Abstract:
A multi-layered blister package includes a first panel having at least one first aperture defined therein, wherein a blister pocket is visible through the at least one first aperture and retains an article therein. A second panel has at least one exit aperture defined therein by a first non-continuous cut line, wherein the at least one exit aperture aligns with the at least one first aperture when the first panel is disposed over the second panel. A first fold line separates the first and second panels. A biasing force transmitting member is provided with the first panel, such that a biasing force is applied to the blister pocket via the biasing force transmitting member. The biasing force transmitting member includes at least one of a plurality of spring legs encompassing the at least one first aperture and a shield member disposed between the first panel and the blister pocket.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a child-resistant blister package formed by a plurality of panels separated from each other by fold lines, with a first panel including a plurality of first apertures defined therein, the first apertures being disposed opposite corresponding second and third apertures, respectively, defined in neighboring second and third panels. More specifically, the invention relates to a package wherein the first apertures may be covered by a, preferably translucent, bias able material to restrict direct access to a blister contained in the package via the first apertures, wherein the biasable material and the radially extending channels or spokes extending from the first apertures, either together or alternatively alone or separately, assist a user in applying a substantially evenly distributed pressure to a blister for removal of a product from the package. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     It is common practice to use blister packages to package small, solid articles or products which may be dispensed from the package by applying pressure to the blister to force the article or product from an individual blister or capsule through a rupturable membrane. Since this type of packaging is typically used for marketing medicines, the invention will be referred to herein with respect to a package particularly suitable for such use, but it should be understood that the package may be used for other products as well, such as food products, like candy, etc., or non-consumable articles, like batteries for hearing aides and the like. Recently, a substantial effort has been directed toward providing packaging that contains sufficient impediments to prevent children from easily opening the package and gaining access to the package articles or products while still providing adults with easy access to the articles or products contained therein. 
     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,202 to Mellon discloses a paperboard blank used for constructing a self-contained, re-closeable package ( 2 ) that includes a center panel ( 6 ) with a side panel ( 4 ) extending from a first side and side panels ( 8 ), ( 10 ) and ( 12 ) in series, extending from the opposing side. Upper and lower flaps ( 36  and  28 ) extend from the center panel ( 6 ). See  FIG. 1 . The center panel ( 6 ) includes perforated apertures ( 18 ) defined therein that receive the blister packs ( 54 ) in the side panel ( 12 ) and the side panel ( 10 ) includes perforated apertures ( 28 ) defined therein that receive blister packs ( 58 ) therein. Articles ( 52 ) and ( 56 ) are placed in the blister packs ( 54 ) and ( 58 ), respectively, such that when the side panels ( 10 ) and ( 12 ) are folded over the fold line ( 26 ), blister packs ( 54 ) and ( 58 ) are retained between panels ( 12 ) and ( 6 ), and ( 10 ) and ( 8 ), to keep the blister packs ( 54 ) and ( 58 ) in place. At the same time, apertures ( 24 ) defined in the side panel ( 8 ) receive the blisters ( 28 ) in the side panel ( 10 ). Side panel ( 8 ) is then folded over fold line ( 30 ) onto the back of the panel ( 12 ). Upper and lower panels ( 36  and  38 ) are then folded over the back of the panel ( 8 ). The side panel ( 4 ) is then folded over fold line ( 14 ) to form the fully assembled package ( 60 ). See  FIGS. 2-6 . 
