A multiple-compartment container comprising: two or more panels sealed together to form a container; a supplemental cavity adhered within the container to one of the panels; and a burst seal on the supplemental cavity configured to release contents of the supplemental cavity upon application of force from a user. The multiple-compartment container can be efficiently filled by first filling the supplemental containers, then affixing the supplemental containers to a panel of the main container, next joining the panel with others to form the main container, then filling and sealing the main container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a container10configured to hold multiple ingredients (not shown). Container10is preferably a bag made of polyethylene or other plastic. A main cavity12, preferably comprises at least two side panels14. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, side panels14are fused together to create main cavity12. Side panels14can by fused by application of heat and pressure, or by many other known methods.

Container10preferably comprises a tear strip16defined near an upper edge18of side panels14. Tear strip16is configured to provide an easy opening. Tear strip16can comprise perforations22, or other features to facilitate opening of container10. Container10preferably further comprises a resealing strip24. Resealing strip24preferably comprises a zipper seal as commonly found on sandwich bags. Container10further comprises a handle26defined near a top edge of side panels14. Handle26is positioned below tear strip16so that handle26can be used after container10is opened.

Located within main cavity12are supplemental cavities28. Supplemental cavities28are configured to store additional ingredients and keep the additional ingredients physically separate from ingredients in main cavity12. Supplemental cavities28comprise plastic pouches that are preferably adhered to one or more side panel14. Alternatively, supplemental cavities28can be formed by separately sealing a portion of side panels14together.

Supplemental cavities28preferably comprise a burst seal32, configured to release contents upon an application of pressure by a user. Supplemental cavities28and burst seal32are configured so that a user can release contents from outside of container10and while avoiding contact with any ingredients. Supplemental cavities28also preferably remain attached to side panel14after contents are released, so that supplemental cavities28do not become mixed with ingredients in main cavity12. Alternatively, supplemental cavities28can comprise other release mechanisms (not shown) such as a tear strip or zipper.

FIG. 2shows a section view of container10. This view illustrates one possible placement of supplemental cavities28within container10. Alternatively, additional supplemental cavities28(not shown) can be placed in container10.

FIG. 3shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a container10′. Container10′ comprises a pleated bottom304between side panels14. In addition, many other container and bag types are known and can be used with aspects of the disclosed inventions.

FIG. 4is a flow-chart illustrating a method of filling container10with ingredients. In step402, supplemental cavities, which are connected in a chain, are filled on a filling line. In step404, supplemental cavities28are sealed and separated into groups to be inserted into a container10. Each group preferably comprises the same number of supplemental cavities28as the number of ingredients placed in supplemental cavities28.

Next, in step406, supplemental cavities28are affixed to side panel14, preferably using a food-grade adhesive. Side panel14has preferably been pre-printed with any necessary or desired labeling.

In step408, side panel14is bonded with another side panel14to form container10. In step410, ingredients are placed in container10. Next, in step412, container10is closed and sealed.