger pressure is applied to the blister compartment  34  to cause the stored item to break through the foil backing  38  and be released from the blister card  12 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the card section  32  is generally rectangular in plan view having a predetermined length “L” and width “W”. Of course, the card section  32  can be of other shapes in plan view. The blister compartments  34  project a predetermined height “H” from the upper face  36  of the card section  32 . The card section  32  includes a front margin  42  adjacent a leading front edge  44  of the blister card  12 , a rear margin  46  adjacent the distal end  30  of the blister card  12 , and a pair of side margins,  48  and  50 , extending lengthwise along the opposite sides of the blister card  12 . No blister compartments  34  are located within any of the front, rear and side margins  42 ,  46 ,  48  and  50 . 
     A further structural feature of the blister card  12  is the presence of a pair of latch catchers, or locking cavities,  52  and  54 , with one being provided in each corner,  56  and  58 , of the distal end  30  of the blister card  12 . Each locking cavity,  52  and  54 , extends within the rear margin  46  and one of the side margins,  48  and  50 , of the card section  32  of the blister card  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the locking cavities  52  and  54  are shown as apertures; however, they can also be provided as slots, notches, depressions, receptacles, bent edges, upstanding formations, or like elements capable of providing an opening with a free edge for receiving and catching a latch. For example, an extra blister compartment can be formed on the distal end of the blister card and provide the necessary latch-catching structure, or a part of the blister card can be bent or otherwise formed to provide the latch-catching structure. Further, a separately-manufactured element can be added onto and secured to the distal end of the blister card to provide a latch-catcher. 
     As will be explained in greater detail, the latch-catching locking cavities,  52  and  54 , can be used to serve a dual function of forming both a part of the mechanism used to lock the blister card  12  in the storage position (see  FIGS. 4 and 6 ) within the sleeve  18  and a part of the mechanism used to prevent full separation of the blister card  12  from the sleeve  18  in the fully-extending dispensing position (see  FIG. 7 ). Alternatively, the locking cavities,  52  and  54 , can provide only one of the above referenced functions with a different structural element of the blister card providing the other function. 
     The compact sleeve  18  can be flat and generally rectangular, as best illustrated in  FIG. 1 , having upper and lower major wall panels,  20  and  22 , preferably of dimensions that are only slightly greater than the length “L” and width “W” of the blister card  12 . Of course, other wall shapes can also be used provided that the walls can function as a protective case for the blister card  12 . 
     The dispensing end  28  of the sleeve  18  defines a slot-shaped dispensing opening through which the blister card  12  can be slid between retracted (storage) and extended (dispensing) positions relative to the sleeve  18 . The sleeve  18  has an end  60  opposite the dispensing end  28  that can be closed, partially closed or open depending upon design and a pair of side edges,  24  and  26 , which can define a height, or thickness, “T” of the slot-shaped opening of the dispensing end  28  of sleeve  18 . For reasons to be stated, the height “T” of sidewalls  24  and  26  and/or dispending end  28  is preferably equal to approximately slightly more than twice the height “H” of the tallest blister compartment  34  of the blister card  12 . The above referenced configuration enables the blister card  12  to be inserted face up or face down within the sleeve  12 , and since the sleeve  18  is made from identical body sections  14  and  16 , it is able to accommodate the blister card  12  in ether disposition. In addition, the blister compartments  34  of the blister card  12  are completely protected within the sleeve  18  when the blister card  12  is positioned and locked in the storage position. Thus, as best illustrated in  FIG. 1 , only a small portion of the leading front edge  44  of the blister card  12  is exposed and can be engaged and/or gripped by a user. 
     The slot-shaped opening of the dispensing end  28  of the sleeve  18  is sufficiently large only to permit the blister card  12  to slide in an end-to-end direction through the dispensing end  28  parallel to a longitudinal axis “A” of the card section  34  of the blister card  12  and the wall panels  20  and  22  of the sleeve  18 . Thus, the dispensing end  28  provides a slot-like opening and only an end profile of the blister card  12  housed within the container body  18  is viewable when looking into an end of the sleeve  18 . This absence of visual stimulation when the blister card  12  is in the storage position is desirable because it reduces stimulation to a young child to seek access to the contents despite the lack of a cap or like cover. 
