US20130105351A1 - Product package and system - Google Patents
Product package and system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130105351A1 US20130105351A1 US13/508,722 US201013508722A US2013105351A1 US 20130105351 A1 US20130105351 A1 US 20130105351A1 US 201013508722 A US201013508722 A US 201013508722A US 2013105351 A1 US2013105351 A1 US 2013105351A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- blister pack
- overwrap
- cavity
- lidding
- product package
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
- B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
- B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
- B65D75/36—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet or blank being recessed and the other formed of relatively stiff flat sheet material, e.g. blister packages, the recess or recesses being preformed
- B65D75/366—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet or blank being recessed and the other formed of relatively stiff flat sheet material, e.g. blister packages, the recess or recesses being preformed and forming one compartment
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
- B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
- B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
- B65D75/36—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet or blank being recessed and the other formed of relatively stiff flat sheet material, e.g. blister packages, the recess or recesses being preformed
- B65D75/367—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet or blank being recessed and the other formed of relatively stiff flat sheet material, e.g. blister packages, the recess or recesses being preformed and forming several compartments
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
- B65B5/10—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
- B65B7/2842—Securing closures on containers
- B65B7/2871—Securing closures on containers by gluing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/003—Articles enclosed in rigid or semi-rigid containers, the whole being wrapped
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2575/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D2575/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by association or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
- B65D2575/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
- B65D2575/36—One sheet or blank being recessed and the other formed or relatively stiff flat sheet material, e.g. blister packages
- B65D2575/361—Details
- B65D2575/362—Details with special means for gaining access to the contents
- B65D2575/363—Details with special means for gaining access to the contents by sliding one sheet relative to the other
Definitions
- Product packages for consumer goods such as blister packs for toys, glasses, consumer electronics, videos, games, etc., are generally discussed herein with particular discussions on blister packs having easy to remove security overwrap covers.
- Prior art blister packs for packaging toys and consumer components are typically heat sealed for shipping, displaying, and providing security. They have a clam-shell configuration made from a thermoforming process in which one-half of the clamshell is formed with a cavity and the other half either as a flat lidding or with a second cavity to increase the overall cavity dimension of the clam-shell. The two sections are typically sealed along a common perimeter, using frequency sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or simple heat seal. An optional paper insert may be provided for art work and other ad space, such as product information and product name.
- blister packs serve their intended needs, they pose issues for consumers and the environment.
- blister packs are made of durable plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which make them hard to open.
- PVC polyvinyl chloride
- the difficult-to-open packages have given rise to “wrap rage”.
- the all plastic configuration goes against recent environmental push for plastic reduction to reduce carbon footprint.
- the present apparatus, device, and method may be practiced by providing a product package system comprising a blister pack.
- the blister pack can comprise a cavity placed inside an overwrap comprising an opening; wherein the cavity projects, at least in part, out the opening of the overwrap; and wherein a flap on the overwrap is folded over a package opening and is fixed to a surface near the package opening by adhesive.
- a method for assembling a product package system comprising placing a consumer product into a cavity of a blister pack; placing a lidding against the blister pack so as to cover the cavity; placing the blister pack and lidding into a package opening of an overwrap; aligning the cavity so that the cavity projects outwardly of at least one window incorporated in the overwrap; and applying an adhesive to close the packaging opening.
- the present method is a method for using a product package system.
- the method of using the product package system comprising causing a side of an overwrap of the product package to open to expose an interior cavity of the overwrap.
- the method further comprising the steps of extracting a blister pack from the interior cavity of the overwrap and separating a cover on the blister pack to expose a cavity on the blister pack without cutting the cover or the blister pack.
- the method includes the step of extracting a product from the cavity of the blister pack.
- FIG. 1 is an exemplary semi-schematic perspective view of a lidding of a blister pack provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view of a blister pack provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2A is an exploded top view of an upper left corner of the blister pack of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 3 is an exemplary perspective view of a blister pack assembly provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
- FIG. 4 is an exemplary schematic perspective view of an overwrap configured for receiving the blister pack assembly of FIG. 3 provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
- FIG. 5 is an exemplary perspective view of a product package system provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 6 is an exemplary front view of the product package system of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is an exemplary rear view of the product package system of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a lidding 10 provided in accordance with aspects of one embodiment.
- the lidding 10 has a first surface 12 , an opposed second surface 14 , a length L and a width W.
- the lidding 10 can be made from any suitable natural, synthetic, composite, and laminate materials, including but not limited to paper and board materials; metals and foils; or plastics.
- the lidding 10 is made from a paperboard material.
- the lidding 10 may be made from a prior art material having acceptable thickness or weight, including from paperboard material and from recyclable material.
