US20230132169A1

US20230132169A1 - Systems and methods for forming a multi-chamber pouch

Info

Publication number: US20230132169A1
Application number: US17/956,577
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher Ludwig
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2021-10-26
Filing date: 2022-09-29
Publication date: 2023-04-27

Abstract

A method of forming a multi-chambered pouch includes filling a first liquid into a chamber of the pouch through an opening; forming a frangible seal above the first liquid to provide a first sub-chamber having the first liquid and an open second sub-chamber above the first sub-chamber; sealing the first liquid in the first sub-chamber; filling a second liquid into the second sub-chamber through the opening; forming a seal over the second liquid within the second sub-chamber; sealing the second liquid in the second sub-chamber; and forming a permanent seal that intersects the frangible seal to form a first retaining chamber, a second retaining chamber, a third retaining chamber, and a fourth retaining chamber, wherein the first retaining chamber and the second retaining chamber retain the first liquid, and wherein the third retaining chamber and the fourth retaining chamber retain the second liquid.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/271,932 (filed 26 Oct. 2021), the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The subject matter described herein relates to systems and methods for forming a package (such as a pouch, bag, or the like) having multiple chambers, such as can be configured to retain liquids and/or chemicals.

Discussion of Art

Certain products are retained in packages, such as pouches. The pouches are formed of flexible polymers, such as polyolefin-based packaging films. The pouches can be used to retain and contain liquids, for example.
Certain products include multiple liquids that are mixed together to provide an end use mixture of liquids, chemicals, and/or the like. However, mixing the liquids before use may not be desirable. For example, the mixed product may be unstable and/or less effective if stored before use for a particular length of time.
Accordingly, packages exist that include multiple chambers in which different liquids are stored. Shortly before, and/or during use, the products are mixed together to provide the end use liquid.
Typically, heat seals are used to form each separate and distinct chamber of the pouch. After the separate chambers are formed, particular liquids are filled into each separate and distinct chamber.
As can be appreciated, the process of separately forming each liquid-retaining chamber, and subsequently filling each chamber with a particular liquid can be time consuming, and/or labor intensive. Moreover, with some products such as food products or other consumables, the heat that can be directed into the products during heat sealing can result in undesirable changes to the products, such as spoilage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A need exists for a system and a method for efficiently and effectively forming a multi-chamber liquid-retaining package, such as a pouch.
With those needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of forming a multi-chambered pouch. The method includes filling a first liquid into a chamber of the pouch through an opening; forming a frangible seal above the first liquid to provide a first sub-chamber having the first liquid and an open second sub-chamber above the first sub-chamber; sealing, by said forming the frangible seal, the first liquid in the first sub-chamber; filling a second liquid into the second sub-chamber through the opening; forming a seal over the second liquid within the second sub-chamber; sealing, by said forming the seal over the second liquid, the second liquid in the second sub-chamber; and forming a permanent seal that intersects the frangible seal to form a first retaining chamber, a second retaining chamber, a third retaining chamber, and a fourth retaining chamber, wherein the first retaining chamber and the second retaining chamber retain the first liquid, and wherein the third retaining chamber and the fourth retaining chamber retain the second liquid.
In at least one embodiment, the method also includes inverting the pouch before said filling the first liquid so that the opening is formed through a bottom end of the pouch.
The method can also include providing one or more dispensing valves at an end of the pouch that is opposite from the opening.
In at least one example, the first liquid is a different type of liquid than the second liquid.
In at least one example, said forming the frangible seal comprises using an ultrasonic seal forming system to form the frangible seal.
In at least one embodiment, the frangible seal is formed between a first side and a second side of the pouch, and the permanent seal is formed between a top end and a bottom end of the pouch.
In at least one embodiment, said forming the frangible seal occurs when the first liquid is within the pouch. Further, said forming the seal over the second liquid within the second sub-chamber occurs when the first liquid and the second liquid are within the pouch. Also, said forming the permanent seal occurs when the first liquid and the second liquid are within the pouch.
In at least one example, one or both of said forming the seal or said forming the permanent seal comprises using an ultrasonic seal forming system.
In at least one example, the permanent seal is non-frangible. The frangible seal can be orthogonal to the permanent seal.