     As discussed above, the blister card  12  is prevented from sliding relative to the sleeve  18  when in the locked storage position and thus cannot be accessed. Accordingly, gripping and pulling the exposed leading edge  44  of the blister card  12  by itself does not enable the blister card  12  to be passed through the dispensing end  28  of the sleeve  18 . Rather, the blister card  12  must be pulled simultaneously while a pair of opposed tabs,  62  and  64 , on sidewalls,  24  and  26 , of the sleeve  18  are simultaneously pressed inward, such as between the thumb and finger of one hand of the user. This dual action unlocks the blister card  12  from the sleeve  18  and permits the blister card  12  to slide relative to the sleeve  18  through the dispensing end  28  of the sleeve  18  to a dispensing position. 
     As an added degree of child-resistance, the width “WS” of the sleeve  18  defines the amount of spacing between the opposed tabs,  62  and  64 . Preferably, the width “W” is selected such that the spacing is sufficiently large to make it difficult for a young child having a small hand to be able to simultaneously depress both tabs,  62  and  64 , with a single hand. For example, a width “WS” of 2 inches (5.1 cm) or greater can be selected for this purpose. 
     As discussed above, the sleeve  18  is preferably formed by a pair of body sections,  14  and  16 . See  FIG. 3 . The body sections  14  and  16  are identical and therefore a single or the identical mold cavity, such as an injection mold cavity or the like, can be used to form both sections  14  and  16 . This also simplifies assembly since all sections will be identical and any two sections from a large number of such sections can be mated or otherwise secured together to form the sleeve  18 . Accordingly, it is not necessary to locate a specific top which must be mated to a specific bottom. All sections  14  and  16  are identical and any two can be used to form the sleeve  18 , with there not necessarily being any pre-defined top or pre-defined bottom. 
       FIG. 3  provides an illustration of a pair of identical one-piece integrally-molded plastic body sections  14  and  16 . The body section  14  includes the major wall panel  20 , an end wall section  66  which forms half of an end wall  60  of this particular embodiment of the sleeve  18 , and opposite sidewall sections  68  and  70  which each form parts of the side edges  24  and  26  of the sleeve  18 . The tab  62  is formed as part of the sidewall section  68  while a recess  96  is provided in sidewall  70  providing space for receiving the opposite tab  64  of the body section  16  when the body sections  14  and  16  are joined together. Preferably, a series of integral locking pins  72  and pin receptacles  74  are located along the perimeter of the body section  14  and are used to secure the body sections  14  and  16  together in a press or snap-fit manner (i.e., the pins  72  of one body section being received within the receptacles  74  of the opposite body section). Other means for securing the two body sections together can also be utilized. 
     The body section  14  includes a pair of longitudinally-extending ribs, rails, or spines,  76  and  78 , that extend adjacent the opposite sidewall sections  68  and  70  of the body section  14 . When body sections  14  and  16  are joined together to form the sleeve  18 , a small gap  80  (best illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) is provided between each opposing set of support rails,  76  and  78 . The gaps  80  are sufficient to receive the card section  32  of the blister card  12  therebetween and to permit the blister card  12  to slide relative to the sleeve  18  in a stable manner. Other movement of the card section  32  outside an imaginary plane extending through the gaps  80  is substantially prevented. 
     The support rails,  76  and  78 , support the card section  32  of the blister card  12  in a desired central disposition within the container body  18  substantially parallel to the major wall panels  20  and  22  of the sleeve  12  and substantially equally spaced from wall panels  20  and  22 . This central disposition enables initial loading of the blister card  12  within the sleeve  18  to be face up or face down with no pre-defined orientation. The support rails,  76  and  78 , also prevent unwanted movement of the blister card  12  within the container body  18  relative to the central disposition. Thus, the support rails  76  and  78  retain the card section  32  of the blister card  12  within the sleeve  18  and only permit sliding movement of the card section  32  within a single predetermined plane of movement relative to the sleeve  18 . As best illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the support rails  76  and  78  of body sections  14  and  16  are positioned such that they engage the side margins,  48  and  50 , of the card section  32  and such that all blister compartments  34  are located between the two sets of support rails. The front edge  82  of each of the support rails  76  and  78  is tapered to enable easy receipt of the blister card  12  when initially loaded within and slid into the sleeve  18 . 
