Reclosable blister package

Abstract

A reclosable blister package includes a plastic blister having an outer peripheral flange and a raised portion for holding a product; a first card adapted to fit onto a first portion of the peripheral flange, wherein the first card is sealed onto the first portion of the peripheral flange; and a second card adapted to fit onto a second portion of the peripheral flange, the second card including a first half that is secured to a part of the second portion and a second half that is releasably fastened to another part of the second portion, the first half and the second half being connected to each other by a fold line; wherein one of the first and second cards includes a tab to enable the first and second cards to be releasably held together.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a reclosable blister package.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Blister packages are widely used to package articles for display during sale. At least two types of prior art blister packages are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,611. FIG. 1 discloses a “face-seal” blister package 80 which includes a transparent blister 82 that is secured to a backing material 84, such as a paperboard panel. The blister is typically manufactured from PVC or PET, and is shaped to form a pocket or raised portion for holding products. In such a package, the blister 82 includes a pocket 86 and a peripheral flange 88. The flange 88 extends outwardly and provides a mounting surface for securing the blister 82 to the backing material 84. However, once such a package is opened, it cannot be easily reclosed.

A second prior art package illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,611 is referred to as a “mock clamshell” construction. The mock clamshell 80′ is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and includes a blister 82′ that includes a pocket 86′, a major planar surface 92, and a peripheral flange 88′. The paperboard backing card 84′ is sealed to the peripheral flange 88′ and the major planar surface 92 in order to seal products within the pocket 86′.

However, neither of these conventional products are resealable.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to make a package that can be easily reclosed, once it has been opened.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a reclosable blister package includes a plastic blister having an outer peripheral flange and a raised portion or packet for holding a product, a first card adapted to fit onto a first portion of the peripheral flange, wherein the first card is sealed onto the first portion of the peripheral flange, a second card adapted to fit onto a second portion of the peripheral flange, the second card including a first half that is secured to a part of the second portion of the peripheral flange and a second half that is releasably fastened to another part of the second portion of the peripheral flange, the first half and the second half being connected to each other by a fold line, wherein one of the first and second cards includes a tab to enable the first and second cards to be releasably held together.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a reclosable blister package includes a plastic blister having an outer peripheral flange and a raised portion for holding a product, a cover for closing the raised portion, the cover including a first half and a second half connected to each other by a fold line, wherein the first half of the cover is adapted to fit onto a first portion of the peripheral flange, and the second half of the cover is releasable fastened to a second portion of the peripheral flange, wherein one of the second half of the cover and the second portion of the peripheral flange includes a tab for releasably holding the second half of the cover closed to the plastic blister.

Additional aspects of the present invention includes methods of opening and closing the aforementioned reclosable blister packages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate prior art blister packages.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of a plastic blister according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the plastic blister of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a first card used according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a second card used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a plastic blister according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the plastic blister of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a first card used according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a second card used in the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a plastic blister according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the plastic blister of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a first card used according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a second card used in the third embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a third card used in the third embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the bottom half of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a plan view of a lid used in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the bottom half of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 4-8 illustrate a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the disclosed embodiments. In particular, the present invention is not limited to the particular materials, shapes, and dimensions disclosed herein unless specifically indicated.

A reclosable blister package 10 includes a plastic blister 12 made from PVC or PVT. In the preferred embodiment, the thickness of the plastic material is about 0.015 inches, and the plastic blister is preferably made in a conventional thermoforming machine. The plastic blister can be made of a transparent, translucent, or colored material, depending upon the preference of the user. However, other materials may be suitable for making the plastic blister 12.

The plastic blister 12 includes a raised portion or pocket 14 that is intended to hold the products that are shipped or stored in the blister package. The plastic blister 12 may also include a planar portion 17 adjacent the pocket 14. A cutout 16 is preferably formed in the planar portion 17 to enable the blister package to be suspended on a hook for display. A peripheral flange 22 extends around the outer perimeter of the pocket 14 on all sides of the pocket 14, except where the planar portion 17 is located.