     However, to access the blister packs ( 54 ) and ( 58 ) of the package ( 2 ), a user must first open the package ( 2 ) by unfolding the panels ( 4 ), ( 12 ), ( 10 ), and ( 8 ), and then applying pressure to the appropriate blister to force the article through the back of the corresponding panel. The Mellon package ( 2 ) does not appear to teach a package that permits access to the blisters by applying pressure to the blister via an outer or first panel so as to force the article contained in the blister out a second panel that opposes the first panel with the blister being disposed therebetween. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,768 to Morita et al. teaches a case for a press-through package (e.g., blister pack) having a first sheet member ( 1 ) that has an accommodation-hole forming section with plural accommodation holes ( 4 ) and a second sheet member ( 9 ) with take-out holes ( 11 ) corresponding to the accommodation holes ( 4 ). A press-through package (PTP) is placed between the first and second sheet members so that when first sheet member ( 1 ) is folded onto the second sheet member ( 9 ), one or more articles (e.g., pills) can be taken out from the blister pack through the take-out holes ( 11 ). See  FIG. 3 . A blocking sheet member ( 18 ) extends from the first end of the second sheet member ( 9 ) and folds so as to be placed between the second sheet member ( 9 ) and the press-through package or blister pack (PTP) when folded. The blocking sheet member ( 18 ) has plural holes ( 23 ) that initially do not match in position to the accommodation holes ( 4 ) and take-out holes ( 11 ). This ensures that the pills are securely blocked by the blocking sheet member ( 18 ) from being taken out of the press-through package (PTP). The blocking sheet member ( 18 ) can then be torn from the connection strip ( 20 ) and slid until the holes ( 23 ) are matched in position to the take-out holes ( 11 ) so that the pills can be removed from the case of the press-through package (PTP) by applying pressure to a corresponding blister that is protruding through the top panel. See  FIGS. 1-2 . 
     United States Patent Application Publication Number 2007/0235367 to Initini teaches a tamper-evident child resistant package ( 10 ) suitable for pharmaceuticals having a front sheet ( 14 ) with a plurality of apertures ( 24 ) defined therein, a rear sheet ( 28 ) having a plurality of tear strips ( 44 ) defined therein, the front sheet ( 14 ) and the rear sheet ( 28 ) being secured together about a portion of their periphery with the apertures ( 24 ) and tear strips ( 44 ) being in registry with each other. See  FIG. 3 . A blister pack ( 48 ) is mounted intermediate the front sheet ( 14 ) and rear sheet ( 28 ) that is slidable between a first position wherein the blister pockets are aligned with the apertures ( 24 ) of the front sheet ( 14 ) and a second position wherein the blister pockets are not aligned with the apertures ( 24 ) of the front sheet ( 14 ). When in the aligned position, the user can access the pharmaceuticals by applying the needed pressure to the blister to force the article through the rear sheet ( 28 ), and when in the non-aligned position, the pharmaceuticals cannot be accessed. See  FIGS. 4-7 . 
     However, Morita does not appear to disclose the first sheet member ( 1 ) and the blocking sheet member ( 18 ) that are folded over the second sheet member ( 9 ) being on the same side relative to the second sheet member ( 9 ). Rather, the first sheet member ( 1 ) and the blocking sheet member ( 18 ) are both folded over the second sheet member ( 9 ) and are on neighboring sides relative to the second sheet member ( 9 ). Moreover, the holes ( 23 ) of the blocking sheet ( 18 ) and the take-out holes ( 11 ) of the second sheet ( 9 ) are not aligned, thereby requiring a rather costly and complicated mechanism, i.e., the corrugated sheet ( 22 ) of the blocking panel ( 18 ) and the cuts ( 7 ) and cover ( 8 ) in the elongated hole ( 6 ) of the first sheet member ( 1 ), to manipulate the blocking sheet ( 18 ) so that the contents of the package can be accessed that would appear to be difficult for senior citizens to access. 
