METHOD FOR PACKAGING ARTICLES IN BUBBLE WRAP

Abstract

A method for packaging articles (1) in blister packs (P) comprising an accommodating part (2) which accommodates the article (1) and, once the article (1) has been accommodated, is closed by a strip (5) of material, wherein the accommodating part (2) is adapted, at least in part, to the article (1) which is to be packaged.

Claims

1. A method for packaging articles (1) in blister packs (P) comprising an accommodating part (2) which accommodates the article (1) and, once the article (1) has been accommodated, is closed by a strip (5) of material, wherein the accommodating part (2) is adapted, at least in part, to the article (1) which is to be packaged.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the accommodating part (2), together with the article (1) therein, is inserted into a tool, and the region of the accommodating part (2) above the article (1) is heated, whereupon, in the region of the accommodating part (2) around the article (1), the accommodating part (2) is vented from the inside or subjected to pressure from the outside, and a space for the article (1) therefore forms in the accommodating part (2), and said space for the article (1) is then closed by the strip (5) of material.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein, as it is being inserted into the tool, the accommodating part (2) has a sheet (7) placed beneath it or is retained in the accommodating part (2) by a sheet (7).

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sheet used is a strip of polyurethane.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the accommodating part (2) consists of an at least partially heatable plastics material.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the accommodating part (2) forms an accommodating space (3) for the article, which is encompassed by at least one partial rigid frame (4).

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein it is only the base (10) of the accommodating space (3), or a part of the same above the article (1), which is deformed following heating or once subjected to pressure.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the accommodating parts (2) are stacked.

9. An apparatus for implementing the method as claimed in claim 1, wherein two tool parts (6.1, 6.2) accommodate between them the accommodating part (2) with the article (1) inserted therein, wherein one tool part (6.1) has a heat dispenser, whereas the other tool part (6.2) is assigned a vacuum device.

10. An apparatus for implementing the method as claimed in claim 1, wherein two tool parts (6.1, 6.2) accommodate between them the accommodating part (2) with the article (1) inserted therein wherein one tool part has a heat and pressure dispenser.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Further advantages, features and details of the invention can be gathered from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawing, in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a blister pack; and

[0023] FIGS. 2 a)-c) show schematic illustrations of the method according to the invention for packaging articles in blister packs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] FIG. 1 shows an article 1, for example a pair of forceps, inserted into a blister pack P. The blister pack P here forms, in an accommodating part 2, an accommodating space 3 which is intended for accommodating the article 1 and, in many cases, may be of transparent configuration. Said accommodating space 3 is surrounded by a periphery 4, which is of flat and usually rigid design.

[0025] In order to allow better handling of such blister packs P, the periphery 4 requires, to a certain extent, sharp edges, so as to provide for automated packaging control. Said frame 4 also protects the product in the accommodating space 3. It should also be emphasized that such accommodating parts 2 are easily stackable

[0026] Once the article 1 has been inserted into the accommodating space 3 of the accommodating part 2 of the blister pack P, said accommodating space 3 is closed, usually sealed, by a strip of material. A plastic film, an aluminum foil or also cardboard is a recommended material to use for the strip 5. This is of secondary importance to the invention.

[0027] The method according to the invention for packaging the article 1 in the blister pack P takes place as follows:

[0028] According to FIG. 2a), the accommodating part 2 and the article 1 are transferred together into a skin tool 6.1, 6.2. It is also the case here that a sheet 7 is inserted between a lower tool part 6.2 and the article 1, or the accommodating part 2, said sheet 7 merely having the task of preventing the article 1 from dropping out of the accommodating part 2 when the accommodating part 2 is being removed from the tool once the article 1 has been inserted into the accommodating part 2.

[0029] It is also indicated that the lower tool part 6.2 has a venting bore 8, which is connected to a vacuum source (not shown specifically).

[0030] In the next method step according to FIG. 2b), the upper tool part 6.1 is moved toward the lower tool part 6.2 and, as indicated by arrows 9, a base 10 of the accommodating part 2 is subjected to heat. As a result, the accommodating part 2 is heated partially, that is to say only in the region of the base 10 or only in a sub-region of the base 10, and this allows said base to deform.

[0031] The accommodating space 3 is then evacuated through the venting bore 8 as a result of the vacuum being applied, wherein the base 10 of the accommodating part 2 deforms. It positions itself over the article 1 and encapsulates said article 1. So to speak, it replicates the article 1.

[0032] In a further method step, the tool 6.1, 6.2 is opened and the accommodating part 2, as indicated in FIG. 2c), is rotated. It is then possible for the sheet 7 to be removed or else to remain on the accommodating part 2. The accommodating space 3 is then closed by the strip 5 of material, said strip 5 of material being welded onto the frame 4 of the accommodating part 2. The article 1 is thus secured in the accommodating space 3.