JP2013503794A - Flexible blister package with soft outside - Google Patents

Abstract

A flexible package (10) is provided for the consumable product. The flexible package includes a pair of flexible packaging films (12, 14) for surrounding the product therebetween. The films are glued together to define a peripheral seal to surround the product. One of the films can be broken so that the product can be dispensed through the film under manual pressure.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

(Cross-reference of related applications)
This application claims priority from US Provisional Application No. 61 / 240,404, filed Sep. 8, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

  The present invention generally relates to a package for supporting a plurality of consumable products. More particularly, the present invention relates to a soft and flexible blister package.

  It has long been known to use blister packages that support and contain a plurality of consumable products such as candy, gum, mint, and pharmaceutical products such as capsules, tablets and the like. This type of conventional blister package assembly includes a thermally formed blister tray having a plurality of upwardly open compartments that support a consumable product therein. The blister cover or sheet wraps around the open upper end of the blister tray and covers each compartment sealably. The blister cover may be formed of a variety of materials including metal foil, plastic film, or combinations thereof. The blister tray is then supported in a slidable paperboard sleeve.

  If it is desired to dispense one of the products contained within the blister tray, the blister tray is withdrawn from the blister sleeve and the blister cover is removed from above one of the compartments to dispense the product. . Various techniques are known for dispensing individual products from a compartment. The blister cover can be formed of a tearable material and the product can be pushed down by hand to pass through the cover.

  In other embodiments, the blister cover can be peeled off at selected locations on the compartment to open the compartment and dispense product.

  While the combination of blister tray and sleeve performs well for its intended purpose, certain features are not readily achieved with this arrangement. For example, the combination of blister tray and sleeve is a relatively hard structure. While a series of products are dispensed from the assembly, the user must own the entire assembly intact until the last product is dispensed. Thus, the user must carry the entire assembly even if only a few products remain.

  In addition, the product cannot be viewed until the blister tray is removed from the blister sleeve. Thus, the user has no way of knowing how many products remain in the assembly. Furthermore, the product can only be viewed from one side, even when the tray is removed from the sleeve. This is because the blister cover is usually made of an opaque material.

  Therefore, a blister package that can be more easily carried by a user, the product can be viewed and the size of the package itself can be reduced after a predetermined number of products have been dispensed It is desirable to provide

  The present invention is a flexible package for a consumable product comprising a pair of packaging films for supporting the product therebetween, the films together to define a peripheral seal for enclosing the product Provide a flexible package that is glued together.

  In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the peripheral seal comprises a removable seal so that the product can be dispensed through the removable seal under manual pressure.

  More preferably, the package perimeter seal comprises a removable seal portion and a non-removable seal portion. The film may also include perforations for separating a portion of the package from the rest.

  A method of forming a product package is also provided. The method includes providing a first film and forming a section of the first film having an open end. The product is inserted into the compartment and a second film is placed on the first film and surrounds the compartment.

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of a pair of flexible sheets on one side of a plurality of products for forming the blister package of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the combined package of FIG. FIG. 3 is a front plan view of an embodiment of the blister package of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a front plan view of a further embodiment of the blister package of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of a further embodiment of the present invention using a cellular cushion called a bubble sheet. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.

  The present invention provides a flexible outer soft type blister package containing one or more consumable products such as candy, gum, mint and the like, as well as pharmaceutical products such as capsules, tablets and the like. The present invention also provides for easy dispensing of products from blister packages.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an illustration of a soft-sided blister package outside the present invention is shown. The blister package 10 is formed from a pair of flexible sheets 12 and 14. Sheets 12 and 14 may be made of a variety of materials including plastic films and the like. For example, the plastic film may include a film made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester, polyethylene, or laminates and combinations thereof. Further, the film may be made of cellulose and / or other degradable or biodegradable materials. Preferably, as described in further detail herein below, the film sheet is transparent to allow visualization of the product contained therein. The sheets support a plurality of spaced products between the sheets, which are gum pellets 16 in the illustrated embodiment. The gum pellets may be arranged in a spaced arrangement that defines a plurality of rows and / or columns. In the preferred embodiment shown herein, while multiple gum pellets are shown, it is within the contemplation of the present invention that a single product may be included between sheet 12 and sheet 14. Of course it is understood.

  Sheets 12 and 14 are preferably provided from a roll. Sheets 12 and 14 are placed in intimate contact around an array of gum pellets 16. As shown in FIG. 2, the sheets may be secured together between and around the gum pellets 16. Preferably, the sheets 12 and 14 are secured together around the gum pellets 16 using various heat sealing techniques, as described in further detail herein below. Further, perforations may be included so that the sheet between the pellets can be cut. The combined sheets can be cut to the desired configuration to form the package 10. Sheets 14, 16 run around pellet 16 to form pellets or pockets 15, but pockets or pouches for the pellets may be provided by vacuum forming techniques.

