Clamshell blister packaging

Abstract

A packaging apparatus for packaging OTC drugs, prescription medications (e.g., “starter packs” given to patients by their physicians), or any other suitable object or substance (e.g., tablets, button cell batteries or other small parts or components) is provided. The packaging apparatus combines two thermoforming packaging techniques: clam shell packaging and blister packaging into a single package.

1 . A packaging apparatus comprising:
 a first element fixed to a second element by a hinge,
 wherein said second element has at least one cavity configured to receive an object; 
   said first element is configured to be selectively matable with said second element;   said hinge configured to enable movement of said first element relative to said second element such that said packaging apparatus includes an open position and a closed position; and   a membrane fixed to said second element of said packaging apparatus for sealing said at least one cavity,
 wherein said membrane is capable of being ruptured and permitting passage of an object through said membrane. 
   
   
   
       2 . The packaging apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said first element, said second element, and said hinge are formed from a single continuous piece of material. 
   
   
       3 . The packaging apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein said material is a thermoplastic material. 
   
   
       4 . The packaging apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 another membrane fixed to the second element to form a second barrier sealing the at least one cavity within the second element.   
   
   
       5 . The packaging apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said membrane and said another membrane are paper. 
   
   
       6 . The packaging apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said membrane is foil and said another membrane is paper. 
   
   
       7 . The packaging apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said membrane and said another membrane are foil. 
   
   
       8 . The packaging apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said membrane is paper and said another membrane is foil. 
   
   
       9 . The packaging apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein said at least one cavity is formed in said second element in a manner which places said at least one cavity within an interior of said first element when said packaging apparatus is in said closed position. 
   
   
       10 . The packaging apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said at least one cavity is a plurality of cavities. 
   
   
       11 . The packaging apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein said membrane covers at least one cavity of said plurality of cavities. 
   
   
       12 . The packaging apparatus according to  claim 11  wherein said membrane covers all of said plurality of cavities. 
   
   
       13 . A method of manufacturing a package comprising:
 forming a housing that comprises an element fixed to another element by a hinge,
 wherein said another element has at least one cavity configured to receive an object; 
   placing an object in said cavity;   fixing a membrane to said another element of said housing proximal said object for maintaining said object in said cavity,
 wherein said membrane is capable of being ruptured and permitting passage of said object through said membrane upon an application of force against said membrane by said object; and 
   fixing another membrane to said another element distal from said object relative to said membrane.   
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 13  further comprising:
 forming the element, the another element and the hinge from a single continuous piece of material.   
   
   
       15 . A packaging apparatus comprising:
 a single piece of material formed into a lid fixed to a body by a hinge,
 wherein said body has at least one cavity configured to receive an object; 
   said hinge is configured to enable movement of said first element relative to said second element such that said packaging apparatus includes an open position and a closed position;   a membrane fixed to said body proximal said cavity for closing said cavity; and   another membrane fixed to the second element distal from said cavity relative to said membrane.