U.S. patent application number 13/218274 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-29 for mixing package and methods of forming and using same.
Invention is credited to Greg Melchoir, Mark Steele.
Application Number | 20120074002 13/218274 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45869537 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120074002 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Steele; Mark ; et
al. |
March 29, 2012 |
MIXING PACKAGE AND METHODS OF FORMING AND USING SAME
Abstract
A package having two or more selectively isolated compartments
and a mixing region is disclosed. A mixing region can be included
between the mixing compartments, with respective access devices
(e.g., zipper or film member) provided to provide selective
communication between the compartments and the mixing region. One
or more pull members can be included on the exterior of the package
such that pulling on the tabs opens the access devices to
facilitate communication between the compartments and their
respective contents.
Inventors: |
Steele; Mark; (New Prague,
MN) ; Melchoir; Greg; (Green Bay, WI) |
Family ID: |
45869537 |
Appl. No.: |
13/218274 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61376864 |
Aug 25, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/219 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/3266
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/219 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/08 20060101
B65D025/08 |
Claims
1. A content mixing package, comprising: a first compartment
adapted to hold first contents; a second compartment adapted to
hold second contents; and at least one access device disposed
between the first and second compartments such that a pulling force
on a portion of the package selectively opens the at least one
access device to enable communication of the first and second
contents.
2. The package of claim 1, wherein the at least one access device
includes first and second access devices.
3. The package of claim 2, further including an initial mixing
region provided intermediate the first and second access
devices.
4. The package of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and
second access devices includes a zipper device.
5. The package of claim 1, wherein the at least one access device
includes a zipper device.
6. The package of claim 5, wherein the zipper device includes
opposing interlocking members.
7. The package of claim 1, further including at least one external
member provided proximate the at least one access device such that
pulling on the at least one external member opens the at least one
access device.
8. The package of claim 1, wherein the at least one access device
is a generally C-shaped film member.
9. The package of claim 1, further including two external members
provided proximate the at least one access device such that pulling
on the two external members opens the at least one access
device.
10. A content mixing package, comprising: a first flexible panel
portion having an external surface and an internal surface; a
second flexible panel portion having an external surface and an
internal surface; a first compartment defined at least by the first
and second flexible panel portions and adapted to hold first
contents; a second compartment defined at least by the first and
second flexible panel portions and adapted to hold second contents
distinct from the first compartment; and at least one access device
operably disposed to the internal surface of the first flexible
panel portion and the internal surface of the second flexible panel
portion between the first and second compartments such that opening
the at least one access device enables communication of the first
and second contents.
11. The package of claim 10, wherein the at least one access device
includes first and second access devices.
12. The package of claim 11, further including an initial mixing
region provided intermediate the first and second access
devices.
13. The package of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first and
second access device includes a zipper device.
14. The package of claim 10, wherein the at least one access device
includes a zipper device.
15. The package of claim 14, wherein the zipper device includes
opposing interlocking members.
16. The package of claim 10, further including at least one
external member provided proximate the at least one access device
extending from the external surface of the first flexible panel
portion such that pulling on the at least one external member opens
the at least one access device.
17. The package of claim 10, wherein the at least one access device
is a generally C-shaped film member, with a first portion of the
film member peel sealed to the internal surface of the first panel
portion and a second portion of the film member peel sealed to the
internal surface of the second panel portion.
18. The package of claim 10, further including two external members
provided proximate the at least one access device such that pulling
on the two external members opens the at least one access
device.
19. The package of claim 10, wherein the at least one access device
includes a first flange disposed to the internal surface of the
first flexible panel portion and a second flange disposed to the
internal surface of the second flexible panel portion.
20. The package of claim 10, wherein the at least one access device
provides a substantially leak proof closure portion.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/376,864, filed Aug. 25, 2010 and
entitled MIXING PACKAGE AND METHODS OF FORMING SAME, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to flexible
packaging and, more particularly, to flexible packaging adapted to
selectively mix the contents of two or more compartments or
chambers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Various conventional flexible packages exist for separating
two or more products or components prior to use. In general, at
least one of the components is a liquid. Pressure causes the
contents to exert force upon a frangible tape or seal until a
breaking or bursting point is reached. At the point of rupture, the
previously separated contents are then brought into communication
with each other.
