This invention relates to a blister package having a securement mechanism that can be opened and closed, and a method of forming and filling the blister package with one or more products.
Today, many retail purchase decisions are made in the market aisles, when a customer encounters the desired goods. To make the act of product selection as simple and as satisfying as possible, manufacturers try to display their products in attractive and informative packaging. One particularly effective package for small to medium size items is the thermoformed blister package, either in a clamshell or with a paper backing card. The blister package, when made of transparent plastic, permits the customer to see the product directly. A blister package is also capable of containing one or multiple products.
While consumers seek an appealing product, appropriately displayed, they also desire to purchase a product at a competitive price. For this reason, packages have been designed to minimize the stocking and set-up time required of the merchant and/or jobber who must transfer the products from the shipping carton to the retail shelves. Although boxed goods are usually stacked one upon another, blister packages are typically displayed upright, hanging from a projecting hook or peg.
Most blister packages have one or more hook holes, and are placed, one after the other, on a single hook or peg. Packages intended for the retail display of merchandise must meet several demanding requirements. Such packages should be designed so that they are easily loaded with product, contain a hook hole so that they can be readily mounted for display, and be aesthetically attractive in appearance. In addition, for many products, it is desirable that the customer be able to see the product directly.
In addition to the above mentioned requirements, many specialty retailers are encountering situations where a prospective purchaser wishes to remove the new product from the blister package and compare it to an existing product to make sure he or she is buying an identical replacement product. This is especially true for stores that sell automobile, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, etc. components where the customer is replacing an existing part. In these situations, the sales person would like to be able to open the blister package without destroying the package and remove the product so the customer can compare it to an existing product. If the product is not what the consumer desires, the retailer can then place the product back into the blister package and close it. In the past, a blister package could only be opened by tearing or cutting the package. If the product was not the desired product, the retailer then had to return the product and torn package back to the manufacturer for repackaging. Alternatively, the retailer had to tape the package closed and this tended to discourage other consumers from purchasing the product, fearing that the product had been tampered with.
Now a blister package has been invented having a securement mechanism which will allow it to be opened and closed multiple times, if required. This allows a product to be removed and inspected or be compared to an existing product before the consumer purchases the new product. If the product is different from the existing product or is not exactly what the consumer wanted, the product can be placed back in the blister package and the package can again be closed. A method of forming and filling the blister package is also disclosed.
Briefly, this invention relates to a blister package and a method of forming and filling the blister package. The blister package has a securement mechanism that can be opened and closed multiple times. The blister package includes a first member having a front surface, a back surface and a 3-dimensional bubble formed between the front and back surfaces. The 3-dimensional bubble is capable of at least partially retaining a product therein. The first member also has a peripheral flange with a portion of the peripheral flange being folded upon itself to create at least one channel and another portion of the peripheral flange having a hook hole formed therethrough. The securement mechanism is integrally formed on the peripheral flange which permits the blister package to be opened and closed. The securement mechanism includes a first attachment member formed on one portion of the peripheral flange, a tab extending outwardly from this portion of the peripheral flange and having a hinge formed therein, and a second attachment member formed in the tab outward of the hinge. The second attachment member is sized to cooperate with the first attachment member when the tab is pivoted about the hinge to close the blister package. The blister package further includes a second member sized and configured to be slideably received within at least one channel when the securement mechanism is in an open position. The second member is retained within at least one channel when the securement mechanism is in a closed position.
The method of forming a blister package, having a securement mechanism that can be opened and closed multiple times, includes the steps of forming a first member from a transparent sheet of plastic material. The first member has a front surface, a back surface and a 3-dimensional bubble surrounded by a peripheral flange. The 3-dimensional bubble is formed between the front and back surfaces and is capable of at least partially retaining a product. The securement mechanism is integrally formed on a portion of the peripheral flange which permits the blister package to be opened and closed. The securement mechanism includes a first attachment member formed on this portion of the peripheral flange, a tab extending outwardly from this portion of the peripheral flange and having a hinge formed therein, and a second attachment member formed in the tab outward of the hinge. A hook hole can be formed in this portion of the peripheral flange, if desired.
