Patent · US Expired

Deep draw package and system for making same, including apparatus and method

US5765345A · kind A · utility

17Cited by
16References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateSep 29, 1993
Grant dateJun 16, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 29, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB29L2009/00
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A system of the present invention includes a deep draw package enclosing a three dimensional item such as for example a blood collection tube or the like, and an apparatus and method for making the same. The deep draw package includes an upper film and a lower film each having a cavity formed therein, with the films sealingly joined together along the periphery of the cavities to form an item containing compartment therein. A tab member is provide along one edge of the films to facilitate opening of the package. The apparatus and method of the present invention include a number of sub-assemblies for providing an upper film and a lower film, forming cavities in the films, placing the item in one of the cavities, sealing the films together along the periphery of the cavities to form a continuous web and cutting the continuous web into strips having the desired number of packages formed therein. The sub-assembly for forming the cavities in the films includes a female die member, a male die member and a polymeric back-up plate to relieve stress during the formation of the cavities in the films.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.