     United States Patent Application Publication Number 2005/0173291 to Specker et al. (Specker) discloses a package having a rectangular base ( 2 ) connected to an insert cover ( 4 ) by wall section ( 3 ) on one side and first and second panels ( 20 ) and ( 21 ) connected to the base ( 2 ) on the other side by side wall section ( 12 ). See  FIG. 1 . Apertures ( 36 ) formed in the base ( 2 ) are temporarily closed by members ( 16 ). Openings ( 24 ) and ( 25 ) are defined in the panels ( 21 ) and ( 20 ), respectively, wherein the openings ( 25 ) are sealed via perforated lines by a guarantee section ( 26 ) therein. A blister package is inserted between the two panels ( 20 ) and ( 21 ) such that the blisters extend through the openings ( 24 ) of the panel ( 21 ). When the panel ( 21 ) is folded over panel ( 20 ), their respective openings ( 24  and  25 ) are aligned with each other. To access the contents of the blister, the panels ( 20 ) and ( 21 ) are folded out of the packaging, the guarantee section ( 26 ) is torn away, and then the contents are forced from the blister by applying pressure thereto. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,960 to Price discloses a package ( 10 ) formed from a blank ( 23 ) having panels (A, B, and C) separated from each other by score lines ( 26  and  27 ). The package ( 10 ) includes a bubble chamber ( 12 ) bonded to a rupturable barrier ( 19 ) to hold a product or tablet ( 13 ) therein. A blister pack ( 37 ) containing at least one bubble chamber ( 12 ) is placed on top of the center panel (B) wherein the bubble chamber ( 12 ) extends through oval slots ( 36 ) formed in the panel (B). Panel (C) is then folded over score line ( 27 ) onto the center panel (B) and placed in direct contact with a backing layer ( 62 ) of the rupturable barrier ( 19 ), and then panel (A) is folded over score line ( 26 ) directly onto the panel (C) to complete assembly of the package ( 10 ). Panel (C) is heat sealed to the rupturable barrier ( 19 ) and the panel (A) is heat sealed to panel (C). 
     The panel (A) includes score lines ( 18 ) that define an access panel ( 17 ) aligned over the bubble chamber ( 12 ) and that may be peeled away along the score lines ( 18 ). The panel (C) includes score lines ( 48 ) that define a bendable breakaway panel ( 21 ) that is also aligned with the bubble chamber ( 12 ). When the access panel ( 17 ) is peeled up and away from the panel (A), an access opening is defined exposing the breakaway panel ( 21 ), which remains in an intact state. By pushing against the bubble chamber ( 12 ), the tablet ( 13 ) is forced against the rupturable barrier ( 19 ) until the rupturable barrier ( 19 ) ruptures and the breakaway panel ( 21 ) breaks away to expose the table ( 13 ) through the access opening. 
     However, the afore-mentioned related art does not appear to provide a mechanism for applying a substantially uniform pressure to a blister so as to expedite removal of an article being retained by the blister. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an aspect of this invention to at least overcome the above-discussed drawbacks of conventional child-resistant packages and dispensers. 
     Another aspect of this invention provides a unique child-resistant blister package that is child resistant and yet is senior citizen friendly. 
     Yet another aspect of this invention provides a multi-layered child resistant blister package formed by a plurality of panels separated from each other by fold lines. A first panel includes a plurality of first apertures defined therein, the first apertures may be covered by a, preferably translucent, biasable material. A plurality of radially extending channels or spokes may also extend from the first apertures. The first apertures are disposed opposite corresponding second and third apertures, respectively, defined in neighboring second and third panels. 
     According to another aspect of this invention, the radially extending channels or spokes assist a user in applying a substantially evenly distributed pressure to a blister for removal of a product from the blister package. 
     According to yet another aspect of this invention, the preferably translucent, biasable material spans and/or covers the first apertures to restrict direct access to a blister. 