  Referring now to FIG. 3, one embodiment of the flexible package of the present invention is shown. Package 20 is formed of a pair of film sheets 22 and 24 that are sealed together around a plurality of spaced gum pellets 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement of gum pellets is shown in a 2 × 3 arrangement. However, it can be understood that any arrangement of rows and columns is within the scope of the present invention. Sheets 22 and 24 are sealed together at the periphery of each pellet 26 (perimetrically around).

  In this embodiment, the peripheral seal is a four sided seal on each side of the square gum pellet 26. Preferably, the present invention uses a combination of a permanent heat seal and a peelable seal. However, it may be understood that only heat seals or only removable seals may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a permanent heat seal 30 is applied to the three sides of the pellet 26 and a seal 34 that can be peeled off and removed is applied to the remaining sides. In the illustrated embodiment, a seal 34 that can be peeled off and removed from the first row of gum pellets is aligned along one end 20a of the package 20. A seal 34, which can be peeled off and removed from the second row, is aligned along the opposite end 20 b of the package 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the seal 34, which can be peeled off and removed, can be opened under manual squeezing pressure. In this way, the user may dispense individual pellets 26 from the package 20 by squeezing the pellets through an adjacent peelable and removable seal 34. With such manual pressure, the seal can be opened and the pellets can be dispensed.

  Additional features of the present invention include the ability to provide perforations along the permanent heat seal region 32. Such perforations 36 allow the package to be separated between gum pellets 26 to provide a separate sealed package. Any configuration of individual package configurations may be achieved depending on the configuration and location of the perforations 36. As can be appreciated, the package 20 can be separated into smaller units, such as columns or rows, or can be broken up to provide individual sealed pellets. In practice, the arrangement of perforations 36 allows the packages to be separated into any number or configuration of gum pellets 26. Further, the package 20 is separable both before dispensing the gum pellets 26 and after dispensing the gum pellets 26. In this way, as each gum pellet is used from the assembled packet, the dispensed portion of the package can be removed from the remaining portion. This allows the package to be made smaller as the pellets 26 are used.

  Further, as described above, the sheets 22 and 24 may be formed of various materials. Further, the sheet may be formed of a transparent material, translucent material, or similar tear-opaque material that can visualize the pellets 26 contained therein. Thus, the consumer not only knows the type of pellets contained in the package, but also knows how many pellets remain in the assembled package.

  Referring now to FIG. 4, a further embodiment of the package of the present invention is shown. Package 30 is shown in a single row arrangement that includes a plurality of gum pellets 36 therein. Although a single column is shown, it is understood that the arrangement of FIG. 4 may be used in a multiple column arrangement.

  In the illustrated embodiment, a permanent heat seal 50 is applied around the three sides of the pellet 46. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the upper side includes a seal 54 that can be peeled off and removed. As described above, the arrangement shown in FIG. 4 enables distribution in the vertical connection of the individual pellets 46. Perforations are provided between the vertically arranged pellets, where the perforations 60 are adjacent to the seal 54 that can be peeled off and removed, but are completely contained within the heat seal 50. In this way, once the first pellet has been dispensed from the top of the longitudinal package 40, the spent portion of the package can be removed at the perforation 60 and the next successive pellet 46 is available for dispensing. Will be available. Even after separation, the remaining pellets remain sealed. It will be appreciated that the package may be split at any perforation location to define a smaller unit. In practice, the package can be split at each perforation location to define individual packaged and sealed pellets.

  Although the embodiments described above have been described in connection with providing a removable seal along one side of each pellet, it is envisioned that other dispensing techniques may be provided. For example, the pellet can be surrounded on all sides by a permanent heat seal. In such a situation, the pellets can be extruded by providing a place on the package that can be broken at the pellets. Perforations, parting lines, or other “weakened” areas may be provided so that they can be broken in this way to push the pellets out. FIG. 2 shows a perforation 15a adjacent to the pellet 15 to provide a breakable position. In order to assist in the tearing of the film, the film may be made of an oriented plastic film such as, for example, OPP.

  With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the present invention may employ a package 70 made of a material similar to a cellular cushion, commonly referred to as a bubble sheet. The package 70 of this embodiment may include two sheet-like layers 72 and 74 that may be formed of various polymeric materials including multilayer materials and composite materials. The first layer 72 has a series of pockets or compartments 76 formed therein. The compartments 76 may be configured in any pattern and orientation. Each compartment 76 has an open top end 78 and a closed bottom 90. Each compartment forms a pocket for receiving gum pellets 16. The second flat upper layer 74 is adhered to the first layer 72 so that the pellet 16 is contained in the compartment 76 and the end-opened compartment 76 is closed.