At the outside of the peripheral flange 22 and planar portion 17 is a small raised rim 19. In a preferred embodiment, the height of the rim is about 0.187 inches, although other heights may be utilized according to the present invention. The rim 19 includes protrusions 18, 20 extending inwardly therefrom.

Turning attention now to FIG. 7, a first card 26 is illustrated. The first card 26 is preferably made from cardboard, and is intended to fit within the rim 19 at the right side (as seen in FIG. 5) of the plastic blister 12. The first card 26 is placed on the peripheral flange 22 of the plastic blister.

The first card 26 includes recesses 38 which are adapted to engage the protrusions 20 of the plastic blister 12 to facilitate alignment of the first card 26 with respect to the plastic blister 12.

Near the edge of the first card 26 closest to the cutout 16 in the blister 12, is a slot 36. The slot 36 is provided so as receive a tab 32 from a second card 24 so that the second card can be releasably fastened to the first card 26 in a manner similar to that of a conventional cereal box.

As best seen in FIG. 8, the second card 24 is formed to fit within the rim 19 of the plastic blister 12 at the end thereof adjacent the planar portion 17. The card 24 can be made of any suitable material, but is preferably made from cardboard. The card 24 includes a cutout 30 that is arranged to align with the cutout 16 in the plastic blister 12 to facilitate hanging the blister package from a hook for display purposes.

The card 24 also includes recesses 28 that are adapted to align with protrusions 18 on the plastic blister. The protrusions 18 and recesses 28 facilitate proper placement of the card 24 onto the blister 12 during loading of the blister package. The card 24 is placed on the plastic blister at the planar portion 17 and along the peripheral flange 22. The card 24 is preferably of such a length that the portion thereof, opposite the cutout 30, extends over a small portion of the first card 26.

The card 24 includes a fold line 34. In a preferred embodiment, the fold line 34 is intended to sit approximately at the edge between the planar portion 17 and the pocket 14.

The portion 42 of the card 24 to the left of the fold line 34, as seen in FIG. 8, is intended to be substantially permanently sealed to the plastic blister 12, as described above. The portion 43 of the card 24 to the right of the fold line, as seen in FIG. 8, is intended to be releasably sealed, preferably by a series of spot seals, to the peripheral flange 22 of the plastic blister 12.

At the right side of the card 24 (as seen in FIG. 8) is a tab 32 which is intended to fit within slot 36 of the first card 26.

In assembling the blister package 10, the plastic blister 12 is laid down in an appropriate station in a blister sealing machine. The products to be sealed within the package are then inserted into the pocket 14. After the products are in the pocket 14, the first card 26 is aligned with the protrusions 20 and is sealed to the flange 22 of the plastic blister 12 in a substantially permanent manner, either by adhesive or heat sealing. Then, the second card 24 is placed within the rim 19 such that the recesses 28 are in alignment with the protrusions 18. The tab 32 of the second card 24 rests on top of the slot 36. The left portion 42 of the second card 24 is substantially permanently sealed to the planar portion 17 of the plastic blister 12. In addition, the peripheral portions of the remaining portion of the second card 24 are lightly or spot sealed along the peripheral flange 22 of the plastic blister 12. If desired, the right edge of the second card 24 can be lightly sealed to the top of the first card 26, although such sealing is not necessary.

Alternatively, the cards 24, 26 can be sealed simultaneously to the blister 12 after both cards 24, 26 have been placed on the blister. In either case, the cards 24, 26 are sealed to the blister 12 by adhesive or heat sealing, or any suitable method known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The method by which the cards 24, 26 are sealed to the plastic blister 12 is intended to be substantially permanent.

To remove the products from the pocket 14, the right side 43 of the second card 24 is lifted up from the first card 26 and from the plastic blister 12. This lifting process causes the second card 24 to fold along the fold line 34. After the products have been removed from or inserted into the pocket, the tab 32 is then tucked into the slot 36 to hold the second card 24 in place on top of the first card 26 and the plastic blister 12.

FIGS. 9-13 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the present invention which is designed to hold elongate objects such as windshield wiper blades. A reclosable blister package 100 includes a plastic blister 112 made from PVC or PVT. In the preferred embodiment, the thickness of the plastic material is about 0.015 inches, and the plastic blister is preferably made in a conventional thermoforming machine. The plastic blister can be made of a transparent, translucent, or colored material, depending upon the preference of the user.

