Multi-chambered container

Abstract

A multi-chambered container having at least two chambers connected by webbing is described, wherein at least one chamber has at least one indentation, each pair of chambers is connected by webbing, at least one pair of chambers connected by webbing includes a non-webbed area, and a grippable portion. The container is useful to supply one or more materials, or to collect one or more materials, and can be indexed for proper correlation with an associated apparatus.

1 . A one-piece container comprising:
 at least two chambers, wherein each chamber independently has an internal cavity defining a volume and an opening connected to the internal cavity, and at least one chamber has at least one indentation;   webbing between each pair of chambers, wherein the webbing between at least one pair of chambers is discontinuous, forming at least one non-webbed area: and   a grippable portion formed by at least one indentation in a chamber, a non-webbed area, or a combination thereof.   
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the chambers are in-plane. 
   
   
       3 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the chambers define an arc. 
   
   
       4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the webbing is flexible. 
   
   
       5 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein at least one chamber is polygonal, having at least four sides. 
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein at least one chamber is round. 
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the container comprises an indexing feature. 
   
   
       8 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein the indexing feature comprises at least a portion of the webbing, at least one non-webbed area, at least one indentation of one of the chambers, indicia, or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       9 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the internal cavity of at least one of the chambers comprises a filler to reduce volume. 
   
   
       10 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising indicia. 
   
   
       11 . The container of  claim 1 , comprising at least three chambers. 
   
   
       12 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the indentation is aligned with at least one non-webbed area. 
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the indentation and the aligned non-webbed area are the same length. 
   
   
       14 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the indentation and the aligned non-webbed area are different lengths. 
   
   
       15 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein at least one indentation extends along a width of a side of a chamber. 
   
   
       16 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the internal cavity of at least one chamber contains a fluid material or a solid material. 
   
   
       17 . The container of  claim 16 , wherein the fluid or solid material comprises ink, a developer, a bleach, a fixative, a disinfectant, a biocide, a cleaning agent, a surfactant, or chlorine. 
   
   
       18 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the internal cavities of at least two chambers contain different materials. 
   
   
       19 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the internal cavities of at least two chambers have different volumes. 
   
   
       20 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the container further comprises a label. 
   
   
       21 . The container of  claim 20 , wherein the label is integrally molded as a portion of the container. 
   
   
       22 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the webbing and one or more non-webbed area together form a design, lettering, numerals, or perforations. 
   
   
       23 . A material delivery system comprising the container of  claim 1 , wherein at least two chambers of the container contain different materials. 
   
   
       24 . A waste collection system comprising the container of  claim 1 . 
   
   
       25 . A one-piece container comprising:
 at least two chambers, wherein each chamber independently has an internal cavity defining a volume and an opening connected to the internal cavity, at least one chamber has at least one indentation, and at least one chamber has eight sides;   webbing between each pair of chambers, wherein the webbing between at least one pair of chambers is discontinuous, forming at least one non-webbed area; and   a grippable portion formed by at least one indentation in a chamber, a non-webbed area, or a combination thereof.   
   
   
       26 . A system for delivery of materials, including:
 a one-piece container comprising at least two chambers, wherein each chamber independently has an internal cavity defining a volume and an opening connected to the internal cavity, and at least one chamber has at least one indentation; webbing between each pair of chambers, wherein the webbing between at least one pair of chambers is discontinuous, forming at least one non-webbed area: and a grippable portion formed by at least one indentation in a chamber, a non-webbed area, or a combination thereof; and   a delivery mechanism attached to at least one opening of the container.   
   
   
       27 . A method of providing material for use in an apparatus having a supply port, comprising:
 providing a one-piece container comprising at least two chambers, wherein each chamber independently has an internal cavity defining a volume and an opening connected to the internal cavity, and at least one chamber has at least one indentation; webbing between each pair of chambers, wherein the webbing between at least one pair of chambers is discontinuous, forming at least one non-webbed area: and a grippable portion formed by at least one indentation in a chamber, a non-webbed area, or a combination thereof;   cooperatively connecting at least one opening of the container to the supply port.   
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the apparatus includes a supply area, and the method further comprises inserting the container into the supply area. 
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the supply area includes at least one indexing feature, and the containment unit has a complementary indexing feature.