POUCH HAVING SEPARATE COMPARTMENTS

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a food pouch having two separate compartments and methods for filling the same.

BACKGROUND

It is known to package food and other consumable items in a lay-flat pouch or bag. However, known lay-flat pouches are not capable of standing up vertically on a horizontal surface (such as a grocery store shelf) without the use of secondary packaging (such as a box or carton containing the lay-flat pouch), a gusset integrated with the lay-flat pouch, or a support structure (such as a display tray or peg hole).

Additionally, packages containing food and other types of product may undergo a sterilization process, such as a retort process, where the package is sealed and exposed to extremely high temperatures to sterilize the contents within the package. While some food products are suitable for a retort process, exposing other food products to the retort process is undesirable or could damage or ruin the product.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure provides a food package. The food package includes a lay-flat pouch and a fastening member. The lay-flat pouch has a first compartment and a second compartment defined by a first side seal and an intermediate seal extending from the first side seal. The pouch includes a fold seam extending along the intermediate seal. The pouch is arranged in a folded configuration with the first compartment disposed adjacent to the second compartment and a first portion of the first side seal and a second portion of the first side seal cooperate to define a base of the pouch. The fastening member attaches the first compartment to the second compartment.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the food package is configured to stand upright on the base upon a horizontal surface in a vertical orientation relative to the horizontal surface.

In some examples, the first portion of the first side seal and the second portion of the first side seal at least partially overlap to define the base.

In some implementations, the first portion of the first side seal and the second portion of the first side seal have the same width. In other instances, the first portion of the first side seal has a first width and the second portion of the first side seal has a second width different from the first width.

In some examples, the intermediate seal is angled at an oblique angle relative to the first side seal.

In some implementations, the fold seam extends at an oblique angle relative to the intermediate seal.

In some instances, the pouch includes a first surface defined by a first barrier layer and a second surface defined by a second barrier layer on an opposite side from the first surface. A first portion of the first surface at the first compartment faces a second portion of the first surface of the pouch at the second compartment. In further examples, the fastening member is attached to the second surface of the pouch at the first compartment and to the first surface of the pouch at the second compartment to secure the pouch in the folded configuration. In even further examples, the fastening member includes one of an adhesive label or a paperboard wrap.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a food package. The food package includes a pouch and a fastening member. The pouch has a first barrier sheet and a second barrier sheet joined together along an intermediate seal to define a first compartment and a second compartment. The pouch includes a fold seam extending along the intermediate seal. The first compartment defines a first portion of a base of the pouch and the second compartment defines a second portion of the base of the pouch. The fastening member attaches the first compartment to the second compartment.

In some examples, the food package includes a first side seal. The first side seal includes a first portion extending along the first compartment and a second portion extending along the second compartment. The first portion of the first side seal and the second portion of the first side seal at least partially overlap to define the base.

In some further examples, the first portion of the first side seal and the second portion of the first side seal have the same width. In even further examples, an edge of the first portion of the first side seal is offset from an edge of the second portion of the first side seal.

In other further examples, the first portion of the first side seal has a first width and the second portion of the first side seal comprises a second width different from the first width.

In other further examples, the intermediate seal is angled at an oblique angel relative to the first side seal.

In some instances, the fold seam extends at an oblique angle relative to the intermediate seal.

In some implementations, the pouch includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is defined by the first barrier sheet. The second surface is defined by the second barrier sheet on an opposite side from the first surface. A first portion of the first surface at the first compartment faces a second portion of the first surface of the pouch at the second compartment. In further implementations, the fastening member is attached to the second surface of the pouch at the first compartment and to the first surface of the pouch at the second compartment to attach the first compartment to the second compartment. In even further implementations, the fastening member includes one of an adhesive label or a paperboard wrap.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for loading product into a multi-compartment food package. The method includes providing a pouch. The pouch has a first compartment and a second compartment. The second compartment is separated from the first compartment by an intermediate seal. The method further includes loading a first product into the first compartment. After loading the first product into the first compartment, the method includes sealing the first compartment and performing a retort process on the first product in the first compartment. After performing the retort process on the first product, the method includes loading a second product into the second compartment. With the first product in the sealed first compartment and the second product in the second compartment, the method includes sealing the second compartment.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, while performing the retort process on the first product in the first compartment, the second compartment is sealed. In further implementations, the second compartment is sealed via a resealable opening. In even further implementations, the resealable opening includes a zipper opening. In other further implementations, the method includes unsealing the second compartment after performing the retort process and before loading the second product into the second compartment.

In some examples, while performing the retort process on the first product in the first compartment, the second compartment is unsealed. In further examples, while performing the retort process on the first product in the first compartment, moisture is precluded from entering the second compartment. In other further examples, after performing the retort process and prior to loading the second product into the second compartment, the method includes performing a drying process on the second compartment.