[0004] While generally effective in mixing the pouch contents after
pressure is applied, these conventional packaging designs have
inherent flaws. First, the method of manufacturing or forming such
packages can be time consuming, require undesired precision and can
be costly. The requisite heat, pressure, and dwell times required
to form a proper rupturable seal can be unpredictable and difficult
to achieve. Slight variations or errors in formation or
manufacturing of the seal can significantly alter the rupture
threshold for the seal. Further, simple handling and shipping of
the product can cause the seal to rupture at an unintended time.
This can also increase waste and cost, and can cause a mess during
shipment, use and the like.
[0005] As a result, there is a need for a flexible package that
substantially solves the above-referenced problems with
conventional package designs, configurations, and manufacturing
methods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention solves many of the problems that
plague conventional mixing packages and packaging methods. Various
embodiments of the present invention are directed to a package or
pouch generally constructed of a flexible polymer material or film
laminate. Two or more mixing compartments are provided. In
addition, one or more zipper or like access devices are provided
intermediate the mixing compartments such that a pulling force on
the package or access devices selectively opens a communication
region or channel between the mixing compartments. As such,
inadvertent or even relatively high squeezing pressure on the
outside of the package or access devices will not cause an
undesirable rupture or communication between the compartments.
[0007] In one embodiment, the package includes a first compartment,
a second compartment, a leak resistant or leak proof first zipper
device and second zipper device, and an initial mixing region or
compartment. The first and second zipper devices are provided at
the area of communication between the respective first and second
compartments and provide the means for enabling communication
between the mixing region and the corresponding compartment. In
use, significant squeezing or other pressure force onto the package
from the outside of the package will simply cause the contents of
the compartments to press against the access devices, and will not
cause rupture or communication between the compartments. However, a
relatively low level pulling force on the outside of the package
proximate the zipper devices will cause the interlocking members of
the devices, or extending members of a film, to disengage and open
communication between the compartments. Pull tabs, fins, members,
or like structures or devices can be included on the outside of the
package above or opposite the product side of the zipper devices to
facilitate pulling or opening of the zipper devices.
[0008] The content or products within the compartments can vary
greatly. Various fluids, liquids, solids, gels, granular
substances, and the like can be isolated within the compartments
for later mixing with use of the mixing and access device
features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front view of a mixing package in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a partial side section view of the mixing package
of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is close-up partial section view of the compartments,
regions, and devices of the package of FIG. 2 in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 3a is close-up partial section view of the
compartments, regions, and film member devices of a mixing package
in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3b is close-up partial section view of the
compartments, regions, and film member device of a mixing package
in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3c is close-up partial section view of the
compartments, regions, and zipper/film devices of a mixing package
in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a front view of a mixing package with end seals
and contents in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side section view of the mixing package of FIG.
4 with product or contents in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side section view of the mixing package in an
initial use stage in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side section view of the mixing package in use
to mix the compartment contents in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention.
[0019] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary,
the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims. For illustrative purposes,
hatching or shading in the figures is provided to demonstrate
sealed portions, integrated devices, and/or distinct materials or
portions for the package. In addition, the size and proportions of
film or package portions may be exaggerated with respect to the
surrounding material and films to improve visual depictions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-7, a flexible package 10 in
accordance with the present invention, and the steps for using the
flexible package 10, are shown or described. The package 10
generally includes a first or front panel portion 12 and a second
or back panel portion 14 configured to define a package interior 9
adapted to hold contents or product 11. The package 10 can further
include a bottom panel portion and one or more side panel portions.
The panel portions can be joined to form or define an inner cavity
of the main package 10 for holding, transporting, or otherwise
containing material contents. The material contents can include
solids, fluids (e.g., liquid or gaseous contents), powders, gels,
granular substances, foods, and like substances, materials or
contents.
[0021] Each of the panel portions can include internal sealant
surfaces. The joining of the front and back panels 12, 14 can
create corresponding side or seal edges and top and bottom seals.
Alternatively, the panels can be formed of a single web material
and folded or formed to define the distinct panel portions. The
cross-hatching in the figures is generally used to denote sealing
and/or panel edges, folds or distinct materials or panel portions.
In certain embodiments, the package 10 can further includes a
bottom panel, side panels, top panels, and the like. Further, panel
portions can be gusseted to provide a level of deformability,
expansion or like dynamic characteristics.
