US20150158632A1

US20150158632A1 - Multi-compartment membrane sealed container

Info

Publication number: US20150158632A1
Application number: US14/102,719
Authority: US
Inventors: Troy Wilhelm; Peter Slusarczyk; Sjon-Paul Conyer; Megan Cole; Jonathan Smith; April Gandy
Original assignee: Mars Inc
Current assignee: Mars Inc
Priority date: 2013-12-11
Filing date: 2013-12-11
Publication date: 2015-06-11

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-compartment container. The multi-compartment container is used for the storage of food and non-food items. The multi-compartment container has a plurality of compartments that depends on the number of divider walls. The multi-compartment container has a removable divider that allows for the stacking of the container for shipping, prior to filling product into the container, and once filled with product, keeps the product separated. The multi-compartment container has a membrane seal and a lid.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multi-compartment container. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-compartment container that generally comprises a base, a removable divider, a membrane seal, and a lid. More specifically, the present invention may contain one or more dispensing features. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-compartment container that has a removable divider such that the bases and dividers can be stacked for shipping purposes, wherein once assembled, allows single or multiple products to be contained within a single container without contacting one another.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Containers for storing different types of food and non-food materials are known in the art. More specifically in the art, there are various types of containers which provide multiple separate compartments for storing a variety of different types of materials. The benefit of these multi-compartment containers is that more than one type of material can be stored in the container, without migration or mixing of the various materials. However, some of these containers pose difficulties with regard to shipping, as either the product must be present in the container prior to shipping, or the container, including base and divider in one piece, must be shipped as a whole and then filled with the product. The difficulty of multiple compartment containers in the art is that the dividers within the containers are either connected to the walls of the container or molded as one piece with the container base. Thus, these containers consume a large amount of packing space making it more expensive and less efficient to ship them prior to sale. Further, such containers are not capable of having different divider designs because the dividers are integral with the container. Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a multi-compartment container that consumes less space for shipping purposes, while providing multiple product compartments for the separation of various products. What is further needed is a multi-compartment container that has a removable inner divider that forms the compartments therein. What is still further needed is a seal membrane that can contain the removable divider and product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the deficiencies in the prior art and provides a distinct advance in the state of the art. In general, the disclosure provides a multi-compartment container generally comprising a base and a divider, wherein the divider is used to separate one or more varieties of material from one another. In preferred forms, the container further comprises at least one membrane seal for keeping containment, which may include benefits for freshness or other functional needs. In another preferred form, the container further comprises a lid. In another preferred form, the lid further comprises at least one opening or aperture for dispensing product. In preferred forms, the container further comprises more than one opening in the lid for dispensing a variety of products. In preferred forms, the divider is removable from the container, thereby taking up less packing space and rendering the multi-compartment container more efficient and economical to ship. Preferably, a number of different dividers can be made to fit into a variety of containers. For example, dividers comprising 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more compartments when placed in a container, could all be sized to fit within a single container size. Of course, different container sizes are contemplated by the present disclosure, but different dividers could be formed for each of the different container sizes. This provides options for the end user to have different configurations of the multi-compartment container available for use.
In some preferred forms, the multi-compartment container of the present disclosure preferably comprises a base having a closed bottom face and one or more sidewalls to form an open container, where the closed bottom face has a shape suited to the shape of the base. The base of the container preferably has an open top face. The base preferably has at least one side wall, where embodiments are envisioned where the base has 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 sidewalls. In an embodiment where the base is cylindrical, it preferably has one continuous sidewall and a bottom face that is circular in shape. In an alternate embodiment where the base is a cube or square shape, it preferably has four sidewalls. The base is preferably made of a material that is suitable for the material being stored therein. The material of the base can be any conventional material capable of being formed into a desired shape. In preferred forms, the base material is selected from, but not limited to, the group consisting of glass, plastic, acrylic, a synthetic plastic resin, fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride, aluminum, cardboard, metal, or other suitable