     Additional panels may also be provided that contains indicia that would be ornamental and/or informative in nature. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other aspects and features of this invention will be better understood from the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of a disassembled package according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and  FIG. 1A  is a top view of a retainer that is incorporated into the assembled package of  FIG. 1  in another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view showing the package of  FIG. 1  in a partially assembled state; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the package of  FIG. 2  in a further assembled state; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the package of  FIG. 3  in a more further assembled state; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the package in a more fully assembled state; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of an aperture formed in the first panel of the inventive package; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of a cross-section view of a force being applied to a blister pocket via a spring leg and shield; and 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of a disassembled package according to an alternate embodiment of the invention, and  FIG. 8A  is a top view of a retainer that is incorporated into the assembled package of  FIG. 8  in another embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the package  1  is formed from a flat, substantially rectangular-shaped blank  10 , ideally made from paperboard, plastic, or a combination of paperboard and plastic. However, it is within the scope of this invention to use any suitable material, well known or later developed, such as, for example, paper, metal, natural or man-made materials, and the like. Furthermore, although not illustrated but well understood in the art, it is within the scope of this invention to use any suitable geometric shape, such as, for example, square, trapezoidal, circular, oval, and the like to form the package  1 . Moreover, it is within the scope of the invention for the blank  10  to be composed of multiple pieces, or at least two, rather than the single piece described herein. Alternatively, the package  1  may further include an inner piece  90  that is contained within the package  1  formed by the blank  10  in a manner described in further detail below. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 , the package  1  includes a first panel  20  separated on a first side from a second panel  30  by a fold line  40 . The first panel  20  is separated on a second side, which is opposite the first side, from a third panel  50  by a fold line  60 . First and second flaps  21  and  23 , respectively, are separated from the first panel  20  by fold lines  22  and  24 , respectively. The first and second flaps  21  and  23  oppose each other and can be orthogonally situated relative to the fold lines  40  and  60 . 
     At least one, and preferably a plurality, of first apertures  25  are provided in a central region of the first panel  20 . Each aperture  25  is defined by an opening having a plurality of channels or spokes  26  formed in the first panel  20  and which extend radially away from the first aperture  25 . Neighboring spokes  26  define a trapezoidal shaped spring leg  26   a  therebetween such that a plurality of legs  26   a  ring or encompass each aperture  25 . 
     Although two rows of four apertures  25  are shown being positioned relatively in the center of the first panel  20 , it is within the scope of this invention to place any number of apertures  25 , anywhere on the first panel  20  so long as the location is remote from the outer perimeter of the first panel  20 , i.e., not bordering any portion of the perimeter of the first panel  20  and in as many rows, e.g., three or more, or little, i.e., only one row, as necessary. For example only, there could be one row, or three or more rows of any number of apertures  25  provided on the first panel  20 . 
     It should be noted that while the first apertures  25  are illustrated as being circular in nature, it is within the scope of the invention for the apertures  25  to have any suitable geometric configuration, such as oval, rectangular, square, triangular, pentagon, octagon, hexagon and the like. 
     Moreover, while the plurality of channels or spokes  26  are illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 5  as extending radially in a substantially straight line away from each first aperture  25 , it is within the scope of the invention for the spokes  26  to have any suitable geometric configuration, such as sinusoidal, square wave, jagged, curved, and the like. 
     A shield  29 , which is formed from a preferably transparent, biasable material, is attached to the first panel  20  to span or cover the openings of the aperture  25  and spokes  26 . It should be noted that the term bias able used herein is intended to mean a material that is flexible or at least more flexible than rigid such that a user may impart a force to the material that can be translated by the material to a biasing force that is transferred and applied to another material or object on a side of the material that is opposite the side to which the user force is applied. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the shield  29  is configured to span or cover all of the apertures  25  and spokes  26  formed in the first panel  20 . While the shield  29  is illustrated as being a single piece, it is within the scope of the invention to comprise a plurality of pieces so long as each aperture  25  and spoke  26  is covered by the shield  29 . Moreover, the shield  29  serves to prevent access to blisters in a blister pack that is incorporated with the package  1 . Furthermore, the shield  29  prevents the blisters from protruding through the apertures  25  and protects the blisters from undesired access as well as damage. Also, because the shield  29  is formed from a bias able or flexible material, the shield  29  transmits a biasing force to the blister when the user applies a force to a corresponding portion of the shield  29  that spans a corresponding aperture  25 . 