The method further includes forming a second attachment member which is sized to cooperate with the first attachment member when the tab is folded about the hinge to close the blister package. This is accomplished by folding another portion of the peripheral flange upon itself to create at least one channel. A second member is then cut from a sheet of material to fit within the at least one channel and span beyond the 3-dimensional bubble. The second member has a first end with a first aperture and a second aperture formed therethrough. The first aperture is aligned with the hook hole formed in the first member and the second aperture is sized and configured to allow the second attachment member to pass therethrough once the tab on the first member is folded at the hinge.
The method of forming a blister package having a securement mechanism that can be opened and closed multiple times, and inserting a product therein, includes the steps of thermoforming a transparent sheet of plastic material into a first member. The first member has a front surface, a back surface, and a 3-dimensional bubble surrounded by a peripheral flange. The 3-dimensional bubble is formed between the front and back surfaces and is capable of at least partially retaining a product. The securement mechanism is integrally formed on a portion of the peripheral flange which permits the blister package to be opened and closed. The securement mechanism includes a first attachment member formed on this portion of the peripheral flange, a tab extending outwardly from this portion of the peripheral flange and having a hinge formed therein, and a second attachment member formed in the tab outward of the hinge. A hook hole is formed in this portion of the peripheral flange.
The method further includes forming a second attachment member which is sized to cooperate with the first attachment member when the tab is pivoted about the hinge to close the blister package. This is accomplished by folding another portion of the peripheral flange upon itself to create at least one channel. A second member is then cut from a sheet of material to fit within the at least one channel and span beyond the 3-dimensional bubble. The second member has a first end with a first aperture and a second aperture formed therethrough. The first aperture is aligned adjacent to the hook hole formed in the first member, and the second aperture is sized and configured to allow the second attachment member to pass therethrough once the tab on the first member is folded at the hinge. A product is then inserted into the 3-dimensional bubble. The second member is then slid into the at least one channel of the first member when the securement mechanism is in an open position. The second member retains the product in the 3-dimensional bubble. Lastly, the tab is folded on the hinge wherein the second attachment member passes through the second aperture and engages with the first attachment member to close the blister package.
The general object of this invention is to provide blister package that can be opened and closed multiple times, if required, without destroying the blister package. A more specific object of this invention is to provide a blister package that eliminates the need to return an opened blister package and product back to the manufacturer for repackaging.
Another object of this invention is to provide a consumer friendly blister package and a method of forming and filling the blister package.
A further object of this invention is to provide an environmentally friendly blister package made from two different sustainable materials wherein each material can be separated and recycled into a new product.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a blister package and a method of forming that is cost effective and a method of filling the blister package with one or more products.
Still further, an object of this invention is to provide a blister package that visually displays the product which is being sold and which has a securement mechanism that can be opened and closed multiple times, if required.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following description and the accompanying drawings.
Referring to
The blister package 10 is constructed of a first member 14; see
The first member 14 can be constructed from a plastic material that is pliable and/or formable. Various ways of forming a plastic material are known to those skilled in the art. For example, the first member 14 can be formed by various known processes including but not limited to: thermoforming, molding, vacuum forming, injection molding, extruding material through a die, etc. Desirably, the first member 14 is a plastic material that is thermoformed. By “thermoformed” it is meant that a thin sheet of plastic material is placed in a mold and is heated to an elevated temperature, and then is subjected to a vacuum to create a 3-dimensional shape. The blister package 10 can be manufactured in a thermoforming process, in which a single transparent sheet of heated thermoplastic material is positioned over a mold on which vacuum is drawn. The heated sheet is then drawn onto the mold and cooled, thereby assuming the shape of the mold. The molded article can then be withdrawn from the mold and trimmed to create the finished shape.
The first member 14 can be formed from various plastic and thermoplastics. The first member 14 can also be formed from a single composition or from a combination of two or more compositions. Specific plastic materials from which the first member 14 can be formed include but are not limited to: polyolefins, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), (PETE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), oriented polystyrene (OPS), recycled oriented polystyrene (ROPS), (PLA), polyethylene (PE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), high density polypropylene (HDPP), polyurethane, as well as other suitable plastic material known to those skilled in the art. The starting plastic sheet will generally be relatively flat having a thickness which ranges from between about 0.005 inches to about 0.05 inches.
