Blister packages containing active ingredients and methods of making and using same - Patents.com

Abstract

A blister pack comprising a backing and an active layer coextensively attached to the backing. A cover is attached to the layer. The cover forms one or more spaced apart blisters. Each blister and the layer combine to form a cavity configured to enclose at least one product. The active layer within each blister is embossed to form one or more weakened points configured to facilitate rupture of the backing and active layer upon dispensing of a product from the blister.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 201,621, entitled "BLISTER PACKAGES CONTAINING ACTIVE MATERIAL AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME," filed May 6, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

[0002] The technology of this disclosure relates to blister packages for solid dose products, such as one or more pills, tablets, capsules, etc. Each package has a cover, which may optionally be formed of a thermoformed material, bonded to a backing, which may optionally include an aluminum foil component. [Background technology]

[0003] Blister packaging is commonly used to package oral solid dose medicines, vitamins, probiotics, pills, tablets, capsules, etc. Prior art packaging includes a thermoformed material that holds the product and a foil attached to the open side to enclose the product. Blister packaging or "blister packs" are typically used by both pharmaceutical companies and smaller medical facilities. Blister packs are also manufactured by companies in the industry that provide the package or its components in an unfilled form for filling by a third party.

[0004] It is known to place an extruded film of a desiccant or scavenger in a blister pack. The size and shape of the extruded film of desiccant or scavenger, sometimes referred to as the footprint of the film, in the prior art is typically at least slightly smaller than the opening of the blister containing the product.

[0005] One prior art blister package having a desiccant film is disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,279,736 (Hekal), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0006] It is also known to attach active ingredients of specific sizes, including desiccants or scavengers, etc., to the backing of the blister pack within each blister of the blister package (e.g., via heat staking). One such blister package is disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2020 / 0016034 (Voellmicke), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0007] In the prior art, blister packs containing actives would typically have the actives cut and placed on a portion of the base of each blister cavity. In this way, the cover would seal directly to the backing without having an intermediate layer of active film sandwiched between the backing and the cover. This configuration can be considered beneficial to ensure a moisture or gas tight seal to protect the product in each blister cavity. On the other hand, the process requires specialized equipment such as a film application module that would be needed to precisely cut and place a piece of film into the backing at the location of each blister. Some filler and packaging manufacturers cannot fit or justify the cost of such equipment and processes in their packaging lines. Also, production in this manner is more time consuming. Thus, there is a need to increase speed and efficiency while lowering the cost of producing blister packs with active film in each blister. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The techniques of this disclosure fulfill the above needs.

[0009] In one aspect, the disclosed concepts include a composite including a backing and an active layer coextensively attached to the backing, the active layer being embossed to form one or more points of weakness. Optionally, the active layer has a thickness, and the one or more points of weakness extend through at least a portion of the thickness, but not into the backing.

[0010] In another aspect, the disclosed concept includes a blister pack made in part from the composite described herein. The blister pack further includes a cover attached to the active layer, the cover forming one or more spaced apart blisters. A portion of the active layer in each blister defines an active layer bed, and the active layer bed and the blister combine to form a cavity configured to enclose at least one product. The active layer bed comprises one or more points of weakness. Optionally, the active layer bed and the blister contact to form a periphery, and the one or more points of weakness are located at or adjacent to the periphery. Optionally, the active layer bed and a portion of the backing below the active layer bed form an openable portion of the composite. The one or more points of weakness are configured to rupture the openable portion of the composite in response to application of sufficient force in the cavity in a direction toward the active layer bed, thereby allowing a user to remove the product from the cavity.

[0011] Optionally, in any embodiment of the blister pack, the backing is formed of a foil.

[0012] Optionally, in any embodiment of the blister pack, the cover is formed of a thermoplastic.Optionally, the cover is formed of at least one of a thermoformed film and clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0013] Optionally, in any embodiment of the blister pack, the active layer comprises at least one of a desiccant and an oxygen scavenger.

[0014] Optionally, in any embodiment of the blister pack, the active layer comprises a substrate in the form of a thermoplastic polymer (an inclusion polymer) having an active agent dispersed therein, optionally with a channeling agent.

