WO2001004007A9

WO2001004007A9 - Multi-compartment package

Info

Publication number: WO2001004007A9
Application number: PCT/US2000/019073
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jimmie L Johnson; Ron Bowen; David Silver
Original assignee: Compak Corp; Jimmie L Johnson; Ron Bowen; David Silver
Priority date: 1999-07-12
Filing date: 2000-07-12
Publication date: 2001-10-18
Also published as: WO2001004007A3; WO2001004007A8; WO2001004007A2

Abstract

A multi-compartment (28, 30) sealed, container (12) for maintaining separation between two constituents, typically one dry (45) and one wet (44), until mixing of the constituents is desired. The container functions to house the constituents, introduce the constituents, facilitate mixing of the constituents, and serves as a ustensil for the dispensing of the constituent mixture.

Description

MULTI-COMPARTMENT PACKAGE

Background of the Invention This invention relates to a multi-compartment package, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for combining and dispensing a packaged first and second constituent combination such that its particular application may be readily performed directly from the container. The constituents may be wet or dry.

Packages for combining and dispensing wet and dry constituents are well known m the field of comestibles. Conventional, single-serving cereal packages are one example of such a food package that is well known m the art. These generally comprise a suitably sized cardboard outer container that houses a flexible, somewhat air-tight sealed inner container that contains a dry cereal. The inner container is commonly fabricated from a waxed paper or foil product. The outer containers vary in configuration but are basically designed to be opened prior to consumption by removing one side of the container to expose the inner container. Once exposed, the inner container is opened by tearing, allowing access to the contents.

In another prior art configuration, the largest side of the outer container has a series of perforations that form a flap shape which, when under pressure, will open exposing the inner container which can be opened in a similar manner.

Still another more current configuration is a dish-shaped outer container fabricated from a plastic product wherein the cereal is held m the container by a paper, foil or plastic product seal adhesively secured across the open side of the dish. This seal can be peeled back to expose the cereal. The last two configurations described above allow for consumption of the cereal within the container.

The problem with existing cereal packages is that they do not provide the consumer with a self-contained consumable. Heretofore it has been necessary to add the milk separately, obtain a spoon, and perhaps a bowl. This is troublesome for people eating on the run as they often do not have all of these items available. A further difficulty of the prior art is that only a relatively small quantity of milk is required. If milk is available, it usually is packaged such that the consumers must purchase it in quantities far surpassing their immediate needs. This leads to waste and results in costs exceeding the actual value of the meal.

Additionally, when milk is packaged separately, there is a potential for spillage when adding it, as cereal often is eaten on planes, trains or other bumpy modes of transportation. A further disadvantage resides in the fact that purchasers of prior art single-serving cereal packages are often forced to remain in the establishment where they purchased the cereal package to obtain the items required for consumption of cereal, such as a spoon and bowl. This destroys the fast food aspect of eating cereal whereby purchasers cannot just quickly buy prepackaged cereal and eat it in their leisure at a location of their choice.

For consumers on the run, seeking fast food, the above disadvantages of the prior art result in the deprivation of a popular meal. For sellers, this results in a loss of sales and the elimination of packaged cereals from the fast food market.

Similar containers, as applied in other fields, such as the construction industry, bear similar disadvantages. The constituents to be mixed are not separately packaged in sizes that reflect the correct stoichiometric ratios, the combination and use of the constituents require additional elements such as bowls, stirring or application tools, and, the packages are not fully self contained.

Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, a multi-compartment package is provided which is adapted to separately contain dry and wet constituents, allowing these constituents to be mixed within the package container and used directly from the container. Although the present invention is not intended to be limited to use within the food industry, the preferred embodiment relates to a package for hot or cold comestible constituents.

