Soft-sided flexible blister package

Abstract

A flexible package ( 10 ) is provided for a consumable product. The flexible package includes a pair of flexible packaging films ( 12, 14 ) for enclosing the product therebetween. The films are bonded together to define a perimeter seal for surrounding the product. One of the films may be rupturable so as to allow dispensing of the product through the film under manual pressure.

1 . A flexible package for a consumable product comprising:
 a pair of flexible packaging films for enclosing said product therebetween; and   said films being bonded together to define a perimeter seal for surrounding said product.   
     
     
         2 . A flexible package of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the flexible packaging films comprises a rupturable material to allow dispensing of said product therethrough under manual pressure. 
     
     
         3 . A flexible package of  claim 2  wherein at least a portion of said perimeter seal comprises a releaseable seal to allow dispensing of said product therethrough under manual pressure. 
     
     
         4 . A flexible package of  claim 3  wherein the majority of the perimeter seal comprises a releaseable seal. 
     
     
         5 . A flexible package of  claim 3  wherein perimeter seal comprises a releaseable seal portion and a non-releaseable seal portion. 
     
     
         6 . A flexible package of  claim 1  wherein said films define a plurality of said perimeter seals, each said perimeter seal for surrounding one of a plurality of said products. 
     
     
         7 . A flexible package of  claim 4  wherein said film comprises a perforation or line of weakness for enabling detachment of one said perimeter seal from the remaining perimeter seals. 
     
     
         8 . A flexible package of  claim 7  wherein said plurality of perimeter seals are arranged in at least one column and said releaseable seal portions of each said perimeter seal are longitudinally aligned with respect to adjacent compartments within the column. 
     
     
         9 . A flexible package of  claim 1  wherein said films are transparent. 
     
     
         10 . A flexible package of  claim 1  wherein the perimeter seal is formed by welding the films together. 
     
     
         11 . A consumable product package assembly comprising: a plurality of consumable products;
 a flexible package, said package defining plural product compartments each compartment enclosing at least one product of said plurality; and   each said compartment being defined by a perimetrical seal about said at least one product.   
     
     
         12 . An assembly of  claim 11  wherein the flexible package comprises at least one material which is rupturable to allow dispensing of said product through said portion. 
     
     
         13 . An assembly of  claim 11  wherein at least a portion of said perimetrical seal is releaseable to allow dispensing of said product through said portion. 
     
     
         14 . An assembly of  claim 11  wherein each said perimeter seal comprises a releaseable portion and a non-releaseable portion. 
     
     
         15 . An assembly of  claim 14  wherein each said component is separated by a perforation or line of weakness so as to permit detachment of one said component from the packaging assembly. 
     
     
         16 . An assembly of  claim 11  wherein said flexible package further comprises a pair of films bonded together to define said compartments. 
     
     
         17 . An assembly of  claim 15  wherein said perforation or line of weakness is positioned across said non-releasable portion. 
     
     
         18 . An assembly of  claim 15  wherein said perforation or line or weakness is positioned adjacent said non-releasable portion. 
     
     
         19 . An assembly of  claim 11  wherein the perimeter seal is formed by welding. 
     
     
         20 . A method of forming a product package comprising the step of:
 providing a first flexible film;   forming an open ended compartment in said sheet;   inserting a product in said compartment through said open end;   providing a second flexible film; and   positioning said second film over said first film so as to enclose said compartment.   
     
     
         21 . A method of  claim 20  wherein said providing steps include:
 providing said first and second flexible film from rolls. 
 
     
     
         22 . A method of  claim 20  wherein said forming step includes:
 applying a vacuum to one side of said first flexible film to form said open ended compartment. 
 
     
     
         23 . A method of  claim 20  further including the step of sealing said second film to said first film about said compartment. 
     
     
         24 . A method of  claim 23  wherein said sealing step further includes sealing said second film to said first film perimetrically about said compartment. 
     
     
         25 . A method of  claim 20  further including the step of placing an inert gas in said compartment. 
     
     
         26 . A method of  claim 25  wherein said inert gas is scented. 
     
     
         27 . A method of  claim 20  further including the step of placing a line of weakness in said film to permit rupturing of said film for dispensing of said product from said compartment.