TWI449649B - Thermoformed blister package, method for making the same, and backer of the same - Google Patents

Description

Thermoformed blister packaging, method of manufacturing the same, and support thereof Cross reference related application

This application is a national phase of the International Application No. PCT/US10/60098, which was filed on December 13, 2010. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a blister package having a three-dimensional support member and having a print on the support member.

A variety of different blister packs are known in the prior art for holding and displaying commercial items such as toothbrushes or doctor blades. These blister packs are typically thermoformed plastic and include a support or base member and a front panel closure member that are coupled to each other by a seal or weld. Although the front panel is typically molded into a three-dimensional shape similar to the contour of the object held therein, the support is formed in two dimensions or is shaped into three dimensions. See, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 6,276,529 and 6,409,019, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. US2001/0032796 A1.

These blister packs often include prints for information or advertising purposes. In general, the print appears on a flat two-dimensional segment of the package where it is easy to read due to its appearance on a flat surface. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,571,953 and U.S. Application Serial No. US2007/051652 A1.

For example, US Application Publication No. US 2009/0090643 A1 discloses a blister package for displaying a toothbrush. Plastic blister packaging is included in the deep The first and second plastic films 16, 20, which are pre-printed in a flat state before drawing, are later placed in a three-dimensional molded portion of the blister package through the printing area. The pre-printed material is contoured or twisted prior to molding to obtain the correct appearance after the deep drawing process.

Although the above-mentioned packages are generally suitable for their intended use, from the standpoint of simplicity and the preparation of a three-dimensional shape of a plastic sheet for printing on a flat sheet of plastic or the pattern significantly distorting the graphic/print design , it still needs to be improved. To this end, pre-printing during blister packaging manufacture still requires greater flexibility and efficiency to achieve minimal distortion in the three-dimensional final shape.

In one embodiment, there is a blister pack for receiving an item or item, such as a toothbrush. The package comprises a front panel, a support member molded from a planar film to define a contoured portion having a longitudinal axis and a print applied to the planar film. The print is applied to a planar plastic film with one appearance that is substantially free of distortion on the planar film. The contoured portion is linear along the longitudinal axis. The front panel and the support are secured to each other to define an area for holding the item. Irrespective of the distortion caused by the planar film molding the support, the printed matter can be clearly identified on the support.

In another embodiment, there is a method for making a blister package for accommodating an article. The method for manufacturing a blister package for accommodating an article comprises providing a front panel; applying a print to a planar film having one of no distortion on the planar film Thermoforming a planar film into a support member to define a contoured portion having a longitudinal axis, wherein the contoured portion is linear along the longitudinal axis, and the printed matter is molded in a second planar film, regardless of the molding station The resulting distortion maintains a clearly identifiable appearance; placing the object into one of the front panel or support; and sealing the front panel and the support together, wherein the object is located between the front panel and the support.

In a particular embodiment, the contoured portion is conical.

In a particular embodiment, the first three-dimensional thermoformed structure projects a first distance from the planar outer edge and the second three-dimensional structure projects from the planar flange a second distance less than the first distance.

In a particular embodiment, the contoured portion has a convex curved cross section.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are intended to

The invention will be more fully understood from the drawings and detailed description.

The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention.

Unless otherwise indicated, it is to be understood that all of the quantities, quantities, For example, it should be understood that the term "planar" includes both generalized and approximately planar configurations.

Exemplary aspect packages of the present invention without being limited to a particular theory A blister pack and a method of manufacturing the blister pack, comprising an upper wall member (such as a front panel), a lower wall member (such as a support member), and a row of prints (such as a print, decoration, advertisement), wherein The upper wall member is formed to effectively retain the article by accommodating a particular geometry of an article (e.g., a toothbrush, doctor blade). The lower wall member is preferably formed (e.g., molded, thermoformed) after being printed from a sheet of material (e.g., plastic) to linearly follow or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lower wall member to resemble a cylindrical or The final shape of the cone. The print is applied to the material of the flat sheet without distortion and appears on the lower wall member of the final shape without a distorted appearance. This combination of upper and lower wall members is preferably secured together by a three-dimensional seal or weld curve that is generally implemented as a two-dimensional seal or weld.

