AU2002301751A1 - A multi-compartment package - Google Patents

Description

I

PI001011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: A multi-compartment package The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: Melbourne 004167327 004120405 1A A multi-compartment package Field of invention The present invention relates to a package for at least a first and second substance. The package has a particular, but not exclusive, application to storage of a particulate material and a liquid which are desirably mixed together before the package is opened.

Background Reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other country.

A number of products comprise separate substances which need to be transported and stored separately. This allows each substance to be mixed prior to use of the product, particularly, when the substances are activated when mixed.

Accordingly, this also has the advantage of increasing the shelf life of the product.

A number of packages have been developed which comprise multiple compartments. The substances comprising the end products are contained separately in each compartment, which compartments can be opened to allow the user to mix the substances prior to use. Typically, the compartments ensure that different substances are presented to the user in appropriate predetermined proportions. For example, where a first substance is required to be present in twice the quantity of a second substance, then the package can contain twice the amount of the first substance in one compartment as there is of the second substance in another compartment, when both compartments are opened.

Usually, this is required where the substances must be kept separate before use, so as to, for example, prevent premature activation of one of those substances.

However, such packages are not suitable to contain substances which, if exposed in the form in which they are packaged to the user. This is particularly a problem when the user handles substances which produce vapours or fine particulates which can escape from the package in which they are contained. Therefore, the 004120405 2 packaging of these substances is important such that the end user handling and then mixing the substances is not unduly exposed to a hazardous substance.

One problem arises in the context of fungal spores. Generally, fungal spores are in particulate form and of a relatively low weight, such that they are prone to be airborne upon exposure to the atmosphere (eg, upon opening a package). In many cases the fungal spores will be toxic or pathogenic to humans or other animals in the vicinity, particularly for example if inhaled. Therefore, in order to minimise the risk of exposure of the fungal spores, they are generally supplied to the user suspended in liquid. However, fungal spores have a relatively shorter shelf life when suspended in a liquid, particularly a liquid containing fungal nutrients, than dry fungal spores.

Another problem with known packages is that they are susceptible to bursting prior to use, particularly during transportation. This may be caused by pressure on one or more compartments where there is nothing to absorb sudden forces, typical of bulk transportation.

The present invention aims to improve the reliability of packaging during storage, transport and use to reduce risk of exposure of substances to the operator or user, yet in a manner allowing for a relatively inexpensive package.

Summary of invention In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a package for at least a first and second substance, the package including: a closed primary compartment adapted to contain the first substance; and a closed secondary compartment contained within the primary compartment adapted to contain the second substance and having a seal; in which the seal is adapted to rupture upon a predetermined pressure being applied externally to the primary compartment, to permit the first substance to 004120405 t 3 contact the second substance and the primary compartment is adapted to withstand the predetermined pressure.

The package according to the invention allows different substances to be stored separately, and mixed within the package when required safely without exposing the operator to the substances.

Preferably, the package according to the invention includes an effective amount of gas in the primary compartment to provide a protective cushion against a pressure applied on the primary compartment rupturing the seal, when a portion of the primary compartment is folded over another portion of the primary compartment.

In another aspect, the package further includes a flexible outer sealed container which contains the primary and secondary compartments together with an effective amount of a gas, the effective amount of gas permitting a portion of the outer container to be folded over another portion of the outer container. When the outer container is folded, the effective amount of gas provides a protective cushion against pressure applied on the outer container rupturing the seal of the secondary compartment. The gas may be air.

In another embodiment, the outer container which is folded, is the primary compartment. In this embodiment, the primary compartment may be contained within a separate outer bag which holds the primary compartment in the folded configuration. Such an outer bag may also carry labelling, instructions to use etc.

Accordingly, in this aspect of this embodiment of the invention there is an effective amount of gas in the primary compartment to provide a protective cushion against the predetermined pressure applied on the outer container rupturing the seal, when the primary compartment is folded over another portion of the primary compartment.

As will be apparent, there must not be sufficient gas within the primary compartment that it protects the secondary compartment from rupturing upon application of the predetermined pressure to the primary compartment in the unfolded configuration.

004120405 4 In yet another aspect of this embodiment of the invention the package may also include an outer container containing the primary compartment together with an effective amount of gas, the effective amount of gas permitting a portion of the outer container to be folded over another portion of the outer container to provide a protective cushion against the predetermined pressure applied on the outer container rupturing the seal.