The plastic blister 112 includes a raised portion or pocket 114 that is intended to hold the products that are shipped or stored in the blister package. The plastic blister 112 may also include a planar portion 117 adjacent the pocket 114. A cutout 116 is preferably formed in the planar portion 117 to enable the blister package to be suspended on a hook for display. A peripheral flange 122 extends around the outer perimeter of the pocket 114 on all sides of the pocket 114, except where the planar portion 117 is located. If desired, a smaller pocket 114′ may be provided at one end of the package 100.

At the outside of the peripheral flange 122 and planar portion 117 is a small raised rim 119. In a preferred embodiment, the height of the rim is about 0.187 inches, although other heights may be utilized according to the present invention. The rim 119 includes protrusions 118, 120 extending inwardly therefrom.

Turning attention now to FIG. 12, a first card 126 is illustrated. The first card 126 is preferably made from cardboard, and is intended to fit within the rim 119 at the right side (as seen in FIG. 10) of the plastic blister 112. The first card 126 is sealed to the peripheral flange 122 of the plastic blister by adhesive or heat sealing, or any suitable method known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The method by which the first card 126 is sealed to the plastic blister 112 is intended to be substantially permanent.

The first card 126 includes recesses 138 which are adapted to engage the protrusions 120 of the plastic blister 112 to facilitate alignment of the first card 126 with respect to the plastic blister 112.

Near the edge of the first card 126 closest to the cutout 116 in the blister 112, is a slot 136. The slot 136 is provided so as receive a tab 132 from a second card 124 so that the second card can be releasably fastened to the first card 126 in a manner similar to that of a conventional cereal box.

As best seen in FIG. 13, the second card 124 is formed to fit within the rim 119 of the plastic blister 112 at the end thereof adjacent the planar portion 117. The card 124 can be made of any suitable material, but is preferably made from cardboard. The card 124 includes a cutout 130 that is arranged to align with the cutout 116 in the plastic blister 112 to facilitate hanging the blister package from a hook for display purposes.

The card 124 also includes recesses 128 that are adapted to align with protrusions 118 on the plastic blister. The protrusions 118 and recesses 128 facilitate proper placement of the card 124 onto the blister 112 during loading of the blister package. The card 124 is secured to the plastic blister at the planar portion 117 and along the peripheral flange 122 in any conventional manner, such as the use of an adhesive or heat sealing. The card 124 is preferably of such a length that the portion thereof, opposite the cutout 130, extends over a small portion of the first card 126.

The card 124 includes a fold line 134. In a preferred embodiment, the fold line 134 is intended to sit approximately at the edge between the planar portion 117 and the pocket 114.

The portion 142 of the card 124 to the left of the fold line 134, as seen in FIG. 10, is intended to be substantially permanently sealed to the plastic blister 112, as described above. The portion 143 of the card 124 to the right of the fold line, as seen in FIG. 10, is intended to be releasably sealed, preferably by a series of spot seals, to the peripheral flange 122 of the plastic blister 112.

At the right side of the card 124 (as seen in FIG. 10) is a tab 132 which is intended to fit within slot 136 of the first card 126.

In assembling the blister package 110, the plastic blister 112 is laid down in an appropriate station in a blister sealing machine. The products to be sealed within the package are then inserted into the pocket 114. After the products are in the pocket 114, the first card 126 is aligned with the protrusions 120 and is sealed to the flange 122 of the plastic blister 112 in a substantially permanent manner, either by adhesive or heat sealing. Then, the second card 124 is placed within the rim 119 such that the recesses 128 are in alignment with the protrusions 118. The tab 132 of the second card 124 rests on top of the slot 136. The left portion 142 of the second card 124 is substantially permanently sealed to the planar portion 117 of the plastic blister 112. In addition, the peripheral portions of the remaining portion of the second card 124 are lightly or spot sealed along the peripheral flange 122 of the plastic blister 112. If desired, the right edge of the second card 124 can be lightly sealed to the top of the first card 126, although such sealing is not necessary.