Compared to the known planar appearance, the embodiments improve the quality of the prints placed on the lower wall member or support and impart a three-dimensional support to the support from the undistorted prints placed on the flat sheet. shape. One advantage of a cylindrical/conical support is that it is not subject to the same degree of distortion as the upper wall member. This provides the advantage that, at least in part due to the longitudinal linear shape of the assembled lower section, the print does not need to be pre-twisted prior to final assembly of the blister pack as is conventional in the art. This advantage allows for better graphic/printing design and flexibility. Another advantage of a three-dimensional support is achieved by forming a see-through window on the support for visually abutting the back or side of the article that is traditionally invisible (such as a toothbrush head) or other feature of the article.

The invention is further described in the following examples. The example is only exemplary The scope of the invention described and claimed is not limited.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to the like parts, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a blister package constructed in accordance with the present invention. The package 10 is configured to hold a piece of merchandise. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the item of merchandise is a toothbrush 12 (Fig. 7), but can be any product. A particular embodiment of the package 10 shown in Figure 1 is a blister pack. Alternatively, it may be in the form of a clamshell package. In either case, the package basically comprises a pair of wall members, referred to herein as a front panel 14 and a support member 16. The wall members are fixedly secured to each other to form an article receiving pocket 18 therebetween (Fig. 4). The blister pack 10 also includes a print 20 (Figs. 2, 3, 5, 6) on the support member 16.

The wall member is formed from any suitable material, such as a plastic or polymeric material such as, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc., or conventionally used in blister or clam shells. Any other material in the package. The material constituting the wall member may comprise a combination of materials including transparent, partially transparent, translucent, opaque and/or non-transparent materials and may be formed in any manner such as thermoforming, injection or molding.

1 to 3 depict the blister pack 10 in a top plan view, a side view, and a bottom plan view, respectively. As best seen in Figure 1, the front panel is an elongate member having one of the pair of long side edges 22 and 24 extending in the direction of elongation and one of the pair of short end edges 26, 28 extending transversely to the direction of elongation. The front panel 14 includes a first three-dimensional thermoformed structure 30 and a planar outer edge extending along the periphery of the first three-dimensional thermoformed structure. 32. The first three-dimensional thermoformed structure is molded from a first planar plastic film used to form the first wall member and protrudes from the planar outer edge 32 by a distance D1 (Fig. 4) to define a hollow body portion as An object receiving portion 34. The article receiving portion 34 is a recess for receiving a merchandise article and extends substantially the entire length of the front panel 14, except for a top portion 36 of a header for forming the package 10 adjacent the short end edge 26. . The top portion 36 is shown as forming a hook 38 for suspending the package 10 from a display shelf. The article receiving portion 34 can have a uniform width and depth along its entire length or can be contoured for a particular contour of the item of merchandise, as shown in FIG. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the article receiving portion 34 is contoured to conform to the contour of the toothbrush 12.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the planar outer edge 32 extends outwardly along the entire periphery of the first three-dimensional thermoformed structure 30 to form its edges 22, 24, 26, 28. The planar outer edge 32 serves as a component for securing the front panel 14 to the support member 16. For example, the front panel 14 and the support member 16 can be secured by a seal or weld, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

The second wall member that functions at the support member 16 of the package 10 includes a generally cylindrical or conical member as a second three-dimensional thermoformed structure 40, and a plane extending along the periphery of the second three-dimensional thermoformed structure. The flange 42 has a size and shape that corresponds to the planar outer edge 32. A second three-dimensional thermoformed structure 40 is molded from a second planar plastic film and protrudes from the planar flange 42 to define a cylindrical contour portion 44 having a longitudinal axis 46, wherein the cylindrical contour portion Linear along the longitudinal axis (Figure 2).