In a preferred embodiment, the multi-compartment package contains an eating bowl, cereal, a liquid milk or equivalent product and an eating utensil, wherein the milk product and cereal are housed in separate compartments. The outer, dish-shaped container acts as the bowl and has adhesively fastened to one of its outer faces a sealed sterile eating utensil, preferably in the form of a spoon.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved complete packaged meal that may be purchased at one location and consumed at another location, thereby allowing it to be sold and marketed in the fast food industry.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a method for consuming edibles packaged in an all-inclusive, single-serving package, thereby enabling the sellers to target markets such as schools, institutions, mass transit companies and other like entities that require fast, conveniently packaged foods.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of providing both milk and cereal in a single container, separated in dual compartments, readily available for combination.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an improved multi-compartment container for the sale of fast foods. It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a method for consuming edibles packaged in an all-inclusive, single-serving package. It is another object of the present invention to provide a container capable of separately housing more than one constituent whereby the container functions as the receptacle to combine and from which to use the constituents .

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an all inclusive multi-compartment package capable of housing a dry and wet constituent and all the required tools for the use of the combined constituents .

The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a side view of a multi-compartment package having a sealed, unassembled, sterile eating utensil secured to an outside face of the container; FIG. 2 is a view of the top side of a multi-compartment package in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional side view of a multi-compartment package illustrating aspects of the invention, including the insertion point for the eating utensil into the container;

FIG. 4 is a view of the top side of an assembled eating utensil in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 5 is a top view of the preferred outer container embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional side view of the preferred embodiment of a multi-compartment package container illustrating dimensions with reference to FIG. 5 of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross sectional side view of a multi-compartment package illustrating an unassembled eating utensil in the perforation position in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 8 is a cross sectional side view illustrating a multi-compartment package with the outer seal removed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional side view of a multi-compartment package illustrating a container bottom face recess for attachment of an eating utensil in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of a multi-compartment package with the first compartment removed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional side view of an alternate embodiment multi-compartment package with the liquid contents of a removed first compartment being poured into the container, according to the present invention; FIG. 12 is a cross sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of a multi-compartment package as in FIG. 11 wherein the constituents are not comestibles; FIG. 13 is a top view of a particular top cover that comprises a pouch suitable for holding adhesives, cheese, or other "thick" components;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a container with the pouch of FIG 13 attached thereto; FIG. 15 is a view of the container of FIG. 14, with τ_he pouch beginning to be removed;

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating the dispensing of the constituent within the pouch into the container; and FIG. 17 is a view of an alternative pouch/container combination.

Detailed Description Referring to FIG. 1, a side view of a multi-compartment package, the configuration of container 12 can be seen. Outer container 12 is formed with a substantially flat bottom 38 and a tapered side wall 36 so as to form a dished or bowl depression 15. Where the container bottom 38 meets the side wall 36, there is an internal annular gutter 35. Side wall 36 is terminated by a flange 14 that is substantially parallel to container bottom 38. An outer seal 16, containing a pierceable zone 20, encloses dished depression 15. A sterile eating utensil 2 is encased in bag 10 and affixed to container side wall 36.

FIG. 2, a perspective view of the top side of a multi-compartment package container, shows outer seal 16 with descriptive printed information 18 placed thereon. The flange outer edge is illustrated by phantom line 22. Flange 14 is not symmetrical having peel tab portion 23 forming the widest portion of flange 14 and extending furthermost from the center of container 12. Outer seal 16 has a portion 24 extending outwardly beyond flange outer edge 22. A first pierceable zone 20 is provided in outer seal 16. Text may be suitably provided near or around the pierceable zone 20. In FIG. 2, the text states "Insert Spoon Here to Release Milk". FIG. 3, a cross sectional side view of multi-compartment package 12, shows an inner seal 32 affixed to the top surface of flange 14 and outer seal 16 affixed to the portion of the top surface of inner seal 32 that resides directly above flange 14. A first compartment 28 is formed between inner seal 32 and outer seal 16. A second compartment is formed between inner seal 32 and dished depression 15 formed by container side wall 36 and container bottom 38. Inner seal 32 has a second pierceable zone 40 vertically aligned directly below first pierceable zone 20 in outer seal 16. Referring to FIG. 4, an eating utensil 2 is assembled from handle portion 4 and spoon portion 6. The two portions each have one end with a complimentary profile 8, where one end defines a sharp profile.

