Patent ID: 7798324
Filing Date: 2010-09-21
Classification: B65B,B65D

Abstract:
1. A flexible package for cutting blades, comprising: a generally planar flexible first layer; a base comprising at least one generally planar, generally rectangularly-shaped cavity formed in the first layer, the cavity including a pair of spaced-apart longitudinal edges and a pair of spaced-apart lateral edges, the longitudinal edges each having a pair of ends spaced apart from the lateral edges and the lateral edges each having a pair of ends extending beyond intersecting points of the longitudinal and lateral edges; a plurality of arcuate portions formed in the base and integral to the cavity, the arcuate portions extending between proximate ends of the longitudinal edges and the lateral edges of the cavity; a generally planar flexible second layer arranged over the base and proximate the base; and a seal formed about the periphery of each cavity to encapsulate a cutting blade placed into the cavity, the seal being formed by applying a predetermined combination of heat and pressure to selected portions of the second layer to cause the second layer to selectively bond to the base while a vacuum is applied to the cavity, the seal maintaining the vacuum, the vacuum drawing the first and second layers toward one another within the cavity to confront and contact opposing sides of the blade, thereby immobilizing the blade in the cavity, wherein movement of each encapsulated cutting blade is deterred during transport and handling by the vacuum, the blades becoming movable within the cavity when the seal is broken.