In some instances, the pouch includes a first surface and a second surface on an opposite side from the first surface. The method includes, with the first product in the sealed first compartment and the second product in the sealed second compartment, folding the pouch at a seam into a folded configuration where a portion of the second surface at the first compartment is adjacent a portion of the second surface at the second compartment. In further instances, the seam is formed along the intermediate seal. In even further instances, the seam is formed at an oblique angle relative to the intermediate seal.

In other further instances, after folding the pouch into the folded configuration, the method includes securing the pouch in the folded configuration via a fastening member.

In other even further instances, securing the pouch in the folded configuration includes, with the pouch in the folded configuration, disposing the fastening member at the first surface at the first compartment and at the first surface at the second compartment.

In other even further instances, securing the pouch in the folded configuration includes, with the pouch in the folded configuration, disposing the fastening member at the second surface at the first compartment and at the first surface at the second compartment.

In other even further instances, the fastening member is attached to the pouch prior to folding the pouch into the folded configuration.

In other even further instances, the fastening member includes a label.

The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing a method for producing a food package having two compartments according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a food package including a pouch in an unfolded configuration, showing the pouch being folded to a folded configuration at a seam along the intermediate seal.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the food package of FIG. 2, showing the pouch secured in the folded configuration to define a base of the food package.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the food package of FIG. 3, taken along Line 4-4 of FIG. 3 and showing the food package configured to stand upright on a base disposed upon a horizontal surface in a perpendicular orientation relative to the surface.

FIG. 5A is a plan view of a pouch having a fully sealed second compartment.

FIG. 5B is a plan view of a pouch having a second compartment with an unsealed end.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a pouch having a zipper defining an opening at the second compartment.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a pouch having a recess in a side of a perimeter seal.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a food package including the pouch of FIG. 7 secured in a folded configuration to define a base of the food package.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the food package of FIG. 8 taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8, showing the food package standing upright on the base upon a horizontal surface and at an oblique angle relative to the surface.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of another pouch having an offset in a side of the perimeter seal.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a food package including the pouch of FIG. 10 secured in the folded configuration to define a base of the food package.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the food package of FIG. 11 taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 11, showing the food package standing upright on the base upon a horizontal surface and at an oblique angle relative to the surface.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a pouch having an intermediate seal extending at an oblique angle relative to first and second sides of a perimeter seal.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a food package including the pouch of FIG. 13 secured in a folded configuration to define a base of the food package, where the pouch is folded at a seam along the intermediate seal.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the food package of FIG. 14 taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 14, showing the food package standing upright on the base upon a horizontal surface and at an oblique angle relative to the surface.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a pouch having an intermediate seal extending perpendicular relative to first and second sides of a perimeter seal.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a food package including the pouch of FIG. 16 secured in a folded configuration to define a base of the food package, where the pouch is folded at a seam that is formed at an oblique angle relative to the intermediate seal.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the food package of FIG. 17 taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 17, showing the food package standing upright on the base disposed upon a horizontal surface and at an oblique angle relative to the surface.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Simple lay-flat pouches are a cost effective and efficient method of packaging food and other consumable items. Such pouches generally form a compartment surrounded by a perimeter seal, with the food or other item contained within the compartment and protected from environmental contaminants (such as germs, bugs, dirt, and the like) via the perimeter seal. Lay-flat packaging, when not loaded with one or more products, is typically designed to collapse into a thin, space-efficient sheet, which enables quick and reliable filling of one or more compartments. Because traditional lay-flat pouches are virtually two dimensional (i.e., longer and wider than they are deep) and provide only front and back surfaces on which manufacturers can print labels, pictures, nutritional facts and the like, it is desirable to position lay-flat pouches in substantially vertical orientations (i.e., where the front and back surfaces are upright relative to a horizontal support surface). However, lay-flat pouches are typically not capable of standing upright on a horizontal surface without the aid of secondary packaging (e.g., boxes or cartons), a gusset integrated into the base of the package, or a secondary support structure (e.g., shelf racks). Such components are more complex, costly, and require additional materials compared to a traditional lay-flat pouch.

Additionally, packages may provide multiple compartments each containing one or more different food products. While some food products are suitable for processing in a retort process to sterilize the product and the compartment for other products, it is undesirable to expose the product and its compartment to the effects of the retort processing environment. Current manufacturing and packaging limitations do not allow for products contained in different compartments of a package to independently undergo the retort process. Thus, if only one product is required to undergo the retort process, that would nevertheless necessitate that all products of the package be exposed to the retort process.