Alternatively, the cards 124, 126 can be sealed simultaneously to the blister 112 after both cards 124, 126 have been placed on the blister. In either case, the cards 124, 126 are sealed to the blister 112 by adhesive or heat sealing, or any suitable method known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The method by which the cards 124, 126 are sealed to the plastic blister 112 is intended to be substantially permanent.

To remove the products from the pocket 114, the right side 143 of the second card 124 is lifted up from the first card 126 and from the plastic blister 112. This lifting process causes the second card 124 to fold along the fold line 134. After the products have been removed from or inserted into the pocket, the tab 132 is then tucked into the slot 136 to hold the second card 124 in place on top of the first card 126 and the plastic blister 112.

FIGS. 14-19 illustrate a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment includes three pockets and uses three separate cards to seal the pockets. A reclosable blister package 210 includes a plastic blister 212 made from PVC or PVT. In the preferred embodiment, the thickness of the plastic material is about 0.015 inches, and the plastic blister is preferably made in a conventional thermoforming machine. The plastic blister can be made of a transparent, translucent, or colored material, depending upon the preference of the user.

The plastic blister 212 includes three raised portions or pockets 214, 214′, 214″ that are intended to hold the products that are shipped or stored in the blister package. The plastic blister 212 may also include a planar portion 217 adjacent the pockets 214, 214′, 214″. A cutout 216 is preferably formed in the planar portion 217 to enable the blister package to be suspended on a hook for display. A peripheral flange 222 extends around the outer perimeter of the pocket 214 on all sides of the pockets 214, 214′, 214″, except where the planar portion 217 is located.

At the outside of the peripheral flange 222 and planar portion 217 is a small raised rim 219. In a preferred embodiment, the height of the rim is about 0.187 inches, although other heights may be utilized according to the present invention. The rim 219 includes protrusions 218, 220, 221 extending inwardly therefrom.

Turning attention now to FIG. 17, a first card 226 is illustrated. The first card 226 is preferably made from cardboard, and is intended to fit within the rim 219 at the center of the plastic blister 212. The first card 226 is sealed to the peripheral flange 222 of the plastic blister by adhesive or heat sealing, or any suitable method known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The method by which the first card 226 is sealed to the plastic blister 212 is intended to be substantially permanent.

The first card 226 includes recesses 238 which are adapted to engage the protrusions 221 of the plastic blister 212 to facilitate alignment of the first card 226 with respect to the plastic blister 212.

Near the edge of the first card 226 closest to the cutout 216 in the blister 212, is a slot 236. A second slot 236′ is provided near the opposite edge of the card 236. The slots 236, 236′ are provided so as receive tabs 232, 232′ from a second card 224 and a third card 224′ so that the second and third cards can be releasably fastened to the first card 226 in a manner similar to that of a conventional cereal box.

As best seen in FIG. 18, the second card 224 is formed to fit within the rim 219 of the plastic blister 212 at the end thereof adjacent the planar portion 217. The card 224 can be made of any suitable material, but is preferably made from cardboard. The card 224 includes a cutout 230 that is arranged to align with the cutout 216 in the plastic blister 212 to facilitate hanging the blister package from a hook for display purposes.

The card 224 also includes recesses 228 that are adapted to align with protrusions 218 on the plastic blister. The protrusions 218 and recesses 228 facilitate proper placement of the card 224 onto the blister 212 during loading of the blister package. The card 224 is secured to the plastic blister at the planar portion 217 and along the peripheral flange 222 in any conventional manner, such as the use of an adhesive or heat sealing. The card 224 is preferably of such a length that the portion thereof, opposite the cutout 230, extends over a small portion of the first card 226.

The card 224 includes a fold line 234. In a preferred embodiment, the fold line 234 is intended to sit approximately at the edge between the planar portion 217 and the pocket 214.

The portion 242 of the card 224 to the left of the fold line 234, as seen in FIG. 18, is intended to be substantially permanently sealed to the plastic blister 212, as described above. The portion 243 of the card 224 to the right of the fold line, as seen in FIG. 18, is intended to be releasably sealed, preferably by a series of spot seals, to the peripheral flange 222 of the plastic blister 212.