- the first surface 12 , the second surface 14 , or both may have printing or art work, such as for describing the contents of the package and/or for providing manufacturer information, among others.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a blister pack 16 provided in accordance with aspects of one embodiment.
- the blister pack 16 may be made from a transparent or opaque plastic or other rigid or semi-rigid materials.
- the blister pack 16 can be made from any suitable natural, synthetic, composite, and laminate materials, including, without limitation, plastics such as cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PETG); polycarbonate; polyethylene, including PET, PVC, HDPE, and LDPE; polytetrafloralethylene; acetal, acrylic and combinations thereof.
- CAB cellulose acetate butyrate
- PETG polystyrene
- PETG polyethylene terephthalate
- polycarbonate polyethylene, including PET, PVC, HDPE, and LDPE
- polytetrafloralethylene acetal, acrylic and combinations thereof.
- the blister pack 16 may be made from a thermoforming process using suitable plastic materials, such as from PET or PVC or other known plastics for thermoforming a blister pack for packaging consumer goods.
- suitable plastic materials such as from PET or PVC or other known plastics for thermoforming a blister pack for packaging consumer goods.
- the plastic material is preferably transparent. However, an opaque or a semi-opaque material may be used without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
- the blister pack 16 is made from a vacuum forming process.
- the blister pack 16 may be formed by injection molding.
- the blister pack 16 may be formed by other suitable plastic manufacturing processes, including but not limited to blow molding or rotational molding.
- the blister pack 16 comprises a cavity 18 having a defined volumetric capacity.
- the cavity 18 can have a rectangular, a square, a cylindrical or any other appropriately shaped container configuration for storing consumer goods with rectangular and square configurations being more preferred.
- the cavity can have an irregular shape for accommodating an irregular shaped toy.
- the cavity 18 is made of several individual cavities.
- the individual cavities can have different configurations, including but not limited to irregular shape, rectangular shape, square, cylindrical, elliptical or combinations thereof.
- the individual cavities are separately formed and assembled into the cavity 18 to form multiple sub-cavities.
- the separately formed individual cavities are stacked vertically one on top of another, horizontally one adjacent to another, or combinations thereof.
- the individual cavities are created by dividing the space within the cavity 18 using, for example, panels or partitions.
- the individual cavities are identically sized and shaped.
- the individual cavities are configured for housing objects of varying sizes and shapes.
- the cavity 18 comprises multiple individual cavities, such as cavities 18 a, 18 b. and 18 c for separately housing glasses.
- the cavity 18 may comprise a plurality of individual cavities, such as two to ten, or more than ten, configured for housing different consumer goods.
- the cavity 18 is positioned on the blister pack 16 such that a first gap or distance D 1 is formed between the upper edge of the blister pack and the upper sidewall surface of the cavity 18 ; a second gap or distance D 2 is formed between the lower edge of the blister pack 16 and the lower sidewall surface of the cavity 18 ; and two side gaps or distances D 3 and D 4 are formed between the side edges of the blister pack 16 and the left and right sidewalls of the cavity 18 , respectively.
- D 1 equals to D 2 and D 3 equals to D 4 .
- D 1 equals to D 2 , which is equal to D 3 , and which is equal to D 4 .
- D 1 is not equal to D 2 .
- the gaps D 1 -D 4 are sized so that the cavity 18 can project out of a window of an overwrap and fits securely and snugly within the window of the overwrap, as further discussed below. Because of the location of the cavity 18 and relative dimensions of the cavity and the window of the overwrap, the blister pack 16 cannot be removed from the overwrap without tempering with the overwrap, such as by cutting the window or opening the tear strip.
- the blister pack 16 comprises two or more spaced apart channels 20 configured to receive the lidding 10 of FIG. 1 .
- the channels 20 may be formed by folding the left and right edges of the material used to make the blister pack 16 .
- FIG. 2A is an exploded view of an upper left corner of the blister pack 16 of FIG. 2 showing one of the two or more receiving channels 20 .
- aspect of the present apparatus, assembly, and method is understood to include a blister pack comprising a cavity for receiving a consumer product, such as a toy, an accessory, an electronic component, cards, a video chip, a DVD, etc., and two spaced apart channels configured for receiving a lidding.
- a consumer product such as a toy, an accessory, an electronic component, cards, a video chip, a DVD, etc.
- two spaced apart channels are formed by folding two edges of a body of material for forming the blister pack.
- the folds are formed along a longer dimension of the body but can be formed along the shorter dimension of the body. If the body of material for forming the blister pack is generally rectangular, then the folds may be formed along any two spaced-apart edges.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a blister pack assembly 22 , which comprises the lidding 10 of FIG. 1 , the blister pack 16 of FIG. 2 , and one or more consumer products (not shown) placed in the cavity 18 of the blister pack.
