Patent Abstract:
The present invention is a novel, theft-resistant, and senior-friendly packaging for consumer and retail products that is cheap and easy to manufacture. The packaging is designed to prevent individuals from gaining access to the enclosed product through tampering with the packaging while at the same time meeting or exceeding federal child-resistant and senior-friendly guidelines. The packaging incorporates plastic material and multiple cuts to be tear-resistant and to halt the propagation of a tear, if one should occur.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/038,475, filed on Sep. 26, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,242,777, issued on Jan. 26, 2016, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/046,930, filed on Mar. 14, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,544,650, issued on Oct. 1, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/001,302, filed on Dec. 10, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,355, issued Mar. 15, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/175,983, filed on Jul. 6, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,496, issued Nov. 11, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/799,199, filed on Mar. 12, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,063,211, issued Jun. 20, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/394,495, filed on Mar. 20, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,188,728, issued Mar. 13, 2007, and the foregoing applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to an improved system and method for packaging consumer products. Specifically, the present invention relates to enhanced retail and consumer packaging designs that incorporate tear resistant materials and tear-stop cuts into the packaging. These tear resistant materials and cuts may be adapted to reduce theft, product tampering, or product degradation. In addition, the present invention relates generally to packaging designs that facilitate clean product dispensement, while at the same time increasing the senior-friendly and child-resistant qualities of the package. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    One convenient form of retail packaging is blister card packaging. Blister card packages are commonly used for the distribution of many retail and consumer products, including pharmaceutical drugs, batteries, sewing kits, toy cars, electronic and cellular accessories, personal care products, hardware, tools, cosmetics, office supplies, and more. Blister card packaging provides an inexpensive, yet versatile form of product distribution. Blister packaging, in its simplest form, comprises two vital components: a thermoformed blister and a paperboard blister card. The thermoformed blister is typically a translucent chamber made out of some variety of plastic (or other suitable material). The blister houses the product to be distributed using the blister packaging. The blister card is the stiffener or backing sheet for the blister packaging and the product contained within the blister. Typically, the blister card is comprised of pre-printed stiff paper, such as cardboard or paperboard. Paperboard can include any product containing paper (or its derivatives and blends) with a typical thickness of 10 points (0.25 mm) or more, layers of paper, laminated paper, or cardboard. The blister card is usually folded to create at least two adjacent sides. One or both of the sides typically contain an aperture. The product to be packaged is usually encased within an individual blister, which may be inserted between the two adjacent sides of the blister card such that the product protrudes from one or both apertures. The flange area of the blister and the two blister card sides are then sealed, typically using a blister machine. This machine introduces heat and pressure to the flange area of the blister, which may activate glue applied to the blister card. Ultimately, the individual blister is secured to the blister card, and the plastic blister is retained within its blister card packaging. 
         [0004]    Blister card packages may accommodate individual products in individual blisters (as described above) or may be designed to accommodate multiple products or multiple applications of a similar product. Typically, separate products or multiple applications of a similar product are housed in blister strips or solid-form blisters. Small objects, such as pharmaceutical drugs, candy, and batteries, are often distributed in this manner. A blister strip comprises a contiguous row of plastic blisters having a common backing, such as paper or foil. The common backing is usually one product unit wide by any number of product units long. In contrast, solid-form blisters comprise a matrix or grid of both horizontal and vertical rows of blisters. As with blister strips, solid-form blisters also typically share a common backing. 
         [0005]    Many of the existing, patented blister card packages were originally designed for distribution of non-lethal pharmaceutical drugs. To sell to a larger market of users, these blister card packages were modified to achieve the federal testing guidelines for child-resistance using a variety of methods. These methods included adding paperboard layers, adding plastic or tape layers to the exterior of the paperboard, reinforcing a frangible foil backing with a less frangible paper, etc. As a result, many blister card packages exist today that have passed federal child-resistant and senior-friendly testing guidelines. 
         [0006]    After the aforementioned modifications were made, many blister card packages that were previously non-child-resistant were able to pass child resistance testing; however, the packaging became undesirable in several other ways. For example, the additional reinforced layers often prevented the product from being pushed cleanly through the blister backing. Specifically, some blister card package manufacturers added a layer of paper to the foil backing through which the product is pushed. This paper and/or foil backing does not tear cleanly. As a result, the user has to scrape the backing until enough of the backing is removed to allow the user to grasp and peel the backing to reach the product. This can be very difficult, especially for senior citizens or other adults with impaired physical abilities. 
         [0007]    Furthermore, once the backing is grasped and torn, a user can easily tear too much backing. This excessive tearing is undesirable, especially when blister strips or solid-form blisters are used. The tearing may run into an adjacent blister, allowing another product or item to be prematurely dispensed. Additionally, the user may not be able to scrape enough backing to the point where the backing may be pulled away, causing the user to utilize a sharp object such as a knife or scissors. Cutting of the blister card packaging can lead to many more problems, including unintentional damage to the product, damage to the printed instructions on the packaging, or injury to the person. 
         [0008]    Alternatively, if a user cannot remove the reinforced layer of the blister backing and easily push the product through the non-reinforced layer of the blister backing, the user may attempt to force the product through the reinforced backing. This leads to at least two major problems. First, the content of the blister may be damaged and unusable. Second, the user may resort to bending the overall blister card package causing damage to the blister, the blister card, or the content of the blisters. 
         [0009]    Conventional blister card packages also exhibit many other undesirable qualities. For example, the use of large blister card packages is commonplace in the retail marketplace for displaying products for sale. These plastic blisters are often combined with a paperboard backing which allows the consumer to easily view the product through a clear package. These blister card packages are prone to theft and product tampering because the paperboard backing can easily be torn and the item contained therein can be effortlessly removed increasing opportunities for theft and tampering of the item. In order to improve the theft and tamper resistance of the packages, blister card packages are available which are composed entirely of heavy gauge plastic. Such packages are commonly used for consumer products, such as compact discs, computer devices and peripherals, household electronics, etc. These heavy gauge plastic blisters are extremely inconvenient because they usually require tools, such as knives or scissors, and a large amount of physical strength to open the blister and access the product. In addition, these heavy gauge plastic blisters cannot be directly printed on, which makes them less attractive and offers less marketing potential for vendors. 
         [0010]    There are various techniques which can currently be employed to produce paperboards which are tear resistant or tear proof. The existing technology in the field consists of paperboard sheets which have a plastic material applied onto one side to produce a tear resistant material. The plastic material is extruded or laminated onto the sheet of paperboard. It is the laminate material, not the paperboard, which provides the resistance to tearing. However, such tear-proof paperboard often exhibits small nicks or cuts in the edge of the paperboard due to manufacturing, transport, and handling. These nicks and cuts often become a starting point for a tear, and depending on the material of the laminate, once a tear is started it can be easily continued. While such tear-proof paperboard technology can improve the theft resistance of blister card packages, they are still prone to theft and product tampering. In addition, the effectiveness of the tear resistance is diminished because a small tear or nick in the edge of a sheet can lead to the total failure of the tear-resistant material due to the propagation of the tear. 