  It is envisioned that the package 70 of the present invention may be formed by various conventional forming techniques that are well known in the prior art. For example, the first layer 72 may be provided in a sheet-like form with a roll of material. The compartment 76 may be formed on the sheet by a vacuum process that pulls the layers by vacuum to form the compartment. The sheet can then be cut to the desired configuration before cutting the sheet or after the gum pellets 16 have been dropped into the compartment 76.

  The flat upper layer 74 is then bonded on the lower layer 72 to close the compartment. Joining the upper layer 74 to the lower layer 72 may be accomplished by an adhesive, by heat, or by ultrasonic welding, welding, or any other technique known in the art. .

  Once the pellet 16 is sealed within each compartment 76 of the lower layer 72, the product may be dispensed in various forms. For example, the upper layer 74 may include a plurality of weakened lines thereon, such as laser cuts or perforations, directly above the open-ended compartment 76. A perforation 82 is shown in FIG. 5 by way of example. The bottom 80 of the lower layer 72 may be pushed inward against the upper layer 74, thereby breaking the perforations 85 and leaving the gum pellets 16 out of the compartment 76. It is further envisioned that the closed bottom 80 of the compartment 76 may include weakened portions, such as perforations, to allow removal of the gum pellets through the end of the closed bottom. In addition, the material forming the lower layer 72 is sufficient to allow the lower layer to force the product 16 to break out of the layer without the need for perforations due to manual pressure. It is also assumed that it may be weak.

  Also, as is well known in the cellular cushion art, air can be trapped within compartment 76, facilitating "popping" of the compartment with manual pressure, and further Aids in dispensing the gum pellets 16 from. It is further envisioned that each sealed compartment 76 may include an inert gas confined therein. The inert gas provides internal pressure to the compartment and facilitates “popping”. In addition, the inert gas may contain scented air and distributes a pleasant scent during popping. Such an arrangement is shown in US Pat. No. 5,795,644, published August 18, 1998, entitled “Scented Bubble Wrap”, the disclosure of which is for all purposes. , Incorporated herein by reference.

  It is further envisioned that the scent contained within the sealed compartment 76 can be selected to supplement the flavor of the gum pellets 16 contained therein.

(item)
(Item 1) A flexible package for a consumable product, comprising a pair of flexible packaging films for enclosing the product in between, the film defining a peripheral seal for enclosing the product Flexible package that is glued together to create

  (Item 2) The at least one of the flexible packaging films comprises a breakable material so that the product can be dispensed through the breakable material under manual pressure. The flexible package according to 1.

  (Item 3) At least a portion of the peripheral seal comprises a removable seal so that the product can be dispensed through the removable seal under manual pressure. Flexible package as described in.

  (Item 4) The flexible package according to items 1 to 3, wherein most of the peripheral seals include a removable seal.

  (Item 5) The flexible package according to items 1 to 3, wherein the peripheral seal includes a removable seal portion and a non-removable seal portion.

  (Item 6) The flexible package according to items 1 to 5, wherein the film defines a plurality of the peripheral seals, and each of the peripheral seals surrounds one of the plurality of the products.

  (Item 7) The flexible package according to items 1 to 4, wherein the film includes a perforation or a fragile line so that one of the peripheral seals can be separated from the remaining peripheral seals.

  (Item 8) The plurality of peripheral seals are arranged in at least one row, and a removable seal portion of each of the peripheral seals is arranged in a longitudinal direction with respect to an adjacent section in the row. Flexible package as described in.

  (Item 9) The flexible package according to items 1 to 8, wherein the film is transparent.

  (Item 10) The flexible package according to items 1 to 9, wherein the peripheral seal is formed by welding the films together.

  (Item 11) A consumable product package assembly comprising a plurality of consumable products, a flexible package defining a plurality of product compartments, wherein each compartment is at least one of the plurality of products. A consumable product package assembly comprising a flexible package surrounding a product, each said compartment defined by a peripheral seal around said at least one product.

  12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the flexible package comprises at least one material that can be broken so that the product can be dispensed through a portion.

  13. The assembly of items 11-12, wherein at least a portion of the peripheral seal is removable so that the product can be dispensed through the portion.

  (Item 14) The assembly according to items 11-13, wherein each of the peripheral seals includes a removable part and a non-removable part.

  15. The assembly of claim 11, wherein each component is separated by a perforation or a frangible line so that one of the components can be separated from the packaging assembly.