- the lidding 10 is slid into the two spaced apart channels 20 to form the blister pack assembly 22 .
- the lidding 10 is held within the two receiving channels 20 by friction or by a third channel formed along the lower width section of the blister pack 16 (not shown) between the two spaced apart channels 20 .
- the lidding 10 may be retained within the two receiving channels 20 by a retainer means, such as a latch, fastener or the like.
- the lidding 10 may be secured to the blister pack 16 using staples, tapes or combinations thereof.
- the lidding may be placed against the blister pack and stapled thereto without the channels 20 , although the channels may also be incorporated.
- the lidding and the blister pack may incorporate corresponding snap-fit engagement means, such as detents, tongue and groove, etc.
- the lidding may be made from similar material as the blister pack.
- aspect of the present embodiment is understood to include a method for forming a blister pack assembly, comprising providing a blister pack comprising a cavity for receiving one or more consumer product, and two or more spaced apart channels configured for receiving a lidding; placing the one or more consumer product within the cavity; and engaging the lidding into the two or more spaced apart channels to close the blister pack.
- a clamshell having a foldable hinge and one or more cavities may be used instead of the disclosed blister pack 16 . If the alternative clamshell is used, then the lidding may be omitted. However, the common edges of the clamshell does not have to be heat sealed before placing the clamshell into an overwrap. Leaving the two sections merely touching or using a simple snap-fit arrangement or staples are possible options.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an overwrap 24 provided in accordance with aspects of the present apparatus, assembly, and method.
- the overwrap 24 is made from a chip board, a fiberboard, a film, TYVEK® synthetic material (e.g., high-density polyethylene fibers), a multi-laminate film, other suitable materials, or combinations thereof.
- the overwrap is preferably made from a difficult to tear or temper material.
- the overwrap 24 has a front layer 32 , a back layer 34 , which are attached to one another along one or more common peripheral edge, and a package opening 36 that opens up into an interior cavity of the overwrap.
- the overwrap 24 comprises an adhesive closure system 26 for closing the package opening 36 after a product has been placed inside.
- the package opening 36 may be closed using staples, tapes or combinations thereof.
- the opening 36 is sized to receive the blister pack and the overwrap 24 is sized to accommodate the blister pack 16 with the cavity 18 projecting out of the window 30 .
- the overwrap 24 embodies a similar configuration as a mailer, such as an Express Mail envelope from the US Postal Office or a FedEx envelope.
- the overwrap has a tear strip 28 for removing the blister pack and the contents.
- the adhesive closure system 26 and tear strip 28 when both are incorporated, are located along one lengthwise edge of the overwrap 24 .
- the adhesive closure system and tear strip are located along one widthwise edge of the overwrap.
- the overwrap can be viewed broadly as having an opening and a mechanism for closing the opening after the blister pack has been placed therein.
- the adhesive closure system and tear strip are located along two or more edges of the overwrap, such as along the two lengthwise edges or along one lengthwise edge and one widthwise edge.
- the overwrap 24 may have printing or indicia identified thereon, such as a logo, product information, product code, bar code, instructions, etc., for facilitating sales and marketing.
- an opening or window 30 is incorporated on the front layer 32 .
- the window may be die cut to size before securing the front layer 32 to the back layer 34 .
- the window may be cut with a size sufficient to accommodate the cavity 18 of the blister pack assembly 22 and allow the cavity 18 to project outwardly therefrom, as further discussed below.
- a second window (not shown) is incorporated on the second layer 34 of the overwrap for accommodating a two-cavity clamshell blister pack.
- the window 30 is formed with ribs or spacers so as to form multiple windows for separately accommodating the different cavities on a multi-cavity blister pack, such as that shown in FIG. 3 .
- pleats may be incorporated along one or more of the edges of the overwrap 24 , such as along all the edges of the overwrap.
- the pleats when incorporated, allow the package opening 36 to be opened sufficiently wider than a comparable overwrap without pleats to receive the blister pack assembly 22 , as further discussed below.
- a hanging bore or opening may be incorporated for hanging the overwrap on a hook for displaying, such as on a store shelf.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a product package system 38 of the present embodiment.
- the system 38 is formed by placing the blister pack assembly 22 of FIG. 3 through the package opening 36 of the overwrap 24 of FIG. 4 and aligning the two so that the cavity 18 projects out the window 30 .
- the gaps D 1 , D 2 , D 3 and D 4 surrounding the cavity 18 ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) are thus retained within the upper wall, the lower wall and the two side walls around the window 30 , respectively.
