MULTI-LAYERED CHILD RESISTANT BLISTER PACKAGE

Abstract

A multi-layered blister package includes a first panel having at least one blister pocket receiving aperture defined therein, wherein a blister pocket protrudes through the at least one blister pocket receiving 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 blister pocket receiving aperture when the first panel is disposed over the second panel. A third panel having at least one intermediate aperture defined therein by a second non-continuous cut line, wherein the at least one intermediate aperture aligns with and is between the at least one exit aperture and the at least one blister pocket receiving aperture when the third panel is disposed between the first and second panels.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a plurality of panels separated from each other by fold lines, with a first panel having a plurality of perforated apertures defined therein and which are opposite corresponding apertures defined in neighboring second and third panels that are ultimately folded over the first panel. When forming the package, the second and third panels are folded over each other to retain a blister package therein before being folded over the first panel to form a multi-layered 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 one 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 apertures (18) defined therein that receive the blisters (34) in the side panel (12) when the side panel (10) and panel (12) are folded over the fold line (26). See FIG. 2. 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). See FIG. 3. Upper and lower panels (36 and 38) are then folded over the back of the panel (8). See FIG. 4. The side panel (4) is then folded over fold line (14) to form the fully assembled package (60). See FIG. 5.

However, Mellon does not appear to teach an internal interface between two non-blister carrying panels that obstruct the exit path of the product being retained by the blisters (28) and (34) but rather only appear to teach a single non-blister carrying panel obstructing the exit path, thereby being susceptible to children compromising the integrity of the package to access the contents of the blisters (28) and (34).

U.S. Pat. No. 6,951,282 to Jones discloses a package substrate (100) with two main panels (12) secured to each other by a hinge panel (13). Each main panel (12) has a flap (7) and (8) extending from left and right sides, respectively, and connected thereto by a hinge panel (13). Each main panel (12) also has a flap (6) extending from the remaining side by another hinge panel (13). The main panels (12) also have a number of gates (4), each with two doors (41, 42) defined therein. When the two doors (41, 42) are opened or separated, a product or article contained in a package cell (3) can be pushed through the gate (4). Each flap (8) contains apertures (5) dimensioned to fit snugly around the package cells (3) of a package tray (200). The flaps (7) include glue tabs (10) and peel-away tabs (9) formed therein.

When assembling the product, a package tray (200) is secured to the package substrate (100), and flaps (7) and (8) are folded over the package tray (200) so that the package cells (3) and gates (4) of the main panel (12) are aligned with the apertures (5) of the flaps (8) and with the peel away tabs (9) of the flaps (7). Once the product is partially assembled, the flaps (6) are folded over the flaps (7) and (8).

However, Jones does not appear to disclose the two panels (7) and (8) that are folded over the central panel (12) being on the same side relative to the central panel (12). Rather, the panels (7) and (8) that are folded over the central panel (12) are on opposing sides relative to the central panel (12). Moreover, the doors (41, 42) of the gates (4) of the main panel (12) in combination with the peel away tabs (9) of the flaps (7) are susceptible to children compromising the integrity of the package by simply pressing on the blister of the tray (200) as the doors (41, 42) and peel away tabs (9) do not sufficiently obstruct eh exit path of the product being held by the blister.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,768 to Morita et al. (Morita) discloses a press through package (PTP) (2) having a sheet member (1) with a plurality of accommodation holes (4) defined therein for accommodating pills. A second sheet member (9) extends from the first sheet member (1) via a fold line (10) located therebetween and has a take-out hole forming section with take-out holes (11) for removing the pills (3) from the PTP (2). The take-out holes (11) face the accommodation holes (4) of the first sheet member (1). A blocking sheet member (18) extends from a first end of the second sheet member (9) via a fold line (19) located therebetween and is located between the second sheet member (9) and the PTP (2) when folded over the fold line (19). The blocking sheet (18) has holes (23) defined therein that match the configuration of the accommodation holes (4) defined in the sheet member (1). However, the blocking sheet holes (23) are positioned so as not to be aligned with the accommodation holes (4) and the take-out holes (11) defined in the second sheet member (9) when the blocking sheet member (18) is folded onto the second sheet member (9), thus blocking the take-out holes (11).

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) section (20) 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. As such, there is only a single panel obstructing the exit path of the blister contents.

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 (1 3) 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 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.

