Patent Abstract:
Described herein is an apparatus and method for attaching a removable and reusable electronics component to a to a slide card that can be preprinted with electrical traces for the purpose of collecting data on pill expression. A removable and reusable electronics component can be coupled with a slide card incorporating preprinted electrical traces, using a hub like plastic seating component attached to and through the slide card.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Unit dose packaging is an attractive packaging format for certain pharmaceutical applications because it is convenient, yet sturdy enough to be opened and closed numerous times until the course of medication is completed, and also enables the user to track the consumption of doses according to the prescribed schedule. Examples of such packaging are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,829 (Johnstone), which is commonly assigned with this application. 
         [0002]    The Johnstone patent relates to a unit dose paperboard package that includes an outer paperboard sleeve, an inner paperboard slide card that is lockably retained within the sleeve. The sleeve includes a plurality of side panels operatively connected to each other such that one of said plurality of side panels includes a first inner slide card releasing means, and another of said side panels includes a second inner slide card releasing means, such that the inner slide card retaining and releasing means are located substantially adjacent to said unit dose dispensing means. 
         [0003]    An improvement over that described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,829 is contained in another commonly assigned patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,636). In this patent the package is rendered less susceptible to unintentional opening and has improved structural stability. Child resistance is a feature particularly desired for pharmaceutical packaging, and is mandated by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of conductive  1970 . 
         [0004]    In addition to child resistance it is also desirable that the unit dose packaging system be senior friendly to permit easy withdrawal of the package contents with minimum manipulation. Such a withdrawal means should be easy to use even if the patients manual dexterity or strength is reduced. 
         [0005]    The aforesaid patents permit the user to track consumption of medication doses (e.g., pills) by visually inspecting the packaging. However, significantly more data can be obtained pertaining to the consumption of unit doses if a reusable electronics component that automatically tracked and transmitted dosing events was able to be removably integrated with the packaging. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    One embodiment of the disclosure describes a unit dose paperboard package insert. The unit dose package insert includes a paperboard blank comprised of a bottom panel and a top panel. The bottom panel includes one or more areas of weakness outlined by perforations. The bottom panel further includes an electrical trace element having at least first and second ends positioned away from the areas of weakness wherein the electrical trace element intersects the one or more areas of weakness such that when an area of weakness is compromised the electrical trace element is broken for that area of weakness. The top panel includes one or more unit dose cut out areas and an electronics seating hub component cut out area. The unit dose package insert also includes a blister pack comprised of one or more sealed unit doses positionable atop the bottom panel such that the unit doses are substantially above the unit dose cut out areas. There is also an electronics seating hub component adapted to mechanically receive a removable, reusable electronics component wherein the electronics seating hub component is positioned proximate to the termination of the electrical trace element ends. The top panel substantially covers and is adhered to the bottom panel to secure the blister packs and electronics seating hub component securely between the top and bottom panel such that the sealed unit doses protrude through the unit dose cut out areas and the electronics seating hub component protrudes through the electronics seating hub component cut out area. 
         [0007]    The blank can further include a crease that defines a boundary between the top panel and the bottom panel such that folding the blank along the crease positions the top panel substantially covering the bottom panel aligning the cut out areas of the top panel with the areas of weakness of the bottom panel. A pair of additional creases can also be included in which the space in between the creases defines an end panel when the unit dose package insert is folded back over itself along each crease. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the electronics seating hub component comprises a housing including first and second pairs of opposing walls. One wall of the first pair of opposing walls includes at least one opening at the base of the wall that is adapted to receive a tab that is attached to an electronics component. The opposite wall of the first pair of opposing walls includes a cut out area to facilitate insertion and removal of the electronics component within the electronics seating hub component. One wall of the second pair of opposing walls includes a detent adapted to receive a corresponding inverted detent that is attached to an electronics component such that the electronics component remains seated in place upon lining up the detent and inverted detent. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the electronics seating hub component comprises a pair of opposed rigid side members, each including a dovetail slot extending substantially the length of each side member. There is also rigid cross member including one or more electrical contacts that are electrically coupled with the electrical trace element ends. An electronics component having a corresponding dovetail slot can be slidably seated with the electronics seating hub component. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, the disclosure describes a reusable electronics component that can be electrically coupled with a disposable unit dose package to collect and disseminate data pertaining to the expression of unit doses. The reusable electronics component includes a seating mechanism adapted to fit into an electronics seating hub component, a microcontroller, an RF module coupled with the microcontroller for sending and receiving data wirelessly, an electrical trace contact interface coupled with the microcontroller for electrically coupling the reusable electronics component with electrical traces present on the disposable unit dose package, and a software application coupled with the microcontroller for detecting when a unit dose has been expelled from the disposable unit dose package. The reusable electronics component can further include a display for displaying data, an indicator light for providing a visual status indication, a speaker for providing an audible status indication, a power jack for recharging an internal power source of the electronics component, and a data port for providing a wired data output mechanism. 
