Systems and methods for child-resistant and senior friendly packaging

Abstract

Systems and methods related to a packaging system having a blister pack sandwiched between a plurality of protective layers. One or more protective layers disposed above the blister pack may include perforations running along the perimeter region. A child attempting to separate the protective layers from the blister pack may only be able to strip away the perimeter region thereby securing the blister pack.

1 . A system for packaging at least one solid dosage form, the system comprising:
 a blister pack for housing the form, the blister pack including a receptacle layer having at least one collapsible receptacle and a rupturable layer extending over the at least one receptacle;   a first rigid layer disposed on the receptacle layer and having a perimeter region including a zone of reduced strength; and   a second rigid layer disposed on the rupturable layer.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the second rigid layer has an opening feature aligned with the receptacle. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the opening feature includes a wedge. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3  wherein:
 the opening feature has a substantially central region and a local perimeter about the central region, the local perimeter corresponding to a single receptacle;   the wedge comprises:   an apex proximate the central region; and   a base proximate the local perimeter.   
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the wedge is supported, at the base, by the second rigid layer, as a cantilever. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the wedge is one of four so supported wedges. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the wedge is one of six so supported wedges. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the receptacle layer includes a polymeric sheet. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the receptacle layer includes a plurality of receptacles. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the rupturable layer includes an aluminum foil. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first and second rigid layers includes a polymeric laminated rigid sheet. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the second rigid layer includes a plurality of layers of rigid materials. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a barrier layer disposed on the second rigid layer, the barrier layer extending over the collapsible receptacle. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein:
 the barrier layer comprises an inner barrier layer that is disposed on the second rigid layer and extends over the collapsible receptacle; and   an outer barrier layer that is disposed over the inner barrier layer and extends over the collapsible receptacle.   
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 14  wherein at least one of the inner barrier layer and outer barrier layer includes perforations near an opening feature in the second rigid layer. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the perforations include:
 a first perforated segment;   a second perforated segment parallel the first perforated segment;   a third perforated segment running from the first perforated segment to the second segment;   such that a portion of the barrier layer is made deflectable by the motion of an item being ejected from the receptacle.   
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16  further comprising, adjacent the third perforated segment, a space for a finger nail penetrate under a portion of the barrier layer to rupture the barrier layer along the third perforated segment. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the zone of reduced strength includes perforations. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the rupturable layer extends continuously across all receptacles. 
   
   
       20 . A method for manufacturing a solid dosage form package, the method comprising:
 providing a receptacle layer having at least one collapsible receptacle;   introducing a solid dosage form into the receptacle;   attaching to the receptacle layer a rupturable layer that extends over the receptacle, thereby enclosing the solid dosage form;   disposing on the rupturable layer a rigid layer having at least one opening feature that is substantially aligned with the receptacle; and   disposing on the rigid layer at least one barrier layer;   
     wherein the at least one barrier layer includes at least one perforation pattern disposed in a region corresponding to the opening feature. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising disposing a top rigid layer on the receptacle layer, the top rigid layer having an opening to accommodate the receptacle. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the top rigid layer includes a zone of reduced strength extending along a portion of a perimeter region. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the top rigid layer is attached to the rigid layer. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23  wherein the top rigid layer is hinged to the rigid layer. 
   
   
       25 . A system for packaging a plurality of pills, the system comprising:
 a blister pack housing that includes a receptacle layer having a plurality of receptacles and a rupturable layer extending over the plurality of receptacles;   a casing including:   a first rigid section disposed on the blister pack adjacent the receptacle layer;   a second rigid section attached to the first rigid section and disposed on the blister pack adjacent the rupturable layer, the second rigid section including a plurality of opening features aligned with the plurality of receptacles;   a third rigid section hingedly attached to the second rigid section such that the third rigid section is configured to fold on top of first rigid section to enclose the blister pack; and   at least one barrier layer disposed on the second rigid section and extending over the plurality of opening features;   
     wherein the barrier layer includes a zone of reduced strength corresponding to the opening features.