US20190300246A1 - Disposable travel pouch - Google Patents
Disposable travel pouch Download PDFInfo
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- US20190300246A1 US20190300246A1 US16/297,805 US201916297805A US2019300246A1 US 20190300246 A1 US20190300246 A1 US 20190300246A1 US 201916297805 A US201916297805 A US 201916297805A US 2019300246 A1 US2019300246 A1 US 2019300246A1
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- Prior art keywords
- port
- dispensing
- filling structure
- filling
- dispensing structure
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/52—Details
- B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
- B65D75/5861—Spouts
- B65D75/5872—Non-integral spouts
- B65D75/5883—Non-integral spouts connected to the package at the sealed junction of two package walls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D35/00—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor
- B65D35/24—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor with auxiliary devices
- B65D35/26—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor with auxiliary devices for filling
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D35/00—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor
- B65D35/44—Closures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
- B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
- B65D47/0804—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
- B65D47/0833—Hinges without elastic bias
- B65D47/0838—Hinges without elastic bias located at an edge of the base element
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/52—Details
- B65D75/54—Cards, coupons, or other inserts or accessories
- B65D75/56—Handles or other suspension means
- B65D75/566—Hand holes or suspension apertures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2221/00—Small packaging specially adapted for product samples, single-use packages or échantillons
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to a pouch for storing flowable substances during travel, and more particularly to portable travel pouch that can be filled, dispensed from and then disposed after a single use.
- Travel bottles used by commercial airline passengers must be configured to comply with governmental air travel rules.
- TSA Transportation Security Administration
- the TSA requires that these containers must fit into a separate quart-sized resealable bag.
- container configurations where multiple caps are used are part of a larger liquid container system that emphasizes refillable, reusable attributes. These configurations are expensive, and require repeated cleaning and related maintenance in order to keep them operable. Furthermore, these travel bottles have a tendency to leak during flight due to an expanding void between the screw cap and hard plastic or silicone of the container.
- a disposable travel pouch includes a squeezable body, a filling structure and a dispensing structure.
- the squeezable body has an internal volumetric region that can contain no more than about 100 milliliters of a flowable substance.
- the filling structure is secured to the squeezable body and includes a port defined therein that permits the introduction of a fluid into the volumetric region.
- the dispensing structure is secured to the squeezable body through the filling structure and includes a port that permits the removal of the fluid that has been placed within the volumetric region.
- the port of the dispensing structure is smaller than the port of the filling structure.
- a method of making a disposable travel pouch includes forming a squeezable body to define a volumetric region therein that is configured to contain no more than about 100 milliliters of a flowable substance, securing a filling structure to the squeezable body and providing a dispensing structure that is configured to be secured to the squeezable body through the filling structure.
- a port defined in the filling structure establishes fluid communication with the volumetric region, while—when connected—the dispensing structure with a port defined therein permits the removal of a fluid contained within the volumetric region.
- the filling structure port is larger than the dispensing structure port.
- a method of using a disposable travel pouch includes attaching a filling structure to squeezable body such that a volumetric region defined within the squeezable body is configured to contain no more than about 100 milliliters of a flowable substance.
- the volumetric region is fluidly coupled to the filling structure through a port defined in the filling structure to establish fluid communication between them.
- the method additionally includes providing a selectively attachable dispensing structure that defines a port therein such that upon attaching the dispensing structure to the filling structure, a flowpath formed between them permits the removal of a fluid contained within the volumetric region.
- the disposable travel pouch is configured such that the filling structure port is larger than the dispensing structure port.
- FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of a disposable travel pouch in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 depicts a lower perspective view of the filling structure and dispensing structure of FIG. 1 in a disassembled state
- FIG. 3 depicts an upper perspective view of the filling structure and dispensing structure of FIG. 2 , now in an assembled state;
- FIG. 4 depicts the filling structure of FIGS. 2 and 3 in isolation
- FIG. 5A depicts an upper perspective view of the dispensing structure of FIGS. 2 and 3 in isolation and in an open position;
- FIG. 5B depicts a lower perspective view of the dispensing structure of FIGS. 2 and 3 in isolation and in an open position;
- FIG. 6 depicts a lower perspective view of the dispensing structure and filling structure of FIGS. 2 and 3 in an assembled state and in an open position;
- FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of a disposable travel pouch in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
- a small, clear disposable pouch that has sufficient flexibility to allow a substantial entirety of a liquid or other fluid material contained therein to be dispensed by squeezing, while also allowing a user to switch between a relatively large diameter filling structure in the spout and a relatively small dispensing structure, is disclosed.
