A multi-unit storage device wherein two separate containers are held together at their bottom portions. The separate containers are vacuum sealed at their top portions such that when the top portions are opened, the vacuum seal is broken and access to the products contained therein is provided.

Not applicable

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to multiple compartment storage devices, and more particularly, to a multiple-unit storage device that essentially consists of two separate containers coupled together at their bottom portions in a stacked arrangement.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In the packaging of certain products where freshness is a concern, it is desirable to have multiple compartments in which one part of the container may be opened, while another part of the container may be left sealed. By way of example, one such product is coffee. Coffee is generally packaged in a container under vacuum. When coffee is exposed to atmospheric conditions, it may lose its aroma and flavor. Thus, when a can of coffee is opened, the entire contents of the can is exposed to such atmospheric conditions due to the loss of the vacuum conditions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Broadly, the present invention provides a multi-unit storage device where two separate containers are held together at their bottom portions. Preferably, the separate containers are vacuum sealed at their top portions such that when the top portions are opened, the vacuum seal is broken and access to the products contained therein is provided.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a multi-unit storage device comprises a first container comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, a second container comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, the first and second portions being substantially permanently coupled together at their bottom portions in a stacked arrangement, and at least one removable lid for coupling to a top portions. Each of the two separate containers is individually vacuum sealed at their respective top portions.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, each container is a one-piece container.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, each container includes ribs defined within a sidewall.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, each container comprises a cylindrical sidewall and a bottom.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the first and second containers are coupled together via welding.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the first and second containers are coupled together via an adhesive.

The present invention also provides a method of packaging at least one type of product, where the method comprises providing first and second separate containers comprising top and bottom portions, coupling, in a substantially permanent manner, the first and second separate containers together at their bottom portions in a stacked arrangement to form a multi-unit storage container, placing product into the first container, placing product into the second container, and vacuum sealing the two separate containers at their top portions.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the product is placed into each container prior to the two separate containers being coupled together.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the product is placed into each container after the two separate containers have been coupled together.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the method comprises placing a removable lid over at least one top portion after that container has been vacuum sealed.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon review of the following detailed descriptions of preferred exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, a multi-unit storage device10in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. Preferably, the multi-unit storage device consists of two containers or cans11,12, preferably made of metal, that are welded together at their bottom portions13,14. Glue or some other type of adhesive may also be used.

The top portions are preferably vacuum sealed with either metal, foil, plastic or any other suitable material. Examples for the two separate containers include coffee cans, nut cans, potato chip cans, and other types of snacks. Preferably, lids15are provided for closing or resealing the cans11,12.

The separate cans may be made in any manner known in the prior art. Early methods of making such cans included rolling a metallic body or sidewall16and coupling a metallic bottom17to the body portion with a folded or sealed flange. Additionally, the bottom may be coupled to the rolled body with a welding-type process. Modern methods include stamping or forming the bottom and body as a single piece. When the bottom and body are made of a single piece, ribs or troughs18may be defined circumferentially in the body or sidewall as is known in the art to provide extra strength and stability.

Another example of a type of container that may be used as the containers to form the multi-unit storage device in accordance with the present invention includes a cardboard or plastic body16with a metal, or plastic bottom17. The containers may also be made of one-piece consisting of plastic or other suitable material. Examples of such a container include orange juice cans, nut cans, some potato snack cans and other snack cans.

In use, two containers11,12as described above are provided and are coupled together at their bottom portions13,14. Each can or container is filled with a product and then individually vacuum sealed. This may be done before or after the two containers are coupled to one another. Each container may be filled with the same product or a different product. Examples of products include, but are not limited to, coffee, nuts, potato chips, candy, tea, etc.

When one desires access to a product, one simply opens one container. Thus, the second container remains unopened, thereby protecting the product therein from the elements and helping maintain freshness. When access to the second container is desired, then the multi-unit storage device is “flipped” and the second container is opened. Each container may be closed with lids15if provided. One lid may be provided and used for both containers if desired.

Additionally, each separate container may be filled with a different product if it is so desired. For example, one container may include potato chips while the second container may include corn chips.