[0022] The package panel portions are generally constructed of
flexible sheet material such as polyethylene, polyester, metal
foil, polypropylene, or polyethylenes or polypropylenes laminated
with other materials such as nylon, polyester, and like films. To
provide for higher barriers, embodiments can use combination layers
of said materials and material of the like. In addition, various
panel portions can be constructed of, or incorporated with,
materials that provide preferred sealing characteristics. One
skilled in the art will understand that a myriad of materials and
material laminates are available for selective use for the package
and materials.
[0023] As demonstrated in FIGS. 1-7, the package 10 can include a
first access device 20, a second access device 22, a first content
compartment 24, a second content compartment 26, and an initial
mixing region 28. Further, one or more pull members 30, such as
tabs, film, flaps, fins, labels, and the like, can be included
extending from the outside of the package proximate or at the
access devices 20, 22 to facilitate pulling open the access
devices. The pull members 30 can be flexible, rigid, or a
combination thereof. Alternatively, the user can simply grab or
pinch a portion of the package proximate the access devices 20, 22
and pull (or push or squeeze) to separate or open the devices. Side
or edge seals 13 can be used to seal off and contain the contents
within the package compartments 24, 26.
[0024] As shown in the close-up view of FIG. 3, the first access
device can be a first zipper device 20 and the second access device
can be a second zipper device 22. Other known mechanisms,
structures or access devices are also envisioned for use as one or
both of the devices 20, 22, e.g., Velcro.RTM. (hook and latch),
snaps, clips, and the like. The first zipper device 20 is provided
intermediate the first compartment 24 and the initial mixing region
28. The second zipper device 22 is provided intermediate the second
compartment 26 and the mixing region 28. Further, the zipper
devices can include a first flange portion 32, a second flange
portion 34, first interlocking members 36 and second interlocking
members 38. In various embodiments, the flange portions are adapted
for sealing or other attachment to the interior panel of the
package. The interlocking members are generally provided in an
opposing orientation such that the first interlocking members 36
can be directed down or toward the second interlocking members 38,
or vice versa. Providing the devices 20, 22 at an orientation
(e.g., transverse) to the plane of the relevant package panels
(e.g., 12, 14) provides the desired resistance at the devices 20,
22 to pressure or squeezing of the package (e.g., normal use or
squeezing). If squeezed, the contents or product in each
compartment 24, 26 will press against the sides (e.g., generally in
plane with the panels) zipper or access device without initiating
actuation, separation or opening of the devices. Rather, a pulling
force on the members 30 or the package panel material (e.g.,
transverse to the plane of the panels), with minimal force, will
disengage the oriented interlocking members 36, 38 to provide means
for opening the access devices 20, 22 with relative ease.
[0025] Certain embodiments of the access devices 20, 22 can include
a mechanism or structure not requiring zipper constructs. For
instance, hook and latch (e.g., Velcro.RTM.), or like devices or
constructs can be employed.
[0026] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3a, the devices 20,
22 can include a generally U-shaped or C-shaped peel film or member
25 can be included. The member 25 can be a folded length of peel
seal film. The member 25 can take on a myriad of designs, shapes
and sizes in accordance with the desired strength, use, and package
formation desired. Embodiments including this peel film or member
25 can provide a device 20, 22 with a contiguous construct with
fewer vulnerable regions to better promote leak proof
characteristics for the devices 20, 22. With such embodiments, the
shaped films or members 25 can be attached to the interior surfaces
of the front and back panels, 12, 14, much like the zipper devices
of FIG. 3. The curved section or region 25a of the member can be
positioned where the interlocking members would otherwise be such
that direct tension or force from squeezing will not cause the
member to release from its seal to the front and back panels.
Extending portions 25b are sealed or otherwise disposed along an
interior surface of the opposing panel portions 12, 14, e.g., peel
seal attachment.
[0027] The contents 11 (e.g., product A or B) can travel along a
direction shown in FIG. 3a to exert a force against the region 25a.
Normal squeezing forces can move the contents to provide a force
that may deform or stress the region 25a without providing a
directional force (e.g., transverse to the panel plane) sufficient
to cause the extending portions 25b to separate from the interior
panel surface. As such, the member 25 can withstand a high shear
force from the product side. However, pulling force on the tabs 30
will cause the temporary or peel seal of the member 25 (e.g., at
extending portions 25b) to disengage or release from the interior
panel surface (e.g., low shear strength) to facilitate opening of
the access device and permit communication between the compartments
24, 26 and the corresponding region 28. The level of bonding or
sealing of the extending portions 25b to the respective interior
panel surface can be used as a means of controlling the desired
force required on the tabs 30 for releasing the members 25 and the
level of stresses or forces the region 25a is configured to
withstand or absorb. Higher or stronger seal properties will
require more pulling force to release the portions 25b from the
interior surface to open up the member 25. Such sealing
configurations and controlled release characteristics can be
implemented for any of the device 20, 22 embodiments disclosed
herein. Further, an interior facing surface of the film 25
(opposite the surface sealed to the interior of the panels) can
include a polyester, nylon or like coating, laminate or
co-extrusion such that the film 25 will not stick to itself during
sealing and formation processes for the package--e.g., prevent
sticking or sealing of the interior surfaces of the opposing
extending portions 25b to one another.
