Abstract:
The present invention is a packaging article that includes a first chamber defined by a sealed connection between a first film and a second film, a second chamber defined by a sealed connection between a third film and a fourth film, where the third film at least partially abuts the second film, and a third chamber defined by a sealed connection between the first film and the fourth film.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a package for storing and dispensing flowable components. In particular, the present invention relates to a package for storing separate flowable components, and dispensing the flowable components in a substantially simultaneous manner. 
   A number of liquid and semi-liquid compositions are made from two or more flowable components that are typically not mixed together until immediately prior to use. For example, certain adhesives such as epoxies are sold in packages that initially keep components of the adhesive separated from each other. Whenever such adhesives are needed for use, the components are mixed together and a chemical reaction between the two components begins. After the components are mixed, the composition is applied to the work site before the composition unduly hardens. 
   A number of packages have been proposed over the years for separately containing and storing components of multiple-component compositions. Examples of commonly-used packages for multiple-component compositions include dual-chamber cartridges, static mixers, and applicator assemblies. However, such packages are not sufficient for dispensing multiple-component compositions in a variety of applications, particularly where only a relatively small amount of composition is needed. In those instances, large portions of the initial flowable components may remain in the cartridge after a sufficient amount has been taken for the work at hand. 
   Moreover, when packages are used in health care fields such as dentistry, the user must take care to avoid cross-contamination between patients in offices where the composition from a single package is used in multiple procedures among different patients. The issue of cross-contamination can be addressed by proper handling of the dispensing assembly to ensure that disinfection of the cartridge, static mixer, and applicator assembly is accomplished as needed. However, inadequate attention to proper disinfection and handling techniques of the assembly may increase the risk of transferring an infectious disease from one patient to another. 
   As such, single use packages have been developed for storing and dispensing of multiple-component compositions. Such packages may be formed, for example, by sheets of flexible material having initially separate chambers that receive the components. When the composition is needed, the flexible sheets are squeezed together to decrease the volume in the chambers and direct the components along a path for mixing and dispensing. However, a common issue with such packages is the number of steps required to obtain the multiple-component composition. Generally, the flowable components are required to be dispensed into a series of adjacent chambers, which commonly results in an undesirable backflow of the components into previously dispensed chambers. Backflow reduces the total amount of the available composition, and may potentially offset the relative amounts of the flowable components. Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for packages that store and dispense multiple-component compositions that are efficient to use and easy to manufacture. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to a packaging article that includes a first chamber defined by a sealed connection between a first film and a second film, a second chamber defined by a sealed connection between a third film and a fourth film, where the third film at least partially abuts the second film, and a third chamber defined by a sealed connection between the first film and the fourth film. 
   The present invention is further directed to a packaging article that includes a first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, and a fourth chamber. The first chamber is defined by a sealed connection between a first film and a second film, where the first chamber has a first cross-sectional area at the second film. The second chamber is defined by a sealed connection between a first film and a second film. The third chamber is defined by a sealed connection between a third film and a fourth film, where the third chamber has a second cross-sectional area at the third film, and where at least about 75% of the first cross-sectional area overlaps the second cross-sectional area. The fourth chamber is defined by a sealed connection between the third film and the fourth film. 
   The present invention is further directed to a method of making a packaging article. The method includes connecting a first film to a second film, thereby forming a first chamber located between the first film and the second film. A third film is connected to a fourth film, thereby forming a second chamber located between the third film and the fourth film. The first film is connected to the fourth film, thereby forming a third chamber located between the first film and the fourth film. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1A  is a top perspective view of a package of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1B  is a bottom perspective view of the package of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the package of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded sectional view taken from section  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1A . 
       FIG. 4A  is a view taken from section  4 A- 4 A in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4B  is a view taken from section  4 B- 4 B in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of a first alternative construction for the package of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a top view of a second alternative package of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7A  is a side view of the second alternative package of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7B  is an exploded side view of the second alternative package of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8A  is a view taken from section  8 A- 8 A in  FIG. 7A . 
       FIG. 8B  is a view taken from section  8 B- 8 B in  FIG. 7A . 