         [0011]    By way of example, the general state of the art of blister card packages is defined by Compere U.S. Pat. No. 3,809,221 (hereinafter referred to as “Compere”), Davie, Jr. et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,125,190 (hereinafter referred to as “Davie”), Dlugosz U.S. Pat. No. 4,506,789 (hereinafter referred to as “Dlugosz”), Intini U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,312 (hereinafter referred to as “the Intini &#39;312 patent”), Intini U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,004 (hereinafter referred to as “the Intini &#39;004 patent”), Wharton et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,812 (hereinafter referred to as “Wharton”), Bitner et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,060 (hereinafter referred to as “Bitner”), Sowden U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,968 (hereinafter referred to as “Sowden”), Price U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,960 (hereinafter referred to as “Price”), Matthews et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,469,968 (hereinafter referred to as “Matthews”), Leblong U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,774 (hereinafter referred to as “Leblong”), Vasquez et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,505 (hereinafter referred to as “Vasquez”), Dressel et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,180 (hereinafter referred to as “Dressel”), Plezia et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,915 (hereinafter referred to as “Plezia”), Faughey et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,888 (hereinafter referred to as “the Faughey &#39;888 patent”), Faughey et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,930 (hereinafter referred to as “the Faughey &#39;930 patent”), Godfrey et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,500 (hereinafter referred to as “Godfrey”), Ray et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,191 (hereinafter referred to as “Ray”), Gartland U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,699 (hereinafter referred to as “Gartland”), Danville U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,407 B2 (hereinafter referred to as “Danville”), and Swartz U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,391 B1 (hereinafter referred to as “Swartz”). 
         [0012]    Compere, the Intini &#39;312 patent, Wharton, Price, and Dressel disclose child-resistant blister card packaging having two layers covering the opening to each blister. To access the product contained within the blister, the user first peels an outer non-frangible layer, such as stiff paper, to expose an underlying frangible layer, such as thin foil. The underlying frangible layer comprises a material that allows the user to push the product contained within the blister through the frangible layer. This type of packaging is referred to as peel-push. 
         [0013]    Many problems exist with peel-push blister card packaging. One such problem is the difficulty involved with grasping the outer layer so that it may be peeled. Since many outer layers are difficult to grasp, users tend to bend the overall packaging or use sharp objects to remove the outer layer. This results in damage to the packaging or to the products themselves. In particular, some of these outer layers are so difficult to grasp that senior citizens or other adults suffering from diminished physical abilities or poor eyesight may not be able to access the blister product without assistance. Also, the damage to the packaging reduces or frequently eliminates its child resistance. 
         [0014]    Another problem with peel-push packaging is evident in blister packages containing multiple products or applications. In these packages, even if the user is able to grasp the outer layer, the user often removes too much of the outer layer, thereby accessing adjacent products. Therefore, the frangible layer of other adjacent products that the user does not intend to remove is exposed. Again, this problem causes the child resistance of the adjacent product to be reduced or totally eliminated. Furthermore, the blister card packaging does not have any means of reducing theft or product tampering. 
         [0015]    Davie also discloses peel-push blister card packaging. However, to remove the content of the blister as disclosed in Davie, the user peels away a tear strip that exposes the frangible foil backings of an entire row of blisters. After the tear strip is removed, the user may push the content of any blister in the row through its respective foil backing. The blister card packaging disclosed in Davie suffers the same limitations as other peel-push packaging. Namely, the outer layer is difficult to grasp prior to peeling. In addition, the Davie product is actually designed to expose the frangible layer of products that are not ready to be removed. This aspect obviously diminishes the child resistant capabilities of the unopened package. Also, the Davie product contains no means to deter theft or product tampering. 
         [0016]    Dlugosz also discloses a peel-push blister card package; however, Dlugosz discloses a method that requires the user to first bend the package. The blister card package disclosed in Dlugosz comprises a paperboard sheet folded to create two adjacent paperboard sheets. The blisters are inserted between the two adjacent paperboard sheets and contain a frangible backing through which the user may push the content of the blister. To expose the frangible backing, the user removes a tear strip located on one of the paperboard sheets. The user grasps the tear strip by bending the edge of the paperboard to access a leading tab, which assists in the removal of the tear strip. Although Dlugosz discloses a better method of grasping the tear strip, Dlugosz still requires the bending of the packaging. Also, Dlugosz does not disclose a method that prevents the user from tearing more of the backing than necessary to expose the frangible layer of the desired product. Finally, the tear strip may still be difficult to grasp for senior citizens or other adults suffering from diminished physical abilities. Furthermore, Dlugosz does not disclose any means for reducing theft or product tampering. 
         [0017]    Similar to Dlugosz, the Intini &#39;004 patent discloses a blister card package that requires the user to perform a “bend-peel-push” method to remove the content. First, the user bends the entire blister card package to expose a pull-tab. Then, the pull-tab may be used to peel away the outer layer of the card such that only the frangible layer remains. The content of the blister may then be pushed through the frangible layer. Although the Intini &#39;004 patent discloses a better method of grasping the outer non-frangible layer, the Intini &#39;004 patent still requires the user to bend the packaging. This may be difficult for frail adults, especially those suffering from an ailment such as arthritis. Furthermore, because the Intini &#39;004 patent requires both foil and paper frangible layers, it is difficult to push the product through the two frangible layers. Furthermore, seniors have a more difficult time pressing products through the thicker frangible layers. Again, the product does not have any theft resistance means. 
         [0018]    Bitner discloses a blister card package that requires a user to break a T-shaped perforation to access a corner of a non-frangible layer. The non-frangible layer may then be peeled away to expose the frangible layer. Subsequently, the user may push the content of the blister through the frangible layer. Although the additional layer containing the T-shaped perforation may provide a higher child resistance rating, the additional layer adds another level of complexity for those users who suffer from diminished physical abilities or poor eyesight. Also, Bitner does not disclose any theft resistance means for the blister card package. 
         [0019]    Sowden discloses a blister card package that requires the user to perform multiple steps to remove the content of the blister. Initially, the user must remove a single blister from a solid form blister. Next, the user peels a first strip from the single blister. Once the first peelable strip is removed, a depression is exposed that allows the user to peel away the backing of the blister, thereby gaining access to the content of the blister. Similar to the packaging disclosed in Bitner, although the additional complexity required to access the content of the blister might achieve a higher child resistance rating, the additional complexity also makes the content of the blister less accessible to those users who suffer from diminished physical abilities or poor eyesight. Also, the Sowden product does not have any means to deter theft or product tampering. 