Thus, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the support member is an elongate member that includes one of the pair of long side edges 48, 50 extending generally parallel to the axis 46 and one of the laterally extending sides of the axis 46. Edges 52, 54. Without being bound by a particular theory, FIG. 2 shows that the longitudinal axis 46 is offset and not necessarily parallel to the plane of the planar flange 42. For example, when the longitudinal axis 46 is not parallel to the planar flange plane, the second three-dimensional thermoformed structure may assume a generally conical shape as the angular offset of a plane of the planar flange increases from horizontal. Any such configuration is considered to be within the scope of the invention.

As discussed above, the support member 16 can be formed from PVC, PET, etc., or any other suitable flexible plastic or polymeric sheet or film material, and includes an inner surface 56 and an outer surface 58 (Fig. 4). Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the inner surface 56 of the support member 16 adjacent the peripheral edges 48, 50, 52, 54 defined by the planar flange 42 is fixedly secured (e.g., adhesively sealed, hot Welding, etc.) to the planar outer edge 32 of the front panel 14 to define a sealed region 68. The front panel 14 is secured to the support member 16 to form an enclosed pocket or article receiving pocket 18 (Fig. 4) in which the buckle holds a commodity item such as a toothbrush 12 (Fig. 7). Of course, the prints can be applied to the inner surface 56 or the outer surface 58 within the scope of the present invention.

Figure 4 depicts the blister pack 10 in cross section showing one of the amount of protrusion caused by the thermoforming of the front panel 14 and the support member 16. The first three-dimensional thermoformed structure 30 protrudes from the planar outer edge 32 by a distance D1 and the second three-dimensional thermoformed structure 40 is shown protruding from the planar flange 42 A second distance D2. As shown in Figure 4, the distance D2 is less than the distance D1, indicating that the support member 16 is not distorted to the same extent as the front panel. The second three-dimensional thermoformed structure 40 is not linear or planar cross-section, but rather curved outwardly with a curvature radius RC that is greater than the distance D2 representing the distance D2 from the planar flange 42 by the second three-dimensional thermoformed structure. This minimizes any distortion of the second three-dimensional thermoformed structure and eliminates any distortion longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis 46. Without being bound by a particular theory, the illustrated embodiment shows that the radius of curvature RC is at least about twice the distance D2 to minimize distortion while still providing a curved convex profile.

The second three-dimensional thermoformed structure 40 includes a cylindrical contour portion 44 extending longitudinally along the thermoformed structure 40, which preferably includes a writing object 20, such as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 6. As part of the second three-dimensional thermoformed structure 40, the cylindrical contour portion 44 is molded from the second planar plastic film 62 (Fig. 5) into its cylindrical shape, as depicted in Fig. 6. The print 20 is applied to the second planar plastic film 62 to have an appearance that is not distorted on the second planar plastic film. In other words, the printed matter is applied undistorted as if it were intended to be viewed on a flat sheet.

After the second planar plastic film 62 is molded into the second three-dimensional thermoformed structure 40, the cylindrical contour portion is still generally represented as a depiction. During thermoforming of the cylindrical profile portion 44, the portion is not deformed along or parallel to the longitudinal axis but only slightly laterally to the axis. This deformation maintains the cylindrical profile portion free of longitudinal deformation, thus minimizing any deformation of the print on the cylindrical contour portion 44. Advantageously, This molding of the cylindrical contour portion 44 does not distort the contour portion along the linear segment 64 (Fig. 6) parallel to the longitudinal axis 46. To this end, this molding allows only minimal distortion in the transverse direction to the longitudinal axis, thereby minimizing any distortion of the cylindrical contour portion or any writing object 20 applied to the cylindrical contour portion 44. This advantage is indicative that the support member 16 is not distorted to the same extent as the distortion of the front panel 14, and the writing instrument 20 does not exhibit distortion on the thermoformed cylindrical contour 44. To this end, it is known that the print applied to the second planar plastic film will appear to be the same as the design viewed on the final assembled package 10, and that any writing material 20 need not be in the support or final assembly of the package 10. Pre-twisted prior to molding, which allows for a clearer graphics and print design as well as greater flexibility in the application design.