  (Item 16) The assembly of items 11-15, wherein the flexible package further comprises a pair of films bonded together to define the compartment.

  (Item 17) The assembly according to item 15, wherein the perforation or the frangible line is arranged over the non-removable part.

  (Item 18) The assembly according to item 15, wherein the perforation or the frangible line is arranged adjacent to the non-removable part.

  19. The assembly of items 11-18, wherein the peripheral seal is formed by welding.

  (Item 20) A method for forming a product package, the step of providing a first flexible film, the step of forming a section having an open end in the sheet, and the above-mentioned through the open end. Inserting a product into the compartment; providing a second flexible film; and disposing the second film on the first film so as to surround the compartment.

  (Item 21) The method according to item 20, wherein the providing step includes providing the first and second flexible films from a roll.

  (Item 22) The method according to items 20 to 21, wherein the forming step includes a step of applying a vacuum to one side of the first flexible film in order to form a section in which the end is opened.

  (Item 23) The method according to items 20 to 22, further comprising the step of sealing the second film to the first film around the compartment.

  (Item 24) The method according to item 23, wherein the sealing step further includes a step of sealing the second film to the first film around the partition.

  (Item 25) The method according to items 20 to 24, further comprising disposing an inert gas in the compartment.

  (Item 26) The method according to item 25, wherein the inert gas is given an odor.

  27. The method of items 20-26, further comprising placing a fragile line on the film so that the film can be broken to dispense the product from the compartment.

  Various modifications to the configurations described and shown above will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the particularly disclosed scope of the invention is set forth in the following claims.

Claims (27)

A flexible package for consumable products,
A pair of flexible packaging films for enclosing the product in between,
A flexible package in which the films are bonded together to define a peripheral seal to enclose the product.   The at least one of the flexible packaging films comprises a breakable material so that the product can be dispensed through the breakable material under manual pressure. Flexible package.   The flexible seal of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the peripheral seal comprises a removable seal so that the product can be dispensed through the removable seal under manual pressure. package.   4. The flexible package of claim 3, wherein a majority of the peripheral seal comprises a removable seal.   The flexible package of claim 3, wherein the peripheral seal comprises a removable seal portion and a non-removable seal portion.   The flexible package of claim 1, wherein the film defines a plurality of the peripheral seals, each of the peripheral seals surrounding one of the plurality of the products.   The flexible package of claim 4, wherein the film comprises perforations or frangible lines to allow one of the perimeter seals to be separated from the rest of the perimeter seals.   The plurality of peripheral seals are arranged in at least one row, and a removable seal portion of each of the peripheral seals is longitudinally aligned with respect to an adjacent compartment in the row. Flexible package.   The flexible package of claim 1, wherein the film is transparent.   The flexible package of claim 1, wherein the peripheral seal is formed by welding the films together. A consumable product package assembly comprising a plurality of consumable products,
A flexible package defining a plurality of product compartments, each compartment comprising a flexible package surrounding at least one product of the plurality of products;
Each consumable product package assembly is defined by a peripheral seal around the at least one product.   12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the flexible package comprises at least one material that can be broken so that the product can be dispensed through a portion.   The assembly of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the peripheral seal is removable so that the product can be dispensed through the portion.   The assembly of claim 11, wherein each peripheral seal comprises a removable portion and a non-removable portion.   15. An assembly according to claim 14, wherein each component is separated by a perforation or a frangible line so that one of the components can be separated from the packaging assembly.   The assembly of claim 11, wherein the flexible package further comprises a pair of films bonded together to define the compartment.   The assembly of claim 15, wherein the perforation or frangible line is disposed over the non-removable portion.   16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the perforation or frangible line is located adjacent to the non-removable portion.   The assembly of claim 11, wherein the peripheral seal is formed by welding. A method of forming a product package comprising:
Providing a first flexible film;
In the sheet, a step of forming a section having an open end;
Inserting a product into the compartment through the open end;
Providing a second flexible film;
Disposing the second film on the first film so as to surround the compartment.   21. The method of claim 20, wherein the providing step comprises providing the first and second flexible films from a roll.   21. The method of claim 20, wherein the forming includes applying a vacuum to one side of the first flexible film to form a section with the end open.   21. The method of claim 20, further comprising sealing the second film to the first film around the compartment.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the sealing further comprises sealing the second film to the first film around the compartment around the periphery.   21. The method of claim 20, further comprising disposing an inert gas within the compartment.   26. The method of claim 25, wherein the inert gas is odorized.   21. The method of claim 20, further comprising placing a frangible line in the film so that the film can be broken to dispense the product from the compartment.

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