POUCH DISPENSER

Abstract

A portable storage container that consists of multiple compartments that are used to separate different components of a stored item. In separating out the components, the shelf life of the stored item is dramatically increased. The storage device is made from a plurality of polymeric film sheets that are connected through a perimeter seal that leaves a vacant space within the perimeter seal between the polymeric film sheets for creating multiple compartments. The compartments are separated through frangible sealing structures that are made up of a plurality of individual seals of varying types. When the device is operated, the frangible sealing structure is ruptured, therefore allowing the separated components to mix. Using a sealing structure made up of multiple seals ensures that the compartments remain separated when the storage container is subjected to harsh environmental conditions.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable storage means and more particularly to a pouch comprised of multiple compartments, which are used to separate and contain the various components of the stored item. The compartments are separated by a frangible seal that once broken, allows the separate components to mix and create a finished product.

2. Description of Related Art

Flexible plastic pouches have been used extensively as a means for conveniently storing and transporting substances and in particular perishable items such as food and beverages. More recently, plastic pouches have been developed that contain separate compartments for separating the different components of the stored substance. In the case of perishable items, the solid and liquid components are stored in separate compartments. For example, water is separated from the solid flavor and coloring substances in fruit juices. When the seal is broken both components combined to create the beverage. One advantage that is achieved through this method of storage is that the shelf life of the product is dramatically increased.

Generally, these pouches are comprised of a number of layers, wherein each layer is constructed from a polymer material. In using a polymer material to construct the layers, the pouches can be easily molded into a variety of different shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the use of a polymer material allows the storage pouches to be mass produced in a cost effective manner.

As mentioned previously plastic storage pouches now integrate a seal to form separate compartments within the pouch for holding separate components of the stored perishable item. In order to prepare the stored item for consumption, a user breaks the seal, thereby allowing the separated components to mix and create the desired item. A number of different pouch designs which use a variety of methods to create assorted seals are listed extensively throughout the prior art.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,230 issued to Blette et al. describes a flexible pouch device that is comprised of two compartments. Each compartment is separated by a barrier that when broken, allows the separate components to mix. The preferred embodiment of the described invention is for storing and subsequently mixing multipart aqueous cleaning solutions. The pouch is made from a thermoplastic polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate. The breakable barrier is made from a porous paper that is bonded between opposing sides of the pouch through a heat activated method. The outlet opening of the pouch contains a male matting end that allows for the attachment of a spray pump. The attached spray pump provides a means for dispensing the cleaning solution over a large area. U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,428 issued to Segovia, Jr. et al. describes a storage pouch with multiple compartments that are also separated by a breakable seal. The invention includes a unique connector that allows for the attachment of various dispensing mechanisms, including a baby bottle top.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,866,145 B2 issued to Richards et al. describes a compartmentalized pouch with storage areas that are separated by a frangible seal. The storage compartments can be shaped in a variety of ways to form the overall storage pouch. A tearable seal is located on the top of the storage pouch and is used to access the components once they are mixed.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,095 B1 issued to Bourque et al. describes a storage pouch with multiple compartments. Each compartment is separated by a frangible seal. The pouch is constructed from polymeric sheets comprised of any number of layers of a polymeric film material. The design typically includes an inner most layer, an inner barrier layer, and an outer structural layer. The innermost layer is preferably heat sealable to allow for the formation of a frangible seal. The invention includes a number of different frangible seal types which can consist of multiple seals of the same type to form separate compartments. The preferred embodiment uses an innermost layer that undergoes interfacial peel sealing under an applied heat. These polymer layers are typically made from a polyolefin. In another embodiment, the frangible seal can be constructed by applying a sealant between opposing sides of the innermost polymer layer.

There are many disadvantages to the multiple compartment storage pouches that are detailed in the prior art. Specifically, the designs utilize a single seal or the combination of multiple seals of the same type to separate the compartments. In single seal pouches, the seal must be strong enough to not rupture during the transportation of the storage pouch. However, if the seal is made too strong, the seal can not be broken by the user and the separated components will not combine.