- the corresponding surfaces of the overwrap and the blister back secure the blister pack assembly 22 within the overwrap 24 .
- the blister pack assembly 22 cannot be removed from the overwrap 24 without tempering with the overwrap, such as by cutting the window 30 or opening the tear strip 28 .
- the size of the blister pack assembly 22 is physically too large for the only remaining opening 30 to extract the blister pack. Where multiple windows are provided, alignment is required to place each rib between each adjacent sub-cavity, such as between cavities 18 a and 18 b.
- the closure system 26 is then used to enclose the blister pack assembly 22 within the overwrap 24 .
- FIGS. 6 and 7 are front and rear views of the product package system 38 of FIG. 5 , respectively.
- the blister pack assembly 22 may be removed from the overwrap 24 by pulling on the tear strip 28 to open the package opening 36 and remove the blister pack assembly 22 . Once removed, the blister pack assembly 22 can be fully opened by separating the lidding 10 from the blister pack 16 .
- the lidding 10 can easily be separated from the blister pack 16 by sliding the lidding 10 out of the receiving channels 20 .
- the consumer product placed within the cavity 18 of the blister pack assembly 22 is accessible without having to cut open the blister pack assembly 22 .
- the ability to fully open the blister pack assembly 22 and to completely remove the lidding 10 from the blister pack 16 facilitates recycling of the various components of the blister pack assembly 22 in that paper and plastic components can easily be sorted and placed in appropriate recycling bins.
- an aspect of the present disclosure is a product package system comprising a thermoformed blister pack placed inside an overwrap comprising an adhesive closure system.
- a tear strip is provided on the overwrap for removing the blister pack.
- the present disclosure is further understood to include a lidding for sliding between two spaced apart channels formed on the blister pack before placing the blister pack into the overwrap.
- a cavity on the blister pack projects out a window incorporated on a front layer, a back layer, or both layers of the overwrap.
- a still further feature of the present disclosure is a method for making a product package system comprising a clamshell blister pack and for assembling one or more consumer products within the clamshell blister pack without having to heat seal the clamshell blister pack.
- the product package system is less costly and less labor intensive to produce due to the fewer steps.
- the product package system is easier to package and open.
- recycling is made easier due to the ability to fully open the blister pack and sort between plastic and paper.
Abstract
A product package system is provided comprising a blister pack having a cavity and an overwrap. The system enables a product to be packaged and easily removed by opening the overwrap. The overwrap can include tear strips to facilitate easy opening. The blister pack can embody a clamshell pack having a living hinge.
Description
- This is a national phase application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT Application No. PCT/US2010/056022 filed Nov. 9, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/259,467, filed Nov. 9, 2009, the contents of each of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
- Product packages for consumer goods, such as blister packs for toys, glasses, consumer electronics, videos, games, etc., are generally discussed herein with particular discussions on blister packs having easy to remove security overwrap covers.
- Prior art blister packs for packaging toys and consumer components, such as electronics, toys, and accessories, among others, are typically heat sealed for shipping, displaying, and providing security. They have a clam-shell configuration made from a thermoforming process in which one-half of the clamshell is formed with a cavity and the other half either as a flat lidding or with a second cavity to increase the overall cavity dimension of the clam-shell. The two sections are typically sealed along a common perimeter, using frequency sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or simple heat seal. An optional paper insert may be provided for art work and other ad space, such as product information and product name.
- Although prior art blister packs serve their intended needs, they pose issues for consumers and the environment. Among other things, blister packs are made of durable plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which make them hard to open. Among small circles of consumers, the difficult-to-open packages have given rise to “wrap rage”. Furthermore, the all plastic configuration goes against recent environmental push for plastic reduction to reduce carbon footprint.
- Accordingly, there is a need for a better or at least an alternative package usable for various applications, such as consumers, aerospace, medical, and energy.
- The present apparatus, device, and method may be practiced by providing a product package system comprising a blister pack. The blister pack can comprise a cavity placed inside an overwrap comprising an opening; wherein the cavity projects, at least in part, out the opening of the overwrap; and wherein a flap on the overwrap is folded over a package opening and is fixed to a surface near the package opening by adhesive.
- In yet another aspect of the present apparatus, device, and method, there is provided a method for assembling a product package system comprising placing a consumer product into a cavity of a blister pack; placing a lidding against the blister pack so as to cover the cavity; placing the blister pack and lidding into a package opening of an overwrap; aligning the cavity so that the cavity projects outwardly of at least one window incorporated in the overwrap; and applying an adhesive to close the packaging opening.
