TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application is related to the field of product packaging, and more particularly, to a backless blister package and related method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Articles to be displayed for retail sale are frequently packaged in blister pack packaging. A blister pack typically includes a backing sheet, generally of cardboard, plastic, or foil, and a polymeric "bubble" or "blister", which is generally made from a transparent material. The backing sheet and blister are joined to form a sealed cavity in which the article rests.

Clamshell packaging is a related type of packaging that has seen much commercial success among manufacturers, as it allows consumers to view the product while minimizing theft and damage to the articles that it encapsulates. Clamshell containers may be gcnerically produced such that interchangeable printed inserts may be placed within so that one plastic clamshell can be used to package a multitude of similarly sized products. Additionally, empty clamshells nest well which minimize shipping costs and storage space.

Blister packaging and clamshell containers are commonly made from a variety of substances. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a common resin in the polyester family used in many thermoforming applications including food, personal care, medical, and other consumer product packaging. Other materials, such as polystyrenes, other polyesters, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), foam sheets, etc. are also utilized. The packaging is typically made by thermoforming or it can be injection molded into desired shapes. For clamshell packaging, often a single piece of material is used for the top and mating bottom portion, with an integrated living hinge connecting the portions. Clamshells are known to employ a variety of closing means— some have self-locking tabs, snaps, or have a friction fit. Others use adhesive, pressure-sensitive tape, labels, staples, or are heat sealed.

For the thermoforming process, most often a region of a planar material will be molded to a desired shape by placing the plastic material between a pair of male and female dies that are temperature controlled at a temperature sufficient to soften the plastic. By pressing the male and female dies together, the material yields so to form the shape of the desired end product.

To lower the amount of resins used, which reduces material cost and is more environmentally friendly, embodiments are provided utilizing an open-backed blister, thus achieving an advancement in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment, a package for securing a product is provided. The package comprises a sleeve having at least one hole therein and a substantially backless insert configured to hold the product, wherein the insert is insertable into the sleeve. At least one window is defined by the substantially backless insert, wherein the window comprises a taper that terminates in a window edge so to define a barb engagable to an edge of the at least one hole and configured to secure the substantially backless insert into the sleeve.

A method of packaging a product is provided according to an embodiment. The method comprises providing a sleeve having at least one hole therein and providing a substantially backless insert configured to hold the product, comprising at least one window defined thereby wherein the window comprises a taper that terminates in a window edge to define a barb. The substantially backless insert is inserted into the sleeve, and the barb is engaged against an edge of the at least one hole to secure the substantially backless insert into the sleeve.

ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect, a package for securing a product, comprises: a sleeve having at least one hole therein; a substantially backless insert configured to hold the product, wherein the insert is insertable into the sleeve; and at least one window defined by the substantially backless insert, wherein the window comprises a taper that terminates in a window edge so to define a barb engagable to an edge of the at least one hole and configured to secure the substantially backless insert into the sleeve. Preferably, the package comprises a retainer attachable to the substantially backless insert configured to secure the product between the substantially backless insert and the retainer.

Preferably, the retainer is only attachable to the substantially backless insert in one orientation.

Preferably, at least one alignment feature defined by the insert, wherein the retainer comprises at least one alignment feature configured to engage the at least one alignment feature defined by the insert.

Preferably, the package comprises a first alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the insert; a second alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the insert; a first alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the retainer; a second alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the retainer; wherein the first alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the insert is configured to engage the first alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the retainer; and wherein the second alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the insert is configured to engage the second alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the retainer.

Preferably, the first alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the insert comprises a different shape than the second alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the insert.

Preferably, the retainer is configured to prevent lateral and downward movement of the product.

Preferably, the package comprises a first window of the at least one window defined by the insert; a second window of the at least one window defined by the insert; a first hole of the at least one hole of the sleeve; a second hole of the at least one hole of the sleeve; wherein the first window comprises a taper that terminates in a first window edge to define a first barb engagable to a first edge of the first hole and configured to secure the substantially backless insert into the sleeve; wherein the second window comprises a taper that terminates in a second window edge to define a second barb engagable to a first edge of the second hole and configured to secure the substantially backless insert into the sleeve; and wherein the orientations of the first barb and second barb are in opposition, such that the first and second barbs are configured to prevent the removal of the insert from the sleeve once the first barb engages the first edge of the first hole and the second barb engages the first edge of the second hole.

Preferably, the package comprises a perforated region defining a removable panel on the sleeve.

Preferably, the barb is irreversibly engagable to the edge of the at least one hole.