       FIG. 9  is a top view of a second embodiment of the second alternative package of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a top view of a third embodiment of the second alternative package of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  is an exploded sectional view of a package of the present invention, aligned for assembly with a dispensing device. 
       FIG. 12  is a side view of an assembled package of  FIG. 11  in use with the dispensing device. 
   

   While the above-identified drawing figures set forth several embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the invention. The figures may not be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers have been used throughout the figures to denote like parts. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  2  are respectively a top perspective view, a bottom perspective view, and a side view of a package  10  of the present invention, in use with a brush  12 . The package  10  is a multi-layer device that is capable of dispensing flowable components of a multiple-component composition in a substantially simultaneous manner. This reduces the time required to mix, dispense, and use the composition. As shown in  FIG. 1A , the package  10  includes a top film  14  secured above a bottom film  16  at an interface  18 . Dimensionally, the package  10  also includes a front end  20   a  and a rear end  20   b  relative to a dimension X, and lateral sides  22   a  and  22   b  relative to a dimension Y. 
   Directional orientations are used herein for the sake of clarity, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Terms such as “front” and “rear”, are defined herein as being relative to the dimension X. Terms denoting lateral orientations are defined herein as being relative to the dimension Y. Terms denoting orientations perpendicular to a plane defined by the dimensions X and Y, such as “top”, “above”, “bottom”, and “below”, are defined herein as being relative to a dimension Z. 
   As shown, the top film  14  partially defines a top chamber  24 , a mixing chamber  26 , and a passageway  28 , all of which are located between the top film  14  and the bottom film  16 , and are centrally aligned relative to the lateral sides  22   a  and  22   b . The top chamber  24  is located proximate the rear end  20   b  of the package  10 . The passageway  28  is located proximate the front end  20   a  of the package  10 . The mixing chamber  26  is centrally located between the top chamber  24  and the passageway  28 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 1B , the bottom film  16  partially defines a bottom chamber  30 , the mixing chamber  26 , and the passageway  28 , where the bottom chamber  30  is also located between the top film  14  and the bottom film  16 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , the top chamber  24  is disposed above bottom chamber  30 . The top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  are separate containers that store flowable components of the multiple-component composition for use during a dispensing process. As discussed below, the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  are each sealed closed relative to the external environment for storing the flowable components. The package  10  may be used to mix and dispense any of a number of multi-component compositions that are useful for a variety of purposes. For example, the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  may initially contain flowable components of a two-part epoxy adhesive that are ideally separated from each other until immediately prior to use. 
   The package  10  is particularly suitable for use with multiple-component dental compositions, because the package  10  can be sized to contain an amount suitable for a single use or for use with a single patient. As such, issues of cross-contamination between patients are avoided. An example of a suitable dental composition is a two-part adhesive material, which may be applied to a surface (e.g., a tooth) with the brush  12 . Prior to use, a first part of the adhesive material may be stored in the top chamber  24  and the second part stored in the bottom chamber  30 . 
   The top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  are depicted in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  2  as generally having circular, dome-like shapes. When used to dispense dental compositions, the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  may exhibit diameters (along the longitudinal axis X) ranging from about 10 to about 18 millimeters. However, the dimensions of the of the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  may each vary based on a variety of factors, such as the amounts of the flowable components required. Moreover, the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  may alternatively exhibit other geometric forms as well. 
   In contrast to the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30 , the mixing chamber  26  is a single chamber defined by both the top film  14  and the bottom film  16 . The mixing chamber  26  is connected to both the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30 , as discussed below, for receiving the flowable components during the dispensing process. 
   The passageway  28  is a channel that is also defined by both the top film  14  and the bottom film  16 . The passageway  28  is connected to the mixing chamber  26 , and provides a path between the mixing chamber  26  and the front end  20   a  of the package  10 . The passageway  28  may also function as a receptacle for the brush  12 , where the brush  12  may be a conventional brush for dental applications. The brush  12  may be removably inserted into the passageway  28  to reach the multiple-component composition in the mixing chamber  26 . As such, the inner cross section of the passageway  28  is desirably slightly larger than the outer diameter of the brush  12  so that the brush  12  is frictionally retained in the passageway  28 , but is still removable. 
