[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2018006085A1 - Contenants à compartiments multiples - Google Patents

Contenants à compartiments multiples Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2018006085A1
WO2018006085A1 PCT/US2017/040583 US2017040583W WO2018006085A1 WO 2018006085 A1 WO2018006085 A1 WO 2018006085A1 US 2017040583 W US2017040583 W US 2017040583W WO 2018006085 A1 WO2018006085 A1 WO 2018006085A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
compartment
storage device
divider
compartments
container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2017/040583
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gerry Gersovitz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA3029016A priority Critical patent/CA3029016C/fr
Publication of WO2018006085A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018006085A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/02—Internal fittings
    • B65D25/04—Partitions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/02—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
    • B65D1/04—Multi-cavity bottles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D31/00—Bags or like containers made of paper and having structural provision for thickness of contents
    • B65D31/12—Bags or like containers made of paper and having structural provision for thickness of contents with two or more compartments
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
    • B65D5/48—Partitions

Definitions

  • Embodiments of the present invention relate to packaging for consumer and
  • Fig. 1 shows three examples of conventional packages or containers that are used for consumer and commercial products.
  • Typical cans or canisters represented by can 105, are available in various sizes and proportions and made of various materials, such as metal, plastic, cardboard, paperboard, foil, MylarTM, or a composite of any of the foregoing.
  • Conventional boxes or cartons, such as box 110 similarly, are available in various sizes and proportions and made of various materials, such as metal, plastic, cardboard, paperboard or a composite or combination of any of the foregoing.
  • Conventional bags, such as bag 115 also are available in various sizes and proportions and made of various materials, such as paper, plastic, MylarTM, foil or a combination of any of the foregoing.
  • Plastics can include traditional variations of polyethylene.
  • Each of can 105, box 110 and bag 115 are single compartment containers. As such each exhibit a similar problem with single compartment containers in that once they are opened, the entire contents of the container are exposed to air and moisture.
  • can 105, box 110 and bag 115 include re-sealable or reusable lids and closures.
  • can 105 might include a reusable plastics lid
  • box 110 might include a re-sealable top having some type of reusable adhesive
  • bag 115 might be equipped with a re-sealable or reusable closure like a zipper or a clip.
  • re-sealable or reusable closures still allow the entirety of the remaining contents to be exposed to new air and moisture each time the package is opened to access the product.
  • Embodiments of the present invention address these and other issues.
  • Some embodiments are directed toward a multi-compartment container having a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first compartment and the second compartment can be separately filled with a product and separately sealed.
  • Some embodiments directed toward a multi-compartment container wherein the first and second compartments are defined by a box or a carton having an internal divider.
  • Some embodiments are directed toward a multi-compartment container wherein the first and second compartment are defined by a bag having a first sealed end, a second sealed end and a divider seal disposed between the first sealed end and the second sealed end and separating the first and second compartments.
  • Some embodiments are directed toward a method of using a multi-compartment container.
  • the method includes obtaining a multi-compartment container having a product packaged in two or more compartments and opening a first compartment to access the contents.
  • the contents of the first compartment can then be used until depleted.
  • a second compartment is opened to access the contents of the second compartment.
  • a multi-compartment storage device includes a top surface and a bottom surface positioned opposite to the top surface.
  • the multi-compartment storage device further includes a front surface connecting the top surface to the bottom surface.
  • the multi-compartment storage device further includes a rear surface connecting the top surface to the bottom surface and positioned opposite to the front surface.
  • the multi-compartment storage device further includes a first lateral surface extending from the bottom surface to the top surface and connecting the front surface to the back surface.
  • the multi-compartment storage device further includes a second lateral surface positioned opposite to the first lateral surface and extending from the bottom surface to the top surface.
  • the second lateral surface connects the front surface to the back surface.
