The present disclosure relates to the field of pouches. It more particularly relates to pouches with two or more separate compartments for holding ingredients that are to be mixed together.
Pouches for packaging materials often times may need to include two or more ingredients, which have to be maintained separate from one another prior to being used. Multi-compartment pouches are used to keep ingredients separate prior to use. For example, multi-compartment pouches may include food ingredients that need to be mixed together just prior to or during the food cooking process. For examples, spices, flavorings or seasonings for foods may be advantageously kept separate from the food item to be spiced, flavored or spiced until just before consumption or cooking.
Prior art multi-compartment pouches may use internal steam pressure generated during the microwave cooking process to rupture a frangible barrier or layer between two compartments such that the ingredients from one compartment may pass into a second compartment during the cooking process. For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0175563 discloses a flexible pouch for microwave steaming which includes a support wall which divides the interior of the pouch into a food compartment, adjacent the top end, and a liquid compartment, formed between the support wall and a bottom end of the pouch. The food is positioned on the support wall and liquid is provided in the liquid compartment so that when the pouch is positioned within a microwave oven and the liquid in the liquid compartment is heated, steam is created, which flows through the porous support wall to heat the food supported thereon.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0159083 discloses a multi-compartment pouch for use in cooking foodstuffs in a microwave oven where different food stuffs are contained within the different compartments and upon cooking, the layer separating the two compartments bursts under pressure to permit flow of one foodstuff into the other compartment within the pouch while permitting cooking to continue thereafter at a pressure above atmospheric pressure.
Prior art multi-compartment pouches may also use internal pressure generated by squeezing the pouch to rupture a frangible region between two compartments to allow for the commingling of the ingredients in the respective compartments. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,095 discloses a multiple-compartment pouch having an internal frangible seal for confining a fluid and related beverage container with a re-closable fitment for storing and delivering two different flavored liquids or the like. The frangible seal of the clear plastic pouch bursts when subjected to a sustained squeeze thus allowing the flavors to swirl and mix within the pouch.
A need exists for an improved multi-compartment pouch, which may include two or more ingredients for mixing prior to use and which includes an improved mechanical means for breaking or opening the region between the two compartments to allow for improved mixing of the ingredients without exposing the contents of the pouch to the atmosphere.
To assist those of ordinary skill in the relevant art in making and using the subject matter hereof, reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
All numerical values within the detailed description and the claims herein are modified by “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art.
The present disclosure provides a novel multi-compartment pouch including an openable region between at least two of the compartments, wherein the ingredients in adjacent compartments may be mixed or comingled by the use of tabs, outer folds or fins for opening the openable region. The openable region may be frangible, wherein by pulling on the tabs, outer folds or fins in the outward direction causes the frangible region to rupture and the contents of the at least two compartments to mix together. The multi-compartment pouch is distinguishable over the prior art in providing tabs, outer folds or fins on the outside of the pouch that allows for the user to easily pull them apart and correspondingly open a region separating compartments holding different ingredients or components and allowing them to comingle.
The multi-compartment pouch of the present disclosure offers significant advantages relative to prior art multi-compartment pouches including a simplified mechanical means for initiating the mixing of components as opposed to relying on internal pressure generated from cooking or internal pressure generated from squeezing the pouch. One of the advantages of the multi-compartment pouches disclosed herein is that it allows for the user to more easily and cleanly mix ingredients together without having to open the pouch to the atmosphere, and correspondingly results in reduced waste. Another advantage of the multi-compartment pouch disclosed herein is that allows for the packaging of two dissimilar ingredients that need to be separate during filling, distribution and storage to be packaged in one container/pouch while still allowing for the two ingredients to be easily blended together at the time of use by a consumer. Another advantage of the multi-compartment pouch disclosed herein is that allows for the simultaneous filling of the two or more compartments with ingredients as opposed to the sequential filling of the two or more compartments. Another advantage of the multi-compartment pouch disclosed herein is that it can be produced on standard pouch making and standard pouch filling machinery with only tooling changes.
