Patent Description:
Modern health systems require an increasing use of automatic dispensing equipment to optimize the procedures for administering pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items. In the prior art, such automatic dispensing equipment are typically installed in health facilities, such as for example hospitals.

The document <CIT> discloses an automatic dispensing apparatus fed with a ribbon-like support, i.e. a band or strip, that comprises a plurality of encapsulation elements, such as blisters, that in turn contain pharmaceutical products. In particular, the ribbon-like support is provided coiled upon itself so as to be later inserted into the automatic dispensing apparatus.

The document <CIT> discloses an automatic dispensing apparatus that is also fed with a strip-like support that comprises a plurality of blisters containing pharmaceutical products. In particular, the strip-like support is supplied coiled on a reel element that is then inserted into the dispensing apparatus. The reel element is provided with two side walls adapted to contain the strip-like support.

The document <CIT> discloses a strip-like support adapted to feed automatic devices for dispensing pharmaceutical products. In particular, in this document are described various arrangements, or structures, of a strip-like support that comprises a plurality of blisters containing pharmaceutical products.

The document <CIT> discloses a strip-like element comprising a plurality of blisters containing pharmaceutical products. In particular, in this document is described a rigid cassette designed to contain said strip-like element that includes various arrangements or structures.

Although said prior art systems offer important advantages, they provide for some drawbacks that must be overcome.

In fact, the increasing use of automatic dispensing devices requires a greater efficiency in the logistic management of the ribbon-like supports that include the plurality of blisters products containing, in turn, said pharmaceutical products.

Specifically, it is desirable to optimize the space necessary to store and transport said ribbon-like supports in the manufacturing firms, in the distribution warehouses, and in the health facilities warehouses or wards. In this manner, the logistic management is facilitated and, consequently, a greater versatility and cost reduction are guaranteed.

However, in the prior art systems, in which the ribbon-like supports are typically coiled, a wasted space is generated when a plurality of ribbon-like supports is arranged in a box or a space, typically in the shape of a parallelepiped, for the various steps of storage and transportation.

This drawback is particularly important, especially when a logistic management of large quantities of such ribbon-like supports is required, as for example in the case of centralized storage warehouses used for the reception, management, and distribution of large quantities of pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items provided by different manufacturing firms for a plurality of health facilities.

It is evident that such drawback is further accentuated in the case in which said ribbon-like supports are supplied by the manufacturing firm having a structure coiled on reel elements or in rigid cassettes which, consequently, increase the size and weight.

Furthermore, in prior art systems in which the ribbon-like supports are coiled upon themselves, the structure coiled in this manner is not stable, and consequently generates problems in storage, transportation and, especially, in the steps of handling by the operators in health facilities for their use with automatic dispensing equipment.

Instead, in the case in which the ribbon-like supports are coiled around respective reel elements or in rigid cassettes, a stability of the coiled structure is guaranteed appropriately for the storage and transportation steps and, especially in the handling by the operators in health facilities for their use with automatic dispensing equipment.

However, in this case the health facility must provide an adequate disposal procedure for the reel element or cassette, when the ribbon-like support is finished. This is a problem because the shape, size, weight and the materials with which the reel elements or the cassettes are made impose a specific disposal procedure that is different from the normal required procedures. In particular, it is necessary to separate the reel elements or the cassettes from the other waste on the basis of the material with which they are made (such as a rigid polymeric material), and/or based in their size, and/or their empty weight. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a procedure for returning the reel element or cassette, for their reuse, that inevitably requires additional storage and transportation steps, with consequent cost increases.

Moreover, in the case in which the ribbon-like supports are wound on respective reel elements or in rigid cassettes, they result in configurations and/or dimensions which are typically specific on the basis of the type of automatic dispensing apparatus with which they are combined, thus limiting their versatility.

This problem is particularly significant especially when a logistic management of large quantities of such reel elements or rigid cassettes is required, like for example in the case of centralized storage warehouses specifically used for the reception, management and disposal of large quantities of pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items provided by different manufacturing firms for a plurality of health facilities having different automatic dispensing equipment.

The document <CIT> discloses a packaging assembly according to the preamble of claim <NUM>, comprising a ribbon-like support provided with a plurality of blisters containing pharmaceutical products, in which said ribbon-like support is folded upon itself and is also held externally by an adhesive tape. However, this packaging assembly has a complex and not very versatile construction which, moreover, is difficult to manufacture in an automatic mode with appropriate machines.