         [0011]    In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, a method of assembling a unit dose package insert is described. A blank comprised of a top panel and a bottom panel, wherein the top panel and a bottom panel include one or more creases, cut outs, and perforations required to accommodate a blister pack and an electronics seating hub component is formed. Electrical traces are applied to the blank in a desired pattern so as to ensure each unit dose has a portion of the electrical trace associated therewith. The blister pack is adhered to the bottom panel of the blank such that each unit dose is substantially over a perforated area. The electronics seating hub component is also adhered to the bottom panel such that electrical trace terminations are coupled with corresponding electrical trace contacts in the electronics seating hub component. The top panel is then sealed to the bottom panel thereby encasing the blister pack and the electronics seating hub component firmly and immovably between the top and bottom panels of the unit dose package insert. The electrical traces can be comprised of conductive ink that is printed onto the blank. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment of the disclosure, a unit dose package system is described. The unit dose package system includes a slide card insert comprised of a blank that includes a bottom panel and a top panel. The bottom panel includes one or more areas of weakness outlined by perforations. The bottom panel further includes an electrical trace element having at least first and second ends positioned away from the areas of weakness wherein the electrical trace element intersects the one or more areas of weakness such that when an area of weakness is compromised the electrical trace element is broken for that area of weakness. The top panel includes one or more unit dose cut out areas and an electronics seating hub component cut out area. The unit dose package insert also includes a blister pack comprised of one or more sealed unit doses positionable atop the bottom panel such that the unit doses are substantially above the unit dose cut out areas. There is also an electronics seating hub component adapted to mechanically receive a removable, reusable electronics component wherein the electronics seating hub component is positioned proximate to the termination of the electrical trace element ends. The top panel substantially covers and is adhered to the bottom panel to secure the blister packs and electronics seating hub component securely between the top and bottom panel such that the sealed unit doses protrude through the unit dose cut out areas and the electronics seating hub component protrudes through the electronics seating hub component cut out area. The unit dose package system further includes a reusable electronics component mechanically and electrically coupled with the electronics seating hub component to create a complete electrical circuit between each unit dose and the reusable electronics component. A cover adapted to receive the slide card insert such that the slide card insert is lockably and slidably engaged within the cover is also included. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates a unit dose packaging system according to one embodiment of the disclosure including an internal slide card and outer sleeve with child resistant button release means. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  illustrate views of the slide card. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of an electronics component that can be removably coupled with a slide card according to one embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating components of an electronic component like that illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of an electronics seating hub and an electronics component. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of an electronics seating hub and an electronics component. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the various layers and components that comprise a finished slide card according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a data flow diagram that describes a process for assembling a slide card according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a unit dose package in which a seating hub is not permanently incorporated into the package. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10   a  is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , illustrating the connection of an electronic component to the unit dose package using a temporary mounting hub. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10   b  is a partial, side, schematic view of the process of connecting an electronic component to the paneling of the unit dose package, using a temporary mounting hub in the manner provided in  FIG. 10   a.    
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a variation of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , in that no slotting is provided in the paneling for attachment of an electronic component via a seating hub. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is another perspective view of the variation shown in  FIG. 11 , illustrating the connection of an electronic component to the unit dose package using a hinged slide-mount. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 13   a - 13   b  are schematic front, side, and back views, respectively, of the blister pack employed in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 9-12 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a unit dose package in which a seating hub is not permanently incorporated into the package. 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , illustrating the connection of an electronic component to the unit dose package using a temporary mounting hub. 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a variation of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14 , in that no slotting is provided in the paneling for attachment of an electronic component via a seating hub. 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is another perspective view of the variation shown in  FIG. 16 , illustrating the connection of an electronic component to the unit dose package using a hinged slide-mount. 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a unit dose package in which a seating hub is not permanently incorporated into the package. 
           [0032]      FIG. 19  is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , illustrating the connection of an electronic component to the unit dose package using a temporary mounting hub. 
           [0033]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a variation of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 18 , in that no slotting is provided in the paneling for attachment of an electronic component via a seating hub. 
           [0034]      FIG. 21  is another perspective view of the variation shown in  FIG. 20 , illustrating the connection of an electronic component to the unit dose package using a hinged slide-mount. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the unit dose package comprises a slide card  20 , which can be releasably, lockably engaged with an outer sleeve  10 . The outer sleeve  10  is comprised of a top panel  11  and a bottom panel  12 , which are foldably connected by side panels  13  and  14 , and an end panel  15 , which secures one end opening of the package. 
         [0036]    The top panel  11  can include a release mechanism  16 , which is formed by a series of connected cuts in the sleeve substrate made by conventional techniques. The cut edges form a flexible tab that can be depressed to exert pressure on one or more layers of substrate underlying top panel  11  to release a locking mechanism  38  of slide card  20  that engages a reciprocal locking mechanism  39  of the outer sleeve  10  and allow the slide card  20  to be withdrawn sufficiently to expose one or more blisters  23  that have been associated with slide card  20 . 
         [0037]    Top panel  11  can further include a notch  17  that provides a finger hold to facilitate withdrawal of slide card  20 . A corresponding notch (not shown) having similar dimensions as notch  17  is positioned parallel to but offset from notch  17  in the edge of the bottom panel. Notch  17  is shown positioned close to the center of the edge of top panel  11  while its corresponding notch on the opposite side panel is positioned off center such that there is incomplete overlap with notch  17 . The position of these notches along the outer edges of the sleeve  10  and their placement in relation to each other may be varied depending on the overall dimensions of the package. 