   During a dispensing process, pressure may be simultaneously applied to the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  in a single step. The pressure may be applied by placing a user&#39;s digit on the top chamber  24  and the user&#39;s thumb on the bottom chamber  30 . The user may then squeeze the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  together between the digit and thumb. The applied pressure is distributed between the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30 , and causes the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  to collapse in a substantially simultaneous manner. The collapsing reduces the volumes in the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30 , which forces the respective flowable components to flow out of the top chamber  24  and bottom chamber  30 , and into the mixing chamber  26 . The mixing chamber  26  then contains the multiple-component composition, which is accessible by the brush  12  for use. Additional mixing may also be obtained, if desired, by rotating or otherwise moving the brush  12  while the brush  12  extends into the mixing chamber  26 . 
   The package  10  of the present invention allows the flowable components to be dispensed into the mixing chamber  26  in a substantially simultaneous manner. This is due to the vertical stacking of the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30 , which allows a single application of pressure to compress both the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30 . Therefore, the time required to dispense and mix multiple-component compositions is reduced. 
     FIG. 3  is an exploded sectional view of the package  10  of the present invention, taken from section  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1A  (the brush  12  not shown).  FIG. 3  further illustrates the working relationship between the top film  14  and the bottom film  16 . As discussed above, when the top film  14  and the bottom film  16  are secured together, they combine to define the mixing chamber  26  and the passageway  28 . In contrast, however, the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  are separated from each other by cover films  32  and  34 . The top chamber  24  is defined by the top film  14  and the cover film  32 , and the bottom chamber  30  is defined by the bottom film  16  and the cover film  34 . 
   Prior to securing the top film  14  and the bottom film  16  together, the top chamber  24  is filled with a flowable component  36 , and sealed with the cover film  32 . Similarly, prior to securing the top film  14  and the bottom film  16  together, the bottom chamber  30  is filled with a flowable component  38 , and sealed with the cover film  34 . As such, the flowable components  36  and  38  are separated from each other during storage, and do not mix until dispensed into the mixing chamber  26 . 
   In one embodiment of the present invention, the top film  14  and the bottom film  16  are identical halves of the package  10 , where the bottom film  16  is inverted and secured to the top film  14 . This reduces the costs of manufacturing the package  10  by decreasing the number of different parts required. The top film  14 , the bottom film  16 , and the cover films  32  and  34  may be made by any suitable manufacturing technique. For example, the top film  14  and the bottom film  16  may be deep drawn to form indentations for the top chamber  24 , the mixing chamber  26 , the passageway  28 , and the bottom chamber  30 . 
   The top film  14 , the bottom film  16 , and the cover films  32  and  34  each desirably function as diffusion and light barriers, and each may be made of any suitable material that is compatible with the stored flowable components. Examples of suitable materials for each of the top film  14 , the bottom film  16 , and the cover films  32  and  34  comprise aluminum, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof. Moreover, each of the top film  14 , the bottom film  16 , and the cover films  32  and  34  each may include multiple layers of these materials (and/or other materials). For example, the top film  14  and the bottom film  16  each may include a top layer of polyethylene, an intermediate layer of aluminum film and a bottom layer of polyethylene terephthalate. 
     FIG. 4A  is a view of the top film  14  and the cover film  32 , taken from section  4 A- 4 A in  FIG. 2  (the brush  12  not shown). As shown in  FIG. 4A , the cover film  32  is sealed to the top film  14  proximate the rear portion  20   b  of the package  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cover film  32  is sealed to the top film  14  around the entire periphery of the top chamber  24  (e.g., peripheral locations  40 ). This includes a rupturable seal  42 , which connects the top chamber  24  and the mixing chamber  26 . The rupturable seal  42  provides a pathway  42   a  for the flowable component  36  to flow through when forced out of the top chamber  24 . 
   Suitable techniques for sealing the top film  14  and the cover film  32 , and for forming the rupturable seal  42  are disclosed in Peuker et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,761, and Lee et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,769, both of which are incorporated herein in their entireties. For example, the top film  14  and the cover film  32  may exhibit a lower interlayer adhesion at the rupturable seal  42 , compared to interlayer adhesions at the peripheral locations  40 . Thus, prior to the dispensing process, the rupturable seal  42  is sealed closed. However, when the flowable component  36  is subjected to pressure by the collapsing of the top chamber  24 , the flowable component  36  delaminates the top film  14  and the cover film  32  at the rupturable seal  42  (i.e., breaks the rupturable seal  42 ). This allows the flowable component  36  to flow along the pathway  42   a  into the mixing chamber  26 . 