FIG. 5, a top view of a multi-compartment package without the outer seal, illustrates gutter 35, container side wall 36, flange 14 and container bottom 38. A scored region or line 25 attaches peel tab 23 to flange 14.

Referring to FIG. 6, a cross sectional side view of the preferred embodiment of a multi-compartment package container, together with FIG. 5, the flange width C, the vertical width of the container side wall D, the gutter width E, the overall container height F and the liquid level 26 of the first compartment prior to dispensing G can be seen. Approximate dimensions of the preferred embodiment with reference to these elements are discussed hereinbelow.

FIG. 7, an enlarged cross sectional side view of a multi-compartment package, shows an unassembled eating utensil in the perforation position. Sharp profile 8 is exposed when portion 4 and portion 6 of eating utensil 8 are in the original folded state prior to assembly.

Referring to FIG. 8, a cross sectional side view illustrating a multi-compartment package with the outer seal removed, it can be seen that pierced outer seal 16 and pierced inner seal 32 form first compartment 28 and remain bonded together upon removal of inner seal 32 from flange 14.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional side view of a multi-compartment package illustrating an eating utensil bottom face attachment recess 50 for storage of the eating utensil (not shown) .

Referring to FIG. 10, a cross sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of a multi-compartment package, liquid or milk 44 remains contained within first compartment 28 formed between outer seal 16 and inner seal 32 after inner seal 32 has been removed from flange 14.

Referring to FIG. 11, a cross sectional side view of an alternate embodiment, the liquid or milk 44 can be seen being emptied from removed first compartment 28 into dished depression 15 of a multi-compartment package 12. Referring again to FIGS. 1, 3, and 7, outer seal

16 is fabricated from a suitable material for both forming an airtight, liquid-proof seal and allowing advertising and printed information 18 to be placed thereon, and is affixed to inner seal 32 directly above the top face of flange 14. Outer seal 16 is taunt across flange 14 such that seal 16 is substantially parallel with the container bottom 38. The first pierceable zone 20 is provided in outer seal 16 to facilitate perforation. This zone is pierceable to tne extent that it will fail and open upon application of a downward piercing pressure before outer seal 16 and inner seal 32 detach from flange 14.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, peel tab 23 is distinguished from flange 14 by a scored line 25 that allows for peel tab 23 to be separated from flange 14, thereby enabling the opening of the multi-compartment package to access the contents for consumption. Outer seal 16 s affixed to inner seal 32 at the top surface of flange 14. Pierceable zone 20 is suitably sized to allow the relatively sharp profile 8 of eating utensil 2 (FIG. 4) to be pierced therethrough. This first pierceable zone 20 may be constructed of the same material as the outer seal 16, possibly of a thinner cross section, or it may be constructed from another suitable material.

Referring to FIG. 3, a cross sectional view of a multi-compartment package, inner seal 32 is affixed to the top face of flange 14 and outer seal 16 is affixed to inner seal 32 m the region directly adjacent to the flange. This configuration allows inner seal 32 to divide dished depression 15 into a first compartment 28 and a second compartment 30. First compartment 28 is formed between outer seal 16 and inner seal 32 and second compartment 30 is formed between inner seal 32, container bottom 38 and side wall 36. In an alternate embodiment, inner seal 32 may be affixed to the inner surface of outer seal 16 thereby forming first compartment 28. In the preferred embodiment, a liquid milk or soy product is housed m first compartment 32 and a dry cereal is housed m second compartment 30. Inner seal 32 has a second pierceable zone 40 that is vertically aligned with first pierceable zone 20 of outer seal 16. This vertical alignment of the weakened zones allows for simultaneous piercing of outer seal 16 and inner seal 32.

