Dual Compartment Pouch

Abstract

The invention provides a dual compartment pouch having first and second compartments that are separated from each other by an impervious inner sheet having a breathable membrane. The breathable membrane comprises a breathable material that is pervious to moisture and gases, and impervious to liquids as well as microorganisms. The breathable membrane allows a sterilizing gas to be introduced between the first and second compartments. The front and back sheets are sealed to the inner sheet to define the first and second compartments in which the inner sheet forms a common wall between the compartments. The breathable membrane is disposed towards a central portion of the inner sheet and is spaced apart from the seams joining the front and back sheets to the inner sheet. In one embodiment, a sterilized article is disposed in one compartment, and an absorbent packets are disposed in the other compartment.

1 . A sheet material having a breathable membrane for use in the construction of packaging articles comprising:
 a sheet of a flexible barrier film having first and second surfaces on opposite sides of the sheet, and opposite, longitudinally extending side edges;   an opening formed in the sheet and providing communication between first and second sides of the sheet;   a breathable membrane disposed on the sheet and covering said opening, said breathable membrane having a peripheral edge overlying the sheet and spaced from said longitudinal side edges, the breathable membrane comprising a moisture vapor permeable, water-impermeable sheet material; and   a seam located at or adjacent the peripheral edge of the breathable membrane joining the membrane to the inner sheet.   
   
   
       2 . The sheet material of  claim 1 , wherein the breathable membrane comprises paper or a nonwoven fabric. 
   
   
       3 . The sheet material of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second surfaces comprise a heat sealable thermoplastic material. 
   
   
       4 . The sheet material of  claim 1 , wherein the sheet is wound on a continuous roll. 
   
   
       5 . The sheet material of  claim 1 , wherein the sheet includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart openings and corresponding breathable membranes. 
   
   
       6 . The sheet material of  claim 1 , wherein the opening and breathable membrane are disposed towards a central portion of the sheet. 
   
   
       7 . The sheet material of  claim 1 , wherein the sheet has a top edge, bottom edge, and said side edges extend therebetween, and wherein the breathable membrane is attached to one of said surfaces of the sheet and covers about 10 to 50 percent of the surface of the sheet. 
   
   
       8 . The sheet material of  claim 1 , wherein the breathable membrane has a surface area that is about 10 to 60% larger than the surface area of said opening. 
   
   
       9 . The sheet material of  claim 1 , wherein the breathable membrane has a surface area that is about 20 to 50% larger than the surface area of said opening. 
   
   
       10 . The sheet material of  claim 1 , wherein the opening in the sheet and the breathable membrane are circular, and are joined to each other by a continuous seam that is located at or adjacent the peripheral edge of the breathable membrane. 
   
   
       11 . The sheet material of  claim 1 , wherein the sheet comprises an inner layer of nylon that is sandwiched between two outer polyethylene layers. 
   
   
       12 . A packaging article comprising the sheet material of  claims 1 .