[0015] In another aspect, the disclosed concept includes a method of making a composite. The method includes attaching a layer including an active agent to a foil backing and embossing the layer to form one or more weakened points therein. Optionally, the one or more weakened points extend through at least a portion of the thickness of the layer, but not into the backing. Optionally, the layer is heated during embossing. Preferably, the active layer is coextensive with the foil backing. In an optional aspect of this method, the layer is embossed as the composite enters between two adjacent rollers of a roll stack, a first roller having one or more spaced apart raised dies for embossing a portion of the layer with one or more weakened points, and a second roller having a smooth surface.

[0016] In another aspect, the disclosed concepts include a method of dispensing product from any of the embodiments of the blister packs described herein, in which a user applies sufficient force in a direction toward the active layer bed within the cavity such that one or more weakened points pierce and rupture the openable portion of the composite, allowing product to exit the blister through the openable portion of the composite. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the disclosed technology, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosed technology, there are shown in the drawings various exemplary embodiments. It will be understood, however, that the disclosed technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a composite prior to embossing in accordance with one aspect of the disclosed concepts. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the composite of FIG. 1 being embossed according to one embodiment of the disclosed concepts. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roll stack according to one embodiment of the disclosed technology. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the composite of FIG. 1 being fed between two rollers of the roll stack of FIG. 3 to form the composite of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a top view of an optional blister pack according to one aspect of the disclosed concepts. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 6-6 in FIG. 5, showing a blister cavity of the blister pack of FIG. 5. [Figure 7A] 7 shows the blister cavity of FIG. 6 partially occupied by an orally administered product and sequentially illustrates how the openable portion of the blister complex is ruptured to dispense the product. [Figure 7B] 7 shows the blister cavity of FIG. 6 partially occupied by an orally administered product and sequentially illustrates how the openable portion of the blister complex is ruptured to dispense the product. [Figure 7C] 7 shows the blister cavity of FIG. 6 partially occupied by an orally administered product and sequentially illustrates how the openable portion of the blister complex is ruptured to dispense the product. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Although the systems, devices, and methods are described herein as examples and embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments or drawings. On the contrary, the technology of the present disclosure encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Features of any one embodiment disclosed herein can be omitted or incorporated into another embodiment.

[0020] Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the specification or the claims. As used herein, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning to have the possibility) rather than a mandatory sense (i.e., meaning to have to). Unless specifically stated herein, the terms "a," "an," and "the" are not limited to one element, but should instead be read to mean "at least one." The terminology includes the above words, derivatives thereof, and words of similar meaning.

[0021] A blister pack according to one aspect of the disclosed concept may include a backing made from a composite comprising at least two layers and a cover attached to the composite. Referring now in detail to the various figures, in which like reference numbers refer to like parts throughout, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an unfinished composite 10 that may be used as a component of a blister pack according to the disclosed concept when further processed according to the methods disclosed herein. The composite 10 is a multi-layer structure including at least two layers, namely, a backing 12 and an active layer 14 coextensively attached to the backing 12. The backing 12 and active layer 14 may be attached, for example, through heat staking or lamination. The process of heat staking an active film onto a substrate is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 8,142,603, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. The active layer 14 is configured to maintain the quality or stability of a product stored within a blister of the blister pack, as discussed further below. By attaching the active layer 14 coextensively with the backing 12, the need for precise cutting and placement of active film strips onto the backing (e.g., as described in the prior art) is eliminated, simplifying the process of forming the blister pack.

[0022] Optionally, active layer 14 can be in the form of an extruded film, such as a desiccant-entrained polymeric film or an oxygen scavenger-entrained polymeric film. Optionally, active layer 14 can be in the form of a rectangular or square piece of film that mimics or matches at least the shape and / or size of backing 12, such that the two materials are coextensive with one another. However, active layer 14 is not limited to the particular sizes, shapes, and / or configurations shown and described herein, as it can, for example, adopt other shapes.