materials known to those of skill in the art. The shape of the base can be any shape. Some preferable shapes are selected from, but not limited to, a cylinder, cuboid, square, rectangle, hexagon, cylinder, cube, triangular prism, hexagonal prism, cone, or any combination of the aforementioned shapes. In a most preferred embodiment, the base is a rectangle or square. In another preferred embodiment, the base is cylindrical. In one embodiment, the base has a means for attachment at the edge of the top face of the base such that it can engage the lid of the multi-compartment container in a substantially tight manner. The attachment means are preferably selected from, but not limited to, a threading mechanism, a bolt, a clamp, a latch, a lock, a push button mechanism, a click to lock mechanism, a circumferentially-extending lip, or other attachment means known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the lid snaps on top of the base, removable divider and membrane seal. The base also may have a stepped portion or ledge at the open face for receiving the edge of the divider.
The multi-compartment container disclosed herein additionally comprises a divider. The divider is preferably removable from the base. In a preferred embodiment, the divider is flat and has opposing faces. In another embodiment, the divider is collapsible such that it can be produced and flattened prior to shipping. The divider is generally sized to fit within the base of the multi-compartment container. It is preferred that the outside edge of the divider securely touches the inside surfaces of the base in a substantially tight manner, such that the product in one compartment does not contact the product in an adjacent compartment. In some forms of the disclosure, the top outside edge of the divider, when added to the base, sits on the stepped portion, shoulder or ledge at the open face of the base and/or sidewall whereupon the divider rest. In this embodiment, the divider preferably also has a stepped portion, shoulder, or ledge that engages the stepped portion, shoulder or ledge of the base.
The divider is preferably made from a suitable material for holding a product inside the container. Suitable materials for making the divider are the same as for the base including, but not limited to, glass, plastic, acrylic, a synthetic plastic resin, fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride, aluminum, cardboard, metal, or other suitable materials known to those of skill in the art. The divider preferably divides the base into at least 2 compartments when placed within the base, however, a divider is not required, therefore, there may be only one compartment within the container. It is envisioned that the divider divides the base into at least 2 compartments, where the divider may provide at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, or at least 15 compartments. In one embodiment, the divider has a plurality of radiating divider walls extending from a divider axis. The divider preferably has 1-40 radiating walls, where the number of walls envisioned include, but are not limited to 2 walls, 3, walls, 4, walls, 5 walls, 6 walls, 7 walls, 8 walls, 9 walls, 10 walls, 11 walls, 12 walls, 15 walls, 20 walls, 25 walls, 30 walls, or 40 walls. Preferably, divider has an appropriate number of radiating walls to form an appropriate number of compartments for the intended items to be stored in the multi-compartment container.
In an exemplary embodiment, the divider is formed by a single sheet with opposing faces that may be inserted into the open faced container formed by the base and sidewalls in a manner that securely fits the divider on the edge to the inside walls of the container (i.e. the base and the sidewalls) creating two compartments within the container. In another exemplary embodiment, the divider extends from one sidewall of the base to an opposing sidewall of the base. In this embodiment the divider may have a plurality of divider walls that extend to the sidewalls of the base in a manner that securely fits the edge of the divider walls to the inside wall of the base to form a plurality of compartments.
In some preferred forms, the multi-component container of the disclosure further comprises a membrane seal. In one embodiment, a membrane seal is placed over the sidewalls of the open end of the base with the divider inside. The membrane seal is preferably made of a material that is apparent to one skilled in the art for keeping containment and/or maintaining the freshness of the items being stored within the multi-compartment container. The membrane seal can be made of a semi-porous or even a non-porous material, capable of reducing the amount of air exchange between the environment and the inside of the multi-compartment container or provide containment of the product. In some preferred forms, the membrane seal is airtight with the base thereby not allowing any exchange of gases between the environment and the inside of the container formed by the base with sidewalls. Preferably, the membrane seal is made from plastic, foil, aluminum, metal, glass, paper, acrylic, a synthetic plastic resin, fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride, or other suitable materials known to those of skill in the art. The membrane seal could be applied using any know method in the art, including but not limited to, cold, heat, ultrasonic, glue, adhesive, or induction. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. The membrane seal preferably provides a means for preventing outside air or selective portions of the outside air from entering the multi-compartment container of the present disclosure. However it may also be used for containment of the product through the distribution of the product.
In one embodiment, the membrane seal is a singular piece which covers the entire open face of the base. In an alternate embodiment, the multi-component container comprises multiple membrane seals, where there is a membrane seal covering each compartment within the container separately, such that the freshness of the product in each compartment is maintained until the user wishes to access the product in each compartment.