     FIG. 4B  is a view of the bottom film  16  and the cover film  34 , taken from section  4 B- 4 B in  FIG. 2  (the brush  12  not shown). As shown in  FIG. 4B , the cover film  34  is sealed to the bottom film  16  proximate the rear portion  20   b  of the package  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cover film  34  is sealed to the bottom film  16  around the entire periphery of the bottom chamber  30  (e.g., peripheral locations  44 ). This includes a rupturable seal  46 , which connects the bottom chamber  30  and the mixing chamber  26 , and provides a pathway  46   a  for the flowable component  38  to flow through when forced out of the bottom chamber  30 . Accordingly, when the bottom chamber  30  is collapsed, the flowable component  38  delaminates the bottom film and the cover film  34  at the rupturable seal  46  (i.e., breaks the rupturable seal  46 ). This allows the flowable component  38  to flow along the pathway  46   a  into the mixing chamber  26 . 
   The cover films  32  and  34  may exhibit a variety of cross-sectional dimensions. However, as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the cover films  32  and  34  do not seal the mixing chamber  26  or the passageway  28 . As discussed above, the mixing chamber  26  and the passageway  28  are each defined by both the top film  14  and the bottom film  16 . Therefore, in contrast to the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30 , the mixing chamber  26  and the passageway  28  remain exposed until the top film  14  and the bottom film  16  are secured together. 
   The top film  14  and the bottom film  16  may be secured together with a variety of techniques, such as heat sealing, ultrasonic bonding, pressure bonding, and applying adhesive at the interface  18 . For example, an adhesive may be applied to the top film  14  and/or to the cover film  32  to provide interlayer adhesion at the interface  18  between the top film  14  and the bottom film  16 , and/or the cover film  34 . When the top film  14  and the bottom film  16  are secured together, the top chamber  24  is disposed above the bottom chamber  30 . In one embodiment, the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  are aligned in the longitudinal and lateral directions such that the cover film  32  at least partially abuts the cover film  34 . This allows a single application of pressure to compress both the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  in a substantially simultaneous manner. 
   In another embodiment, the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  are aligned in the longitudinal and lateral directions such that at least about 75% of a cross-sectional area of the of the top chamber  24  overlaps a cross-sectional area of the bottom chamber  30 . The cross-sectional area of the top chamber  24  is defined herein as an area of the top chamber  24  in a plane defined by the dimensions X and Y, and located at the cover film  32 . This is depicted by the illustration of the top chamber  24  in  FIG. 4A . Similarly, the cross-sectional area of the bottom chamber  30  is defined herein as an area of the bottom chamber  30  in a plane defined by the dimensions X and Y, and located at the cover film  34 . This is depicted by the illustration of the bottom chamber  30  in  FIG. 4B . In yet another embodiment, the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  are aligned in the longitudinal and lateral directions such that at least about 90% of the cross-sectional area of the top chamber  24  overlaps the cross-sectional area of the bottom chamber  30 . 
   When the top film  14  and the bottom film  16  are secured together, the rupturable seal  42  is also disposed above the rupturable seal  46 . As such, the flowable components  36  and  38  are substantially unmixed until entering the mixing chamber  26  from the respective rupturable seals  42  and  46  via the pathways  42   a  and  46   a , respectively. In an alternative embodiment, a mixing element (not shown) may be used, which connects the rupturable seals  42  and  46  to the mixing chamber  26  to increase the mixing of the flowable components  36  and  38 . Examples of suitable mixing elements include static mixers, which are disclosed in Lee et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,769. 