[0023] Optionally, the active layer 14 contains a desiccant. This would be an embodiment where moisture absorption is desired. However, if moisture absorption is not desired, the active layer 14 may contain one or more alternative activators. For example, in another embodiment, the active layer 14 contains a material selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, carbon black, Ketchum black, and diamond powder. In a further embodiment, the activator comprising one or more sublayers or components of the active layer 14 contains materials such as absorbing particulates, BaTiO3, SrTiO3, SiO2, Al2O3, ZnO, TiO2, MnO, CuO, Sb2O3, silica, calcium oxide, and ion exchange resins. In yet another embodiment, the absorbing or adsorbing agent comprising sublayers of the active layer 14 contains two or more types of absorbing or adsorbing agents. A suitable absorbing or adsorbing agent is selected to achieve the absorption or adsorption of the desired vapor or gas for the desired end use (e.g., the absorption or adsorption of moisture, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other undesirable gases or vapors).

[0024] The active layer 14 (whether containing a desiccant, oxygen scavenger, releasing material or drug, or the like, or a combination thereof) can act on, interact with, or react with a selected material (e.g., moisture or oxygen). Examples of such action or interaction can include absorption, adsorption (generally sorption), or release of the selected material.

[0025] The active layer 14 can include an active agent dispersed in a substrate. The active agent (i) can be incompatible with the substrate (e.g., polymer) and does not melt when mixed and heated with the base polymer and optional channeling agent, i.e., has a melting point higher than the melting point of either the base polymer or the channeling agent, and / or (ii) acts on, interacts with, or reacts with a selected material. The term "active agent" can include, but is not limited to, a material that absorbs, adsorbs, or releases a selected material. An active agent according to the disclosed technology can be in the form of particles, such as minerals (e.g., molecular sieves or silica gel in the case of desiccants), but the disclosed technology should not be considered limited to only particulate active agents. For example, in some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging formulation can be made from a resin that functions as an activator or as a component of the activator.

[0026] As used herein, the term "substrate" is a component (preferably a polymer) of an incorporated active material, other than the active agent, that provides structure to the incorporated material.

[0027] As used herein, the term "base polymer" refers to a polymer in which the gas transmission rate of the selected material is, optionally, substantially lower than or substantially equal to the gas transmission rate of the channeling agent. By way of example, such transmission rate is the water vapor transmission rate in embodiments in which the selected material is moisture and the active agent is a moisture absorbing or adsorbing desiccant. The main function of the base polymer is to provide a structure for the incorporated polymer. Suitable base polymers may include thermoplastic polymers, for example, polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polybutene, polysiloxane, polycarbonate, polyamide, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-methacrylate copolymer, poly(vinyl chloride), polystyrene, polyester, polyanhydride, polyacrylianitrile, polysulfone, polyacrylate, acrylic acid, polyurethane, and polyacetal, or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

[0028] With reference to such a comparison of the moisture vapor transmission rates of the base polymer and the channeling agent, in one embodiment, the channeling agent has a moisture vapor transmission rate that is at least twice that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a moisture vapor transmission rate that is at least 5 times that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a moisture vapor transmission rate that is at least 10 times that of the base polymer. In yet another embodiment, the channeling agent has a moisture vapor transmission rate that is at least 20 times that of the base polymer. In yet another embodiment, the channeling agent has a moisture vapor transmission rate that is at least 50 times that of the base polymer. In yet another embodiment, the channeling agent has a moisture vapor transmission rate that is at least 100 times that of the base polymer.

[0029] As used herein, the term "channeling agent" or "channeling agents" is defined as a material that is immiscible with a base polymer and has an affinity to transport gas phase substances at a faster rate than the base polymer. Optionally, the channeling agent, when formed by mixing the base polymer with the channeling agent, can form channels through the entrained polymer. Optionally, such channels are capable of allowing a selected material to permeate through the entrained polymer at a faster rate than through the base polymer alone. Preferably, the channeling agent is a polymeric material.

[0030] As used herein, the term "channel" or "interconnected channels" is defined as passages formed by a channeling agent that can penetrate the base polymer and interconnect with one another.