         [0038]    Slide card  20  can be folded along creases to form an end panel  22  and also define a second area  21  that can be utilized for additional blister packaging. An electronics component  25  is shown seated within an electronics seating hub component  24 . The electronics component  25  when seated in electronics seating hub component  24  have a height dimension that is very close to the height of end panel  22 . This is so that when the slide card  20  is fully inserted in outer sleeve  10 , the end panel  22  cannot be collapsed. This provides an additional measure of child resistance to the packaging. In addition, a protruding element  45  is placed such that when the slide card  20  is folded over onto itself to create opposing top and bottom panels, the protruding element  45  on the top panel will be proximate to the electronics component  25 /electronics seating hub component  24  on the bottom panel in a manner that prevents the top panel from sliding out further enhancing the child resistant aspect of the packaging. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a slide card  20  is shown in an isometric view. As just described, the slide card  20  includes an electronics seating hub component  24  that can be positioned proximate to one or more electrical trace ends (not shown) so as to enable the contacts  28  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ) of the electronics component  25  to operatively connect or to the one or more electrical trace ends. Dashed lines define creases for an end panel  22  and a locking mechanism  38 . The slide card  20  can be folded along the creases to create the end panel  22  and a locking mechanisms  38  such that when the slide card  20  is folded and inserted into the outer sleeve  10 , a packaging solution is created that allows the slide card  20  to be coupled with the outer sleeve  10  in a slidable and lockable manner. It is noted that the protruding element is not shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , but can of course be present. 
         [0040]    When folded, the slide card  20  forms two opposed panels each capable of containing blister packs  23 . In  FIG. 2A , the electronics seating hub component  24  is shown on what could be considered the lower panel of the slide card  20  while in  FIG. 2B , the electronics seating hub component  24  is shown on what could be considered the upper panel of the slide card  20 . Thus, the electronics seating hub component  24  can be situated strategically on the slide card  20  and is not necessarily restricted to a single location. 
         [0041]    Also shown within the electronics seating hub component  24  is a set of electrical trace contacts  32 . These contacts terminate a corresponding set of electrical traces (not shown) that can be pre-printed on the slide card to correspond with each unit dose of the blister packs  23 . When an electronics component  25  is operatively seated within the electronics seating hub component  24 , a corresponding set of contacts  28  (see,  FIG. 5  for an example embodiment) operatively engages the trace contacts to complete an electronics circuit. It should be noted that the placement and number of electrical trace contacts  32  within an electronics seating hub component  24  can be a design choice that is best adapted to a given configuration. 
         [0042]    In practical use of a packaging system, a user can simply remove and re-use an electrical component  25  each time a new slide card  20  of unit doses is received. As an additional benefit, the height dimension of the electrical component  25  adds additional structural support to a folded slide card when seated. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , an example electronics component  25  is illustrated from an exterior perspective. In addition to internal electrical components, the electronics component  25  can include one or more of a display  50 , a set of LED lights  51 ,  52 ,  53 , a speaker  54 , a power jack  55 , and a data port  56 . Depending on the hardware and software capabilities of the electronics component  25 , a display can be utilized to illustrate the current date/time, the date/time of the last recorded dose, and the date/time of the next scheduled dose. This information can be pre-programmed by the user via a device that can be coupled either wirelessly or via data port  56  to the software within the electronics component  25 . In addition, one or more LED lights  51 ,  52 ,  53  can be color coded to indicate the current status of the next unit dose. For instance, a green LED  51  could indicate that a user is current with his medication. A yellow LED  52  could indicate that the user is within an hour of the next scheduled unit dose, and a red LED  53  could indicate that the user is past due on his next schedule dose. A speaker  54  could beep to give the user an audible status indicator. For instance, one beep could indicate that the next scheduled dose is within minutes while 3 beeps could indicate that the next scheduled dose is past due. The beeps can be repeated for a predetermined cyclical period. 
         [0044]    The electronics component  25  can be powered by removable or re-chargeable batteries. If re-chargeable, a power jack  55  can allow an external source to re-charge the internal batteries when a power cable is inserted into the power jack  55 . A data port can accept a data cable that would allow a wired transfer of data between the electronics component  25  and another device. This could be in addition to or in lieu of a wireless transmission mechanism. The data port can be a USB cable for instance but may also be adapted for other data formats as well. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a block diagram of the internal components of an example electronics component  25  is illustrated. A microcontroller  60  coordinates the activities of the remaining components. A pin trace contact interface  63  provides the mechanism to complete circuit(s) individually between the rest of the electronics component  25  and a plurality of blister packs wherein each blister pack can be individually associated with an electrical trace such that rupturing a blister pack will also break the electrical trace associated with the blister pack. Such an event can create a detectable change in electrical potential throughout the entire circuit that indicates the dispensing of a unit dose. There is an assumption that the unit dose is then ingested by a user as prescribed. 
         [0046]    The electronics component  25  can further comprise one or more of an RF module  61  and associated antenna  62 , one or more batteries  64 , a display  50 , a speaker  54 , LED indicator lights  51 - 53 , a power jack  55 , a data port  56 , and software applications with associated memory  65 . 
         [0047]    The software applications and associated memory  65  can be programmed to respond variously to the detection of a rupture blister package. The event can be recorded and date/time stamped as data and packed into a message format suitable for wireless transmission over the RF module  61 . The RF module  61  can include cellular protocols such as GSM or CDMA, or can be limited to more short range communication protocols such as Bluetooth, WiFI, or WiMax. Data can be received and/or sent between the electronics component  25  and one or more external devices utilizing the RF module  61  and a corresponding appropriate network. Or, the data can be sent out via the data port  56  which can be a USB cable or other suitable cable/data format pairing. 