Plastic materials that can be thermoformed are available from a number of different vendors. Three such vendors include: Spartech Corporation having an office at 120 South Central Avenue, Suite 1700, Clayton, Mo. 63105-1705; Premier Material Concepts having an office at 2040 Industrial Drive, Findlay, Ohio 45839-1605; and PACUR, having an office at 3555 Moser Street, Oshkosh, Wisc. 54901.
The first member 14 can be clear, transparent or opaque. By “clear” it is meant free from obscurities, unclouded. By “transparent” it is meant that the material is capable of transmitting light so that objects or images can be seen as if there were no intervening material. By “opaque” it is meant impenetrable by light; neither transparent nor translucent. Desirably, the first member 14 is clear or transparent. More desirably, the first member 14 is transparent. Clear and transparent packaging provides excellent visibility for faster consumer recognition of the product or products retained in the blister package 10. This helps the consumer select his or her preferred product.
Referring again to
The first member 14 also has a peripheral flange 26. The peripheral flange 26 extends 360 degrees or completely around the 3-dimensional bubble 22. The peripheral flange 26 can vary in dimension. For example, the peripheral flange 26 can range from between about 0.25 inches to about 12 inches. Desirably, the peripheral flange 26 will range from between about 0.3 inches to about 6 inches. More desirably, the peripheral flange 26 will range from between about 0.35 inches to about 3 inches. The peripheral flange 26 does not have to have a constant dimension on all sides of the bubble 22. For example, the peripheral flange 26 can have a greater dimension on one side of the bubble 22 and have smaller dimensions on the remaining sides.
Referring to
The minor portion 30 of the peripheral flange 26 occupies, extends over or around less than about 50% of the peripheral flange 26. Desirably, the minor portion 30 occupies, extends over or around from between about 1% to about 49% of the peripheral flange 26. More desirably, the minor portion 30 occupies, extends over or around less than about 30% of the peripheral flange 26. Even more desirably, the minor portion 30 occupies, extends over or around less than about 25% of the peripheral flange 26. Most desirably, the minor portion 30 occupies, extends over or around less than about 20% of the peripheral flange 26. The minor portion 30 can be located on the length, width, or any part of the periphery of the blister package 10.
Referring now to
The dimension of the outside thickness t of the channel 32 can range from between about 0.01 inches to about 0.5 inches. Desirably, the dimension of the outside thickness t of the channel 32 can range from between about 0.02 inches to about 0.25 inches. More desirably, the dimension of the outside thickness t of the channel 32 can range from between about 0.03 inches to about 0.2 inches. Even more desirably, the dimension of the outside thickness t of the channel 32 can range from between about 0.05 inches to about 0.1 inches.
The dimension of the inside thickness t1 of the channel 32 can range from between about 0.01 inches to about 0.3 inches. Desirably, the dimension of the inside thickness t1 of the channel 32 can range from between about 0.02 inches to about 0.25 inches. More desirably, the dimension of the inside thickness to of the channel 32 can range from between about 0.03 inches to about 0.2 inches. Even more desirably, the dimension of the inside thickness to of the channel 32 can range from between about 0.05 inches to about 0.1 inches.
Referring again to
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The tab 38 has a hinge 40 formed therein. The hinge 40 can be of any size, shape or configuration. The hinge 40 can extend along the entire width w1 of the tab 38 or along only a portion of the width w1. The hinge 40 can be a living hinge, meaning that the hinge 40 will allow the tab 38 to fold, pivot, bend or rotate about the hinge 40 many times without failure. Alternatively, the hinge 40 can be almost any kind of hinge known to those skilled in the art. The hinge 40 can be constructed as one or more lines, segments or shaped structures. The material forming the hinge 40 can be thinner than the surrounding material, if desired. Desirably, the hinge 40 is formed from the same material that is used to form the tab 38.
The tab 38 can optionally contain a perforated line 41 which would allow the tab 38 to be easily separated from the first member 14, if desired. Sometimes, the retailer would like to remove the tab 38. Alternatively, the perforated line 41 could also be constructed as a thinned line which extends along or across the width w1 of the tab 38.