- the spout of the filling structure has a roughly 22 millimeter diameter
- the dispensing structure has a roughly 5 millimeter diameter.
- FIG. 1 An example of a pouch according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1 , with an integrally-formed filling structure and separately attachable dispensing structure with an additional closure.
- the disposable travel pouch 10 includes a body 20 , filling structure 30 and dispensing structure 40 .
- the body 20 , filling structure 30 and dispensing structure 40 are made from a plastic material such as a polypropylene-based material, a silicone-based material or a polyethylene-based material.
- an internal volumetric region V is capable of holding up to 100 milliliters of liquid or other fluid or fluent material, such as paste and other viscous materials, powders, granules or the like.
- the construction of the body 20 is such that it can be deformed (such as to change the size of the volumetric region V) by squeezing.
- body 20 is deemed to be squeezable when a pressure (for example, radial, axial or the like, such as applied by gripping or related hand movements) applied to the body 20 results in its deformation in order to produce a reduction in the volumetric capacity of the body 20 to contain the flowable substance disposed therein.
- such squeezability is elastic in nature such that upon removal of the pressure, the body 20 substantially returns to its as-designed (that is to say, undeformed) shape, while in another form, such squeezability is plastic in nature such that upon removal of the pressure, the body 20 remains deformed with an attendant reduction in the size of the volumetric region V.
- the squeezable nature of the construction of the body 20 imparts flexibility to the travel pouch 10 which in turn allows it to be flattened in a manner similar to a tube of toothpaste in order to avoid waste of the product contained inside.
- the body 20 is formed by joining two generally planar sheets 21 , 22 of the plastic-based material that have a thickness of between about 3 and 8 mils (i.e., between about 0.003 inches and 0.008 inches).
- the two sheets 21 , 22 may be joined around the majority of their peripheries to define fluid-tight sealed edges 23 .
- such joining may be performed by heat sealing (as long as at least one of the sheets is made from a thermoplastic material), while in another form, such joining may be performed by ultrasonic welding, and yet another may include the use of hot melt adhesive deposited between the adjacently-facing sheets 21 , 22 .
- discreet beads or strips may be locally applied at the point of joining (such as at the sealed edges 23 ), or can be applied to one of the sheets 21 , 22 prior to joining, cooled and then heated for reactivation when the two sheets 21 , 22 are to be joined.
- the sealed edges 23 formed about the periphery of the two sheets 21 , 22 make up a permanent attachment.
- an attachment between two separate components (such as the generally planar sheets 21 , 22 ) to form an assembly (such as the sealed edges 23 and related squeezable body 20 ) is understood to be permanent in situations where the adhesion, affixing or related coupling between two adjoining surfaces of such components is such that in the process of separating the components at the point of attachment, damage incurred by one or both of the components or the assembly is such that either are incapable of performing the task for which they were designed, or at least are severely curtailed.
- the filling structure 30 is secured to the squeezable body 20 and includes a filling port 31 that permits the introduction of a fluid into the volumetric region V of the squeezable body 20 , the filling port 31 defining a fluid filling cross-sectional area.
- the fluid filling cross-sectional area is axisymmetric and defined by a first diameter D 1 , although it will be appreciated that other non-axisymmetric shapes may be provided as well, and that all such variants are deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
- the filling structure 30 is secured to the squeezable body 20 through an attachment between them at an upper sealed edge 24 through a sandwich-like fit between the generally planar sheets 21 , 22 .
- such attachment may be permanent through heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, hot melt adhesive or other known techniques as a way to ensure a fluid-tight fit.
