Multi-Chamber Package with Tear Feature

Abstract

A multiple chamber package is illustrated which includes two or more containers that are connected by a tear strip in which the tear strip is connected to each of the containers by a tear line. The container can be torn away from the tear strip to thereby provide a smaller package and as such may be more desirable for being carried around in one's pocket or otherwise. By connecting multiple containers together and using a tear strip, a large billboard area is also provided for marketing information to more easily convey information along about the contents of the package to the consumer. The overall package may be formed as a unit, single molded plastic component part with simple as opposed to complex molding techniques.

1 . A multiple chamber package, comprising:
 a first and second containers having openings,   a first and second lids adapted to selectively close and open the openings of the first and second containers; and   at least one tear web connecting the first and second containers.   
   
   
       2 . The multiple chamber package of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second containers are unitarily connected to the first and second lids by first and second living hinges, respectively. 
   
   
       3 . The multiple chamber package of  claim 2 , wherein the multiple chamber package comprises a single molded plastic component part forming the containers, and the lids; wherein the single molded plastic component part has substantially no undercuts relative to a molding part plane such that the single molded plastic component part can be molded from a two-piece mold without cores or splits. 
   
   
       4 . The multiple chamber package of  claim 1 , further comprising a tear strip spacing the first and second containers apart. 
   
   
       5 . The multiple chamber package of  claim 4 , wherein tear strip in combination with the first and second containers form a billboard having marketing information thereon, one wall of each of the first and second containers being generally coplanar. 
   
   
       6 . The multiple chamber package of  claim 4 , further comprising first and second tear lines connecting the tear strip to the first and second containers, respectively, wherein manual tearing action is operative to tear the first and second containers away from the tear strip along the first and second tear lines, respectively. 
   
   
       7 . The multiple chamber package of  claim 6 , wherein the tear lines comprising thinned webs of plastic material joining a thicker central region of the tear strip to corners of the containers, the central region disposed between the tear lines. 
   
   
       8 . The multiple chamber package of  claim 7 , wherein each container is generally rectangular having a rectangular base and a rectangular sidewall projecting upward from the base, including four walls joined by corners, to an open end to define one of the openings engageable with one of the lids. 
   
   
       9 . The multiple chamber package of  claim 8 , wherein three of the corners are substantially arcuate and one of the corners includes a substantially pointed region for forming the tear line. 
   
   
       10 . The multiple chamber package of  claim 9 , wherein each container has a length running from the base to the open end between about 2 and about 5 inches; and widths between opposed ones of the walls of between about 1 and about 2 inches.