  • the multi-compartment storage device further includes a first spout extending from the first lateral surface, the top surface, the front surface, and the rear surface.
  • the multi- compartment storage device further includes a second spout extending from the second lateral surface, the top surface, the front surface, and the rear surface.
  • the multi-compartment storage device further includes a divider extending from the bottom surface to the top surface and connecting the front surface to the rear surface. The divider divides the multi-compartment storage device into a first compartment and a second compartment.
  • Fig. 1 shows three types of conventional packages that can be improved by various embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 shows three examples of multi-compartment versions of the packages shown in Fig. 1, as improved by various embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 shows a multi-compartment box according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 4 shows a multi-compartment container according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 5 shows a multi-compartment bag according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6 shows a multi-compartment can or canister according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 7 shows a multi-compartment carton according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a method for using a multi-compartment container according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 9 shows a multi-compartment bag according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 10 shows a multi-compartment container according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Some embodiments of the present invention are directed toward multi-compartment containers and packages that can be used to help better preserve the freshness and potency of consumer and commercial products.
  • some embodiments of the present invention are directed to multi-compartment bags, pouches, boxes, cartons, cans and canisters that allow users to access and use a portion of the product contained therein while keeping one or more portions of the product sealed in the same state as it was originally packaged.
  • the multi-compartment storage devices or containers may include at least two compartments in which sundry consumer and commercial products can be packaged in multiple portions, thus protecting a closed portion of the product from environmental conditions, such as air and moisture, while the opened portion is used.
  • compartments can be filled by a manufacturer, packager or reseller with at least one product that may be susceptible to loss of freshness or potency when exposed to environmental conditions outside of the multi-compartment container.
  • the size of the compartments in the multi-compartment container can be the same or different.
  • the size of each compartment of the multi-compartment container can be based on the nature of the packaged contents. For example, products such as cereal, which have a moderate resistance to becoming stale, might be packaged in a compartment of one multi-compartment container that is larger than the compartment in another multi-compartment container used to package baking soda, which may be highly susceptible to loss of potency.
  • the more susceptible a product is to loss of freshness or potency the more it become desirable to package it in a smaller compartment of multi-compartment container, so as to protect the remaining product in the other compartment of the multi-compartment container.
  • Fig. 2 shows improvements to the can or canister 105, box 110 and bag or sack 115 as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.
  • the illustrations of multi-compartment can 205, multi-compartment box 210 and multi-compartment bag 215 show the improvements according to various embodiments of the present invention.
  • Each of the varieties of the multicompartment containers shown in Fig. 2 can be made of various materials and may include various seals and lids (one time use or reusable) based on the type of product that they will be used to package.
  • the seals used to seal the separate compartments may be the same or different, and each compartment may include one or more seals.
  • the examples shown Fig. 2 each have two compartments, various embodiments of the present invention can include more than two compartments with separate or shared seals and/or lids.
  • Can 205 may include two compartments 206 and 207.
  • compartments 206 and 207, as well as other compartments in other embodiments, may be separately manufactured and then attached to one another.
  • each compartment can be a full or partial container with or without a full set of sides/walls, top and bottom.
  • compartments 206 and 207 of can 205 can be made of a single cylindrical or other shape outer body with an interior divider wall 208.
  • can 205 (including interior divider wall 208) may be formed as a single unitary body.
  • compartments 206 and 207 may be formed as a single unitary body, with the interior divider wall 208 being formed separately and being attached according to any method to the compartments 206 and 207.
  • the divider wall 208 can be oriented in any plane within can 205.
  • can 205 can include more than two compartments.
  • the divider wall 208 can affixed to the interior wall of a cylinder, while in other embodiments the divider wall 208 can be included in the exterior structure of the can 205.
  • the divider wall 208 can be used to connect two cylinders of similar or dissimilar materials having either the same or different volumes.
  • the divider wall 208 can be made of the same or one or more different materials than those used to form compartments 206 and 207.
  • more than one divider wall 208 may be implemented in can 205, depending on the number of desired compartments.
  • the divider wall 208 can have any shape to accommodate various products or the divide up the volume of the multi-compartment container into structurally or visually interesting or aesthetic volumes.
  • divider wall 208 need not be a flat disc.
  • divider wall can include stamped or molded ribs to increase the structural integrity.
  • the divider wall 208 can be in the shape of a cone, a parabolic rotation, or bubble shape with at least one plane, edge or rim that can connect to the wall of can 205. Such configurations can provide novel ways to divide the interior volumes of the multi-compartment container.
  • Such embodiments can be particularly desirable for multi-compartment containers with transparent or translucent side walls, such that the divider and the separate volumes within the multicompartment container can be seen or observed from the exterior of the multi-compartment container.
  • the divider wall 208 may be oriented vertically with respect to can 205 and/or at any angle across can 205.
  • box 210 can include at least two compartments, such as 211 and 212. Box 210 can also include more than two compartments. Similar to box 110, box 210 can be made of various materials. For example, the walls, sides, top and bottom of box 210 can include cardboard, paperboard, metal, wood, plastic, foil, MylarTM or some composite or combination of the foregoing materials. Any material suitable for making walls, sides, top and bottom rigid enough to contain the intended contents of box 210 can be used.
  • Compartments 211 and 212 may be constructed of the same or different materials.
  • box 210 having compartments 211 and 212 can be constructed of a single piece of cardboard, paper or paperboard, or plastic using box folding pattern and construction techniques.
  • box 210 can be constructed by joining two separate boxes having compartments 211 and 212, respectively.
  • box 210 can include a divider 213 affixed to the interior of box 210. The divider 213 may define compartment 211 and 212 with the same or different volumes. According to some embodiments, box 210 can have more than two compartments.
  • the divider 213 may be oriented in any plane within box 210, including planes parallel or perpendicular to the long or short axes of the box 210 (e.g., horizontally, vertically, and/or at an angle). Divider wall 213 may also have any shape suitable for separating the volumes of compartment 211 and 212. Box 210 may include multiple divider walls 213 in some embodiments, depending upon the number of compartments desired.
  • compartments 211 and 212 can be used to package the same or different products, materials or food stuffs. Each compartment 211 and 212 can be opened, unsealed or accessed individually in some embodiments.
  • the compartments 211 and 212 may each include one seal or multiple seals.
  • the compartments 211 and 212 may each include a one-time use seal.
  • the compartments 211 and 212 may each include a one-time use seal covered by a reusable lid.
  • the compartments 211 and 212 may include different seals.
  • the compartment 211 may include a onetime use seal
  • the compartment 212 may include a reusable seal.
  • the type of seal(s) needed may depend upon the type of product being packaged in each compartment.
  • the contents of one compartment while the contents of one compartment are in the process of being used or consumed, the contents of the other compartment remain sealed to protect freshness or potency.
  • Such configurations have the advantage of providing larger quantities of the product to be packaged and sold with less potential of the contents losing freshness or potency due to exposure to air. From a consumer point of view, economical quantities of products can be purchased with a lower chance that the purchased product be lost to waste. These advantages provide potential for greater profitability on the side of the manufacturer or packager by creating a more desirable packaged product and thus higher demand, at the same time as providing potential cost savings of bulk quantity purchases for the user or consumer.
  • the term "consumer” may include any type of entity, including, but not limited to, individuals, families, restaurant, food preparation professionals, chefs, workers, hospitals, hotels, etc.
  • bag 215 can have two compartments 216 and 217.
  • compartments 216 and 217 can be formed by crimping, sewing or heat welding the non-rigid or semi-rigid walls of bag 215 at seam 218.
  • the non-rigid or semirigid walls of bag 215 can include paper, plastic film, foil, MylarTM, cellulose or some combination or composite thereof, and like materials.
  • Bag 215 may have its top and bottom end seams 219 and 220 sealed in the same or a different manner than the seam 218.
  • seam 218 can be oriented in the longitudinal direction running from end 219 to 220.
  • ends 219 and 220 may include re-closable seams or seals, such as zipper-type or reusable adhesive-type closures. As described with respect to box 210, ends 219 and 220 may include the same or different seals, and/or may include multiple seals.
  • Fig. 3 shows an example of a multi-compartment cereal box 310A according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Cereal box 310A may include compartments 311 and 312.
  • the construction of cereal box 310A may include the same or different materials as described above in reference to box 210, or any other suitable material.
  • Compartments 311 and 312 can be constructed of or include the same or different materials as each other.
  • a consumer can access and use the contents of compartment 311 without exposing the contents of compartment 312. Once the contents of compartment 311 are depleted, a user can open or unseal compartment 312 to access the contents of that compartment.
  • Each of compartment 311 and 312 may include desiccants in some embodiments.
  • Compartments 311 and 312 may include liners, or re-sealable or reusable lids or closure elements for creating an airtight or hermetic enclosure, separate from the airtight or hermetic enclosure of the other compartment of the multi-compartment container in some embodiments.
  • cereal box 31 OA is shown and described as a cereal box, this example is only illustrative and should not be construed as limiting a box such as 31 OA to being only used for packaging cereal.
  • Cereal box 310A may be used to package numerous types of dry food, commercial or industrial products, including products that are sensitive to air, such as grains, chips, marshmallows, pretzels, nuts, dried fruit, oats, weight control supplements, protein powders, milk additives, such as chocolate milk powder, plaster of Paris, baby food, cookies, crackers, baking mixes, pancake mixes, cake mixes, brownie mixes, drink mixes, car wax, greases, sealants, epoxies, glues, cigars, cigarettes etc.
  • the cereal box 310A may have an exterior surface or face 315.
  • Exterior surface 315 may include a material identical to that of cereal box 31 OA or comprise a wrapper made of a different material.
  • the body of cereal box 310A can be made of cardboard or a composite of cardboard and plastic, while the exterior surface 315 can be or wrap made of plastic film or a separate piece of paper wrapped around or otherwise affixed to cereal box 310A.
  • it is desirable for the exterior 315 to have printed information to identify the contents and the proper use of the contents of cereal box 310A and its constituent compartments 311 and 312.
  • Box 310B shows the interior construction of cereal box 310A.
  • box 310B includes a divider 318 separating compartments 311 and 312.
  • Divider 318 can be oriented in any direction, including, but not limited to, vertical, horizontal or angled with respect to the orientation of the packaging.
  • Divider 318 can be integral to the construction of the box 310B or can be a separate piece and even be made of a different material than the exterior 315, walls, sides, top and bottom of box 310B.
  • Various other boxes and containers according to various embodiments of the present invention can be made of waterproof or moisture resistant materials such as plastic. Such embodiments may be advantageous when the contents of multiple compartments of the containers described herein are wet or moist.
  • multi-compartment containers according to some embodiments may be useful for dispensing one portion of pre-moistened wipes while keeping another portion fresh and moist for future use.
  • wipes can include fabric or paper based towels pre-moistened or laced with solutions, detergents, and/or medications for personal care and hygiene or household or industrial use.
  • Fig. 4 shows one example of a plastic box 3 IOC according to some embodiments of the present invention that may be suitable for packaging dry or wet products.
  • the divider wall 318 in Fig. 4 may also be disposed in any orientation with respect to the other surfaces of the container, such as horizontally, vertically, at an angle, or combinations thereof.
  • box 3 IOC can be used to package or contain various types of liquids and wet products that require special handling or an airtight seal to maintain usefulness.
  • the airtight seal afforded by using a plastic material for the body and lid 318C for box 3 IOC may be useful in other applications as well.
  • Plastic materials may be useful for making reusable and re-sealable or reusable lids or closure elements such as lid 318C.
  • Such types of re-sealable lids or closure elements are useful for products that are used frequently or when the container is required to withstand being transported after the container is opened.
  • box 3 IOC can be used to package products such as wet or dry baby formula that must survive being carried in a carry bag with other supplies on a regular basis, while protecting the baby formula from contamination and preventing the baby formula from spilling.
  • Such containers may also be useful for frequently used and moisture sensitive products, such as powdered drinks, iced-tea and chocolate milk mixes.
  • Box 310D shows the internal construction of box 3 IOC. As shown, box 310D may include compartments 316 and 317 that can be individually sealed with re-sealable lids 320A and 320B that make up lid 318D. In some embodiments, lids 320A and 320B can be opened and closed as a single unit or operated independently as individual lids.
  • compartments 316 and 317 can be sealed by an additional and separately openable seal, such as a one-time use foil or plastic seal applied at the packaging facility to one or both compartments 316 and 317.
  • lids 320A and 320B can be operated independently of one another and perform as the factory seal and the re-sealable lid for compartments 316 and 317 respectively.
  • box 3 IOC and 310D can be molded as a single piece or can include multiple separately molded pieces that can be adhered, welded or otherwise affixed to one another to form a multi-compartment box.
  • compartments 316 and 317 Although only two compartments are described in reference to the boxes 3 IOC and 310D in Fig. 4, some embodiments contemplate more than two compartments.
  • Fig. 5 shows a multi-compartment bag according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Bag 510A can have sides or walls made of any suitable non-rigid, semi-rigid or rigid material for containing and maintaining freshness of the intended contents.
  • the material of the walls of bag 510A can include plastic, plastic film, Mylar, paper or biodegradable or compostable cellulose, other like suitable materials, and/or combinations thereof.
  • the material of the walls or sides of bag 510A can include any type of flexible, non-rigid or semi-rigid material.
  • the materials of the walls or sides of bag 510A may be the same or different.
  • Bag 510B shows the internal construction of bag 51 OA.
  • bag 510B can include compartments 516 and 517 divided by dividing seam 518. As in other embodiments of the present invention, compartments 516 and 517 can be used to contain or package the same or different materials from one another. Seam 518 can be formed in bag 510B to define separate compartments 516 and 517. As described herein with respect to other embodiments, seam 518 may be oriented in any position and/or shape, such as horizontally, vertically, at an angle, or in a particular design. Bag 510B can include compartments 516 and 517 as two separately openable pouches each having a separate portion of product therein. However, as described herein, bag 51 OB may include more than two compartments forming multiple separately openable pouches.
  • Seam 518 can be formed by crimping, sewing, welding or adhering the walls of bag 51 OB to one another to form two compartments 516 and 517.
  • seam 518 can include perforations that can be used to detach one of the compartments from the other compartments once the contents of one of the compartments is depleted.
  • the multi-compartment bag 51 OB can be reduced in size as the contents are used to save storage space and for the convenience of the user.
  • Bags 510A and 510B can be used to package various types of materials, products and foodstuffs.
  • bag 510A can be used to package foods such as potato chips, pretzels, nuts, hot dogs, salad and other foods that are susceptible to spoilage or staleness upon exposure to air and/or moisture.
  • each compartment of a multi-compartment bag can contain a full or partial loaf of sliced or unsliced bread.
  • the divider 910 that separates compartments 901 and 902 of multi-compartment container 900 can be a sheet of similar or dissimilar material as the walls of the multi-compartment bag to provide a less constricting volume within each compartment.
  • Such dividers can be constructed according to various methods of attaching and pleating the bag material.
  • the pleats of divider 910 can be similar to pleats 911 in some embodiments.
  • the pleats of divider 910 may be manufactured into the divider 210, while the pleats 911 are naturally formed by closing the compartments 901, 902 with their respective closures.
  • the openable portions 905 and 907 of the multi-compartments can include various closure systems to help preserve the freshness of the contents. Such closures can include twist ties 909, clips, and zip type seals.
  • closures can include twist ties 909, clips, and zip type seals.
  • bag 510A can be used to package refill portions of regularly used household goods such as dish, laundry and hand soap, as well as condiments such as ketchup, mustard, relish or mayonnaise.
  • the use of a bag 51 OA can help reduce the amount of packaging required for distributing regularly used household goods, while also providing users and consumers with an economical quantity discount.
  • Fig. 6 shows a multi-compartment container 605.
  • the multi-compartment container 605 may be used for packaging ice cream.
  • multi-compartment container 605 can include compartments 606 and 607 that can each contain a portion of ice cream, for example.
  • Each compartment 606 and 607 may be separate from one another by divider 608, as described above with reference to Fig. 2.
  • Each compartment 606 and 607 may be sealed with a plastic film, foil or MylarTM single use cover and, in some embodiments, may also or alternatively include a reusable lid 609A or 609B, respectively.
  • the single use seals may allow a consumer to open only one portion of ice cream contained in multi-compartment container 605, thus protecting the unopened portion from freezer burn or the formation of ice crystals that can develop despite the use of the reusable lids 609A and 609B, and thus prevent the degradation of the flavor and texture of ice cream.
  • Fig. 7 shows another example of a multi-compartment container 700 in accordance with some embodiments.
  • multi-compartment container 700 may be a composite container for beverages or other liquids, such as dairy products like milk, cream, half and half, buttermilk, etc., as well as fruit and vegetable juices, soy milk, almond milk, peanut milk, and other specialty beverages.
  • the multi-compartment container 700 may include at least two compartments 705 and 707 separated by divider 710. Although shown as being oriented vertically, it is contemplated that divider 710 may have any orientation.
  • the compartments 705, 707 may include lids 706 and 708, respectively, which may be screw top caps in some embodiments.
  • Multi-compartment container 700 may include an integrated construction, or may include two separately formed containers that may be joined together along divider 710. Multicompartment container 700 may include any combinations of the aforementioned materials suitable for containing the product intended to be stored therein, e.g., liquids.
  • Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a method 800 for using a multi-compartment container according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • the consumer can obtain a product packaged in a multi-compartment container.
  • obtaining a packaged product having a multi-compartment container includes buying a product at a store or ordering a product online, while in some embodiments, the user can reuse a multi-compartment container refilled with the contents of his or her choice.
  • a multi-compartment container can be used for home canning purposes in some examples.
  • a user may open one of the compartments of the multi-compartment container as described with respect to Figs. 1-5.
  • the contents of the first compartment of the multi-compartment container can be used either all at once or incrementally, as the contents of the multi-compartment container are needed. If the contents of the multi-compartment container are being used incrementally, the time required to complete the contents of the first compartment may be such that if the entirety of the contents of the container were exposed to air and moisture, the quality, freshness or potency of the contents might be compromised if they were not sealed in the second compartment.
  • a user may use the product contained in the first compartment of the multicompartment container until it is depleted.
  • the user may open a second compartment of the multi-compartment container at step 840.
  • the user may open the second compartment once the first compartment is depleted or at any other suitable point.
  • the user may open the second compartment before the first compartment is depleted if the second compartment includes different contents than the first compartment.
  • the contents of the second compartment of the multi-compartment container can be used until it is depleted in step 850.
  • the user can then use any other available compartments of the multi-compartment container still containing product, such as when the multi-compartment container includes more than two separate compartments.
  • step 860 if there is yet another compartment of the multi-compartment container that still contains product, the user can repeat steps 840 through 860 until no product remains in any compartments of the multi-compartment container. Once all contents of the multi- compartment container are depleted, the user can discard, reuse or recycle the multicompartment container in step 870.
  • Fig. 10 shows views of a multi-compartment container 1000 according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • the multi-compartment container 1000 may be used for any of the purposes described herein.
  • the multi-compartment container 1000 may be used for holding fluids, including perishable fluids, such as milk, juice, cooking oil, combinations thereof, and the like.
  • one compartment of the multi-compartment container 1000 may hold one material, such as regular milk, while another compartment of the multicompartment container 1000 may hold another material, such as chocolate milk.
  • dry goods such as breakfast cereal, flour, sugar, etc. may be stored in the multi-compartment container 1000.
  • the multi-compartment container 1000 may be made of any of the materials discussed herein, combinations thereof, and the like.
  • the multi-compartment container 1000 may be constructed from a polymer, paper, fiber, and/or metal material by such techniques as molding, casting, stamping, bonding, welding, 3D printing, combinations thereof, and/or the like.
  • the multi-compartment container 1000 may be made of a liquid proof material.
  • the multi-compartment container 1000 may include a first compartment 1005 separated from a second compartment 1010.
  • the first compartment 1005 may be fluidly separated from the second compartment 1010 (i.e., the divider 1015 is impermeable to liquid).
  • the first compartment 1005 may be separated from the second compartment 1010 by a divider 1015.
  • the divider 1015 may be internal to the multi- compartment container 1000 in some embodiments.
  • the divider 1015 may be partially external to the multi-compartment container 1000, e.g., creating a rib on the outside of the multi-compartment container 1000, such that the divider 1015 is evident upon external inspection of the multi-compartment container 1000.
  • the multi-compartment container 1000 indeed includes more than one separate compartment.
  • the divider 1015 may be in any orientation, e.g., horizontal, vertical, at an angle, etc., and in any suitable shape.
  • the divider 1015 may be made of the same or a different material than the remainder of the multi-compartment container 1000.
  • the multi-compartment container 1000 may be contoured inward, i.e., have a smaller depth along at least a portion of the multi-compartment container 1000 between the first compartment 1005 and the second compartment 1010, as shown in section B-B, which is a front or back-facing cross-section of the multi-compartment container 1000 about axis B.
  • This area 1065 of lesser depth of the multi-compartment container 1000 may or may not form a part of the first compartment 1005 and the second compartment 1010.
  • this area 1065 of lesser depth may form a part of the first compartment 1005 on one side of the divider 1015, and form a part of the second compartment 1010 on the other side of the divider 1015.
  • this area 1065 of lesser depth may be solid, i.e., not hollow, such that it cannot hold a product therein.
  • the compartments 1005, 1010 may each hold half of a typical consumer volume container.
  • each compartment 1005, 1010 may hold a half gallon of contents, for a total of one gallon of contents in the multi-compartment container 1000.
  • each compartment 1005, 1010 may hold a liter of soda, for a total of two liters of soda in the multi-compartment container 1000.
  • each compartment 1005, 1010 may hold any volume of contents, including different volumes of contents in each compartment.
  • each volume is shown to be approximately equal in Fig. 10, it is contemplated that the volumes of each compartment 1005, 1010 may be different.
  • the multi-compartment container 1000 may include any number of compartments separated by any number of dividers.
  • the multi-compartment container 1000 may include several external surfaces.
  • the external surfaces may be continuously and/or seamlessly joined.
  • the external surfaces may include a front surface 1020 opposite a rear surface 1025, a bottom surface 1030 opposite a top surface 1035, and lateral surfaces 1040, 1045 opposite to one another.
  • the front surface 1020 and the rear surface 1025 may have non-uniform or non- planar surface structures in order to reduce internal volume of the multi-compartment container 1000.
  • the divider 1015 may be at least partially internal to these external surfaces, as described above.
  • a first spout 1050 may be connected to the first compartment 1005, e.g., fluidly connected.
  • the first spout 1050 may include a first closure, such as a twist off cap or seal, that is single use or reusable.
  • the first spout 1050 may include more than one closure, such as a single use closure covered by a reusable closure.
  • the first closure may fluidly seal the first compartment 1005.
  • a second spout 1055 may be connected to the second compartment 1010, e.g., fluidly connected.
  • the second spout 1055 may include a second closure, such as a cap or seal, that is single use or reusable.
  • the second spout 1055 may include more than one closure, such as a single use closure covered by a reusable closure.
  • the second closure may fluidly seal the second compartment 1010.
  • a handle 1060 may connect the first spout 1050 to the second spout 1055, while being elevated above the top surface 1035 such that a gap is present between the handle 1060 and the top surface 1035.
  • the handle 1060 may be formed from depressions in the front surface 1020 and the rear surface 1025 without creating a gap.
  • the handle 1060 may be hollow and include an extension of the divider 1015 so as to prevent mixing of the contents of the first compartment 1005 and the second compartment 1010.
  • the handle may be internally solid so as to prevent mixing of the contents of the first compartment 1005 and the second compartment 1010.
  • a multicompartment container can have a first box type compartment and second bag type compartment.
  • one compartment can have plastic or composite walls to contain wet products while the attached second compartment can have cardboard walls to contain dry products.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

Contenants à compartiments multiples comprenant des canettes, des, cartouches, des boîtes et des sacs à compartiments multiples, ainsi que des procédés d'utilisation de ceux-ci. Des contenants à compartiments multiples qui donnent accès à une première partie du contenu jusqu'à épuisement tout en maintenant un joint et en protégeant ainsi la fraîcheur ou la puissance, du contenu sur une autre partie permettent à des produits d'être conditionnés et vendus d'une manière qui conserve la fraîcheur et la puissance plus longtemps. Chaque compartiment des contenants à compartiments multiples peut être conçu pour avoir un joint à usage unique ou refermable.
PCT/US2017/040583 2016-07-01 2017-07-03 Contenants à compartiments multiples Ceased WO2018006085A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA3029016A CA3029016C (fr) 2016-07-01 2017-07-03 Contenants a compartiments multiples

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201662357644P 2016-07-01 2016-07-01
US62/357,644 2016-07-01

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2018006085A1 true WO2018006085A1 (fr) 2018-01-04

Family

ID=60787450

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2017/040583 Ceased WO2018006085A1 (fr) 2016-07-01 2017-07-03 Contenants à compartiments multiples

Country Status (2)

Country Link
CA (1) CA3029016C (fr)
WO (1) WO2018006085A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10407214B2 (en) 2010-05-18 2019-09-10 Gerry Gersovitz Multi-compartment containers
WO2020022994A3 (fr) * 2018-07-23 2020-03-19 Bak Ambalaj Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S Emballage
US11225357B2 (en) 2003-09-23 2022-01-18 Gerry Gersovitz Multi-compartment container
US11230411B2 (en) 2010-05-18 2022-01-25 Gerry Gersovitz Multi-compartment containers

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD270135S (en) * 1981-05-04 1983-08-16 Gates Robert D Dual compartment portable container
USD280599S (en) * 1983-08-26 1985-09-17 Green Richard D Twin compartment bottle
US6499614B1 (en) * 2001-08-22 2002-12-31 Garey Thompson Straw accessible compartmented container
US20060219719A1 (en) * 2005-03-16 2006-10-05 Kahisha Dixon Beverage containers with multiple compartments and independent openings

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD270135S (en) * 1981-05-04 1983-08-16 Gates Robert D Dual compartment portable container
USD280599S (en) * 1983-08-26 1985-09-17 Green Richard D Twin compartment bottle
US6499614B1 (en) * 2001-08-22 2002-12-31 Garey Thompson Straw accessible compartmented container
US20060219719A1 (en) * 2005-03-16 2006-10-05 Kahisha Dixon Beverage containers with multiple compartments and independent openings

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11225357B2 (en) 2003-09-23 2022-01-18 Gerry Gersovitz Multi-compartment container
US10407214B2 (en) 2010-05-18 2019-09-10 Gerry Gersovitz Multi-compartment containers
US11230411B2 (en) 2010-05-18 2022-01-25 Gerry Gersovitz Multi-compartment containers
WO2020022994A3 (fr) * 2018-07-23 2020-03-19 Bak Ambalaj Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S Emballage

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA3029016A1 (fr) 2018-01-04
CA3029016C (fr) 2020-06-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11230411B2 (en) Multi-compartment containers
US10407214B2 (en) Multi-compartment containers
US11225357B2 (en) Multi-compartment container
US3542190A (en) Convenience package for flat storage and shipment,that is foldable to a tetrahedronal shape for mixing and dispensing
US6254907B1 (en) Bowl bag with resealable closure means
EP2935032B2 (fr) Poche souple avec ouverture plus grande
CN103261052B (zh) 容器和袋
JPH11115948A (ja) 自立形固体および粉粒体用容器
CA3029016C (fr) Contenants a compartiments multiples
US11628997B2 (en) Method of forming a gusseted stand-up flexible pouch
CN107108068A (zh) 用于散装固体的包装容器
US20100187254A1 (en) Package with resealable flexible spout
US20210179319A1 (en) Multi-compartment containers
CN218987556U (zh) 一种包装结构
US20250171200A1 (en) Multi-compartment containers
US20240083628A1 (en) Multi-compartment containers
US20250171201A1 (en) Multi-compartment containers
KR20210128337A (ko) 이종의 물품을 분리된 공간에 저장하는 비닐 포장지
WO2013010815A1 (fr) Boîte
JP2009248988A (ja) 補助袋体付包装体及び同補助袋
GB2550878A (en) A multi-pocket pouch
HK40043158A (en) Stand-up pouch with multiple compartments
JPH08214944A (ja) 折り畳みカップ
WO2019199619A1 (fr) Emballage de distribution
CZ13596U1 (cs) Dvojitý sáček

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 17821437

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 3029016

Country of ref document: CA

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 17821437

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1