Dispenser packaging

Abstract

A packaging system for unit dispensing a predefined number of dosages or items at a time (or a predefined amount of liquid or flowable material, such as powder, lotions, or the like) is provided which integrates into a single form the materials, properties, and benefits of carton-based and foil blister-based packaging. The use of secondary processes such as the alignment of perforations between the carton material and foil blister, adhesion of foil blisters to carton surfaces, and adhesive-backed labeling allows the invention to be easily separated by the end-user into compact units whose portability facilitates and encourages adherence to dosage requirements. These features allow the user to remove a dosage from the packaging yet keep intact the physicality and functionality of the combined components.

That which is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An item dispensing packaging device integrating the advantages of carton-based and foil blister-based packaging, for dispensing a predefined number of small items or a predefined volume of a substance at a time, said device comprising: 
 a carton-based or similar material cut into a pattern to form a container and printed with text and image visual information;    a pattern of perforations, or scoring or similar method of facilitating separation, cut into the carton to form a predetermined number of individual tab units which can be individually separated from the primary container;    a foil blister based or similar packaging sheet cut with a pattern of perforations, or scoring or similar method of facilitating separation, matched to the pattern of perforations cut into the carton and a predetermined number of items between each perforation; and    adherence of the foil blister pack to the carton container such that an integrated individual tab may be separated from the primary container for a single unit-dosage.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the predefined number of items is one or higher and wherein said predetermined number of tabs is seven.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said pattern is adjustable.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said foil blister pack is configured to contain a predefined volume of a flowable substance.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the items may be adhered to multiple sides of the container.  
     
     
         6 . A method of dispensing a predefined number of small items or a predefined volume of a substance at a time, said method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a container where a plurality of items are stored,    facilitating separation from the container to allow separation of a predetermined number of individual items,    maintaining integrity of overall container after each separation.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the facilitation of separation may be accomplished by adhering two or more types of packaging with aligning patterns of separation facilitation.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the facilitation of separation may be accomplished using a pattern of separation facilitation on a single type of packaging.