According to an aspect, a method of packaging a product, comprises the steps of: providing a sleeve having at least one hole therein; providing a substantially backless insert configured to hold the product, comprising at least one window defined thereby wherein the window comprises a taper that terminates in a window edge to define a barb; inserting the substantially backless insert into the sleeve; and engaging the barb against an edge of the at least one hole to secure the substantially backless insert into the sleeve.

Preferably, the method comprises attaching a retainer to the substantially backless insert; and securing the product between the substantially backless insert and the retainer.

Preferably, the retainer is only attachable to the substantially backless insert in one orientation.

Preferably, the method comprises providing at least one alignment feature defined by the insert; providing at least one alignment feature defined by the retainer; and engaging the at least one alignment feature defined by the insert to the at least one alignment feature defined by the retainer.

Preferably, the method comprises providing a first alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the insert; providing a second alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the insert; providing a first alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the retainer; providing a second alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the retainer; engaging the first alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the insert to the first alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the retainer; and engaging the second alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the insert to the second alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the retainer.

Preferably, the first alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the insert comprises a different shape than the second alignment feature of the at least one alignment feature defined by the insert.

Preferably, the method comprises preventing substantial lateral and downward movement of the product.

Preferably, the method comprises providing a first window of the at least one window defined by the insert; providing a second window of the at least one window defined by the insert; providing a first hole of the at least one hole of the sleeve; providing a second hole of the at least one hole of the sleeve; engaging a first barb defined by a taper that terminates in a first window edge to a first edge of the first hole to secure the substantially backless insert into the sleeve; BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a backless blister package according to an

embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the backless blister package of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a right side elevation view of the backless blister package of FIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 4 is a left side elevation view of the backless blister package of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the backless blister package of FIG. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the backless blister package of FIG. 1-5;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the backless blister package of FIG. 1-6;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a backless blister package according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a backless blister insertable into a sleeve according to an

embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a backless blister inserted into the sleeve of FIG. 8; FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a backless blister inserted into the sleeve of FIG. 8; FIG. 12 illustrates a rear view of a backless blister inserted into the sleeve of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a rear view of a backless blister inserted into the sleeve of FIG. 8 in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 - 13 and the following description depict specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of the Application. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from these examples that fall within the scope of the Application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the Application. As a result, the Application is not limited to the specific examples described below, but only by the claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1-8 depict an insert 20 for a package 10 (See FIGS. 9-12) according to an embodiment. The insert 20 is preferably made from a transparent material such that a product (not shown) placed within the confines of the insert 20 is at least partially visible to consumers. Such materials include, PET, PVC, polystyrenes, polyesters, and any other polymer or material known in the art. The insert 20, may be formed, for example, by various combinations of blow molding, vacuum thermoforming, and die-cutting operations. In an embodiment, the insert 20 comprises a transparent material. In an embodiment, the insert 20 comprises a translucent material.

The insert 20 has a first side edge 22, a second side edge 24, a top edge 26, and a bottom edge 28. In an embodiment, these edges 22, 24, 26, and 28 form a perimeter of the insert 20. The top edge 26 is illustrated as having an arcuate shape, but a flat, straight, geometric, and/or rectilinear shape is also contemplated. Similarly, alternative shapes are contemplated for the other edges 22, 24, and 28, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. It should be noted that the inseit 20 is predominantly formed from a single, unhinged, piece of material, and thus has no back portion, as would commonly be present in a clamshell package. This provides a simpler, more cost effective construction. A product holding region 30 is defined by the insert 20, and a retainer 32. The retainer 32 is a separate piece of material that is molded to be connectable to the insert 20. The retainer may be made from the same, a similar, or a different material than the insert 20. The size and dimension of the holding region 30 may take any number of forms to conform to the product (not shown) for which the insert 20 is intended. In the embodiment shown, the holding region 30 is defined by tapered walls 34 to hold a product with a matching taper. This is merely an example, and no taper may be present. In alternative embodiments, other shapes may be defined by the holding region depending on the size and dimension of the product. FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of the insert 20 and retainer 32.

A first window 36 and second window 38 are provided as regions where, in some embodiments, transparent or translucent areas allow a product situated behind the windows 36, 38 to be viewed. This provides security and protection for the product while still allowing at least some visual inspection of the product.

A hanging hole 40 is, in some embodiments, defined by the insert 20. In some embodiments, the hanging hole 40 is proximate the top edge 26. The hanging hole 40 allows the package 10 to be hung from a hook or peg for displaying the product at a point of purchase display. In other embodiments, the hanging hole 40 may be defined by the sleeve 46, which is discussed in greater detail below.

