Method for guided tearing of pouch laminate to enable product removal

Abstract

The present invention provides a safe and effective package for housing a dosage, which is easily opened by a user yet provides a secure and contaminant-free environment for the dosage housed within. The package may include a guided tear condition extending along at least one edge of the package, allowing a user to safely and effectively open the package without risk of compromising the dosage housed therein. In some embodiments, the dosage is a substantially flat dosage, such as a film.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tearable package for a dosage form comprising:
 (a) A first layer having a first inside layer and a first outside layer, said first inside layer comprising a first protective material and said first outside layer comprising a first laminate material;   (b) A second layer having a second inside layer and a second outside layer, said second inside layer comprising a second protective material and said second outside layer comprising a second laminate material; and   (c) A guided tear condition along a portion of at least one edge of said first outside layer;   said first and second layers being overlaid with each other such that said first protective material and said second protective material are in contact and sealed together at a perimetrical sealing region, said fused layers defining a compartment there between for housing a dosage form.   
     
     
         2 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said first protective material comprises a foil material. 
     
     
         3 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said second protective material comprises a foil material. 
     
     
         4 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said second protective material comprises a clear polymeric material. 
     
     
         5 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second protective materials are the same material. 
     
     
         6 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second protective materials are different materials. 
     
     
         7 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second protective materials are capable of being sealed to each other. 
     
     
         8 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said first laminate material comprises plastic. 
     
     
         9 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said second laminate material comprises plastic. 
     
     
         10 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said perimetrical sealing region creates a compartment between said first and second layers. 
     
     
         11 . The package of  claim 10 , wherein said compartment is sized to fit said dosage form. 
     
     
         12 . The package of  claim 10 , wherein said compartment is sized to fit a substantially flat dosage form. 
     
     
         13 . The package of  claim 10 , wherein said guided tear condition extends into at least a portion of said compartment. 
     
     
         14 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said guided tear condition extends at least a portion of a length of a second edge of said first outside layer. 
     
     
         15 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said guided tear condition is selected from the group consisting of a series of perforations, indentations, deformations, scorings and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said guided tear condition is disposed in the first outside layer, while the first inside layer is free of said guided tear condition. 
     
     
         17 . The package of  claim 1 , comprising a second guided tear condition extending along a portion of at least one edge of said second outside layer. 
     
     
         18 . The package of  claim 17 , wherein said second guided tear condition is disposed in the second outside layer, while the second inside layer is free of said second guided tear condition. 
     
     
         19 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said guided tear condition is formed via a laser. 
     
     
         20 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second layers are sealed together in a non-peelable fashion.