     The latches, levers, posts, flanges, tabs, stops or like structures used to lock the blister card  12  in the storage position and to tether the blister card  12  to the sleeve  18  in the dispensing position are also provided as integral molded elements of the one-piece molded plastic body section  14 . For example, as best shown in  FIG. 8 , a latch  84  extends adjacent the tab  62  between the sidewall section  68  and support rail  76 , and as best illustrated in  FIGS. 3 ,  6  and  7 , a retaining tab  86  extends adjacent the dispensing end  28  between the sidewall section  68  and support rail  76 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the latch  84  is provided as a tapered post, tab or flange extending from the major wall panel  20  and having an upper locking tip  88  which extends to a height greater than that of the adjacent support rail  76 . When the blister card  12  is slid into the storage position, the front taper of the latch  84  directs the corner  56  of the card section  32  of the blister card  12  up over the locking tip  88  of the latch  84 . However, eventually the locking cavity  52  of the blister card  12  registers with the latch  84  and the corner  56  of the card section  32  resiliently returns to its planar, non-deflected configuration. See  FIG. 4 . Accordingly, the locking cavity  52  receives and captures the locking tip  88  of the latch  84  thereby preventing the blister card  12  from being slid in a reverse dispensing direction relative to the sleeve  18 . 
     For purposes of releasing the latch  84  from the locking cavity  52 , the tab  62  is integrally molded with an inwardly-directed lifting aim  92  extending transversely within the sleeve  18  and transverse to the longitudinal axis “A”. As best illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the lifting arm  92  is tapered providing a ramp and, when the tab  62  is pressed inward by a user (see arrows B and C in  FIG. 5 ), the arm  92  engages underneath the card section  32  of the blister card  12  and flexes/lifts the corner  56  of the card section  32  above and over the locking tip  88  of the latch  84 . See  FIG. 5 . In this condition, the blister card  12  is no longer prevented from sliding relative to the latches  84 . After finger pressure is released from tabs  62  and  64 , the tabs  62  and  64  resiliently return to their original position as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the retaining tab  86  is located near the dispensing end  28  of the sleeve  18  and can be in the form of a rearward-angled resilient flange or lever. When the blister card  12  is slid toward the storage position, the card section  32  of the blister card  12  presses against the retaining tab  86  thereby bending it downward and enabling the card  12  to slide over the tab  86 . See  FIG. 6 . However, when the blister card  12  is slid to the fully-extended dispensing position, the locking cavity  52  or like other structure ultimately registers with the tab  86  which snaps up into the locking cavity  52 . This also occurs with respect to the locking cavity  54  and the opposite retaining tab  86  extending in an opposite direction toward the blister card  12  from the opposite body section. Accordingly, the locking cavities  52  and  54  of the card section  32  become hooked onto the retaining tabs  86  to prevent the distal end  30  of the blister card  12  from releasing through the dispensing end  28  of the sleeve  18 . An additional support wall  94  can be located opposite the tab  86  in the opposite body section of the sleeve  18  to stabilize this locking feature and prevent unwanted disconnection of the retaining tab  86  from the locking cavities  52  and  54 . 
     The illustrated retaining tabs  86  provide only one example of a structure for tethering the card  12  to the sleeve  18 . Other structures can be utilized. Also, in some embodiments, the card  12  may not need to be tethered to the sleeve  18  in the dispensing position. 
     As discussed above, preferably the body sections  14  and  16  are identical or are substantially identical (i.e., not merely a mirror image, but rather identical). Accordingly, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , one of the latches  84  is provided adjacent each of the sidewalls  24  and  26  within the sleeve  18 . However, one latch  84  extends downward from the upper wall panel  20  and one latch  84  extends upward from the lower wall panel  22 . Thus, when both tabs  62  and  64  are pressed inward (see  FIG. 5 ), the rear corner  56  of the blister card  12  is deflected in an upward direction to be released from latch  84  and the other rear corner  58  of the blister card  12  is deflected in an opposite or downward direction to be released from the oppositely-directed latch  84 . 