         [0048]    As described earlier, the microcontroller  60  can include a clock element that knows the current date/time and, in conjunction with the software application(s)  65  that has been programmed with a dosage schedule, provides visual and/or audible alerts and reminders to the user via the LED indicators  51 - 53  or the speaker  54 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of an electronics seating hub and an electronics component. In this example, the electronics component  25  includes one or more tabs  26  that are somewhat hook shaped. One or more detents  27  can also be included on either side of the electronics component  25  to help keep it in place when mechanically coupled with the electronics seating hub component  24 . Also shown are a series of electrical trace contacts  28 . The electronics seating hub component  24  is comprised of a housing  29  having a corresponding number of inverted detents  31  on the interior surface that are positioned to correspond with detents  27  when the electronics component  25  is mechanically coupled with the electronics seating hub component  24 . The housing  29  further comprises electrical trace contacts  32  and one or more openings  30  that are adapted to receive the one or more tabs  26  such that the tabs  26 , when properly manipulated will fit through the openings  30  and seat the electronics component  25  securely in the electronics seating hub component  24 . To help achieve this, the housing  29  can include a cut out area  40  on the housing wall opposite the wall electronics component when inserting and removing it into the electronics seating hub component  24 . 
         [0050]    In operation, the electronics component  25  is tilted so that the tabs  26  can fit through the openings  30  of the electronics seating hub component  24 . The electronics component  25  can then be pivoted or rocked downward until the detents  27  and inverted detents  31  engage one another. This will also bring contacts  28  and contacts  32  into an operatively electrically coupled relationship and complete the circuitry contained on the slide card  20  and within the electronics component  25 . 
         [0051]    It should be noted that the orientation and placement of the contacts  28 ,  32 , tabs  26 , openings  30 , cut out areas  40  and detents  27 ,  31  described above can be design choices and are not limited to only the configuration shown. 
         [0052]      FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of an electronics seating hub and an electronics component. In this embodiment, the electronics seating hub component  24  is comprised of a rigid member  33  having opposing side members  41 ,  42  connected by an end member  43 . The side members  41 ,  42  include a dovetail  34  slot extending substantially the length of the side members  41 ,  42 . A plurality of electrical trace contacts  35  can be disposed on the interior surface of the end member  43 . 
         [0053]    The electrical component  25  includes a portion having a matching dovetail  36  pattern and electrical contacts  37  such that the electrical component can be slidably inserted into the electronics seating hub component  24  by aligning the matching dovetail portions. Upon full insertion of the electronics component  25  into the electronics seating hub component  24 , contacts  35  and  37  will contact one another to create an electrically coupled relationship. 
         [0054]    The coupling between the electronics seating hub component  24  and the electronics component  25  can be configured in other ways in addition to those described above. The embodiments described herein are not limited to merely the configurations described with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the various layers and components that comprise a slide card according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The slide card  20  starts as a reinforced blank that has been designed to receive one or more blister packs  79  comprised of individual unit doses  23 . The slide card  20  generally comprises a bottom panel  71  and a top panel  72 . The top panel  72  is designed to be folded over and sealed on top of the bottom panel  71 . Alternatively, the top  72  and bottom  71  panels can be separate from one another wherein the top panel  72  is positioned over the bottom panel  71  rather than folded into place. 
         [0056]    The bottom panel includes areas of weakness defined by perforations  74  such that sufficient force downward will cause the perforated area to tear leaving an opening in the bottom panel  71  capable of passing a unit dose. An electrical ink trace element  73  is applied to the bottom panel  71  such that each perforated area includes part of the electrical trace element  73 . The electrical trace element  73  terminates in an area reserved for an electrical seating hub component  24 . In addition, creases  77  allow for the slide card to be folded into another spatial dimension once the top panel  72  has been folded over the bottom panel  71 . There is space  78  reserved on the panel for additional traces and blister packs as desired. 
         [0057]    The top panel includes first cut out areas  75  for each individual unit dose  23  of blister pack  79 . A second cut out area  76  is designed to allow the electrical seating hub component  24  to protrude from the slide card  20  once assembled. A third cut out area  46  is designed to allow protruding element  45  to protrude from the slide card  20  once assembled. 
         [0058]    A locking mechanism  38  can also be included to provide enhanced child resistant functionality. The locking mechanism  38  is adapted to engage a first reciprocal catch  39  that is within the outer sleeve  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . To release the slide card locking mechanism  38 , a user would depress the release mechanism  16  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0059]    Protruding element  45  also provides enhanced child resistant functionality in that it encounters electronics seating hub component  24  and electronics component  25  when a user tries to remove the top panel of the slide card  20 . This action is prevented because the protruding element can not be pulled over the electronics seating hub component  24  and electronics component  25 . 
         [0060]    The illustrated electrical traces  73  can be applied directly on the slide card  20 , in a manner well known by those skilled in the art. The electrical traces  73  can be printed on the slide card  20  using conventional printing or lithography methods such as but not limited to screen or off-set methods. The inks used in the printing method to form the circuitry are conductive inks, selected based on the performance needs of the individual circuits. Conductive inks typically include conductive metals such as but not limited to copper or silver. The ink used to form the illustrated electrical traces  73  can be a carbon-based conductive ink readily understood by those skilled in the art. 
         [0061]    The electronics component  25  is designed to be reusable with respect to multiple unit dose slide card inserts. Thus, the actual electronics component is not shipped with the unit dose slide card insert originally. Rather, a user is responsible for inserting the electronics component  25  into the electronics seating hub component  24  when receiving the unit dose packaging system. However, since the electronics component  25  itself aids in enhancing the child resistant aspect of the packaging, the original packaging can have a dummy electronics component already seated in the electronics seating hub component  24 . When a user receives the unit dose packaging system containing the dummy electronics component, he simply removes the dummy component and inserts the real electronics component  25 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 8  is a data flow diagram that describes a process for assembling a slide card such as that illustrated in  FIG. 7  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The steps do not necessarily occur in chronological order. At  81 , electrical traces are printed on the blank in the desired pattern so as to ensure each unit dose has a portion of the electrical trace associated therewith. At  82 , the blank is then manipulated to contain all the creases, cut outs, and perforations required to accommodate the blister pack(s) and electronics seating hub component. At  83 , the blister pack(s) are adhered to the bottom panel of the blank such that each unit dose is substantially over a perforated area. At  84 , the electronics seating hub component is then adhered to the bottom panel such that the electrical trace terminations of the printed conductive ink are mated to corresponding electrical trace contacts in the electronics seating hub component. At  85 , the blank is then folded over and sealed according to the creases thereby encasing the blister pack(s) and electronics seating hub component firmly and immovably between the top and bottom panels of the slide card. 
         [0063]    As an alternative process for assembling a slide card, a blister pack and electronics seating hub component may be placed on the top panel, with the blister cavities and electronics seating hub component protruding through apertures in the top panel. These components may be adhered to the top card. The bottom panel would be folded over and the entire structure sealed at one time. 
         [0064]    Further embodiments are disclosed as unit dose packages  100  ( FIGS. 9-13 ),  200  ( FIGS. 14-17 ), and  300  ( FIGS. 18-21 ). The disclosed unit dose packages  100 ,  200 , and  300  have like-named components that are similar in structure and function, unless expressly indicated to the contrary. Further, the unit dose packages  100 ,  200 , and  300  may incorporate features (e.g., a sleeve and/or child-proofing) associated with other above-described embodiments, and such combinations of elements are deemed to be within the scope hereof. 
         [0065]    The disclosed unit dose package  100  may include a paneling component  102 , a blister pack  104 , and an electrical trace element  106 . As per this embodiment, the electrical trace element  106  may be particularly associated with the blister pack  104 , as will be detailed later. 
         [0066]    The paneling component  102  may include at least a first (e.g., bottom) panel  108 , through which a unit dose of medicine is ultimately expressed, and may yet further include a second (e.g., top) panel  110 . Where both are employed, the top panel  110  may substantially cover and be adhered (e.g., via adhesive/glue or an intermediate tape) to the bottom panel  108  so as to secure the blister pack  104  therebetween. The bottom panel  108  and top panel  110  may be separate or integral. For example, the bottom and top panel  108 ,  110  may be part of a unitary paneling component  102 , connected by a first panel fold  112 . Further, the paneling component  102  can be made, for example, of paperboard, plastic, etc., and, if separately produced, the bottom and top panels  108 ,  110  need not be made of the same material. The bottom panel  108  may, in one wallet card embodiment, define a first bottom panel section  108   a  and a second bottom panel section  110   a , and the top panel  110  may, in a like manner, define a first top panel section  110   a  and a second top panel section  110   b . A wallet fold  113  may integrally link the first bottom panel section  108   a  and the second bottom panel section  110   a , as well as the first top panel section  110   a  and the second top panel section  110   b . The wallet fold  113  may have a width, for example, that accommodates for the unit doses carried by the wallet card. As a whole, such a wallet card arrangement may provide, e.g., additional space for instructional and/or promotional information to be printed and/or further mechanical protection for the unit doses carried thereby. 
         [0067]    The bottom and top panels  108 ,  110  are designed to facilitate the expressing of unit doses (not expressly shown) from a given blister pack  104 . In one embodiment, the bottom panel  108  may be provided with at least one area of panel weakness  114  (defined, for example, by at least one nick or perforation and/or a reduced thickness) to promote easy punch-out at such locations for unit dose delivery. In a corresponding manner, the top panel  110  may include at least one unit dose cut out or opening  116  to accommodate therethrough protruding unit doses carried by a given blister pack  104 . The number of areas of panel weakness  114  and dose cut outs  116  may, for example, be chosen to match the number of unit doses that the given unit dose package  100  is intended to supply. 
         [0068]    The blister pack  104 , as best seen in  FIGS. 13   a - 13   c , may include a blister substrate  138  and at least one unit dose site  140  (i.e., a carrier location for a given unit dose of medicine). Further, as a feature of the embodiment of  FIGS. 9-12 , the blister substrate  138  may act as the carrier of the electrical trace element  106 . The electrical trace element  106  defines at least first and second trace ends  142 . In this embodiment, the electrical trace element  106 , including the trace ends  142  thereof, may be deposited or otherwise coated on the blister substrate  138 , either directly or on an intermediate coating. 
         [0069]    As is the case with each of unit dose package embodiments, the at least first and second trace ends  142  may extend away from the at least one area of panel weakness  114  and may be proximate to and exposed through an electronics receiving region  118  (as seen, e.g., in  FIG. 10   a ). By such placement of the at least first and second trace ends  142 , a connection between the electrical trace element  106  and the electronic component  120  may be made. Further, for a situation in which the electrical trace element  106  may be formed on the back of the blister substrate  138 , the surface upon which the electrical trace element  106  should not be a conductor (e.g., metal), as might otherwise be the case for a blister substrate  138 . Thus, the blister substrate  138  could be made of a non-conductive material (e.g., paperboard, plastic, etc.) and/or coated with a non-conductive layer, thereby providing a non-conductive surface upon which the electrical trace element  106  could then be deposited. 
         [0070]    In addition to the unit dose cut outs  116 , other through holes may be created in paneling  102 . In this embodiment, an electronics receiving region  118  may, for example, be in the form of an opening. Such an opening may be cut, punched, or otherwise formed through the bottom panel  108 . The receiving region  118  may, further, be adapted mechanically receive an electronics component  120  and may, particularly, be configured for exposing the electrical trace element  106  for electrical connection with the electronics component  120 . 
         [0071]      FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  show the unit dose package in a sealed arrangement. One exemplary manner for attaching the electronics component  120  to a unit dose package  100  may readily be seen. This example may include at least one mounting opening  122  within the paneling component  102 . For example, the at least one mounting opening  122  may take the form of an opposed pair of C-shaped slots, extending through both the bottom and top panels  108 ,  110 . A mounting hub  124 , a reusable version of which is shown, may be adapted to connect to the electronics component  120  and the paneling component  102 , via the at least one mounting opening  122 , with a hub base  126 , at least one hub projection  128 , and at least one hub slot  130 ; and at least one extended projection/tab  132  and at least one detent projection/tab  134  directly protruding, respectively, from opposed sides of the electronics component  120 . Each hub projection  128  may extend directly from and essentially perpendicularly to the hub base  126 . So that each hub projection  128  may be received through a corresponding mounting opening  122  as part of the attachment process, the number of hub projections  128  may be the same or less than the number of mounting openings  122 , and the configuration (e.g., size, shape, positioning) of the hub projections  128  and the corresponding mounting openings  122  should facilitate insertion (e.g., a slide fit) of the former into the latter. The mechanical placement tolerance associated with the mounting openings  122  and those similar to them in other disclosed embodiments may be controlled to help ensure a link between the electronics component  120  and the trace element  106 . For example, the mechanical placement tolerance could be controlled to 0.5 mm. 
         [0072]    Further, each given extended tab  132  may be inserted through a respective hub slot  130  for providing a stable connection between the electronics component  120  and the mounting hub  124 . Meanwhile, each detent tab  134  may generally be shorter than a given extended tab  132  and rounded and/or angled faces. Because of the configuration of such detent tabs  134 , a given detent tab  134  may readily be snap-fit into a corresponding hub slot  130 . That snap fit therebetween, along with the connection between a given extended tab  132  and a corresponding hub slot  130 , can enable a steady yet releasable linkage of the electronics component  120  to a unit dose package  100 , via the mounting hub  124 . It is further understood that the mounting hub  124  could instead be pre-assembled with or built into the paneling component  102 . 
         [0073]    The process of attaching the electronics component  120  to a unit dose package  100  in the manner of  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  may be, for example, be achieved through a multiple step procedure. Each hub projection  128  may first be inserted through a corresponding mounting opening  122  to a point where the hub base  126  abuts the paneling component  102 . Upon such positioning, the at least one extended tab  132  associated with the electronics component  120  may be introduced at an angle into a respective hub slot  130 . Thereupon, the electronics component  120  may be pivoted downwardly, relative to the free/unconnected side thereof (see  FIG. 10   b ), until the at least one detent tab  134  locks into place in a respective hub slot  130 . 
         [0074]    Another potential means of attaching the electronics component  120  to a unit dose package  100  is illustrated in the variation shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . As per that variation, a slide clip  136  may, for example, be used to connect an electronics component  120  to a paneling component  102 . While the slide clip  136  may be shown to be a pivotable connector (e.g., a spring-loaded pivot), it may, for example, be a simple slide clip construction, e.g., similar to a paper clip or a spring clip used on a pencil/pen. A slide clip  136  should be able to generate sufficient force between the electronics component  120  and the electrical trace element  106  to ensure a consistent electrical connection therebetween, or such force would need to be provided via another means (e.g., adhesive or mechanical connector). As a by-product of using the slide clip  136 , as can be seen in  FIG. 11 , no mounting openings  122  would necessarily have to be provided in the panel component  102 . 
         [0075]    Yet other potential means of attaching the electronics component  120  to a unit dose package  100  are possible. As broadly suggested by the variation illustrated in  FIGS. 9 ,  10   a , and  10   b , one of the electronics component  120  and the paneling component  102  could be provided with a first alignment mechanism and the other provided with a second co-acting alignment mechanism. For example, the first alignment mechanism could be, e.g., a projection/tab/protrusion, and the other thereof could be provided with a corresponding slot. As further possibilities, the first and second alignment mechanisms could be a hook-and-loop (e.g., Velcro) combination or any sort of snap-fit combination. It should be also understood that the first and/or second alignment mechanisms need not be an integral part of the electronics component  120  and/or the paneling component  102 , so long as that given alignment mechanism is able to produce the desired result. The temporary mounting hub  124  is one such an example of a non-integral alignment mechanism. 