     A plurality of second apertures  35  are formed in the second panel  30 , the apertures  35  being defined by non-continuous cut lines  33 . Although two rows of four apertures  35  are shown being positioned relatively in the center of the second panel  30 , it is within the scope of this invention to place any number of apertures  35  anywhere on the second panel  30  so long as the number of apertures  35  corresponds to the number of apertures  25  formed in the first panel  20  and the location of the apertures  35  is remote from the outer perimeter of the second panel  30 , i.e., not bordering any portion of the perimeter of the second panel  30  and in as many rows, e.g., three or more, or little, i.e., only one row, as necessary. For example only, there could be one row, or three or more rows of any number of apertures  35  provided on the second panel  30 . 
     The second panel  30  is configured to coincide with the first panel  20  and the third panel  50 . In an embodiment of the invention, a blister pack (not shown) may be attached to a surface of the second panel  30  so as to be intermediate the first and second panels  20  and  30 . That is, while one surface of the second panel  30  would be attached to a surface of the third panel  50  in a manner where the second apertures  35  are in registered alignment with exit apertures  55  defined in the third panel  50 , the blister pack would be placed on the other surface of the second panel  30  so as to extend toward or face the first panel  20  with the blisters in registered alignment with the apertures  25 ,  35  and  55  defined in the first, second and third panels  20 ,  30  and  50 , respectively. 
     The blister pack is well known in the art and is made from such materials as, for example only, clear plastic, foil, or the like. It should be noted that blister pack is well known in the art and includes a backing that may include, but does not require, a rupturable membrane through which each article must pass when being removed from the package  1 . 
     The third panel  50  is separated from the second panel  20  by a spine  65  defined by the fold line  60  of the first panel  20  and a fold line  70  of the third panel  50 . The spine  65  is formed in a manner that will be described in further detail later. The third panel  50  includes a plurality of third or exit apertures  55  configured to coincide with the first and second apertures  25  and  35  of the first and second panels  20  and  30 , respectively, when the package  1  is assembled. The exit apertures  55  are defined by tear way panels  56  bounded by windows  56   a  on both sides thereof. The windows  56   a  are sized to permit the user to insert an object therein, such as, for example, a fingernail or pencil tip, to remove the tear way panel  56  so as to maximize the open area of the aperture  55 . As such, the aperture  55  can be formed in the third panel  50 , either by removing the tear away panels  56 , which are defined by non-continuous cut lines  57 , or by the article contained in the blister pack rupturing a corresponding panel  56  and passing therethrough. 
     The number of exit apertures  55  should correspond to the number of first apertures  25  in the first panel  20  and second apertures  35  in the second panel  30 . However, it is within the scope of the invention to have a number of exit apertures  55  that may be less than a number of the first and second apertures  25  and  35 , respectively, such that multiple, i.e., at least two, articles may pass through a single exit aperture  55 . In other words, it is within the scope of this invention for the exit apertures  55  to be sized to permit multiple articles to pass therethrough. 
     Third and fourth flaps  51  and  53 , respectively, are separated from the third panel  50  by fold lines  52  and  54 , respectively. The third and fourth flaps  51  and  53  oppose each other and can be orthogonally situated relative to the fold line  70 . 
     Although not necessary, the package  1  may also include at least one of fourth and fifth panels  80  and  85  provided on the side of the third panel  50  opposing the side adjacent the first panel  20 . The fourth panel  80  would be separated from the third panel  50  by a fold line  72  formed on an edge of the third panel  50  and a fold line  82  formed on an edge of the fourth panel  80 . A spine  75  is formed by the fold lines  72  and  82  in a manner that will be described in further detail below. 
     A fold line  84  separates the fourth panel  80  from the fifth panel  85 . The fourth and fifth panels  80  and  85  could be included in the package  1  to provide indicia or other suitable graphic information thereon. 