- the width of the upper sealed edge 24 is greater than the remaining portion of the sealed edges 23 in order to provide a wider contact area between the outer surface of the lower portion 34 of the filling structure 30 and the inner surface of the portion of the upper sealed edge 24 of the squeezable body 20 that surrounds the lower portion 34 .
- connection formed between the squeezable body 20 and the filling structure 30 is such that a peripheral flange 32 that is formed approximately half way between a bottom-most edge defined by the lower portion 34 and a top-most edge defined by an upper portion 35 provides some measure of structural rigidity to the disposable travel pouch 10 as well as a secure mounting location for the dispensing structure 40 .
- a helical thread 33 is formed on the outer surface of the filling structure 30 about an axis defined by flow dimension (i.e., flowpath) F.
- flow dimension i.e., flowpath
- the dispensing structure 40 is selectively secured to the squeezable body 20 through the filling structure 30 , and includes a dispensing port 41 that permits the removal of the fluid contained within the volumetric region V of the squeezable body 20 , the dispensing port 41 defining a fluid dispensing cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the filling port 31 .
- the fluid dispensing cross-sectional area is axisymmetric and defined by a second diameter D 2 , although it will be appreciated that other non-axisymmetric shapes may be provided as well, and that all such variants are deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
- the dispensing structure 40 is formed as part of a removable screw cap that additionally includes a lid 42 so that together they may be selectively secured to the filling structure 30 .
- a helical thread 43 (as shown in conjunction with FIG. 2 ) is formed on the inner surface of the dispensing structure 40 about the same flow dimension (i.e., flowpath) F axis to cooperate with the helical thread 33 of the filling structure 30 to allow a screw-on fit between the filling structure 30 and the dispensing structure 40 .
- the dispensing port 41 and the filling port 31 are substantially aligned along the flow dimension (i.e., flowpath) F.
- the dispensing structure 40 has a bottom-most edge defined by a lower portion 44 and a top-most edge defined by an upper portion 45 from which the lid 42 may be secured by a hinge 46 to allow selective closure of the dispensing structure 40 .
- the threads 43 formed on the internal surface of the dispensing structure 40 can cooperate with complementary-shaped threads 33 on the external surface of the filling structure 30 to form the screwed-on attachment (that is to say, a screw-based threaded contact) between the filling structure 30 and the dispensing structure 40 .
- the length of the dispensing structure 40 is such that it can be screwed onto the filling structure 30 until such time as the lower portion 44 with its bottom edge abuts the filling structure 30 with its upper portion 35 and corresponding edge, thereby forming a secure stop.
- the portion of the flow dimension F that passes through the lower portion 34 of the filling structure 30 may encounter a non-axisymmetric shape (shown presently as an ogive, but to be understood to define any shape that promotes a secure, fluid-tight fit between the body 20 and the filling structure 30 ).
- this same portion of the flow dimension F that passes through the lower portion 34 may define an axisymmetric cross sectional area.
- FIGS. 3, 5A and 5B the cooperation between the lid 42 and the remainder of the dispensing structure 40 through hinge 44 is shown.
- at least two additional features promote enhanced closure as a way to provide a leak-free (i.e., fluid-tight) fit.
- One of these a plug 47 that is mounted on (or formed integrally with) an inner surface of the lid 42 to extend along the flow dimension F when the lid 42 is engaged.
- the plug 47 may be sized and shaped such that when the lid 42 is placed in a closed position (that is to say, when it is rotated about its hinge 46 to form a secure (and optional locked) fit against the adjoining surface of the housing that defines the dispensing structure 40 ), the plug 47 fits snugly within the dispensing port 41 in order to form a fluid-tight fit.
- Another of these features is in the form of a snap-fit lock formed by interlocking peripheral rings 48 , 49 to promote secure cap closure.
- these may be in the form of a ledge (shown as 49 ) and a radially-inward projecting ring (shown as 48 ) that defines a slight overlapping (i.e., interference) fit between them.
- the plug 47 may include an accentuated distal end in order to promote a slight interference with the dispensing port 41 .