There therefore exists a need for a method of isolating different components that are stored in a pouch that keeps the components separated when stresses and forces are exerted on the pouch during transportation and storage. Furthermore, this method of separating the components must be breakable under a force that a normal human can quickly and easily exert on the pouch. Finally, the method for isolating different components within a storage pouch must be able to keep the components separated for extended periods of time, as by separating the components, longer shelf lives for the stored perishable items are achieved.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved method for forming separate compartments within a flexible and transportable storage pouch. The compartments are used to separate various components of a stored item. The item can be but is not limited to a perishable item. In separating the components of a stored perishable item, the product has a longer shelf life. The design of the storage pouch is conventional in that it uses attached polymeric sheets to form the flexible pouch. The design, however, utilizes a unique sealing structure to form the separate compartments. This unique frangible sealing structure is capable of remaining intact during the transportation and storage of the pouch, while still requiring minimal user exerted force to rupture the structure, thereby mixing the separated components together. By combining the separated ingredients at the time of use, the shelf life of the combined ingredients is greatly increased.

The pouch is formed by correcting at least two flexible polymeric sheets together. Each sheet can be made up of a plurality of thin superimposed polymeric forms that form a stacked sequence. The two polymeric sheets are attached through a perimeter seal. In creating a perimeter seal, the space between the polymeric sheets formed within the polymeric seal serves to hold the stored item or items. Multiple flexible polymeric sheets can be connected together to form a pouch of any shape.

Isolated chambers are formed within the storage cavity to contain different components of the item that is being stored. For example, in the storage of a beverage, one chamber holds a liquid such as water while the other chamber holds the granular particles that when mixed with the liquid add vitamins, food supplements, energy substances thereby creating the a beverage solution. As mentioned previously, in separating out the components of a stored item, the overall shelf life of the product dramatically increases. The ingredients are combined at time of use for increased shelf life.

The two or more separate chambers are formed within the vacant space of the pouch through a sealing structure. The sealing structure of the present invention is novel in that it is comprised of various types of seals that can be combined in multiple ways, thereby allowing for the creation of a plurality of unique sealing structures. The sealing structure of the present invention can contain three different types of seals. These different types of seals include a heat seal, a glue seal, or a zip lock seal. These seals can be combined in any combination to form the sealing structure that is used to isolate the separate chamber from the main cavity of the storage pouch. For example, a seal structure can be formed by creating a barrier consisting of a heat seal, a zip lock seal, a second heat seal, and a second zip lock seal in the respective order. Another example of a seal structure includes a heat seal, a glue seal, a second heat seal, and a second glue seal. The use of multiple individual seals in creating a seal structure allows for the isolation of a chamber, even if one of the individual seals fails and ruptures during the transport or storage of the pouch. Furthermore, another advantage attained by the present invention is that if the environmental conditions are favorable for causing the failure of a specific type of seal, the compartments remain isolated due to the use of various types of individual seals in the overall sealing structure.

The individual seals that are used to form the sealing structure are each frangible. By making the seals frangible, the user can rupture each individual seal in the sealing structure, causing the separated components to mix. The individual seals are strong enough as to not rupture under normal forces and stresses that are exerted on the pouch, and subsequent sealing structure, during transportation and storage. The individual seals, however, are also weak enough to be broken by a force that is capable of being produced by a normal individual person.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable storage pouch that uses a novel multi layered sealing structure comprised of a plurality of different types to create separate compartments within the main cavity of the pouch for isolating various components of a stored item which are combined at time of use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable storage pouch comprised of multiple separated compartments for isolating different components of a stored item that keeps the components isolated in the event that a seal in the multi layered sealing structure fails.