As will be discussed herein, the present disclosure provides a food package including a multi-compartment lay-flat pouch and method for filling and producing the same. As used herein, the term “lay-flat” pouch refers to a packaged having two opposing sheets of material (e.g., plastic) pressed, adhered, attached or otherwise joined together at a single, continuous perimeter seam or seal. The method enables the loading of products into separate compartments of the pouch where a first product undergoes a retort process and a second product does not undergo the retort process. Thus, the method includes loading the first product into a first compartment of the pouch, exposing the pouch to the retort process, and then loading the second product into the second compartment of the pouch and sealing the second compartment. The method further includes folding the pouch and securing the pouch in a folded configuration to form a food package configured to stand upright on a base upon a horizontal surface without the aid of secondary packaging, an integrated gusset, or support structure.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, in some implementations, a method 1000 for loading product into a multi-compartment food package includes providing a pouch 110 having a first compartment 112 and a second compartment 114. As described herein and illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the pouch 110 includes a first barrier sheet 106 and a second barrier sheet 108, which are joined together to define a first compartment 112 and a second compartment 114. Particularly, opposing interior surfaces the first barrier sheet 106 and the second barrier sheet 108 are joined together along an intermediate seal 116 and a perimeter seal 118. The perimeter seal 118 includes a first side seal 120 defining a first side of the pouch 110 and a second side seal 122 defining an opposite second side of the pouch. As shown, the intermediate seal 116 extends from the first side seal 120 to the second side seal 122 to separate an interior space of the first compartment 112 from an interior space of the second compartment 114.

As discussed in great detail below, the pouch 110 further includes a first end seal 124 extending from the first side seal 120 to the second side seal 122 at a first end of the pouch 110 to enclose the interior space of the first compartment 112 and a second end seal 126 extending from the first side seal 120 to the second side seal at an opposite second end of the pouch 110 to enclose the interior space of the second compartment 114. As discussed below, the first end seal 124 and the second end seal 126 may be removed and/or formed during the process 1000 to provide or prevent access to the interior spaces via the respective first opening 125 and second opening 127 of the first compartment 112 and second compartment 114.

The pouch 110 may be folded along the intermediate seal 116 to position the first compartment 112 adjacent to the second compartment 114. More specifically, the pouch 110 is folded such that an exterior surface 128 of the first barrier sheet 106 forms an outer surface of the pouch 110 and a first portion of an exterior surface 130 of the second barrier sheet 108 faces a second portion of the exterior surface 130 of the second barrier sheet 108. Here, folding the pouch 110 along the intermediate seal forms a fold seam 132 between the first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a first portion 120a and a second portion 120b of the first side seal 120 are arranged in parallel and cooperate to form a base 134 upon which the pouch 110 can stand upright. A fastener 136 is attached to each of the first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114 to secure the pouch 110 in the folded configuration (FIG. 3). In the illustrated example, the fastener 136 extends over the exterior surface 130 at each of the first end seal 124 and the second end seal 126 to secure the pouch 110 in the folded configuration.

Optionally, the pouch 110 may further include various handling features without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the perimeter seal may include tear lines or notches 140 configured to allow for easier opening of the first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114 by a consumer. The tear notches 140 can be disposed anywhere along the perimeter seal 118. Optionally, the tear notches 140 may be disposed at or near the intermediate seal 116 to enable easy separation of the first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114. As shown in the example of FIGS. 1-4, the tear notches 140 are disposed in both the first portion 120a and the second portion 120b of the first side 120 of the perimeter seal 118 to allow for separate opening of the first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114.

Optionally, the perimeter seal 118 includes hand holds 142 to provide an easier to grasp portion of the food package. In the illustrated example, the hand holds 142 are indented portions of the first compartment 112 where the first side seal 120 and the second side seal 122 converge to provide concave recesses on opposite sides of the perimeter seal 118. The hand holds 142 allow for a user to more easily grab and maintain a grasp on the pouch 110, such as when consuming the contents of the first compartment 112 or the second compartment 114.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the method 1000 includes providing the pouch 110 having the first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114. As shown, the pouch 110 is initially provided with the first compartment 112 unsealed (i.e., open) and the second compartment 114 is sealed (i.e., closed). Thus, when the pouch 110 undergoes the retort process at the retort step 1003, after the first product 102 is loaded into the first compartment 112 and sealed, moisture (and any other unwanted material) is precluded from entering the sealed second compartment 114.