Consequently, there is a need to design a solution that can overcome the previously described drawbacks.

An objective of the present invention is to provide an assembly for packaging encapsulation elements included in a ribbon-like support, wherein is guaranteed versatility and an efficient logistical management in manufacturing firms, in the distribution warehouses, and in the health facilities warehouses or wards.

In the scope of the above objective, one purpose of the present invention concerns a packaging assembly in which the ribbon-like support maintains a substantially stable structure in operative conditions. In particular, said substantially stable structure enhances the efficiency of the logistical management in the manufacturing firms, in distribution stores, and in health facilities warehouses or wards.

A further purpose concerns a packaging assembly for which it is not necessary to provide a specific disposal procedure for its components with respect to the procedures normally required in a health facility, thus also simplifying their disposal.

A further purpose concerns a packaging assembly in which the handling and the use by the operators is simplified with the automatic dispensing devices in health facilities.

A further purpose concerns a packaging assembly having a construction adapted to be used with different types of automatic dispensing devices in health facilities, thus enhancing their versatility.

A further purpose concerns a packaging assembly in which the ribbon-like support consists of a structure adapted to be used with automatic dispensing devices that contain and associate a plurality of different pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items based on therapeutic prescriptions that are specific for a particular patient.

A further purpose concerns a packaging assembly, in which the pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items contained in the encapsulation elements are adequately protected.

A further purpose concerns a packaging assembly involving a construction that is easy to manufacture.

The above objective and purposes, and others that will become more evident in the following description, are achieved by means of a packaging assembly of a plurality of encapsulation elements including a ribbon-like support, as defined in the independent claim <NUM>.

The further characteristic and advantages of the packaging assembly of a plurality of encapsulation elements included in a ribbon-like support, according to the present invention, will become more evident in the description which follows relative to an embodiment given purely by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the following figures, wherein:.

With reference to <FIG>, a packaging assembly <NUM> is shown for packaging a plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM> that is included in a ribbon-like support <NUM>. In particular, the packaging assembly <NUM> comprises a containment element <NUM> adapted to contain the ribbon-like support <NUM> which in turn includes, and preferably holds, said plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM>.

Each of said plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM>, for example blisters, is adapted to contain a pharmaceutical product or medical-sanitary item, and can be opened by applying a pressure on it, typically manually, by means of known constructions. Preferably, the plurality of encapsulation elements is formed with materials at least partially transparent to make the contents visible to a user, for greater convenience.

In this embodiment, the plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM> of the packaging assembly <NUM> contains the same type of pharmaceutical product or medical-sanitary items. However, this selection is not limitative and it is possible to provide embodiments in which the plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM> contains pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items that are different from each other. If necessary, it is possible to provide embodiments in which each of said plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM> contains more than one pharmaceutical product or medical-sanitary item.

In the present description, the term "pharmaceutical product" refers to any pharmaceutical dosage form adapted for administering any compound or composition, such as for example a tablet, an ampoule, a suppository, or the like. Whereas, the term "medical-sanitary item" means an article or device adapted for therapies, diagnoses and the like in the medical and/or sanitary field, such as tampons, hypodermic syringes, needles, cannulas, bandages, reagents, kit components, or the like.

The ribbon-like support <NUM> is formed with flexible material and has a continuous substantially flat structure provided with two opposite faces. In particular, the ribbon-like support <NUM> is provided (before it is cut or separated) with an extension along a longitudinal direction L1 that is much greater than a transversal width D1, the latter transversal to said longitudinal direction L1.

The ribbon-like support <NUM> is configured to include, preferably by retaining, the plurality of the encapsulation elements <NUM> so that the latter are mutually spaced from each other along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L1, that is, they are arranged longitudinally with respect to the ribbon-like support <NUM>. Typically, the plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM> is included in the ribbon-like support <NUM> so as to project from at least one of the two faces from said support.

With reference in particular to <FIG>, the ribbon-like support <NUM> also includes a plurality of folding lines <NUM>, each of which is formed spaced from the others along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L1 and so as to extend in a direction transversal to the latter.