         [0076]    The disclosed unit dose package  200  may include a paneling component  202 , a blister pack  204 , and an electrical trace element  206 . The primary difference between the unit dose packages  100  and  200  is the manner in which the electrical trace element  206  is incorporated into the unit dose package  200 . More particularly, in the embodiment associated with unit dose package  200 , the electrical trace element  206  may be carried separately (e.g., not deposited on the blister pack  204 ). The description of the disclosed unit dose package  200 , as such, focuses on those details related to the mounting/positioning of the electrical trace element  206  and modifications associated with such placement, as the remaining features are similar to those otherwise associated with the unit dose package  100 . 
         [0077]    The features distinguishing the unit dose package  200  from the unit dose package  100  are best seen in  FIGS. 14 and 16 . Instead of potentially being carried on the blister pack  204 , the electrical trace element  106  is deposited, wired, or otherwise incorporated into a trace element carrier  208 . The trace element carrier  208  may have a non-conductive surface upon which the electrical trace element  106  is provided or another mechanism (e.g., an insulating coating) by which portions of the electrical trace element  206  may be electrically isolated from one another. 
         [0078]    For example, the trace element carrier  208  may, for example, be an adhesive tape (e.g., single- or double-sided); a paperboard, plastic, or other insulating substrate; or a dielectric-coated metal foil. Alternatively, the substrate material need not be limited to such, so long as the portions of the electrical trace element  206  may be electrically isolated from one another (e.g., via selective coating). As suggested by the potential use of an adhesive tape for the trace element carrier  208 , it is to be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art may choose use any various adhesive and/or mechanical fastening means to ensure the desired position of trace element carrier  208  and, thereby, the electrical trace element  206  relative to the paneling component  202  and/or the blister pack  204 . It is to be understood that, in a manner similar to a given electrical trace element  206 , the trace element carrier  208  may be constructed (e.g., material, thickness, etc.) in a manner that facilitates the expression of a given unit dose from the unit dose package  200  yet still is strong enough to withstand production, to avoid accidental dispersal of medicine, and/or, potentially, to be folded (as per  FIGS. 15 ,  17 ). 
         [0079]    The paneling component  202  may include at least a first/bottom panel  210 , through which a given unit dose is ultimately expressed, and, optionally, a second/top panel  212 . Where both are employed, as is the case illustrated ( FIGS. 14-17 ), the top panel  212  may substantially cover and be adhered (e.g., via adhesive/glue or an intermediate tape) to the bottom panel  210  so as to secure the blister pack  204  therebetween. The bottom panel  210  may be provided with at least one area of panel weakness  214  (defined, for example, by a perforation or reduced thickness) to promote easy punch-out at such locations for unit dose delivery. In a corresponding manner, the top panel  212  may include at least one unit dose cut outs or openings  216  to accommodate therethrough protruding unit doses carried by a given blister pack  204 . As such, the trace element carrier  208  may thereby be located between the bottom panel  210  and the blister pack  204  in a manner to position the electrical trace element  206  relative to the at least one area of panel weakness  214  to allow ready delivery of medicine. That is, when a given dose of medication (not specifically shown) is expressed out of the unit dose package  200 , the electrical trace element  206  and the corresponding region of the trace element carrier  208  are broken, along with the respective area of panel weakness  214 . 
         [0080]    An electronics receiving region/opening  218  may be formed through the bottom panel  210  to permit mechanical receipt of an electronic/electronics component  220 . In a manner quite similar to that shown in  FIGS. 9 ,  10   a , and  10   b , one potential manner of receiving the electronics component  220  is shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , employing at least one mounting opening  222  in the paneling component  202  and a separate mounting hub  224 , a reusable form of which is illustrated. Another variation, paralleling that of  FIGS. 11 and 12 , is shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , in which a slide clip  226  is used to hold the electronics component  220  in place on the paneling component  202 . It is, however, to be understood that other mechanisms, such as those discussed above with the unit dose package  100 , may be used to mount the electronics component  220 . For example, the trace element carrier  208  may have the mounting hub  224  preassembled therewith and/or built in thereto. Other known hub-to-electronic component connections could be used in relation to the mounting hub  224  and the electronics component  220 , e.g., pin-and-socket or USB-type. The particular type of connection used may, in part, be chosen based on the number of uses expected (i.e., certain connector types may offer greater protection of contact points during transitioning). 
         [0081]    In particular, the electrical trace element  206  may have at least first and second trace ends  228  that are exposed via the electronics receiving region  218 , and such at least first and second trace ends  228  may thereby form an electrical connection with the mounted electronics component  220 . Such trace ends  228  may, potentially, be located anywhere on the trace element carrier  208 , so long as such placement facilitates connection thereof with a given electronics component  220 . Further, such trace ends  228  may, for example, be directed away from any areas of the electrical trace element  206  that might be subject to breakage in the normal course of use of the unit dose package  200 . 
         [0082]    Finally, with respect to the unit dose package  200 , the blister pack  204  may include, for example, a blister substrate  230  and at least one dosage site  232  (i.e., location where a given unit dose of medicine stored/carried). It is noted that, since the blister pack  204  need not carry the electrical trace element  206  as per the case of the unit dose package  100 , any blister pack construction known in the art could potentially be employed as part of this embodiment. 