   The package  10  of the present invention provides a system for storing and dispensing multiple-component compositions with an efficient dispensing process. As discussed above, during a dispensing process, pressure is applied to the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  in a substantially simultaneous manner. This causes the flowable components  36  and  38  to respectively break through the rupturable seals  42  and  46 , and to flow into the mixing chamber  26 . By dispensing the flowable components  36  and  38  in a single step, the package  10  reduces the time required to obtain the multiple-compound composition. Moreover, because a second dispensing step is not required, the dispensing process of the package  10  substantially prevents backflow of the flowable components  36  and  38 . Backflow undesirably wastes material and may potentially offset the relative amounts of the flowable components  36  and  38 . Finally, because the top film  14  and the bottom film  16  may be identical parts, the package  10  may be manufactured using duplicates of the same parts, which reduces manufacturing time and costs. 
     FIG. 5  is a top view depicting an alternative method of manufacturing the inventive package  10 . The package  10  may be manufactured in a variety of manners to reduce manufacturing time and costs. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the top film  14  and the bottom film  16  are connected at the rear end  20   b  of the package  10 . This allows the top film  14  and the bottom film  16  to be deep drawn initially as a single film (and at the same time). Additionally, the cover films  32  and  34  may also be formed as a single film, as shown. After the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  are filled with the flowable components  36  and  38 , the cover films  32  and  34  are respectively sealed to the top film  14  and the bottom film  16 , as discussed above. The top film  14  and the cover film  32  may then be folded at a fold axis  48  to align with the bottom film  16  and the cover film  34 . 
   In another alternative embodiment, the cover films  32  and  34  may be respectively formed as part of the top film  14  and the bottom film  16 . In this alternative, the cover films  32  and  34  may extend from the lateral sides  22   a  and/or  22   b  proximate the rear end  20   b . The cover films  32  and  34  may then be respectively folded over the top film  14  and the bottom film  16 , and sealed. These alternative embodiments may also be combined, and used with other conventional techniques to manufacture the package  10  for use as a storage and dispensing product. 
     FIGS. 6-10  are directed to a package  100 , which is a multi-layer device similar to the package  10 . However, the package  100  is used for storing and dispensing flowable components in a substantially simultaneous manner, where the flowable components remain separated after being dispensed. An example of suitable flowable components for the package  100  includes a dental adhesive and etchant (or primer-etchant), where the etchant is applied to a surface (e.g., a tooth) prior to the adhesive. 
     FIGS. 6 and 7A  are a top view and a side view of the package  100 , in use with brushes  102  and  104 . The brushes  102  and  104  may be conventional brushes for dental applications, similar to the brush  12 . The package  100  includes a top film  106  secured above a bottom film  108 . The directional orientations discussed above for the package  10  apply in the same manner to the discussion of the package  100 . Dimensionally, the package  100  also includes a front end  110   a  and a rear end  110   b , and lateral sides  112   a  and  112   b.    
   The top film  106  partially defines a top chamber  114 , a top receiving chamber  116 , and a top passageway  118 . Similarly, the bottom film  108  partially defines a bottom chamber  120 , a bottom receiving chamber  122 , and a bottom passageway  124  (depicted with phantom lines in  FIG. 6 ). The top chamber  114 , the top receiving chamber  116 , the top passageway  118 , the bottom chamber  120 , the bottom receiving chamber  122 , and the bottom passageway  124  are each located between the top film  106  and the bottom film  108 . The top chamber  114  and the bottom chamber  120  are located proximate the rear end  110   b  of the package  100 , with the top chamber  114  being located above the bottom chamber  120 . The top passageway  118  is located proximate the front end  110   a  of the package  100  and the top receiving chamber  116  is centrally located between the top chamber  114  and the top passageway  118 . The bottom passageway  124  is also located proximate the front end  110   a  of the package  100  and the bottom receiving chamber  122  is centrally located between the bottom chamber  120  and the bottom passageway  124 . 
   The top film  106  and the bottom film  108  are preferably identical halves of the package  100 , where the bottom film  108  is inverted and secured to the top film  106 . In contrast to the package  10 , however, where the components are centrally aligned relative to the lateral sides  22   a  and  22   b , the components of the package  100  are not centrally aligned relative to the lateral sides  112   a  and  112   b . The components of the top film  106  are laterally offset from the components of the bottom film  108  (i.e., the top chamber  114 , the top receiving chamber  116 , and the top passageway  118  are proximate the lateral side  112   a , and the bottom chamber  120 , the bottom receiving chamber  122 , and the bottom passageway  124  are proximate the lateral side  112   b ). The lateral offsetting is preferred to allow easy access to each of the brushes  102  and  104  without interference of the opposing brush. Nonetheless, the components of the top film  166  and the bottom film  108  may alternatively be centrally aligned if desired. 