- In still yet aspect of the present method is a method for using a product package system. The method of using the product package system comprising causing a side of an overwrap of the product package to open to expose an interior cavity of the overwrap. The method further comprising the steps of extracting a blister pack from the interior cavity of the overwrap and separating a cover on the blister pack to expose a cavity on the blister pack without cutting the cover or the blister pack. Finally, the method includes the step of extracting a product from the cavity of the blister pack.
- Other aspects and variations of the glove assemblies summarized above are also contemplated and will be more fully understood when considered with respect to the following disclosure.
- These and other features and advantages of the present apparatus, system, and method will become appreciated as the same become better understood with reference to the specification, claims and appended drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is an exemplary semi-schematic perspective view of a lidding of a blister pack provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, -
FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view of a blister pack provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, -
FIG. 2A is an exploded top view of an upper left corner of the blister pack ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 3 is an exemplary perspective view of a blister pack assembly provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4 is an exemplary schematic perspective view of an overwrap configured for receiving the blister pack assembly ofFIG. 3 provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 5 is an exemplary perspective view of a product package system provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 6 is an exemplary front view of the product package system ofFIG. 5 ; and -
FIG. 7 is an exemplary rear view of the product package system ofFIG. 5 . - The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of product packages and systems (herein “package or package assembly”) provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present disclosure may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the features and the steps for constructing and using the package assembly of the present disclosure in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and structures may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As denoted elsewhere herein, like element numbers are intended to indicate like or similar elements or features.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of alidding 10 provided in accordance with aspects of one embodiment. Thelidding 10 has afirst surface 12, an opposedsecond surface 14, a length L and a width W. Thelidding 10 can be made from any suitable natural, synthetic, composite, and laminate materials, including but not limited to paper and board materials; metals and foils; or plastics. In a preferred embodiment, thelidding 10 is made from a paperboard material. In one embodiment, thelidding 10 may be made from a prior art material having acceptable thickness or weight, including from paperboard material and from recyclable material. Thefirst surface 12, thesecond surface 14, or both may have printing or art work, such as for describing the contents of the package and/or for providing manufacturer information, among others. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of ablister pack 16 provided in accordance with aspects of one embodiment. Theblister pack 16 may be made from a transparent or opaque plastic or other rigid or semi-rigid materials. Theblister pack 16 can be made from any suitable natural, synthetic, composite, and laminate materials, including, without limitation, plastics such as cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PETG); polycarbonate; polyethylene, including PET, PVC, HDPE, and LDPE; polytetrafloralethylene; acetal, acrylic and combinations thereof. - In some embodiments, the
blister pack 16 may be made from a thermoforming process using suitable plastic materials, such as from PET or PVC or other known plastics for thermoforming a blister pack for packaging consumer goods. The plastic material is preferably transparent. However, an opaque or a semi-opaque material may be used without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, theblister pack 16 is made from a vacuum forming process. In yet other embodiments, theblister pack 16 may be formed by injection molding. In alternative embodiments, theblister pack 16 may be formed by other suitable plastic manufacturing processes, including but not limited to blow molding or rotational molding. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , theblister pack 16 comprises acavity 18 having a defined volumetric capacity. Thecavity 18 can have a rectangular, a square, a cylindrical or any other appropriately shaped container configuration for storing consumer goods with rectangular and square configurations being more preferred. For example, the cavity can have an irregular shape for accommodating an irregular shaped toy. - In other embodiments, the
cavity 18 is made of several individual cavities. The individual cavities can have different configurations, including but not limited to irregular shape, rectangular shape, square, cylindrical, elliptical or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the individual cavities are separately formed and assembled into thecavity 18 to form multiple sub-cavities. In one embodiment, the separately formed individual cavities are stacked vertically one on top of another, horizontally one adjacent to another, or combinations thereof. In alternative embodiments, the individual cavities are created by dividing the space within thecavity 18 using, for example, panels or partitions. In some embodiments, the individual cavities are identically sized and shaped. In alternative embodiments, the individual cavities are configured for housing objects of varying sizes and shapes. In some embodiments, thecavity 18 comprises multiple individual cavities, such ascavities 18 a, 18 b. and 18 c for separately housing glasses. In alternatives embodiments, thecavity 18 may comprise a plurality of individual cavities, such as two to ten, or more than ten, configured for housing different consumer goods. - The