         [0020]    Matthews discloses a blister card packaging comprising three distinct layers. The first, innermost layer is frangible, and the second and third outer layers are non-frangible. The second and third layers are perforated in two distinct patterns. Therefore, the user initially removes the third (outermost) layer according to its perforation pattern. Then, the second layer is removed according to its distinct perforation pattern. Finally, the content can be pushed through the innermost frangible layer. The packaging disclosed in Matthews suffers from the same limitations as the aforementioned packaging containing two distinct layers. Namely, there is an additional level of complexity required to access the product, and the possibility exists for the user to tear more of the backing than required. As a result, the child resistant properties of the packaging of the remaining products are reduced. However, these limitations are magnified by the addition of a third layer, i.e., the outermost non-frangible layer. Furthermore, the blister card packaging does not have any means of reducing theft or product tampering. 
         [0021]    Vasquez discloses a blister card package that requires a user to remove an individual blister from a solid-form blister via perforations in the non-frangible layer. Once the individual blister has been isolated from the solid form blister, a pull-tab is exposed on the corner of the backing of the individual blister. The user then pulls the pull-tab to peel away the backing and access the content of the blister. Again, the Vasquez packaging requires multiple, intricate steps that will be difficult to perform by users suffering from diminished physical abilities or poor eyesight. Also, the Vasquez product does not have any means to deter theft or product tampering. 
         [0022]    Leblong discloses a blister card package that requires the user to tear away two strips before accessing the content of a blister. The first strip is formed on the edge of a solid-form blister. Once the first strip is torn away, multiple pull-tabs form a series of secondary strips are exposed. The user may then pull away an individual secondary strip by pulling the respective pull-tab, thereby exposing a frangible layer covering a row of blisters. Thereafter, similar to Davie, the content of any blister in the row may be removed by pushing the content of the blister through the frangible layer, which reduces the package&#39;s child resistance. Furthermore, Leblong does not disclose any means for reducing theft or product tampering. 
         [0023]    Plezia, the Faughey &#39;888 patent, the Faughey &#39;930 patent, and Ray disclose blister card packages that require the user to press on a specified area of the blister card package to create a pull tab. Thereafter, the pull-tab may be pulled to remove the backing from the blister and expose the blister content. However, none of these patents disclose a method that prevents the user from removing more of the backing than that which covers the intended blister or blisters to be dispensed. In addition, although the pull-tab facilitates removal of the blister backing for an adult, the pull-tab also reduces the package&#39;s child resistance by facilitating removal of the blister backing by a child. Again, the product does not have any theft resistance qualities. 
         [0024]    Godfrey discloses a folded blister card package that encloses a blister, blister strip, or solid-form blister. The side of the folded blister card that faces the blister backings comprises a series of oval perforations. To eject the content of a blister, the user simply presses the top of the blister forcing the content of the blister through the foil backing and the respective oval perforation, causing a hole to form in the blister card packaging through which the content of the blister may pass. If the rigidity of the perforated ovals is low, the packaging disclosed in Godfrey allows a child to have easy access to the content of the blister. In contrast, if the rigidity of the perforated ovals is high, the Godfrey packaging impedes access to the content of the blister for adults having impaired physical abilities. Also, Godfrey does not disclose any theft resistance means for the blister card package. 
         [0025]    Similar to Godfrey, Gartland also discloses a blister card package comprising a series of perforated ovals; however, Gartland discloses a layer of plastic biaxial film that covers the perforated ovals. To remove the perforated ovals, the user must first peel the plastic biaxial film from the ovals. The perforated ovals can then be removed such that the foil backing of the blisters are exposed. The user then pushes on an individual blister to force the blister content through the blister backing. These three steps can be very difficult for a senior citizen or other adult with impaired physical abilities. Such individuals may resort to sharp objects for removal of any of the aforementioned layers, which is likely to damage the packaging or product contained within the packaging. Also, the Gartland product does not have any means to deter theft or product tampering. 
         [0026]    Danville discloses blister card packaging that also requires the user to perform a series of steps to access the blisters&#39; content. First, the user must remove a group of blisters by pushing the group through a perforated section of the blister card package. Once the blister group is removed from the blister card package, a second perforation is exposed. The user then accesses the second perforation to grab and tear the packaging in the area adjacent to the desired blister. Along the tear, there is an area wherein the portion of the backing being torn and the underlying backing are not adhered together. At this location, the layers may be easily separated allowing the innermost backing to be easily peeled away from the blister. Whereas the lack of adhesion between the outer and inner layers of the backing facilitates removal of the backing, the multiple peels required to remove the blister&#39;s content renders the Danville packaging difficult for adults having impaired physical abilities. Furthermore, the blister card packaging does not have any means of reducing theft or product tampering. 
         [0027]    Finally, Swartz provides a blister card package that requires the user to tear the blister card package in two directions. Prior to tearing the blister card package, the user must remove a blister segment via a perforated section of the blister card package. Each blister segment comprises two lines cut in the blister segment backing such that the two lines merge on one side of the backing and are separated on the other side of the backing. Therefore, by pushing between these two lines at the point where the two lines merge, the user may create a pull-tab that may be used to begin tearing the segment backing. Finally, to access the content of the desired blister, the user continues to tear the previously torn backing in the direction of the desired blister. The blister card packaging disclosed in Swartz does not contain a method of preventing more than the desired backing from being torn. Additionally, the pressure exerted on the packaging to form the pull-tab may damage the packaging. Also, the Swartz product does not have any means to deter theft or product tampering. 
         [0028]    Thus, there is a clear need for retail and consumer packaging that incorporates means for reducing theft, product tampering, and product degradation when the packaging is displayed for customers to handle at retail locations. In addition, a clear need exists for an improved form of packaging that is also child-resistant and senior-friendly. There is also a clear need for a tear resistant blister card packaging that contains two types of cuts, which allows for the content of the individual blister to be cleanly pushed through a non-frangible layer without bending the entire blister card packaging or disrupting adjacent blisters. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    One object of the present invention is to provide an improved theft-resistant blister card package particularly suited for the distribution of retail and consumer products. The blister card package of the present invention is designed to increase the level of theft and tamper resistance by preventing tears in the paperboard which could result in failure of the package and improper dispensement of the product. In addition, the blister card package halts existing tears to avoid further damage to the blister package. Additionally, the blister card package of the present invention allows an item to be removed cleanly from its individual blister without damage to the blister card package or the item contained in the blister card package. Furthermore, each item may be removed without degrading the child resistance of the blister card packaging enclosing the remaining items, if any. 
         [0030]    It is another object of the present invention to provide other enhanced retail and consumer product packaging systems and methods in addition to blister card packaging that incorporate the same theft-resistant, tear-resistant, and senior-friendly qualities. These forms of packaging may similarly reduce product tampering and ensure product integrity. 
