Abstract: A blister package is provided including a blister for holding and dispensing articles. The blister package includes a backing and a blister defining an opening and having an integral, re-closable closure for selectively covering the opening. The closure may include snap elements that can be snap-fitted into notches in the blister for securely retaining the blister in a closed position. Optionally, the closure may joined to the blister by an integral, flexible fastener, which may be a strap and/or a living hinge. A method of packaging an article in a blister package includes: (a) forming a plastic blister, (b) forming an opening in the blister, and (c) forming a closure integral with the blister for covering the opening.

Abstract: A blister package having an at least partially contoured blister flange and correspondingly contoured first and second backers. The first backer includes a first flange that is coextensive with at least a portion of the blister flange. The second backer includes a second flange that is coextensive with a different portion, for example, a smaller portion or in a different location, of the blister flange than the first flange. A compartment can be defined between the first and second backers. Additional backers can be provided for additional compartments or features. The first backer can include an access panel, and the second backer can include at least one support flap that supports the blister in a stand alone position. A related method includes securing the first backer flange to the blister flange, and securing the second backer flange to the first backer flange.

Abstract: A blister package is provided including a blister having a pair of moveable article holders that cooperate to retain an article for display. The first article holder extends from the blister and is snap-fit into a snap element when in an article retaining position. The second article holder extends from the blister and engages a stop element when in an article retaining position. Alternatively, the second article holder may be snap-fitted into a second snap element. The snap-fitted engagement of the first article holder secures the article in place within the blister package.

Abstract: A process for forming an injection molded article including multiple appliques. The process generally includes the steps of: positioning in a mold a first applique including a edge; positioning in the mold a second applique including a terminating end; abutting the second terminating end against the edge in a non-overlapping, substantially perpendicular configuration; injection molding a thermoplastic resin around the appliques to form an article. Because the first and second appliques do not overlap, they will not separate from one another over the life of the injection molded article. Accordingly, multiple applique articles formed according to the process of the present invention maintain their structural integrity and are resistant to warping, peeling and/or separation of the appliques from one another.

Abstract: A blister package having a shaped blister flange and a correspondingly shaped backing. The flange and backing are non-planar, thereby permitting the width of the blister pocket while maintaining the area of contact between the blister flange and backing. The blister package is manufactured by the general steps of (a) producing a blister with a shaped flange, (b) locating the blister in a correspondingly shaped die, (c) producing a backing with a layer of heat activated adhesive, (d) locating the backing over the blister, and (e) applying heat and pressure to the backing and blister with a correspondingly shaped heated press.

Abstract: A shipping and/or display package for a disc. The package includes front and rear panels that are closed about the disc. Each of the first and second panels includes a disc-shaped embossed portion having a depth of approximately one half the thickness of the disc. The embossed regions cooperatively define a disc cavity that closely receives the disc. The front panel defines a window that permits viewing of the disc. The package further includes a transparent film extending over the window. The rear panel may include a plurality of die cut fingers positioned about the embossed region to aid in retaining the disc in the embossed region during packaging. The rear panel may also include a friction coating applied within the embossed region to further aid in retaining the disc in the embossed region during packaging.

Abstract: A wallet card package having a card that is removably secured to the package so that it can be removed for activation and a pouch for rejoining the removed card with the package following activation. The card is preferably secured to the package by a peelable adhesive that permits the card to be readily removed from the package. The package preferably includes front and rear panels that cooperatively define a pouch for receiving the card after it has been removed. The present invention also discloses a method for packaging and activating a wallet card including the steps of (1) providing a wallet card having a machine-readable activation code, (2) removably securing the card to the package with the activation code being inaccessible for reading, (3) removing the card from the package, (4) reading the activation code from the card, and (5) rejoining the card to the package by inserting it into the pouch.

Abstract: A process for forming an injection molded article including multiple appliques. The process generally includes the steps of: positioning in a mold a first applique including a edge; positioning in the mold a second applique including a terminating end; abutting the second terminating end against the edge in a non-overlapping, substantially perpendicular configuration; injection molding a thermoplastic resin around the appliques to form an article. Because the first and second appliques do not overlap, they will not separate from one another over the life of the injection molded article. Accordingly, multiple applique articles formed according to the process of the present invention maintain their structural integrity and are resistant to warping, peeling and/or separation of the appliques from one another.

Abstract: A process for forming an injection molded article including multiple appliques. The process generally includes the steps of: positioning in a mold a first applique including a edge; positioning in the mold a second applique including a terminating end; abutting the second terminating end against the edge in a non-overlapping, substantially perpendicular configuration; injection molding a thermoplastic resin around the appliques to form an article. Because the first and second appliques do not overlap, they will not separate from one another over the life of the injection molded article. Accordingly, multiple applique articles formed according to the process of the present invention maintain their structural integrity and are resistant to warping, peeling and/or separation of the appliques from one another.

Abstract: A fragility package having a pair of shell halves. The shell halves cooperatively define an envelope for closely retaining the article to be packaged and a plurality of fragility supports that extend outwardly beyond the envelope to protect the article from impacts. The package is preferably manufactured from a transparent material, such as an impact-modified polymer, that permits the article to be visually inspected without opening the package. The top and bottom surfaces of the package are shaped so that adjacent packages nest together when stacked one atop the other.

Abstract: A blister package having a shaped blister flange and a correspondingly shaped backing. The flange and backing are non-planar, thereby permitting the width of the blister pocket while maintaining the area of contact between the blister flange and backing. The blister package is manufactured by the general steps of (a) producing a blister with a shaped flange, (b) locating the blister in a correspondingly shaped die, (c) producing a backing with a layer of heat activated adhesive, (d) locating the backing over the blister, and (e) applying heat and pressure to the backing and blister with a correspondingly shaped heated press.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a blister package. The apparatus includes a packaging jig having a plurality of perimeter locating pins that are arranged to extend around the perimeter of the package when assembled on the jig. In a first aspect, the jig also includes an interior locating pin positioned inwardly from the perimeter locating pins to register a blister and possibly an article during assembly. In a second aspect of the invention, the jig further includes a plurality of exterior locating pins positioned outwardly from the perimeter locating pins to register an article to be packaged during assembly. The blister package is assembled by sequentially positioning the display cards, blister, and article on the jig such that the locating pins register the various components.

Abstract: A wallet card package having a wallet card secured between front and rear panels by a layer of peelable adhesive. The upper portion of the wallet card is sandwiched between the front and rear panels at the bottom of the package. A layer of peelable adhesive secures the upper portion of the card to the front and/or rear panels. The lower portion of the card extends from the bottom of the package and includes a magnetic strip that is accessible without removing the card from the package. The front panel may define a window permitting viewing of the upper portion.

Abstract: A packaging system for holding CDs in overlapping relationship to provide a compact and attractive retail display. The system includes a windowed box and an insert for holding the CDs for display through the window. The insert is folded from a one-piece sheet to form a tent defining a plurality of parallel V-shaped slots in which CDs can be placed.

Abstract: A container moldable from a resilient, semirigid plastic material includes a transparent cover member and an opaque base member. The cover member includes a depending peripheral skirt having an angled slot formed in the junction of the skirt with a wall of the cover. The base member includes an outwardly extending, generally horizontal tab insertable through the slot in the cover member. A ramp-shaped detent formed integral with the tab prevents removal of the cover from the base when the cover is opened and provides a hinged connection between the cover member and the base member.