[0031] As used herein, the term "contaminated polymer" is defined as a monolithic material formed from a base polymer having at least an active agent, and optionally a channeling agent as well, mixed or distributed throughout. Thus, contaminated polymers include two-phase and three-phase polymers. A "mineral-filled polymer" is a type of contaminated polymer in which the active agent is in the form of a mineral, e.g., a mineral particle such as a molecular sieve or silica gel. The term "contaminated material" is used herein to mean a monolithic material that includes an active agent mixed into a substrate, which may or may not be a polymer.

[0032] As used herein, the terms "monolithic," "monolithic structure," or "monolithic composition" are defined as a composition or material that is not composed of two or more separate macroscopic layers or portions. As such, "monolithic composition" does not include multilayer composites.

[0033] As used herein, the term "phase" is defined as a part or component of a monolithic structure or composition that is uniformly distributed throughout so as to give the structure or composition its monolithic character.

[0034] As used herein, the term "selected material" is defined as a material that can act on, be acted upon by, or interact or react with the active agent and transmit through the channels of the entrained polymer. For example, in embodiments where a desiccant is used as the active agent, the selected material may be moisture or gas that can be absorbed by the desiccant. In embodiments where an emissive material is used as the active agent, the selected material may be an agent that is released by the emissive material, such as moisture, a fragrance, or an antimicrobial agent (e.g., chlorine dioxide). In embodiments where an adsorbent material is used as the active agent, the selected material may be certain volatile organic compounds, and the adsorbent material may be activated carbon.

[0035] As used herein, the term "three-phase" is defined as a monolithic composition or structure that includes three or more phases. An example of a three-phase composition according to the disclosed technology would be a mixed polymer formed from a base polymer, an active agent, and a channeling agent. Optionally, the three-phase composition or structure may include an additional phase, such as a colorant.

[0036] The mixed polymer can be a two-phase blend (i.e., a base polymer and an active agent, without a channeling agent), or a three-phase blend (i.e., a base polymer, an active agent, and a channeling agent). Mixed polymers are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,911,937, 6,080,350, 6,124,006, 6,130,263, 6,194,079, 6,214,255, 6,486,231, 7,005,459, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0039955, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0037] The entrapped material or polymer includes a matrix (e.g., a polymer) to provide structure, and optionally a channeling agent and an active agent. The channeling agent forms microscopic interconnected channels through the entrapped polymer. At least a portion of the active agent is contained within these channels such that the channels communicate between the active agent and the outside of the entrapped polymer through the microscopic channel openings formed in the outer surface of the entrapped polymer. The active agent can be, for example, any one of a variety of absorbing, adsorbing, or releasing materials, as described in more detail below. Although a channeling agent is preferred for many applications, the present invention broadly includes entrapped materials, e.g., two-phase polymers, that optionally do not include a channeling agent.

[0038] In any embodiment, suitable channeling agents may include polyglycols such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), glycerin polyamines, polyurethanes, and polycarboxylic acids including polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid. Alternatively, the channeling agent may be a water insoluble polymer such as propylene oxide polymerisate-monobutyl ether, such as Polyglykol B01 / 240 from CLARIANT. In other embodiments, the channeling agent may be propylene oxide polymerisate-monobutyl ether, such as Polyglykol B01 / 20 from CLARIANT, propylene oxide polymerisate, such as Polyglykol D01 / 240 from CLARIANT, ethylene vinyl acetate, nylon 6, nylon 66, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0039] Suitable active agents according to the technology of the present disclosure include absorbent materials such as desiccant compounds. When the active agent is a desiccant, any desiccant suitable for a given application may be used. Typically, physical absorption desiccants are preferred for many applications. These may include molecular sieves, silica gel, clay, and starch. Alternatively, the desiccant may be a chemical compound that forms crystals containing water, or a compound that reacts with water to form a new compound.

[0040] Optionally, in any embodiment, the activator may be an oxygen scavenger, for example, an oxygen scavenging resin formulation.

