U.S. patent application number 11/398391 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-21 for flexible multi-compartment packet and method for making the same.
Invention is credited to Michael K. Patrick, Jeffrey R. Speicher.
Application Number | 20060283728 11/398391 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36754631 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060283728 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patrick; Michael K. ; et
al. |
December 21, 2006 |
Flexible multi-compartment packet and method for making the
same
Abstract
Flexible, multi-compartment packets and methods for making the
same are described. One described packet includes a a flexible
front sheet, and a flexible back sheet having substantially the
same size and shape as the flexible front sheet, the flexible back
sheet joined to the flexible front sheet to form a peelable packet
having a first compartment and a second compartment. The first
compartment of the packet is configured to substantially contain a
material, and the second compartment is configured to contain at
least part of an applicator for applying the material. In one
described packet, the applicator has two ends and a shaft. The
first end is contained in the first compartment, the second end is
contained in the second compartment, and the seal between the first
and second compartments is formed around the shaft of the
applicator.
Inventors: |
Patrick; Michael K.;
(Greensboro, MD) ; Speicher; Jeffrey R.; (Madison,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KILPATRICK STOCKTON LLP
1001 WEST FOURTH STREET
WINSTON-SALEM
NC
27101
US
|
Family ID: |
36754631 |
Appl. No.: |
11/398391 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60669098 |
Apr 7, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/229 ;
206/219; 206/363 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/30 20130101;
B65D 75/54 20130101; A61M 35/006 20130101; B65D 75/5855 20130101;
B65D 77/245 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/229 ;
206/219; 206/363 |
International
Class: |
B65D 71/00 20060101
B65D071/00; B65D 25/08 20060101 B65D025/08 |
Claims
1. A flexible multi-compartment packet, comprising: a flexible
front sheet; and a flexible back sheet having substantially the
same size and shape as the flexible front sheet, the flexible back
sheet joined to the flexible front sheet to form a peelable packet
having a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the
first compartment is configured to substantially contain a material
and the second compartment is configured to contain at least part
of an applicator for applying the material.
2. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 1, wherein the
flexible front sheet and the flexible back sheet are part of a
single flexible sheet that has been folded to create the flexible
front sheet and flexible back sheet.
3. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 1, wherein the
flexible front sheet and flexible back sheet are joined by one or
more seals.
4. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 1, wherein, the
flexible front sheet comprises a first side and a second side,
which are parallel to one another, and a third and a fourth side,
which are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the first
side and the second side.
5. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 4, further
comprising a first seal extending between the corresponding first
and second sides of the front flexible sheet and the second
flexible sheet to form the first compartment.
6. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 5, wherein the
first seal resembles the letter "V."
7. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 1, wherein the
first and second compartment are substantially the same size.
8. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 1, wherein the
applicator extends from the second compartment into the first
compartment.
9. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 8, wherein the
applicator comprises a shaft and wherein a seal between the first
flexible sheet and second flexible sheet extends around the shaft
of the applicator.
10. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 9, wherein the
shaft comprises a first end and a second end, the first end at
least partially covered by a tip, the shaft extending from the
second compartment into the first compartment, the first end
contained within the first compartment, and the second end
contained in the second compartment.
11. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 10, wherein the
tip comprises at least one of cotton, foam, or rayon.
12. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 1, wherein the
material comprises one of a liquid, a gel, a solid, or a
powder.
13. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 1, wherein the
material comprises one of a burn ointment, a tooth whitener, or a
makeup product.
14. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 1, wherein the
applicator is completely contained within the second
compartment.
15. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 1, wherein the
applicator comprises one of a cotton ball, a gauze pad, foam pad,
or a sponge.
16. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 1, wherein the
flexible front sheet and the flexible back sheet comprise a
peelable film.
17. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 16, wherein the
peelable film comprises a lidding film.