         [0031]    The blister card package of the present invention is used to encase an individual blister, blister strip, or solid-form blister as described above. After one or more of the blister segments are inserted into the blister card package, the blister card package is sealed around the blister segment, typically via the application of pressure and heat. The blister card package and contained blister segment(s) are then distributed to individual users. The user accesses the content of the individual blister by, for example, cutting portions of the package, tearing along pre-defined perforations, using a push-peel-push method or pushing the contents of the individual blister through the non-frangible layer of the package, as described in the instructions printed on the paperboard of the blister card package, or other like methods of access. 
         [0032]    For example, in the push-pull-push method, the user pushes a specially-marked, color-coded target area with an object, such as a pen, fingernail or a specially designed tool, which may be provided with the blister card package, to form a pull tab. The use of a tool to create a pull-tab minimizes the physical strength required by the user. It has a wide base for holding the tool and a small end for pushing the target area on the blister card. The color-coded target area facilitates use for those suffering from diminished eyesight. Additionally, pushing the tool through a specially marked target area that is separate from the individual blister, as compared to bending the blister card package or pushing the individual blister, prevents damage to the blister card package and its contents and also maintains the child-resistance of the packaging. 
         [0033]    Each individual blister has an associated target area and die-cut portal or blister panel. Pushing the specially marked target area causes the die-cut portal in the paperboard backing (i.e., the backing that reinforces the foil backing of the blister segment) to break away from the remainder of the paperboard backing. The pushed portion of the die-cut portal forms a tab that may be used to peel the remainder of the die-cut portal from the paperboard backing, thereby exposing the frangible layer covering the individual blister opening. Due to the unique manufacturing method of the blister card package the die-cut portal is removed completely and easily without removing any of the paperboard surrounding the die-cut portal, thereby maintaining the child resistance rating and the structural integrity of the blister card package. Finally, the content of the designated individual blister may be pushed through the frangible backing. 
         [0034]    In another example, the user may apply pressure directly on the blister, which essentially pushes the contents of the blister through a non-frangible layer containing two types of cuts. These two types of cuts consist of a score-cut and a perforated cut. The design of the non-frangible layer also known as the rear card is novel because it contains a perforated cut, which completely penetrates the rear card, and a score-cut, which only partially penetrates the rear card. This design of the rear card is what allows a user to cleanly push the contents of the blister safely through the non-frangible rear card without accidentally releasing the contents of the remaining blisters or bending and damaging the entire blister card package. Additionally, since the backing of the blister card package (rear card) is resilient and sturdy the product remains both theft-resistant and child-resistant while maintaining its senior-friendly characteristics. What is important to notice is that this method does not require a user to push a specially-marked target area and therefore a pull-tab is no longer required as previously discussed in the push-pull-push method. 
         [0035]    To manufacture the blister card of the present invention, a single sheet or multiple sheets of a material such as paperboard, cardboard, or another similar material may be used. For exemplary purposes, manufacturing with a single sheet of paperboard is described. 
         [0036]    First, the paperboard sheet is cut. The cut of the sheet is based partly on the specifications of the items to be packaged, i.e., the retail item pre-packaged in 4.times.4 solid form blisters, and partly on the blister card manufacturer&#39;s method of achieving child-resistant, senior-friendly standards and theft resistance. In the preferred embodiment, a laminated tear-resistant film is applied to the back side of the paperboard, opposite the finished/smooth surface for printing. Preferably, the tear-resistant layer is polyester, but the layer could comprise any similar tear-resistant layer of material, such as any variety of polymer or plastic. 
         [0037]    Although a tear-resistant layer is used to prevent the starting points of a tear, any break, cut, nick, or deformity in the edge of the paperboard can effect the initiation and continuation of a tear. Specifically, during manufacturing of a child resistant heat seal blister card, it is likely that some portion of the outer edge of the blister card may develop areas of degradation, including bends, nicks, or breaks, which can allow for the initiation of a tear. The tear may eventually propagate to the product-containing blister and eventually to the product itself. 
         [0038]    The blister card package of the present invention is designed to halt the propagation of a tear in the tear-resistant material or cardboard backing if it should occur. This is accomplished by applying a clean and unbroken “tear-stop” cut to the paperboard which fully penetrates the thickness of the tear-resistant laminate film but does not fully penetrate through the paperboard. This eliminates the possibility of tear initiation points and propagation beyond the tear-stop cut. In the preferred embodiment, the tear-stop cut is added to the paperboard approximately ¼ inch to ½ inch inside of all of the cut edges of the card. However, the tear-stop cut may be placed closer or farther from the outside edge as desired. Therefore, a tear, if it is initiated from the outer edge of the sealed card, is prevented from running through the tear-stop cut. 
         [0039]    Alternatively, a tear-stop cut may also be placed around each of the individual blister targets, or any convenient location that would halt the continuation of a tear in the paperboard. In the preferred embodiment, the tear-stop cut is applied to all perimeters of the card, maintaining the tear resistance of the laminated paperboard. Thus, it is difficult to access the product by tearing the heat seal child-resistant blister card from the edges of the card. 
         [0040]    The child-resistant and senior-friendly attributes of the present invention are created by one distinct cut per blister on the front card and a unique bi-level cut on the rear card. The front card is the portion of the paperboard sheet that will be placed on top of the blisters and the rear card is the portion of the paperboard sheet placed behind the foil backing of the blister segment. The distinct cut in every individual blister on the front card provides an aperture through which the individual blister is placed. The bi-level cut on the rear card includes one perforated cut, which completely penetrates the paperboard, and one cut-score, which partially penetrates the paperboard. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the perforated cut comprises an oval that surrounds the blister opening, and is associated with the blister. The cut-score is also oval, but slightly smaller than the perforated cut. 
         [0041]    The cut score is located on the interior of the blister card package to facilitate a clean tear of the die-cut portal, which is attached to the rear card by the perforated cut. Therefore, the cut score does not facilitate a clean tear if the user presses from the back of the package or does not follow instructions. For example, it will be very difficult for a child playing with the package to tear the portal from the exterior of the package or an individual to remove the content of the package in an attempt to steal the contents without using a tool to damage the die-cut portal or using a device to cut through the blister pack. Additionally, the length and size of the cuts and landings (i.e., the intact portions between the cuts that form the die-cut portal) can be varied to regulate the difficulty with which the die-cut portal is removed. 
         [0042]    It is an object of the present invention to provide cost effective packaging that is difficult for a person to manipulate for the purpose of theft or product tampering. 
         [0043]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide improved blister card packaging that is difficult to open by means of tampering with the packaging. 
         [0044]    Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to prevent a tear in the packaging material of a consumer product and to halt the propagation of a tear if one should occur. 
         [0045]    Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide packaging that is easily accessible to competent adults and senior citizens, including those with impaired physical abilities. 
         [0046]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide blister packaging that is easily and inexpensively manufactured. 
         [0047]    Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide blister card packaging that allows an individual blister&#39;s contents to be easily and cleanly removed without damage to the blister card package, the blister contents, or the blister backings. 
         [0048]    In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide blister card packaging that allows text, images, patterns, designs, and other marketing material to be printed on the packaging. 
         [0049]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide blister card packaging that allows instructions to be printed on the packaging. 
         [0050]    Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide packaging other than blister packaging that incorporates tear-resistant material in the packaging. 
         [0051]    Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0052]    A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment, along with some alternative embodiments, set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary of systems for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and method of operation of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings and the following description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention. 
           [0053]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following drawings in which: 
           [0054]      FIG. 1A  depicts a front schematic view of a single strip blister card in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0055]      FIG. 1B  depicts a rear schematic view of the single strip blister card of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 1C  depicts a side cross-sectional view of the single strip blister card of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 2A  depicts a front schematic view of the front card of a multi-strip blister card package in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 2B  depicts a rear schematic view of the front card of the multi-strip blister card package in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 2C  depicts a front schematic view of the rear card of the multi-strip blister card package in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0060]      FIG. 2D  depicts a rear schematic view of the rear card of the multi-strip blister card package in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 2E  depicts a magnified view of the die-cut portal, cut-score, and the perforated cut of the rear card of  FIG. 2C ; 
           [0062]      FIG. 3A  depicts an exploded side view of the front card of  FIG. 2A  and rear card of  FIG. 2C  of the multi-strip blister card package in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention and the blister card prior to assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0063]      FIG. 3B  depicts a side view of the assembled front card, rear card, and blister card of  FIG. 3A  to create a blister card package in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0064]      FIG. 3C  depicts an exploded side view of the blister card of  FIG. 1A  and rear card of  FIG. 2C  of the multi-strip blister card package in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention and the blister card prior to assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0065]      FIG. 3D  depicts a side view of the assembled blister card and rear card of  FIG. 3C  to create a blister card package in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0066]      FIG. 4  depicts a front schematic view of the assembled blister card package of  FIGS. 2A-3B  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0067]      FIG. 5  depicts a front schematic view of an unfolded blister card package of the preferred embodiment of the present invention having a foldable front cover comprising printed instructions, dosage information, and content information; 
           [0068]      FIG. 6  depicts a front schematic view of a solid form blister in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0069]      FIG. 7  depicts an alternate embodiment of the present invention adapted for use with security, audit, RFID, or consumer product tags; 
           [0070]      FIG. 8A  depicts a schematic view of a foldable blister card in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention adapted for consumer electronics products; 
           [0071]      FIG. 8B  depicts a front schematic view of the assembled blister card of  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0072]      FIG. 9A  depicts a schematic view of a foldable package card in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention adapted for consumer postal products; 
           [0073]      FIG. 9B  depicts a front schematic view of the assembled package card of  FIG. 9A ; 
           [0074]      FIG. 10A  depicts a front schematic view of a blister package in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention adapted for small retail products; and 
           [0075]      FIG. 10B  depicts a rear schematic view of the front blister card of  FIG. 10A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0076]    Detailed illustrative embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiments. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiments for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein which define the scope of the present invention. The following presents a detailed description of a preferred embodiment (as well as some alternative embodiments) of the present invention. 
         [0077]      FIG. 1A  depicts a front schematic view of a blister card in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Blister card  100  comprises base  101 , which is preferably thermoformed from a flexible, semi-rigid plastic. However, base  101  may be constructed from various other materials including, for example, injected mold plastics, thick foil, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl dichloride (PVdC), Aclar, polypropylene (PP), etc. Blister  102  of blister card  100  is a bubble-type portion that is typically manufactured of the same material as base  101 . Blister  102  protrudes from base  101  forming a cavity wherein a product may be stored.  FIG. 1A  illustrates blister  102  containing product  103 . As depicted, product  103  is of an elongated oval shape, which is commonly associated with a pharmaceutical-type medicine dosage. However, this type of product is shown for exemplary purposes only and other types of retail products may be utilized in accordance with the present invention. For example, product  103  may include such items as machinery parts, tools, hardware, personal care products, consumer electronics, toy cars, sewing kits, or any other product that may be stored within a blister-type enclosure. Also, the present invention may utilize cold-form blisters, or blisters that are formed from two sheets of foil such that a first sheet forms one or more blisters and a second sheet forms the blister seals. In accordance with the present invention, cold-form blister foils are typically made from layers of various materials, including aluminum, biaxally orientated polyamide (OPA), and PVC, but any suitable materials may be used. 
         [0078]    Turning to  FIG. 1B , depicted is a rear schematic view of blister card  100 , which illustrates backing  105 . Portions of backing  105  act as seal  104  for sealing the openings of blister  102 . Backing  105  is preferably constructed from aluminum foil. However, other types of foil, films, or other materials such as paper and plastic may be used. Additionally, backing  105  may comprise perforations or cut-scores surrounding portions of the backing. These portions may overlap, follow, or coincide with the perimeter of the blister opening, i.e., seal  104 . The perforations or cut-scores may be designed to assist the user in penetrating the portion of backing  105  that acts as seal  104 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 1C  depicts a side view of blister card  100 . A user can easily remove product  103  from blister  102  by pushing downward (with respect to the horizontal plane) on blister  102  such that product  103  ruptures or displaces seal  104 . Preferably, seal  104  of blister card  100  is frangible to prevent damage to product  103  or other content of blister  102  when the content is pushed through the frangible layer. Blister  102  is preferably constructed from a tear and puncture resistant, durable, flexible, semi-rigid material, thus allowing the user to push on blister  102  forcing product  103  through seal  104  while preventing breakage of product  103 . Further, blister  102  may be formed as an indentation in base  101  or may be constructed from a different material that is adhered to base  101 . 
         [0080]    As shown in  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D , the blister card package of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is constructed from front card  201  ( FIGS. 2A and 2B ) and rear card  230  ( FIGS. 2C and 2D ). Front card  201  of  FIG. 2A  comprises at least one oval aperture  202 . Oval aperture  202  is adapted to fit a blister, which is placed through oval aperture  202 . 
         [0081]    In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paperboard used to create front card  201  has one side that is laminated and pre-coated with a heat-activated adhesive. Purchasing paperboard with pre-applied adhesive reduces the cost of manufacturing. The paperboard of front card  201  is configured such that the rear of front card  201  is coated with the adhesive. Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention uses an adhesive activated by heat, other adhesives including an adhesive activated by some other means (such as pressure) may also be used. Alternatively, front card  201  can be fabricated without adhesive, whereupon adhesive is applied during the assembly process, or a method other than adhesion may be utilized to assemble the blister card package (e.g., crimping, pressure sealing, fusion, fastening, etc.). 
         [0082]    For exemplary purposes, front card  201  comprises oval aperture  202 . However, any configuration or any number of apertures is contemplated without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In fact, the present invention may utilize irregular, custom, or generic arrangements. Additionally, the design employed by the present invention can accommodate a large volume of oval apertures  202  (or any other shape of aperture) in many various arrangements, thereby making the present invention suitable for various retail, consumer and pharmaceutical products. 
