Handheld packet for one-handed operation

Abstract

A handheld packet designed for one-handed operation with an elongated tab portion that can be gripped between the thumb and forefinger of the hand holding the packet. The elongated tab serves as a moment arm for breaching the neck of the packet when the elongated tab is pulled away from the packet. Breaching the neck portion of the packet permits the contents of the packet can be removed. The neck portion of the packet can be scored or serrated to further facilitate breaching the neck portion and opening the packet. The tab portion can be made from a textured material to increase grip, and the packet can be formed from layers of materials with different properties to enable storage of food, medicine, dangerous or sensitive chemicals, or other substances.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not ApplicableSTATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention relates to generally to flexible containers and specifically to sealed packets of a size to be held and opened in a single hand, in particular. The packet is suitable for use when use of two hands for opening a small container is inconvenient, impracticable, or impossible.[0005]2. Background of the Invention[0006]It is not uncommon for one hand to be in use when both hands are needed for another task. Indeed, it is an oft-heard complaint that an individual only has two hands when three or four are desired, or even necessary.[0007]Some instances where a person yearns for an extra limb are simple inconveniences, and could appear at first blush to be the subject of an old comedy routine. Such situations, however, loose their comedic value when the observer becomes the victim of the incon...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]In order to minimize the breaching force required to rupture the neck portion and expose the formerly enclosed interior space, the neck exterior surface can be scored. A scored neck exterior surface aids in concentrating the breaching force in a smaller area than without the scored surface, and weakens the structural integrity of the neck portion as the breaching force ruptures the packet. The neck exterior surface can define an edge that is scored, particularly where the scored edge is directly below the elongated aspect of the tab portion where the breaching force generated by the lever arm is greatest. The neck exterior surface can also define an edge that is serrated to similar effect. Additionally the tab portion can be made from material with a texture providing increased surface friction for use in gripping the tab portion and utilizing it as a lever arm.

[0016]The packet, or layers of the packet, can be made from materials suitable for containing solids, liquids, gels, or gases. The materials from which the packet is formed can be flexible so that the contents can be squeezed out, especially when the contents are liquids or gels. Durable materials can be used to form the packet in order to safely store sharp or pointed objects. Other materials can be chosen to protect the contents of the packet from static electricity, moisture, air, lights, or other environmental factors that could cause the contents of the packet to degrade, react, or otherwise be harmed.

Problems solved by technology

Pulling the tab portion in such a manner will generate a breaching force that will rupture the neck portion and expose the formerly enclosed interior space allowing the contents of the packet to be removed.

A scored neck exterior surface aids in concentrating the breaching force in a smaller area than without the scored surface, and weakens the structural integrity of the neck portion as the breaching force ruptures the packet.

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