Blister pack with integral access tool

Abstract

A blister pack ( 10 ) includes a blister segment ( 12 ) and a tool (T 1 , T 2 ), both integrally formed with a tray (Y). The blister segment ( 12 ) has a blister bubble ( 14 ) at least partially surrounded by a blister flange (F). Substrate ( 16 ) serving as a gate ( 18 ) covers the opening of the blister bubble ( 14 ). The tool (T 1 , T 2 ) is adapted for puncturing the substrate gate ( 16/18 ) to gain access to the interior of the blister bubble ( 14 ). A blister segment ( 12 ) is configured and has reinforcing features ( 40, 34 ) so that it may serve as the tool (T 1 , T 2 ).

1 . A blister pack ( 10 ) comprising:
 a tray (Y) comprising
 at least one blister segment ( 12 ,  12 ′) integrally formed with said tray (Y), said blister segment ( 12 ,  12 ′) comprising a blister bubble ( 14 ) having an opening, and 
 at least one tool (T 1 , T 2 ) integrally formed with said tray (Y); and 
   substrate ( 18 ) substantially covering said opening of said blister bubble ( 14 );   wherein said at least one tool (T 1 , T 2 ) is adapted for puncturing said substrate ( 18 ) to gain access to an interior of said bubble blister ( 14 ).   
   
   
       2 . The blister pack of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one tool (T 1 , T 2 ) is adapted for separation from said tray (Y). 
   
   
       3 . The blister pack of  claim 2 , wherein said at least one tool (T 1 , T 2 ) is adapted for separation from said tray (Y) by means of weakened lines of demarcation ( 20 ) that define a tool perimeter. 
   
   
       4 . The blister pack of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one tool (T 1 , T 2 ) comprises a tool flange (F) having at least two perimeter edges (E 2 /E 4 , E 1 /E 2 ) that intersect to form a puncturing member ( 32 ,  42 ) for puncturing said substrate ( 18 ). 
   
   
       5 . The blister pack of  claim 4 , wherein said tool flange (F) is adapted for withstanding deformation when a force is applied thereto. 
   
   
       6 . The blister pack of  claim 5 , wherein said tool flange (F) is adapted for withstanding deformation by said tool flange further comprising a reinforcement member ( 34 ,  40 ). 
   
   
       7 . The blister pack of  claim 6 , wherein said reinforcement member comprises a protuberance ( 40 ) extending outwardly of a plane of said tool flange (F). 
   
   
       8 . The blister pack of  claim 6 , wherein said reinforcement member ( 34 ,  40 ) is disposed proximate said puncturing member ( 32 ,  42 ). 
   
   
       9 . The blister pack of  claim 6 , wherein said reinforcement member ( 34 ,  40 ) comprises a tab ( 34 ) foldably adjoined to said tool flange (F). 
   
   
       10 . The blister pack of  claim 9 , wherein said tab ( 34 ) is adapted for being folded out of a plane of said tool flange (F). 
   
   
       11 . The blister pack of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one tool (T 1 , T 2 ) comprises at least one of said at least one blister segment ( 12 ) adapted for withstanding deformation when a force is applied thereto. 
   
   
       12 . The blister pack of  claim 11 , wherein said at least one blister segment ( 12 ) adapted for withstanding deformation comprises a blister flange (F) extending from at least a portion of a perimeter of said opening of said blister bubble ( 14 ), said blister flange (F) having at least two perimeter edges (E 2 /E 4 , E 1 /E 2 ) that intersect to form a puncturing member ( 32 ,  42 ) for puncturing said substrate ( 18 ) and wherein said blister flange (F) is adapted for withstanding deformation when a force is applied thereto. 
   
   
       13 . The blister pack of  claim 12 , wherein said blister flange (F) is adapted for withstanding deformation by said blister flange (F) further comprising a reinforcement member ( 34 ,  40 ). 
   
   
       14 . The blister pack of  claim 13 , wherein said reinforcement member comprises a protuberance ( 40 ) extending outwardly of a plane of said blister flange (F). 
   
   
       15 . The blister pack of  claim 13 , wherein said reinforcement member ( 34 ,  40 ) is disposed proximate said puncturing member ( 32 ,  42 ). 
   
   
       16 . The blister pack of  claim 17 , wherein said reinforcement member ( 34 ,  40 ) comprises a tab ( 34 ) foldably adjoined to said blister flange (F). 
   
   
       17 . The blister pack of  claim 16 , wherein said tab ( 34 ) is adapted for being folded out of a plane of said blister flange (F).