     Similarly, with respect to the retaining tabs  86  adjacent the dispensing end  28  of the sleeve  18 , one retaining tab  86  extends from the upper wall panel  20  and one retaining tab  86  extends from the lower wall panel  22 . The opposite relationship of the latches  84  as well as the retaining tabs  86  within the sleeve  18  is due to the body sections  14  and  16  being identical. 
     An advantage of the package  10  of the present invention is that the body sections  14  and  16  can first be assembled together without the presence of the blister card  12 . Thereafter, the blister card  12  can be slid into the dispensing end  28  of an assembled sleeve  18  and will automatically become locked within the sleeve  18  when inserted to the storage position. Thus, the blister card  12  does not interfere with or unnecessarily complicate the assembly of the sleeve  18 . Also, since the body sections  14  and  16  are identical, there is no pre-defined top and bottom of the sleeve  18 . For example,  FIG. 3  illustrates an assembly in which the blister compartments  34  of the blister card  12  are received within body section  14  of the container body  12 . However, as an alternative, the blister card  12  could have been initially loaded with the blister compartments  34  being housed within body section  16  (in this case, the blister compartments  34  would extend downward from the card section illustrated in  FIG. 3 ). This further simplifies assembly and is the reason why the opening provided by the dispensing end  28  is of a height “T” that is approximately twice the height “H” of the blister compartments  34 . 
     The above referenced package  10  is preferably produced utilizing automated, high-speed equipment enabling commercial-sized quantities of the packages  10  to be formed, assembled, and loaded with blister cards  12  in a cost efficient manner within a relatively short period of time. The packages  10  of the present invention meet and surpass the standards (F=1) required for a child proof package yet are easy to open and close by adults including senior citizens. Further, the packages  10  are made of materials that can be readily recycled thereby providing a package that is both environmentally-friendly and inexpensive to manufacture. Still further, the sleeves are capable of being made from recycled materials. 
     Various modifications are contemplated with respect to the packages of the present invention. For example,  FIGS. 9-15  illustrate a second embodiment of a package  100  including a sleeve  102  and a single blister card  104 . The blister card  104  is similar, if not identical, to the blister card  12  described above. Likewise, the sleeve  102  is similar to sleeve  18 . For instance, the sleeve  102  is made from opposite identical body sections  106  and  108  and includes opposite major wall panels  110  and  112 , opposite side edges  114  and  116  providing opposite unlocking tabs  118  and  120 , and a single dispensing end  122 . In addition, the sleeve  102  includes opposite directed latches  124  remote from the dispensing end  122  and oppositely directed stops or retaining tabs  126  adjacent the dispensing end  122 . The latches  124  and retaining tabs  126  interact with latch-catchers  128  on the blister card  104 , and the unlocking tabs  118  and  120  can be used to unlatch the latches  124  from the latch-catchers  128 . For example, see  FIGS. 12-15 . 
     One difference between sleeve  102  and sleeve  18  is that the major wall panels  110  and  112  of sleeve  102  have a series of slot-shaped openings  130  formed therein. The openings  130  permit the sleeve  102  to be made of less plastic; however, the blister compartments of the blister card  104  are still safely housed and protected within the sleeve  102  when the blister card  104  is in the storage position. For instance, see  FIG. 9 . 
     Another difference is that the sleeve  102  includes additional structural supports  132  along the side edges  114  and  116  that reinforce the structure of the sleeve  102 . 
     A third embodiment of a package  200  is illustrated in  FIGS. 16-21 . This embodiment includes a sleeve  202  and blister card  204 . The blister card  204  is similar, if not identical, to blister card  12  described above. Likewise, the sleeve  202  is similar to sleeve  18 . For instance, the sleeve  202  is made from opposite identical body sections  206  and  208  and includes opposite major wall panels  210  and  212 , opposite side edges  214  and  216  providing opposite unlocking tabs  218  and  220 , and a dispensing end  222 . In addition, the sleeve  202  includes opposite directed latches  224  remote form the dispensing end  222  and oppositely directed stops or retaining tabs  226  adjacent the dispensing end  222 . The latches  224  and retaining tabs  226  interact with latch-catchers  228  on the blister card  204 , and the unlocking tabs  218  and  220  can be used to unlatch the latches  224  from the latch-catchers  128 . For example, see  FIGS. 18-21 . 