Prior to the first compartment 112 being loaded with the first product 102, the perimeter seal 118 includes a first side seal 120, a second side seal 122, and the second end seal 126. The first side seal 120, the second side seal 122, and the second end seal 126 of the perimeter seal 118 cooperate with the intermediate seal 116 to define the second compartment 114. Similarly, the first side seal 120 and second side seal 122 of the perimeter seal 118 cooperate with the intermediate seal 116 to partially define the first compartment 112. In other words, an end of the first compartment 112 does not initially include a seal, and thus defines the first opening 125 into the first compartment 112 prior to the primary filling and sealing step 1001. After the first product 102 is loaded into the first compartment 112 at the primary filling and sealing step 1001, the first opening 125 of the first compartment 112 is sealed to form the first end seal 124 of the perimeter seal 118. The first product 102 can be loaded in any suitable method, such as via manual, automated, bulk dispensing, or pre-packaged filling processes.

After the first compartment 112 is loaded and sealed with the first product 102 disposed therein, the pouch 110 undergoes the retort step 1003 to sterilize the first product 102. During the retort step 1003, each of the first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114 are hermetically sealed such that the interior spaces of both the first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114 remain dry. Thus, even though the second compartment 114 does not include a food product during the retort step 1003, the second compartment 114 will remain dry.

After undergoing the retort step 1003 to sterilize the first product 102, the pouch 110 undergoes a trimming or cutting step 1005 to remove the second end 126 of the perimeter seal 118 to form the second opening 127 into to the second compartment 114. Optionally, and as will be discussed below, the second compartment 114 is unsealed (i.e., open) during the retort process 1003 and prior to the second compartment 114 being loaded with the second product 104. In such implementations, moisture is precluded from entering the second compartment 114 via other suitable methods, such as subjecting the second compartment 114 to a drying process prior to loading the second product 104 or including a moisture absorber in the second compartment 114 with the second product 104.

Once the second opening 127 is formed in the second compartment 114, the pouch 110 undergoes a secondary filling and sealing step 1007. In the secondary filing and sealing step 1007, the second product 104 is loaded into the second compartment 114 through the second opening 127. The second compartment 114 is then resealed along the second opening 127. In other words, the second end seal 126 of the perimeter seal 118 is reformed such as via an adhesive, welding, or any other suitable resealing method.

After the second product 104 is loaded into the second compartment 114 and the second compartment 114 is sealed, the pouch 110 undergoes a fastening step 1009 and a folding step 1011. Although shown as first undergoing the fastening step 1009 and then undergoing the folding step 1011, it should be understood that pouch 110 may alternatively undergo the folding step 1011 prior to or in conjunction with the fastening step 1009.

As shown in the illustrated example, the pouch 110 has the first outer surface 128 defined by the first barrier sheet 106 and the second outer surface 130 defined by the second barrier sheet 108 on an opposite side of the pouch 110 from the first surface 128. During the fastening step 1009, the fastener 136 is attached to the first surface 128 of the pouch 110 along the second compartment 114. In the illustrated example, the fastener 136 includes product label 136 having an adhesive on one side and printed product information on the opposite side. Only a portion of the label 136 is adhered to the first surface 128 of the pouch 110 so that, when the pouch 110 is folded at the seam 132, the portion of the label 136 that is not adhered to the first surface 128 along the second compartment 114 can be adhered to the second surface 130 along the first compartment 112. As will be discussed below, the pouch 110 is folded along the seam 132 to a folded configuration such that the first compartment 112 is positioned adjacent the second compartment 114 and secured in the folded configuration via the label 136 adhered to the first outer surface 128 of the pouch 110. As shown in FIG. 4, when the pouch 110 is in the folded configuration, the portions of the second outer surface 130 of the second barrier sheet 108 defining the first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114 face each other along an interior of the package 100.

Although shown as a label 136 adhered to the first surface 128, it should be understood that the pouch 110 may be secured in the folded configuration via any suitable fastening member. For example, an adhesive material (such as a glue) or an adhesive element (such as adhesive tape) disposed between the portion of the second surface 130 at the first compartment 112 adjacent to the portion of the second surface 130 at the second compartment 114 when the pouch 110 is in the folded configuration. Optionally, a fastening member wraps around the pouch to secure the pouch in the folded configuration. For example, a wrap-around label or a paperboard may be used to secure the pouch in the folded configuration.

Thus, the method 1000 of FIG. 1 provides a multi-compartment food package 100 that includes a pouch 110 having the first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114 at least partially defined by a perimeter seal 118 and separated by an intermediate seal 116. The first compartment 112 is loaded with the first product 102 and the pouch 110 undergoes a retort process prior to the second compartment 114 being loaded with the second product 104. The first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114 are sealed with the respective first product 102 and second product 104 loaded. A fastening member, such as the label 136, is configured to secure the pouch 110 in a folded configuration where the pouch 110 is folded at the seam 132 so that the first compartment 112 is adjacent the second compartment 114 and forms a base 134. FIG. 2 depicts the pouch 110 and shows the folding direction along the seam 132 to achieve the folded configuration shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

When in the folded configuration, the food package 100 is configured to stand on the base 134 in a substantially vertical orientation (FIG. 4) relative to a support surface (e.g., a shelf). As shown, the term “vertical orientation” refers to the outer surface 128 of the pouch 110 standing upright relative to the support surface such that the outer surface 128 is forms a front-facing and a rear-facing portion of the package 100. In contrast, a “horizontal orientation” would refer to the outer surface 128 of the package 100 laying on the support surface.

