Blister packaging

Abstract

Easy open blister packaging suitable for low density products, such as beverage tablets. In one embodiment, a blister package can have a forming layer with a flange and at least one blister cavity having a floor formed to slant at an angle of at least about 15 degrees relative to the forming layer flange, each blister cavity having a perimeter defining an open top and dimensioned to hold one product. The lidding layer can be a laminate sealed to at least the perimeter of the open top of each blister cavity, the lidding layer having a clear PET layer, an adhesive layer, a metal foil layer, a peripherally sealed desiccant layer and a pre-perforated sealant layer to seal to the forming layer, wherein the sealant layer perforations provide air communication between the blister cavity and the desiccant layer and the desiccant peripheral seal prevents air communication beyond the lidding layer periphery.

1 . A blister package for storing and dispensing individual products, comprising:
 a forming layer having a flange in the range of about 50 to 500 microns and at least one blister cavity, the at least one blister cavity having a perimeter defining an open top and dimensioned to hold a product; and   a lidding layer in the range of about 25 to 140 microns thick sealed to at least a portion of the perimeter of the open top of the at least one blister cavity, the lidding layer configured to be rupturable by applying a force of at most 15 lbs of force to the forming layer against a product having a hardness in the range of between about 3.5 to 4.5 kp (kilopond).   
     
     
         2 . The blister package of  claim 1 , wherein the forming layer is PCTFE in the range about 75 microns thick and the lidding layer is about 75 microns thick. 
     
     
         3 . The blister package of  claim 1 , wherein the forming layer is a laminate comprising a PCTFE layer in the range of about 50 to about 120 microns thick bound to a PE EVOH PE layer in the range of about 35 to 55 microns thick, and a PVC layer in the range of about 200 to about 350 microns thick bonded to the PE EVOH PE layer. 
     
     
         4 . The blister package of  claim 1 , wherein the lidding layer is a laminate having a clear PET layer in the range of about 7.5 to 40 microns thick bonded to a metal foil layer in the range of about 6 to 30 microns thick, bonded to a sealant layer in the range of about 7 to 55 microns thick, wherein the sealant layer provides a seal to at least the perimeter defining the open top of the blister cavity. 
     
     
         5 . The blister package of  claim 4 , further comprising scored lines of weakness to the PET layer of the lidding layer, wherein the lidding layer is rupturable by an internally applied force of at most 13 pounds. 
     
     
         6 . The blister package of  claim 5 , wherein the PET scored lines of weakness are laser cuts. 
     
     
         7 . The blister package of  claim 4 , further comprising a hygroscopic layer disposed between the foil layer and sealant layer, the sealant layer further comprising pre-perforated openings to expose the hygroscopic layer to the blister cavity. 
     
     
         8 . The blister package of  claim 7 , wherein the sealant layer is a laminate of an adhesive layer bonded to sealant film. 
     
     
         9 . The blister package of  claim 1 , wherein a blister cavity floor is formed to slant at an angle of at least about 15 degrees relative to the forming layer flange. 
     
     
         10 . A product for use in the blister package of  claim 5 , the product having hardness and integrity to allow an in-tact rupture through the lidding layer, an ability to overcome surface tension when placed in water, and dissolve in less than 4 minutes. 
     
     
         11 . The product of  claim 10 , further comprising a square edge positioned to be adjacent to the lines of weakness in the PET layer. 
     
     
         12 . A blister package for storing and dispensing individual products, comprising:
 a forming layer having a flange and at least one blister cavity having a floor formed to slant at an angle of at least about 15 degrees relative to the forming layer flange, each blister cavity having a perimeter defining an open top and dimensioned to hold a product; and   a lidding layer laminate sealed to at least the perimeter of the open top of each blister cavity, the lidding layer having a clear PET layer, an adhesive layer, a metal foil layer, a peripherally sealed desiccant layer and a pre-perforated sealant layer to seal to the forming layer, wherein the sealant layer perforations provide air communication between the blister cavity and the desiccant layer and the desiccant peripheral seal prevents air communication beyond a lidding layer periphery.   
     
     
         13 . The blister package of  claim 3 , wherein the forming layer is a laminate comprising a PCTFE layer of about 75 microns bound to a PE EVOH PE layer of about pref about 44 microns, and a PVC layer of about 254 microns bonded to the PE EVOH PE layer. 
     
     
         14 . The blister package of  claim 4 , wherein the lidding layer is a laminate having a clear PET layer of about 18 microns bonded to a metal foil layer of about 10 microns, bonded to a sealant layer of about 25 microns, wherein the sealant layer provides a seal to at least the perimeter defining the open top of the blister cavity. 
     
     
         15 . The blister package of  claim 4 , wherein the sealant layer is a laminate of an adhesive film layer bonded to a heat sealant film, and the package further comprises a hygroscopic layer disposed between the foil layer and sealant layer, and wherein the heat sealant film further comprises pre-perforated openings to expose the hygroscopic layer to the blister cavity.