[0041] 2, once composite 10 has undergone further processing (non-limiting examples of which are disclosed below), active layer 14 includes one or more points of weakness 18. Optionally, active layer 14 has a thickness 16, and one or more points of weakness 18 extend through at least a portion of thickness 16, but not through the entire thickness 16 and do not extend into backing 12. In other words, one or more points of weakness 18 optionally extend through a portion, but not the entire thickness 16. Alternatively, one or more points of weakness 18 can extend through the entire thickness 16, but still not extend into backing 12.

[0042] The one or more weakened points 18 in the active layer 14 may be formed by embossing the active layer 14. Optionally, when viewed from above, the one or more weakened points 18 may form, for example, a circle. Embossing the active layer 14 to form the one or more weakened points 18 may optionally be performed using a roll stack 20, such as that shown in FIG. 3. The roll stack 20 includes a frame 26 to which two or more rollers are rotatably fixed. For example, the roll stack 20 may include two adjacent rollers, one of which is a first roller 22 and the other of which is a second roller 24. In the embodiment shown, the first roller 22 is located above the second roller 24, but it is also within the scope of the disclosed concept for the first roller to be located below or otherwise immediately adjacent to the second roller, regardless of the orientation. Thus, the first roller 22 and the second roller 24 are vertically adjacent to each other with only a narrow gap 30 between them. Optionally, narrow gap 30 is less than 5 mm, optionally less than 4 mm, optionally less than 3 mm, optionally less than 2 mm, optionally less than 1 mm, optionally between 0.2 mm and 2 mm, optionally between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm. Each roller 22, 24 is rotatably mounted on a spindle 28 fixed to frame 26. Either or both rollers 22, 24 may be driven by a motor that causes them to rotate about their respective central axes. Preferably, rollers 22, 24 rotate in opposite directions. For example, first roller 22 may rotate clockwise and second roller 24 may rotate counterclockwise.

[0043] Optionally, the step of embossing active layer 14 may cause one portion thereof, such as where blisters will be located, to have a greater thickness or height than one or more other portions, such as outside the area where blisters will be located or created. The greater thickness or height may be created by displacement of material of active layer 14.

[0044] 3 and 4, the first roller 22 optionally includes a plurality of spaced apart weakened point formations in the form of raised dies 32, and the second roller 24 optionally has a smooth surface. Each raised die 32 may be sized, shaped, and / or configured to form one or more weakened points 18, as described in detail above. The configuration or layout of the raised dies 32 may be modified or designed to create a particular size, shape, and / or configuration of one or more weakened points 18. The configuration shown in FIG. 4 is exemplary and non-limiting.

[0045] In one embodiment, each raised die 32 is a protrusion or indentation extending outwardly or inwardly from the outer surface of the first roller 22. In another optional embodiment, each raised die 32 is in the form of a continuous ring extending outwardly (e.g., radially) from the outer surface of the first roller 22. Optionally, one or more of the raised dies 32 are circular, rectangular, or oval in shape. However, the size, shape, and / or configuration of each raised die can be modified to create one or more weakened points 18, as desired.

[0046] In operation, the composite 10 is fed through the narrow gap 30 with the active layer 14 facing the first roller 22 and the backing 12 facing the second roller. Each roller 22, 24 rotates in an opposite direction to the other, e.g., the first roller 22 rotates clockwise while the second roller 24 rotates counterclockwise to feed the composite 10 in a right-to-left direction. It is contemplated that the composite 10 can alternatively be fed in the opposite direction, i.e., left-to-right. In either case, the composite 10 is fed into the inlet of the narrow gap 30, sandwiched between the rollers 22, 24 during embossing, and dispensed through the outlet of the narrow gap 30. As the composite 10 is fed through the narrow gap 30, the raised stamp 32 penetrates at least a portion of the active layer 14, thereby embossing and creating the weakened points 18 in the active layer 14, as described above. Thus, the composite 10 prior to entering the narrow gap 30 is in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and the composite 10 after being dispensed through the outlet of the narrow gap 30 is in the configuration shown in FIG.