In particular, each of said plurality of folding lines <NUM> is adapted to fold the ribbon-like support <NUM> upon itself so as to form a serpentine stack <NUM> having a plurality of levels <NUM>. In other words, said plurality of levels <NUM> is defined by consecutive portions of the ribbon-like support <NUM> connected to each other by a respective folding line <NUM> (see in particular <FIG>, in which the entire ribbon-like support <NUM> forms a complete stacked structure).

In the present description, the term "folding line" refers to an area of the ribbon-like support <NUM> that, acting substantially as a hinge, can be deformed, preferably at least partially plastically, without breaking, so as to facilitate the passage of the ribbon-like support <NUM> from an initial unwound state to a final state in which it forms the serpentine stack <NUM>.

In particular, with reference to <FIG>, consecutive portions of the ribbon-like support <NUM>, which in the serpentine stack <NUM> operatively overlap each other, define at least partially an acute angle, preferably included between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, at the respective folding line <NUM> that connects them. In this state is obtained an extremely compact configuration of the serpentine stack <NUM>.

Each of said plurality of folding lines <NUM> is preferably a pre-existing region configured to guide the mutual superimposition of the consecutive portions of the ribbon-like support <NUM> which define the plurality of levels of the serpentine stack <NUM>. For example, each of said plurality of folding lines <NUM> can be formed by a region of smaller thickness, a region provided with perforations, and the like, or combinations thereof.

Preferably, the folding lines <NUM> are formed, two by two, equidistant along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L1. In other words, pairs of consecutive folding lines <NUM> are spaced from each other at the same distance along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L1. In this state, the serpentine stack <NUM> has a substantially parallelepiped shape that is easy to contain by the containment element <NUM>, as explained below.

In a most preferred embodiment, the folding lines <NUM> are, two by two, spaced by the same number of encapsulation elements <NUM>. In other words, pairs of consecutive folding lines <NUM> are spaced from each other by the same number of encapsulation elements <NUM> along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L1. In this state, a substantially parallelepiped shape of the serpentine stack <NUM> is further guaranteed since the plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM> projects from one of the two faces of the ribbon-like support <NUM>.

In the present invention, referring in particular to <FIG>, the containment element <NUM> is formed with a flexible film and is shaped to operatively contain the serpentine-shaped stack <NUM> by substantially adhering to the latter so as to maintain the plurality of levels <NUM> substantially aligned with each other.

As is used here, the term "flexible film" refers to a flexible material or covering having preferably a thickness of at least <NUM> micron, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> micron, and that is substantially without a rigid structure. Specifically, as it is used herein, the term "flexible film" is substantially opposite in meaning to terms such as "inflexible film", "rigid film", "rigid laminate", and the like.

In this state, advantageously, the stacked structure of the plurality of levels <NUM> of the serpentine stack <NUM> is stabilized in the various operative conditions to which the packaging assembly <NUM> is subjected. In particular, in this state, said stacked structure is maintained substantially stable in the various steps of moving, insertion into/extraction from boxes, and handling that are provided in manufacturing firms, in distribution warehouses, and in health facilities for use with automatic dispensing devices. Moreover, as it is formed with flexible film, it is not necessary to provide a specific disposal procedure for the containment element <NUM> compared to the procedures normally provided for in a health facility.

In particular, in this state it is improbable that, in the various operative conditions, the ribbon-like support <NUM> does not maintain the stacked structure of the serpentine stack <NUM> since the plurality of the folding lines <NUM> prevents a movement of the plurality of levels <NUM> along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L1. Whereas, the walls of the containment element <NUM> prevent a substantially transversal misalignment of the plurality of levels <NUM>.

In the most preferred embodiment, the containment element <NUM> is shaped to operatively contain the serpentine stack <NUM> so as to at least partially compress said plurality of levels <NUM> along a direction substantially orthogonal (that is, at least partially orthogonal) to the faces of the ribbon-like support <NUM>, in other words along a direction substantially orthogonal to the plurality of levels <NUM>. The compression of the plurality of levels <NUM> is possible thanks to the characteristics of flexibility of the ribbon-like support <NUM> and to the fact that, as the plurality of the encapsulation elements <NUM> project from the latter, the levels <NUM> are at least partially spaced by free spaces.

