PACKAGED PRODUCTS, INSERTS AND COMPARTMENTS FOR ASEPTIC MIXING OF SUBSTANCES, ALONG WITH METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH
A package comprising a container for holding a first substance, and a product insert for holding a second substance, at least partially inserted info said container, and where the first product and the second product can be allowed to merge by external manipulation of said package. Packaged products and methods are also provided.
1 . A packaged product, comprising:
a. at least one container storing a first substance; and
b. at least one substance insert at least partially disposed within said container and storing a second substance, at least a portion of said substance insert comprising a flexible barrier between said first and second substances such that, when integrity of said flexible barrier is jeopardized upon external manipulation of said packaged product, said first substance is permitted to merge with said second substance.
2 . A packaged product according to claim 1 wherein said first container comprises a first compartment for storing said first substance and said substance insert comprises a second compartment for storing said second substance, said second compartment comprising said flexible barrier.
3 . A packaged product according to claim 2 wherein said container comprises at least a third compartment storing a third substance to be merged with one or both of said first and second substances.
4 . A packaged product according to claim 3 wherein said third compartment substantially encapsulates said second compartment to surround the second compartment with a desired environment.
5 . A packaged product according to claim 3 wherein said third compartment is separated from the first compartment by a substance insert interface.
6 . A packaged product according to claim 3 comprising a label disposed on said third compartment.
7 . A packaged product according to claim 4 comprising a desiccant in said third compartment
8 . A packaged product according to claim 2 wherein said substance insert comprises a frame supporting said second compartment.
9 . A packaged product according to claim 1 wherein said flexible barrier comprises a frangible seal.
10 . A packaged product according to claim 1 wherein said flexible barrier is rupturable.
11 . A packaged product according to claim 1 wherein said substance insert comprises a frame.
12 . A packaged product according to claim 11 where said frame is rigid.
13 . A packaged product according to claim 11 where said frame is semi-rigid.
14 . A packaged product according to claim 11 wherein said frame supports a susceptible portion of said flexible barrier to translate a deformation of said container into a resulting force on said flexible barrier.
15 . A packaged product according to claim 11 wherein said frame supports a susceptible portion of said flexible barrier to translate pressure applied to said flexible barrier into an applied forced on the susceptible portion.
16 . A packaged product according to claim 8 wherein said frame is a deformable member attached to said flexible barrier such that deformation of said frame translates into movement of said second compartment which breaks said flexible barrier and permits said first and second substances to merge.
17 . A packaged product according to claim 16 where said movement breaks a frangible seal.
18 . A packaged product according to claim 16 where said movement ruptures tile flexible barrier.
19 . A packaged product according to claim 1 wherein said substance insert comprises an interface for mechanical engagement with said container.
20 . A packaged product according to claim 19 wherein said interface is a deformable frame attached to said flexible barrier, such that deformation of said frame translates into movement of said second compartment which jeopardizes integrity of said flexible barrier.
21 - 155 . (canceled)