Multi-compartment flexible pouch

Abstract

A flexible pouch with multiple compartments for packaging a product includes a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, and an upper edge, an opposed lower edge and a side edge extending therebetween the upper edge and the lower edge. A mid-seam separates the wall into discrete compartments, and the mid-seam is a frangible seal that remains intact when a pressure within the pouch is below a predetermined bursting pressure, and breaks when the pressure within the pouch is greater than the predetermined bursting pressure. The pouch also includes an opening means integrally formed in at least one compartment for accessing a product contained within the pouch. A method of filling the multi-compartment pouch with a product includes the steps of simultaneously opening each compartment of the pouch using a pair of opposed first grippers positioned on each side edge of the pouch, a pair of opposed second grippers positioned on an upper edge of the pouch, and a pair of opposed suction members positioned on each compartment wall, and simultaneously pushing the first grippers inwardly and second grippers and suction members outwardly. The method further includes the steps of filling at least one of the opened compartments with a product applying a closing sealing to seal the filled compartments.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 658,126 filed Mar. 3, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to a flexible pouch for packaging products, and more particularly to a multi-compartment pouch for packaging a product within a compartment and a method of manufacturing the same. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Various types of disposable, portable containers are known in the art for storing a fluid or dry product, such as a liquid, granular material, powder or the like. An example of such a container is a flexible pouch. Consumers prefer the convenience of flexible pouches over other types of containers, due to their shape, size, shelf life and storage adaptability. Manufactures recognize the packaging benefits of a flexible pouch, since the pouch can be formed and filled on the sa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] One advantage of the present invention is that an improved multi-compartment flexible pouch and an improved method of making and filling a multi-compartment flexible pouch with a product is provided, and the flexible pouch is suitable for storing and processing of the product contained therein. Another advantage of the present invention is that a flexible pouch and method of making the same is provided that includes at least one mid-seam that is a frangible seal separating the pouch into multiple compartments. Still another advantage of the present invention is that a flexible pouch and method of making the same is provided that includes a frangible seal that prevents the leakage of product between adjacent compartments. A further advantage of the present invention is that a flexible pouch and a method of making the same are provided that is cost effective to manufacture. Yet a further advantage of the present invention is that the flexible pouch is self-heating, in order to heat the contents of the pouch. Yet still a further advantage of the present invention is that the flexible pouch is self-cooling, in order to cool the contents of the flexible pouch. Yet still a further advantage of the present invention is that the flexible pouch includes a double top seal and a double bottom seal, with an air pocket formed between the two seals, that insulates the double seal so that the pouch can be gripped by the ends when the contents of the compartments separated by the frangible seal are mixed. Still yet a further advantage of the present invention is that a method of filling the multi-compartment pouch is provided that utilizes grippers to simultaneously open each of the compartments for filling. Another advantage of the present invention is that the flexible pouch includes a venting means surrounded by a frangible seal. A further advantage of the present invention is that the products contained in each compartment are kept separate until mixed or combined for use, to increase the shelf life of the combined product.

is that an improved multi-compartment flexible pouch and an improved method of making and filling a multi-compartment flexible pouch with a product is provided, and the flexible pouch is suitable for storing and processing of the product contained therein. Another advantage of the present invention is that a flexible pouch and method of making the same is provided that includes at least one mid-seam that is a frangible seal separating the pouch into multiple compartments. Still another advantage of the present invention is that a flexible pouch and method of making the same is provided that includes a frangible seal that prevents the leakage of product between adjacent compartments. A further advantage of the present invention is that a flexible pouch and a method of making the same are provided that is cost effective to manufacture. Yet a further advantage of the present invention is that the flexible pouch is self-heating, in order to heat the contents of the pouch. Yet still a further advantage of the present invention is that the flexible pouch is self-cooling, in order to cool the contents of the flexible pouch. Yet still a further advantage of the present invention is that the flexible pouch includes a double top seal and a double bottom seal, with an air pocket formed between the two seals, that insulates the double seal so that the pouch can be gripped by the ends when the contents of the compartments separated by the frangible seal are mixed. Still yet a further advantage of the present invention is that a method of filling the multi-compartment pouch is provided that utilizes grippers to simultaneously open each of the compartments for filling. Another advantage of the present invention is that the flexible pouch includes a venting means surrounded by a frangible seal. A further advantage of the present invention is that the products contained in each compartment are kept separate until mixed or combined for use, to increase the shelf life of the combined product.

Problems solved by technology

However, their use with carbonated products has been limited, due to the permeability of presently available materials, thereby allowing loss of the internal carbon dioxide gas from the pouch and its replacement with oxygen.

The presence of oxygen in the filled pouch increases the chance of bacteria forming, or may affect the taste.

While these flexible pouches are useful, they are costly to produce and may not intermix the products efficiently, or are prone to leakage between compartments.

Images