At the right side of the card 224 (as seen in FIG. 18) is a tab 232 which is intended to fit within slot 236 of the first card 226.

As best seen in FIG. 19, the third card 224′ is formed to fit within the rim 219 of the plastic blister 212 at the end thereof opposite the planar portion 217. The third card 224′ can be made of any suitable material, but is preferably made from cardboard.

The third card 224′ includes recesses 228′ that are adapted to align with protrusions 220 on the plastic blister. The protrusions 220 and recesses 228′ facilitate proper placement of the third card 224′ onto the blister 212 during loading of the blister package. The card 224′ is secured to the plastic blister along the peripheral flange 222 at the end of the plastic blister 212 opposite the cutout 216 in any conventional manner, such as the use of an adhesive or heat sealing. The third card 224′ is preferably of such a length that a portion thereof extends over a small portion of the first card 226.

The third card 224′ includes a fold line 234′. In a preferred embodiment, the fold line 234′ is intended to sit adjacent the right side of the blister 212 as seen in FIG. 15, but to the left of the flange 222.

The portion 242′ of the third card 224′ to the right of the fold line 234′, as seen in FIG. 19, is intended to be substantially permanently sealed to the flange 222 of the plastic blister 212, as described above. The portion 243′ of the card 224 to the left of the fold line, as seen in FIG. 19, is intended to be releasably sealed, preferably by a series of spot seals, to the peripheral flange 222 of the plastic blister 212.

At the left side of the card 224′ (as seen in FIG. 19) is a tab 232′ which is intended to fit within slot 236′ of the first card 226.

In assembling the blister package 210, the plastic blister 212 is laid down in an appropriate station in a blister sealing machine. The products to be sealed within the package are then inserted into the pockets 214, 214′, 214″. After the products are in the pockets, the first card 226 is aligned with the protrusions 221 and is sealed to the flange 222 of the plastic blister 212 in a substantially permanent manner, either by adhesive or heat sealing. Then, the second card 224 is placed within the rim 219 such that the recesses 228 are in alignment with the protrusions 218. The tab 232 of the second card 224 rests on top of the slot 236. The left portion 242 of the second card 224 is substantially permanently sealed to the planar portion 217 of the plastic blister 212. In addition, the peripheral portions of the remaining portion of the second card 224 are lightly or spot sealed along the peripheral flange 222 of the plastic blister 212. If desired, the right edge of the second card 224 can be lightly sealed to the top of the first card 226, although such sealing is not necessary.

Then, the third card 224′ is placed within the rim 219 such that the recesses 228′ are in alignment with the protrusions 220. The tab 232′ of the third card 224′ rests on top of the slot 236′. The right portion 242′ of the third card 224′ is substantially permanently sealed to the flange 222 of the plastic blister 212. In addition, the peripheral portions of the remaining portion of the third card 224′ are lightly or spot sealed along the peripheral flange 222 of the plastic blister 212. If desired, the left edge of the second card 224′ can be lightly sealed to the top of the first card 226, although such sealing is not necessary.

Alternatively, the cards 224, 224′, and 226 can be sealed simultaneously to the blister 210 after the cards 224, 224′, and 226 have been placed on the blister. In either case, the cards 224, 224′, and 226 are sealed to the blister 210 by adhesive or heat sealing, or any suitable method known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The method by which the cards 224, 224′, and 226 are sealed to the plastic blister 210 is intended to be substantially permanent.

To remove the products from the pocket 214, the right side 243 of the second card 224 is lifted up from the first card 226 and from the plastic blister 212. This lifting process causes the second card 224 to fold along the fold line 234. After the products have been removed from or inserted into the pocket 214, the tab 232 is then tucked into the slot 236 to hold the second card 224 in place on top of the first card 226 and the plastic blister 212.

To remove the products from the pocket 214″, the left side 243′ of the third card 224′ is lifted up from the first card 226 and from the plastic blister 212. This lifting process causes the third card 224′ to fold along the fold line 234′. After the products have been removed from or inserted into the pocket 214″, the tab 232′ is then tucked into the slot 236′ to hold the third card 224′ in place on top of the first card 226 and the plastic blister 212.