A width of the intermediate seal 116 enables the package 100, when in the folded configuration, to have substantial depth for the first portion 120a and the second portion 120b of the first side seal 120 to support the package 100 in the vertical orientation. In other words, due to the width of the intermediate seal 116, when the package 100 is in the folded configuration, the first portion 120a and the second portion 120b of the first side seal 120 are spaced from one another in such a way that the package 100 can rest in the vertical orientation upon the first portion 120a and the second portion 120b of the perimeter seal 118. The fastening member or label 136 secures the pouch 110 in the folded configuration so that the first portion 120a and the second portion 120b of the first side seal 120 are precluded from spreading apart or coming together in a way that would cause the upright-standing package 100 to fall over. Thus, when in the folded configuration, the food package 100 according to the present disclosure provides a lay-flat pouch 110 configured to stand upright without the aid of an integrated gusset, secondary packaging, or support structure.

According to one aspect, and as shown in FIGS. 2-5A, the food package 100 includes the pouch 110 (a lay-flat pouch) having the first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114. The first compartment 112 forms a first portion 134a of the base 134 of the food package 100 and the second compartment 114 forms a second portion 134b of the base 134. The food package 100 further includes a fastening member 136 configured to secure the pouch 110 in a folded configuration where the pouch 110 is folded along a seam 132 so that the first compartment 112 is adjacent the second compartment 114. With the fastening member 136 securing the pouch 110 in the folded configuration, the food package 100 is configured to stand on the base 134 upon a surface 10, such as in a substantially vertical position (within about 10 degrees of vertical) or at an oblique angle relative to the surface 10.

The pouch 110 is folded along a seam 132 that corresponds to the intermediate seal 116 so that, when folded according to the directional arrow shown in FIG. 2, a portion of the second surface 130 of the pouch 110 at the first compartment 112 is adjacent a portion of the second surface 130 of the pouch 110 at the second compartment 114. As shown in FIG. 3, the label 136 is adhered to the pouch 110 to secure the pouch 110 in the folded configuration. The label 136 adheres to a portion of the first surface 128 at the second compartment 114 and to a portion of the second surface 130 at the first compartment 112. Because the first side 120 and second side 122 of the perimeter seal 118 are substantially parallel to one another and because the pouch 110 is folded along the perpendicular intermediate seal 116, the first compartment 112 and second compartment 114 overlap with corresponding portions of the perimeter seal 118 at the first compartment 112 and second compartment 114. In other words, the first portion 120a and second portion 120b of the first side seal 120 of the perimeter seal 118 and the first portion 122a and second portion 122b of the second side seal 122 of the perimeter seal 118 overlap.

As shown, the perimeter seal 118 defines a substantially rectangular outer boundary of the pouch 110, where the first side seal 120 and second side seal 122 are opposing and parallel to one another and normal to the opposing and parallel first end seal 124 and second end seal 126 with the intermediate seal 116 parallel to the first and second ends 124, 126. Thus, the first end seal 124 and second end seal 126 are perpendicular to and connecting the first side seal 120 and second side seal 122. The location of the intermediate seal 116 along the first side seal 120 and second side seal 122 of the perimeter seal 118 correlates to the relative sizes of the first compartment 112 and second compartment 114. For example, the intermediate seal 116 separates the pouch into the first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114 where the first portion 120a of the first side seal 120 and the first portion 122a of the second side seal 122 define sides of the first compartment 112 and the second portion 120b of the first side seal 120 and the second portion 122b of the second side seal 122 define sides of the second compartment 114. The ratio of the lengths of the first portion 120a of the first side seal 120 and first portion 122a of the second side seal 122 to the second portion 120b of the first side seal 120 and second portion 122b of the second side seal 122 correlates to the relative sizes of the first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portions 120a, 122a are about 60 percent of the length of the respective first side 120 and second side 122 of the perimeter seal and the second portions 120b, 122b are the remaining about 40 percent of the length of the respective first side 120 and second side 122 of the perimeter seal. Because the first end seal 124, the second end seal 126, and the intermediate seal 116 are the same length, the first compartment 112 is thus larger in volume than the second compartment 114. However, it should be understood that in other implementations, the first compartment 112 may be smaller or equal in size to the second compartment 114.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first compartment 112 forms a first portion 134a of the base and the second compartment 114 forms a second portion 134b of the base 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 134a and the second portion 134b of the base 134 are respectively defined by the first portion 120a and the second portion 120b of the first side seal 120 of the perimeter seal 118. Because the first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114, when in the folded configuration, overlap in such a way that the edge of the perimeter seal 118 at the respective first portion 120a and second portion 120b of the first side are aligned, the base 134 provides a flat support enabling the food package 100, when secured in the folded configuration, to stand upon the base 134 on a surface in the vertical orientation relative to the surface.