In this state, advantageously, the stacked structure of the plurality of levels <NUM> of the serpentine stack <NUM> is further stabilized in the various operative conditions to which the packaging assembly <NUM> is subjected. In particular, it is improbable that in the various operative conditions the ribbon-like support <NUM> does not maintain the stacked structure of the serpentine stack <NUM> since the friction between the walls of the containment element <NUM> and the ribbon-like support <NUM>, that is, the serpentine stack <NUM>, further prevents a misalignment of the compressed plurality of levels <NUM>.

Referring in particular to <FIG>, the containment element <NUM> includes a substantially tubular portion 12c that extends along a longitudinal axis L2.

The serpentine stack <NUM> is inserted into the substantially tubular portion 12c so as to arrange substantially parallel to each other the longitudinal axis L2 of the substantially tubular portion 12c and the longitudinal direction L1 of the ribbon-like support <NUM> forming the serpentine stack <NUM>. In other words, the serpentine stack <NUM> is inserted into the substantially tubular portion 12c so that the faces of the ribbon-like support <NUM> and its longitudinal direction L1, are prevalently substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L2 of the substantially tubular portion 12c. In this state, a stable and extremely compact configuration of the serpentine stack <NUM> is obtained.

The containment element <NUM> is then closed at the two opposite longitudinal ends of the substantially tubular portion 12c, that is, the first longitudinal end 12a and the second longitudinal end 12b. The closure of the longitudinal ends, first 12a and second 12b, of the substantially tubular portion 12c is carried out by means of known joining methods, such as bonding, gluing and the like. Preferably, the longitudinal ends, first 12a and second 12b, of the substantially tubular portion 12c are closed so as to hermetically contain the serpentine stack <NUM> inside the containment element <NUM>.

In this state, advantageously, the containment element <NUM> has a construction that is simple to produce and to form based on the shape of the serpentine stack <NUM> so as to maintain substantially aligned with each other each of said plurality of levels <NUM>, operatively stabilizing the stacked structure of the latter.

In other words, the substantially tubular portion 12c provides a structure that, although it is made with flexible film, is adapted to stabilize the stacked structure of the plurality of levels <NUM> of the serpentine stack <NUM> in the various operative conditions to which the packaging assembly <NUM> is subjected.

In the most preferred embodiment, the substantially tubular portion 12c has, in its transversal cross section, a shape that is substantially a closed polygon, most preferably substantially rectangular or square so as to be consistent in shape, with the transversal cross section, of the serpentine stack <NUM>.

The containment element <NUM> is preferably formed with polymeric material, such as for example a PET-based product, or with combinations of polymeric materials. In this state, as was previously stated, the step of disposing the containment element <NUM> is advantageously simplified because a health facility already provides for disposal procedures for such materials having a film structure.

Preferably, the containment element <NUM> is formed with material at least partially transparent so as to make the ribbon-like support <NUM>, the plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM>, and any information that may be printed thereon, visible for a user so as to make them more practical in the various conditions of use.

In a most preferred embodiment, the containment element <NUM> is formed at least partially with biodegradable and/or compostable material, and it is optionally at least partially of renewable, or natural, origin. For example, the element <NUM> can be formed with PLA-based material.

In this state, advantageously, a disposal step of the containment element <NUM> is further simplified and, moreover, its environmental impact is reduced.

In a further embodiment, the containment element <NUM> is formed at least partially with materials having characteristics of barrier to at least one portion of the visible and/or ultraviolet and/or infrared radiation. For example, the element <NUM> may include a layer having said barrier characteristics.

In this state, advantageously, is further guaranteed a protection of the pharmaceutical product or of the medical-sanitary item, especially when the plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM> is formed from material at least partially transparent to visible and/or ultraviolet and/or infrared radiation.

In fact, it is well-known that some pharmaceutical products are light-sensitive and degrade due to irradiation with certain wave lengths, based on the chemical nature of the pharmaceutical product. Therefore, in this embodiment, the material from which the containment element <NUM> is formed is appropriately selected so as to act substantially as a filter stopping or reducing the intensity of the wave lengths that cause the degradation of the pharmaceutical product.

In a further embodiment, the containment element <NUM> is adapted to be labeled, by means of markings or other methods, with graphic elements, alphanumeric characters, codes and the like, or combinations thereof, so as to link the packaging assembly <NUM>, the ribbon-like support <NUM>, and the plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM>, with the desired information relative to the identification of the pharmaceutical product or medical-sanitary item, the manner of conservation and/or use, the use-by date, production lots, and the like.