         [0083]    The disclosed unit dose package  300  ( FIGS. 18-21 ) may, for example, include a paneling component  302 , a blister pack  304 , and an electrical trace element  306 . The primary difference between the disclosed unit dose package  300  and the other two unit dose packages  100  and  200  is the manner in which the electrical trace element  306  is incorporated into the unit dose package  300 . More particularly, in the embodiment associated with unit dose package  300 , the electrical trace element  206  may be carried (e.g., coated or deposited) on the paneling component  302 . The description of the disclosed unit dose package  300 , as such, focuses on those details related to the mounting/positioning of the electrical trace element  306  and modifications associated with such placement, as the remaining features are similar to those otherwise associated with the unit dose packages  100 ,  200 . 
         [0084]    The features distinguishing the unit dose package  300  from the unit dose packages  100 ,  200  are best seen in  FIGS. 18 and 20 . Instead of potentially being carried on the blister pack  304  or on a separate element (e.g., a trace element carrier), the electrical trace element  306  is deposited, wired, coated, or otherwise incorporated into and/or on paneling component  302 . In particular, the paneling component  302  may include at least a first/bottom panel  308 , through which a unit dose is ultimately expressed, and, optionally, a second/top panel  310 . In this embodiment, the electrical trace element  306  is deposited on the bottom panel  308 . 
         [0085]    Where both panels  308 ,  310  are employed, as is the case illustrated ( FIGS. 18-21 ), the top panel  310  may substantially cover and be adhered (e.g., via adhesive/glue or an intermediate tape) to the bottom panel  308  so as to secure the blister pack  304  therebetween. The bottom panel  308  may be provided with at least one area of panel weakness  312  (defined, for example, by a perforation or reduced thickness) to promote easy punch-out at such locations for unit dose delivery. In a corresponding manner, the top panel  310  may include at least one unit dose cut outs or openings  314  to accommodate therethrough protruding unit doses carried by a given blister pack  304 . The electrical trace element  306  is positioned relative to the at least one area of panel weakness  312  so that, when a given dose of medication (not specifically shown) is expressed out of the unit dose package  300 , a given section of the electrical trace element  306  is broken, along with the respective area of panel weakness  312 . 
         [0086]    An electronics receiving region/opening  316  may be formed, e.g., through the bottom panel  308  to permit mechanical receipt of an electronic/electronics component  318 . In a manner quite similar to that shown in  FIGS. 9 ,  10   a , and  10   b , one potential manner of receiving the electronics component  318  is shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , employing at least one mounting opening  320  in the paneling component  302  and a separate temporary mounting hub  322 . Another variation, paralleling that of  FIGS. 11 and 12 , is shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , in which a slide clip  324  is used to hold the electronics component  220  in place on the paneling component  202 . It is, however, to be understood that other mechanisms, such as those discussed above with the unit dose package  100 , may be used to mount and align the electronics component  318 . 
         [0087]    Further, the electrical trace element  306  may have at least first and second trace ends  326  that are exposed via the electronics receiving region  316 , and such at least first and second trace ends  326  may thereby form an electrical connection with the mounted electronics component  318 . Such trace ends  326  may, potentially, be located anywhere on the bottom panel  308 , so long as such placement facilitates connection thereof with a given electronics component  318 . Further, such trace ends  326  may, for example, be directed away from any areas of the electrical trace element  306  that might be subject to breakage in the normal course of use of the unit dose package  300 . Yet, additionally, it is to be understood that, for example, the trace ends  326  may be located on an opposite half (not labeled) of the bottom panel  308  than the main portion of the electrical trace element  306 , thereby allowing one page of an insert or slide card to be dedicated to connection with an electronics component  318  and the other one or more pages be used for unit dose dispersal. 
         [0088]    Furthermore, with respect to the unit dose package  300 , the blister pack  304  may include, for example, a blister substrate  328  and at least one dosage site  330  (i.e., location where a given unit dose of medicine stored/carried). It is noted that, since the blister pack  304  need not carry the electrical trace element  306  as per the case of the unit dose package  100 , any blister pack construction known in the art could potentially be employed as part of this embodiment. 
         [0089]    Other embodiments and variations associated with the disclosed unit dose packages  100 ,  200 ,  300  may be possible. For one, any number of pages/sheets of unit doses, as practical, could be provided. Additionally, it is to be understood that each such unit dose packages  100 ,  200 ,  300  could be used as a stand-alone package (e.g., wallet dispenser) or as a slidable insert in the manner disclosed elsewhere in this application (e.g., insertable into a sleeve). Yet further, one of the ordinary skill in the art may choose to extend the trace ends onto the opposite one of the top and bottom panels and/or to relocate the position of the electronics receiving region, so long as that combination permits connection between the trace ends and the electronics component. More simply, it is further contemplated that the electrical trace element and/or the trace ends thereof might be associated with the top panel and that the electronics receiving cut out be formed in the bottom panel. 
         [0090]    It is believed that the present disclosure includes many other embodiments that may not be herein described in detail, but would nonetheless be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the disclosures made. Accordingly, this disclosure should not be read as being limited only to the foregoing examples or only to the designated preferred embodiments.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0