Multi-opening, leak-proof packet

Abstract

A flexible, multi-opening, leak-proof packet having a defined volume for storing and dispensing fluids. A first packet area, e.g., at or near an upper edge is configured to include a capped dispensing outlet. A second packet area, e.g., at or near a lower surface, includes at least one inlet for receiving transfers of fluids for storage. The inlet is selectively closed and opened by a zipper mechanism tab, and sized to facilitate rapid transfers from larger containers. Additional openings may be included along with zipper closures. The packet may be individual or attached in multiples for vending purposes, and are especially useful in an airport setting where carry-on baggage inspectors demand disposal of non-compliant containers if contents are not quickly transferred to compliant containers. These packets can be quickly deployed and collectively stored within a larger, compliant carry-on container. This unique packet is useful in a great variety of fields.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]All priority benefits under 35 USC 119(e) of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 995,066 filed Sep. 25, 2007 are hereby claimed and the contents thereof in their entirety incorporated herein by reference. The present invention is the subject matter of a Disclosure Document filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jan. 29, 2007 and registered as No. 612161. All benefits of said registered Disclosure Document are claimed under 35 U.S.C. Section 122, 37 C.F.R. Section 1.14, and MPEP section 1706.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH[0002]Not ApplicableSEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]The present invention relates to the field of containers and packaging, and more particularly to packets, bottles, flexible leak-proof bags and the like developed for carrying or transporting fluid, paste, liquid, gel substances and the like. While in no way intended as limited to...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0040]For a more comprehensive understanding of the invention, reference now is made to the attached drawings when read in combination with the following detailed description. Reference numerals will refer to like parts throughou

Problems solved by technology

As such, Sill's bag is not likely to be considered a candidate for extended storage of fluid materials.

Nor is this bag of the durable construction necessary to endure transport.

This bag is not configured or sturdy enough to include a cap or nozzle for easy fluid dispersal therefrom.

It is noted that prior art containers of the type depicted suffer a number of disadvantages which render them ineffective or, at least, inconvenient for use under the conditions described hereabove and offered more in detail below.

However, unlike the invention presented herein, a consumer's subsequent attempts to access or disperse the transferred fluid (such as face cream, hand lotion, perfume, tooth paste, hair gel and the like), cannot possibly be neatly accomplished, if at all, through the zippered opening afforded by the prior art containers.

Consumer reviews posted on the popular Amazon, Inc. commercial website complain that preexisting containers provided by these 3-1-1 TSA compliant kits are too rigid to permit easy dispersal of stored fluids.

Also, typical miniature bottle-shaped configurations do not fit well together when co-stored in a single 1-quart sized container as required, resulting in inefficient use of storage capacity.

Another complaint about these and / or similar kits is that transferring fluids from a larger, non-TSA compliant container to miniature bottles is tedious because the smaller container opening is much smaller than that of the larger container, resulting in wasteful and messy spillage.

A common problem with respect to transferring fluid from larger (donor) containers to smaller (recipient) containers is that the fluid cannot easily enter the smaller container volume.

This is because fluids flowing against the smaller openings do not permit venting air from the recipient container volume.

The result, again, is spillage as contained air blocks the fluid path.

Second, the flange header may include holes for suspension or display rods used in a point-of-sale display or in vending machines.

This labeling opportunity can be important or even critical when the original containers have been discarded.

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