Duplex storage pouch

Abstract

A duplex storage pouch capable of storing a segregated liquid and powder for extended periods. The two ingredients are separated by a frangible chevron-shaped seal. When pressure is applied to the pouch, one or more chevron points lying along the chevron-shaped seal rupture, allowing the two ingredients to mix. The pouch is flexible, so that the user can knead the two ingredients together for thorough mixing. Once the mixing is complete, a peelable cover is removed to expose a dispensing opening.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to the field of disposable packaging. More specifically, the invention comprises a flexible pouch capable of separately storing two materials which must be mixed prior to use.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Many materials in use today must be stored as two separate components for extended periods prior to use. Good examples include two-part adhesives, chemiluminescent lighting devices, plaster compounds, and dental alginates. Packages for these categories have existed for many years. These packages must keep the components separate, yet allow for their convenient combination just prior to use.

[0004] Some prior art packages contemplate mixing the two components outside the package (such as epoxy dispensers), whereas others contemplate mixing the two componens inside the package (such as chemiluminescent lighting tubes). In the case of dental alginates, it is often desirable to mix the ingredients inside an enclosed space. This avoids consistency variations owing to changing humidity. It also avoids creating a mess in a separate container. Thus, a packaging concept which allows the mixing of components inside an enclosed volume, as well as allowing the convenient dispensing of the components once they are mixed, is desirable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention comprises a duplex storage pouch capable of storing a segregated liquid and powder for extended periods. The two ingredients are separated by a frangible chevron-shaped seal. When pressure is applied to the pouch, one or more chevron points lying along the chevron-shaped seal rupture, allowing the two ingredients to mix. The pouch is flexible, so that the user can knead the two ingredients together for thorough mixing. Once the mixing is complete, a peelable cover is removed to expose a dispensing opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is an isometric view, showing the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 2 is an isometric, showing the components of the present invention prior to assembly.

[0008] FIG. 3 is an isometric, showing a first alternate embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 4 is an isometric view, showing a plurality of pouches joined together to form a dispenser strip.

[0010] FIG. 5 is an isometric view, showing a second alternate embodiment. 1 REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS 10 duplex storage pouch 12 liquid chamber 14 powder chamber 16 permanent seal 18 frangible chevron seal 20 peelable cover 22 pull tab 24 chevron point 26 back panel 28 front panel 30 dispensing opening 32 printed cut line 34 dispenser strip 36 integral pull tab 38 tear-promoting notch 40 perforated joint

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] FIG. 1 shows duplex storage pouch 10 in its assembled state. FIG. 2 shows the same components prior to assembly. Front panel 28 is laid over back panel 26. Both panels are preferably made of thin and flexible plastic—such as polypropylene. Returning now to FIG. 1, once the two panels are aligned, permanent seal 16 is formed around the perimeter, so as to create an enclosed internal volume. Permanent seal 16 may be formed by an adhesive, or by simply thermally fusing the plastic material together.

[0012] The internal volume is divided into liquid chamber 12 and powder chamber 14 by the addition of frangible chevron seal 18. Frangible chevron seal 18 is preferably formed by thermally or ultrasonically fusing the two panels together in the illustrated chevron pattern. The thickness of this seal is typically less than permanent seal 16.

[0013] In FIG. 2, the reader will observe that one corner of front panel 28 is cut away to form dispensing opening 30. A portion of this opening lies outside the fused region of permanent seal 16, meaning that it allows fluid communication between the interior of duplex storage pouch 10 and the surrounding environment. Returning now to FIG. 1, peelable cover 20 is adhesively affixed over dispensing opening 30. Peelable cover 20 includes pull tab 22, which allows a user to grasp it and pull it free when the contents are ready for dispensing. Peelable cover 20 is preferably made from a thin metal foil with an adhesive backing, similar to the tabs used on metal juice containers and similar items.

[0014] Of course, the powder and liquid must be deposited within duplex storage pouch 10 prior to the completion of permanent seal 16. Looking at FIG. 1, the top, right-hand, and bottom portions of permanent seal 16 are typically formed. Frangible chevron seal 18 is then added, along with peelable cover 20. Duplex storage pouch 10 is then rotated 90 degrees in the clockwise direction, so that the remaining open side of permanent seal 16 is facing upward. The powder and liquid are then deposited in the two segregated chambers. The fourth side of permanent seal 16 is then formed.

[0015] When the user is ready to dispense the mixed material, he or she squeezes duplex storage pouch 10. This results in pressure along permanent seal 16 and frangible chevron seal 18. Permanent seal 16 is made stronger than frangible chevron seal 18. The shape of frangible chevron seal 18 also causes substantial stress concentration at the chevron points 24. The result is that chevron points 24 rupture, dispersing the liquid into the powder. Two or more chevron points 24 are preferably used, since this construction will promote the rupture of the frangible seal at two or more locations (resulting in easier mixing).

