Abstract: A package having fluid-filled chambers that form a line of contact that seals the package. The package generally defines an interior cavity accessible through an opening. Opposing portions of the opening may include at least one fluid-filled chamber to seal the package. The chamber may be held in sealing contact with an opposing structure or with each other by fastening means that hold the opposing portions together. In another embodiment, opposing chambers themselves may interlock to maintain sealed contact. The package may include an auxiliary opening so that an end user can fill the package with articles of the user's choice. The auxiliary opening can be sealed at least over a portion of its length. In another embodiment, first and second compartments are isolated by the fluid-filled chamber seal, with the seal being selectively breachable to enable transfer of product from the first to the second compartment.

Abstract: A package having a gusseted panel portion is depicted and described. The package generally includes opposing panel portions that at least partially define an interior cavity or compartment therebetween that is accessible through an access device. The gusseted panel portion provides a material impact barrier within the interior cavity or compartment of the package to assist in protecting the access device from the impact or load of material contents within the package.

Abstract: A fixed blade knife that is intended for survival or tactical use is provided with a removable, ejectable, self contained compartment for the storage and carriage of survival and/or tactical gear within the handle of the knife. A self contained, removable compartment is superior to a separate butt cap for the handle as a butt cap requires the use of two functioning hands for removal, is not as fast as an ejectable compartment and can be lost rendering the handle useless for the storage and carriage of gear. The self contained compartment eliminates the necessity for a butt-cap, can be ejected quickly with a single digit that may or not be otherwise useless due to injury or environmental conditions. The compartment also serves to contain the gear there-in separate from the knife handle to prevent loss and allow use of said gear by a second individual while the knife itself may be in use by the primary user.

Abstract: A package having a sanitary dispenser is depicted and described. The package generally includes a dispenser that is sealed from environmental contaminants by a feature or portion of the package. The sealed dispenser portion of the package is accessed prior to use and the user is able to access the contents of the package through the sanitary dispenser. The dispenser may be inverted prior to use and deployed prior to use. A frangible portion may be provided to the dispenser. The dispenser may be re-sealable in the package. A straw may further be provided to the dispenser and be deployable by the user for access to the package contents.

Abstract: A fixed blade knife that is intended for survival or tactical use is provided with a removable, ejectable, self contained compartment for the storage and carriage of survival and/or tactical gear within the handle of the knife. A self contained, removable compartment is superior to a separate butt cap for the handle as a butt cap requires the use of two functioning hands for removal, is not as fast as an ejectable compartment and can be lost rendering the handle useless for the storage and carriage of gear. The self contained compartment eliminates the necessity for a butt-cap, can be ejected quickly with a single digit that may or not be otherwise useless due to injury or environmental conditions. The compartment also serves to contain the gear there-in separate from the knife handle to prevent loss and allow use of said gear by a second individual while the knife itself may be in use by the primary user.

Abstract: The present invention addresses certain problems facing flexible packages and the packaging industry. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of heat scoring the film or material of the package in various shapes and locations to facilitate the consumer opening the package. Embodiments are also directed to a heat scoring device for delivering the heat score to the package material during the manufacturing process. Other embodiments are directed to a package having one or more heat scores for permitting a user to easily access the contents of a package while maintaining the integrity of the package.

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.

Abstract: A flexible package having a main package inner cavity compartment and a segregated secondary compartment. The main package generally includes a plurality of outer panel portions. These panel portions can include a front panel portion, a back panel portion, and a bottom panel portion.

Abstract: A package having one or more collapsible regions or portions is provided. A distinct crease, fold line, material section or separate material can be included with a portion of the package to facilitate collapsibility of a portion of a relatively large package onto or over itself to permit easier access to the interior contents while still allowing for operable use of any access device (e.g., zipper device) provided with the package.

Abstract: A flexible package having a fill opening or feature is provided. The fill opening can be included in one or more of the package panels, with an internal fill patch provided proximate or about the fill opening. The patch can be initially sealed at one or more edge or portions to the internal surface of the respective package panel or panels, with a generally free edge or portion remaining unsealed. Upon filling the package with material contents through the fill opening, the free edge can be finally sealed by the filler or customer to close off the fill opening, without losing other features or the integrity of the package.

Abstract: A package having an expansion chamber is depicted and described. The package generally includes a collapsed expansion chamber configured to open when a predetermined amount of internal pressure is reached. A pressure sensitive closure mechanism, such as a frangible seal or flexible we film web, is disposed between the main compartment and the expansion chamber and functions to separate the main compartment and the expansion chamber until the predetermined internal pressure is reached.

Abstract: A flexible package for holding a fluid is disclosed. The flexible package includes a flexible body defining an inner cavity and a throat portion. It also includes a fluid filled or bubble closure disposed in the throat portion that is configured to seal the inner cavity and defines an interface area therein. A metering chamber is provided that permits fluid communication from the inner cavity to the metering chamber via the interface area. The fluid communication is facilitated by an increase in pressure in the inner cavity. A method of filling and dispensing contents or fluid from a flexible package is also disclosed. A method of forming a flexible package is further disclosed. Various bubble closures can be tubular, dome-shaped, hollow fluid-filled, solid, and the like.

Abstract: The package generally includes at least first and second panel portions operably connected to define an interior cavity therebetween. The first panel portion can include a fluid chamber operably disposed along a portion of the first panel portion such that a portion of the fluid chamber is adapted to operably abut or confront the second panel portion to generally block an access opening into the interior cavity. The second panel portion can further include a fluid chamber.

Abstract: A flexible package having a releasable film access device is described and depicted. The access device can include a first peel seal film overlapping and sealed (e.g., temporary peel seal) to a second peel seal film. This formation of the sealed films can be provided in predetermined patches or strips that are, in turn, sealed to a sealant surface of a package panel proximate a main access opening. The overlapping peel seal film configuration provides a proper barrier for the package opening while simultaneously providing easy access into the package through separation of the overlapping peel seal films.

Abstract: A package having a foldable top region is provided. The package generally includes panel portions that at least partially define an interior cavity therebetween and accessible through an access opening. The top portion can provide a cuff member or cuff region that can be folded and unfolded to facilitate use of the package as a bowl or other cuffed container for material contents. The package can be adapted to hold its shape as a bowl or cuffed container.

Abstract: A package, and method of manufacturing the same, the package having an attached strap handle for ease in carrying and pouring of the contents. In one embodiment, the package includes a pair of panels separated by a gusseted panel portion. Each end of the strap handle is attached to the package through slits that are formed at the confluence of the gusset panel portion and a respective one of the panels. Seams or seals may be formed to effectively seal the slits and may bond the handles to the package. The handle may additionally include first and second strap handles, and a strap or member spanning between the first and second strap handles.

Abstract: A package having a gusseted panel portion is depicted and described. The package generally includes opposing panel portions that at least partially define an interior cavity or compartment therebetween that is accessible through an access device. The gusseted panel portion provides a material impact barrier within the interior cavity or compartment of the package to assist in protecting the access device from the impact or load of material contents within the package.

Abstract: A flexible package is provided having a main package compartment and a segregated internal or secondary compartment. The main package generally includes a plurality of outer panel portions. An internal compartment panel can include a transverse portion operatively joined to one of the main package panel portions to define the secondary compartment. Further, the secondary compartment can include a plurality of passageways providing fluid communication between the secondary compartment and the main package compartment.

Abstract: A flexible package having multiple compartments is described and depicted. The package can include an internal compartment panel to define first and second package cavities or compartments. Two adjacent but opposing access openings can be provided proximate a top portion of the package to define separate access into the distinct compartments, without a need to open or remove the top or handle portion of the package.