Returning to
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The second member 16 has a first surface 50 and an oppositely aligned second surface 52. At least one of the first and second surfaces, 50 and 52 should be capable of being printed and/or colored. Desirably, both of the first and second surfaces, 50 and 52, can be printed and/or colored. By “printed” it is meant that letters, words, numbers, marks, images, photos, sketches, pictures, etc. can be printed, transferred, typed or otherwise marked on a material such as by a printing press, a printer, an inkjet printer, a computer operated printer, or other means.
The first or second surfaces, 50 and 52 of the second member 16 can also be printed with instructional material as how to use the product or products retained within the blister package 10 and/or have a label or bar code placed thereon. Likewise, an adhesive (not shown) could be secured to the second surface 52 of the second member 16 which could support a sticker, label or serve as a means for attaching or affixing the blister package 10 to another object or product.
The second member 16 can also be constructed from an environmentally friendly material that is recyclable. Paperboard and cardboard are two materials that are easily recyclable using know techniques. It should also be recognized that the second member 16 can be easily separated from the first member 14 which will facilitate recycling of the first and second members, 14 and 16 respectively.
Still referring to
Likewise, the second apertures 58 are sized and configured to align with the hook holes 34 formed in the first member 14. A pair of second apertures 58 is depicted in
Referring now to
The first member 14′ has a peripheral flange 26′ which extends outward from the first and second sides, 60 and 62 respectively, and from the first and second ends, 64 and 66 respectively. A major portion 28′ of the peripheral flange 26′ is folded upon itself at the first and second sides, 60 and 62 respectively, and at the second end 66 to create a first channel 68, a second channel 70, and a third channel 72. One will notice that the first channel 68 is spaced apart and separated from the second channel 70 by a gap or void 74. Likewise, the second channel 70 is spaced apart and separated from the third channel 72 by a gap or void 76. The size and shape of the gaps 74 and 76 can vary. Each of the first, second and third channels, 68, 70 and 72 respectively, can vary in depth d, outside thickness t, and inside thickness t1, see
The remaining minor portion 30′ of the peripheral flange 26′, located adjacent to the first end 64, is not folded and has a pair of hook holes 34′, 34′ formed therethrough. It should be noted that any number of hook holes 34′ can be utilized. Normally one, two or three hook holes 34′ are used depending upon the size, configuration and weight of the blister package.
Referring to
The tab 38′ can be secured to the first attachment member 36′ by a perforated line 41′. The perforated line 41′ allow one to separated and remove the tab 38′ from the first attachment member 36′, if desired.
The hinge 40′ can be constructed as explained above with reference to the first embodiment. For example, the hinge 40′ can include a first semi-circular member 42′ aligned parallel to a second semi-circular member 44′. The first semi-circular member 42′ can be spaced apart from the second semi-circular member 44′ by an intermediate member 46′. Various other designs for constructing the hinge 40′ can be used which are known to those skilled in the art. The securement mechanism 12′ further includes a pair of second attachment members 48′ formed in the tab 38′ and located outward of the hinge 40′. Each of the second attachment members 48′ is sized to cooperate with one of the first attachment members 36′ when the tab 38′ is pivoted about the hinge 40′ to close the blister package.
Referring to
It should also be understood that the blister package 10 or 10′ could also be constructed to be tamper resistant or tamper proof if so desired. This could be accomplished by permanently securing, sealing, affixing, applying an adhesive, crushing or thermo welding one or more of the second attachment members 48 into the first attachment members 36. Alternatively, the back surface 20 of the securement mechanism 12 can be folded at the hinge 40 and be secured to itself so as to form a permanent attachment. After the package has served it's useful purpose, the first, plastic member 14 can be separated from the second, cardboard member 16 because the plastic member 14 is not sealed to the cardboard member 16. This is advantageous because the components of the blister package 10 or 10′ can still be classified as being sustainable. Many manufacturers today like to be able to tout their products as being packaged and sold in sustainability packages. In addition, some consumers even refuse to buy products that are not packaged in recyclable, environmentally friendly materials.