The separate compartments of the multi-component pouch for holding the ingredients may provide the necessary barrier properties against light, air, moisture and oxygen, etc., necessary for the particular ingredients. The openable inner gusset separating the adjacent compartments of the pouch may include one or more means for opening the region, including, but not limited to, perforations, scores, a zipper, a peelable seal, and a hook and loop fastener area. The openable inner gusset may include a frangible region separating two of the compartments of the pouch. The frangible region includes a weakened region that may be fractured or ruptured upon pulling the tabs, outer folds or fins on the outside panels of the pouch in an outward direction from the pouch itself. The frangible region may include perforations, or score lines in the inner gusset area such as to make the region weaker than the outer seal areas of the pouch. The inner gusset is advantageously folded in the pouch and may include a fold line in the form of a “V” where the fold line is the tip of the “V.” The perforations or scores lines may be formed in the weakened frangible region with the use of laser or through other mechanical means known in the art. The perforations or score line may traverse the entire width of the inner gusset area of the top compartment or only a portion of the width of the inner gusset area of the top compartment. Where the entire width of the inner gusset area is not weakened with perforations or score lines, it is preferable that the center region of the inner gusset include such perforations or score lines. For example, no greater than 20% of the width, or no greater than 40% of the width, or no greater than 60% of the width, or no greater than 80% of the width of the inner gusset of the top compartment may include perforations or score lines. The perforations or score lines may be formed in a single line across the inner gusset, or alternatively there may be two, three or even four rows of perforations of scores lines formed in the weakened inner gusset area. It is also preferable that the perforations or score line be located within the fold line of the openable folded inner gusset.
Alternatively, the openable area may not be a weakened frangible region, but rather an openable region that includes for example a zipper assembly, or a hook and loop fastener assembly, or a peelable seal area. The peelable seal may be formed via a heat sealing process, or an adhesive pressure sealing process or alternatively using an ultrasonic sealing means. The openable region in the inner gusset may traverse the entire width of the inner gusset area of the top compartment or only a portion of the width of the inner gusset area of the top compartment. Where the entire width of the inner gusset area is not openable, it is preferable that the center region of the inner gusset be openable as opposed to the region near the side seals via a zipper assembly, or a hook and loop fastener assembly, or a peelable seal. For example, no greater than 20% of the width, or no greater than 40% of the width, or no greater than 60% of the width, or no greater than 80% of the width of the inner gusset of the top compartment may include an openable region The openable region may be formed in a single line across the inner gusset, or alternatively there may be two, three or even four rows of openable regions (zippers, hook and loop fasteners, peelable seals or a combination thereof) formed in the inner gusset area.
In an alternative embodiment, the openable region in the inner gusset area may include a combination of two or more rows of score lines, perforations, hook and loop fastener assemblies, zipper assemblies and/or peelable seals depending on the particular packaging application. A zipper assembly and a hook and loop fastener assembly would allow for the openable area to be reclosed after a portion of the contents in the top compartment are mixed into the bottom compartment.
The multi-compartment pouch disclosed herein also includes a means for grasping onto the front and back panels and pulling the two panels in an outward direction from the pouch in order to open the openable inner gusset area. The means for grasping onto the front and back panels such as to pull the panels apart may include, but is not limited to, pull tabs, pull grips, pull fins, outer folds, or other means positioned on opposite sides of the front and rear panels of the pouch and in close proximity to openable inner region to allow a user of the pouch to pull the outer walls or panels of the pouch apart adjacent to the openable region, and thus open the inner gusset wall separating the two compartments to allow for their respective ingredients to comingle or intermix together. In one preferred form, the openable region is a frangible or weakened inner gusset with perforations or score lines to weaken it. Upon pulling on the pull tabs, pull grips, fins, or outer folds, the perforations or score lines open up or fracture sufficiently to allow for the ingredient in the top compartment to pass through the perforations or scores and enter into the bottom compartment of the pouch. For example, the top compartment of the multi-compartment pouch may include spices or seasonings and the bottom compartment may include vegetables. Upon rupturing of the weakened frangible region by pulling on the external pull tabs, pull grips, or folds, the spices or seasonings fall from the top compartment into the bottom compartment to mix with the vegetables. The pouch may also be agitated/shaken to further facilitate the mixing of contents of the top compartment and the bottom compartment. The external pull tabs, pull fins, pull grips, or folds, act as handles for the user to allow for ease of pulling apart the openable inner gusset that includes perforations, score lines, a peelable seal area, a zipper assembly, hook and loop fastener assembly or combinations thereof. For example, in one form the openable inner gusset may include both a line of perforations and a zipper assembly. In another form, the openable inner gusset may include both a line of perforations and a peelable seal area. In yet another form, the openable inner gusset may include both a zipper assembly and a peelable seal area. In still yet another form, the openable inner gusset may include both a line of perforations and a peelable seal area. In still yet another form, the openable inner gusset may include both a line of perforations and a hook and loop fastener assembly.