The use of a multi-compartment package is described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 7 and 8. In the preferred embodiment, dished depression 15 of cereal package container 12 is encapsulated airtight and liquidtight by outer seal 16. First compartment 28 and second compartment 30 are formed within depression 15, separated by an inner seal 32 also forming an airtight and liquid-proof seal. Inner seal 32 is affixed to container flange 14, and outer seal 16 is affixed to inner seal 32 in the same region. First compartment 28 contains a liquid component 44 (preferably milk or soy milk) and second compartment 30 holds a dry component 45 (preferably cereal) . First compartment 28 resides vertically above second compartment 30. The user removes eating utensil 2 from sterile bag 10 located on one face of cereal package container 12 and applies downward pressure with profile edge 8 of eating utensil 2. First pierceable zone 20 will tear open, allowing profile edge 8 to travel through first compartment 28 and contact second pierceable zone 40, which will also tear open. Since the downward pressure required to pierce or tear the pierceable zones is less than that required to dislodge inner seal 32 from the face of flange 14, compartment 28 remains in place. This will allow liquid contents 44 of first compartment 28 to be released by gravity onto dry contents 45 in second compartment 30. Peel tab 23 can then be bent upward causing it to detach from flange 14 at scored line 25. In alternate embodiments scored line 25 may be replaced by a line of perforations. Peel tab 23 is then pulled upwardly to detach first compartment 28 from multi-compartment package 12. Eating utensil 2 is then assembled by folding handle portion 4 away from spoon portion 6 and the mixed contents of the cereal container are consumed. Referring now to FIG. 4, the assembled eating utensil 2 can be seen assembled from spoon portion 6 and handle portion 4. One end of each of the two portions has a complimentary pointed profile 8 for assembly that also can be used to pierce the pierceable zones .

FIG. 7, an enlarged cross sectional side view of a multi-compartment package with an unassembled eating utensil in the perforation position, shows sharp profile 8 of eating utensil 2 extending through first pierceable portion 20 of outer seal 16, through compartment 28, and through second pierceable portion 40 of inner seal 32 such that utensil 2 protrudes into second compartment 30.

FIG. 8, a cross sectional side view illustrating a multi-compartment package with the outer seal removed, shows the outer seal and inner seal pierced 50, and outer seal 16 and inner seal 32 attached to removable pull tab 23 which is pulled away from flange 14. Liquid contents (milk) 44 and solid contents (cereal) 45 reside in second compartment 30. FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the multi-compartment package 12 wherein the eating utensil is located in a recess 50 on bottom face 52. This will prevent inadvertent removal of eating utensil 2 as could occur in shipping or handling, as well as prevent damage to the sterile seal bag 10 or the utensil 2 itself.

Referring again to FIGS. 10 and 11, an alternate embodiment is illustrated wherein there is no pierceable zones on outer seal 16 or inner seal 32. Pull tab 23 is used to remove inner seal 32 from flange 14 thereby releasing first compartment 28 from container 12. First compartment 28 contains liquid 44 and upon opening, can be poured into dished depression 15. FIG. 11 is a cross sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of a multi-compartment package 12 with liquid contents 44 of removed first compartment 28 being poured into container 12, according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 depicts a substantially similar package to that illustrated in FIG. 11 wherein the solid constituent 45 is a building material such as a dry cementatious grout and the liquid constituent 44 is a building material such as a latocrete activator. A bag 10 encapsulates working utensil 58 and is affixed to the outer face of sidewall 36 of container 12. The use of the multi-compartment package in any of its embodiments is ideally suited for use in the building or fabrication industry for mixing and dispensing such constituents as cementatious products, drywall compounds, adhesives (such as two part epoxies) , etch- ing compounds and resins. It is also suited for use in the photography industry for developers and related products, as well as the medical/dental industry for dry dental plasters and water, cast plasters and water, or dry impression material and mixing solutions. FIG. 13 is a top view of an alternative pouch 60, which is adapted to hold a first constituent therewithin. A cut or tear line 62 is defined along a corner of the pouch, and may either be pre-scored so as to enable easy tearing thereof, or may require that a cutting implement be used. Opening instructions, for example, the words "Cut or Tear Here" as illustrated in FIG. 13, may suitably be provided near the tear line 62. Choice of which configuration is used will depend on the particular application. In the illustrated embodiment, pouch 60 is rectangular, but its peripheral shape is modified to conform to the container 12 with which it is employed.