cavity 18 is positioned on theblister pack 16 such that a first gap or distance D1 is formed between the upper edge of the blister pack and the upper sidewall surface of thecavity 18; a second gap or distance D2 is formed between the lower edge of theblister pack 16 and the lower sidewall surface of thecavity 18; and two side gaps or distances D3 and D4 are formed between the side edges of theblister pack 16 and the left and right sidewalls of thecavity 18, respectively. In one example, D1 equals to D2 and D3 equals to D4. In other embodiments. D1 equals to D2, which is equal to D3, and which is equal to D4. In another example, D1 is not equal to D2. As further discussed below, the gaps D1-D4 are sized so that thecavity 18 can project out of a window of an overwrap and fits securely and snugly within the window of the overwrap, as further discussed below. Because of the location of thecavity 18 and relative dimensions of the cavity and the window of the overwrap, theblister pack 16 cannot be removed from the overwrap without tempering with the overwrap, such as by cutting the window or opening the tear strip. - The
blister pack 16 comprises two or more spaced apartchannels 20 configured to receive thelidding 10 ofFIG. 1 . Thechannels 20 may be formed by folding the left and right edges of the material used to make theblister pack 16.FIG. 2A is an exploded view of an upper left corner of theblister pack 16 ofFIG. 2 showing one of the two ormore receiving channels 20. - Thus, aspect of the present apparatus, assembly, and method is understood to include a blister pack comprising a cavity for receiving a consumer product, such as a toy, an accessory, an electronic component, cards, a video chip, a DVD, etc., and two spaced apart channels configured for receiving a lidding. In one specific example, the two spaced apart channels are formed by folding two edges of a body of material for forming the blister pack. In another example, the folds are formed along a longer dimension of the body but can be formed along the shorter dimension of the body. If the body of material for forming the blister pack is generally rectangular, then the folds may be formed along any two spaced-apart edges.
-
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of ablister pack assembly 22, which comprises thelidding 10 ofFIG. 1 , theblister pack 16 ofFIG. 2 , and one or more consumer products (not shown) placed in thecavity 18 of the blister pack. In practice, after thecavity 18 is occupied with one or more consumer products, thelidding 10 is slid into the two spaced apartchannels 20 to form theblister pack assembly 22. In some embodiments, thelidding 10 is held within the two receivingchannels 20 by friction or by a third channel formed along the lower width section of the blister pack 16 (not shown) between the two spaced apartchannels 20. In alternative embodiments, thelidding 10 may be retained within the two receivingchannels 20 by a retainer means, such as a latch, fastener or the like. Alternatively or in addition thereto, thelidding 10 may be secured to theblister pack 16 using staples, tapes or combinations thereof. For example, the lidding may be placed against the blister pack and stapled thereto without thechannels 20, although the channels may also be incorporated. In still another example, the lidding and the blister pack may incorporate corresponding snap-fit engagement means, such as detents, tongue and groove, etc. In this example, the lidding may be made from similar material as the blister pack. - Thus, aspect of the present embodiment is understood to include a method for forming a blister pack assembly, comprising providing a blister pack comprising a cavity for receiving one or more consumer product, and two or more spaced apart channels configured for receiving a lidding; placing the one or more consumer product within the cavity; and engaging the lidding into the two or more spaced apart channels to close the blister pack.
- In an alternative embodiment, a clamshell having a foldable hinge and one or more cavities may be used instead of the disclosed
blister pack 16. If the alternative clamshell is used, then the lidding may be omitted. However, the common edges of the clamshell does not have to be heat sealed before placing the clamshell into an overwrap. Leaving the two sections merely touching or using a simple snap-fit arrangement or staples are possible options. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of anoverwrap 24 provided in accordance with aspects of the present apparatus, assembly, and method. In one embodiment, theoverwrap 24 is made from a chip board, a fiberboard, a film, TYVEK® synthetic material (e.g., high-density polyethylene fibers), a multi-laminate film, other suitable materials, or combinations thereof. The overwrap is preferably made from a difficult to tear or temper material. Theoverwrap 24 has afront layer 32, aback layer 34, which are attached to one another along one or more common peripheral edge, and apackage opening 36 that opens up into an interior cavity of the overwrap. In some embodiments, theoverwrap 24 comprises anadhesive closure system 26 for closing thepackage opening 36 after a product has been placed inside. In other embodiments, thepackage opening 36 may be closed using staples, tapes or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, theopening 36 is sized to receive