Although the panel (C) is heat sealed to the rupturable barrier (19) and the panel (A) is then heat sealed to the panel (C), the access panel (17) is defined by score lines (18) that originate along an edge of the package (10) defined by the score line (27). Moreover, the opposing and parallel top and bottom edges of the package (10) that are not defined by the score lines (26, 27) are, like the remainder of the package (10), heat sealed together. Accordingly, the score lines (18) and top and bottom edges of the package (10) are susceptible to picking whereby children can easily gain access to the tablet (13) held in the bubble chamber (12).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of this invention to at least overcome the above-discussed drawbacks of the conventional child-resistant packages and dispensers.

Another aspect of this invention provides a unique child-resistant blister package that is child resistant and senior citizen friendly.

Yet another aspect of this invention provides a multi-layered child resistant blister package that positions the score lines which define the exit path of the blister package contents remote from the outer perimeter of the package and includes flaps that define smooth top and bottom edges that deter attempts to pick apart the outer edges of the package.

According to another aspect of this invention, the package includes at least three overlapping panels separated from each other by two fold lines. The package can be manufactured from a material selected from any one of paperboard, plastic and a combination of both, wherein the material may also be tear-resistant.

A cover may also be provided that contains indicia that would be ornamental and/or informative in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects 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;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a disassembled package according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a disassembled package according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view showing the package of FIG. 3 in a partially assembled state;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the package of FIG. 4 in a further assembled state;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the package of FIG. 5 in a more further assembled state;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the package of FIG. 6 in a yet more further assembled state;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the package according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view showing the package of FIG. 8 in a partially assembled state;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the package of FIG. 9 in a further assembled state;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the package of FIG. 10 in a more further assembled state;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the package of FIG. 11 in a yet more further assembled state;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the package according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the package according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the package according to a seventh embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 16 is a top view of the package according to an eighth 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 single blank 10, ideally made from paperboard. However, it is within the scope of this invention to use any suitable material well known or later developed in the art, such as, for example, paper, plastic, metal, natural or man-made, 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.

The package 1 includes a first panel 20 separated from a second panel 30 by a fold line 40. The fold line 40 enables the second panel 30 to be folded over the first panel 20 as will be explained in further detail below. Fold line 41 delimits a first flap 50 of the first panel 20 while fold line 42 delimits a second flap 60 of the first panel. Fold lines 41 and 42 enable the first and second flaps 50 and 60, respectively, to be folded over the first panel 20 as will be explained in further detail below. It should be noted that the first and second flaps 50 and 60, respectively, are optional and that it is within the scope of the present invention for the first panel 20 to be formed without the fold lines 41 and 42, or the first and second flaps 50 and 60, respectively.

A plurality of exit apertures 22 are formed in the first panel 20, the exit apertures 22 being defined by non-continuous cut lines 23. Although two rows of four exit apertures 22 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 exit apertures 22, 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 exit apertures 22 provided on the first panel 20.

The second panel 30 is configured to coincide and overlap the first panel 20. The second panel 30 also includes a plurality of blister pocket receiving apertures 32 that may correspond (i.e., equal) to the number of exit apertures 22 in the first panel 20. However, it is within the scope of the invention to have a number of exit apertures 22 that may be less than a number of the blister pocket receiving apertures 32 such that multiple, i.e., at least two, articles may be removed from the package 1 from a single exit aperture 22. The blister pocket receiving apertures 32 typically will contain blister packaging (not shown) that 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 packaging 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 70 is separated from the second panel 30 by fold line 43 and is configured to coincide and overlap the second panel 20 by being folded over the fold line 43. A plurality of intermediate apertures 72 are formed in the third panel 70, the intermediate apertures 72 being defined by non-continuous cut lines 73. The third panel 30 includes a number of intermediate apertures 72 that may correspond to the number of exit apertures 22 in the first panel 20 and blister pocket receiving apertures 32 in the second panel 30. However, it is within the scope of the invention to have a number of intermediate apertures 72 that may be less than a number of the blister pocket receiving apertures 32 such that multiple, i.e., at least two, articles may pass through a single intermediate aperture 72.