It should be understood that different configurations of the perimeter seal and base are within the intended scope of the present disclosure. For example, because the first portion 120a of the first side seal 120 of the perimeter seal 118 is longer than the second portion 120b, the first portion 134a of the base 134 is longer than the second portion 134b. However, the first portion 120a and second portion 120b of the first side seal 120 and the first portion 122a and second portion 122b of the second side seal 122 of the perimeter seal 118 may all be equal in size. In other words, the intermediate seal 116 may separate the pouch 110 into the first compartment 112 and second compartment 114 of equal size. In such implementations, the first portion 134a and second portion 134b of the base 134 are also equal in size. Additionally, in such implementations, the first end seal 124 and second end seal 126 of the perimeter seal 118 would align and the package 100, when in the folded configuration, could stand upon the base 134 provided by the first end seal 124 and the second end seal 126 of the perimeter seal 118.

As shown in FIG. 4, with the pouch 110 in the folded configuration, the first product 102 and second product 104 loaded in the respective first compartment 112 and second compartment 114 provide depth or width to the food package 100. The intermediate seal 116 is configured to accommodate the depth or width of the food package 100 so that the first compartment 112 and second compartment 114 are adjacent one another when the package 100 is in the folded configuration. In other words, the intermediate seal 116 is configured to increase the product depth when the food package 100 is folded so that the first portion 120a of the first side seal 120 is separated from the second portion 120b of the first side seal 120 to provide support for the food package 100 to stand on the surface. For example, the intermediate seal 116 may have a width W₁₁₆of 10 mm to provide separation between the first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114. The intermediate seal 116 may be wider than, narrower than, or the same width as the perimeter seal 118.

As shown, the pouch 110 is folded at the seam 132 along the intermediate seal 116, which is perpendicular relative to the first side seal 120 and second side seal 122 of the perimeter seal 118, to place the pouch 110 in the folded configuration. As will be discussed below, the pouch 110 may be folded at a seam along an intermediate seal that is not perpendicular (i.e., at an oblique angle) relative to the first side seal 120 and second side seal 122 of the perimeter seal 118 and/or at a seam that is at an oblique angle relative to the intermediate seal (where the intermediate seal may be perpendicular or angled relative to the sides of the perimeter seal).

When the pouch 110 is in the folded configuration, the first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114 are adjacent one another at the second surface 130 of the pouch 110 and the first surface 128 provides an outward viewing graphic at the first compartment 112 and the label 136 at the second compartment 114. Optionally, a window 138 is formed with the first surface 128 at the first compartment 112 and/or the second compartment 114. The window 138 may be any suitable shape or configuration and may be transparent to allow for clear viewing of the contents of the first compartment 112 and/or second compartment 114 or may be translucent or otherwise designed to allow for an obscured or altered view of the contents. For example, a graphic may be printed on an otherwise transparent window to describe or otherwise enhance the view of the contents.

Thus, the food package 100, with the pouch 110 secured in a folded configuration via the label 136 is configured to stand upright on the base 134 upon a surface, such as in a substantially vertical position (i.e., transverse relative to the surface) to provide a space and cost efficient, informative, and attractive storage or shelving orientation for lay-flat packaging.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, the pouch 110 is shown in the initial state with a sealed second compartment 114. In other words, the perimeter seal 118 includes the second end seal 126 prior to the first product 102 being loaded into the unsealed first compartment 112 and prior to the pouch 110 undergoing the retort process with the first product 102 loaded in the sealed first compartment 112. This configuration ensures that the second product 104 is loaded into a dry and contaminant-free second compartment 114 after the initial second end seal 126 of the perimeter seal 118 is cut or removed from the pouch 110.

In another configuration, and as shown in FIG. 5B, an empty pouch 210 has an unsealed first compartment 212 and an unsealed second compartment 214. Thus, the second compartment 214 is left unsealed during the loading and retort process of the first compartment 212. In other words, the perimeter seal 218 of the pouch 210, prior to the pouch 210 being loaded with product, sealed, and folded, includes the first side seal 220 and the second side seal 222 and the end portions of the first compartment 212 and the second compartment 214 are unsealed to provide the respective first opening 225 and second opening 227.