   The top chamber  114  and the bottom chamber  120  are separate containers and function in the same manner as the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30  of the package  10 . Pressure may be simultaneously applied to the top chamber  114  and the bottom chamber  120  in a single step, which dispenses flowable compounds in a substantially simultaneous manner. However, the flowable compounds dispensed from the top chamber  114  and the bottom chamber  120  do not flow to a single mixing chamber, as occurs with the package  10 . Instead, the flowable compound dispensed from the top chamber  114  flows to the top receiving chamber  116 , and the flowable compound dispensed from the bottom chamber  120  flows to the bottom receiving chamber  122 . The flowable compounds located in the top receiving chamber  116  and the bottom receiving chamber  116  may then be respectively obtained with the brushes  102  and  104 . 
     FIG. 7B  is an exploded side view of the package  100  and depicts the top film  106  and the bottom film  108  in use with cover films  126  and  128 .  FIG. 8A  is a view of the top film  106 , taken from section  8 A- 8 A in  FIG. 7A  (the brush  102  not shown), and depicts the top film  106  in use with the cover film  126 . Similarly,  FIG. 8B  is a view of the bottom film  108 , taken from section  8 B- 8 B in  FIG. 7A  (the brush  104  not shown), and depicts the bottom film  108  in use with the cover film  128 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 7B and 8A , the cover film  126  is sealed to the top film  106  in the same manner as discussed above for the cover film  32  and the top film  14  of the package  10 . However, in addition to sealing the top chamber  114 , the cover film  126  also seals the top receiving chamber  116  and the top passageway  118 . As such, the cover film  126  is sealed to the top film  106  around the entire periphery of the top chamber  114 , the top receiving chamber  116 , and the top passageway  118  (e.g., peripheral locations  130 ). This includes a rupturable seal  132 , which connects the top chamber  114  and the top receiving chamber  116 , and functions in the same manner as discussed above for the rupturable seal  42  of the package  10  (to define a pathway  132   a  between the top chamber  114  and the top receiving chamber  116 ). Accordingly, the top chamber  114 , the top receiving chamber  116 , and the top passageway  118  are each defined by both the top film  106  and the cover film  126 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 7B and 8B , the cover film  128  is sealed to the bottom film  108  in the same manner as the cover film  126 . As such, the cover film  128  is sealed to the bottom film  108  around the entire periphery of the bottom chamber  120 , the bottom receiving chamber  122 , and the bottom passageway  124  (e.g., peripheral locations  134 ). This includes a rupturable seal  136 , which connects the bottom chamber  120  and the bottom receiving chamber  122 , and functions in the same manner as discussed above for the rupturable seal  136  (to define a pathway  136   a  between the bottom chamber  120  and the bottom receiving chamber  122 ). Accordingly, the bottom chamber  120 , the bottom receiving chamber  122 , and the bottom passageway  124  are each defined by both the bottom film  108  and the cover film  128 . 
   As further shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , removed corner segments  106   a  and  108   a , proximate the front end  110   a  of the package  100 , may be respectively omitted from the top film  106  and the bottom film  108 . As such, the bottom film  108  is visible through the removed corner segment  106   a  from a vantage point above the package  100  (as shown in  FIG. 6 ), and the top film  106  is visible through the removed corner segment  108   a  from a vantage point below the package  100 . The removed corner segments  106   a  and  106   b  provide easier openings for inserting the brushes  102  and  104 . 
   To distinguish the different flowable compounds used with the package  100 , the brushes  102  and  104  may exhibit different colors or shapes, or have distinguishing markings. This will allow a user to readily differentiate between the flowable compounds during use. 
   Suitable materials for the top film  106 , the bottom film  108 , and the cover films  126  and  132  include the same suitable materials as discussed above for the package  10 . Additionally, the cover films  126  and  132  may exhibit a variety of cross-sectional dimensions. For example, the cover films  126  and  132  may alternatively be the same size as the top film  106  and bottom film  108 . 