A blister package (not shown) is affixed to the second panel 30 such that each blister or pocket passes through a corresponding blister pocket receiving aperture 32. The third panel 70 is then folded over the fold line 43 and onto a back surface of the blister package such that the intermediate apertures 72 of the third panel 70 align with a corresponding blister pocket receiving aperture 32. The second and third panel assembly is then folded over fold line 40 such that the blister pocket receiving apertures 32 and intermediate apertures 72 align over corresponding exit apertures 22. When view from the side, the intermediate apertures 72 are located between the blister pocket receiving and exit apertures 32 and 22, respectively.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first modification of the inventive package 21, which includes a fourth panel 80 separated from the first panel 20 by an intermediate panel 85. It should be noted that the intermediate panel 85 is located between, and separates, the first panel 20 from the fourth panel 80. The first panel 20 is separated from the intermediate panel 85 by fold line 44, and the fourth panel 80 is separated from the intermediate panel 85 by fold line 45.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second modification of the inventive package 31, which includes a fifth panel 90 separated from the fourth panel 80 by fold line 46.

Formation of the package 31 will be described below, but it should be understood that it is within the scope of the invention to provide the package 1 without the flaps 50 and 60, as well as without the fourth panel 80, the intermediate panel 85 and/or the fifth panel 90. That is, the package 1 can be formed only with the first panel 20, the second panel 30 and the third panel 70.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fifth panel 90 is folded over folded line 46 and onto the fourth panel 80. While it is preferable that a surface of the fifth panel 90 is attached or otherwise adhered to an opposing surface of the fourth panel 80, the surface of the fifth panel 90 does not have to be attached or adhered to the opposing surface of the fourth panel 80. However, it is within the scope of the invention for the surface of the fifth panel 90 to be sealingly attached to the opposing surface of the fourth panel 80 using an adhesive, supersonic welding, or any other now-known or later discovered technique that is suitable of otherwise appropriate to join the opposing surfaces of the two panels 80 and 90 together.

Turning to FIG. 5, the third panel 70 is folded over the fold line 43 onto the second panel 30 such that the intermediate apertures 72 of the third panel 70 are aligned with the blister pocket receiving apertures 32 of the second panel 30. As shown in FIG. 6, the second and third panel assembly is then folded over the fold line 40 so that the blister pocket receiving apertures 32 and intermediate apertures 72 are aligned with the exit apertures 22. As such, the blister pockets are extending out of the blister pocket receiving apertures 32 toward a viewer looking at FIG. 6.

Looking at FIG. 7, the first flap 50 is folded over fold line 41 and onto the second panel 30 while the second flap 60 is folded over fold line 42 onto a same surface of the second panel 30. Though not shown, the intermediate panel 85 is folded over fold line 44 and the fourth and fifth panel assembly 90/80 is folded over fold line 45 to provide the package 31 with a book or wallet type design. When the flaps 50 and 60 are folded onto the second panel 30, the open, opposite ends of the first panel 20, the second panel 30, and the third panel 70 are sealed off or closed by the flaps 50 and 60.

Furthermore, while it is preferable that a surface of the third panel 70 is attached or otherwise sealingly adhered to an opposing surface of the second panel 30, the surface of the third panel 70 does not have to be attached or adhered to the opposing surface of the second panel 30. Similarly, while it is preferable that the other surface of the third panel 70 is attached or otherwise sealingly adhered to an opposing surface of the first panel 20, the other surface of the third panel 70 does not have to be attached or adhered to the opposing surface of the first panel 20. However, it is within the scope of the invention for the opposing surface of the third panel 70 to be sealingly attached to the opposing surface of the second panel 30, as well as the other surface of the third panel 70 to be sealingly attached to the opposing surface of the first panel 20 during assembly of the package 1, 21, or 31 using an adhesive, supersonic welding, or any other now-known or later discovered technique that is suitable of otherwise appropriate to join the opposing surfaces of the panels 20, 30 and 70 together.

The sealed nature of the surfaces of the panels 20, 30 and 70, as well as the flaps 50 and 60 sealingly closing the open ends of the overlapped panels 20, 30 and 70, deter or otherwise prevent access to the articles contained in the blister packaging, as a child would need to pick or break through the sealed ends formed by the flaps 50 and 60 or through the multiple layers formed by the overlapped panels 20, 30 and 70, before encountering the foil or rupturable membrane of the blister package. To access an article held within a particular blister pocket, a user would apply pressure to the blister pocket protruding through the blister pocket receiving aperture 32. The article would then first pass or break through the intermediate aperture 72 of the third panel 70 before passing or breaking through the exit aperture 22 of the first panel 20.