[0028] Other embodiments of devices 20, 22 constructed of or
including a film or membrane are shown in FIGS. 3b-3c. FIG. 3b
depicts an embodiment having a single (but could include more)
device 20 in the form of a film member 27 sealed to opposing
interior surfaces of the corresponding panel portions, such as
panels 12, 14. The member 27 can extend angularly across the panels
and can include a weakened area 27a (e.g., thin walled, scored,
etc.) to facilitate breaching or breaking of the member 27 upon
application of a force--e.g., pulling at the tabs 30. Upon
breaching the film member 27 at the area 27a, the compartments 24,
26 are brought into open communication, and the contents thereof
can be mixed.
[0029] FIG. 3c shows an embodiment of the package 10 wherein the
devices 20, 22 include the zipper construct described herein (e.g.,
flanges 32, 34 and interlocking members 36, 38) and an additional
film or membrane 29. The membrane 29 can be adapted to provide a
level of give or deformation with the devices 20, 22 and can
include an area of weakness to facilitate breaching or breaking
upon receiving the desired force application--e.g., pulling at the
tabs 30. Further, embodiments of the membrane 29 can simply be
provided to include an initial device 20, 22 protection against the
force of the product within the compartments 24, 26 during
squeezing or manipulation, until the time when the membrane 29 is
breached or the zipper device components, such as members 36, 38,
are disengaged to open up the devices 20, 22.
[0030] Again, the material contents 11 of the compartments 24, 26
for each of the embodiments can include solids, fluids (e.g.,
liquid or gaseous contents), powders, gels, foods, and like
substances, materials or contents. In various embodiments, the
contents of compartment 24 can be different than the contents of
compartment 26. For instance, one compartment (e.g., 24) can
include a fluid, while the other compartment (e.g., 26) can include
a solid, or other non-fluid content, such that mixing of the
contents 11 is facilitated by opening or otherwise providing fluid
communication between the compartments 24, 26. Certain embodiments
can include more than two distinct compartments separated and
brought into communication by one or more access devices.
[0031] In using an embodiment, as demonstrated in FIGS. 5-7, the
package is provided to the user with the content or product in
compartments 24, 26 (e.g., Product A and Product B) isolated by the
one or more access devices 20, 22. When mixing of the contents is
desired, the user then grabs the tabs 30 (FIG. 6) and pulls up or
away from the package panels. This, in turn, will cause the access
devices 20, 22 to disengage, release or open (e.g., at the members
36, 38) such that the contents are brought into communication with
one another in the initial mixing region 28 (FIG. 7). While the
mixing region 28 may provide initial mixing or communication of the
previously separated contents 11 upon release or opening of the
devices 20, 22, the contents 11 of each compartment 24, 26 is then
capable of mixing within the other of the compartments, or even
within other portions of the interior package cavity. As such, the
interior of the package can mix all contents together even through
the contents were initially maintained in distinct and isolated
compartments 24, 26.
[0032] While various embodiments are depicted with two access
devices 20, 22, other embodiments can include a single access
device adapted to selectively open communication between the
compartments 24, 26. With such embodiments, the contents or product
of the compartments 24, 26 could also mix within the compartments
themselves, even without an initial mixing region 28.
[0033] In certain embodiments, a fitment, port, mechanism or other
structure 50 can be included with the package that extends from the
outside of the package in through a panel 12 or 14 to provide fluid
communication into the initial mixing region 28 (FIG. 3c). Air or
liquid could be injected in through this structure 50 (e.g., via a
conduit, nozzle, etc.) to expand or inflate the pocket or cavity
defining the region 28 such that a desired level of air or liquid
will expand the proximate panels 12, 14 to simulate the pulling
action described herein to cause the devices 20, 22 to disengage,
rupture or otherwise open to provide communication between the
compartments 24, 26.
