Multi-compartment flexible package

Abstract

A flexible package having multiple compartments is described and depicted. The package can include an internal compartment panel to define first and second package cavities or compartments. Two adjacent but opposing access openings can be provided proximate a top portion of the package to define separate access into the distinct compartments, without a need to open or remove the top or handle portion of the package.

1 . A multi-compartment flexible package, comprising:
 a first panel including a first access device operatively disposed on the first panel to provide a first panel access opening in the first panel;   a second panel including a second access device operatively disposed on the second panel to provide a second panel access opening in the second panel; and   an internal compartment panel operatively disposed intermediate the first and second panels to define a main internal compartment distinct from a secondary internal compartment such that the second access opening provides access to the secondary internal compartment and the first panel access opening provides access to the main internal compartment.   
   
   
       2 . The multi-compartment flexible package of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first access device and the second access device is a re-closeable access device. 
   
   
       3 . The multi-compartment flexible package of  claim 1 , wherein the first access device and the second access device are re-closeable devices. 
   
   
       4 . The multi-compartment flexible package of  claim 1 , wherein the first access device includes first and second flanges attached only to an inner surface of the first panel. 
   
   
       5 . The multi-compartment flexible package of  claim 1 , wherein the second access device includes first and second flanges attached only to an inner surface of the second panel. 
   
   
       6 . The multi-compartment flexible package of  claim 1 , further including a top package portion defining an extending member between the opposing first and second panel access openings. 
   
   
       7 . The multi-compartment flexible package of  claim 6 , wherein the top package portion includes a handle portion. 
   
   
       8 . The multi-compartment flexible package of  claim 6 , wherein the top package portion includes a tear portion enabling removal of at least a portion of the top package portion. 
   
   
       9 . The multi-compartment flexible package of  claim 6 , further including a sealable fill slit provided between the top package portion and at least one of the first and second access devices. 
   
   
       10 . The multi-compartment package of  claim 1 , further including a bottom panel to provide a stand-up package configuration. 
   
   
       11 . A multi-compartment flexible package, comprising:
 a first panel including a first access device operatively disposed on the first panel to provide a first panel access opening in the first panel;   a second panel including a second access device operatively disposed on the second panel to provide a second panel access opening in the second panel, with the first and second panel portions being operatively joined to define a main internal compartment such that the first panel access opening provides access to the main internal compartment; and   an internal compartment panel operatively disposed between the first panel and second panel to define a secondary internal compartment such that the second access opening provides access to the secondary internal compartment, with the first and second access openings being generally positionally opposed.   
   
   
       12 . The multi-compartment flexible package of  claim 11 , wherein at least one of the first access device and the second access device is a re-closeable access device. 
   
   
       13 . The multi-compartment flexible package of  claim 11 , wherein the first access device includes first and second flanges attached only to an inner surface of the first panel. 
   
   
       14 . The multi-compartment flexible package of  claim 11 , wherein the second access device includes first and second flanges attached only to an inner surface of the second panel. 
   
   
       15 . The multi-compartment flexible package of  claim 11 , further including a top package portion defining an extending member between the opposing first and second panel access openings. 
   
   
       16 . The multi-compartment flexible package of  claim 15 , wherein the top package portion includes a handle portion. 
   
   
       17 . The multi-compartment flexible package of  claim 15 , further including a sealable fill slit provided along a portion of at least one of the first and second panels below the top package portion. 
   
   
       18 . The multi-compartment package of  claim 11 , further including a bottom panel to provide a stand-up package configuration. 
   
   
       19 . A flexible package, comprising:
 at least a first panel portion and a second panel portion defining a main internal compartment;   an internal compartment panel operatively disposed between the first and second panel portions to define a secondary internal compartment;   means for access into the main internal compartment operatively disposed along a portion of the first panel portion;   means for access into the secondary internal compartment operatively disposed along a portion of the second panel portion; and   wherein the means for access into the main internal compartment and the means for access into the secondary internal compartment are positionally opposed with respect to the internal compartment panel.   
   
   
       20 . The flexible package of  claim 19 , wherein the means for access into the main internal compartment includes a re-closeable access device. 
   
   
       21 . The flexible package of  claim 19 , wherein the means for access into the secondary internal compartment includes a re-closeable access device. 
   
   
       22 . The flexible package of  claim 19 , further including a top package portion. 
   
   
       23 . The flexible package of  claim 22 , wherein the top package portion includes a handle portion. 
   
   
       24 . The flexible package of  claim 22 , further including a sealable fill slit provided along a portion of at least one of the first and second panel portions below the top package portion. 
   
   
       24 . The flexible package of  claim 19 , further including a bottom panel portion to provide a stand-up package configuration. 
   
   
       25 . A flexible package, comprising:
 a first panel having an inner surface and a top first panel portion,   a second panel having a top second panel portion, the first and second panels provided to define at least one internal compartment such that the top first panel portion and the top second panel portion define a top main package seal portion;   an access device operatively disposed along a portion of the inner surface of the first panel to provide an access opening into the at least one internal compartment through the first panel; and   a sealable fill slit provided along a portion of the first panel intermediate the top main package seal portion and the access device.   
   
   
       26 . The flexible package of  claim 25 , wherein the access device is operatively disposed along the portion of the inner surface of the first panel in machine direction. 
   
   
       27 . The flexible package of  claim 25 , wherein the top main package seal includes a handle portion.