- sealing between the two may be enhanced by making the accentuated distal end out of a resiliently deformable material, such as silicone or the like.
- a top perspective view of the filling structure 30 ( FIG. 4 ) and a lower perspective view of the filling structure 30 coupled to the dispensing structure 40 ( FIG. 6 ) highlights the difference in the shape of the flowpath defined along the flow dimension F where the non-axisymmetric shape adjacent the lower portion 34 switches to the axisymmetric shape adjacent the upper portion 35 .
- a transition from the non-axisymmetric shape to the axisymmetric shape can take place in an abrupt, step-like fashion, while in another, the transition may take placed gradually, such as by a taper.
- the size of the opening that makes up the filling port 31 that is formed adjacent the upper portion 35 is relatively large.
- the body 20 is formed by joining two generally planar sheets 21 , 22 of the plastic-based material to define fluid-tight sealed edges 23 .
- a lowermost sealed edge 23 A defines an accentuated surface area and includes at least one aperture 23 B defined therein.
- the accentuated surface area may be generally triangular as shown, although it will be appreciated that other geometric shapes such as rectangular, semicircular or the like may also be provided, as well as irregular shapes, should the need arise.
- the material that makes up the body 20 , generally planar sheets 21 , 22 and sealed edges 23 is of a high-tear-strength (that is to say, it has a high degree of notch toughness) plastic such as polyurethane, although reinforced versions of other materials (such as silicone-based ones as previous-discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1 ) may also be used in situations where weight concerns may dictate that such increased tear-strength is needed.
- a high-tear-strength that is to say, it has a high degree of notch toughness
- plastic such as polyurethane
- reinforced versions of other materials such as silicone-based ones as previous-discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1
- weight concerns may dictate that such increased tear-strength is needed.
- a string 50 may be threaded through the aperture 23 B in order to provide the travel pouch 10 the ability to function as a hanging assembly such that it can be attached to a hook, shower caddy or other wall-mounted device.
- the string 50 may be about four feet in total length, although shorter or longer lengths are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/649,191, filed Mar. 28, 2018.
- The present disclosure relates generally to a pouch for storing flowable substances during travel, and more particularly to portable travel pouch that can be filled, dispensed from and then disposed after a single use.
- Travel bottles used by commercial airline passengers must be configured to comply with governmental air travel rules. For example, in the United States of America, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits carry-on versions of these containers to those capable of holding no more than 100 milliliters (roughly 3.4 ounces) of fluid, semi-solid or other flowable substances. Moreover, the TSA requires that these containers must fit into a separate quart-sized resealable bag.
- While there are numerous such containers on the market, travel bottles currently suffer from various disadvantages. Their configuration is cumbersome and inconvenient for a traveler who wants to take shampoo, lotion or related liquids on a commercial flight. In one example, they are made to be reused through refilling. These travel bottles have a single screw-cap that is used for both dispensing and filling the latter of which is compromised by having a single relatively small opening, often no more than about 15 millimeters in diameter. Moreover, known travel bottles are hard or made of silicone with rigidly-defined dimensions to further promote such reusability. In the case of viscous fluids, this can result in significant waste, as there is a tendency for at least some of the product to adhere to the inner wall of the non-collapsible bottle. In addition, these rigidly-defined dimensions are resistant to the amount of pressure being placed on the container making it difficult for the user to control how much product is dispensed. In another example, container configurations where multiple caps are used are part of a larger liquid container system that emphasizes refillable, reusable attributes. These configurations are expensive, and require repeated cleaning and related maintenance in order to keep them operable. Furthermore, these travel bottles have a tendency to leak during flight due to an expanding void between the screw cap and hard plastic or silicone of the container.
- According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a disposable travel pouch is disclosed. The pouch includes a squeezable body, a filling structure and a dispensing structure. The squeezable body has an internal volumetric region that can contain no more than about 100 milliliters of a flowable substance. The filling structure is secured to the squeezable body and includes a port defined therein that permits the introduction of a fluid into the volumetric region. The dispensing structure is secured to the squeezable body through the filling structure and includes a port that permits the removal of the fluid that has been placed within the volumetric region. The port of the dispensing structure is smaller than the port of the filling structure.