   The top film  106  and the bottom film  108  may be secured together with a variety of techniques, such as heat sealing, ultrasonic bonding, pressure bonding, and applying adhesive. For example, an adhesive may be applied to the top film  106  and the cover film  126  to provide interlayer adhesion between the top film  106  and the bottom film  108 . When the top film  106  and the bottom film  108  are secured together, the top chamber  114  is disposed above the bottom chamber  120 . Preferably, the top chamber  114  and the bottom chamber  120  are aligned in the longitudinal and lateral directions such that the cover film  126  at least partially abuts the cover film  128 . This allows a single application of pressure to compress both the top chamber  114  and the bottom chamber  120  in a substantially simultaneous manner. 
   In another embodiment, the top chamber  114  and the bottom chamber  120  are aligned in the longitudinal and lateral directions such that at least about 75% of a cross-sectional area of the of the top chamber  114  overlaps a cross-sectional area of the bottom chamber  120 . The cross-sectional area of the top chamber  114  is defined herein as an area of the top chamber  114  in a plane defined by the dimensions X and Y, and located at the cover film  126 . This is depicted by the illustration of the top chamber  114  in  FIG. 8A . Similarly, the cross-sectional area of the bottom chamber  120  is defined herein as an area of the bottom chamber  120  in a plane defined by the dimensions X and Y, and located at the cover film  128 . This is depicted by the illustration of the bottom chamber  120  in  FIG. 8B . In yet another embodiment, the top chamber  114  and the bottom chamber  120  are aligned in the longitudinal and lateral directions such that at least about 90% of the cross-sectional area of the of the top chamber  114  overlaps the cross-sectional area of the bottom chamber  120 . 
   During a dispensing process, pressure may be simultaneously applied to the top chamber  114  and the bottom chamber  120  in a single step, as discussed above for the package  10 . The applied pressure is distributed between the top chamber  114  and the bottom chamber  120 , and causes the top chamber  114  and the bottom chamber  120  to collapse in a substantially simultaneous manner. The collapsing reduces the volumes in the top chamber  114  and the bottom chamber  120 , which forces the respective flowable components to flow out of the top chamber  114  and bottom chamber  120 . With respect to the top chamber  114 , the flowable component breaks the rupturable seal  132  and flows along the pathway  132   a  into the top receiving chamber  116 . The flowable component is then readily accessible with the brush  102  through the top passageway  118 . With respect to the bottom chamber  120 , the flowable component breaks the rupturable seal  136  and flows along the pathway  136   a  into the bottom receiving chamber  122 . The flowable component is then readily accessible with the brush  104  through the bottom passageway  124 . 
     FIGS. 9 and 10  are top views of the inventive package  100 , depicting alterative shapes and orientations for the top film  106  and the bottom film  108 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the top film  106  and the bottom film  108  exhibit similar dimensions to the top film  14  and the bottom film  16  of the package  10 . Additionally, the top film  106  and the bottom film  108  are oriented at an angle to each other. This increases the accessibility of the brushes  102  and  104 . Suitable angles between the top film  106  and the bottom film  108  may vary as individual needs may require. 
     FIG. 10  provides another alternative arrangement for the package  100 , where the bottom film  108  is not inverted relative to the top film  106 . As such, the top film  106  is located above the bottom film  108 , but both the top film  106  and the bottom film  108  are oriented in an upward direction. The bottom chamber  120  (not shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 ), the bottom receiving chamber  122 , and the bottom passageway  124  likewise extend upward in the same direction as the top chamber  114 , the top receiving chamber  116 , and the top passageway  118 . In this situation, the top film  106  and the cover film  126  (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) are secured to the bottom film  108  at the bottom chamber  120 . Pressure is applied to the top chamber  114  and the cover film  128  (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) above the bottom chamber  120  to dispense flowable components from the top chamber  114  and the bottom chamber  120 . 
   Another alternative arrangement for the package  10  includes inverting the package  100  shown in  FIG. 10  such that the top film  106  and the bottom film  108  face downward and the cover films  126  and  128  face upward (the relative orientations of the top film  106  and the bottom film  108  remain the same as shown in  FIG. 10 ). This may provide for an easier use of the package  100  with the brushes  102  and  104 . 