18. A method of manufacturing a flexible multi-compartment packet,
the method comprising: partially sealing two layers of multilayered
film to create a first compartment and a second compartment, the
first compartment having a fill opening defined by the seal between
the first compartment and the second compartment; injecting a
material into the first compartment; sealing the two layers of
multilayered film to close the fill opening; inserting an
applicator into the second compartment; and completing the seal
between the two layers of multilayered film complete the
packet.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the applicator comprises a
shaft and further comprising before sealing the two layers of
multilayered film to close the fill opening, inserting a first end
of the applicator through the fill opening into the first
compartment and wherein sealing the two layers of multilayered film
to close the fill opening comprises sealing the two layers of
multilayered film across the shaft of the applicator.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein partially sealing the two
layers of multilayered film comprises folding the multilayered
film.
21. The method of claim 18, further comprising cutting the
multilayered film to complete the multi-compartment packet.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein cutting the multilayered film
to complete the multi-compartment packet comprises die cutting the
packet to form a pre-defined shape.
23. The method of claim 18, further comprising perforating the
packet.
24. The method of claim 18, further comprising cutting a hang hole
into the packet.
25. The method of claim 18, further comprising stamping a date on
the packet.
26. The method of claim 18, further comprising sterilizing the
packet.
27. The method of claim 18, wherein sealing the packet comprises
applying a metal tool to the packet.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the metal tool comprises two
surfaces, each of the two surfaces having a layer of rubber capable
of sealing the multilayer film around a shaft of an applicator.
29. A flexible multi-compartment packet, comprising: a flexible
front sheet; and a flexible back sheet having substantially the
same size and shape as the flexible front sheet, the flexible back
sheet joined to the flexible front sheet to form a peelable packet
having a first compartment and a second compartment, a surgical
instrument having a shaft, a first end, and a second end, the first
end contained in the first compartment and the second end contained
in the second compartment, and the shaft extending through a seal
between the first compartment and the second compartment.
30. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 29, wherein the
surgical instrument comprises an applicator.
31. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 30, wherein the
first end of the applicator comprises a tip.
32. The flexible multi-compartment packet of claim 31, wherein the
tip comprises at least one of cotton, foam, or rayon.
33. A method of manufacturing a flexible multi-compartment packet,
the method comprising: partially sealing two layers of multilayered
film to create a first compartment and a second compartment, the
first compartment having a fill opening defined by the seal between
the first compartment and the second compartment; inserting a
surgical instrument having a first end, a second end, and a shaft
through the fill opening such that the first end is in the first
compartment, and the second end is in the second compartment;
sealing the two layers of multilayered film around the shaft of the
surgical instrument to close the fill opening; and completing the
seal between the two layers of multilayered film complete the
packet.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein surgical instrument comprises
an applicator swab.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/669,098, entitled "FLEXIBLE MULTI-COMPARTMENT
PACKET," which was filed on Apr. 7, 2005 as attorney docket no.
51437-314886, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to product
packaging. The present invention relates more particularly to a
flexible, multi-compartment packet.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Peelable packages are utilized in a variety of consumer and
health-care applications. For example, breakfast bars are commonly
packaged in a peelable packet. Sterilized medical kits are also
often sealed in peelable package.
[0004] One use of peelable packages is for barrier lotion for the
treatment of bedsores. The conventional packet includes a swab and
the barrier lotion. When a caregiver opens the package, the lotion
often covers not only the applicator tip of the swab but the handle
as well. When the caregiver or the patient applies the barrier
lotion, the barrier lotion ends up on their fingers.
[0005] Often, a caregiver in a medical environment wears protective
gloves, obviating the problem of residue on their hands. However,
as these peelable packages become more prevalent, the consumer is
often the person applying the product in the packet. And the
consumer is unlikely to wear gloves.
[0006] One approach to avoiding this problem would be to maintain
the package in an upright position. However, maintaining the
package in an upright position is often not practical given the
shape and use of these packets.