In at least one embodiment, each of the first retaining chamber and the second retaining chamber has a first size and a first shape. Each of the third retaining chamber and the fourth retaining chamber has a second size and a second shape. The first size and the first shape can differ from the second size and the second shape, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The inventive subject matter may be understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein below:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pouch being filled with a first liquid, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the pouch of FIG. 1 having the first liquid filled to a desired level;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the pouch of FIG. 2 having a frangible seal;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the pouch of FIG. 3 having a second sub-chamber being filled with a second liquid;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the pouch of FIG. 4 having the first liquid retained within a first sub-chamber and the second liquid retained within the second sub-chamber;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the pouch of FIG. 5 having four retaining chambers, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the pouch having four retaining chambers, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of a method of forming a multi-chamber pouch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for forming a multi-chamber liquid-retaining package, such as a pouch. The pouch is formed having multiple chambers for combining of liquids, chemical components, and/or the like into a mixture, along with providing multiple uses and fill levels aligned with existing equipment base in the liquid pouch filling industry. For example, the pouch is first manufactured as a single chamber (for example, 6 inches×9 inches) with seals along the outer edges. The pouch can include two separate dispense valves, for example. The pouch is filled, upside down, with a first liquid. Then a seal is applied that is strong enough to keep liquids separated but is configured to be severed when enough exterior pressure is applied to the pouch. This type of seal is known as “frangible” and is common within the packaging industry. The pouch is then filled with a second liquid, and a final, permanent seal is applied to the bottom of the pouch. At this point, the pouch has two chambers and two separate dispensing nozzles. Next, a seal (such as formed through ultrasonic energy) is applied to bisect the single pouch into two. Simultaneously (or subsequently), a perforation is added in alignment with the middle of that seal, thereby allowing the pouch to be separated by an end user into two separate pouches (uses) at which point the end user can squeeze the pouch to break through the frangible seal, mix the liquid contents, and dispense for use. In at least one embodiment, the frangible seal is not required and, if desired to meet equipment needs, the pouch can be filled with a single liquid and still bisected to form two separate pouches post-fill.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pouch 100 being filled with a first liquid 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The pouch 100 can be formed from one or more webs, such as one or more films, formed of a material. The web(s) can be formed of polyethylene, PET, LDPE, and/or the like. The web(s) can be formed of a plurality of layers coupled together, such as via lamination, heat sealing, extrusion, and/or the like. In at least one embodiment, the web(s) is provided as a flexible sheet, which can be rolled, folded, and/or the like to form a liquid tight retaining package.
As shown, the pouch 100 includes one or more walls 104 (such as flexible panels) sealed at a top end 106. The wall(s) 104 and the top end 106 define a single chamber 108 therebetween.
The pouch 100 is initially inverted such that the top end 106 provides a sealed base 110. The liquid 102 is poured in through an opening 112 formed in a bottom end 114, which is at the top, as shown in FIG. 1 , as the pouch 100 is inverted. The liquid 102 is poured into the chamber 108 through the opening 112. The liquid 102 is poured into the chamber 108 to a desired level.
As shown, the pouch 100 can include multiple dispensing valves 116 coupled to the top end 106. The dispensing valves 116 are in fluid communication with the chamber 108, and are configured to selectively open and close. Optionally, the pouch 100 can include more dispensing valves 116 than shown. In at least one embodiment, the pouch 100 may not include any dispensing valves.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the pouch 100 of FIG. 1 having the first liquid 102 filled to a desired level 118. As shown, the pouch 100 is still inverted such that the top end 106 is below the bottom end 114. Further, the bottom end 114 is still open, such that the opening 112 provides an open path into the chamber 108.
FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the pouch 100 of FIG. 2 having a frangible seal 120. A seal forming system 122 is used to form the frangible seal 120. For example, the seal forming system 122 is an ultrasonic emitter that emits ultrasonic energy 124 onto the pouch 100 to form the frangible seal 120.
The frangible seal 120 is formed from and between a first side 126 of the pouch 100 and a second side 127 of the pouch 100 over the first liquid 102. The frangible seal 120 is below the bottom end 114. At this point, the opening 112 is formed in the bottom end 114.
The frangible seal 120 provides a liquid-tight barrier that retains the first liquid 102 in a first sub-chamber 128. The frangible seal 120 is defined between the top end 106, the side 126, the side 127, and the frangible seal 120. An open second sub-chamber 130 is defined between the frangible seal 120, the side 126, the side 127, and the bottom end 114.
FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the pouch 100 of FIG. 3 having the second sub-chamber 130 being filled with a second liquid 132. In at least one embodiment, the second liquid 132 is a different type of liquid than the first liquid 102. For example, the first liquid 102 and the second liquid 132 are configured to mix together to form a mixture that differs from both of the first liquid 102 and the second liquid 132. After the first liquid 102 is sealed within the first sub-chamber 128, the second liquid 132 is filled into the sub-chamber 130 over the frangible seal 120.
FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the pouch 100 of FIG. 4 having the first liquid 102 retained within a first sub-chamber 128 and the second liquid 132 retained within the second sub-chamber 130. After the second liquid 132 is filled to a desired level 134 within the second sub-chamber 128, the seal forming system 122 (such as an ultrasonic emitter) and/or another seal forming system forms a seal 136 over the second liquid 132 between the first side 126 and the second side 127. Accordingly, a liquid-tight second sub-chamber 130 is defined between the frangible seal 120, the first side 126, the second side 127, and the seal 136. The second liquid 132 is retained within the second sub-chamber 130.
The seal 136 can be a permanent seal. That is, the seal 136 may not be a frangible seal. The seal 136 provides a liquid-tight base 138 at the bottom end 114 of the pouch 100.
After the first liquid 102 is sealed within the first sub-chamber 128, and the second liquid 132 is sealed within the second sub-chamber 130, the pouch 100 can be turned over so that the top end 106 is at the top (that is, above the bottom end 114), and the bottom end 114 is at the bottom (that is, below the top end 106).
FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the pouch 100 of FIG. 5 having four retaining chambers 150, 152, 154, and 156, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The seal forming system 122 (such as an ultrasonic emitter) and/or another seal forming system emits energy (such as ultrasonic energy 124) onto the pouch 100 from and between the bottom end 106 and the top end 114 to form a seal 160 that extends therebetween. The seal 160 is formed while the liquids 102 and 132 are sealingly retained within the first sub-chamber 128 and the second sub-chamber 130, respectively. The seal 160 intersects the frangible seal 120. For example, the seal 160 is orthogonal to the frangible seal 120. As such, the first retaining chamber 150 is defined between the seal 160, the frangible seal 120, the top end 106, and the second side 127. The first retaining chamber 150 retains a portion of the first liquid 102. The second retaining chamber 152 is defined between the seal 160, the frangible seal 120, the top end 106, and the first side 126. The second retaining chamber 150 retains a remaining portion of the first liquid 102. The third retaining chamber 154 is defined between the seal 160, the frangible seal 120, the seal 136, and the first side 126. The third retaining chamber 154 retains a portion of the second liquid 132. The fourth retaining chamber 156 is defined between the seal 160, the frangible seal 120, the seal 136, and the second side 127. The fourth retaining chamber 156 retains a remaining portion of the second liquid 132.
In at least one embodiment, the seal forming system 122 is also configured to form a separable barrier 162 (such as a line of perforations) on the seal 160 (as such, the seal 160 can be a permanent seal that is configured to split in half for two different pouches), such as via emission of ultrasonic energy. The separable barrier 162 is configured to be split to separate the pouch into two separate use products, each having two separate liquids. When the separable barrier 162 is broken, the seal 160 is split in two, with each of the split portions retaining sealability. The frangible seal 120 in each of the two separate use products can then be broken (for example, ruptured) so that the separated liquids can mix. Optionally, a separate system, such as a mechanical saw or the like, can be used to form the separable barrier 162.
The seal 160 can be positioned to provide the first retaining chamber 150 and the second retaining chamber 152 with equal volumes. Further, the seal 160 can be positioned to provide the third retaining chamber 154 and the fourth retaining chamber 156 with equal volumes. The volumes of the first retaining chamber 150 and the second retaining chamber 152 can be different than the volumes of the third retaining chamber 154 and the fourth retaining chamber 156. In at least one embodiment, the volume of each of the retaining chambers 150, 152, 154, and 156 can be the same. As another example, the volumes of the first retaining chamber 150 and the second retaining chamber 152 can differ. Further, the volumes of the third retaining chamber 154 and the fourth retaining chamber 156 can differ.
Optionally, the seal 160 may not be formed. Instead, the frangible seal 120 can be used to segregate the different liquids into two separate chambers. In this embodiment, the valves 116 may be disposed on a side 126 or 127.
FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the pouch 100 having the four retaining chambers 150, 152, 154, and 156, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Optionally, the pouch 100 can include more than four retaining chambers. For example, one or more additional seal 160 offset from the central seal 160 can be formed to provide additional retaining chambers.