It is furthermore another object of the present invention to provide a portable storage pouch comprised of multiple separated compartments that are separated through a frangible multi layered sealing structure that when ruptured allows for the mixing of the separated components.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a portable storage pouch comprised of multiple separated compartments that contains protrusions to aid the user in rupturing the seals in the multi layered sealing structure.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a portable storage pouch comprised of multiple separated compartments with a pouch outlet cover that is penetrable with a straw.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable storage pouch comprised of multiple separated compartments with a pouch outlet consisting of a helical male mating end that connects with a helical female cap end that is capable of sealing the outlet opening of the pouch.

It is furthermore another object of the present invention to provide a portable storage pouch comprised of multiple separated compartments that uses an embedded and pointed nozzle that is pushed through the polymeric sheet used to create the outer wall of the pouch, thereby creating an outlet opening.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a portable storage pouch comprised of multiple separated compartments that contains an adjacently attached outlet nozzle that is resealable.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a portable storage pouch comprised of multiple separated compartments with a pouch outlet consisting of a helical male mating end that connects with a helical female cap end that is capable of sealing the outlet opening of the pouch that utilizes a flow control insert.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable storage pouch comprised of multiple separated compartments that uses a needle shaped helical dispenser attachment that is connected to a helical male connector on the outlet opening.

It is furthermore another object of the present invention to provide a portable storage pouch comprised of multiple separated compartments that uses a filter before the outlet opening to stop the flow of large solid particles from within the contents of the storage pouch.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a portable storage pouch comprised of multiple separated compartments that has a hole in the perimeter seal of the pouch on the end of the pouch opposing the outlet means, to allow for the hanging of the storage pouch.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a portable storage pouch comprised of multiple separated compartments that is connected to a nipple shaped dispenser that is used for baby feeding.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable storage pouch with a separate compartment that extends outward from the side of the pouch, wherein the sealing structure is broker by pushing the protruding compartment into the main cavity of the pouch.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent through the drawings and the accompanying description set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front elevational view of the multiple compartment storage pouch with a straw receiving outlet.

FIG. 2 shows a side elevational view of the multiple compartment storage pouch with a straw receiving outlet.

FIG. 3 shows a side elevational view of the multiple compartment storage pouch with a straw receiving outlet after the sealing structure is ruptured, and the separated components form a solution.

FIG. 4 shows a front elevational view of an alternate embodiment of a dual compartment storage pouch with a reusable cap.

FIG. 5 shows a front elevational view of the dual compartment storage pouch of FIG. 4 after rupture of the sealing structure.

FIG. 6 shows a front elevational view of dual compartment storage pouch of FIG. 4 without side protrusions.

FIG. 7 shows a front elevational view of the dual compartment storage pouch of FIG. 6 after the rupture of the sealing structure.

FIG. 8 shows a front view partially in cross section of an alternate embodiment of a dual compartment pouch that uses a push member to rupture the sealing structure separating the compartments.

FIG. 9 shows a front perspective view of a pouch using an alternate dispensing method.

FIG. 10 shows a front perspective view of the pouch of FIG. 9 in a dispensing operational configuration.

FIG. 11 shows a front perspective view of the pouch of FIG. 9 in a configuration with the dispensing tube resealed after being opened.

FIG. 12 shows a front perspective view of a multiple compartment pouch with a dispensing tube that is not attached to the side of the pouch.

FIG. 13 shows a front perspective view of the pouch of FIG. 12 in an operational configuration.

FIG. 14 shows a front perspective view of the pouch of FIG. 12 in a configuration with the dispensing tube resealed after being opened.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the pouch shaped as a rectangular prism.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the pouch shaped as a square prism.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the pouch shaped as a multi sided prism.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the pouch shaped as an octahedral prism.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the pouch shapes as a triangular prism.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view partially exploded of a multiple compartment pouch with a non-spill dispenser that uses a series of apertures.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view partially exploded of a multiple compartment pouch with a non-spill dispenser that uses a line opening.

FIG. 22 shows an exploded perspective view of a needle injection dispensing cap.

FIG. 23 shows a front elevational view of a foldable pouch in an unfolded position.