To remove the products from the pocket 214′, the first card 226 is simply removed from the plastic blister 212. The first card 226 is not designed to be resealed on the plastic blister 212 in this illustrated embodiment.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 20-23. The fourth embodiment relates to a plastic package 300 that is particularly adapted for holding batteries. However, the package is suitable for numerous other products, as well.

The package 300 includes a lower half 312 that is made from PVC or PET material. For purpose of stability, ridges 314 may be formed in the sidewalls of the lower half to reinforce the sidewalls. See FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a plan view of the lower half 312. As best seen in FIG. 23, a flange 316 extends around the outer periphery of the top of the lower half 312. At one edge of the flange 316 is a perforated line 318 made to facilitate separating the outer edge 319 from remainder of the lower half 312.

In addition, tabs 320 are formed near the top of the walls, adjacent the flange 316.

A top plan view of the lid 324 is illustrated in FIG. 22. The lid also includes a flange 334 adapted to fit against the flange 316 of the lower half 312 of the package 300. The lid 324 also includes a hinge 330 or fold line dividing the lid 324 into a first, fixed half 326 and a second, hinged half 328. The flange 334 extending around the fixed half 326 of the lid 324 is permanently sealed to the respective portion of the flange 316 of the lower half 312 by a heat sealing or adhesive process.

In addition, the portion of the outer flange 334 of the lid 324 that is facing the outer flange 319 of the lower half 312 is secured to the outer portion 319 of the flange 316 of the lower half 312. In a preferred embodiment, the remainder of the outer flange 334 of the second, hinged half 328 is not sealed or secured in any way to the flange 316 of the lower half 312. However, in an alternative embodiment, portions of the outer flange 334 of the hinged half 328 may be lightly or periodically sealed to the flange 316 of the lower half 312.

To assemble the package 300, the products, such as batteries, that are to be stored in the package 300 are placed in the lower half 312, together with any insert cards or additional material. The lid 324 is then placed on top of the lower half 312, and is then sealed, as described above.

To access the contents of the package 300, the outer flange 316 of the lower half 312 is separated along the perforated line 318 which separates the outer portion of the flange 319 from the remainder of the flange. The outer portion 319 of the flange remains sealed to the outer flange 334 of the second, hinged half 328, thus enabling the second, hinged half 328 to fold along the hinge 330 to provide access to the container 300.

The container 300 can be resealed by closing the second, hinged half 328 onto the lower half 312 and locking tabs 320 of the lower half 312 into recesses 332 provided in the lid 324. Thus, the hinged half 328 can be opened and closed as needed by engaging or disengaging the tabs 320 from the recesses 332.

As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the lid may be formed in alternative manners, such as the hinge or fold line extending across the short dimension of the package, instead of along the long dimension of the package. In addition, tabs may be formed on the lid with recesses provided in the lower half 312.

Although only preferred embodiments are specifically illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A reclosable blister package, comprising:

a plastic blister having an outer peripheral flange and a raised portion for holding a product;

a first card adapted to fit onto a first portion of the peripheral flange, wherein the first card is sealed onto the first portion of the peripheral flange; and

a second card adapted to fit onto a second portion of the peripheral flange, the second card including a first half that is secured to a part of the second portion and a second half that is releasably fastened to another part of the second portion, the first half and the second half being connected to each other by a fold line;

wherein one of the first and second cards includes a tab to enable the first and second cards to be releasably held together.

2. The reclosable blister package of claim 1, wherein the first card is shorter than the second card, the second card includes the tab at one end thereof, and the first card includes a slot adapted to receive the tab.

3. The reclosable blister package of claim 1, wherein the second card is shorter than the first card and includes the tab at one end thereof, and the first card includes a slot adapted to receive the tab.

4. The reclosable blister package of claim 1, wherein the peripheral flange includes at least one protuberance therein and the first or the second card includes a recessed portion adapted to engage the protuberance to facilitate aligning the first or second card with the plastic blister.

5. The reclosable blister package of claim 1, wherein the first and second cards are heat sealed to the peripheral flange.

