Multi-layer web and process for forming scored lidding film for blister packages
AssigneeTekni-Plex, Inc.
InventorsRobin Van Landeghem, Phil Bourgeois
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Multi-layer web and mechanical scoring process for forming lidding film for push through blister packages. The web is configured to resist the tensile forces encountered during manufacturing processes, including slitting, rewinding and heat sealing processes. A simplified web conversion process for creating mechanically scored lidding film for blister packages is provided at reduced investment and operational costs compared to prior art systems.
Claims30
A multi-layer web comprising:
- a multi-layer web of film windable on a core and adapted to be scored and slit to form scored lidding film for blister packages, the film being formed without a metal layer and including an inner seal layer and an outer layer of different thermoplastic polymer materials,
- the inner seal layer configured to form a thermal weld seal with a base substrate of a blister package, while the outer layer has a central scored area configured to rupture and release a product contained in a recess of a base substrate without breaking the weld seal,
- the web being unwound from the core in a machine M direction transverse to a central longitudinal axis CL of the core on which the web is wound,
- the central scored area extending between opposing first and second non-scored edge grip areas aligned in the M direction, the central scored area being sized to cover a plurality of recesses in a base substrate of a blister package without the need for registering the scored area with individual recesses,
- the central scored area being formed by passing the web against a scoring roller to mechanically score fully or partially through the outer layer without scoring the inner seal layer,
- the opposing first and second edge grip areas being non-scored and each of a minimum width configured to provide structural integrity to the web during winding and unwinding of the web onto or from the core, and
- the non-scored edge grip areas being slit to form a scored lidding film for blister packages,
- wherein the central scored area comprises 75% to 99% of a total width of the lidding film and the non-scored edge grip areas together comprise 1% to 25% of the total width
An apparatus for forming blister packages including a plurality of stations for in-line forming of a series of blister packages, the stations comprising:
- a base forming station for unwinding a roll of base film from a core in a machine direction M, followed by heating and thermoforming the base film to form a series of thermoformed base substrates with product recesses in the base film aligned along the M direction,
- a filling station for dispensing product into the recesses of the series of base substrates,
- a roll of scored lidding film on a core having a series of central scored areas between nonscored areas aligned along a machine direction M,
- a thermal sealing station, receiving the series of filled base substrates and a length of the scored lidding film unwound from the core in the M direction, wherein the inner layer of the scored lidding film is sealed to each filled base substrate with the central scored area over the recesses of the substrate to form a series of sealed blister packages, and
- a cutting station for cutting individual blister packages from the series.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.