Multi-compartment containers
The present disclosure is directed to various multi-compartment containers, such as, for example, packets, packages, pouches, bags, sacks, cases, or sachet-type containers including, for example, a product compartment and a waste compartment, along with related methods for manufacturing such packages.
1 . A multi-compartment container comprising:
a front panel having a perimeter defined by two lateral sides and first and second longitudinal ends;
a back panel having a perimeter defined by two lateral sides and first and second longitudinal ends, the perimeter of the back panel sealingly coupled to the perimeter of the front panel along their respective lateral sides, thereby defining an inner cavity and a first open end defined by the first longitudinal end of the front panel and the first longitudinal end of the back panel and a second open end defined by the second longitudinal end of the front panel and the second longitudinal end of the back panel;
a divider wall extending between the sealed lateral sides of the front and back panels and configured to divide the inner cavity into a first compartment and a second compartment;
a first closure mechanism disposed proximate the first open end and configured to transition the first compartment between an open configuration and a closed configuration via a zipper-type closure or a snap-fit type closure;
a first transverse seal disposed between the lateral sides of the front and back panels and positioned between the first closure mechanism and the first open end, wherein the first transverse seal comprises a tear open feature for accessing the first closure mechanism and the first compartment; and
a second closure mechanism disposed proximate the second open end and configured to transition the second compartment between an open configuration and a closed configuration via a zipper-type closure or a snap-fit type closure, wherein the second compartment is accessible via the second closure mechanism.
2 . The container of claim 1 , wherein the first transverse seal comprises a tamper evidence feature.
3 . The container of claim 2 further comprising a second transverse seal disposed between the lateral sides of the front and back panels and positioned between the second closure mechanism and the second open end, wherein the second transverse seal comprises a tear open feature for accessing the second closure mechanism and the second compartment.
4 . The container of claim 1 , wherein the divider wall is formed via sonic welding or heat sealing between the front panel and the second panel.
5 . The container of claim 1 , wherein each of the front and back panels comprise a lamination of at least three layers.
6 . The container of claim 5 , wherein the three layers comprise an outer printing layer comprising a polyester, a high moisture barrier middle layer comprising a metalized polyester, and an inner sealing layer comprising a low density polyethylene.
7 . The container of claim 1 , wherein the first compartment comprises a first volume and the second compartment comprises a second volume that is about 50% of the volume of the first compartment.
8 . The container of claim 7 , wherein the first compartment is configured to hold a fresh product and the second compartment is configured to hold a waste product.
9 . The container of claim 1 , wherein a surface of the front panel and/or a surface of the back panel are configured to be printed with indicia.
10 . The container of claim 9 , wherein the indicia comprise one or more of a letter, a number, a symbol, a color, or any combination thereof to indicate a function.