As one example, the first retaining chamber 150 retains 2 ounces of the first liquid, the second retaining chamber 152 retains another 2 ounces of the first liquid, the third retaining chamber 154 retains 0.5 ounces of the second liquid 132, and the fourth retaining chamber 156 retains another 0.5 ounces of the second liquid 132. It is to be understood, however, that the retaining chambers 150, 152, 154, and 156 can be sized and shaped to retain more or less quantities of the liquids.
In one example, after filling the chambers 150, 152, 154, 156, the pouch 100 can be separated into two separate pouches, such as by cutting the material forming the pouch 100 along the separable barrier 162. This cutting may be performed using ultrasonic cutting whereby a cutting tool and/or a base on which the pouch 100 is disposed is vibrated while the cutting tool is brought into contact with the pouch 100 along the separable barrier 162 without application of heat (e.g., without heating the cutting tool, the base, or the pouch 100). This can allow for cutting of the pouch 100 into one pouch 100 having the chambers 150, 156 and another pouch 100 having the chambers 152, 154, with the two pouches 100 and chambers 150, 152, 154, 156 remaining separate and sealed from each other, and without the contents of the chambers 150, 152, 154, 156 being spoiled or negatively impacted by application of heat.
FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of a method of forming a multi-chamber pouch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1-8 , at 200, the pouch 100 is inverted so that the bottom end 114 having the opening 112 is above the top end 106, which is sealed. At 202, the first liquid 102 is filled into the chamber 108 (that is, a single main chamber) through the opening 112.
At 204, it is determined whether the first liquid 102 is filled to a desired level. If not, the method returns to 202.
If, however, the first liquid 102 is filled to the desired level, the method proceeds from 204 to 206, at which the frangible seal 120 is formed above the first liquid 102 to provide the first sub-chamber 128 that retains the first liquid 102, and the second sub-chamber 130 (open at this point) above the first sub-chamber 128. At 208, the second liquid 132 is filled into the second sub-chamber 130 through the opening 112.
At 210, it is determined whether the second liquid 132 is filled to a desired level. If not, the method returns to 208.
If, however, the second liquid 132 is filled to the desired level, the method proceeds from 210 to 212, at which the seal 136 is formed at the bottom end 114, thereby sealing the second liquid 132 in the second sub-chamber 130. At 214, the seal 160 (which may be orthogonal to the frangible seal 120) is formed between the top end 106 and the bottom end 114 to form the four retaining chambers 150, 152, 154, and 156.
In at least one embodiment, a method of forming a multi-chambered pouch includes filling the first liquid 102 into the chamber 108 of the pouch 100 through the opening 112. The method also includes forming the frangible seal 120 above the first liquid 102 to provide the first sub-chamber 128 having the first liquid 102 and the second sub-chamber 130 (which is open at this point) above the first sub-chamber 128. The method further includes sealing, by said forming the frangible seal 120, the first liquid 102 in the first sub-chamber 128. The method also includes filling the second liquid 132 into the second sub-chamber 130 through the opening 112. The method further includes forming the seal 136 over the second liquid 132 within the second sub-chamber 130. The method also includes sealing, by said forming the seal 136 over the second liquid 132, the second liquid 132 in the second sub-chamber 130. The method also includes forming a permanent seal 160 that intersects the frangible seal 120 to form a first retaining chamber 150, a second retaining chamber 152, a third retaining chamber 154, and a fourth retaining chamber 156. The first retaining chamber 150 and the second retaining chamber 152 retain the first liquid 102. The third retaining chamber 154 and the fourth retaining chamber 156 retain the second liquid 132.
In at least one embodiment, the method also includes inverting the pouch 100 before said filling the first liquid so that the opening 112 is formed through the bottom end 114 of the pouch 100. The method may also include providing one or more dispensing valves 116 at an end (such as the top end 106) opposite from the opening 112.
As described herein, said forming the frangible seal 120 occurs when the first liquid 102 is within the pouch 100. Further, said forming the seal 136 over the second liquid 132 within the second sub-chamber 130 occurs when the first liquid 102 and the second liquid 132 are within the pouch 100. Also, said forming the permanent seal 160 occurs when the first liquid 102 and the second liquid 132 are within the pouch 100. In at least one embodiment, the seal 136 is non-frangible.
In at least one embodiment, the frangible seal 120 is orthogonal to the permanent seal 160. Each of the first retaining chamber 150 and the second retaining chamber 152 has a first size and a first shape. Each of the third retaining chamber 154 and the fourth retaining chamber 156 has a second size and a second shape. As a further example, the first size and the first shape differ from the second size and the second shape, respectively.