As will be apparent, there must not be sufficient gas within the outer container that it protects the secondary compartment from rupturing upon application of the predetermined pressure to the outer container in the unfolded configuration The primary compartment comprises a flexible material. Preferably the flexible material is formed from layers of nylon, Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) or other suitable materials, or any combination thereof.

The secondary compartment comprises a flexible material. Preferably the flexible material is formed from layers of a light impervious material, Polyester (PET), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), LLPDE or other suitable materials, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the light impervious material is foil.

The outer bag also comprises a flexible material. Preferably the flexible material is formed from layers of PET, LLDPE or any other suitable materials, or any combination thereof.

The first substance can be selected from a liquid, gas or particulate form.

Preferably the first substance is in particulate form. More preferably the first substance in particulate form are fungal spores.

The second substance can be selected from a liquid, gas or particulate form.

Preferably the second substance is in liquid form. More preferably, it is a liquid, which, when mixed with the first substance reduces the hazard from exposure of the first substance to the atmosphere. The liquid may also be a nutrient source where the first substance is a biological.

Preferably the predetermined pressure is applied by a human fist.

004120405 1 In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of packaging at least a first and second substance, the method including the steps of: sealing a secondary compartment containing the second substance with a seal; and enclosing the secondary compartment within a primary compartment containing the first substance; wherein the seal is adapted to rupture upon a predetermined pressure being applied externally to the primary compartment, to permit the first substance to contact the second substance and the primary compartment is adapted to withstand the predetermined pressure.

According another aspect of this embodiment of the invention there is also provided a method of transporting at least a first and second substance using the package described above.

According to yet another aspect of this embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of mixing at least a first and second substance using the package described above.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a package for at least a first and second substance, the package including: a closed primary compartment adapted to contain the first substance; and a closed secondary compartment contained within the primary compartment adapted to contain the second substance and having an area of weakness; in which the area of weakness is adapted to rupture upon a predetermined pressure being applied externally to the primary compartment to permit the first substance to contact the second substance and the primary compartment is adapted to withstand the predetermined pressure.

004120405 6 Detailed Description The preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the drawings as follows.

Figure 1: plan view of the preferred embodiment of the package according to the invention.

Figure 2: cross sectional view of the package in Figure 1.

Figure 3: cross sectional view of the package in Figure 1 when folded.

For convenience only, in the figures, like numerals refer to like components.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a package for transporting, storing and/or mixing at least a first and second substance is provided.

According to one embodiment of this invention, the package comprises a primary compartment 1 of generally rectangular shape, which comprises two pieces (a front 2 and a back 3) sealed together around their edges forming an internal space within the primary compartment 4. However, the manner of manufacture is not important. Suitable alternatives include an elongate piece folded over along its shorter medial axis and the three pairs of free edges then being sealed. Another alternative is a compartment being injection moulded and the free edges then being sealed, by application of heat and pressure to weld adjacent pieces together. Alternatively, a suitable adhesive may be used. The shape of the compartment has no particular significance in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the primary compartment 1 is manufactured from a transparent plastics material, such as flexible laminate material, the layers of the laminate formed from nylon and Linear Low Density Polyethylene(LLDPE). In this example, the primary compartment 1 is manufactured from a laminate material formed from 15um Nylon/ 90um LLDPE, which is available from West's Packaging Services Pty Ltd, Australia.

The secondary compartment 5 is contained within the space of the primary compartment 4. The secondary compartment 5 may be formed in a similar manner 004120405 7 to the primary compartment 1 also forming an internal space within the secondary compartment 6. Again, the size and shape of the secondary compartment 5 is not of significance, providing the secondary compartment 5 fits within the primary compartment 1.

Where the substance to be contained in either the primary compartment 1 or secondary compartment 5 is photosensitive, the material from which the compartments are manufactured may be opaque in a manner known to one skilled in the art. Where the substance contained within the secondary compartment 5 is a liquid, several materials have been found to be suitable. The secondary compartment 5 may be formed from a flexible laminate material, the layers of the laminate formed from Polyethylene (PET), Foil, and LLPDE. In this example, the secondary compartment 5 is manufactured from a laminate material formed from 12um PET/ 7.5um Foil/ 15um LPDE/ 30um LLDPE, also available from West's Packaging.

The seal 7 of the secondary compartment may be formed by heat and pressure, or an adhesive. In this example, it is formed by heat and pressure along a corner of a rectangular shaped compartment. The seal is about 7.5 x 25 mm in size, and has a strength of 3.8 kg/25 mm.