     One difference between sleeve  202  and sleeve  18  is that the end  230  of the sleeve  202  is open. Thus, both the dispensing end  222  and the end opposite  230  the dispensing end  22  are open permitting visualization of the end profile of the blister card  204  within the sleeve  202 . The use of opposite open ends  222  and  230  permits the sleeve  202  to be made of less plastic. This version of the sleeve  202  also includes a transversely extending stop  232  that extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis “A” of the package  200  adjacent the open end  230 . The stop  232  directly engages the blister compartments of the blister card  204  and prevents the blister card  204  from being slid through end  230 . 
     A fourth embodiment of a package  300  is illustrated in  FIGS. 22-30 . This embodiment includes a sleeve  302 , a divider panel  336 , and two separate blister cards  304   a  and  304   b . As best illustrated in  FIG. 24 , the divider panel  336  is sandwiched between the two blister cards  304   a  and  304   b , and cards  304   a  and  304   b  are disposed in a back-to-back orientation such that the blister compartments of one card faces in one direction and the blister compartments of the other card faces in the opposite direction. 
     Each blister card  304   a  and  304   b  can be similar to blister card  12  described above. One difference is that each card  304   a  and  304   b  includes a distal end  330  having a cut-out section  332 . The distal ends  330  of the cards  304   a  and  304   b  are located in opposite ends of the sleeve  302 , and each cut-out section  332  overlies the leading front edge  334  of the adjacent card so that, when both cards overlap one another within the sleeve  302 , the user can readily grip the leading edge  334  without obstruction from the distal end  330  of the other card. 
     The sleeve  302  is similar to sleeve  18  in some respects. For instance, the sleeve  302  is made from opposite identical body sections  306  and  308  and includes opposite major wall panels  310  and  312  and opposite side edges  314  and  316 . However, unlike sleeve  18 , the sleeve  302  has a pair of dispensing ends  318  and  320 . One end  318  provides a dispensing end for the blister card  304   a , and the other end  320  provides a dispensing end for the blister card  304   b . Thus, the blister cards  304   a  and  304   b  are slid out opposite ends  318  and  320  of the sleeve  302  to dispensing positions. See  FIG. 23 . 
     Each body section  306  and  308  includes a pair of latches  222  at each end providing one set for each of the blister cards  304   a  and  304   b , and the sleeve  302  provides a separate set of opposed unlocking tabs  224  and  226  in the side edges  314  and  316  of the sleeve  302 . The separate sets of unlocking tabs  224  and  226  are located adjacent opposite ends of the side edges  314  and  316 . For example, see  FIG. 24 . One set of the unlocking tabs is used to deflect the corners of the cards  304   a  and  304   b  in a downward direction as shown in  FIG. 26 ; while, the opposite set of tabs is used to deflect the corners of the opposite ends of the cards  304   a  and  304   b  in an opposite direction as shown in  FIG. 28 . 
     Each body section  306  and  308  also includes a stop  328  that engages with the blister compartments of the adjacent card adjacent the distal end  330  of the card. In the configuration shown in  FIG. 24 , the stops  328  prevent passage of the blister card  304   a  out of the end  320  of the sleeve  302  and prevent passage of the blister card  304   b  out of the end  318  of the sleeve  302 . Thus, each blister card can be slid through only one end of the sleeve and is prevented from sliding out the other end. However, because the identical body sections  306  and  308  are designed to be secured together when they are rotated to a position 180° relative to one another (see  FIG. 24 ), the stops  328  are positioned at opposite ends of the sleeve  302 . Accordingly, the cards are required to slide to dispensing positions through opposite ends of the sleeve  302 . 
     While numerous packages have been described in detail, various modifications, alterations, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the package according to the present invention as defined in the appended claims.