     To assemble the package  1 , a blister pack (not shown) is affixed to the surface of the second panel  30  facing the observer in  FIG. 1  such that each blister is aligned with a corresponding second aperture  35 , wherein the back of the blister pack is attached or adhered to the second panel  30  with the blisters containing articles therein facing away from the surface of the second panel  30 . As such, when the second panel  30  is folded over a crease  41  defined therein and then folded over the fold line  40  to form a spine  43  between the first and second panels  20  and  30 , the blisters will be disposed intermediate the first and second panels  20  and  30 , and in alignment with the apertures  25  and  35 . If provided, the fifth panel  85  is folded over the fold line  84  onto the fourth panel  80  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     The first panel  20 , blister pack, and second panel  30  assembly is folded over fold line  60  ( FIG. 3 ). The first panel  20 , blister pack and third panel  30  assembly is then folded over fold line  70 , which forms the spine  65  and places the first panel  20 , blister pack, and second panel  30  assembly in an essentially parallel relationship with the third panel  50  ( FIG. 4 ). Moreover, the first panel  20 , blister pack, and second panel  30  assembly, along with the third panel  50 , are arranged in a substantially orthogonal relationship relative to the spine  65 . Also, the blisters of the blister pack and the apertures  25 ,  35  and  55  of the first, second and third panels  20 ,  30  and  50 , respectively, are in registered alignment with each other. 
     The first and second flaps  21  and  23  are folded over their respective fold lines  22  and  24 . Then, the third and fourth flaps  51  and  53  are folded over their respective folds lines  52  and  54 , and onto the first and second flaps  21  and  23 . The third and fourth flaps  51  and  53  are then adhered to the first and second flaps  21  and  23  so as to enclose the open ends of the package  1  ( FIG. 5 ). Alternatively, the third and fourth flaps  51  and  53  may be folded first, with the first and second flaps  21  and  23  being folded subsequent thereto, such that the first and second flaps  21  and  23  are adhered to the third and fourth flaps  51  and  53  to enclose the open ends of the package  1 . 
     If provided, the fourth and fifth panels  80  and  84  are then folded over the fold line  82 , and then folded over the fold line  72  to form the spine  75  wherein the spine  75  overlays the spine  43 . The spine  75  is then adhered to the spine  43  to complete the process of assembling the package  1 . 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a retainer  90  ( FIG. 1A ) is provided that secures the blister pack therein instead of attaching the blister pack to the second panel  30  in the manner described above ( FIG. 1 ). The retainer  90  includes a front panel  100  separated from a back panel  120  by fold line  110 . The front panel  100  includes a plurality of apertures  105  configured to permit the blister of the blister pack to protrude therethrough. The back panel  120  includes a plurality of apertures  125  defined therein. The apertures  125  of the back panel  120  may include a door  130  that either partially or completely spans the opening of the aperture  125 . The exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A  includes a door  130  that partially spans the opening, wherein at least one and preferably two windows  135  bound the door  130 . However, it is within the scope of the invention for the door  130  to completely span the aperture  125 . 
     A back surface of the blister pack is attached to the back panel  120  wherein the blisters are in registered alignment with the apertures  125 . The front panel  110  is then folded over fold line  110  and onto a front surface of the blister pack such that the blisters of the blister pack protrude through a corresponding aperture  105 . The assembly of the retainer  90 , with the blister pack securely retained therein, is configured so that when the retainer  90 , with the blister pack retained therein, is inserted into the package  1 , the blisters are in registered alignment with the apertures  25 ,  35  and  55  of the first, second and third panels  25 ,  35  and  55 , respectively, and wherein the blisters are intermediate the apertures  25  of the first panel and at least one of the apertures of the second and third panels  35  and  55 , respectively. 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of the aperture  25  according to the present invention. In the illustrated example, the spokes  26  formed in the first panel  20  and radiating away from the aperture  25  are shown as being straight merely to facilitate understanding. However, as described above, the spokes  26  may have any suitable geometric configuration, such as sinusoidal, square wave, jagged, curved, and the like. Neighboring spokes  26 ,  26  shown in  FIG. 6  define a trapezoidal shaped spring leg  26   a  therebetween, which is identified by the dashed line TR. It should be understand that different shaped spokes  26  may produce a correspondingly different shaped spring leg  26   a . A pivot line P is defined by the base of the spring leg  26   a.    
       FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of a cross-section view illustrating how a blister BP is depressed by a finger, for example, and a spring leg  26   a . A portion of the shield  29  provided between an inner surface of the first panel  20  and the blister BP is illustrated as well. 
     In use or operation, a person applies a force H to the blister BP by, for example, placing their finger on an area over the blister BP having the portion of the shield  29  spanning the aperture  25  and including at least a part of the spring leg  26   a . Ideally, but not required, the finger would be centered over the aperture  25  such that each of the spring legs  26   a  are included in the area upon which the finger is placed. 
     Preferably, a first portion of the force H is applied to the blister BP via the portion of the shield  29  that is directly contacting the blister BP. The spring legs  26   a  defined by the spokes  26  formed in the first panel  20  provide a biasing force F about the pivot line P. As such, a second portion of the force H is applied to the blister BP via the spring leg  26   a  wherein the biasing force F about the pivot line P amplifies the second portion of the force H applied to the blister BP via a portion of the shield  29 . As such, an increased value of the force H is applied to the blister BP, making pushing of the article through the blister package and out the exit apertures  55  of the third panel  50 . That is, the present invention makes it easier for an adult to access the articles being retained within the blister BP of the package  1 . 
     Although the preferred embodiment of the invention is described above with a shield  29  being provided between the first panel  20  and the blister BP, it is also within the scope of the present invention for the package  1  not to include the shield  29  wherein the force H is applied directly to the blister BP by the finger contacting an exposed portion thereof in combination with the amplifying, biasing force conveyed by the spring legs  26   a.    
     Moreover, although embodiments of the present invention have been discussed above that include the shield  29  and the spokes or channels  26  that form the spring legs  26   a , or only the spokes or channels  26  with no shield  29 , it is also within the scope of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the package  1 ′ formed from a blank  10 ′ that includes only the shield  29 ′ without any spokes or channels  26  extending from the first apertures  25 ′, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 . That is, the first panel  20 ′ is provided with the shield  29 ′ spanning the first apertures  25 ′ without any spokes or channels extending from the apertures  25 ′. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the entire force H applied to the blister BP is transmitted via the shield  29 ′ with no portion of the force H being transmitted to the blister BP via the spring legs  26   a  of which there are none. 
     Further, it is within the scope of the present invention for any of the embodiments described herein to provide second apertures  35 ′ on the second panel  30 ′, wherein the second apertures  35 ′ are defined by the non-continuous cut lines  33  (see  FIG. 1 ) and include a first sub-aperture  36   a  joined to a second sub-aperture  36   b  by a cut-out  37  disposed therebetween. The cut-out  37  is configured to receive therein a fingernail or implement that can be used to remove a corresponding portion of the second panel  30 ′ by breaking the cut line  33  to form the corresponding sub-aperture  36   a  or  36   b , or both sub-apertures  36   a  and  36   b.    
     Also, it is within the scope of the present invention for any of the embodiments described herein to provide third apertures  55 ′ defined by tear away panels  56 ′ where only the opposing ends of the panels  56 ′ are bounded by windows  56   a′  where there is no window  56   a′  disposed between the panels  56 ′ such that the windows  56 ′ abut each other. 
     Additionally, a retainer  90 ′ ( FIG. 8A ) may be provided wherein the doors  130  and windows  135  from  FIG. 1A  are omitted from the apertures  125 ′ of the back panel  120 ′. 
     The above described structural configurations of the package  1  ( 1 ′) provide a package that is easy to use by adults yet prevents unwanted access to the articles therein by children. 
     Many modifications may be made to adapt the teachings of the package of this invention to particular situations or materials without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, this invention should not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all embodiments within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.