FIGS. 8-12 illustrate another embodiment of the inventive package 81, wherein elements that are similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 are provided with the same reference numbers, but which a description of is omitted herefrom to avoid redundancy. As shown in FIG. 8, the second panel 30′ is modified to have a first flap 35 separated therefrom by fold line 34, and a second flap 37 is separated from the panel 30′ by fold line 36.

Formation of the package 81 is similar to that of package 31 in that the fifth panel 90 is folded over fold line 46 onto the fourth panel 80, as shown in FIG. 9. Then, a blister package (not shown) is attached to the second panel 30′ such that the blisters or pockets protrude through the blister pocket receiving apertures 32 in a direction that is away from the viewer when looking at FIGS. 9-11. That is, the blister pockets would be extending into the sheet.

As shown in FIG. 10, the flaps 50 and 60 of the first panel 20 are folded over their respective fold lines 41 and 42 and onto a surface of the panel 20. Similarly, a first flap 35 of the second panel 30′ is folded over fold line 34 and onto a surface of the rupturable membrane of the blister package. A second flap 37 of the second panel 30′ is folded over fold line 36 and onto the same surface of the rupturable membrane. Although not required, it is preferable that the flaps 50 and 60 are adhered or otherwise affixed to the surface of the first panel 20. Likewise, it is not a requisite, but is preferable that the flaps 35 and 37 of the second panel 30′ are sealingly attached to the surface of the rupturable membrane of the blister package.

Turning to FIG. 11, it can be seen that the third panel 70 is folded over fold line 43 and onto the exposed surfaces of the flaps 35 and 37. Again, while not required, it is preferable that the third panel 70 is sealingly attached to the exposed surfaces of the flaps 35 and 37 so as to secure the blister package between the second and third panels 30′ and 70, respectively. As shown in FIG. 12, the second and third panel assembly 30′ and 70 is then folded over fold line 40 onto the exposed surfaces of the flaps 50 and 60 of the first panel 20. As stated above, while not required, it is preferable that the third panel 70 is sealingly attached to the exposed surfaces of the flaps 50 and 60 so as to secure the blister package within the package 81.

It should be noted that the apertures 22, 32 and 72 are aligned with respect to each other in the package 81 as in the packages 1, 21, and 31 of the previously described embodiments.

Also, the intermediate panel 85 is folded over fold line 44 and the fourth and fifth panel assembly 90/80 is folded over fold line 45 to provide the package 81 with a book or wallet type design.

It should be noted that it is within the scope of this invention for the apertures 22, 32 and 72 to be any geometric shape that will facilitate passage of the articles therethrough. For example only, although not illustrated but well known in the art, the apertures can be oblong, rectangular, square, trapezoidal, triangular, and the like.

Furthermore, the apertures 22′ of the first panel 20′ and the apertures 72′ of the third panel 70′ may alternatively be configured as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 to allow the apertures 22′ and 72′ defined by the perforated, non-continuous, or nicked lines 23′ and 73′, respectively, to be removed individually. As such, when pressure is applied to the blister pocket, the article retained therein will break through the rupturable membrane, which is the back layer of the blister package.

Then, the article will apply a force against the portion of the panels 70′ and 20′ having the apertures 72′ and 22′, respectively, whereby the perforated, non-continuous, or nicked lines 73′ and 23′ will tear and the cut-lines 77 and 27, respectively, will bend, thereby permitting the portions of the panels 70′ and 20′ defined by the perforated, non-continuous, or nicked lines 73′ and 23′ and cut-lines 77 and 27 to behave like a tear away or break-away panel and permit the article to pass through the apertures 72′ and 22′, respectively. It should be noted that it is within the scope of the invention to provide access holes 27a and 77a, respectively, adjacent to the cut-lines 27 and 77, respectively. The access holes 27a and 77a will permit a person to tear away the panel defined by aperture 72′ and 22′ formed by the non-continuous cut-lines 23′ and 73′, and cut-lines 27 and 77, respectively.

The above described structural configurations of the packages 1, 21, 31 and 81 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. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the first panel 20″ and the third panel 70″ may have apertures 22″ and 72″, respectively, defined by nicked lines instead of cut-lines. Also, instead of having the second panel 30 disposed the first and third panels 20 and 70, respectively, it is within the scope of the invention to separate the first panel 20″ from the third panel 70′″ by fold line 41′, as shown in FIG. 16. 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.