the blister pack and theoverwrap 24 is sized to accommodate theblister pack 16 with thecavity 18 projecting out of thewindow 30. In a specific embodiment, theoverwrap 24 embodies a similar configuration as a mailer, such as an Express Mail envelope from the US Postal Office or a FedEx envelope. In another embodiment, the overwrap has atear strip 28 for removing the blister pack and the contents. In one embodiment, theadhesive closure system 26 andtear strip 28, when both are incorporated, are located along one lengthwise edge of theoverwrap 24. In another embodiment, the adhesive closure system and tear strip are located along one widthwise edge of the overwrap. The overwrap can be viewed broadly as having an opening and a mechanism for closing the opening after the blister pack has been placed therein. In still other embodiments, the adhesive closure system and tear strip are located along two or more edges of the overwrap, such as along the two lengthwise edges or along one lengthwise edge and one widthwise edge. Theoverwrap 24 may have printing or indicia identified thereon, such as a logo, product information, product code, bar code, instructions, etc., for facilitating sales and marketing. - As shown, an opening or
window 30 is incorporated on thefront layer 32. The window may be die cut to size before securing thefront layer 32 to theback layer 34. For example, the window may be cut with a size sufficient to accommodate thecavity 18 of theblister pack assembly 22 and allow thecavity 18 to project outwardly therefrom, as further discussed below. In an alternative embodiment, a second window (not shown) is incorporated on thesecond layer 34 of the overwrap for accommodating a two-cavity clamshell blister pack. In another example, thewindow 30 is formed with ribs or spacers so as to form multiple windows for separately accommodating the different cavities on a multi-cavity blister pack, such as that shown inFIG. 3 . - In still yet another embodiment, pleats may be incorporated along one or more of the edges of the
overwrap 24, such as along all the edges of the overwrap. The pleats (not shown), when incorporated, allow the package opening 36 to be opened sufficiently wider than a comparable overwrap without pleats to receive theblister pack assembly 22, as further discussed below. Also although not shown, a hanging bore or opening (not shown) may be incorporated for hanging the overwrap on a hook for displaying, such as on a store shelf. -
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of aproduct package system 38 of the present embodiment. Thesystem 38 is formed by placing theblister pack assembly 22 ofFIG. 3 through the package opening 36 of theoverwrap 24 ofFIG. 4 and aligning the two so that thecavity 18 projects out thewindow 30. The gaps D1, D2, D3 and D4 surrounding the cavity 18 (FIGS. 2 and 3 ) are thus retained within the upper wall, the lower wall and the two side walls around thewindow 30, respectively. The corresponding surfaces of the overwrap and the blister back secure theblister pack assembly 22 within theoverwrap 24. As configured, theblister pack assembly 22 cannot be removed from theoverwrap 24 without tempering with the overwrap, such as by cutting thewindow 30 or opening thetear strip 28. Among other things, once the closure system is closed, the size of theblister pack assembly 22 is physically too large for the only remainingopening 30 to extract the blister pack. Where multiple windows are provided, alignment is required to place each rib between each adjacent sub-cavity, such as betweencavities 18 a and 18 b. Theclosure system 26 is then used to enclose theblister pack assembly 22 within theoverwrap 24. -
FIGS. 6 and 7 are front and rear views of theproduct package system 38 ofFIG. 5 , respectively. Theblister pack assembly 22 may be removed from theoverwrap 24 by pulling on thetear strip 28 to open thepackage opening 36 and remove theblister pack assembly 22. Once removed, theblister pack assembly 22 can be fully opened by separating thelidding 10 from theblister pack 16. Thelidding 10 can easily be separated from theblister pack 16 by sliding thelidding 10 out of the receivingchannels 20. As described, the consumer product placed within thecavity 18 of theblister pack assembly 22 is accessible without having to cut open theblister pack assembly 22. Furthermore, the ability to fully open theblister pack assembly 22 and to completely remove thelidding 10 from theblister pack 16 facilitates recycling of the various components of theblister pack assembly 22 in that paper and plastic components can easily be sorted and placed in appropriate recycling bins. - As understood, an aspect of the present disclosure is a product package system comprising a thermoformed blister pack placed inside an overwrap comprising an adhesive closure system. In another embodiment, a tear strip is provided on the overwrap for removing the blister pack.
- The present disclosure is further understood to include a lidding for sliding between two spaced apart channels formed on the blister pack before placing the blister pack into the overwrap. In a specific embodiment, a cavity on the blister pack projects out a window incorporated on a front layer, a back layer, or both layers of the overwrap.
- A still further feature of the present disclosure is a method for making a product package system comprising a clamshell blister pack and for assembling one or more consumer products within the clamshell blister pack without having to heat seal the clamshell blister pack. By not heat sealing the clamshell blister pack, the product package system is less costly and less labor intensive to produce due to the fewer steps. Furthermore, the product package system is easier to package and open. Still furthermore, recycling is made easier due to the ability to fully open the blister pack and sort between plastic and paper.