As discussed above, the openable inner gusset separating the two compartments of the multi-compartment pouch may be opened by pulling apart from the outside of the multi-compartment pouch by a user with the use of pull tabs, pull grips, pull fins, or outer folds the perforated, scored, zippered or peelable area of the inner gusset. The outer folds, grips, fins or tabs are formed on the outside surface of the outer web or panels of the pouch and may be aligned with the openable inner gusset area of the separate compartment in such a way such that when they are pulled in opposite directions, the openable area opens and allows for the contents of the two adjacent compartments to mix with one another.
The multi-compartment pouch disclosed herein may also include a recloseable feature, such as a zipper assembly or a hook and loop fastener assembly (i.e. a Velcro® fastener assembly) at the top of the pouch to reseal the pouch and help preserve product freshness after initial opening to the atmosphere and use. A tear tape or strip may also be used to allow the user to gain access to the zipper assembly or the hook and loop fastener assembly positioned near the top of the multi-compartment pouch after the ingredients in the two or more compartments are combined together.
In another form of the multi-compartment pouch disclosed herein, the top compartment after it is emptied into the bottom compartment may be removed or separated from the remainder of the pouch. Non-limiting exemplary means for removing or separating the top compartment from the bottom compartment include a tear notch, a tear perforation, a laser score, etc. in one or both edges of the pouch just below the weakened frangible region in the pouch. After the top compartment of the pouch is separated or removed from the bottom compartment, the bottom compartment may be provided with a means for reclosing it. Non-limiting exemplary means for reclosing the bottom compartment after it is removed/separated from the top compartment include a zipper assembly, hook and loop fastener assembly or combinations thereof. This form of the multi-compartment pouch with a separable top compartment facilitates and makes easier the removal of the mixed product in the bottom compartment of the pouch. In addition, when this form of the multi-compartment pouch is coupled with a zipper assembly or other reclosing means, it provides for the ability to store the pouch contents after mixing to help preserve freshness.
Non-limiting exemplary materials used to form the multi-compartment pouches disclosed herein include films of polyester, nylon, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, copolymers of ethylene, propylene or butene-1 and terpolymers of ethylene, propylene or butene-1, and polystyrene and other similar film materials. The multi-component pouch may be formed from, for instance, a monolayer film, a coextruded film, or a multilayer laminated film or a film in film type construction (i.e. structural film on outside and barrier film on inside) or any other suitable thin film material. A monolayer film may be formed from, for instance, a blown film or a cast film comprising of polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or any other suitable materials for use in a film. In alternate aspects, a monolayer film may be formed from any suitable material by any suitable means. The monolayer film may also have additives included for improved processing or physical characteristics of the resultant monolayer film. For example, monolayer films may also be formed with additives which modify transparency, feel, print quality, or barrier properties of the film, or any other suitable film characteristics which may be desirable.
The multi-component pouch may also be formed from a coextruded film. A coextruded film may be formed from blown film or a cast film and may further use combinations of resin types which are coextruded to form multiple layers. The film materials used to form a coextruded film may include polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or ethylene vinyl alcohol, or any other suitable film material. The film materials may be combined in multiple layers in any suitable configuration for desirable characteristics of the resultant coextruded film. A coextruded film may have any suitable number of layers. The multi-compartment pouch may also be formed from a laminated film Laminated films may be comprised of a combination of co-extruded and/or monolayer films similar to those discussed previously. A laminated film may be laminated by any suitable lamination technology, including, but not limited to, extrusion, thermal bonding, and solvent or solventless lamination technologies. In alternate aspects, any suitable means of lamination of films may be used. The lamination configuration may be adjustable so that the resultant film may have desirable characteristics, for instance barrier properties, coefficient of friction, print layer characteristics, varnish, texture, and any other suitable characteristics desirable in a resultant film.
Referring to
With regard to a frangible weakened openable area, the folded inner gusset 112 may have a series of perforations or score lines (not shown) within it or alternatively may be peelable to provide for weakening of the wall. The perforations or score lines are opened upon the user grabbing hold of pull tabs, pull grips, pull fins, or other means 114 positioned on the outside panels of the pouch 102 adjacent to and on opposite sides of the inner gusset area 112. The pulling action by the user of the pouch 102 on the pull tabs, pull grips, fins, or other means 114 results in the perforations or score lines in the inner gusset area 112 opening up, or the inner gusset peeling apart at or near the fold line, which allows the spices, seasonings or flavorings 106 in the top compartment 104 to pass to the bottom compartment 108 and to be applied to the food item 110.