Referring in particular to <FIG>, the containment element <NUM> preferably comprises fixing means 12f adapted to cooperate with appropriate support elements configured to support said packaging assembly <NUM>, such as for example rack hooks and the like. Alternatively, the fixing means 12f are adapted to cooperate with appropriate gripping means, such as for example helical supports of an automatic dispensing apparatus.

Preferably, the fixing means 12f are formed at a longitudinal end, first 12a or second 12b, of the containment element <NUM>. In this state, advantageously, when the packaging assembly <NUM> is, for example, hanging from a hook of a rack it is improbable that the ribbon-like support <NUM> does not maintain the stacked structure of the serpentine stack <NUM>, especially when the containment element <NUM> compresses at least partially the plurality of levels <NUM> along a direction substantially orthogonal to the faces of the ribbon-like support <NUM>.

Therefore, in this state, the logistic management of the packaging assembly <NUM> in health facility warehouses or wards is simplified and, above all, the management by the operators in the health facilities for its use with the automatic dispensing means is simplified.

In this preferred embodiment, the fixing means 12f comprise a hole that that can be easily made on the containment element <NUM> at the bonded portion of the respective longitudinal end, first 12a or second 12b. However, this selection is not limitative and the fixing means 12f can have any appropriate construction.

Referring in particular to <FIG>, the adjacent encapsulation elements <NUM> are preferably spaced from each other by a respective weakness line <NUM>' formed transversally to the longitudinal direction L1 of the ribbon-like support <NUM>. Preferably, the weakness lines <NUM>' are formed, two by two, equidistant along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L1. In other words, pairs of consecutive weakness lines <NUM>' are spaced from each other by the same distance along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L1. In particular, some of said weakness lines <NUM>' also form said plurality of folding lines <NUM>.

Each weakness line <NUM>' is preferably a substantially weakened preexisting region, such as for example a region of smaller thickness, a region provided with perforations or combinations thereof, that is adapted to facilitate the separation, or the tearing off of consecutive portions of the ribbon-like support <NUM> that are each associated with a single encapsulation element <NUM>.

Therefore, the plurality of folding lines <NUM> and the plurality of weakness lines <NUM>' may be formed from regions substantially identical and provided, for example, with perforations.

Alternatively, the plurality of folding lines <NUM> and the plurality of weakness lines <NUM>' may be mutually different regions provided respectively with a smaller thickness (for the folding lines <NUM>) and with perforations (for the weakness lines <NUM>'). In the latter case is guaranteed a greater sturdiness of the plurality of folding lines <NUM>, acting substantially as hinges, with respect to the weakness lines <NUM>'.

Alternatively, it is possible to provide an embodiment in which no weakness lines <NUM>' are provided, and the ribbon-like support <NUM> is formed with material that is easily tearable without the use of cutting devices, for a more practical use. For example, the ribbon-like support <NUM> can be at least partially formed with polymeric material, paper material, or their combination, which makes it possible to manually perform a tear off, without the use of cutting devices.

Alternatively, it is possible to provide an embodiment in which no weakness lines <NUM>' are included, and the ribbon-like support <NUM> is formed with material that requires the use of cutting devices for separating portions of the same.

The ribbon-like support <NUM> can have any structure adapted to include the plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM>.

In the most preferred embodiment, the ribbon-like support <NUM> has a structure that is adapted to hold upon itself the plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM>. In particular, in this preferred embodiment the ribbon-like support <NUM> works substantially as an element for re-packaging a plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM> that are different from each other and that are obtained by cutting a continuous grid consisting, as originally marketed, of encapsulation elements <NUM> that are integral with each other.

In this state, through said re-packaging, the ribbon-like support <NUM> and the packaging assembly <NUM> are particularly adapted to feed automatic dispensing devices that contain and associate a plurality of different pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items, on the basis of therapeutic prescriptions that are specific for a given patient.

Referring in particular to <FIG>, which are schematic views of a portion of the ribbon-like support <NUM>, respectively in an unassembled state and an assembled state, in this embodiment the ribbon-like support <NUM> includes a first ribbon-like layer <NUM>' and a second ribbon-like layer <NUM>" which hold between them the plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM>.

