Mixing package and methods of forming and using same

Abstract

A package having two or more selectively isolated compartments and a mixing region is disclosed. A mixing region can be included between the mixing compartments, with respective access devices (e.g., zipper or film member) provided to provide selective communication between the compartments and the mixing region. One or more pull members can be included on the exterior of the package such that pulling on the tabs opens the access devices to facilitate communication between the compartments and their respective contents.

1 . A content mixing package, comprising:
 a first compartment adapted to hold first contents;   a second compartment adapted to hold second contents; and   at least one access device disposed between the first and second compartments such that a pulling force on a portion of the package selectively opens the at least one access device to enable communication of the first and second contents.   
     
     
         2 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one access device includes first and second access devices. 
     
     
         3 . The package of  claim 2 , further including an initial mixing region provided intermediate the first and second access devices. 
     
     
         4 . The package of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the first and second access devices includes a zipper device. 
     
     
         5 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one access device includes a zipper device. 
     
     
         6 . The package of  claim 5 , wherein the zipper device includes opposing interlocking members. 
     
     
         7 . The package of  claim 1 , further including at least one external member provided proximate the at least one access device such that pulling on the at least one external member opens the at least one access device. 
     
     
         8 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one access device is a generally C-shaped film member. 
     
     
         9 . The package of  claim 1 , further including two external members provided proximate the at least one access device such that pulling on the two external members opens the at least one access device. 
     
     
         10 . A content mixing package, comprising:
 a first flexible panel portion having an external surface and an internal surface;   a second flexible panel portion having an external surface and an internal surface;   a first compartment defined at least by the first and second flexible panel portions and adapted to hold first contents;   a second compartment defined at least by the first and second flexible panel portions and adapted to hold second contents distinct from the first compartment; and   at least one access device operably disposed to the internal surface of the first flexible panel portion and the internal surface of the second flexible panel portion between the first and second compartments such that opening the at least one access device enables communication of the first and second contents.   
     
     
         11 . The package of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one access device includes first and second access devices. 
     
     
         12 . The package of  claim 11 , further including an initial mixing region provided intermediate the first and second access devices. 
     
     
         13 . The package of  claim 11 , wherein at least one of the first and second access device includes a zipper device. 
     
     
         14 . The package of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one access device includes a zipper device. 
     
     
         15 . The package of  claim 14 , wherein the zipper device includes opposing interlocking members. 
     
     
         16 . The package of  claim 10 , further including at least one external member provided proximate the at least one access device extending from the external surface of the first flexible panel portion such that pulling on the at least one external member opens the at least one access device. 
     
     
         17 . The package of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one access device is a generally C-shaped film member, with a first portion of the film member peel sealed to the internal surface of the first panel portion and a second portion of the film member peel sealed to the internal surface of the second panel portion. 
     
     
         18 . The package of  claim 10 , further including two external members provided proximate the at least one access device such that pulling on the two external members opens the at least one access device. 
     
     
         19 . The package of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one access device includes a first flange disposed to the internal surface of the first flexible panel portion and a second flange disposed to the internal surface of the second flexible panel portion. 
     
     
         20 . The package of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one access device provides a substantially leak proof closure portion.