[0047] Optionally, in any embodiment, the active layer 14 is heated during embossing to soften the active layer 14 and allow the raised die 32 to penetrate portions thereof more easily. Heating may also allow the active layer 14 to remain consistent in thickness on either side of the weakened points 18.

[0048] Optionally, in any embodiment, backing 12 is a foil backing. Preferably, in any embodiment, active layer 14 is coextensive with foil backing 12.

[0049] 5 and 6, an exemplary blister pack 40 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept is shown. The blister pack 40 can enclose, maintain, and protect one or more products, such as oral solid dose medicines, vitamins or other dietary supplements, foods, small consumer goods, probiotics, and the like. Such products may be in the form of pills, e.g., tablets, capsules, and the like. The blister pack 40 includes the composite 10 as a base and a cover 42 attached to the active layer 14 side of the composite 10. The cover 42 forms one or more spaced apart blisters 44. Optionally, each blister 44 can have at least a partial oval or bulbous shape. Optionally, the cover 42 is made or formed from a formable web. In one embodiment, the formable web is made from a thermoplastic material, such as a thermoformed film. Optionally, the cover 42 can be formed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can be transparent or opaque.

[0050] A portion of the active layer 14 within each blister 44 defines an active layer bed 46. The active layer bed 46 and the blister 44 combine together to form a cavity 48 for enclosing at least one product, such as a solid dosage form, tablet, capsule, or gelcap. The active layer 14 can optionally be configured to contribute to the maintenance of the product in each blister 44. For example, the active layer 14 can be configured to absorb and / or adsorb and / or release materials designed to maintain and / or extend the shelf life of the product in each blister 44. The active layer bed 46 includes and / or is surrounded by one or more points of weakness 18. For each blister 44, the active layer bed 46 and the portion of the cover 42 forming the blister 44 contact to form a perimeter 50. Optionally, the one or more points of weakness 18 are located at or adjacent to the perimeter 50.

[0051] In each blister 44, the active layer bed 46 and a portion of the backing 12 beneath the active layer bed 46 form an openable portion 52 of the composite 10. The one or more weakened points 18 are configured to rupture the openable portion 52 of the composite 10 in response to application of sufficient force within the cavity 48 in a direction toward the active layer bed 46, thereby allowing a user to remove the product from the cavity 48.

[0052] Optionally, in any embodiment of blister pack 40, backing 12 is a foil, a plastic material, and / or paperboard. Optionally, in any embodiment of blister pack 40, cover 42 is formed of a thermoplastic material. Optionally, in any embodiment of blister pack 40, cover 42 is formed of at least one of a thermoformed film and clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Optionally, in any embodiment of blister pack 40, active layer 14 includes at least one of a desiccant, an oxygen scavenger, and a humectant. Optionally, in any embodiment of blister pack 40, each cavity 48 includes at least two spaced apart weakened points.

[0053] At one or more weakened points 18 that penetrate at least a portion of the thickness 16 of the active layer 14, but do not extend into the backing 12, the openable portion 52 is desirably susceptible to failure upon application of sufficient deliberate force, but because the backing remains entirely intact until it is time to dispense the product, the blister 44 maintains its closure integrity to enclose and substantially seal the product and protect it from the surrounding environment.

[0054] Optionally, the one or more points of weakness 18 is a single continuous groove extending at or near the periphery 50. In an alternative embodiment, the groove of the one or more points of weakness 18 is intermittent or interrupted by one or more non-embossed sections. In another alternative embodiment, the one or more points of weakness 18 is two or more spaced apart points.

[0055] In one optional embodiment, the disclosed concepts relate to a method of making the blister pack 40, the method comprising: Providing a complex 10; providing a thermoformed cover 42 including a plurality of blisters 44; placing a product in each blister 44; · attaching a cover 42 to the active layer 14, thereby enclosing the product within each of the plurality of blisters 44.

[0056] In accordance with the above-described method, the one or more weakened points 18 are configured to rupture an openable portion 52 of the composite 10 in response to application of sufficient force within or towards the cavity 48 and toward the active layer bed 46, thereby allowing a user to remove the product from the cavity 48.