For the purposes of packaging and transport, the primary compartment 1 may be contained within an outer bag (not shown). The outer bag may contain information about the product, including the trade mark under which it is sold, the manufacturer, instructions for use, safety instructions and all other information required by regulatory authorities.

The seal 7 of the secondary compartment 5, or at least a part of seal 7 of the secondary compartment 5, is weaker than the primary compartment 1. This is so that an external force applied to the primary compartment 1 will result in the secondary compartment 5 rupturing, or an opening being created in its seal 7, without rupturing or creating an opening in the primary compartment 1. As mentioned previously, the secondary compartment 5 can also be formed from injection moulding. This can be used to create an area of weakness.

004120405 8 In use, a force exerted by an adult human with the adult's fist enables the second compartment to be ruptured. It is envisaged that the primary compartment 1 would be placed on a firm surface (not shown), for example, a table, the ground or, the thigh of the user squatting down, etc. and then a short sharp blow with the fist would be sufficient to rupture the secondary compartment 5, or at least to create an opening in its seal 7. In some cases, two or three blows may be necessary to create a sufficiently large opening in the secondary compartment 5. The secondary compartment 5 can then be manipulated, by manipulating the primary compartment 1 (which is preferably substantially transparent), so as to assist the second substance 9 contained within the secondary compartment 5 to exit the secondary compartment 5 and enter the remaining space of the primary compartment 4. It can at this stage be readily mixed with the first substance 8 in the primary compartment 1, which remains closed. This is particularly advantageous if one of the substances is a liquid so that the substances may be mixed without risk of spilling the liquid. The primary compartment 1 can then be opened in a conventional manner, for example, cutting with scissors or tearing open, particularly if a tear nick is provided in the seal of the primary compartment, and the contents poured out in the desired location.

A particular advantage of this embodiment is if the substance in the primary compartment 1 is particulate and a relatively low weight, such that is prone to be airborne upon exposure to the atmosphere. This is particularly so when the compartments may be opened outside in windy conditions. For example, fungal spores meet this description and are prone to being sucked out of an open container by wind passing over the open top of the container. In many cases the fungal spores will be toxic or pathogenic to humans or other animals in the vicinity with undesirable consequences. However, where the fungal spores are mixed with a liquid (preferably a liquid containing fungal nutrients) contained in the secondary compartment are provided in this package, the spores can be mixed together with the liquid, prior to exposure to the atmosphere. The spores remain in the liquid and can be deposited into the ground, with minimal, if any release of dry fungal spores into the atmosphere or inhalation or other absorption by humans or other animals.

004120405 9 Referring to Figure 3, a gas, such as air or a gas substantially inert to the first substance (eg, nitrogen), is also contained in the internal space of the primary compartment 4. The amount of gas contained within the internal space of the primary compartment 4 permits a portion of the primary compartment 1 to be folded over the remaining portion of the primary compartment 1 (identified as dotted outline 10). When folded, the gas contained in the internal space of the primary compartment 4 provides a protective cushion against a predetermined pressure applied to the package which may otherwise rupture the seal 7 of the secondary compartment 5. This allows the package to be stored and transported in a way which substantially protects the seal 7 of the secondary compartment from rupture such that the substances remain separate.

In this example, when folded the primary compartment 1 is then contained within a separate outer bag. This bag may also carry labelling, instructions for use, etc.

This outer bag holds the primary compartment 1 in a folded configuration particularly during storage and transport. In this example, the outer bag is manufactured from a laminate material formed from 12um PET/ 50um White LLPDE, also available from West's Packaging.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described above is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described.

It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and products referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of two or more of said steps or features.

Claims (23)

1. A package for at least a first and second substance, the package including: a closed primary compartment adapted to contain the first substance; and a closed secondary compartment contained within the primary compartment adapted to contain the second substance and having a seal; in which the seal is adapted to rupture upon a predetermined pressure being applied externally on the primary compartment, to permit the first substance to contact the second substance and the primary compartment is adapted to withstand the predetermined pressure.

2. A package according to claim 1, in which there is an effective amount of gas in the primary compartment to provide a protective cushion against the predetermined pressure applied on the primary compartment rupturing the seal, when a portion of the primary compartment is folded over another portion of the primary compartment.

3. A package according to claim 1, further including an outer container containing the primary compartment together with an effective amount of gas, the effective amount of gas permitting a portion of the outer container to be folded over another portion of the outer container to provide a protective cushion against the predetermined pressure applied on the outer container rupturing the seal.

4. A package according to either claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the gas is air. A package according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the gas is substantially inert to the first substance.