Although the front panel 14 and the support member 16 have been described above as comprising a combination comprising a transparent, partially transparent, translucent, etc. material, it is preferred that the blister package 10 includes a window 60 of transparent material with or without printing. Objects for viewing objects within it. For example, as shown in Figures 2, 3, 5 and 6, the support member 16 includes a window 60 of a transparent material to permit visual proximity of the head of the toothbrush 12. Together with a window 66 of transparent material on the front panel 14 for visual proximity to the head and bristles of the toothbrush, one now has a 360° view of the head of the toothbrush. The window 60 and other windowings on the support member 16 help the consumer to see the back of the toothbrush or other features that are traditionally blocked from being invisible prior to purchase of the toothbrush.

Although the present invention has been described in detail and with reference to the specific examples, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from The spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the front panel 14 and the support member 16 can be secured to the planar flange by a portion of the seal of the planar outer edge or by a friction fit therebetween. Without further elaboration, it has been fully described above that others may readily adapt the invention to use in various different service conditions by applying the present or future knowledge.

As used herein, the scope of the invention is intended to Any value within the range can be selected as the terminal for the range. In addition, all of the references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event that the definition of the present disclosure is directed to the definition of a referenced document, the present disclosure controls.

10‧‧‧Bag packaging

12‧‧‧ toothbrush

14‧‧‧ front panel

16‧‧‧Support

18‧‧‧ Object receiving pocket

20‧‧‧Prints

22, 24‧‧‧ long side edges

26, 28‧‧‧ short-end edge

30‧‧‧The first three-dimensional thermoformed structure

32‧‧‧planar outer edge

34‧‧‧Object receiving part

36‧‧‧ top part

38‧‧‧ hook

40‧‧‧Second three-dimensional thermoformed structure

42‧‧‧Flat flange

44‧‧‧ cylindrical outline

46‧‧‧ longitudinal axis

48, 50‧‧‧ long side edges

52, 54‧‧‧ short side edges

56‧‧‧The inner surface of the support member 16

58‧‧‧ outer surface

60‧‧‧ window

62‧‧‧Second flat plastic film

64‧‧‧linear segmentation

66‧‧‧Window

68‧‧‧ Sealed area

D1‧‧‧ distance

D2‧‧‧Second distance

RC‧‧ radius of curvature

1 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a blister package constructed in accordance with the present invention and housing a commodity article; FIG. 2 is a side view of the package of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a view of FIG. Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a bottom view of an exemplary planar film before being thermoformed into a cylindrical contour portion; 6 is a bottom view of a cylindrical contour portion thermoformed from the planar film shown in Fig. 5; and Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the package shown in Figs. 1 to 3 for accommodating an exemplary article.

10‧‧‧Bag packaging

12‧‧‧ toothbrush

14‧‧‧ front panel

16‧‧‧Support

30‧‧‧The first three-dimensional thermoformed structure

32‧‧‧planar outer edge

36‧‧‧ top part

42‧‧‧Flat flange

Claims (15)