[0034] Various additional access devices, such as zippers or like
closures (e.g., single use or re-closeable), can be included along
various portions or panels of the package 10 to facilitate filling,
access or dispensing of the products, or mixed contents, from the
package. Further, scores, tear notches or similar features can be
included along nearly any region of the package 10 to facilitate
access into and out of the package compartments. In addition, the
access devices, pull tabs, members or other mechanisms or features
of the mixing package 10 can be pre-formed, extruded or otherwise
formed in the package panels (outside or inside surfaces) rather
than attached through sealing or other bonding techniques. The
access devices, pull tabs, members or other mechanisms or features
could also be pre-formed or attached to a separate material or film
and thereafter integrated or otherwise provided along a surface
(outside or inside) of the package panels.
[0035] Embodiments of the package 10 can include zippers, fitments,
re-closeable devices or other like devices to gain access into the
mixed content of the internal cavity. Further, certain embodiments
can include tear notches, scoring, and like features to permit a
user to rip or tear off a portion of the package to gain access to
the mixed contents of the internal cavity of the package. Knifes,
scissors or other cutting tools can also be used to cut a portion
of the package to gain access to the mixed contents.
[0036] A myriad of package formation and manufacturing process are
envisioned for forming the disclosed package 10. In one embodiment,
the package 10 is generally formed by inserting two access devices
20, 22 down the center of the package during the formation process
(machine or transverse directions). The devices 20, 22 can be
oriented so that the interlocking members are facing each other and
the package panels to advance the desired squeeze-resistance
described herein. The package 10 could be made in a form fill and
seal method, where the package is formed, filled with the products,
and sealed closed, all in one continuous process. The package 10
could also be constructed as a pre-made package, where the package
is formed and later filled with contents or materials.
[0037] A roll of material can be placed on the back of a pouch
forming machine. The roll is pulled through the machine with
various draw rollers or like mechanisms. The material roll is then
slit down the center, forming to individual webs of material. These
individual webs are then turned and positioned in an opposing
orientation, one on top of the other--e.g., sealant sides facing
each other.
[0038] Each of these individual web sections can run over a
perpendicular or transverse forming plate while rollers and guides
form a small (e.g., 3/4'') tab 30 of material down the length of
each of the webs, generally opposing each other. These panels can
be heat sealed together to form the pull tab 30.
[0039] Next, the two zippers 20, 22, or other access devices, are
fed into the machine, between the two individual webs, on each side
of the pull tab 30. The flange 32 can be sealed to the interior of
one of the package panels and the flange 34 can be sealed to the
other interior panel surface. A crush station can next crush the
ends of the zippers 20, 22 and interlock the members 36, 38. Then,
the front and back panels 12, 14 of the package can be sealed
together along their sides to create the side seals of the package
13. One or more edges, ends or seal regions of the package 10 can
remain unsealed until after the compartments 24, 26 are filled with
contents or product (FIG. 1). Upon filling, the ends can then be
sealed to close off the compartments 24, 26 (FIG. 4).
[0040] With such a package and access device 20, 22 configuration,
the package can be squeezed and receive pressure during shipping,
handling and like activities without undesirably mixing the
contents of the compartments 24, 26. It is only with purposeful
pulling on the tabs 30, or the package panels themselves, that the
devices 20, 22 are actuated or disengaged to provide open
communication between the compartments and the mixing region 28 to
allow for content mixing within the entire interior cavity of the
package. Further, the implementation of the devices 20, 22 provides
and advantageous safety feature. If one of the devices 20 or 22
should leak, the contents of the compartments 24, 26 are
nevertheless isolated by the other of the devices, e.g., isolated
in the mixing region 28.
[0041] Various handles or handle portions, graphics, closeable and
re-closeable devices, gussets, and like features known to one
skilled in the art are also envisioned for use with this invention
and can be implemented without deviating from the spirit and scope
of the present invention. All references to front, back, top,
bottom, and the like are merely for demonstrative purposes and are
not intended to limit the variations and positional references and
orientations of the panels access devices in the present
invention.
[0042] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes
thereof, and it is, therefore, desired that the present embodiment
be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
Similarly, the above-described methods and techniques for forming
or using the present invention are illustrative processes and are
not intended to limit the methods of manufacturing/forming or using
the present invention to those specifically defined herein. A
myriad of various unspecified steps and procedures can be performed
to for or use the inventive package 10.
* * * * *