Referring to FIG. 14, a side view of a container with the pouch of FIG. 13 attached thereto, the interior of the pouch defines a space to receive a constituent 66 therewithin. The pouch is sealed about the upper periphery of container 12, which holds another constituent 64 therewithin, designed for combination with constituent 66 at a time of use. Constituent 66 may comprise a semi-liquid or powder material, for example. Referring to FIG. 15, which is a side view showing the pouch partially removed, in use, the pouch is removed by pulling it away from its peripheral attachment to the container 12. Referring to FIG. 16, a view showing the configuration after removal of the pouch and part-way through dispensing of the constituent 66, once the pouch has been completely removed from the container 12, the pouch is opened by tearing or cutting along line 62. (The words "Tear Here" are provided on the pouch in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16. Other suitable instructions, whether textual or graphical, may be provided as desired.) Then, the user holds the pouch above the container 12, and squeezes the pouch, to dispense the constituent 66 into constituent 64 within container 12. The two constituents may then be combined as dictated by the particular application. As an example, constituent 66 may comprise a cheese sauce, while the constituent 64 is a macaroni or pasta. Once the two constituents are combined, they may then be consumed. Heating is an optional step depending on the particular substances in use. Another example of constituent 66 is a part of an adhesive, such as a resin or hardener, while the other constituent 64 is a correponding part of the adhesive. Referring now to FIG. 17, another embodiment is illustrated, wherein one or more of the constituents comprises a gas. In FIG. 17, container 12 has a lid pouch compartment 68 secured thereto. In this configuration, a gas is contained within the pouch 68, resulting in the bulging of the pouch upwardly. The pouch is suitably made of two lid portions sealed together. The lid portions can be relatively rigid and may be pre-formed to a particular shape to facilitate stacking of plural containers, or as illustrated in FIG. 17, can be thin and flexible, resulting in the bulging configuration from the gas held therewithin. The lid material in any of the embodiments may include at least a region that is adapted to be punctured, by a straw or other utensil, for example. In the case of a milk and cereal combination, the lid may include upper and/or lower puncture regions that are relatively easily pierced for dispensing of the upper constituent. Some suitable liquidtight and airtight materials for container 12 are plastic, or a foil or liquid resistant coated paper product. Examples of suitable outer and inner seal material for creating an airtight and liquid-proof seal are foil film, plastic film, or a coated paper product. The method of affixing the inner and outer seals may be accomplished adhesively, mechanically or by heat sealing. Eating utensil 2 is formed from a suitable material such as plastic and its sterile bag 10 may be formed from a foil or polymer film. FIGS. 5 and 6 together illustrate dimensions of the preferred embodiment of a multi-compartment package: container external width dimensions A and B, flange width C, run of container side wall D, gutter width E, container height F, first compartment lower level G, and taper of container side wall H. Approximate dimensions of the preferred embodiment are as follows: container width A 4 1/4 inches container width B 4 1/4 inches flange width C 1/4 inch container side wall run D 1/2 inch gutter width E 3/8 inches container height F 2 1/4 inches taper of side wall H 9 degrees pre-dispensed liquid level G 1 11/16 inches

Note that the dimensions of the preferred embodiment are nominal and may vary.

Although the preferred embodiment of this invention is directed to utilization with milk or equivalent products and cereal in the food service industry, it can be used with numerous other comestibles such as soup and croutons, oatmeal and water, dried noodles and water, cookies and milk, pasta or noodles and sauce, such as spaghetti sauce, alfredo sauce, etc., rice and flavoring, beans and flavoring, couscous and flavoring, tea bags and water, freeze dried coffee and water, fruit and yogurt, pudding and solid "mix ins", freeze dried baby food and water, energy bar and energy drinks, emergency survival or emergency packs, ice cream and fudge or other toppings, or macaroni and cheese. It is also adaptable for use in other fields where more than one constituent (in liquid and solid form, liquid and liquid form, or solid and solid form) require initial separation and subsequent mixing for use. Various different working utensils may accompany such a container depending upon the specific elements. The positioning of the first and second compartments, although illustrated as being vertically stacked in the preferred embodiment, may reside in other configurations .