         [0083]    An exposed rear view of front card  201  is depicted in  FIG. 2B . In the preferred embodiment, the rear side of front card  201  is laminated with a tear resistant plastic film  204 , such as polyester. However, any type of tear-resistant material such as polyethylene or polypropylene may be used to create a film. Alternatively, either side of the paperboard may be completely or partially laminated. The laminated material increases the level of theft resistance by making the paperboard highly resistant to tears. Furthermore, the tear resistance of laminated paperboard can be significantly increased by the addition of a “tear-stop” cut. The tear-stop is a cut applied to the laminated side of the tear-resistant paperboard. A clean, unbroken cut approximately one-quarter inch to one-half inch inside all of the perimeter edges of the card forms tear-stop cut  205 . Of course, it is contemplated that the tear-stop may be placed at any point along the paperboard while still performing the functionality of stopping the propagation of side tears. The tear-stop cut fully penetrates the thickness of tear resistant film  204  but does not fully penetrate through the paperboard. Therefore, if a tear is initiated from the outer edge of the sealed card, the tear will not readily continue and run through or beyond tear-stop cut  205 . As shown, tear-stop cut  205  may be applied to all perimeters of the card. The tear-stop cut may be placed at any distance from the outer edge of the paperboard and in any arrangement. 
         [0084]    A laminated paperboard is highly tear resistant where there are no nicks or cuts along the edge of the paperboard. However, it is very difficult to manufacture a product made from the laminated material without creating small imperfections along the edge of the product. An object of this invention is to create a second edge, a new tear-stop edge, with fewer or no nicks or cuts so that the propagation of tears is eliminated. It is also contemplated that multiple tear-stops can be created within the same product. This layering of tear-stops would further increase the tear resistance of the card. 
         [0085]    If a person were to attempt to tear the laminated paperboard from the edge and was successful in beginning a tear, they would quickly arrive at the tear-stop of the laminate and be prevented from tearing across, through, or beyond the remainder of the package. This method of increasing the tear resistance of paperboard materials will be important for improving the child resistance, tamper resistance, and theft resistance of retail products. When an improved tear-resistant paperboard is used in conjunction with a blister card package or other retail package for a consumer product, the ability to easily pilfer the product from the package is greatly diminished. For example, a thief in a retail location can easily tear a 2 inch cubic cardboard box and obtain the small item inside in an attempt to take the small item. To remedy this, the small item may be packaged in a large (e.g., a 12 inch) reinforced paperboard blister pack utilizing at least one tear-cut. A thief capable of creating a first tear may be further defeated by the tear-cut, which prevents the tear from proceeding. To overcome the tear-cut, the thief must expend time and effort to create another new tear. Although rigid plastic packaging known in the art acts as a deterrent in this manner, the present invention allows for the novel use of the tear-cut to further enhance the tear resistance. In addition, this method still provides for a surface that the retailer can utilize to market the product (e.g., a retailer can market the product by printing graphics on the paperboard blister that could not be easily printed on the rigid plastic surfaces commonly utilized). 
         [0086]    Front and rear views of rear card  230  are illustrated in  FIGS. 2C and 2D , respectively. For the preferred embodiment of the present invention, rear card  230  is fabricated from paperboard purchased with a heat-activated adhesive pre-applied to one side of the paperboard, again, to reduce the cost of manufacturing. The paperboard of rear card  230  is positioned such that the front of rear card  230  contains adhesive and the rear of rear card  230  does not. As described above for front card  230 , an adhesive activated by some means other than heat may also be used. Alternatively, the rear card  230  can be fabricated without adhesive and adhesive may either be applied during the assembly process or a method other than adhesion may be utilized to assemble the blister card package. In the preferred embodiment, the front of rear card  230  is laminated with a tear resistant plastic film  237  comprised of polyester or other comparable polymers, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. After assembly, the front of rear card  230  will be hidden. Tear-stop cut  236  may be added to rear card  230  in the manner described with respect to front card  201 . Tear-stop cut  236  is placed one-quarter inch to one-half inch from the outer edge and is only visible from the front view of rear card  230 , as depicted in  FIG. 2C . Thus, in this embodiment, the tear-stop cut is not exposed once the package is assembled. 
         [0087]    Rear card  230  comprises perforated cut  232  forming blister panel  233  that can be seen from both the front and rear of rear card  230 . However, cut-score  235  may only be seen from the front of rear card  230  as depicted in  FIG. 2C . From the back of rear card  230 , as shown in  FIG. 2D , cut-score  235  may not be visible. This may help enhance the theft-resistance of the package since cut-score  235  is not readily visible to a consumer or potential thief. Cut-score  235  is shown concentrically located within perforated cut  232 ; however, depending on the material of rear card  230 , implementing perforated cut  232  concentrically within cut-score  235  is sometimes preferable. Additionally, the same type of cut (i.e., perforated, cut-score, or tear-stop) could be used for both the inner and outer cut. It is contemplated that any combination or quantity of cut types and locations may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0088]    Cut-score  235  is only visible from the front of rear card  230  because it does not penetrate the entire thickness of rear card  230 . Rather, cut-score  235  only partially penetrates rear card  230 . In contrast, blister panel  233  is cut throughout rear card  230  such that the blister panel  233  encircles its oval aperture  202  ( FIGS. 2A and 2B ) when the blister card packaging is fully assembled. The degree of perforation used to cut perforated cut  232  may be altered to vary the force necessary to remove blister panel  233 . 
         [0089]    Without cut-score  235 , blister panel  233  is not likely to tear cleanly. Cut-score  235  along with perforated cut  232  effectively allow for a clean removal of blister panel  233 . Without both cut-score  235  and perforated cut  232 , blister panel  233  would not remove cleanly, thus resulting in tearing a blister panel belonging to a product that the user does not desire to remove at that time or possibly damaging the entire blister card package. Additionally, if blister panel  233  is not removed cleanly, blister panel  233  may separate into layers such that one layer is removed and another layer remains attached to rear card  230  or the seal. This can cause difficulties when a user attempts to push the product through the seal. A user may not have sufficient strength to break through the remaining layer of paperboard, or, if the user applies additional force, the force required may damage the product. 
         [0090]    Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention uses some form of pre-applied adhesive during the construction of the blister card package, it is also possible to construct the blister card package of the present invention without the use of pre-applied adhesives. Instead, paperboard can be purchased without pre-applied adhesive and the adhesive can be stamped onto the paperboard with a printing press such that adhesive is not applied to the areas slightly larger than the perimeters of blister panel  233 . 