- Although limited embodiments of the product package system and its components have been specifically described and illustrated herein, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the various components may be made from different materials, different art may be used for product placement and information, such as incorporating different colors, and different sizes may be used for packaging different contents. Furthermore, it is understood and contemplated that features specifically discussed for one package and system may be adopted for inclusion with another provided the functions are compatible. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples, and that the embodiments should not be taken as limiting the disclosure as defined by the following claims. The following claims are, therefore, to be read to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent elements for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. The claims are thus to be understood to include those that have been illustrated and described above, those that are conceptually equivalent, and those that incorporate the ideas of the present disclosure.
Claims (20)
1. A product package system comprising a blister pack comprising a cavity placed inside an overwrap comprising an opening; wherein the cavity projects, at least in part, out the opening of the overwrap; and wherein a flap on the overwrap is folded over a package opening and is fixed to a surface near the package opening by adhesive.
2. The product package system of claim 1 , wherein the blister pack comprises two spaced apart channels.
3. The product package system of claim 2 , wherein a lidding is positioned between the two spaced apart channels.
4. The product package system of claim 3 , wherein the lidding is slidable relative to the blister pack.
5. The product package system of claim 1 , wherein the overwrap further comprises a tear strip.
6. The product package of claim 1 , wherein the cavity comprises a plurality of sub-cavities.
7. The product package of claim 3 , wherein the lidding is made of a paperboard material.
8. The product package of claim 1 , wherein the blister pack further comprises a second cavity, the second cavity projects out a second opening on the overwrap.
9. The product package of claim 1 , wherein the blister pack is made of a thermoplastic material.
10. The product package of claim 1 , wherein the overwrap comprises pleats configured for expanding.
11. A method for assembling a product package system comprising:
placing a product into a cavity of a blister pack;
placing a lidding against the blister pack so as to cover the cavity;
placing the blister pack and lidding into a package opening of an overwrap;
aligning the cavity so that the cavity projects outwardly of at least one window incorporated in the overwrap; and
applying an adhesive to close the packaging opening.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the lidding engages a channel on the blister pack.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the blister pack comprises two spaced apart channels configured for receiving the lidding.
14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the overwrap comprises a tear strip.
15. The method of claim 11 , wherein the cavity comprises a plurality of compartments.
16. The method of claim 11 , wherein the lidding is made of a paperboard material.
17. The method of claim 11 , wherein the blister pack is made from a transparent material.
18. The method of claim 11 , wherein the blister pack is made of a thermoplastic material.
19. The method of claim 11 , wherein the overwrap comprises pleats along at least one edge of the overwrap.
20. A method for using a product package system comprising:
causing a side of an overwrap of the product package to open to expose an interior cavity of the overwrap;
extracting a blister pack from the interior cavity of the overwrap;
separating a cover on the blister pack to expose a cavity on the blister pack without cutting the cover or the blister pack; and
extracting a product from the cavity of the blister pack.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/508,722 US20130105351A1 (en) | 2009-11-09 | 2010-11-09 | Product package and system |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US25946709P | 2009-11-09 | 2009-11-09 | |
US13/508,722 US20130105351A1 (en) | 2009-11-09 | 2010-11-09 | Product package and system |
PCT/US2010/056022 WO2011057261A1 (en) | 2009-11-09 | 2010-11-09 | Product package and system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130105351A1 true US20130105351A1 (en) | 2013-05-02 |
Family
ID=43414854
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/508,722 Abandoned US20130105351A1 (en) | 2009-11-09 | 2010-11-09 | Product package and system |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20130105351A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011057261A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2023004237A1 (en) * | 2021-07-23 | 2023-01-26 | The Gillette Company Llc | Product mailer and method of assembling a product mailer |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3157280A (en) * | 1963-10-21 | 1964-11-17 | Perdue Co Inc | Display container |
DE7920462U1 (en) * | 1979-07-18 | 1979-10-18 | Geka Brush Georg Karl Gmbh | Blister packaging |
US6758341B1 (en) * | 1997-12-17 | 2004-07-06 | Livingston Seed, Inc. | Seed envelope and method of packaging seed |
GB0031294D0 (en) * | 2000-12-21 | 2001-01-31 | Glaxo Group Ltd | Packaging means |
EP1820747A1 (en) * | 2006-02-15 | 2007-08-22 | The Procter and Gamble Company | Display package |
-
2010
- 2010-11-09 WO PCT/US2010/056022 patent/WO2011057261A1/en active Application Filing
- 2010-11-09 US US13/508,722 patent/US20130105351A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2023004237A1 (en) * | 2021-07-23 | 2023-01-26 | The Gillette Company Llc | Product mailer and method of assembling a product mailer |
Also Published As
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WO2011057261A1 (en) | 2011-05-12 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SOUTH COAST CONTAINER CORPORATION, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SMART, DALE;REEL/FRAME:028732/0867 Effective date: 20120803 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |