NESTED MULTICOMPARTMENT CONTAINER

Abstract

A flexible, multicompartment container and a web including a multiplicity of such containers. One of the containers includes a first flexible panel and a second flexible panel. The first and second flexible panels are joined together along a bottom edge joint, a first side edge joint and a second side edge joint. A third flexible panel located between the first and second flexible panels is connected to the first and second flexible panels at least at one of the bottom edge joint, the first side edge joint and second side joint. The first, second and third flexible panels are arranged to form two separate compartments within the container. A fastening system connected to the first flexible panel and the second flexible panel can selectively open and close a top of the container thereby to permit access to the two separate compartments and to block access to the two separate compartments.

Claims

1. A flexible, multicompartment container comprising: a first flexible panel and a second flexible panel, the first and second flexible panels defining outer walls of the container, the first and second flexible panels being joined together along a bottom edge joint, a first side edge joint and a second side edge joint; a third flexible panel located between the first and second flexible panels and being connected to the first and second flexible panels at least at one of the bottom edge joint, the first side edge joint and second side joint, the first, second and third flexible panels being arranged to form two separate compartments within the container; a fastening system connected to the first flexible panel and the second flexible panel for selectively opening and closing a top of the container thereby to permit access to the two separate compartments and to block access to the two separate compartments.

2. The flexible, multicompartment container as set forth in claim 1 wherein the fastening system is arranged so that when the container is closed, the third flexible panel is engaged by the fastening system.

3. The flexible, multicompartment container as set forth in claim 2 wherein the fastening system comprises a female element and a male element received in the female element when the fastening system closes the top of the container, the third flexible panel being partially received in the female element when the fastening system closes the top of the container.

4. The flexible, multicompartment container as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a fourth flexible panel located between the first and second flexible panels.

5. The flexible, multicompartment container as set forth in claim 4 further comprising a fifth flexible panel located between the first and second flexible panels and between the third and fourth flexible panels.

6. The flexible, multicompartment container as set forth in claim 4 wherein the fourth flexible panel is joined to the third flexible panel so that the first and second flexible panels form a first of the two separate compartments of the container and the third and fourth flexible panels form a second of the two separate compartments in the container.

7. The flexible, multicompartment container as set forth in claim 6 wherein the third and fourth flexible panels are releasably joined to the first and second flexible panels at the bottom edge joint.

8. The flexible, multicompartment container as set forth in claim 6 wherein the third and fourth flexible panels are joined with the first and second flexible panels along the first and second side edge joints.

9. The flexible, multicompartment container as set forth in claim 6 wherein the third flexible panel is joined to the first flexible panel.

10. The flexible, multicompartment container as set forth in claim 6 wherein the fastening system comprises a female element and a male element received in the female element when the fastening system closes the top of the container, the third flexible panel and the fourth flexible panel each being partially received in the female element when the fastening system closes the top of one of the two separate compartments, thereby closing the other of the two separate compartments.

11. The flexible, multicompartment container as set forth in claim 6 wherein the fastening system comprises a first fastening system, wherein the flexible, multicompartment container further comprises a second fastening system including a female element connected to the third flexible panel and a male element connected to the fourth flexible panel.

12. The flexible, multicompartment container as set forth in claim 11 wherein the first flexible panel and the second flexible panel are joined along the bottom edge by a gusset.

13. A web of flexible, multicompartment containers comprising: a first sheet; a second sheet opposed to the first sheet in the web, the first and second sheets being joined together along transverse joints spaced apart along a length of the web and extending transverse to the length of the web, the first and second sheets being joined together along a lengthwise joint adjacent a longitudinal edge of the web, adjacent pairs of transverse joints each defining a first flexible panel from the first sheet and defining a second flexible panel from the second sheet; a third sheet located at least partially between the first sheet and the second sheet; a fourth sheet located at least partially between the first sheet and the second sheet and generally opposed to the third sheet, the transverse joint joining the third and fourth sheets together with each other and with the first and second sheets, adjacent pairs of transverse joints each defining a third flexible panel from the third sheet and a fourth flexible panel from the fourth sheet, the third sheet and the fourth sheet being connected together along an edge extending parallel to the lengthwise extent of the web, the first and second flexible panels forming a first bag, and the third and fourth flexible panels forming a second bag separate from the first bag; a fastening system connected to the first sheet and the second sheet, the fastening system being configured for selectively opening and closing a top of the first bag and the second bag thereby to permit access to the first and second bags and to block access to the two separate compartments.

14. The web as set forth in claim 13 wherein the fastening system is arranged so that when the first bag is closed, the third and fourth flexible panels are engaged by the fastening system to close the second bag.

15. The web as set forth in claim 14 wherein the fastening system comprises a female element and a male element received in the female element when the fastening system closes the first bag, the third flexible panel being partially received in the female element when the fastening system closes the first bag.

16. The web as set forth in claim 13 further comprising a fifth sheet located at least partially between the third sheet and the fourth sheet.

17. The web as set forth in claim 13 wherein the fastening system comprises a first fastening system, the web further comprising a second fastening system including a female element connected to the third sheet and a male element connected to the fourth sheet.

18. The web as set forth in claim 13 wherein the first sheet and second sheet are joined together along the longitudinal edge by a gusset.

19. The web as set forth in claim 13 wherein the web is formed into a roll.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary elevation of a web of multicompartment containers;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective of the web of containers formed into a roll;

[0008] FIG. 3 is schematic cross section of one container from the web;

[0009] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross section of a second version of the container;

[0010] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross section of a third version of the container;

[0011] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross section of a fourth version of the container;

[0012] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross section of a fifth version of the container;

[0013] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross section of a seventh version of the container;

[0014] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective of the container of FIG. 4 illustrating a first construction; and

[0015] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective of the container of FIG. 4 illustrating a second construction.

[0016] Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a multicompartment container, but more particularly to a container in the form of a bag inside of another bag. Bag-in-bag containers are useful for containing items that need separation for transportation and storage, but which may be used together. In one example, that could be potato chips and a dip for the chips. Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a web 10 of flexible, multicompartment containers 12 includes a first or top sheet 14 and a second or bottom sheet 16 underlying the first sheet. The second sheet 16 is opposed to the first sheet 14 and in the illustrated embodiment, substantially in registration with the first sheet. The sheets of material making up the web 10, including but not limited to the first sheet 14 and the second sheet 16, are made of a flexible, and preferably a limp material. In one embodiment, the sheets are formed of a polymeric material film. As used herein the term sheet can refer to a distinct piece of material that is attached to other pieces to form the container. However, the term may also refer to a segment of a larger piece of material that is folded or otherwise formed to have opposing segments. As shown in FIG. 2, the web can be formed into a roll 18 for transport and for mounting to dispense the containers 12.

[0018] The first and second sheets 14, 16 are joined together along transverse joints 20 spaced apart along the length of the web 10. The transverse joints 20 (or side edge joints) extend transverse to the length of the web 10. Adjacent pairs of transverse joints 20 define individual containers 12. The transverse joints 20 are preferably each formed with a line of weakness (e.g., perforations) extending along the length of the transverse joint that allows each container to be torn away from the web 10 for use as a separate container. The transverse joints 20 permit tearing, but maintain a seal of the sheets joined together by the transverse joints even after the container 12 is torn away from the web 10. The first and second sheets 14, 16 are also joined together along a lengthwise joint 22 at their bottom edges. As shown in FIG. 3 the lengthwise joint 22 (or bottom edge joint) is a section of a continuous piece of sheet material forming the first and second sheets 14, 16. The continuous piece of sheet material is folded in this embodiment. However, the first and second sheets 14, 16 could be formed separately and connected together by a seal or other suitable connection at the lengthwise joint. The first and second sheets 14, 16 are not connected together along the top longitudinal edge, but some temporary connection could be present that can be nondestructively torn during use of the container 12. Adjacent pairs of transverse joints 20 each define one of the containers 12, and also a first panel 26 of the container from the first sheet 14 and a second panel 28 of the container from the second sheet 16 (see, FIG. 3). The first and second panels 26, 28 are distinct to a particular container. The first and second sheets 14, 16 extend the full length of the web 10.

[0019] The web 10 further includes a third sheet 30 and a fourth sheet 32, both located at least partially between the first sheet 14 and the second sheet 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the third and fourth sheets 30, 32 are formed from a single piece of polymeric material that is folded to form the third and fourth sheets that are generally opposed to each other. In that case, a lengthwise joint 34 is formed by the fold. However, the third and fourth sheets 30, 32 could be separate pieces of material joined together (not shown). In that case, the lengthwise joint would be a seal or other suitable connection of the third and fourth sheets along (bottom) longitudinal edges of the third and fourth sheets. The transverse joints 20 also connect the third and fourth sheets 30, 32 together with the first and second sheets 14, 16. Adjacent pairs of the transverse joints 20 define a third panel (also designated by reference numeral 30) from the third sheet 30 and a fourth panel (also designated by reference numeral 32) from the fourth sheet 32. It will be understood that the distinction between the third sheet and the third panel, and fourth sheet and fourth panel is that the third and fourth sheets extend substantially the entire length of the web 10, and the third and fourth panels are segments of the third and fourth sheets residing between transverse joints 20. In a given one of the containers 12, the first and second panels 26, 28 are joined together along opposite sides (by the transverse joints 20), and also along a bottom edge by the lengthwise joint 22. The top edge margins of the first and second panels 26, 28 are unconnected (or at least are not permanently connected) so that an opening may be provided through which items or substances may be passed into and out of a first compartment or bag defined by the first and second panels and lengthwise joint 22. Similarly, the third and fourth panels 30, 32 are connected to each other along opposite side edges by the transverse joints 20, and connected along a bottom edge by a lengthwise joint 34 associated with the third and fourth panels. The top edge margins of the third and fourth panels 30, 32 are also unconnected (or at least are not permanently connected) so that an opening may be provided through which items or substances can be passed into or out of a second compartment or bag defined by the third and fourth panels. The connection of the third and fourth panels 30, 32 within the transverse joints 20 allows the second bag to be supported by the first bag. The second bag is nested within the first bag.

[0020] In one embodiment, the plastic film forming the first and second sheets 14, 16 may be different from the plastic film forming the third and fourth sheets 30, 32. For example, the first and second sheets 14, 16 may be formed of a plastic film having a greater thickness and/or higher mechanical strength than the plastic film forming the third and fourth sheets 30, 32. Stated another way, the plastic film of the third and fourth sheets 30, 32 may be thinner and softer than the plastic film used for the first and second sheets 14, 16. The third and fourth sheets 30, 32 are located inside the first and second sheets 14, 16 and can take advantage of the protection offered by the first and second sheets. In one example, the compartment or bag formed by the first and second sheets 14, 16 may be used to hold potato chips and the compartment or bag formed by the third and fourth sheets 30, 32 may be used to hold dip for the potato chips.

[0021] A fastening system 38 is constructed to permit repeated opening and closure of the open top of the first bag. Opening of the fastening system 38 permits access into both the first bag and the second bag. Closure of the fastening system 38 blocks access to both the first bag and the second bag. The fastening system 38 also engages the third and fourth panels so that the second bag is closed and opened at the same time as the first bag. The fastening system 38 of each container includes a female (channel) element 40 and a male (ridge) element 42. The channel element 40 is a segment of a longer channel member of the fastening system 38 that runs the full length of the web 10, and is attached to the first panel 26. The ridge element 42 is a segment of a longer ridge member that runs the full length of the web 10, and is attached to the second panel 28. The ridge element 42 can resiliently deform the channel element 40 so that the ridge element is partially received in the channel element and requires the application of a threshold of force to separate the ridge element from the force element. The fastening system 38 can be of the type used in ZIPLOC plastic bags, for example. Referring again to FIG. 3, it will be understood that as the ridge element 42 is moved toward the channel element 40, it engages the fourth panel 32, pushing it into engagement with the third panel 30. Continued movement of the ridge element 42 pushes a portion of the third panel 30, a portion of the fourth panel 32 and the ridge element into the channel element 40. The channel element flexes opening somewhat to receive these parts into the channel element 40 and then resiliently closes around the third panel portion, fourth panel portion and ridge element 42 to hold them in the closed position. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, when the fastening system 38 is in the open position, access to the lower reaches of the first bag can be made on either side of the second bag.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 4, another version of a container 112 constructed according to the principles of the present invention is shown to comprise a first panel 126 and a second panel 128 having essentially the same construction as the first and second panels 26, 28 of the FIG. 3 embodiment. Corresponding parts of the container of FIG. 4 will be given the same number for that part in FIG. 3, plus 100. However, in the FIG. 4 version there is only a third panel 130 located at least partially between the first and second panels 126, 128. The third panel 130 extends from the lengthwise joint 122 along the bottom edge up to the top of the first and second panels 126, 128. The third panel 130 is also joined with the first and second panels 126, 128 by adjacent transverse joints (not shown) so that the third panel forms a first bag with the first panel and a second bag with the second panel. A ridge element 142 on the second panel 128 can engage the third panel 130 and push a portion of the third panel into the channel element 140 so that both the first and second bags are again opened and closed by operation of the same channel and ridge elements.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 5, another version of a container 212 constructed according to the principles of the present invention is shown to comprise a first panel 226 and a second panel 228 having essentially the same construction as the first and second panels 26, 28 of the FIG. 3 embodiment. Corresponding parts of the container of FIG. 5 will be given the same number for that part in FIG. 3, plus 200. The FIG. 5 version is the same as the FIG. 3 version, including the provision of the third and fourth panels 230, 232. In addition, there is a fifth panel 244 located at least partially between the third and fourth panels 230, 232. The fifth panel 244 extends from the bottom edge (lengthwise joint 234) of the third and fourth panels 230, 232 to the top of the third and fourth panels. The fifth panel 244 is also joined with the transverse joint (not shown), and forms a second bag with the third panel 230 and a third bag with the fourth panel 232. A ridge element 242 of the container 212 can engage the fourth panel 232 and push portions of the fourth panel, fifth panel 244 and the third panel 230 into a channel element 240 for closing the first, second and third bags simultaneously. It will be appreciated from the version shown in FIG. 5, that any number of nested bags could be formed according to the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 6 shows a version of the container 312 also closely similar in construction to the embodiment of FIG. 3. Corresponding parts of the container of FIG. 6 will be given the same number for that part in FIG. 3, plus 300. In the version of FIG. 6, the third and fourth panels 330, 332 are much taller than in the FIG. 3 embodiment, so that the second bag formed by the third and fourth panels is nearly the same height as the first bag formed by the first and second panels 326, 328. A second fastening system 346 is provided to releasably connect the second bag to the first bag. As shown, the second fastening system 346 includes a second female or channel element 348 attached to the lengthwise joint 322 along the bottom edges of the first and second panels 326, 328. A second male or ridge element 350 is attached to the bottom (lengthwise joint 334) of the third and fourth panels 330, 332. Thus, the second bag formed by the third and fourth panels 330, 332 can be attached to the first bag formed by the first and second panels 326, 328, within the first bag. When the second ridge element 350 is attached to the second channel element 348, the first and second bags are used together as a single container having three compartments. In other words, the second divides the interior of the first bag into two separate compartments. The two compartments could hold different items because they are entirely separated from each other by the second bag (i.e., third and fourth panels 330, 332). The two compartments of the first bag could hold, for example, two different kinds of chips, while the second bag could hold a dip for the chips. When the second bag is separated at the bottom from the first bag (i.e., the second male component 350 is not attached to the second female component 348 as illustrated in FIG. 6), the first bag then forms a single interior compartment because of the spacing of the bottom of the second bag from the first bag. It will be understood that in this version, the first and second bags are also attached by the connection of the first, second, third and fourth panels 326, 328, 330, 332 in the transverse joints.

[0025] Still another version of a container 412 is shown in FIG. 7, which is also closely similar in construction to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. Corresponding parts of the container of FIG. 7 will be given the same number for that part in FIG. 3, plus 400. In the FIG. 7 version, the third panel 430 is connected in a suitable manner, such as by lines of adhesive 452 to the first panel 426. The two lines of adhesive 452 are spaced on opposite sides of channel element 440 to facilitate ridge element 442 pushing portions of the third and fourth panels 430, 432 into the channel element 440 to close the first and second bags. This construction positions the bag formed by the third and fourth panels 330, 332 to one side of the bag formed by the first and second panels 326, 328.

[0026] In FIG. 8, yet another version of a container 512 is shown. Corresponding parts of the container of FIG. 8 will be given the same reference numerals as those parts of given in FIG. 3, plus 500. Although the construction is very similar to that shown in FIG. 3, there are a few differences. The third and fourth panels 530, 532 (and second bag formed by the third and fourth panels) are located below the top of the first bag formed by the first and second panels 526, 528. The positioning of the third and fourth panels 530, 532 is such that when the ridge element 542 is pushed into the channel element 540, there is no engagement with either the third or fourth panels 530, 532. Thus, opening and closing of the second bag is independent of the opening and closing of the first bag. The second bag is provided with its own, second fastening system 546 comprising a second channel element 548 mounted on the third panel 530 and a second ridge element 550 mounted on the fourth panel 532. The second channel element 548 and second ridge element 550 can be forced together and pulled apart to close and open the second bag independently of the first bag. However, even in this construction, closure of the first bag blocks access to the second bag, and opening the first bag permits access to the second bag and its interior when opened. Moreover, the first bag is formed with a gusset 558 at the bottom, which allows the first bag to be wider and have a larger volume. It will be understood that the features of the various embodiments can be used in different combinations for other embodiments. For example, the gusset 558 can be used with any of the other embodiments (e.g., FIGS. 3-7) disclosed herein.

[0027] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a container corresponding to the container of FIG. 4, but show two options for forming a container having this configuration. The same reference numerals will be used for both versions as were used in relation to FIG. 4. One well known way of forming polymeric films is to form a tube of polymeric film. This is done commonly to form plastic bags. In the version shown in FIG. 9, the first and second panels 126, 128 are part of a tube of material. The length of the tube would extend along the length of the web. FIGS. 9 and 10 both illustrate a fragmentary portion of one container 112. The tube is collapsed to a flattened condition. One longitudinal edge of the web is cut, thereby separating in part what becomes the first panel 126 and the second panel 128, and forming open tops of the joined first and second panels. A secondary web of plastic film that will ultimately form the third panel 130 is moved into position between the first panels 126 and second panels 128. The secondary web and primary web are joined (e.g., heat sealed) along the longitudinal joint 122 to connect the primary and secondary webs, and thereby the first and second panels 126, 128 with the third panel 130. The secondary and primary webs are then formed with the transverse joints 120 to create the separate containers 112 each having a first panel 126, a second panel 128 and a third panel 130. It will be understood that the near end of the container 112 in FIG. 9 has been broken away to show internal construction. Thus, the nearer transverse joint 122 is not illustrated in FIG. 9. In addition, the fastening system is not shown, but would be present in the finished container.

[0028] FIG. 10 shows another construction of the same container 112. In this embodiment, the tube of polymeric film forms the second panel 128 and the third panel 130 of the container 112. A single layer of polymeric film is attached to the exterior of the tube and forms the first panel 126. More specifically, the single layer first panel 126 is attached to the tube by the transverse joints 120 (only one of which is shown) and also by the lengthwise joint 122 along the bottom edge of the second and third panels 128, 130. The tube is cut to form the open top between the second and third panels 128, 130. The nearer transverse joint is not illustrated in FIG. 10 to show internal construction. Moreover, the fastening system is not illustrated, but would be present in the finished container 112.

[0029] As various changes could be made in the above products and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0030] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles a, an, the and said are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms comprising, including and having are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Moreover, directional terms such as top, bottom, side are used for convenience of description and to not require the article to have any particular orientation.

[0031] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the disclosure are achieved and other advantageous results attained.