[0007] Other types of packaging are used for liquids, gels, and
other materials that are applied with an applicator, such as a
swab. For instance, some of these products are packaged with an
applicator built into the cap. This approach avoids the problem of
spreading the product on the consumer's hands; however, each use of
the applicator brings with it a chance of contaminating the
product. For example, when a tooth-whitening product is used, each
time the tooth whitener is applied and the applicator is dipped
back in solution, germs from the consumer's mouth are transferred
into the solution.
[0008] Other packages include separately wrapped applicators. With
such a package, the consumer must take care not to lose the
applicators. Further, accurately predicting the number of
applicators that will be used may be difficult, resulting in too
many or too few applicators being supplied.
SUMMARY
[0009] An embodiment of the present invention provides a flexible,
multi-compartment packet and method for making the same. One
embodiment of the present invention comprises a flexible front
sheet, and a flexible back sheet having substantially the same size
and shape as the flexible front sheet, the flexible back sheet
joined to the flexible front sheet to form a peelable packet having
a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment
of the packet is configured to substantially contain a material,
and the second compartment is configured to contain at least part
of an applicator for applying the material. In one embodiment, the
applicator comprises two ends and a shaft, wherein the first end is
contained in the first compartment, the second end is contained in
the second compartment, and the seal between the first and second
compartments is formed around the shaft of the applicator.
[0010] These embodiments are mentioned not to limit or define the
invention, but to provide examples of embodiments of the invention
to aid understanding thereof. Embodiments are discussed in the
Detailed Description, and further description of the invention is
provided there. Advantages offered by the various embodiments of
the present invention may be further understood by examining this
specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention are better understood when the following Detailed
Description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible multi-compartment
packet according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line 1-1 of a
flexible multi-compartment packet similar to the one shown in FIG.
1 in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line 1-1 of another
flexible multi-compartment packet similar to the one shown in FIG.
1 in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a laid-open sterile
procedural kit according to one embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0016] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating one method for
manufacturing a flexible multi-compartment packet according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention provide a flexible
multi-compartment packet. Illustrative embodiments are described
below.
First Aid Packet
[0018] In one illustrative embodiment, a flexible multi-compartment
packet is configured to contain a liquid burn ointment and an
applicator swab. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible
multi-compartment packet in one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] The packet 100 shown comprises two sheets of multilayer
material, a first sheet 102 and a second sheet 104. The film shown
in FIG. 1 is a multi-layer, peelable, heat sealable film typically
used for lidding applications, such as those used on yogurt cups.
Other suitable films may be utilized by an embodiment of the
present invention, including any suitable peeling film.
[0020] The two sheets 102, 104 are formed into a packet and are
sealed at a first side 106, a second side 108, and a third side 110
by a form, fill, and seal machine. The two sheets 102, 104 are also
sealed between sides 106 and 108 at a point 112 along the sides to
form a first compartment 114. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
the seal 112 is in the shape of the letter "v." In other
embodiments, the seal 112 may take other shapes, such as a straight
or curved line between the sides 106, 108.
[0021] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first compartment 114
is configured to substantially contain a liquid, such as a burn
ointment. While the first compartment is configured to
substantially contain the liquid, some seepage may occur between
the first and second compartments. Other types of material,
including, for example, gels, solids, and powders, may also be
contained in the first compartment 114.
[0022] The first sheet 102 and second sheet 104 are also sealed at
a third seal 116, creating a second compartment 118. The seals 112,
116 on the packet 100 shown in FIG. 1 are peelable. In other words,
a consumer can pull the seals apart using a force.
[0023] The packet 100 shown in FIG. 1 also includes an applicator
swab (not shown). The swab includes a shaft with a cotton tip at
one end. The end of the swab with the cotton tip extends into the
first compartment. The other end of the swab is contained in the
second compartment 118. The shaft of the swab is sealed at seal
112, i.e., the seal 112 extends around the shaft. Seal 112 provides
a leak-proof seal around the shaft to contain the liquid burn
ointment in the first compartment. In such an embodiment, waste of
the burn ointment is kept to a minimum since the ointment is not
spread on the side of the swab to be grasped by a user. It may be
possible to use less material in the first compartment 114 than
would otherwise be necessary. Also, such packaging may avoid
compromising the sterility of the ointment by, for example,
transmitting bacteria along the swab.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line 1-1 of a
flexible multi-compartment packet similar to the one shown in FIG.