         [0091]    In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, perforated cut  232  operates in conjunction with cut-score  235 , as depicted in  FIG. 2E , to ensure a clean tear of blister panel  233 . After a user pushes on blister  102  either by hand or with the help from a tool, blister panel  233  is easily torn because blister panel  233  does not stick to the seal, and the tear follows the path of least resistance, i.e., along cut-score  235 . Since perforated cut  232  and cut-score  235  are located internal to the blister card package and are not accessible from the exterior of the package. These two features assist in the clean tear of blister panel  233  only after blister panel  233  has been pushed either by hand or with a tool, thereby maintaining the child-resistance of the blister card package. 
         [0092]    The perforated cut  232  and cut-score  235  of the preferred embodiment of the present invention may be die-cut. Moreover, perforated cut  232  and cut-score  235  can be manufactured in a single step utilizing a combination of special die-cut knives. A first oval-shaped blade of the knife preferably has nicks (or a square saw tooth shaped edge) such that the blade creates perforations when pressed into rear card  230 . A second oval-shaped blade is preferably recessed such that it only cuts partially through rear card  230 , thereby forming cut-score  235 . Although cut-score  235  does not extend through rear card  230 , the use of a specially manufactured bi-level die, or positioning two die cutting knives at different levels, allows the rear card to be cut in one step, thereby reducing the cost of manufacturing. Although previously described in terms of ovals or a blade having nicks, any other shape which functionally accomplishes the same purpose may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
         [0093]      FIG. 3A  depicts an exploded side view of front card  201 , blister card  100 , and rear card  230  prior to assembly. Blister  102  is aligned with blister panel  233  ( FIG. 2C ) of front card  201  and rear card  230 , respectively. 
         [0094]    Shown in  FIG. 3B  is a side view of front card  201  and rear card  230  after assembly. Blister  102  protrudes through oval aperture  202  of front card  201  ( FIGS. 2A and 2B ) such that it may be seen and manipulated by a user. Front card  201  is juxtaposed against rear card  230  such that base  101  and seal  104  ( FIG. 3A ) of blister card  100  ( FIG. 3A ) are encased between front card  201  and rear card  230 . To secure the assembly, front card  201  and rear card  230  are preferably sealed to each other via application of heat and pressure. Preferably, portions of front card  201  and rear card  230  adhere to each other between blister card  100  ( FIG. 3A ). 
         [0095]    An additional embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 3C , which depicts an exploded side view of blister card  100 , and rear card  230  prior to assembly. Blister  102  is aligned with blister panel  233  ( FIG. 2C ) of rear card  230 . 
         [0096]    Shown in  FIG. 3D  is a side view of blister card  100 , and rear card  230  after assembly. Blister card  100  is juxtaposed against rear card  230  such that base  101  of blister card  100  is firmly adhered to rear card  230 . To secure the assembly, blister card  100  and rear card  230  are preferably sealed to each other via application of heat and pressure. 
         [0097]    To ensure proper operability of the blister card package, seal  104  of blister card  100  ( FIG. 1B ) is preferably not heat sealed to panel  233  of rear card  230  ( FIGS. 2C and 2D ). Thus, seal  104  does not tear when panel  233  is removed. Additionally, a portion of panel  233  will not separate and remain attached to seal  104 . Various manufacturing methods may be utilized to prevent adhesion of seal  104  to panel  233 . One method is to avoid application of heat-activated adhesive to panel  233  or seal  104 . For instance, adhesive may be applied only to front card  201  after oval aperture  202  is cut. Alternatively, the heat-activated adhesive may be applied to the entire front surface of rear card  230 , and a specially designed heat-sealing plate having voids that correspond to panel  233  and seal  104  may be used to activate the adhesive only in desired areas. 
         [0098]    Front card  201  and rear card  230  are of sufficient size to be adhered around a blister card and to ensure child-resistance and durability. Although heat sealing is used for the preferred embodiment of the present invention, various other adhesion techniques may be applied such as pressure sealing, RF sealing, dielectric sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc. The present invention functions equally well with adhesives that do not require heat or pressure. 
         [0099]    In an alternative embodiment, front card  201  and rear card  230  can be constructed from a single sheet of foldable paperboard. Consequently, the sheet can be folded and blister card  100  inserted therein to assemble the blister card package. Although paperboard is preferred, various other materials may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0100]      FIG. 4  depicts a front view of the assembled blister card package illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-3B . Blister  102  protrudes through oval aperture  202 . The laminated sides of the paperboard and the tear-stop cuts are not visible since the rear card is adhered to the front card to form the blister card package. Further, when the contents of blister  102  are hidden or additional surface space for product marketing or product information is required by the retailer or manufacturer, content information can be printed on base  101  of blister strip  100  of  FIG. 1 . As illustrated by  FIG. 4 , the content information printed on base  101  is hidden by front card  201  or rear card  230  of  FIG. 3B . Yet, the content information can be obtained by cutting the blister card package, tearing apart the blister card package, or by accessing the package through pre-defined perforations. 
         [0101]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 5  with the front card  501  extended flat and unfolded in the leftward direction. The rear card  230  ( FIGS. 2C  and  2 D) may also be extended in this direction. Fold lines  502  are implemented such that the extended section, left flap  503 , easily folds over right flap  504 . The folded package may resemble the front and back covers of a book or magazine. 
         [0102]    Left flap  503  comprises printed instructions  508  reading, “1. Push on blister to dispense.” Additional product information  509  may also be printed on left flap  503 . Pre-printed information  505  may also be included on right flap  504  or left flap  503  to indicate dosage number, pill type, or any other relevant information. Alternatively, pre-printed lines  506  or blank area  507  may be positioned adjacent to oval aperture  202  for the user to record or log dosage taken, time of day, day of week, or any other useful information. 
         [0103]    The embodiment of  FIG. 5  may be folded and placed into a casing comprising paperboard, or any other material, to protect the packaging and to prevent accidental and annoying unfolding. In a further alternative embodiment, left flap  503  may also comprise a blister similar to right flap  504 . Left flap  503  and rear card  230  ( FIGS. 2C and 2D ) may also be extended, folded, printed on, or constructed to hold materials to achieve the desired functionality without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0104]    Ultimately, the preferred embodiment of the present invention may require the user to apply enough force on the blister either by hand or with a tool to effectively tear through both the score-cut and the perforated cut. Children will still have difficulty accessing the content of the blister because the foil is not exposed, yet this method is simple enough for competent individuals to understand, especially after reading the instructions. There is only one step necessary to follow in order to dispense the contents from the blister card package and it may be summarized as follows: 1) Using a tool or your hand push the product through the seal. 