FIG. 24 shows a side view of a foldable pouch in a folded position.

FIG. 25 shows a front elevational view of a multiple compartment pouch with an aperture so that the bag can be hung and used as an intravenous (IV) drip source.

FIG. 26 shows an exploded perspective view of a dispenser cap that uses multiple filters.

FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of a multiple compartment pouch that contains two outlet openings.

FIG. 28 shows an exploded perspective view of an oval shaped non-spill dispenser cap for a pouch with a non-spill insert placed before the dispenser opening.

FIG. 29 shows an exploded perspective view partially cut away of a circular shaped non-spill dispenser with a non-spill insert placed before the dispenser opening.

FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of a multiple compartment pouch with transparent regions in the polymeric sheets that are used to form the sidewalls of the pouch.

FIG. 31 shows a front perspective view of a pouch wall that contains a half spherical shaped separate push compartment.

FIG. 32 shows a side elevational view exploded of the separate push compartment shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 shows a side elevational view in cross section of the embodiment of the invention described in FIG. 31 with a ruptured separating seal.

FIG. 34 shows a side elevational view of a multiple compartment bottle shaped device with a nipple dispenser.

FIG. 35 shows a perspective view of a multiple compartment pouch with a cut off corner of the pouch that is used as a dispensing passage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, one embodiment of the present invention comprising a multiple compartment storage pouch with an outlet for receiving a straw is shown. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of the dual compartment storage pouch 100. The pouch can be but is not limited to a multiple compartment pouch 100 comprised of two isolated regions. In the present embodiment, these regions include an upper compartment 109 and a lower compartment 110. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the upper compartment 109 holds a solute 106, while the lower compartment 110 holds a solvent 105.

The upper and lower compartments are separated by a multilayered sealing structure 113. This sealing structure 113 includes a first zip lock seal 101, a first heat seal 103, a second zip lock seal 102, and a second heat seal 104. By utilizing an alternating seal type structure, the entire sealing structure 113 does not completely rupture when the environmental conditions are favorable for causing the failure of one of the specific sealing types used in the sealing structure 113. For example, if the heat seal is weakened and eventually ruptures while the pouch 100 is placed in a high heat environment, the zip lock seal still remains intact, thereby keeping the contents of the upper compartment 109 and the contents of the lower compartment separated 110. Furthermore, by using multiple seals to create a sealing structure 113, the strength of each individual seal can be reduced, thus ensuring that each individual seal in the sealing structure 113 is weak enough to be ruptured by a normal person in a quick manner. A handle extension 107 protrudes from the surface of the sealing structure 113, wherein the ends of the handle are connected to the first and second individual zip lock seals 101 and 102. This handle 107 provides a means by which a user can provide a force against the seals in order to rupture the entire sealing structure 113. An outlet opening 108 covered by a thin polymer layer is located on one end of the pouch 100 and provides a means of accessing the contents of the pouch 100, once the solution has been mixed.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of the multiple compartment pouch 100 that is shown in FIG. 1. The pouch 100 is comprised of two flexible polymeric sheets 112 that are roughly the same size and shape. The flexible polymeric sheets 112 are connected together to form the pouch 100 through a perimeter seal 111 that extends completely around the outer edge of both polymeric sheets 112. The upper and lower compartments 109 and 110, as mentioned previously, are separated by a sealing structure 113 comprised of a combination of alternating individual seals. The individual seals that are used to construct the sealing structure can be formed by any combination of heat seals, zip lock seals, or glue seals. For example, in another embodiment, the sealing structure 113 can be made of a first zip lock seal, a first glue seal, a second zip lock seal, and a second glue seal. Extensions 107 are attached on opposing side of the sealing structure 113 and are used to apply a force that causes the frangible seals, which make up the sealing structure 113, to break.

FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of the dual compartment pouch 100 shown in both FIGS. 1 and 2, after the sealing structure has been broken. As a result of the sealing structure being ruptured, the solute and solvent combine to form a solution 116. This solution can be but is not limited to a juice beverage or an aqueous cleaning solution. The components that are isolated in the separate compartments do not have to be a solute and solvent. Instead, the compartments can be used to separate two solid materials. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3, a straw 114 is used to break the polymeric film covering the outlet opening 108 and extend to the contained beverage located within the cavity 115 of the pouch 100. The straw 114 serves as the means by which the solution is removed from the pouch 100. There are a number of different embodiments that encompass a variety of designs and methods for dispensing the contents held within a multi compartment pouch.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show an alternative embodiment of a dual compartment storage pouch 117. The dual compartment storage pouch 117 consists of upper and lower storage compartments 120 and 121 that are separated by a sealing structure 122 that extends diagonally across the pouch 117. As with the previous embodiment, the sealing structure can be made up of any combination of heat seals, zip lock seals, or glue seals in a stacked sequence. Two protrusions 123 extend out from the middle of the diagonal sealing structure 122 and as with the previous embodiment, help in allowing the user to apply the necessary force that is required to rupture the sealing structure 122. The pouch 117 is an irregular shape, with a diagonal top edge. A helical male mating dispenser 119 extends out from the diagonal top edge. A helical female mating cap 118 couples to and subsequently seals the dispenser 119.

Referring to FIG. 5 specifically a side perspective view of the dual compartment pouch 117 with a ruptured sealing structure 124 is shown. In applying a force through the protrusions 123, the seals that make up the sealing structure 124 break and the separated components combine to form a single solution or solid solution. By utilizing an irregular shaped pouch 117, and subsequently creating a dispenser opening 119 that is at an angle, the contents of the pouch 117 can be poured out through minimal displacement of the pouch 117. This is advantageous in the situation if the pouch 117 is bulky and contains a large amount of a heavy substance. The pouch design of the current embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, can exist without the side protrusions that are used as aid the user in applying the necessary force to rupture the seal structure. Instead, as shown in FIG. 7, in order to apply a large enough force to break the individual seals of the sealing structure, the user can squeeze the bottom compartment 121 of the pouch that houses the liquid. By squeezing the bottom compartment 121, the contained liquid is pushed against the sealing structure 122, thereby exerting a force on the sealing structure that is sufficient to cause the sealing structure to rupture 124.

FIG. 8 shows a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a multiple compartment pouch and in particular a dual compartment pouch. The dual compartment pouch of this embodiment of the present invention is formed with a hollow puncturing 130 member that rests within a cavity within the polymeric sheet 131 used to form the side of the pouch. The hollow puncturing member 130 has an edge with a point that allows for the perforation of the sealing barrier. The separated substance is contained in the empty chamber 132 formed in the inside of the hollow puncturing member 130. The bottom of the cavity of the polymeric sheet of the hollow puncturing member 130 rests in serves as the sealing barrier structure that separates the components. In order to mix the two separated substances, a force is applied to the hollow puncturing member 130, causing the pointed edge of the puncturing member 130 to rupture the sealing barrier. By puncturing the sealing barrier, the substance contained within the chamber of the hollow puncturing member 130 can fall into the main compartment of the storage pouch, thereby mixing the two separated substances.

FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention that utilizes a tube for dispensing the contents of the pouch. Specifically, the pouch 133 of the present embodiment includes a monolithically attached dispensing tube 134 that extends outward from one side of the pouch 133. The pouch 133 can include any number of separate compartments that are separated by frangible sealing structures. The dispensing tube can extend out from any side of the pouch 133, and in the shown embodiment is positioned in a manner parallel to the longitudinal side of the pouch 133. A seal 138 extends parallel to the longitudinal side of the pouch halfway between the lateral sides. This seal 138 serves to isolate a narrow region of the pouch that serves as the dispensing tube 134. Since the seal does not extend completely across between the lateral sides of the pouch 133, a passage way is left that connects the tube 134 to the chamber 135 within the pouch that holds the solution. A tearable seal 136 covers the opening of the dispensing tube 134, thus holding the stored substance inside of the pouch 133. An adhesive layer section 137 with bendable wires is placed on the outside of the dispensing tube 134 and is used as a method for resealing the tube 134 once the tearable seal 136 is removed.