   In other embodiments of the present invention, the top passageway  118  may be exposed at the top film  106  and/or the cover film  126 . Similarly, the bottom passageway  124  may be exposed at the bottom film  108  and/or the cover film  128 . This further increases the convenience of dispensing material from the package  100  with the brushes  102  and  104 . For example, with respect to the package  100  shown in  FIG. 9 , the upper portion of the top passageway  118  is defined by the top film  106  and the upper portion of the bottom passageway  124  is defined by the cover film  128 . Thus, in one embodiment, the upper portion of the top passageway  118  may be exposed (i.e., not covered by the top film  106 ) for easy access with the brush  102 . Similarly, the upper portion of the bottom passageway  124  may be exposed (i.e., not covered by the cover sheet  128 ) for easy access with the brush  104 . 
   With respect to the package  100  shown in  FIG. 10 , the upper portion of the top passageway  118  is defined by the top film  106  and the upper portion of the bottom passageway  124  is defined by the bottom film  108 . Thus, in another embodiment of the present invention, the top film  106  does not cover the top passageway  118  and the bottom film  108  does not cover the bottom passageway  124 . This also allows the top passageway  118  and the bottom passageway  124  to be exposed for easy access with the brushes  102  and  104 , respectively. 
   In other embodiments of the present invention, the cover films  126  and  128  may be deep drawn to define trays for dispensing the flowable components, and to prevent the flowable materials from spilling from the package  100  during the dispensing process. This is particularly suitable with the above-discussed embodiments where the top passageway  118  and/or the bottom passageway  124  are exposed. 
   In further embodiments of the present invention, the packages  10  and  100  may include a plurality of sequential mixing/receiving chambers, such as disclosed in Peuker et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,761. This allows the mixing of multiple flowable components in a sequential manner. Moreover, the subsequent chambers may also include subsequent rupturable seals similar to the rupturable seals  42 ,  46 ,  132 , and  136 . In such embodiments, the subsequent rupturable seals may also be broken by activation of the chambers containing the flowable components (e.g., the chambers  114  and  120 ). This is particularly suitable where the subsequent chambers have smaller volumes than the preceding chambers. When the flowable components are forced into the smaller chambers, the pressure exerted breaks the subsequent rupturable seals as well. This forces the flowable components further along the sequential chain of mixing/receiving chambers. 
   The various packages  10  and  100  of the present invention may also be used with dispensing devices, such as clamps, which apply pressure to the top and bottom chambers (i.e., the top chambers  24  and  114  and the bottom chambers  30  and  120 ).  FIG. 11  is a sectional view of the package  10  aligned for assembly with a clamp  200 , which is an example of a suitable dispensing device. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the clamp  200  includes a top plate  202 , a bottom plate  204 , and an extension member  206 , all of which are connected to a hinge  208 . The top plate  202  and the bottom plate  204  are capable of moving axially around the hinge  208  relative to each other to open and close the clamp  200 . The extension member  206  is a thin-film member that extends from the hinge  208 , and may be inserted between the top film  14  and the bottom film  16 , when the top film  14  and the bottom film  16  are secured together. In this situation, the clamp  200  is a permanent fixture to the package  10 . 
     FIG. 12  is a side view of the package  10  in use with the clamp  200 . During the dispensing process, a user may apply pressure to the top plate  202  and the bottom plate  204 . This simultaneously applies pressure to the top chamber  24  and the bottom chamber  30 . Preferably, the top plate  202  and the bottom plate  204  are made of rigid materials to disperse the applied pressure over even surfaces. The clamp  200  may also include a locking arm or other suitable fastener means to secure the clamp  200  in a closed position (with the top plate  202  and the bottom plate  204  aligned generally parallel) after the dispensing process is completed. 
   The packages  10  and  100  of the present invention are devices for storing multiple flowable components together for use (yet separated), and for mixing and dispensing those multiple flowable components in a substantially simultaneous manner. This reduces the time required to mix, dispense, and use the flowable components. Additionally, the packages  10  and  100  are easy to produce, which reduces manufacturing costs and time. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.