6. A package according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the primary compartment comprises a flexible material. 004120405 11

7. A package according to claim 6, wherein the flexible material is formed from layers of nylon, LLPDE, other suitable material or combination thereof.

8. A package according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the secondary compartment comprises a flexible material.

9. A package according to claim 8, wherein the flexible material is formed from layers of PET, foil, LDPE, LLPDE, other suitable material or combination thereof.. package according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first substance is in liquid, gas or particulate form.

11.A package according to claim 10, wherein the first substance is in particulate form.

12.A package according to 11, wherein the first substance in particulate form are fungal spores.

13.A package according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second substance is in liquid, gas or particulate form.

14.A package according to claim 13, wherein the second substance is in liquid form. package according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the predetermined pressure is applied by a human fist.

16.A method of packaging at least a first and second substance in a package according to any one of claims 1 to

17.A method of packaging at least a first and second substance, the method including the steps of: sealing a secondary compartment containing the second substance with a seal; enclosing the secondary compartment within a primary compartment containing the first substance; 004120405 12 wherein the seal is adapted to rupture upon a predetermined pressure being applied externally on the primary compartment to permit the first substance to contact the second substance and the primary compartment is adapted to withstand the predetermined pressure.

18.A method according to claim 17, in which there is an effective amount of gas in the primary compartment to provide a protective cushion against the predetermined pressure applied on the primary compartment rupturing the seal, when the primary compartment is folded over another portion of the primary compartment.

19.A method according to claim 17, wherein the method further includes the step of enclosing the primary compartment within an outer container together with an effective amount of gas, the effective amount of gas permitting a portion of the outer container to be folded over another portion of the outer container to provide a protective cushion against the predetermined pressure applied on the outer container rupturing the seal. method of transporting at least a first and second substance, the method including the steps of: sealing a secondary compartment containing the second substance with a seal; enclosing the secondary compartment within a primary compartment containing the first substance; wherein the seal is adapted to rupture upon a predetermined pressure being applied externally on the primary compartment to permit the first substance to contact the second substance and the primary compartment is adapted to withstand the predetermined pressure, and further including an effective amount of gas in the primary compartment, the effective amount of gas permitting a portion of the primary compartment to be folded over another portion of the primary compartment, to provide a protective cushion against the predetermined pressure when applied on the primary compartment rupturing the seal. 004120405 13

21.A method of mixing at least a first and second substance, the method including the steps of: sealing a secondary compartment containing the second substance; enclosing the secondary compartment within a primary compartment containing the first substance; wherein the seal is adapted to rupture upon a predetermined pressure being applied externally on the primary compartment to permit the first substance to contact the second substance and the primary compartment is adapted to withstand the predetermined pressure.

22.A package for at least a first and second substance, the package including: a closed primary compartment adapted to contain the first substance; and a closed secondary compartment contained within the primary compartment adapted to contain the second substance and having an area of weakness; in which the area of weakness is adapted to rupture upon a predetermined pressure being applied externally on the primary compartment to permit the first substance to contact the second substance and the primary compartment is adapted to withstand the predetermined pressure.

23.A package according to claim 22, in which there is an effective amount of gas in the primary compartment to provide a protective cushion against the predetermined pressure applied on the primary compartment rupturing the seal, when the primary compartment is folded over another portion of the primary compartment.

24.A package according to claim 22, further including an outer container containing the primary compartment together with an effective amount of gas, the effective amount of gas permitting a portion of the outer container to be folded over another portion of the outer container to provide a 004120405 14 protective cushion against the predetermined pressure applied on the outer container rupturing the seal. package for at least a first and second substance, the package including a closed primary compartment for containing the first substance and a closed secondary compartment within the closed primary compartment containing the second substance by a seal, wherein the primary compartment permits an amount of external predetermined pressure to be applied to rupture the second compartment without rupturing the seal.

26.A package according to claim 25, in which there is an effective amount of gas in the primary compartment to provide a protective cushion against the predetermined pressure applied on the primary compartment rupturing the seal, when the primary compartment is folded over another portion of the primary compartment.

27.A package according to claim 25, further including an outer container containing the primary compartment together with an effective amount of gas, the effective amount of gas permitting a portion of the outer container to be folded over another portion of the outer container to provide a protective cushion against the predetermined pressure applied on the outer container rupturing the seal.

28.A package substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the figures. Australian Seed Inoculants Pty Ltd By its Registered Patent Attorneys Freehills Carter Smith Beadle 31 October 2002