1 in one embodiment of the present invention. The packet 200
includes a front sheet 202 and a back sheet 204. The two sheets
202, 204 are sealed at a first side 206 and at a second point 208.
The seals 206, 208 form a first compartment 210. The sheets 202,
204 are also sealed at a second end 212, forming a second
compartment 214 between seal 212 and seal 208. As described above,
the seals 206, 208, and 212 are peelable seals. The peelable seals
may extend along the sides of the packet 200.
[0025] The packet 200 also includes an applicator swab 216. The
applicator swab 216 includes a shaft having a first end 218 and a
second end 220. The shaft may be of any suitable shape including
cylindrical or substantially flat. In some embodiments, a flat
shaft may be easier to seal around. Also, while the applicator swab
216 shown in FIG. 2 is in approximately the center of the packet
and aligned with the axis of the packet, in other embodiments the
applicator swab 216 may be off to one side or the other or diagonal
within the package.
[0026] The second end 220 of the applicator swab 216 shown in FIG.
2 includes a cotton tip 222. Although a cotton tip is shown, any
suitable material, including, for example, foam or rayon, may be
used for the tip. The second end 220 and cotton tip 222 are
contained in the first compartment 210. The first compartment 210
also contains the liquid burn ointment (not shown). The seal 208
seals around the shaft of the applicator swab 216, minimizing
seepage of the burn ointment from the first compartment 210 to the
second compartment 214. In some embodiments, the seal between the
first compartment 210 and the second compartment 214 may prevent
seepage between the two.
[0027] When a consumer wishes to use the burn ointment, the
consumer peels the seal 212 to access the end 218 of the applicator
swab 216 opposite the cotton tip 222. The consumer then pulls the
applicator swab 216 out of compartment 210, breaking the seal 208
at the center. Alternatively, the consumer may pull the sheets 202,
204 apart so that the mid-seal 208 is separated somewhat at the
center. The cotton tip 222 is immersed in the burn ointment in
compartment 210. Thus, when the applicator swab 216 is withdrawn,
the cotton tip 222 is saturated with burn ointment.
[0028] As the consumer applies the burn ointment, the cotton tip
222 becomes unsaturated. The consumer may reinsert the applicator
swab 216 into the first compartment 210 to again saturate the
cotton tip 222 and apply additional burn ointment. By providing the
seal 208, the packet 200 helps to keep the first end 218 of the
applicator swab 216 dry so that the consumer does not have burn
ointment on her hand and prevents the consumer from contaminating
the burn ointment before the seal 208 is broken.
[0029] This introduction is given to introduce the reader to the
general subject matter of the application. By no means is the
invention limited to such subject matter. Other illustrative
embodiments are described below.
Other Illustrative Packets
[0030] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line 1-1 of another
flexible multi-compartment packet similar to the one shown in FIG.
1 in one embodiment of the present invention. The packet 300 shown
in FIG. 3 comprises two sheets, a front sheet 302 and a rear sheet
304. As with the packet shown in FIG. 2, the sheets 302, 304 shown
are sealed at a first end 306 and at another point 308 along the
edge of the first 302 and second sheet 304, forming a first
compartment 310.
[0031] The first compartment contains a liquid, gel, powder, solid,
or other type of material, such as a liquid band-aid, antiseptic,
burn ointment, tooth-whitener, makeup product, or other material.
In the embodiment shown, the compartment 310 holds approximately
0.5-1 milliliters of liquid or gel or a corresponding volume of
powder or solid. Other embodiments of the present invention are
configured to contain different volumes of material. For instance,
one embodiment of the present invention is configured to contain 10
milliliters of fluid in the compartment 310.
