Fiber-based separator for compartmentalized container

Abstract

A paper fiber-based partition or divider for use in dividing or separating products in a container that house different products is provided. A separate product container for housing one of the products may be utilized.

1 . A container for housing at least two different products in a separated environment, the container, when filled with the at least two different products, comprising:
 a container housing, the container housing having a first closed end and a second closed end;   at least a first product and a second product within the container housing, wherein the first product is different from the second product, wherein the first product is located within the container housing adjacent to the first closed end and wherein the second product is located within the housing adjacent to the second closed end;   a separate product container housing the second product and located adjacent to the second end and wherein the separate product container comprises at least one open end; and   at least one removable, flexible divider comprising more than 50% papermaking fibers and located within the container housing between the first product and the separate product container housing so as to separate the first product from the second product,   wherein the first product is separated from the second product until the removable divider is removed from the separate product container.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one divider is coated with a moisture resistant coating. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the moisture resistant coating comprises a wax. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one divider is located closer to the first closed end than the second closed end. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the container housing is cylindrically shaped and wherein the at least one divider is circular in shape. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one divider is of a size to tightly fit within the cylindrically-shaped container housing. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the container housing and separate product container are cylindrically shaped and the at least one divider is circular. 
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one divider is not circular and the separate product container is not cylindrical and the at least one divider and the open end of the separate product container have mating shapes. 
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the first product and the second product are food products. 
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one divider further comprises a thickness between 0.0018-0.0021 inches. 
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one divider is sized to be larger than the exterior size of the separate product container. 
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one divider is placed onto the at least one open end of the separate product container such that the divider overhangs an edge of the separate product container. 
     
     
         13 . The container according to  claim 12 , wherein the divider overhang portion is in contact with both the exterior edge of the separate product container and the interior of the container housing. 
     
     
         14 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the divider is adhered to the walls of the interior of the container housing. 
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the divider is adhered onto the at least one open end of the separate product container. 
     
     
         16 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one divider further comprises ridges for enhancing a stiffness of the at least one divider. 
     
     
         17 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the first product comprises a dough and the second product comprises an icing. 
     
     
         18 . The container according to  claim 1 , wherein the divider comprises a depression extending partially into the separate product container. 
     
     
         19 . The container according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one divider may expand and contract.