Dispensing System for Medicament Regime

Abstract

A dispensing system for administration of medicaments during a medicament dosage regime and comprising: (i) a tray comprising an interconnected array of compartments, each compartment being dimensioned to accommodate therein a plurality of medicaments; and (ii) a closure for the compartments arranged so that the closure and the compartments form a series of sealed containers for holding medicaments; the compartments and the closure therefor being arranged so that each sealed container is frangible from the interconnected array so that a sealed container may be removed from the array.

1 - 37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . A dispensing system for administration of medicaments during a medicament dosage regime and comprising:
 (i) a tray comprising:   a frame;   an interconnected array of compartments, each compartment being dimensioned to accommodate therein a plurality of medicaments; wherein the frame acts as an interconnecting member to hold the compartments in position in the interconnected array; and wherein when each compartment is removed from the frame it leaves an aperture in the frame,   (ii) a closure for the compartments arranged so that the closure and the compartments form a series of sealed containers for holding medicaments;   the compartments and the closure therefor being arranged so that each sealed container is frangible from the interconnected array so that a sealed container may be removed from the array.   
     
     
         39 . A system according to  claim 38 , further comprising an openable flap which allows access to the tray. 
     
     
         40 . A system according to  claim 39 , wherein the openable flap is a cover for a top of the tray. 
     
     
         41 . A system according to  claim 40 , wherein the openable flap is integrally formed with the tray. 
     
     
         42 . A system according to  claim 39 , wherein a fold between the flap and the tray forms a hinge. 
     
     
         43 . A system according to  claim 42 , wherein the tray, the flap and the hinge are integrally formed from a single piece of material. 
     
     
         44 . A system according to  claim 38 , wherein each closed container comprises patient identification information and each closed container comprises information identifying a time during the dosage regime at which it is intended to administer the medication in the container. 
     
     
         45 . A system according to  claim 38 , wherein the compartments are constructed of a substantially transparent material which allows visual inspection of medicament contained therein and wherein the compartments are constructed so as to avoid any substantive magnification or reduction of the perceived size of the medicament contained therein. 
     
     
         46 . A system according to  claim 38 , wherein the closure comprises a sheet, for example, an adhesive sheet which includes an individual closure for each of the compartments. 
     
     
         47 . A system according to  claim 46 , wherein an account for the number of medicaments which should be contained within each container is provided on each closure. 
     
     
         48 . A system according to  claim 46 , wherein patient information is provided in the form of a barcode on each closure. 
     
     
         49 . A system according to  claim 38 , further comprising indicating means which indicate to a user that a closure for the compartments has been incorrectly positioned on the tray. 
     
     
         50 . A system according to  claim 49 , wherein the indicating means comprise one or more protrusions which interfere with incorrect positioning of the closure. 
     
     
         51 . A system according to  claim 49 , wherein the indicating means comprise one or more alignment protrusions which assist with correct positioning of the closure. 
     
     
         52 . A system according to  claim 39 , wherein a securing mechanism is provided for the openable flap that can hold the flap in a closed position covering the tray. 
     
     
         53 . A system according to  claim 38 , wherein:
 a closure for the compartments is arranged so that the closure and the compartments form a series of sealed containers for holding medicaments, the compartments and the closure therefor being arranged so that each sealed container is frangible from the interconnected array so that a sealed container may be removed from the array.   
     
     
         54 . A system according to  claim 53 , wherein a frangible connection is formed between each compartment and the interconnected array by at least one breakable tab, and breaking of the tab releases a sealed container from the array. 
     
     
         55 . A system according to  claim 54 , wherein a frangible connection is formed between each compartment and the interconnected array by at least one perforated member and breaking along the perforations releases a sealed container from the array. 
     
     
         56 . A system according to  claim 55 , wherein a plurality of break-points are formed between each compartment and the interconnected array and breaking the plurality of break-points releases a sealed container from the array. 
     
     
         57 . A system according to  claim 38 , wherein the closure comprises a frangible array of individual lids, and the frangible array of lids and the tray are formed from a continuous piece of material. 
     
     
         58 . A method of filling a medicament dispensing system with medicaments comprising the steps of:
 (i) providing a dispensing system for administration of medicaments during a medicament dosage regime, the system comprising:   (a) a tray comprising:   a frame;   an interconnected array of compartments, each compartment being dimensioned to accommodate therein a plurality of medicaments; wherein the frame acts as an interconnecting member to hold the compartments in position in the interconnected array; and wherein when each compartment is removed from the frame it leaves an aperture in the frame,   (b) a closure for the compartments arranged so that the closure and the compartments form a series of sealed containers for holding medicaments;   the compartments and the closure therefor being arranged so that each sealed container is frangible from the interconnected array so that a sealed container may be removed from the array;   (ii) dispensing prescribed medication into one or more compartments of the tray according to the required dosage regime;   (iii) closing at least the compartments into which the medication is dispensed utilising a closure for the compartments so that the closure and the compartments form a series of sealed containers.