Claims

1. A multi-layered blister package comprising:

a first panel having at least one blister pocket receiving aperture defined therein, wherein a blister pocket protrudes through the at least one blister pocket receiving aperture and retains an article therein;

a second panel having 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 blister pocket receiving aperture when the first panel is disposed over the second panel;

a first fold line separating the first panel from the second panel;

a third panel having at least one intermediate aperture defined therein by a second non-continuous cut line, wherein the at least one intermediate aperture aligns with and is between the at least one exit aperture and the at least one blister pocket receiving aperture when the third panel is disposed between the first and second panels;

a second fold line separating the first panel from the third panel,

wherein the third panel is folded over the second fold line and opposes a first surface of the first panel, wherein the first panel and third panels are folded over the first fold line and onto the second panel, and wherein the third panel is positioned between the first and second panels;

a first flap;

a third fold line extending orthogonal relative to the first fold line and separating the second panel and the first flap;

a second flap; and

a fourth fold line extending orthogonal relative to the first fold line and separating the second panel and the second flap,

wherein the first and second flaps are folded over the third and fourth fold lines, respectively, directly onto a second surface of the first panel to seal opposing open ends of the first, second and third panels.

2. The package according to claim 1, wherein the package is manufactured from a material selected from any one of: paperboard, plastic, and a combination of paperboard and plastic.

3. The package according to claim 1, wherein the package is manufactured from a tear-resistant material.

4-5. (canceled)

6. The package according to claim 1, wherein the second surface of the first panel is on an opposite side relative to the first surface of the first panel, and wherein the first and third panels are located between the first and second flaps and the second panel.

7. The package according to claim 6, further comprising:

a fifth fold line; and

an intermediate panel, wherein the fifth fold line separates the second panel from the intermediate panel.

8. The package according to claim 7, further comprising:

a sixth fold line and a seventh fold line, wherein the fifth, sixth and seventh fold lines are parallel relative to the first and second fold lines;

a fourth panel and a fifth panel, wherein the sixth fold line separates the intermediate panel from the fourth panel and the seventh fold line separates the fourth panel from the fifth panel.

9. The package according to claim 8, wherein the fifth panel is folded over the seventh fold line and onto the fourth panel, and the fourth and fifth panels are folded over the sixth fold line, and wherein the intermediate panel is folded over the fifth fold line to form a cover of the package.

10. The package according to claim 1, further comprising:

a third flap,

an eighth fold line separating the first panel and the third flap, the third flap being adjacent to the first flap;

a fourth flap; and

a ninth fold line separating the first panel and the fourth flap.

11. The package according to claim 10, wherein the first and second flaps are folded over the third and fourth fold lines, respectively, and onto the second panel, wherein the third and fourth flaps are folded over the eighth and ninth fold lines, respectively, and onto the first surface of the first panel before the third panel is folded over the second fold line.

12. The package according to claim 11, wherein the third panel is folded over the second fold line and onto the third and fourth flaps.

13. The package according to claim 12, wherein the first and third panels are folded over the first fold line and onto the first and second flaps, wherein the third panel is located directly between the first, second, third and fourth flaps.

14. The package according to claim 13, further comprising:

a fifth fold line; and

an intermediate panel, wherein the fifth fold line separates the second panel from the intermediate panel.

15. The package according to claim 14, further comprising:

a sixth fold line and a seventh fold line, wherein the fifth, sixth and seventh fold lines are parallel relative to the first and second fold lines;

a fourth panel and a fifth panel, wherein the sixth fold line separates the intermediate panel from the fourth panel and the seventh fold line separates the fourth panel from the fifth panel.

16. The package according to claim 15, wherein the fifth panel is folded over the seventh fold line and onto the fourth panel, and the fourth and fifth panels are folded over the sixth fold line, and wherein the intermediate panel is folded over the fifth fold line to form a cover of the package.

17. The package according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the exit and intermediate apertures are further defined by a cut-line.

18. The package according to claim 1, wherein the non-continuous cut lines that define the exit and intermediate apertures comprise nicks.

19. The package according to claim 1, wherein the exit and intermediate apertures are located remote from an outer perimeter of the package.

20. (canceled)

21. The multi-layered blister package according to claim 1, wherein the first and second flaps are adhered to the second surface of the first panel.