Multi-compartment container with frangible seal and external means for applying opening force between compartments

Abstract

Disclosed is a multi-compartment container including features that permit the rupture or opening of a seal between compartments to enable mixing of the materials within each compartment, as well as methods for the use and manufacture of such a container.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-compartment, flexible container, comprising:
 a first compartment suitable for receiving a material therein prior to being completely sealed;   a second compartment suitable for receiving a material therein, wherein at least a portion of the second compartment is adjacent the first compartment, and where an adjacent portion of the container between the first and second compartments includes a separable seal to prevent intermixing between the first and second compartments; and   at least one external tab, operatively associated with the container, said tab being suitable for applying an opposing force to the seal and separating the seal, wherein said external tab also serves as a handle suitable for carrying the container.   
     
     
         2 . The container according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible container includes a flexible, liquid-impervious material. 
     
     
         3 . The container according to  claim 1 , including a second external tab, wherein both of said external tabs are handles. 
     
     
         4 . The container according to  claim 3 , wherein at least one of said handles is foldable to a reduced size. 
     
     
         5 . The container according to  claim 4 , wherein said foldable handle is held in a folded position using a temporary adhesive. 
     
     
         6 . The container according to  claim 3 , where the handles extend beyond at least one edge of the container. 
     
     
         7 . The container according to  claim 1 , wherein the first compartment is formed within the confines of the second compartment. 
     
     
         8 . The container according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least one pleated surface. 
     
     
         9 . The container according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least one aperture for accessing the interior of at least one compartment. 
     
     
         10 . The container according to  claim 9 , wherein the aperture is resealable. 
     
     
         11 . The container according to  claim 9 , wherein said aperture includes a spout. 
     
     
         12 . The container according to  claim 9 , wherein said aperture includes a filter. 
     
     
         13 . The container according to  claim 1 , further including a stop member to prevent rupture of the container after the seal is separated. 
     
     
         14 . The container according to  claim 1 , wherein said separable seal is re-sealable. 
     
     
         15 . The container according to  claim 11 , wherein said spout includes a tapered portion. 
     
     
         16 . The container according to  claim 1 , further including a sheet of material operatively attached to the container. 
     
     
         17 . The container according to  claim 16 , wherein said sheet includes a surface suitable for receiving markings from a writing instrument. 
     
     
         18 . The container according to  claim 1 , further including a vent surface exposed via removal of a cover. 
     
     
         19 . The container according to  claim 1 , further including a handle connected to multiple anchor points. 
     
     
         20 . The container according to  claim 1 , wherein said separable seal further includes a stress concentrating feature. 
     
     
         21 . The container according to  claim 1 , wherein said separable seal further includes a liquid soluble material. 
     
     
         22 . The container according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first and second compartments is a folded surface of the container including a handle portion therein. 
     
     
         23 . A multi-compartment, container, comprising:
 a first compartment suitable for receiving a material therein prior to being completely sealed;   a second compartment suitable for receiving a material therein, wherein at least a portion of the second compartment is adjacent the first compartment, wherein an adjacent portion of the container between the first and second compartments includes a separable seal to prevent intermixing between the first and second compartments;   a third compartment, substantially enclosed within at least one of said first compartment and said second compartment, wherein said third compartment is operatively connected to an anchor point on said container, wherein a force applied to said anchor point causes the opening of the third compartment; and   at least two external tabs operatively associated with the container, at least one of which is in proximity to said anchor point, said tabs being suitable for applying an opposing force to the seal and both separating the seal and opening said third compartment.