The retainer 32 may be attached to the insert 20 in any number of ways, such as through mechanical means, friction fit, adhesive, or combinations thereof. In the embodiments illustrated, alignment posts 42 defined by the retainer 32 that project outwardly therefrom are insertable into alignment indents 44 defined by the insert 20 that project inwardly therefrom. The alignment indents 44 have a size and dimension to frictionally engage the alignment posts 42. In an alternate embodiment, alignment posts 42 are defined by the insert 20, and are insertable into alignment indents 44 defined by the retainer 32. In the embodiments shown, one alignment post is in the shape of a cylinder, while the other post has a triangular form. These shapes are merely for illustrative purposes, for in some embodiments, both alignment posts 42 may have the same shape. By having different shapes, the retainer 32 may only be attached to the insert 20 in a single, correct, orientation. This is particularly important in the case of a tapered or otherwise asymmetrical product holding region. This prevents mistakes dining the packaging process. In another embodiment, the positions of the alignment posts 42 and alignment indents 44 may be such that only one attachment orientation is possible. It should be noted that the alignment indents 44 and alignment posts 42 may be configured on either the insert 20 or the retainer 32, and in some embodiments, an alignment post 42 may be present on both the insert 20 and retainer 32, and a mating indent 44 may be present on both the insert 20 and retainer 32. In yet another embodiment, no indents 44 or posts 42 are present

Overall, the design of the insert 20 provides means to effectively hold a product, as in the case of a clamshell design, but with only 55% of the material required to produce a similarly sized and dimensioned clamshell case.

Turning to FIGS. 9-13, a sleeve 46 is illustrated. The sleeve may be made from the same or a similar material as the insert 20. In an embodiment, the sleeve 46 is constructed from a paper product, such as cardboard, bamboo, recycled materials, fibers, cotton, textile, and combinations thereof for example without limitation. As illustrated by FIG. 8, the insert 20 (with the retainer 32 attached thereto) is insertable into the sleeve 46. The sleeve 46 has a size and dimension to snugly accept the insert 20. A first hole 48 and a second hole 50 are defined by the sleeve 46, and these holes 48, 50 are positioned and configured to align with the first window 36 and second window 38 of the insert 20.

In an embodiment, the first window 36 and second window 38 are ramped such that a taper 52 raises to terminate in a first window edge 54 for the first window 36, and a second window edge 56 for the second window 38. This effectively transforms each window 36, 38 into a barb that may engage the sleeve 46 when inserted therein. In particular, the first window edge 54 engages a lower edge 58 of the first hole 48 in the sleeve, and the second window edge 56 engages an upper edge 60 of the second hole 50 in the sleeve. In this manner, the first window 36 and second window 38 define opposing barbs. Once the insert 20 is inserted into the sleeve 46, it is difficult to remove the insert 20 therefrom due to barb engagement. Thus, by pulling down (as pictured) on the insert 20, the first window edge 54 catches on the lower edge 58 of the first hole 48 in the sleeve 46, thus preventing removal of the insert. Conversely, pulling up (as pictured) on the insert 20, the second window edge 56 catches on the upper edge 60 of the second hole 50 in the sleeve 46, also preventing removal of the insert. This effectively locks the insert 20 into place within the sleeve 46, which makes theft of the product in the package 10 more difficult, and also prevents product and insert displacement during shipping.

Although two windows 36, 38 and two holes 48, 50 are illustrated, more or less windows 36, 38 and holes 48, SO are contemplated, and nothing in this description should be construed as limiting the number of windows 36, 38 and holes 48, SO to two each. Furthermore, in some embodiments, not every window should be limited to being engageable in a corresponding hole. In some embodiments, there may be differing numbers of windows 36, 38 and holes 48, 50.

FIGS. 11-12 show perforations 62 in the sleeve 46, according to an embodiment. The perforations 62 provide means of opening the package 10 once the insert 20/retainer 32 are locked into the sleeve 46. By providing perforations 62, one may tear away a panel 64 that is bordered by perforations 62, thus revealing the insert 20 inside the sleeve 46. This effectively reduces the pressure by the insert 20 on the sleeve 46, so that the barbed edges of the windows 36, 38 no longer lock the insert 20 into the sleeve 46, thus allowing easy removal of the sleeve 20 from the insert 46 and in turn, providing access to a product located therein. This provides easy removal of a product, but requires that the package 10 be destroyed in the process, which is a deterrent for theft.

The detailed descriptions of the above embodiments are not exhaustive descriptions of all embodiments contemplated by the inventors to be within the scope of the Application. Indeed, persons skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above-described embodiments may variously be combined or eliminated to create further embodiments, and such further embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of the Application. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the above-described embodiments may be combined in whole or in part to create additional embodiments within the scope and teachings of the Application.