In a preferred embodiment, the multi-compartment container of the present disclosure includes a lid. The lid preferably has complementary engaging means adapted to releasably engage the lid to the base in a substantially tight manner. The lid preferably has 1-20 apertures. The lid can have several different arrangements, where in one embodiment; the lid has the number of apertures equaling the number of compartments formed by inserting the divider into the base of the multi-compartment container. In an alternate embodiment, the lid has one aperture or opening, wherein multiple products contained therein can be dispensed. In another embodiment, the lid preferably rotates about the open face of the base and can be rotated and retained over a particular compartment or combination of compartments of the multi-component container, such that it allows a user to selectively empty the product from any compartment or compartments created by the divider. The lid is preferably made from a material selected from, but not limited to, glass, plastic, acrylic, a synthetic plastic resin, fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride, aluminum, cardboard, metal, or other suitable materials known to those of skill in the art. In one embodiment, the lid has a means for attachment in the inside of the lid such that it can engage the top face of the base, generally formed by the sidewalls, of the multi-compartment container in a substantially tight manner. The attachment means are preferably selected from, but not limited to, a threading mechanism, a bolt, a clamp, a latch, a lock, a push button mechanism, a click to lock mechanism, a partial or whole circumferentially-extending lip, snapping on, or other attachment means known in the art.
In one embodiment, the lid has an outer component and an inner component. This allows the inner component of the lid to maintain its secure connection to the base, while allowing the outer component of the lid to rotate about the inner component of the lid, allowing a user to selectively access the product within the container. Preferably, the outer component of the lid can be spun about a central axis such that the aperture can line up with a compartment therein, allowing a user to access the product in one or more compartments of the container.
In a preferred embodiment, the base is manufactured separately from the removable divider, the lid, and the membrane seal. This is advantageous for the storage and shipment of the multi-compartment containers. Preferably, the base can be stacked upon or nested within like bases. In a preferred embodiment, the internal walls of the base have a stepped portion, stack ledges or shoulders whereupon another base can be stacked within the base to maximize space. The stepped portion, stack shoulders or ledges provide for more efficient stacking of the bases, and for centering and placement of the dividers within the bases. Similarly, after the manufacture of the removable dividers, the dividers may be stacked upon like compartment dividers. In a preferred embodiment, the outer edges of the removable divider has a stepped portion, ledges or shoulders whereupon the ledges or shoulders fit on top of the similar stepped portion, shoulder or ledge of the base to provide for more efficient centering and placement of the removable divider within the base. In an embodiment where the dividers are collapsible, the stacking of the dividers is even more efficient. Similarly, after the manufacture of the lids the lids can be stacked upon like lids. The ability to manufacture and ship all components separately adds to the advantage of the present invention. The component parts are preferably shipped separately, assembled, and then filled with product. The membrane seal is also advantageous in providing a fresh product or containment to a consumer, and is applied after the product is placed within the container.
Preferably, a method of assembling the multi-compartment container is provided. Preferably, the method includes the steps of placing the removable divider in the base, inserting the product into the compartments in the base created by the divider, and attaching a lid to retain the product therein. In some preferred forms, one or more additional steps can include sealing the base, and attaching the lid to the base on top of the membrane seal. In an alternate embodiment where the membrane seal is attached within the lid, the steps of the method preferably include placing the divider in the base, inserting the product into the compartments in the base created by the divider, attaching the membrane seal to the lid, and attaching the lid to the base.
The multi-compartment container of the present invention is preferably configured for the storage and transport of food and non-food items. Preferably, the multi-compartment container holds products such, as, but not limited to, pet treats, pet food, bones or natural pet products, pet chews, human food products, snacks, confections, candy, chew toys, and combinations thereof. The multi-compartment container has a size that is appropriate for the product being held within the multi-compartment container. The potential sizes for the container are apparent to one skilled in the art, ranging from very small to very large.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi compartment container, showing a single aperture rotatable lid;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi compartment container with a single sided lid opening, but prior to the removable divider being inserted;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi compartment container with a lid having individual compartment selection;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi compartment container with a two sided opening;

FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of an embodiment of the multi compartment container with a cuboidal shape;

FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of an oval spheroidally-shaped embodiment of the multi compartment container;

FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of a pyrimidally-shaped embodiment of the multi-compartment container;

FIG. 9 is an external perspective view of a cube-shaped embodiment of the multi-compartment container;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a cuboidal-shaped embodiment of the multi-compartment container with two compartments, a single membrane seal, and no apertures in the lid;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a cuboidal-shaped embodiment of the multi-compartment container with four compartments, a single membrane seal, and four apertures in the lid;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a cuboidal-shaped embodiment of the multi-compartment container with two compartments, two membrane seals, and two apertures in the lid; and

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a cuboidal-shaped embodiment of the multi-compartment container with four compartments, four membrane seals, and four apertures in the lid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of the multi-compartment container 2. The multi-compartment container generally comprises a base 5, a divider 12, a membrane seal 20, and a lid 30. The base 5 preferably comprises a closed bottom face 7, one or more sidewalls 6, and a top face 8, which is preferably open. Preferably, the top face 8 of the base 5 has attachment means for attaching the lid 30 to the base 5. Preferably, the attachment means comprises an attachment mechanism that facilitates coupling of the base 5 to lid 30.
The multi-compartment container 2 preferably also includes a divider 12. The divider 12 preferably has one or more sidewalls 13, which create one or more separate compartments 17, which can be seen in FIG. 4, when placed within the base 5 by contacting the closed bottom face 7 and one or more sidewalls 6. In some preferred forms, the divider includes multiple sidewalls radiating from an axis 18. Preferably, the divider 12 fits securely within the base 5. The edge 14 of the divider 12 preferably touches at least one sidewall 6 of the base 5 when inserted such that a product in one compartment of the multi-compartment container 2 is prevented from contacting the product in an adjacent compartment or moving between adjacent compartments.
As can be seen in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, there are several exemplary embodiments of the divider. FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate embodiments that form multiple compartments by having a plurality of divider walls 19 a-d radiating from an axis 18. It is contemplated that a single multi-compartment container could include a plurality of radiating axes with divider walls radially extending out from each axis. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment where the divider 16 creates two compartments. The divider 12 can be collapsible. This can be accomplished using many conventional configurations known in the art. For example the radially extending divider walls 19 may have a flexible connection to the axis 18 whereby they can be folded on top of one another. In other embodiments, the divider walls 19 may be detachable from the axis 18.
FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment wherein the divider has not yet been placed therein. In preferred forms, the bottom face 7 has a slightly smaller diameter than the top face 8 such that when the lid 30 is not placed on the base 5, another similarly shaped base 5 can be nested within the base 5 to reduce the space needed for shipping.
In some preferred forms, the multi-compartment container 2 comprises a membrane seal 20. The membrane seal 20 may be placed over the top face 8 of the base 5 or may be incorporated into the lid 30. There may be one or more seals 20 over the top face 8 of the base 5, where each membrane seal may cover a single compartment, a plurality of compartments, or all of the compartments within the multi-compartment container 2. In an embodiment where the membrane seal 20 is incorporated into the lid 30, there may be an individual membrane seal for each aperture within the lid 30, such that one may access the product in one container compartment without disturbing the membrane seal 20 covering another compartment in the multi-compartment container 2. In one embodiment, the membrane seal 20 comprises a tab 21 (as shown in FIG. 1) for removing the membrane seal 20 from the top face 8 of the base 5.
In some preferred forms, a lid 30 is also provided as part of the multi-compartment container 2. As illustrated in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the lid 30 has a top face 31, a sidewall 32 and one or more apertures 33. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the lid 43 with one aperture 44. In the embodiment in FIG. 2, the lid 30 rotates about an axis such that the aperture 44 can be positioned over an individual compartment to provide selective access to the product in that compartment. This aperture can be hingedly connected to the lid, or it can be removable and replaceable. FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the lid 35 having one large aperture 3, wherein the divider has not yet been inserted into the base. 6. In this embodiment, the divider 12 may have only one wall that divides the container into 2 separate compartments. However, it is understood that the divider 12 may have more than one divider wall. In such embodiments, product from more than one compartment could be accessed through the aperture 36 in the lid 30. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment where the lid 48 has multiple apertures 49 a-f, having one aperture 49 for each compartment in the multi-component container 2. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the lid 39 having two apertures 40 a, 40 b, with one aperture for each compartment of the multi-compartment container. The lid 30 also preferably comprises a means for attaching the lid 30 to the base 5. The attachment means may be a threading mechanism, a click close, magnet, push button close, a bolt, a lock, a cooperative lip, or other type of attachment means.
As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-compartment container 2 is preferably assembled by placing the divider 12 into the base 5, placing the product into the compartments, securing the membrane seal 20 and attaching the lid 30 to the top face 8 of the base 5. In an embodiment where the membrane seal 20 is incorporated into the lid 30, the multi-compartment container 2 is assembled by placing the divider 12 into the base 5, placing the product into the compartments, and attaching the lid 30 incorporating the membrane seal 20 onto the top face 8 of the base 5. Preferably the divider 12 can be produced separately from the base 5 such that they can be shipped separately. This is an advantageous aspect of the present invention.
FIGS. 6-9 provides an external view of various shapes and sizes of multi-compartment containers 2 of the present invention. The multi-compartment container shape is preferably selected from, but not limited to, a cube, triangular prism, sphere, a 3 dimensional rectangular or cuboidal shape, a cylinder, an oval shape, a 3 dimensional hexagon, a 3 dimensional star shape, or any other shape suitable for holding the product.
FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of the multi-compartment container 2 in a cuboidal shape with two separate compartments, a single membrane seal, and no apertures in the lid. The multi-compartment container in FIG. 10 generally comprises a base 5, a divider 60, a membrane seal 55, and a lid 50. The membrane seal 50 preferably has a tab 55 for facilitating easy removal of the membrane seal 50. The base 5 preferably comprises a closed bottom face 7, one or more sidewalls 6, and a top face 8, which is preferably open. The base 5 also has a stepped portion, shoulder or ledges 9. Preferably, the top face 8 of the base 5 has attachment means for attaching the lid 50 to the base 5. Preferably, the attachment means comprises an attachment mechanism that facilitates coupling of the base 5 to lid 50.
The multi-compartment container 2, as in FIG. 10, preferably also includes a removable divider 60. The divider 60 preferably has opposing faces, which create two separate compartments when placed within the base 5 by contacting the closed bottom face 7 and one or more sidewalls 13. Preferably, the divider 60 fits securely within the base 5. The edge 62 of the divider 60 preferably touches the sidewall 6 of the base 5 and has a stepped portion, shoulder or ledges 61 that when inserted into the base 5, prevents a product in one compartment of the multi-compartment container 2 from contacting the product in an adjacent compartment or moving between adjacent compartments by resting on a ledge within the base 5. Preferably, the stepped portion, shoulder or ledge 61 of the divider 60 engages the stepped portion, shoulder or ledge 9 of the base 5, when the divider 60 is placed in the base 5.
FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the multi-compartment container 2 in a cuboidal shape with four separate compartments, a single membrane seal, and four apertures in the lid. The multi-compartment container generally comprises a base 5, a removable divider 70, a membrane seal 55, and a lid 65. The membrane seal preferably also has a tab 56 for easily removing the membrane 55. The base 5 preferably comprises a closed bottom face 7, one or more sidewalls 6, and a top face 8, which is preferably open. The base 5 also has a stepped portion, shoulder or ledges 9. Preferably, the top face 8 of the base 5 has attachment means for attaching the lid 65 to the base 5. Preferably, the attachment means comprises an attachment mechanism that facilitates coupling of the base 5 to lid 65. The lid 65 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, has four apertures 66. The lid 65 also has a tab 67 for accessing aperture 66 in the lid 65.
The multi-compartment container 2 illustrated in FIG. 11 preferably also includes a divider 70. The divider 70 preferably has four sidewalls 72, which create four separate compartments when placed within the base 5 by contacting the closed bottom face 7 of the base 5 and one or more sidewalls 72 of the divider 70 contact one or more sidewalls 6 of the base 5. Preferably, the divider 70 fits securely within the base 5. The edge 71 of the divider 70 preferably touches the sidewall 6 of the base 5 and has a stepped portion, shoulder or ledges 73 that when inserted prevents a product in one compartment of the multi-compartment container 2 from contacting the product in an adjacent compartment or moving between adjacent compartments by resting on a stepped portion, shoulder, or ledge 9 within the base 5. Preferably, the stepped portion, shoulder or ledge 73 of the divider 70 engages the stepped portion, shoulder or ledge 9 of the base 5, when the divider 70 is placed in the base 5.
FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of the multi-compartment container 2 in a cuboidal shape with two separate compartments, a dual membrane seal, and two apertures in the lid. The multi-compartment container generally comprises a base 5, a divider 60, a dual membrane seal 80, and a lid 75. The membrane seal preferably has a tab 82 for easily removing the membrane seal 80. There may be a tab 82 for each portion 81 of the membrane seal 80. The base 5 preferably comprises a closed bottom face 7, one or more sidewalls 6, and a top face 8, which is preferably open. The base 5 also has a stepped portion, shoulder or ledges 9. Preferably, the top face 8 of the base 5 has attachment means for attaching the lid 75 to the base 5. Preferably, the attachment means comprises an attachment mechanism that facilitates coupling of the base 5 to lid 75. The lid 75, as illustrated in FIG. 12 has two apertures 76. Additionally, the lid 75 may have one or more tabs 77 for accessing each aperture 76. The membrane seal 80 is divided into two seals 81, preferably one for each compartment formed by the divider 60.
The multi-compartment container 2 as illustrated in FIG. 12 preferably also includes a divider 60. The divider 60 preferably has opposing faces, which create two separate compartments when placed within the base 5 by contacting the closed bottom face 7 of the base 5 and the opposing faces of the divider 60. Preferably, the divider 60 fits securely within the base 5. The edge 62 of the divider 60 preferably touches the sidewall 6 of the base 5 and has a stepped portion, shoulder or ledges 61 that when inserted into the base 5 prevents a product in one compartment of the multi-compartment container 2 from contacting the product in an adjacent compartment or moving between adjacent compartments by resting on a stepped portion, shoulder or ledge 9 within the base 5.
FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of the multi-compartment container 2 in a cuboidal shape with four separate compartments, a four part membrane seal 90, and four apertures 86 in the lid 85. The multi-compartment container generally comprises a base 5, a divider 70, a four-part membrane seal 90, and a lid 85. The base 5 preferably comprises a closed bottom face 7, one or more sidewalls 6, and a top face 8, which is preferably open. The base 5 also has a stepped portion, shoulder or ledges 9. Preferably, the top face 8 of the base 5 has attachment means for attaching the lid 85 to the base 5. Preferably, the attachment means comprises an attachment mechanism that facilitates coupling of the base 5 to lid 85. The lid 85 has four apertures 86 and a tab 87 for selectively opening each aperture 86. The membrane seal 90 is divided into four seals 91. The membrane seal 90 also has one or more tabs 92, where each tab 92 is attached to each section 91 of the membrane seal 90.
The multi-compartment container 2, as illustrated in FIG. 13, preferably also includes a divider 70. The divider 70 preferably has four sidewalls 72, which create four separate compartments when placed within the base 5 by contacting the closed bottom face 7 of the base 5 and having the sidewalls 72 of the divider 70 contact the sidewalls 6 of the base 5. Preferably, the divider 70 fits securely within the base 5. The edge 71 of the divider 70 preferably touches the sidewall 6 of the base 5 and has a stepped portion, shoulder or ledges 73 that when inserted into the base 5 prevents a product in one compartment of the multi-compartment container 2 from contacting the product in an adjacent compartment or moving between adjacent compartments by resting on a stepped portion, shoulder or ledge 9 within the base 5.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A multi-compartment container comprising:

a base comprising a bottom face, a top face, and at least one sidewall there between;

a removable divider in said base, wherein the divider forms two or more compartments in the multi-compartment container;

a lid; and

a membrane seal;

2. The multi-compartment container of claim 1, wherein said lid has one or more apertures.

3. The multi-compartment container of claim 1, wherein said membrane seal is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, aluminum, metal, glass, paper, acrylic, a synthetic plastic resin, fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride, and combinations thereof.

4. The multi compartment container of claim 1, wherein said removable divider is flat.

5. The multi-compartment container of claim 1, wherein said removable divider is collapsible.

6. The multi-compartment container of claim 1, wherein said base and said removable divider are produced separately.

7. The multi-compartment container of claim 1, further comprising a product in said multi-compartment container, wherein said product is selected from the group consisting of pet chews, pet treats, pet food, and combinations thereof.

8. The multi-compartment container of claim 1, further comprising a product in said multi-compartment container, wherein said product is selected from the group consisting of candy, snacks, confections, food and combinations thereof.

9. The multi-compartment container of claim 1 wherein a connection between said lid and said base permits relative movement between said lid and said base such that said lid is rotatable about an axis while connected to said base.