[0016] The user then kneads the liquid and powder together within the flexible pouch. Once the mixing process is complete, the user pulls away peelable cover 20. The pouch is then squeezed to extrude the mixture through dispensing opening 30.

[0017] FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention, in which dispensing opening 30 and peelable cover 20 are omitted. Instead, a printed cut line 32 is printed on the pouch to indicate to the user that a pair of scissors or a knife should be used to cut the pouch once its contents are ready for dispensing. Instructions may also be printed directly on the pouch.

[0018] Although duplex storage pouch 10 has been illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 as a single unit, the use of an assembly line favors production as a plurality of connected units. FIG. 4 show dispenser strip 34, which is comprised of a series of joined duplex storage pouch 10. In this embodiment, back panel 26 and front panel 28 are formed from long strips of plastic material instead of individual squares. Each individual duplex storage pouch 10 is separated from its neighbor by a perforated joint 40. When the user needs an individual pouch, he or she simply tears one free of the dispenser strip 34. It is then used in the manner described previously. The use of such strips allows many duplex storage pouches 10 to be transported in a box or in roll form. It also allows the use of wall-mounted dispensers.

[0019] Those skilled in the art will realize that many variations are possible on the basic design presented. FIG. 5 shows a second alternate embodiment which eliminates the need for peelable cover 20. In this embodiment, the perimeter of each duplex storage pouch 10 is given a rounded shape to assist the user in squeezing and kneading the contents. The mixed material is dispensed from the lower portion of the pouch in the view as shown. Integral pull tab 36 is actually formed as a part of the front and back panels. Tear-promoting notch is formed just above it. When the mixed materials are ready for dispensing, the user grasps integral pull tab 36 and pulls it in the direction indicated by the arrow. The bottom of the pouch will then tear free, allowing the material to be dispensed.

[0020] Although the specific example of a liquid and a powder was disclosed in detail, the reader should keep in mind that the devices disclosed could be used to store two liquids as well. They could also store and segregate two powders, although mixing of two powders might be difficult. The preceding descriptions should not be construed, therefore, as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A storage pouch for separately storing a first substance and a second substance, comprising:

a. a back panel;

b. a front panel, laid over said back panel;

c. a permanent seal running around a perimeter of said front and back panels, so as to form an enclosed volume therebetween; and

d. a frangible chevron seal, having at least one chevron point, segregating said enclosed volume into a first chamber and a second chamber, with said first substance being contained within said first chamber and said second substance being contained within said second chamber, so that said first substance and said second substance remain separated until pressure is placed upon said storage pouch, thereby rupturing said at least one chevron point.

2. A storage pouch as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a. a dispensing opening through which said first and second substances can be dispensed from said pouch after mixing; and

b. a peelable cover, closing said dispensing opening.

3. A storage pouch as recited in claim 2, wherein said peelable cover includes a pull tab allowing a user to easily grasp said peelable cover.

4. A plurality of storage pouches as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said storage pouches is joined to its neighbor by a tearable joint.

5. A storage pouch as recited in claim 1, further comprising a tear-promoting notch, positioned to allow a user to easily tear a portion of said pouch free, thereby allowing the dispensing of the contents through the opening thereby created.

6. A storage pouch as recited in claim 5, further comprising an integral pull tab, located proximate said tear-promoting notch.

7. A storage pouch for separately storing a first substance and a second substance, comprising:

a. a back panel;

b. a front panel, laid over said back panel;

c. a permanent seal running around a perimeter of said front and back panels, so as to form an enclosed volume therebetween; and

d. a frangible chevron seal, having at least two chevron points, segregating said enclosed volume into a first chamber and a second chamber, with said first substance being contained within said first chamber and said second substance being contained within said second chamber, so that said first substance and said second substance remain separated until pressure is placed upon said storage pouch, thereby rupturing said at least two chevron points.

8. A storage pouch as recited in claim 7, further comprising:

a. a dispensing opening through which said first and second substances can be dispensed from said pouch after mixing; and

b. a peelable cover, closing said dispensing opening.

9. A storage pouch as recited in claim 8, wherein said peelable cover includes a pull tab allowing a user to easily grasp said peelable cover.

10. A plurality of storage pouches as recited in claim 7, wherein each of said storage pouches is joined to its neighbor by a tearable joint.

11. A storage pouch as recited in claim 7, further comprising a tear-promoting notch, positioned to allow a user to easily tear a portion of said pouch free, thereby allowing the dispensing of the contents through the opening thereby created.

12. A storage pouch as recited in claim 7, further comprising an integral pull tab, located proximate said tear-promoting notch.