Multi-compartment package having temperature dependent frangible seals

Abstract

Disclosed is a multi-compartment package made from flexible polymeric material heat sealed at the peripheral edges for filling with products that are to be stored separately from each other and then combined after heating. Temperature dependent frangible seals between the sheets of polymeric packaging material form the compartments of the package. Also disclosed are films suitable for use in these packages. Also disclosed are convenience meals comprising these packages.

1 . A multilayer film comprising or produced from at least one polymer layer and at least one sealant layer wherein the polymer layer comprises or is produced from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyester, polyvinylidene chloride, ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer, or combinations of two or more thereof; the sealant layer comprises or is produced from amorphous polyethylene terephthalate copolymer, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, or combination thereof; and the sealant layer is a temperature-dependent frangible seal capable of forming a seal with strength greater than 1,500 g/inch.  
     
     
         2 . The film of  claim 1  wherein the polymer layer comprises a layer that comprises or is produced from polyamide.  
     
     
         3 . The film of  claim 2  wherein the polymer layer further comprises a layer comprising or produced from oriented polyethylene terephthalate.  
     
     
         4 . The film of  claim 1  wherein the sealant layer comprises or is produced from amorphous polyethylene terephthalate copolymer.  
     
     
         5 . The film of  claim 3  wherein the sealant layer comprises or is produced from amorphous polyethylene terephthalate copolymer.  
     
     
         6 . The film of  claim 1  further comprising at least one insulating layer.  
     
     
         7 . The film of  claim 6  wherein the insulating layer has a thermal resistant value of least 0.05 CLO (or 0.0077 m 2 K/W) and at least 0.0075 inch (0.0190 cm) thick.  
     
     
         8 . The film of  claim 7  wherein the polymer layer comprises a layer that comprises or is produced from polyamide.  
     
     
         9 . The film of  claim 8  wherein the polymer layer further comprises a layer comprising or produced from oriented polyethylene terephthalate.  
     
     
         10 . The film of  claim 7  wherein the sealant layer comprises or is produced from amorphous polyethylene terephthalate copolymer.  
     
     
         11 . The film or sheet of  claim 9  wherein the sealant layer comprises or is produced from amorphous polyethylene terephthalate copolymer.  
     
     
         12 . The film of  claim 7  wherein the polymer layer comprises or is produced from polyester and the sealant layer comprises or is produced from amorphous polyethylene terephthalate copolymer.  
     
     
         13 . A multi-compartment package comprising first sheet of polymer film, second sheet of polymer film and at least one temperature-dependent frangible seal wherein the film is as recited in  claim 1  and the seal is the sealant layer recited in  claim 1 .  
     
     
         14 . The package of  claim 13  wherein the first sheet and second sheet are positioned in overlying relationship and permanently heat-sealed on the peripheral edges of the sheets to form a package; and the seal is positioned at a predetermined location within the package to form separated compartments between the first sheet and second sheet.  
     
     
         15 . The package of  claim 13  wherein the second sheet is superimposed on the first sheet; the first sheet and the second sheet are sealed to each other directly or indirectly through a third intervening polymer film thereby defining a sealed perimeter forming a pouch; the pouch comprises at least one gusset; and the seal divides the pouch into separated compartments.  
     
     
         16 . The package of  claim 14  further comprising a foodstuff confined to one of the compartments and at least one other foodstuff confined to at least one other compartment.  
     
     
         17 . The package of  claim 15  further comprising a foodstuff confined to one of the compartments and at least one other foodstuff confined to at least one other compartment.  
     
     
         18 . The package of  claim 16  wherein the film is as recited in  claim 3  and the seal is the sealant layer recited in  claim 3 .  
     
     
         19 . The package of  claim 16  wherein the film is as recited in  claim 3  and the seal is the sealant layer recited in  claim 5 .  
     
     
         20 . The package of  claim 16  wherein the film is as recited in  claim 3  and the seal is the sealant layer recited in  claim 11 .  
     
     
         21 . The package of  claim 16  wherein the film is as recited in  claim 3  and the seal is the sealant layer recited in  claim 12 .  
     
     
         22 . The package of  claim 17  wherein the film is as recited in  claim 3  and the seal is the sealant layer recited in  claim 5 .  
     
     
         23 . The package of  claim 17  wherein the film is as recited in  claim 3  and the seal is the sealant layer recited in  claim 11 .  
     
     
         24 . The package of  claim 17  wherein the film is as recited in  claim 3  and the seal is the sealant layer recited in  claim 12 .  
     
     
         25 . A convenience meal comprising a package as recited in  claim 13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21 ,  22 ,  23 , or  24 ; a foodstuff or ingredient contained in one of the compartments; and at least one other foodstuff or ingredient contained in at least one other of the compartments; wherein the at least one temperature frangible seals are rupture on heating.  
     
     
         26 . The convenience meal of  claim 25  comprising dry oatmeal and water.