A blister package for accommodating an object, comprising: a front panel; a support member molded from a planar film to define a contour portion having a longitudinal axis; and a print substrate Applied to the planar film, the print having an appearance that is substantially free of distortion on the planar film; wherein the contour portion is linear along the longitudinal axis, the front panel and the support member are secured together To define an area for holding an object, the print is clearly identifiable on the support; wherein the front panel further comprises a first three-dimensional structure and a planar outer edge; and the support further a planar flange and a second three-dimensional structure; the first three-dimensional structure protrudes from the planar outer edge by a first distance, and the second three-dimensional structure protrudes from the planar flange by a second distance, Wherein the second distance is less than the first distance; and wherein the contour portion comprises a convex curve cross section having a radius of curvature greater than the second distance. The blister package of claim 1, wherein the contour portion is conical. The blister package of claim 1, wherein the contour portion comprises a transparent portion of the support member for visually abutting the object. The blister package of claim 3, wherein the object is a toothbrush comprising: a head having an elongate grip; and a bristles attached to the head, the transparent section of the support permitting visual proximity to the head of the toothbrush. The blister package of claim 1, wherein the planar film system comprises a first surface facing the object and a second surface opposite the first surface and guiding away from the object, the column A print is applied to the first surface of the planar film. The blister package of claim 1, wherein the planar film system comprises a first surface facing the object and a second surface opposite the first surface and guiding away from the object, the column A print is applied to the second surface of the planar film. The blister package of claim 1, wherein the front panel further comprises a planar outer edge; and the support further comprises a planar flange to which the planar outer edge is affixed To define the area. The blister package of claim 1, wherein the contour portion extends over a width of the support member. A method for manufacturing a blister package for accommodating an article, comprising: a) providing a front panel, the front panel further comprising a first three-dimensional structure and a planar outer edge; b) applying a print To a planar film, the print having an appearance without distortion on the planar film; c) thermoforming the planar film into a support member to define a a contoured portion of the longitudinal axis, wherein the contoured portion is linear along the longitudinal axis, the print is thermoformed with the planar film and maintains a clearly identifiable appearance regardless of the distortion caused by the thermoforming, The support member further includes a planar flange and a second three-dimensional structure; the first three-dimensional structure protrudes from the planar outer edge by a first distance, and the second three-dimensional structure protrudes from the planar flange a distance, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance; d) placing the article into one of the front panel or the support; and e) sealing the front panel and the support together, wherein The object is located between the front panel and the support member; wherein the step c) further comprises thermoforming the contour portion into a shape having a convex curve cross section, wherein a curvature radius of the convex curve cross section is greater than the first Two distances. A support member sealed to a front panel to form a blister package for accommodating an object, the front panel comprising a first three-dimensional thermoformed structure and a first three-dimensional thermoformed structure along the first a planar outer periphery extending from the first planar film, and projecting from the planar outer edge to define an object receiving portion, the first three-dimensional thermoforming The structure includes a first transparent segment for visually abutting the article, the support member comprising: a second three-dimensional thermoformed structure; a planar flange along the circumference of the second three-dimensional thermoformed structure Edge extending; and a line of prints, wherein the second three-dimensional thermoformed structure is molded from a second planar film and protrudes from the planar flange to define a cylindrical contoured portion having a longitudinal axis, The cylindrical contour portion is linear along the longitudinal axis, the support member being sealed to the front panel by the combination of the planar outer edge to the planar flange to define a sealed region, the first one A second three-dimensional thermoformed structure cooperates to form an article receiving pocket for the article, the print being applied to the second planar film, the print having no distortion on the planar film In an outer appearance, the print is molded into the second three-dimensional thermoformed structure by the second planar film in the cylindrical contour portion, and the distortion caused by the molding is maintained clearly. The outer appearance; and the central cylindrical contour portion thereof comprises a convex curved cross section having a radius of curvature greater than the second three-dimensional thermoformed structure projecting from the planar flange. A support member of claim 10, the cylindrical contour portion comprising a support transparent section for visually abutting the article. The support member of claim 11, wherein the article is a toothbrush comprising: a head having an elongated handle; and a bristles attached to the head, wherein the support is transparent Allows visual proximity to the head of the toothbrush. A support member according to claim 10, wherein the cylindrical member The contoured portion extends through a width of the support and at an opposite end of the width between the planar flanges. The support member of claim 10, wherein the first three-dimensional thermoformed structure protrudes from the planar outer edge by a first distance, and the second three-dimensional thermoformed structure protrudes from the planar flange by less than The second distance of the first distance. A support member according to claim 10, wherein the cylindrical contour portion is conical.