While plural embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The appended claims are therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A package for separately housing a plurality of elements to be intermixed at a later time, comprising: an outer container formed so as to have an open face above a dish-shaped depression area; and at least one compartment stacked within the depression area of said container.

2. The package according to claim 1 wherein the outer container is comprised of a bottom and a side wall joined thereto.

3. The package according to claim 2 further comprising: a flange formed on a peripheral edge of said outer container side wall; and an outer seal that is formed on said flange, extending across said open face parallel to the container bottom.

4. The package according to claim 3 wherein the number of said compartments is two.

5. The package according to claim 4 wherein the compartments are separated by an inner seal.

6. The package according to claim 5 wherein said inner seal is affixed to said outer seal so as to form a first compartment between the inner seal and the outer seal.

7. The package according to claim 5 wherein said inner seal is affixed to said flange and said outer seal is attached to said flange so as to form a first compartment between the inner seal and the outer seal.

8. The package according to claim 5 wherein said inner seal is airtight and liquidtight and said outer seal is airtight and liquidtight.

9. The package according to claim 5 wherein a first compartment houses milk and a second compartment houses cereal.

10. The package of claim 5 wherein said flange extends in a direction away from said dish-shaped depression area such that a portion of said flange forms a pull corner.

11. The package according to claim 10 wherein said outer seal has a first pierceable perforable zone and said inner seal has a second pierceable perforable zone that are in vertical alignment with respect to each other.

12. The package according to claim 11 further comprising a sealed polymer bag affixed to said container wherein said bag contains an eating utensil.

13. The package according to claim 12 wherein said eating utensil is constructed from a plurality of elements requiring assembly prior to use.

14. The package according to claim 1 wherein the at least one compartment is stacked vertically.

15. The package according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of elements are selected from the group consisting of: a building material, a dry cementatious grout, a latocrete activator, cementatious products, drywall compounds, adhesives, multi-part epoxies, etching compounds, resins, photography chemicals, developers, medical/dental products, dry dental plasters, water, cast plasters, dry impression material, and mixing solutions, milk, soy milk, cereal, soup, croutons, oatmeal, dried noodles, cookies, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, rice, flavoring, beans, couscous, tea, tea bags, coffee, freeze dried coffee, fruit and yogurt, pudding, solid "mix ins" for combining with pudding or yogurt, freeze dried baby food, baby food, energy bar, energy drinks, emergency survival rations, emergency packs, ice cream, fudge, ice cream toppings, macaroni and cheese.

16. A package for housing milk and cereal separately, comprising: an outer container having a bottom and a side wall formed so that said container has an open face above a dish-shaped depression area and said side wall has only one edge; a flange formed at said edge of the outer container side wall so as to be substantially parallel with side container bottom; an airtight and watertight outer seal that is affixed to said flange and extends across said open face parallel to the container bottom; an airtight and watertight inner seal arranged so as to form a first compartment and a second compartment within said dish-shaped depression area; a first pierceable zone located on said outer seal that is vertically aligned with a second pierceable zone on said inner seal; and a sterile encapsulation containing an eating utensil affixed to the container side wall, wherein the milk is housed in said first compartment and cereal is housed in said second compartment.

17. The package of claim 16 wherein said eating utensil is constructed in two complementary portions for purposes of assembly.

18. The package of claim 17 wherein one of said portions of said eating utensil defines a sharp edge.

19. A method of eating from a package housing milk and cereal separately comprising the steps of: detaching a sterile encapsulated eating utensil from a face of said package; removing eating utensil from an encapsulation; piercing an outer seal and an inner seal of said package with a portion of said eating utensil; peeling off an outer and inner seal from a pull corner; and consuming.

20. A package for separately housing a plurality of elements to be intermixed at a later time, comprising : an outer container having a bottom and a side wall formed so that said container has an open face above a dish-shaped depression area; an outer seal that is affixed to said container side wall and extends across said open face parallel to the container bottom; and at least one inner seal arranged so as to form at least one compartment within said dish-shaped depression area.

21. The package according to claim 20 wherein said inner seals are airtight and liquidtight and said outer seal is airtight and liquidtight.