FIG. 10 shows the previously described embodiment of the present invention in an operational dispensing configuration. The tearable seal is removed to create an opening 140 at the end of the dispensing tube 134. The stored substance can then flow from the main storage compartment 135 through the dispensing tube 134 and out of the end opening 140 in a path as is indicated by the arrows 139.

FIG. 11 shows the multiple compartment pouch that utilizes a monolithically attached dispensing tube that is resealed. After the tearable seal is removed, the top opening of the tube is folded over and the wires bent and attached to the adhesive strip 137 with bendable wires that is located on the side of the tube 134. This causes the sidewalls of the tube to make contact, and in turn resealing the dispensing tube 134. By providing a method for resealing, the pouch 133 of the current embodiment of the present invention can be reused allowing the contained substance to be dispensed in specific quantities over an extended period of time, based on the preference of the user.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the present invention that includes a multiple compartment pouch with a separated dispensing tube. The pouch can include multiple compartments 139 and 140 that are used to isolate different components of the stored substance. The compartments are separated, as with previous embodiment of the invention, through a sealing structure 144 that consists of a stacked sequence of any combination of heat seals, zip lock seals, or glue seals. In this embodiment of the invention, the dispenser tube 141 is parallel to the longitudinal side of the pouch 138. Just as with the previous embodiment, the tube is connected to the main compartment 140 on the bottom of the longitudinal side of the pouch 138. Unlike the previously described embodiment of the invention, the tube is not attached through a seal that extends partially down the longitudinal side of the pouch. Instead an elongated U shaped opening extends between the dispensing tube 141 and the side of the pouch 138, thus allowing for the movement of the dispensing tube 141 into a desired position. The dispensing tube 141 as with the previous embodiment includes a tearable seal 142.

FIG. 13 shows the multiple compartment pouch with a separated dispensing tube in an operational position. Specifically, the sealing structure 144 is ruptured allowing the separated components to mix. Furthermore, the tearable seal is removed, so that the stored contents can move through the dispensing tube 143 out of the pouch 138. An adhesive strip 143 can be positioned on the outside of the tube 143 so that the walls and bendable wires of the dispensing tube 143 can be folded over, thereby resealing the pouch 138 outlet opening as shown in FIG. 14.

FIGS. 15-19 show some of the various possible shapes of the pouch that can stand upright. The pouch can be constructed from more than two polymeric films to create different shapes including but not limited to a rectangular prism 200, a triangular prism 208, a square prism 202, an octagonal prism 206, and a six sided prism 204. The shape of the pouch is created based upon the storage and operation environmental conditions of the pouch or the preferences of the user.

FIGS. 20 and 21 both show alternate embodiments of a multiple compartment pouch fitted with a non-spill dispenser. FIG. 20 shows a non-spill dispenser 145 that includes a helical male mating member 146 (threads) that provides the opening to the compartment within the pouch, a multi aperture non-spill insert 147 that fits on top of the opening of the male mating member 146, and a female mating cap 148 that is used to seal the dispenser. The non-spill insert 147 prevents spilling by providing only small apertures through which the contained substance can pass through, thereby limiting the overall amount of the substance that exits the pouch. FIG. 21 shows an alternate embodiment of a non-spill dispenser that consists of a helical male mating member 146, a line opening non-spill insert 149, and a female mating cap 148. The slit opening non-spill insert 149 controls the flow of the contained substance out of the storage compartment of the pouch by only providing a single slit through which the substance can pass.