[0057] Optionally, cover 42 is attached or adhered to the top surface of active layer 14, for example, by hot or cold forming, or by ultrasonic welding or adhesion. In one embodiment, energy can be applied from above through cover 42 to attach cover 42 to active layer 14. Optionally, vibration can be applied to cover 42 to generate heat to attach cover 42 to active layer 14.

[0058] 7A-7C, the blister pack of FIGS. 5 and 6 is shown with a product 54 stored within the blister 44. FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate a method for dispensing the product 54. Optionally, the product 54 is a pill that is one of a medicine, a dietary supplement, or a probiotic. According to the illustrated method for dispensing the product 54, a user applies sufficient force in a direction toward the active layer bed 46 within the cavity 48, such that one or more of the weakened points 18 pierce and rupture the openable portion 52 of the composite 10. For example, the user may press their thumb 56 against the cover 42 on the blister 44, thereby applying a force 58 to the product 54 contained within the blister 44 in the direction of the active layer bed 46. This causes the product 54 to transfer the applied force against the active layer bed 46, which begins to fracture the composite 10 at and around one or more weakened points 18 (FIG. 7B) until the openable portion 52 ruptures (FIG. 7C), thereby allowing the product 54 to exit the blister 44 through the openable portion 52. In this manner, the product 54 may be dispensed.

[0059] Optionally, backing 12 can have a first side or surface and an opposite second side or surface. Optionally, at least the first side of backing 12 is flat or planar. In one embodiment, each of the first and second sides of backing 12 is flat or planar, such that each of the first and second sides extend in planes that are at least slightly spaced apart.

[0060] Optionally, the active layer bed 46 may have a thickness that is consistent with the thickness of the surrounding portions of the active layer 14. This may be accomplished, for example, by embossing the active layer at an elevated temperature so that the material of the layer can reach an even distribution or equilibrium during embossing and the formation of the weakened points. Optionally, the layer is melted during the embossing process and the material of the active layer is mobile enough to achieve equilibrium or consistency in height or thickness.

[0061] Alternatively, the active layer bed 46 may have a thickness that is greater than the surrounding portions of the active layer 14. This may be accomplished, for example, by embossing the active layer at room temperature or at least well below the melting point of the material.

[0062] The techniques of the present disclosure advantageously allow for the manufacture of blister packs having active materials, such as active films (such as desiccant polymers), within each blister without the need to separately cut and place each piece of film within each blister.

[0063] The following exemplary embodiments further describe optional aspects of the disclosed technology and are part of the detailed description. These exemplary embodiments are not strictly claims of this application, but are presented in a form substantially similar to claims. The following exemplary embodiments are referenced to each other in a dependent relationship as "embodiments" instead of "claims."

[0064] 1A. A preparative method for forming a blister pack, comprising embossing a layer containing an active agent. 2A. The method of embodiment 1A, wherein heat is applied during embossing. 3A. The method of embodiment 1A or 2A, wherein the embossing allows a user to remove the product from the blister of the plaster pack. 4A. The method of any one of embodiments 1A-3A, wherein the foil backing is laminated to the layer. 5A. The method of any one of embodiments 1A-4A, wherein the cover is thermoformed or cold formed into the layer.

[0065] 1B. A blister pack comprising an embossed layer between a cover and a foil backing, the layer comprising an active agent configured to maintain a product retained in a blister of the blister pack. 2B. The blister pack of embodiment 1B, wherein the embossing is performed by protrusions on the rollers of a stack roll stand.

[0066] 1C. A layer of a blister pack containing a two-phase formulation, the layer being embossed. 2C. The layer of embodiment 1C, wherein embossing is performed at ambient temperature. 3C. The layer of embodiment 1C, wherein the embossing is performed at an elevated temperature or at a predetermined temperature.

[0067] 1D. A composite for making a blister pack for holding a pharmaceutical product, comprising: Backing and a backing having a first surface and a second surface; and an active layer coextensively attached to the backing, the active layer being embossed to form one or more points of weakness.