Specifically, along the longitudinal direction L1, on the first ribbon-like layer <NUM>' is formed a plurality of openings <NUM> that are appropriately spaced from each other and shaped so as to receive a respective one of said plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM>. As previously mentioned, each of said plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM> contains and protects a pharmaceutical product or a medical-sanitary item (in the figure, the pharmaceutical product or medical-sanitary item is schematized with a rectangle).

Each of said plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM> includes a cap 16c, preferably transparent in the visible spectrum, provided with an opening which is closed by a base portion 16b so as to contain, preferably in an tight manner, the pharmaceutical product or medical-sanitary item. As mentioned previously, each of said plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM> is configured to be openable when a pressure is applied on it, typically manually, by means of known constructions.

From the edges on the opening of the cap 16c extends peripherally therefrom a abutting portion 16r that is joined, by known methods, to the base portion 16b of the respective encapsulation element <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, each of said plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM> is inserted into the corresponding opening <NUM> so that the cap 16c comes out and protrudes outside the first ribbon-like layer <NUM>', with the abutting portion 16r acting as a contact surface on the first ribbon-like layer <NUM>' of the ribbon-like support <NUM>.

When said insertion is completed, as shown in <FIG>, on the surface of the first ribbon-like layer <NUM>' that is opposite to the one from which the cap 16c protrudes, is fixed, for example by gluing, the second ribbon-like layer <NUM>", which has the function of holding and locking the encapsulation elements <NUM> on the ribbon-like support <NUM>.

The second ribbon-like layer <NUM>" may be formed with the same material as the first ribbon-like layer <NUM>' or it may be made with different material, providing characteristics of flexibility and, in case, it may be easily tearable, as it was previously defined. In this preferred embodiment, the first ribbon-like layer <NUM>' is formed with an opaque material, on which it is possible to mark various types of information, while the second ribbon-like layer <NUM>" is formed with transparent material so as to allow said marked information to be seen. However, this selection is not limitative, and it is possible to duly choose the type of material of each of the layers.

If the pharmaceutical product or medical-sanitary item requires to be held in a container, such as for example a bottle, it is possible to provide an embodiment in which the respective encapsulation element <NUM> does not require a base portion 16b and the pharmaceutical product or medical-sanitary item is held in the cap 16c by the second ribbon-like layer <NUM>" which, therefore, acts as a base.

Preferably, the ribbon-like support <NUM> comprises, along its longitudinal direction L1, a plurality of hooking elements <NUM>, such as through holes, appropriately shaped to cooperate with appropriate gripping means, such as for example helical supports of an automatic dispensing apparatus.

In particular, each hooking elements <NUM> is arranged on the ribbon-like support <NUM> in an intermediate position between two adjacent encapsulation elements <NUM> and it is associated to only one of them, preferably in an intermediate position between a weakness line <NUM>' and an adjacent encapsulation element <NUM>. In this state, once it is separated from the ribbon-like support <NUM>, the portion included between two weakness lines <NUM>', which is associated with a single encapsulation element <NUM>, can be easily engaged by the gripping means of an automatic dispensing apparatus.

From the description given thus far, it is evident how important results have been achieved, resolving the drawbacks of the prior art, making it possible to produce a packaging assembly <NUM> that guarantees versatility and an efficient logistical management in manufacturing firms, in the distribution warehouses, and in the health facilities warehouses or wards.

In fact, according to the present invention, in operative conditions the packaging assembly <NUM> maintains the stacked structure of the serpentine stack <NUM> formed from the ribbon-like support <NUM> substantially stable.

In particular, the stacked structure of the serpentine stack <NUM> is maintained substantially stable by the containment element <NUM> which is shaped by adhering to the stack. At the same time, the stacked structure of the serpentine stack <NUM> makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of the packaging assembly <NUM>, especially when the containment element <NUM> is shaped so as to at least partially compress the plurality of levels <NUM> of the serpentine stack <NUM>.

Furthermore, unlike the prior art in which reel elements or rigid cassettes are used, the packaging assembly <NUM> has a relatively low weight since the containment element <NUM> is formed with flexible film having a weight that is substantially negligible.

Moreover, it is not necessary to provide a specific disposal procedure for the containment element <NUM> since the health facilities normally provide appropriate disposal procedures for materials formed from film, thus simplifying the disposal steps for the packaging assembly <NUM>.

