Unit dose packaging system with reusable electronics component
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A unit dose package insert comprising:
- a blank comprised of a bottom panel and a top panel,the bottom panel including one or more areas of weakness, an electrical trace element having at least first and second ends positioned away from the one or more 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, andthe top panel including one or more unit dose cut out areas and an electronics seating hub component cut out area;
a blister pack comprised of one or more sealed unit doses positionable atop the bottom panel; and
an electronics seating hub component adapted to mechanically receive an electronics component, wherein the electronics seating hub component is positioned proximate to the at least first and second ends of the electrical trace element,wherein the top panel substantially covers and is adhered to the bottom panel so as to secure the blister pack and electronics seating hub component 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.
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Abstract
Described herein is an apparatus and method for attaching a removable and reusable electronic 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 electronic 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.
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Citations
34 Claims
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1. A unit dose package insert comprising:
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a blank comprised of a bottom panel and a top panel, the bottom panel including one or more areas of weakness, an electrical trace element having at least first and second ends positioned away from the one or more 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, and the top panel including one or more unit dose cut out areas and an electronics seating hub component cut out area; a blister pack comprised of one or more sealed unit doses positionable atop the bottom panel; and an electronics seating hub component adapted to mechanically receive an electronics component, wherein the electronics seating hub component is positioned proximate to the at least first and second ends of the electrical trace element, wherein the top panel substantially covers and is adhered to the bottom panel so as to secure the blister pack and electronics seating hub component 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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A reusable electronics component adapted to communicate with a disposable unit dose package to collect and disseminate data pertaining to the expression of unit doses comprising:
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a seating mechanism adapted to fit into an electronics seating hub component, wherein the seating mechanism enables the electronics component to be removed from the electronics seating hub component without causing damage to the electronics component; a microcontroller; an electrical trace contact interface coupled with the microcontroller, wherein the electrical trace contact interface is positioned relative to the seating mechanism enabling the electronics component to receive signals from electrical traces present on the disposable unit dose package, wherein the microcontroller is programmed to detect, based on the signals, when a unit dose has been expelled from the disposable unit package. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of assembling a unit dose package insert comprising:
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forming 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; applying electrical traces to the blank in a desired pattern so as to ensure each unit dose has a portion of the electrical trace associated therewith; adhering the blister pack to the bottom panel of the blank such that each unit dose is substantially over a perforated area; adhering an electronics seating hub component to the bottom panel such that electrical trace terminations are coupled with corresponding electrical trace contacts in the electronics seating hub component; and sealing the top panel 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. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A unit dose package system comprising:
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a slide card insert comprised of a blank that includes a bottom panel and a top panel, the bottom panel including one or more areas of weakness, an electrical trace element having at least first and second ends positioned away from the one or more 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, and the top panel including one or more unit dose cut out areas and an electronics seating hub component cut out area; a blister pack comprised of one or more sealed unit doses positionable atop the bottom panel, wherein the top panel substantially covers and is adhered to the bottom panel thereby securing the one or more 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; 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; and 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 protruding element positioned to be proximate the electronics seating hub component when the slide card insert is folded back over itself creating an upper and lower portion, the protruding element is obstructed by the electronics seating hub component upon trying to slide the upper portion with respect to the lower portion; and a child resistant outer sleeve adapted to receive the slide card insert such that the slide card insert is lockably and slidably engaged within the child resistant outer sleeve.
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18. An insert for a package for holding medication, comprising:
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a slide card including at least one area of weakness formed therein; an electrical trace element including at least first and second ends positioned away from the area of weakness, wherein the electrical trace element intersects the area of weakness such that when the area of weakness is compromised, the electrical trace element is broken for the area of weakness; and an electronics seating hub component adapted to mechanically receive an electronics component, wherein the electronics seating hub is positioned proximate to the at least first and second ends of the electrical trace element. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A package for holding medication, comprising:
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a slide card including at least one area of weakness formed therein; an electrical trace element including at least first and second ends positioned away from the area of weakness, wherein the electrical trace element intersects the area of weakness such that when the area of weakness is compromised, the electrical trace element is broken for the area of weakness; an electronics seating hub component adapted to mechanically receive an electronics component, wherein the electronics seating hub is positioned proximate to the at least first and second ends of the electrical trace element; and a sleeve which houses the slide card. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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Specification