When the second compartment 214 is left unsealed during the loading and retort process 1003 of the first compartment 212, moisture and/or other contaminants may be precluded from entering and/or remaining within the second compartment 214 in other suitable ways. The second compartment 214 may undergo a drying process prior to being loaded (such as via use of drying fans or a drying agent) or a moisture absorber may be included in the second compartment 214 to ensure that unwanted moisture is not present in the second compartment 214.

Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 6, another example of a pouch 310 includes a resealable opening, such as a zipper opening 344, at the second compartment 314. The resealable opening 344 may be formed in one of the barrier layers of the pouch 310. Optionally, the resealable opening 344 may be formed at the second end seal of the perimeter seal 318 and provides access to the second compartment 314 during the secondary loading process 1007 and subsequently provides a user with the convenience of a resealable package. To seal the second compartment 314 during the retort step 1003, the zipper 344 is closed. To unseal the second compartment 314, such as to load product into the second compartment 314, the zipper 344 is opened. In the illustrated example, the zipper 344 is disposed at the first surface 328 of the pouch 310 at the second compartment 314 so that when the pouch 310 is folded along the seam 332 at the intermediate seal 316 and a label is adhered to the first surface 328 at the second compartment 314 and the first compartment 312 to secure the pouch 310 in the folded configuration, the label covers the zipper 344 to provide a secondary seal of the package. Alternatively, the zipper opening 344 may be formed in the first surface such the zipper opening 344 is disposed on an interior portion of the package 300 when the package 300 is in the folded configuration.

While FIG. 4 depicts a food package 100 configured to stand on the base 134 upon a surface in a perpendicular orientation relative to the surface (i.e., vertical), in other implementations, a food package is configured to stand on a base upon a surface at an oblique angle relative to the surface. In implementations where the load of a first compartment is greater than a load of a second compartment, such an orientation helps to keep the package from falling over when placed on a horizontal surface. Additionally, such an orientation allows for easy placement and stacking of multiple food packages in a row on the horizontal surface. While implementations discussed herein discuss a food package biased towards the rear or second compartment to offset the greater load of the first compartment, it should be understood that the package may be configured so that the package would be biased or lean toward the first compartment.

For example, and as shown in FIGS. 7-9, a food package 400 includes a pouch 410 having an arcuate cutout 446 that defines an arcuate recess in the perimeter seal 418 along at least some of the second portion 420b of the first side seal 420. When the pouch 410 is folded at the seam 432 along the intermediate seal 416 so that the first compartment 412 is adjacent the second compartment 414 at a second surface 430 of the pouch 410 and a first surface 428 faces outward and so that the first portion 420a and second portion 420b of the first side seal 420 of the perimeter seal 418 overlap, and the first portion 422a and second portion 422b of the second side seal 422 of the perimeter seal 418 overlap, the part of the first portion 434a of the base 434 aligned with the arcuate recess of the cutout 446 extends below the second portion 434b of the base 434 that includes the cutout 446. Thus, when a label 436 secures the pouch 410 in the folded configuration, the package 400 is configured to stand upright on the base 434 upon the surface 10 at an oblique angle θ₄₀₀relative to the surface 10 and biased toward the second compartment 414. Here, the angle θ₄₀₀is measured along a longitudinal axis of the package 400 extending from the first side seal 420 to the second side seal 422 (shown in FIG. 9 extending through the first compartment 412).

In the illustrated example, the arcuate recess of the cutout 446 extends along only some of the second portion 434b of the base 434. In other words, at least some of the second portion 434b of the base 434 has a height (i.e., width of the perimeter seal) that is less than the height of the first portion 434a and some of the second portion 434b of the base 434 has a height equal to the first portion 434a.

Optionally, and such as shown in FIGS. 10-12, a food package 500 includes a pouch 510 having a cutout or offset portion 546 with a constant width W₅₄₆along the entirety of the second portion 520b of the first side seal 520 of the perimeter seal 518 where the edge of the second portion 520b is offset or raised compared to the edge of the first portion 520a. When the pouch 510 is folded at the seam 532 along the intermediate seal 516 so that the first compartment 512 is adjacent the second compartment 514 at a second surface 530 of the pouch 510 and a first surface 528 faces outward and so that the first portion 520a and second portion 520b of the first side seal 520 of the perimeter seal 518 overlap and the first portion 522a and second portion 522b of the second side seal 522 of the perimeter seal 518 overlap, the first portion 534a of the base 534 extends below the second portion 534b. Thus, when a label 536 secures the pouch 510 in the folded configuration, the package 500 is configured to stand on the base 534 upon the surface 10 at an oblique angle θ₅₀₀relative to the surface 10 and biased toward the second compartment 514. Here, the angle θ₅₀₀is measured along a longitudinal axis of the package 500 extending from the first side seal 520 to the second side seal 522 (shown in FIG. 12 extending through the first compartment 512). The offset portion 546 may be formed in any suitable manner, such as by die cutting the perimeter seal 518 to provide an edge of the second portion 520b offset from the first portion 520a or via a shaped seal bar providing a width consistent with the perimeter seal 518 and positioned or shaped to provide the offset edge.