FIG. 22 shows an exploded view of a needle injection dispenser. The needle injection dispenser 150 includes a needle with a helical female mating end 151 that receives and subsequently attaches to a hollow helical male mating end that extends out of a dispenser support structure 152 through which the contained substance can flow out of the pouch. The dispenser support structure 152 is monolithically attached to the polymeric films that are used to make the pouch. A filter screen 153 is placed between the dispenser support structure 152 and the main compartment of the pouch so that large solid particles contained within the solution do not flow out of the pouch. The needle injection dispenser 150 can fit with any shaped pouch with any number of separate compartments.

FIGS. 23 and 24 both illustrate a foldable pouch. The foldable pouch 154 includes a thin adhesive strip 156 on opposing side of the same face of the pouch 154, which can include a series of separated compartments. These adhesive strips are covered with a removable layer 155 to maintain the adhesive quality of the strip 156. In operation of the foldable pouch 154, the cover layers are removed from the top of the adhesive strips 156 and the pouch is folded so that the adhesive strips 156 make contact with each other. This creates a more compact pouch that can be more easily transported, and stored in smaller and convenient spaces.

FIG. 25 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein a multiple compartment pouch is hung and used as an IV drip source. The pouch can include a plurality of compartments 158, 159 and, and 160 that are each separated by a sealing structure 163 that as mentioned previously can include any combination of heat seals, glue seals, or zip lock seals. A tube 164 extends from the bottom of the bag and serves as the means through which the contained fluid is dispensed. The upper perimeter seal includes an extended flap 161 with an aperture 162. This aperture is used thread a hook through so that the entire pouch can be elevated, and the contained liquid can be extracted from the bag through the force of gravity.

FIG. 26 illustrates an exploded view of a dispenser structure that utilizes multiple filters. The dispenser 165 includes a lower filter screen 166, a solid small particle filter block 167, a hollow male helical mating support structure 168 with an opening for receiving the filter block 167, an upper screen filter 169, a removable glue seal 170, and a female mating cap 171. The use of three filters ensures that both the smaller and larger particles are removed from the substance as it exits the pouch through the dispenser 165.

FIG. 27 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention that includes a multiple compartment pouch with two outlet openings. A first, larger outlet dispenser 172 is a hollow screw top opening that serves as the main outlet for the contained liquid and is located on top of the main compartment 173. A second outlet opening 175 is located at the bottom of the main compartment 173 directly above the second compartment 174. This second outlet 175 is opened and closed with a simple push plug stopper 175a and can serve as either an air valve or a passageway through which the contained substance can flow.

FIGS. 28 and 29 show alternative embodiments of the non spill dispenser. The non-spill dispenser shown in FIG. 28 includes a slit opening non-spill insert 176 that is placed before an oval shaped dispenser support structure 177. A dispenser opening cover 178 is snaps into place over the dispenser opening to stop the flow of the contained substance. FIG. 29 shows a circular non-spill dispenser that includes a slit opening non-spill insert that is placed before a circular shaped helical dispenser support structure 180. The opening of the helical dispenser support structure 180 (threads) fits into a receiving female mating cap 181 that seals the pouch and stops the flow of the contained substance. In both embodiments of the present invention, the non-spill insert serves to limit the flow of the contained substance, and can be either a slit opening or a multi aperture non-spill insert.

FIG. 30 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention of a multiple compartment pouch 182 with transparent regions in the polymeric films that are used to construct the sides of the pouch. Specifically, the transparent regions 182a and 182b allow the user to determine the remaining amount of a contained substance inside pouch 182.

FIGS. 31 and 32 show an alternate embodiment of the present invention that includes a separate half sphere shaped compartment 185 that extends from the side 184 of the pouch 183. The separate compartment 185 is used to isolate a component of a stored substance. The sphere dome 186 protrudes out through a preexisting opening 187 in the side wall of the pouch. The opening is covered with a thin sealing film 188 that separates the space within the half sphere shaped extension from the main compartment within the pouch. The sphere dome 186 is made from a flexible material so that the dome deforms in response to an applied force. As the dome 186 deforms, the stored substance is pushed up against the sealing film 188 causing the sealing layer 188 to rupture. As soon as the sealing layer 188 ruptures, as shown in FIG. 33, the stored substance falls into the main compartment of the pouch and mixes with the other stored component.