With regard to a non-weakened openable area, the folded inner gusset 112 may have a zipper assembly or a hook and loop fastener assembly (not shown) within it, which are in the closed position to keep the spices, seasonings or flavorings 106 in the top compartment 104 separate from the food item 110 to be spiced in the bottom compartment 108. The zipper assembly or hook and loop fastener assembly are opened by the user grabbing hold of pull tabs, pull grips, pull fins, or other means 114 positioned on the outside panels of the pouch 102 adjacent to and on opposite sides of the inner gusset area 112. The pulling action by the user of the pouch 102 on the pull tabs, pull grips, fins, or other means 114 results in the zipper assembly or hook and loop fastener assembly in the inner gusset area 112 opening up, which allows the spices, seasonings or flavorings 106 in the top compartment 104 to pass to the bottom compartment 108 of the pouch 102 and to be applied to the food item 110. Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring still to
Referring to
In another form of this embodiment (not shown), the top and bottom ends 127, 129 of the pouch 102 are sealed during the pouch making process, as well as one of the side seals (either 126 or 128), however one of the sides (either 126 or 128) of the pouch 102 is left open to expose the top compartment 104 and bottom compartment 108 for filling and sealing. In this advantageous form of the embodiment, both top 104 and bottom 108 compartments may be side filled simultaneously by rotating the pouch 90 degrees such that the unsealed side edge is facing up for filling and subsequent sealing. In this form, the sealing of the two compartments 104, 108 may also occur simultaneously after the filling operation. This form of the embodiment provides for economic benefits for the person or entity who/that will be filling and sealing the pouch due to fewer process operations and steps.
As shown in
The two-compartment pouch 102 shown in
This disclosed embodiment described in
Another embodiment of a multi-compartment pouch 202 with outer folds 214 for initiating the opening of the inner gusset 212 along a fold line 215 including a line of perforations or scores 230 is shown in
As shown in
Referring to
When the user is ready to mix the ingredients or contents 206 in the top compartment 204 with the ingredients or contents 210 in the bottom compartment 208, he or she would grasp the outer folds 214 on either side of the pouch 202 and pull outward to expand the inner gusset 212 and cause the line of perforations or scores 230 (or alternatively other type of openable means (peelable seal, zipper assembly or hook and loop fastener assembly)) in the fold line 215 to open up or fracture as described above. This creates an opening between the top compartment 204 and the bottom compartment 208 causing the contents or ingredients 206 in the top compartment 204 to fall by gravity and/or by shaking and mix with the contents or ingredients 210 in the bottom compartment 208.
Referring to
In an alternative form of embodiment 2, the multi-compartment pouch may be sealed on one side edge (226′ and 226″ or 228′ and 228″) and the other side edge left open. In this form, the top edge 227 and bottom edge 229 of the pouch 202 are also sealed. This form provides for the ability to simultaneously side fill and seal both the top compartment 204 and bottom compartment 208 of the pouch 202. In this advantageous form of the embodiment, both top 204 and bottom 208 compartments may be side filled simultaneously by rotating the pouch 90 degrees such that the unsealed side edge is facing up for filling and subsequent sealing. In this form, the sealing of the two compartments 204, 208 may also occur simultaneously after the filling operation. This form of the embodiment 2 provides for economic benefits for the person or entity who/that will be filling and sealing the pouch due to fewer process operations and steps.
Referring to
Referring again to
Referring again to
An exemplary production sequence for producing the two-compartment side fillable pouch of
The folded openable inner gusset described above in embodiments 1 and 2 of the present disclosure may take on a variety of configurations depending upon the openable means used (line of perforations, score line, peelable seal, zipper assembly, hook and loop fastener assembly or combinations thereof).
Referring to
According to the present disclosure, an advantageous two-compartment pouch includes a top compartment and a bottom compartment, an inner gusset separating the top compartment from the bottom compartment, wherein the inner gusset includes a fold line and an openable region, and a means for grasping and pulling apart the front and rear panels of the pouch to cause the openable region to open to allow for the combining of contents of the top compartment with contents of the bottom compartment without opening the pouch.
A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to an advantageous multi-compartment pouch comprising: two or more compartments, one or more inner gussets separating each of the two or more compartments, wherein each inner gusset includes a fold line and an openable region, and a means for grasping and pulling apart the front and rear panels of the pouch to cause the openable region at each inner gusset to open to allow for the combining of contents of the contents of the two or more compartments without opening the pouch.