         [0105]    Advantageously, paperboard can be easily printed on. Therefore, logos, text, images, patterns, designs, and other marketing material may be printed directly on the packaging. This will make the blister card package more attractive to a consumer shopping at a retail location and increase the marketing potential of the product for the vendor. In addition, instructions for the product may also be printed on the paperboard. The method of manufacturing the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a single step for applying release coatings and printed information, thus minimizing the cost of manufacturing. In the preferred embodiment, the printing occurs opposite the laminated side of the paperboard. Moreover, front card  201 , rear card  230 , or both, may be extended in one or more directions to provide additional area for printed information. Another advantage of paperboard is that it is easily written on, allowing a blister card package user to record information such as when medication was administered or side effects felt after taking the medication. In an alternative embodiment, one sheet of paperboard may be folded to create a front card, rear card and extended side. 
         [0106]    Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in  FIG. 6 . Solid-form blister  600  comprises a two-dimensional matrix of blisters  602  attached to base  601  and containing product  604 . As with blister strip  100 , the openings of blisters  602  are enclosed with seals (not shown) similar to seals  104  of  FIG. 1B . Therefore, solid-form blister  600  can be encased between a front and rear card in the same manner described in the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, solid-form blister  600  essentially operates in the same manner as extensively described above, however has the capability to contain a larger capacity of blisters  102  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0107]    Several other embodiments of the present invention are adapted for use with consumer and retail goods.  FIG. 7  depicts a stiff paperboard tag  700  used to house a security or audit device, such as an RFID tag, security tag, product tag, sensor, or the like. Tag  700  may comprise multiple paperboard layers and be laminated to prevent tampering or degradation of the product or security device contained within tag  700  or tag  700  itself. It is also contemplated that tag  700  may be comprised of other suitable materials in addition to paperboard. At least one tear-stop cut  701  is added to the perimeter of tag  700  to prevent propagation of side tears. In addition, tear-stop cut  701  may also reduce puncture tears initiated from the center area  704  of tag  700 . Center area  704  may securely house a security device, audit tag, product tag, RFID tag, or other like object to facilitate consumer product management or inventory control. The device or tag may be embedded or secured within the front and rear cards or paperboard layers of tag  700  or otherwise attached, glued, or affixed to tag  700 . 
         [0108]    Ideally, tag  700  may be placed within consumer goods and products without the knowledge of consumers to aid in asset management and inventory control. This way, tag  700  is not visible to consumers or potential thieves. Alternatively, tag  700  may contain adhesive or other attaching means, such as circular aperture  702  for tag  700  to be fastened, tied, or otherwise attached to a consumer or retail product via a product tie. Circular aperture  702  may also contain at least one tear-stop cut  703  concentric with circular aperture  702  to prevent ripping or pulling of tag  700  off the consumer product. For example, tag  700  may be utilized to automate checkout at a retail location (with the use of RFID tags, radio transmitters, or the like) or curb product theft. 
         [0109]    Another embodiment of the present invention adapted for consumer electronics accessories is depicted in the foldable blister card of  FIG. 8A . Aperture  810  is cut from front card  801  conforming to the basic shape of a plastic blister  807  to be inserted between front card  801  and back card  800 . Once blister  807  containing the product is inserted, back card  800  is folded behind front card  801 . The two cards are then glued or sealed together with the application of heat and pressure, as described above, thereby securing the blister to the blister card. To open the package, a user applies pressure on blister  807 , which is attached to aperture  810 . This pressure pushes the product through to the back side removing panel  808 . Cut-score  804  may be positioned slightly within perforated cut  805 , allowing panel  808  to be removed from the package easily and cleanly when pressure is applied from the front side. Since the tears will follow the path of least resistance around the perimeter of the product, the product may be removed quickly, cleanly, and safely from its packaging in this manner. Safe and controlled removal of the product is especially important for electronics and electronics accessories, which may be expensive and fragile. Back card  800  and front card  801  additionally may be laminated and contain tear-stop cuts  806  along the perimeters of front card  801  and back card  800  to prevent the propagation of side tears as described in the previous embodiments. 
         [0110]      FIG. 8B  shows the assembled, folded blister package of  FIG. 8A . Blister  807  is preferably comprised of clear plastic for easy viewing of the product contained within blister  807 . Printing may be located anywhere on front card  801  where convenient. Preferably, this printing describes the product contained within blister  807 , its features, cost, and any other useful information for the consumer or retailer. Additionally, the package may comprise a hook aperture  809  for hanging multiple packages at a retail location. 
         [0111]    Another alternative embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B  and is adapted for mailing applications. Envelope  900  is comprised of laminated paperboard, cardboard, PVC, or any other suitable material. Envelope  900  is laminated or embedded with plastic film  901 , which could comprise biaxial film, plastic, polyester, PVC, or any like polymer. At least one tear-stop cut  902  is ideally positioned ¼ inch to ½ inch from all perimeter edges of envelope  900  to halt the propagation of any side tears in envelope  900 . Plastic film  901  and tear-stop cut  902  will minimize any degradation of the product contained within envelope  900  during shipping and processing. In addition, plastic film  901  and tear-stop cut  902  create an effective deterrent from tampering or theft of the products contained within envelope  900 . The number and location of tear-stop cut  902  can be varied as desirable. Tab edges  904  enclose the product, which in this case may be stationary to be mailed. Tab edges  904  may contain stamped adhesive (pressure sensitive, heat-activated, or the like) or glues to assist in securing envelope  900  around the product. Perforated cut  903  surrounds pull-tab  905  for easy access to the product after envelope  900  is sealed. In addition a cut-score may be positioned slightly within or outside the perimeter of perforated cut  903  to ensure a clean tear. 
         [0112]      FIG. 9B  shows the assembled envelope  900  of  FIG. 9A . Depending on which side of envelope  900  is laminated, tear-stop cut  902  may be visible from the outside of assembled envelope  900  or tear-stop cut  902  may be hidden from view and only visible from inside envelope  900 . Envelope  900  may come preassembled in pre-folded form or unfolded as depicted in  FIG. 9A . If envelope  900  is preassembled, the user needs only to insert a product and seal envelope  900  by folding tab edge  904  over pull-tab  905  and securing tab edge  904  to envelope  900 . A variety of glues, adhesives, or fasteners may be used to facilitate the sealing of envelope  900 . 
         [0113]    A final embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . Blister  1002  houses a small consumer product  1003 , such as a child&#39;s toy. Front card  1004  is preferably composed of paperboard or stiff paper, although any suitable material may be used. In addition, front card  1004  may be laminated with a plastic material to resist tearing and product tampering (as discussed above). Front card  1004  contains blister aperture  1006 , through which blister  1002  is placed. A rear view of front card  1004  is shown in  FIG. 10B . Aperture  1006  is adapted to allow blister  1002  to pass through. Tear-stop cut  1012  is positioned along the outer perimeter of the back of front card  1004  and a plastic film  1010  covers the card. A rear card (not shown) is attached behind front card  1004  to complete the consumer product packaging. This arrangement maintains the child resistant and theft-resistant qualities of the card, while at the same time making tear-stop  1012  and film  1010  invisible to the consumer or user. 
         [0114]    While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, which embodiments have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, such embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims. Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1