FIG. 34 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention that is used for the specific purpose of feeding a human or animal infant. Specifically, the storage device 189 consists of multiple compartments 190 and 191 that are used to separate out the components that make up the formula that is feed the infant. The current embodiment attains the advantages of previous embodiments, most notably an increased shelf life of the stored substance. The storage device 189 is coupled to a nipple shaped dispenser 192 mechanism that is used to deliver the stored substance to the infant. The nipple shaped dispenser 192 includes an artificial nipple 193 that extends out of a circular support member 194. In operation, the nipple shaped dispenser 192 is pushed into a receiving cavity 195 of the storage container so that the bottom of the circular support member 194 punctures a seal, thereby allowing the contained substance to flow into the nipple shaped dispenser 192.

FIG. 35 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention that uses a cut off corner 196 of the pouch as a dispenser opening. The pouch includes multiple compartments 198 and 199 that are separated with a frangible sealing structure 197 that is made up of any combination of heat seals, glue seals, or zip lock seals. The pouch can include extending apertures that aid the user in applying the necessary force required to rupture the frangible sealing structure. The pouch includes a removed corner section 196 that serves as the opening through which the contained substance can flow out of the pouch. This removed corner section 196 can be made by using a prefabricated tearable section, or by simply using a sharp edged object, such as scissors, to cut through the polymeric sheets that make up the pouch.

The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A pouch for portable storage of two or more separate substances comprising:

first and second flexible polymer sheets;

said first and second flexible polymer sheets being sealed permanently around a perimeter defining a portable storage pouch;

a first frangible seal for connecting said first polymer sheet and said second polymer sheet across a prescribed portion forming a first compartment and a second compartment within said pouch;

a second frangible seal disposed in proximity to said first frangible seal for forming a first compartment and a second compartment in said pouch in conjunction with said first frangible seal;

said first flexible polymer having at least one aperture used for expelling the combined contents of the first compartment and the second compartment; and

a removable first sheet aperture cover for sealing said aperture cover when not in use.

2. A pouch as in claim 1 including:

a third frangible seal mounted in proximity to said first frangible seal and said second frangible seal for dividing said pouch into two separate compartments in conjunction with said first frangible seal and said second frangible seal, said first, second and third frangible seals being separable manually for mixing the contents in said first compartment with the contents of said second compartment within said pouch.

3. A handle connected to said first flexible polymer sheet outside in the area of said first frangible seal and said second frangible seal to aid in manually separating said first and second frangible seals.

4. A pouch as in claim 3 including a second handle disposed on the outside of said second flexible polymer sheet in the area of said first frangible seal and said second frangible seal to be used in conjunction with said first handle for manually separating said first frangible seal and said second frangible seal.

5. A pouch as in claim 2 wherein:

said first frangible seal is a heat seal, sealing said first flexible sheet inside said pouch to said second flexible sheet inside said pouch.

6. A pouch as in claim 1, wherein

said second frangible seal is made of a light adhesive.

7. A pouch as in claim 2, wherein:

said third frangible seal is a friction seal using a male protrusion and a female slot that is removably attached together to form a first compartment and second compartment.

8. A pouch as in claim 1, wherein:

said first flexible sheet aperture cover includes a neck connected to said first flexible sheet including external fastening threads and a sealable cap that includes fastener threads for engaging said threaded neck.

9. A pouch as in claim 1, wherein:

said first and second flexible sheets including at least one rectangular corner wherein said sheets are formed and sealed together to provide a perpendicular corner, a linear permanent heat seal disposed parallel to one side of said pouch forming the perpendicular corner spaced apart to provide a separate channel for dispensing the contents of the container near the corner, said channel separating the channel portion from the remaining first and second compartments, said corner having a foldable portion and an opening that can be covered by said foldable portion for dispensing the contents of said pouch through said portable channel and said foldable cover and opening.