In some implementations, a food package 600 is configured to stand upright on its base 634 upon a horizontal surface 10 at an oblique angle θ₆₀₀relative to the surface 10 as enabled by the seam 632 along which the pouch 610 is folded. Thus, the pouch 610 may have a uniform or constant width perimeter seal 618 forming the first base portion 634a and second base portion 634b, but the first base portion 634a and second base portion 634b may nevertheless be at different heights (enabling the oblique relationship with the surface 10) based on the seam 632 along which the pouch 610 is folded. In other words, the pouch 610 is folded so that the first portion 620a and second portion 620b of the first side seal 620 of the perimeter seal 618 do not directly overlap in parallel, but instead are askew relative to one another.

For example, FIGS. 13-15 show the food package 600 that includes the pouch 610 having an intermediate seal 616 at an oblique angle θ₆₁₆relative to the first side 620 and the second side 622 of the perimeter seal 618. When the pouch 610 is folded at the seam 632 along the intermediate seal 616 so that first compartment 612 is adjacent the second compartment 614 at a second surface 630 of the pouch 610, the first surface 628 faces outward, and the first portion 620a and second portion 620b of the first side seal 620 of the perimeter seal 618 and the first portion 622a and second portion 622b of the second side seal 622 do not completely overlap and the first compartment 612 and second compartment 614 are skewed relative to each other (FIG. 14). As shown, the first portion 634a of the base 634 extends below the second portion 634b so that, when a label 636 secures the pouch 610 in the folded configuration, the package 600 is configured to stand on the base 634 upon the surface 10 at an oblique angle θ₆₀₀relative to the surface 10 and biased towards the second compartment 614.

In the illustrated embodiment, the perimeter seal 618 has a uniform width at both the first portion 634a and second portion 634b of the base 634, but due to the folding seam 632 along the angled intermediate seal 616, the second portion 634b of the base 634 is skewed relative to the first portion 634a, allowing the package 600 to stand upright on the base 634 upon the surface 10 at an oblique angle relative θ₆₀₀to the surface 10 and angled toward the second compartment 614. Here, the angle θ₆₀₀at which the package stands corresponds to the angle θ₆₁₆of the intermediate seam 616, such that increasing the angle θ₆₁₆of the seam will result in a greater degree of tilt of the package 600 (i.e., a smaller angle θ₆₀₀).

Optionally, and such as shown in FIGS. 16-18, a food package 700 includes a pouch 710 having an intermediate seal 716 perpendicular relative to the first side seal 720 and second side seal 722 of the perimeter seal 718, but the pouch 710 is folded at a seam 732 at an oblique angle θ₇₃₂relative to the intermediate seal 716 to offset the first compartment 712 and second compartment 714. The pouch 710 may also be folded along a seam 732 that is offset from the intermediate seal 716 such that the seam 732 separates one of the first compartment 712 or the second compartment 714 into two portions. Optionally, the package 700 may include a folding guideline 733 formed on an exterior surface 728, 730 of the pouch to provide proper positioning and alignment between the first compartment 712 and the second compartment 714. The closer the seam 732 is to the intermediate seal 116, the greater depth the package 100 will have when in the folded configuration.

Thus, when the pouch 710 is folded at the seam 732 angled relative to the intermediate seal 716 so that first compartment 712 is adjacent the second compartment 714 at a second surface 730 of the pouch 710, the first surface 728 faces outward, and the first portion 720a and second portion 720b of the first side seal 720 of the perimeter seal 718 and the first portion 722a and second portion 722b of the second side seal 722 do not completely overlap (FIG. 17). In other words, the pouch 710 is folded so that the first compartment 712 and second compartment 714 are skewed relative to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 734a of the base 734 extends below the second portion 734b so that, when a label 736 secures the pouch 710 in the folded configuration, the package 700 is configured to stand upright on the base 734 upon the surface 10 at an oblique angle θ₇₀₀relative to the surface 10 and is biased towards the second compartment 714.

In the illustrated embodiment, the perimeter seal 718 has a uniform width at both the first portion 734a and second portion 734b of the base 734, but due to the folding seam 732 at the angle θ₇₃₂along the intermediate seal 716, the second portion 734b of the base 734 is higher relative to the surface 10 than the first portion 734a, allowing the package 700 to stand on the base 734 upon the surface 10 at an oblique angle relative to the surface 10 and angled toward the second compartment 714.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

POUCH HAVING SEPARATE COMPARTMENTS

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