[0032] The sheets 302, 304 shown in FIG. 3 are three-layer sheets.
The outer layer is a varnish or finish layer. The middle layer is a
foil. And the inner layer is the sealing layer. One or more
adhesives bond the three layers of the film to the adjacent layer
or layers.
[0033] The inner layer has the lowest melting point of the three
layers. Thus, when the multilayer film is heated, the inner layer
melts and forms a seal without destroying the integrity of the rest
of the film. The inner layer also prevents chemicals in the packet
from corroding the foil. The foil provides a light, moisture, and
vapor barrier. Other types of film may be used, depending on, for
example, the type of material to be contained in the packet. For
instance, particular types of inner layers may be used to
effectively contain the material placed in the compartment 310.
[0034] The seal 308 may be at any point along the edge of the
sheets 302, 304. For instance, the seal 308 may be at a point that
is approximately equidistant from the seal 306 at one edge of the
sheets 302, 304 and the seal 312 at the other edge of those sheets.
The seal 308 may be referred to a mid-seal or center seal. However,
a mid-seal is merely between the two edges and not limited to a
position equidistant from the two edges where the two seals 306,
312 are located. If the mid-seal is at the mid-point, the two
compartments will be of substantially the same size.
[0035] The sheets 302, 304 are also sealed at a second end 312,
forming a second compartment 314 between seal 312 and seal 308. The
seals 308, 312 are peelable seals. Although the seal 312 is shown
at one end of the two sheets 302, 304, the seal 312 may be at a
position other than the end of the sheets 302, 304. For example, a
small portion of the sheets 302, 304 on the opposite side of the
seal 312 from the compartment 314 may be unsealed to provide a
consumer with material to grasp in order to peel the two sheets
302, 304 apart.
[0036] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the second compartment
314 comprises a cotton or synthetic applicator 316, such as a
cotton ball, foam pad, a sponge, or sterile gauze pad. The
applicator 316 is kept separate from the material contained in the
first compartment 310 by the mid-seal 308. The applicator is thus
kept clean and dry until the mid-seal 308 is broken.
Sterile Procedural Kit
[0037] One embodiment of the present invention provides a sterile
procedural kit. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a laid-open sterile
procedural kit according to one embodiment of the present
invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a sterile procedural
kit 400 comprises two multilayered sheets 402 and 404. The sheets
402, 404 have a seal 406 one end. Although the sterile procedural
kit 400 is shown laid open, before opening, the sheets 402, 404 are
also sealed at the perimeter ending at a seal 412. The film
extending beyond the seal 412, opposite the end seal 406, provides
an area for a user of the kit 400 to grasp to separate the seal
412.
[0038] The sheets 402, 404 are also sealed at a mid point, mid-seal
408, forming a first compartment 410 between the mid-seal 408 and
the end seal 406 and a second compartment 414 between the mid-seal
408 and the seal 412.
[0039] The sterile procedural kit 400 shown in FIG. 4 also
comprises a surgical instrument, which is a swab 416 in the
embodiment shown. The swab 416 has a first end 418, which is
located in the second compartment 414 before the kit is laid open.
The swab also has a second end 420 that includes a tip 422. The
second end 420 and tip 422 are contained in the first compartment
410 before the kit 400 is laid open. The tip 422 may be
pre-moistened. The swab 416 is affixed to the second sheet 414 at a
point 424 in the mid-seal 408. Thus, the mid-seal 408 not only
isolates the tip 422 but also stabilizes the swab 416 when the kit
400 is laid open. Although the point 424 is approximately
equidistant from the sides of the sheets 402, 404, in other
embodiments, the point 424 may be closer to one side or the
other.
[0040] When a physician, clinician or other caregiver opens the kit
400, unless the kit 400 were sterilized on the outside, the user
would be contaminating their hands by opening the kit,
necessitating the inclusion of a secondary sterile pouch. In
contrast, in an embodiment of the present invention, the sterile
procedural kit may be laid open in preparation for a procedure on,
for example, an instrument tray without the need for a secondary
sterile pouch for the swab.