Referring to
The method also includes folding another portion 28 of the peripheral flange 26 upon itself to create at least one channel 32. The method further includes assembling, fitting or sliding a second member 16 within the at least one channel 32. Desirably, three channels 68, 70 and 72 are present. The second member 16, when assembled within the at least one channel 32 of the first member 14, will span across the 3-dimensional bubble 22. The second member 16 has a first end 54 which is located adjacent to the securement mechanism 12.
The method also includes forming a first aperture 56 and a second aperture 58 adjacent to the first end 54 and through the second member 16. Desirably, a pair of first and second apertures, 56 and 58 respectively, is formed. Each of the first apertures 56 is sized, configured and aligned with one of the first attachment members 36 formed in the first member 14. Each of the second apertures is sized, configured and aligned with one of the hook holes 34 formed in the first member 14. When the second member 16 is slid into the at least one channel 32, or desirably into the first, second and third channels, 68, 70 and 72 respectively, of the first member 14, each of the first and second apertures, 56 and 58 respectively, will align with one of the first attachment members 36 and with one of the hook holes 34, respectively. With the second member 16 assembled in the first member 14, the tab 38 can be folded on the hinge 40. When the tab 38 is folded, each of the second attachment members 48 will be able to pass through the first apertures 56, formed in the second member 16, and engage with one of the first attachment members 36. In so doing, the second member 16 will be held secure in a set position relative to the first member 14.
It should be understood that the product 24 is first positioned in the 3-dimensional bubble 22 before the second member 16 is fitted or slid into the at least one channel 32. With the second member 16 secured to the first member 14 by the securement mechanism 12, the product 24 cannot be removed from the blister package 10 unless the securement mechanism 12 is opened or the blister package 10 is physically destroyed. If a customer wished to compare the packaged product 24 to an existing product or part, he or she can ask the sales clerk to open the blister package 10 so that the product 24 can be removed. Alternatively, the consumer can open the blister package 10 by himself or herself by separating the second attachment member 48 from the first attachment member 36. This can be accomplished by folding the tab 38 outward at the hinge 40 through an angle approaching about 180 degrees or more to an open position. The second member 16 is then slid at least partially out of the at least one channel 32 and away from the first member 14. With the second member 16 slid passed the 3-dimensional bubble 22, the consumer will be able to remove the product 24 from the blister package 10. After the product 24 has been examined by the consumer, it can easily be placed back into the 3-dimensional bubble 22 and the second member 16 can again be slid back in to the at least one channel 32. At this point, the tab 38 is folded at the hinge 40 back to the closed position and the second attachment member 48 is secured into the first attachment member 36 by pressing on the exterior surface of the tab 38. This will cause the second attachment member 48 to pass through the first aperture 56 formed in the second member 16 and engage with the first attachment member 36. An audible sound is generated when the second attachment member 48 engages with the first attachment member 36 which alerts the sales clerk and/or the consumer that the securement mechanism 12 on the blister package 10 is closed. The audible sound can be similar to the sound made when one pops a blister on a bubble pack.
Turning now to
The method also includes folding another portion 28 of the peripheral flange 26 upon itself to create at least one channel 32. A second member 16 is fitted or slid into or within the at least one channel 32 and the second member 16 spans across the 3-dimensional bubble 22. The second member 16 has a first end 54.
The method further includes forming a first aperture 56 and a second aperture 58 through the first end 54 of the second member 16. The first aperture 56 is aligned adjacent to the second aperture 58. The second aperture 58 is sized and configured to allow the second attachment member 48 to pass therethrough once the tab 38 is folded at the hinge 40. A product 24 is then inserted into the 3-dimensional bubble 22. Still further, the method includes sliding the second member 16 into the at least one channel 32 of the first member 14 when the securement mechanism 12 is in an open position. The second member 16 retains the product 24 in the 3-dimensional bubble 22. Lastly, the tab 38 is folded at the hinge 40 wherein the second attachment member 48 passes through the second aperture 58 and engages with the first attachment member 36 to close the blister package 10. In this position the securement mechanism 12 is in a closed position.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.