Flexible stand-up package, and methods of dispensing

Abstract

A flexible storage package defined by a body having a first part, a second part, and a third, base part. At least one and preferably both of the first part and the second part have an interior volume for receiving and dispensing a product. Each of the first part and the second part is movable, in relation to the third part, from a first position to a second position. The first position can also be referred to as a “display” or “standing” position. The second position can also be referred to as a “use” position. When both of the parts are in the first position, the package has a generally triangular or tent-like configuration. The third part forms the base of the triangle or tent. When both of the parts are in the second position, the package has a generally flat or planar configuration.

1 . A flexible package comprising:
 (a) a body having a first part, a second part and a third part, the first part hingedly connected to the third part, the second part hingedly connected to the third part, and the first part connected to the second part at a removable header portion; and   (b) at least one of the first part and the second part having an internal volume for receiving an item therein.   
     
     
         2 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first part, the second part and the third part comprises two sheets of plastic material, with the internal volume of the at least one of the first part and the second part defined by the two sheets of plastic material. 
     
     
         3 . The package of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one of the first part and the second part having the internal volume defines an aperture for accessing the internal volume. 
     
     
         4 . The package of  claim 2 , wherein both the first part and the second part have an internal volume for receiving an item therein. 
     
     
         5 . The package of  claim 4 , wherein both the first part and the second part define an aperture for accessing the internal volume. 
     
     
         6 . The package of  claim 5  comprising a first item in the internal volume of the first part and a second item in the internal volume of the second part. 
     
     
         7 . The package of  claim 6  wherein the first item or the second item is one of a facial tissue, a plastic bag, a pre-moistened wipe, or an anti-bacterial wipe. 
     
     
         8 . The package of  claim 5  wherein the first item and the second item are different. 
     
     
         9 . The package of  claim 1  wherein the third part includes a stiffening member. 
     
     
         10 . The package of  claim 9  wherein the third part comprises a pocket and the stiffening member is present within the pocket. 
     
     
         11 . A flexible storage package having a body comprising three parts, a first part hingedly connected to a third part, and a second part hingedly connected to the third part, with at least one of the three parts having an internal volume for receiving an item therein, the package moveable from a first position to a second position:
 (a) the first position having the first part and the second part connected at a header to form a triangular configuration; and   (b) the second position having the header removed and the three parts generally planar.   
     
     
         12 . The package of  claim 11 , wherein the head portion includes an area of weakness. 
     
     
         13 . The package of  claim 12 , wherein the area of weakness is a tear strip. 
     
     
         14 . The package of  claim 11 , further comprising a hang hole through the header. 
     
     
         15 . The package of  claim 11 , wherein with in the second position, the third part is positioned between the first part and the second part. 
     
     
         16 . The package of  claim 11 , wherein each of the three parts comprises flexible plastic material. 
     
     
         17 . The package of  claim 11 , wherein each of the three parts comprises two sheets of plastic material. 
     
     
         18 . The package of  claim 11 , wherein the first part has an internal volume for receiving an item therein. 
     
     
         19 . The package of  claim 11 , wherein the first part and the second part have an internal volume for receiving an item therein. 
     
     
         20 . The package of  claim 19  wherein the item is one of a facial tissue, a plastic bag, a pre-moistened wipe, or an anti-bacterial wipe. 
     
     
         21 . The package of  claim 11  comprising a stiffening member present in one of the three parts. 
     
     
         22 . A method of dispensing an item comprising:
 (a) providing a storage package in a first position, the package having a first part, a second part connected to the first part, and a third part hingedly connected to the first part and to the second part;   (b) breaking the connection between the first part and the second part;   (c) after breaking the connection, moving the package from the first position to a second position; and   (d) removing an item from one of the first part and the second part.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the step of moving the package from the first position to the second position comprises:
 (a) moving the package from a display position to a dispensing position.   
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the step of moving the package from the display position to the dispensing position comprises: (a) moving the package from a triangular position to a planar position.