Methods of Manufacturing an Illustrative Packet
[0041] Various methods may be utilized to manufacture a flexible
multi-compartment packet according to embodiments of the present
invention. FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating one method for
manufacturing a flexible multi-compartment packet according to one
embodiment of the present invention. The process 500 shown begins
when a section of multilayered film is folded 502. The film may be,
for example, a portion of a roll of film. The film is folded so
that one piece of film becomes two sheets as shown in FIGS. 1
through 4. In some embodiments, individual sheets are oriented
face-to-face and cut to size. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5,
the two sheets are approximately rectangular in shape after
folding.
[0042] The sheets are next sealed at one end 504. For example, in
one embodiment, rectangular heating bars are applied to a first end
of the sheets to melt the inner layer of the multilayered film to
create the seal. The sheets are also sealed at two edges 504. The
edges are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the end
sealed in step 502.
[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention, a material,
such as a liquid, is inserted in a first compartment formed when
the mid-seal is created. The process 500 shown in FIG. 5 next
determines whether a material is to be inserted 508. If so, the
material is inserted 510. For example, if a liquid is to be
inserted, the sheets, which are sealed on three ends, are oriented
so that the end seal is at the bottom. An injector is then used to
inject a measured amount of the liquid into the compartment through
a fill opening.
[0044] The process 500 next determines whether an applicator is to
be inserted in the mid-seal 512 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. If so,
an applicator is inserted such that when the mid seal is created, a
first end of the applicator will be contained in the first
compartment, a second end will be contained in a second
compartment, and the shaft of the applicator will be sealed at the
mid-seal. In such an embodiment, the first end is inserted through
the fill opening.
[0045] The mid-seal is then created 518. The mid-seal may be
created in the same manner as the end seal created in step 504. The
mid-seal forms the first compartment, not allowing any material
inserted in the first compartment to escape.
[0046] The process 500 shown in FIG. 5 next determines whether an
applicator is to be inserted in the second compartment 520. The
second compartment is formed between the mid-seal and another seal.
If the applicator is to be inserted, it is inserted 522. The
applicator in such an embodiment is contained within the second
compartment and substantially isolated from the material in the
first compartment. Such an applicator is illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0047] Once the applicator and material have been inserted, another
seal is created 524. This completes the packet. The seals may be
created using conventional means, such as, for example, by using a
peelable film, such as a lidding film. The sealed film is then cut,
forming the individual packet.
[0048] Additional steps may be performed on the packet. In one
embodiment, the packet is die cut into a desired shape (e.g.,
create oversized outer seals and the cut through them). In another
embodiment, a set of packets is perforated rather than cut. In
another embodiment, a hang-hole is punched in the packet. In yet
another embodiment, a date is stamped on the package. In one
embodiment, the packet is sterilized using a radiation
sterilization process after the packaging process in a separate
operation.
[0049] In one method for manufacturing a flexible multi-compartment
package, a metal tool is used to affect the seals. The metal tool
is set to a temperature of approximately 350-360 degrees
Fahrenheit. The dwell is set to between approximately 0.5 and 0.6
seconds. The pressure is set at approximately 6-8 psi on a 4'' air
cylinder with a spring return function. The net pressure on the
film is equal to the cylinder pressure less the force of the return
spring.
[0050] Multiple layers of rubber are affixed to the surfaces of the
heating tool such that the layers of rubber are able to slide
against one another. Thus the rubber is able to form the film
around the handle of the applicator, e.g., the swab, or any
three-dimensional object without ripping or tearing the film, which
would ruin the packet.
[0051] While one method of manufacturing a flexible,
multi-compartment packet has been described above, many other
methods of manufacture will be apparent to one of skill in the art
of packet manufacturing.
General
[0052] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the
invention has been presented only for the purpose of illustration
and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous
modifications and adaptations thereof will be apparent to those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention.
* * * * *