6. The reclosable blister package of claim 5, wherein the second half of the second card is sealed to the another part of the second portion at periodic intervals to create a breakable seal.

7. The reclosable blister package of claim 1, further comprising:

a third card adapted to fit onto a third portion of the peripheral flange, the third card including a first half that is secured to a first part of the third portion and a second half that is releasably fastened to second part of the third portion, the first half of the third card and the second half of the third card being connected to each other by a fold line; and

means for releasably fastening the third card to the first card.

8. The reclosable blister package of claim 7 wherein the first card is arranged between the second card and the third card.

9. The reclosable blister package of claim 7 wherein the tab is releasably sealed to the other of the first and second cards prior to opening the blister package.

10. A reclosable blister package, comprising:

a plastic blister having an outer peripheral flange and a raised portion for holding a product;

a first card adapted to fit onto a first portion of the peripheral flange, wherein the first card is sealed onto the first portion of the peripheral flange;

a second card adapted to fit onto a second portion of the peripheral flange, the second card including a first half that is secured to a part of the second portion and a second half that is releasably fastened to another part of the second portion, the first half and the second half being connected to each other by a fold line; and

means for releasably securing the first and second cards together.

11. The reclosable blister package of claim 10, wherein the first card is shorter than the second card.

12. The reclosable blister package of claim 10, wherein the second card is shorter than the first card.

13. The reclosable blister package of claim 10, wherein the peripheral flange includes at least one protuberance therein and the first or the second card includes a recessed portion adapted to engage the protuberance to facilitate aligning the first or second card with the plastic blister.

14. The reclosable blister package of claim 10, wherein the first and second cards are heat sealed to the peripheral flange.

15. The reclosable blister package of claim 14, wherein the second half of the second card is sealed to the another part of the second portion at periodic intervals to create a breakable seal.

16. The reclosable blister package of claim 10, further comprising:

a third card adapted to fit onto a third portion of the peripheral flange, the third card including a first half that is secured to a first part of the third portion and a second half that is releasably fastened to second part of the third portion, the first half of the third card and the second half of the third card being connected to each other by a fold line; and

means for releasably fastening the third card to the first card.

17. The reclosable blister package of claim 16 wherein the first card is arranged between the second card and the third card.

18. A reclosable blister package, comprising:

a plastic blister having an outer peripheral flange and a raised portion for holding a product;

a first card adapted to fit onto a first portion of the peripheral flange, wherein the first card is sealed onto the first portion of the peripheral flange; and

a second card adapted to fit onto a second portion of the peripheral flange, the second card including a first half that is secured to the second portion with a first strength and a second half that is secured to the second portion with a strength that is less than the first strength so that the second half of the second card can be lifted from the peripheral flange while the first half remains secured to the peripheral flange;

wherein one of the first and second cards includes a tab to enable the first and second cards to be releasably held together.

19. A reclosable blister package, comprising:

a plastic blister having an outer peripheral flange and a raised portion for holding a product;

a cover for closing the raised portion, the cover including a first half and a second half connected to each other by a fold line, wherein the first half of the cover is adapted to fit onto a first portion of the peripheral flange; and

the second half of the cover is releasably fastened to a second portion of the peripheral flange;

wherein one of the second half of the cover and the second portion of the peripheral flange includes a tab for releasably holding the second half of the cover closed to the plastic blister.

20. A method of opening and reclosing a blister package having a plastic blister with an outer peripheral flange and a raised portion for holding a product; a first card adapted to fit onto a first portion of the peripheral flange, wherein the first card is sealed onto the first portion of the peripheral flange; and a second card adapted to fit onto a second portion of the peripheral flange, the second card including a first half that is secured to a part of the second portion and a second half that is releasably fastened to another part of the second portion, the first half and the second half being connected to each other by a fold line; wherein one of the first and second cards includes a tab to enable the first and second cards to be releasably held together, the method comprising:

unfastening the second half of the second card from the second portion of the peripheral flange to expose an interior of the raised portion; and

inserting the tab into a slot formed in the other of the first and second cards so as to releasably secure the second card to the first card.