Furthermore, the packaging assembly <NUM> guarantees an easy handling and use by the operators with the automatic dispensing equipment provided in health facilities. In particular, it is possible to cut longitudinally the substantially tubular portion 12c of the containment element <NUM>, to make the ribbon-like support <NUM> available, and subsequently to easily insert the packaging assembly <NUM> into a box-like cassette associated with a dispensing apparatus. In this state, when the ribbon-like support <NUM> is finished, it is sufficient to remove the containment element <NUM> from the cassette and dispose it in accordance with the common procedures for materials in the form of film.

Moreover, the packaging assembly <NUM> has a construction adapted to be used with different types of automatic dispensing equipment. In particular, a specific cassette associated with a given type of dispensing apparatus can be easily loaded with the packaging assembly <NUM>, as was previously mentioned, or with only the ribbon-like support <NUM> forming the serpentine stack <NUM>. If necessary, in the step of production of the packaging assembly <NUM>, it is possible to adjust the conformational characteristics of the serpentine stack <NUM>, such as for example the number of levels <NUM> and their extension along the longitudinal direction L1, on the basis of the conformational characteristics of a specific cassette.

The embodiment in which the ribbon-like support <NUM> acts as a re-packaging element of a plurality of distinct encapsulation elements <NUM> is particularly adapted to feed automatic dispensing devices with pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items originally marketed in sizes not appropriate for such devices.

In addition, the packaging assembly <NUM> adequately protects the pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items. In particular, the containment element <NUM> provides protection for the plurality of encapsulation elements <NUM> and for their contents both by containing them and, if necessary, by blocking any radiation.

Moreover, the substantially stable serpentine structure of the ribbon-like support <NUM>, wherein free spaces are provided between the levels <NUM> of the serpentine stack <NUM>, guarantees damping characteristics in case of accidental fall of the packaging assembly <NUM>. Specifically, such damping characteristics, together with the relatively low weight, guarantee a durability of the packaging assembly <NUM>, of the plurality of the encapsulation elements <NUM>, and of the contents of the latter.

Moreover, the presence of fixing means 12f on the containment element <NUM> increases the versatility of the packaging assembly <NUM>, especially when the fixing means 12f consist of a hole having a shape like the one of the hooking elements <NUM> of the ribbon-like support <NUM>. In fact, in this case, the fixing means 12f and the hooking elements <NUM> are adapted to cooperate with the same means of an automatic dispensing apparatus, such as for example helical supports, and it is possible with said apparatus to combine different packaging assemblies <NUM> together, or to associate a packaging assembly <NUM> with a portion of a ribbon-like support <NUM> corresponding, for example, to a single encapsulation element <NUM>.

Finally, the packaging assembly <NUM> provides for a construction that is simple to produce.

Claim 1:
Packaging assembly (<NUM>) including:
- a plurality of encapsulation elements (<NUM>) adapted to contain pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items,
- a ribbon-like support (<NUM>) formed with flexible material having two opposite faces and extension along a longitudinal direction (L1),
said ribbon-like support (<NUM>) comprising said plurality of encapsulation elements (<NUM>) which are mutually spaced from each other along said longitudinal direction (L1) and which protrude from at least one of the faces of said ribbon-like support (<NUM>), wherein
said ribbon-like support (<NUM>) further comprises a plurality of folding lines (<NUM>) each of which is formed transversely to said longitudinal direction (L1),
each of said plurality of folding lines (<NUM>) being adapted to fold said ribbon-like support (<NUM>) on itself so as to form a serpentine stack (<NUM>) having a plurality of levels (<NUM>) each defined by consecutive portions of said ribbon-like support (<NUM>),
- a containment element (<NUM>) adapted to contain said ribbon-like support (<NUM>) and said plurality of encapsulation elements (<NUM>),
said containment element (<NUM>) being formed with flexible film and being shaped to operatively contain said serpentine stack (<NUM>) substantially adhering to the latter so as to keep each of said plurality of levels (<NUM>) substantially aligned with each other, operatively stabilizing the stacked structure of the latter,
characterized in that
said containment element (<NUM>) comprises a substantially tubular portion (12c) having a longitudinal axis (L2) and closed at its longitudinal ends (12a, 12b),
said serpentine stack (<NUM>) being contained in said containment element (<NUM>) so that said longitudinal direction (L1) of said ribbon-like support (<NUM>) is substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis (L2) of said substantially tubular portion (12c).