Further, the disclosure comprises examples as follow. In one example, a method of forming a multi-chambered pouch is provided. The method may include filling a first liquid into a chamber of the pouch through an opening, forming a frangible seal above the first liquid to provide a first sub-chamber having the first liquid and an open second sub-chamber above the first sub-chamber, sealing (by forming the frangible seal) the first liquid in the first sub-chamber, filling a second liquid into the second sub-chamber through the opening, forming a seal over the second liquid within the second sub-chamber, sealing (by forming the seal over the second liquid) the second liquid in the second sub-chamber, and forming a permanent seal that intersects the frangible seal to form a first retaining chamber, a second retaining chamber, a third retaining chamber, and a fourth retaining chamber. The first retaining chamber and the second retaining chamber may retain the first liquid. The third retaining chamber and the fourth retaining chamber may retain the second liquid.
The method also may include inverting the pouch before said filling the first liquid so that the opening is formed through a bottom end of the pouch and/or providing one or more dispensing valves at an end of the pouch that is opposite from the opening.
The first liquid may be a different type of liquid than the second liquid. Forming the frangible seal may involve using an ultrasonic seal forming system to form the frangible seal.
The frangible seal may be formed between a first side and a second side of the pouch. The permanent seal may be formed between a top end and a bottom end of the pouch. Forming the frangible seal may occur when or while the first liquid is within the pouch. Forming the seal over the second liquid within the second sub-chamber may occur when or while the first liquid and the second liquid are within the pouch.
Forming the permanent seal may occur when or while the first liquid and the second liquid are within the pouch. One or both of forming the seal and/or forming the permanent seal may include using an ultrasonic seal forming system.
The seal may be non-frangible. The frangible seal may be orthogonal to the permanent seal.
Each of the first retaining chamber and the second retaining chamber may have a first size and a first shape. Each of the third retaining chamber and the fourth retaining chamber may have a second size and a second shape. The first size and the first shape may differ from the second size and the second shape, respectively.
In another example, another method of forming a multi-chambered pouch is provided. The method may include inverting the pouch to expose an opening formed through a bottom end of the pouch, filling (after inverting) a first liquid into a chamber of the pouch through an opening, and forming a frangible seal above the first liquid to provide a first sub-chamber having the first liquid and an open second sub-chamber above the first sub-chamber. Forming the frangible seal may involve using an ultrasonic seal forming system to form the frangible seal. Forming the frangible seal may occur when or while the first liquid is within the pouch. The method also may include sealing (by forming the frangible seal) the first liquid in the first sub-chamber, filling a second liquid into the second sub-chamber through the opening, and forming a seal over the second liquid within the second sub-chamber. Forming the seal over the second liquid within the second sub-chamber may occur when or while the first liquid and the second liquid are within the pouch. Forming the seal may include using the ultrasonic seal forming system. The method also may include sealing (by forming the seal over the second liquid) the second liquid in the second sub-chamber and forming a permanent seal that intersects the frangible seal to form a first retaining chamber, a second retaining chamber, a third retaining chamber, and a fourth retaining chamber. The first retaining chamber and the second retaining chamber may retain the first liquid. The third retaining chamber and the fourth retaining chamber may retain the second liquid. Forming the permanent seal may include using the ultrasonic seal forming system. Forming the permanent seal may occur when or while the first liquid and the second liquid are within the pouch.
the method also may include providing one or more dispensing valves at a top end of the pouch that is opposite from the bottom end. The first liquid may be a different type of liquid than the second liquid.
The frangible seal may be formed between a first side and a second side of the pouch. The permanent seal may be formed between a top end and a bottom end of the pouch.
The seal may be non-frangible, and the frangible seal may be orthogonal to the permanent seal. Each of the first retaining chamber and the second retaining chamber may have a first size and a first shape. Each of the third retaining chamber and the fourth retaining chamber may have a second size and a second shape. The first size and the first shape may differ from the second size and the second shape, respectively.
As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for efficiently and effectively forming a multi-chamber liquid-retaining package, such as a pouch.
The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description may include instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it may be related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately,” may be not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges may be identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.
This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The claims define the patentable scope of the disclosure, and include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of forming a multi-chambered pouch, the method comprising:

filling a first liquid into a chamber of the pouch through an opening;

forming a frangible seal above the first liquid to provide a first sub-chamber having the first liquid and an open second sub-chamber above the first sub-chamber;

sealing, by said forming the frangible seal, the first liquid in the first sub-chamber;

filling a second liquid into the second sub-chamber through the opening;

forming a seal over the second liquid within the second sub-chamber;

sealing, by said forming the seal over the second liquid, the second liquid in the second sub-chamber; and

forming a permanent seal that intersects the frangible seal to form a first retaining chamber, a second retaining chamber, a third retaining chamber, and a fourth retaining chamber, wherein the first retaining chamber and the second retaining chamber retain the first liquid, and wherein the third retaining chamber and the fourth retaining chamber retain the second liquid.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising inverting the pouch before said filling the first liquid so that the opening is formed through a bottom end of the pouch.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing one or more dispensing valves at an end of the pouch that is opposite from the opening.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first liquid is a different type of liquid than the second liquid.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said forming the frangible seal comprises using an ultrasonic seal forming system to form the frangible seal.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the frangible seal is formed between a first side and a second side of the pouch, and wherein the permanent seal is formed between a top end and a bottom end of the pouch.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said forming the frangible seal occurs when the first liquid is within the pouch.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said forming the seal over the second liquid within the second sub-chamber occurs when the first liquid and the second liquid are within the pouch.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said forming the permanent seal occurs when the first liquid and the second liquid are within the pouch.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein one or both of said forming the seal or said forming the permanent seal comprises using an ultrasonic seal forming system.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the seal is non-frangible.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the frangible seal is orthogonal to the permanent seal.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the first retaining chamber and the second retaining chamber has a first size and a first shape, and wherein each of the third retaining chamber and the fourth retaining chamber has a second size and a second shape.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first size and the first shape differ from the second size and the second shape, respectively.

15. A method of forming a multi-chambered pouch, the method comprising:

inverting the pouch to expose an opening formed through a bottom end of the pouch;

filling, after said inverting, a first liquid into a chamber of the pouch through an opening;

forming a frangible seal above the first liquid to provide a first sub-chamber having the first liquid and an open second sub-chamber above the first sub-chamber, wherein said forming the frangible seal comprises using an ultrasonic seal forming system to form the frangible seal, and wherein said forming the frangible seal occurs when the first liquid is within the pouch;

filling a second liquid into the second sub-chamber through the opening;

forming a seal over the second liquid within the second sub-chamber, wherein said forming the seal over the second liquid within the second sub-chamber occurs when the first liquid and the second liquid are within the pouch, and said forming the seal comprises using the ultrasonic seal forming system;

forming a permanent seal that intersects the frangible seal to form a first retaining chamber, a second retaining chamber, a third retaining chamber, and a fourth retaining chamber, wherein the first retaining chamber and the second retaining chamber retain the first liquid, wherein the third retaining chamber and the fourth retaining chamber retain the second liquid, said forming the permanent seal comprises using the ultrasonic seal forming system, and wherein said forming the permanent seal occurs when the first liquid and the second liquid are within the pouch.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing one or more dispensing valves at a top end of the pouch that is opposite from the bottom end.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first liquid is a different type of liquid than the second liquid.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the frangible seal is formed between a first side and a second side of the pouch, and wherein the permanent seal is formed between a top end and a bottom end of the pouch.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the seal is non-frangible, and wherein the frangible seal is orthogonal to the permanent seal.

20. A method of forming a multi-chambered pouch, the method comprising:

forming a frangible seal above a first liquid in a chamber of the pouch to provide a first sub-chamber having the first liquid and an open second sub-chamber, wherein forming the frangible seal also seals the first liquid in the first sub-chamber;

forming a second seal within the second sub-chamber, wherein forming the second seal also seals the second sub-chamber; and

forming a third seal that intersects the frangible seal to form at least a first retaining chamber, a second retaining chamber, a third retaining chamber, and a fourth retaining chamber.