These and other features and attributes of the disclosed multi-component pouches of the present disclosure and their advantageous applications and/or uses will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the figures appended hereto.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment a two-compartment pouch comprises a top compartment and a bottom compartment, an inner gusset separating the top compartment from the bottom compartment, wherein the inner gusset includes an openable region and a fold line, and a means for grasping and pulling apart the front and rear panels of the pouch to cause the openable region to open to allow for the combining of contents of the top compartment with contents of the bottom compartment without opening the pouch.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the means for grasping and pulling apart the front and rear panels of the pouch are chosen from tabs, fins, handles and outer folds.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the openable region is a weakened frangible region including one or more lines of perforations or scores positioned at or adjacent to the fold line.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the openable region is a non-weakened region chosen from a peelable seal, a zipper assembly, a hook and loop fastener assembly positioned at or adjacent to the fold line.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the top compartment is unsealed at the top of the pouch and the bottom compartment is unsealed at the bottom of the compartment to permit the sequential filling of the top compartment and the bottom compartment.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the top compartment and bottom compartments are unsealed along a common side edge of the pouch to permit the simultaneous filling of the top compartment and bottom compartment.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment and further including contents sealed in the top compartment and the bottom compartment.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the contents of the top compartment and the contents of the bottom compartment are different.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the means for grasping and pulling apart the front and rear panels are two outer folds.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the two outer folds further include two lines of perforations in each outer fold to form a pull tab in the each outer fold.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the lines of perforations in each outer fold are “L-shaped” with a hook at the end of each “L”.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the openable region includes a combination of two or more chosen from a line of perforations or scores, a peelable seal, a zipper assembly, and a hook and loop fastener assembly, wherein the combination is positioned at or adjacent to the fold line.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment further including a tack seal region located in the top compartment of the pouch above the fold line, wherein the tack seal region tack seals the inner gusset to the front and rear panels of the pouch.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment and further including a means for removing/separating the top compartment from the bottom compartment.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment and further including a means for reclosing the bottom compartment after it is removed/separated from the top compartment.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment a multi-compartment pouch comprises two or more compartments, one or more inner gussets separating each of the two or more compartments, wherein each inner gusset includes an openable region and a fold line, and a means for grasping and pulling apart the front and rear panels of the pouch to cause the openable region at each inner gusset to open to allow for the combining of the contents of the two or more compartments without opening the pouch.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the means for grasping and pulling apart the front and rear panels of the pouch are chosen from tabs, fins, handles and outer folds.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein at least one of the openable regions is a weakened frangible region including one or more lines of perforations or scores positioned at or adjacent to the fold line.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein at least one of the openable regions is a non-weakened region chosen from a peelable seal, a zipper assembly, a hook and loop fastener assembly positioned at or adjacent to the fold line.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the compartment at the top of the pouch is unsealed at the top and the compartment at the bottom of the pouch is unsealed at the bottom to permit the sequential filling of the top compartment and the bottom compartment.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein each of the two or more compartments are unsealed along a common side edge of the pouch to permit the simultaneous filling of each of the two or more compartments.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment further including contents sealed in each of the two or more compartments.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the contents in each of the two or more compartments are different.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the means for grasping and pulling apart the front and rear panels are two outer folds.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the outer folds further include two lines of perforations in each outer fold to form a pull tab in the each outer fold.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the lines of perforations in each outer fold are “L-shaped” with a hook at the end of each “L”.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein at least one openable region includes a combination of two or more chosen from a line of perforations or scores, a peelable seal, a zipper assembly, and a hook and loop fastener assembly, wherein the combination is positioned at or adjacent to the fold line of the inner gusset.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment and further including at least one tack seal region located in the one or more compartments of the pouch above the fold line, wherein the tack seal region tack seals the inner gusset to the front and rear panels of the pouch.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment and further including a means for removing/separating one compartment from one or more other compartments.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment and further including a means for reclosing the one or more other compartments after they are removed/separated from the one compartment.
It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the aspects of the disclosed embodiment. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the aspects of the disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the aspects of the disclosed embodiment are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Further, the mere fact that different features are recited in mutually different dependent or independent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be advantageously used, such a combination remaining within the scope of the aspects of the invention.
This application is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/645,559 filed May 10, 2012 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61645559 | May 2012 | US |