[0068] 1F. A method of making a composite for making a blister pack for holding a pharmaceutical product, comprising: applying a layer containing an active agent to a foil backing; embossing the layer to form one or more weakened points therein; The method wherein the layer and the foil backing are coextensive.

[0069] Although the technology of the present disclosure has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It is therefore understood that the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but is intended to encompass modifications within the spirit and scope of the technology of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Backing and an active layer coextensively attached to said backing, said active layer being embossed to form one or more points of weakness.

2. 10. The composite of claim 1, wherein the active layer has a thickness and the one or more weakened points extend through at least a portion of the thickness but not into the backing.

3. A composite according to claim 1; a cover attached to the active layer of the composite, wherein the cover forms one or more spaced apart blisters, a portion of the active layer in each blister defining an active layer bed, the active layer bed and the blisters combining to form a cavity configured to enclose at least one product, and the active layer bed including the one or more weakened points.

4. 4. The blister pack of claim 3, wherein the active layer bed and the blister are in contact to form a periphery, and the one or more points of weakness are located at or adjacent to the periphery.

5. 4. The blister pack of claim 3, wherein the active layer bed and a portion of the backing beneath the active layer bed form an openable portion of the composite, and the one or more weakened points are configured to rupture the openable portion of the composite in response to application of sufficient force in a direction toward the active layer bed within the cavity, thereby allowing a user to remove the product from the cavity.

6. The blister pack of claim 3, wherein the backing is formed of a foil.

7. The blister pack of claim 3 , wherein the cover is formed from a thermoplastic material.

8. 8. The blister pack of claim 7, wherein the cover is formed from at least one of a thermoformed film and clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

9. 4. The blister pack of claim 3, wherein the active layer comprises at least one of a desiccant and an oxygen scavenger.

10. The blister pack of claim 3 , wherein the layer comprises a substrate in the form of a thermoplastic polymer.

11. 11. The blister pack of claim 10, wherein the substrate is a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polybutene, polysiloxane, polycarbonate, polyamide, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-methacrylate copolymer, poly(vinyl chloride), polystyrene, polyester, polyanhydride, polyacrylianitrile, polysulfone, polyacrylic ester, acrylic acid, polyurethane, polyacetal, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

12. The blister pack of claim 3 , wherein the cavity includes at least two spaced apart weakened points.

13. 4. The blister pack of claim 3, wherein the cavity encloses the product, and the product is a pill that is one of a medicine, a dietary supplement, or a probiotic.

14. 1. A method of making a complex, comprising: applying a layer containing an active agent to a foil backing; and embossing the layer to form one or more weakened points therein.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the one or more weakened points extend through at least a portion of the thickness of the layer but do not extend into the backing.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the layer is heated during embossing.

17. The method of claim 14 , wherein the layer is coextensive with the foil backing.

18. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the layer is embossed as the composite enters between two adjacent rollers of a roll stack, a first roller having one or more spaced apart raised dies for embossing a portion of the layer with one or more weakened points and a second roller having a smooth surface.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more raised dies are circular, elliptical, oval, or rectangular in shape.

20. 1. A method of making a blister pack, comprising the steps of: Providing a composite produced according to the method of any one of claims 14 to 18; providing a thermoformed cover including a plurality of blisters; placing a product in each blister of said cover; and adhering the cover to the layer, thereby enclosing the product within each of the plurality of blisters; wherein the one or more weakened points are configured to rupture an openable portion of the composite in response to application of sufficient force in a direction toward an active layer bed within the cavity, thereby allowing a user to remove the product from the cavity.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the layer is coextensive with the backing.

22. The method of claim 20 , wherein the layer is coextensive with the cover.

23. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the embossing is performed using one or more dies disposed on a first roll of a stack roll stand.

24. The method of claim 20 wherein the layer is heated during embossing.

25. A method of dispensing a product from a blister pack according to any one of claims 3 to 13, comprising a user applying sufficient force in a direction towards the active layer bed within the cavity such that the one or more weakened points pierce and rupture the openable portion of the composite, allowing the product to exit the blister through the openable portion of the composite.

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