- According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of making a disposable travel pouch is disclosed. The method includes forming a squeezable body to define a volumetric region therein that is configured to contain no more than about 100 milliliters of a flowable substance, securing a filling structure to the squeezable body and providing a dispensing structure that is configured to be secured to the squeezable body through the filling structure. In this way, a port defined in the filling structure establishes fluid communication with the volumetric region, while—when connected—the dispensing structure with a port defined therein permits the removal of a fluid contained within the volumetric region. The filling structure port is larger than the dispensing structure port.
- According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of using a disposable travel pouch is disclosed. The method includes attaching a filling structure to squeezable body such that a volumetric region defined within the squeezable body is configured to contain no more than about 100 milliliters of a flowable substance. The volumetric region is fluidly coupled to the filling structure through a port defined in the filling structure to establish fluid communication between them. The method additionally includes providing a selectively attachable dispensing structure that defines a port therein such that upon attaching the dispensing structure to the filling structure, a flowpath formed between them permits the removal of a fluid contained within the volumetric region. The disposable travel pouch is configured such that the filling structure port is larger than the dispensing structure port.
- The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
-
FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of a disposable travel pouch in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 depicts a lower perspective view of the filling structure and dispensing structure ofFIG. 1 in a disassembled state; -
FIG. 3 depicts an upper perspective view of the filling structure and dispensing structure ofFIG. 2 , now in an assembled state; -
FIG. 4 depicts the filling structure ofFIGS. 2 and 3 in isolation; -
FIG. 5A depicts an upper perspective view of the dispensing structure ofFIGS. 2 and 3 in isolation and in an open position; -
FIG. 5B depicts a lower perspective view of the dispensing structure ofFIGS. 2 and 3 in isolation and in an open position; -
FIG. 6 depicts a lower perspective view of the dispensing structure and filling structure ofFIGS. 2 and 3 in an assembled state and in an open position; and -
FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of a disposable travel pouch in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. - In the present disclosure, a small, clear disposable pouch that has sufficient flexibility to allow a substantial entirety of a liquid or other fluid material contained therein to be dispensed by squeezing, while also allowing a user to switch between a relatively large diameter filling structure in the spout and a relatively small dispensing structure, is disclosed. In one non-limiting form, the spout of the filling structure has a roughly 22 millimeter diameter, while the dispensing structure has a roughly 5 millimeter diameter. An example of a pouch according to the present disclosure is shown in
FIG. 1 , with an integrally-formed filling structure and separately attachable dispensing structure with an additional closure. - Referring first to
FIG. 1 , adisposable travel pouch 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Thedisposable travel pouch 10 includes abody 20,filling structure 30 anddispensing structure 40. In one form, one or more of thebody 20,filling structure 30 and dispensingstructure 40 are made from a plastic material such as a polypropylene-based material, a silicone-based material or a polyethylene-based material. - In one form, an internal volumetric region V is capable of holding up to 100 milliliters of liquid or other fluid or fluent material, such as paste and other viscous materials, powders, granules or the like. In one particular form, the construction of the
body 20 is such that it can be deformed (such as to change the size of the volumetric region V) by squeezing. Within the present context,body 20 is deemed to be squeezable when a pressure (for example, radial, axial or the like, such as applied by gripping or related hand movements) applied to thebody 20 results in its deformation in order to produce a reduction in the volumetric capacity of thebody 20 to contain the flowable substance disposed therein. In one form, such squeezability is elastic in nature such that upon removal of the pressure, thebody 20 substantially returns to its as-designed (that is to say, undeformed) shape, while in another form, such squeezability is plastic in nature such that upon removal of the pressure, thebody 20 remains deformed with an attendant reduction in the size of the volumetric region V. The squeezable nature of the construction of thebody 20 imparts flexibility to thetravel pouch 10 which in turn allows it to be flattened in a manner similar to a tube of toothpaste in order to avoid waste of the product contained inside. - In one form, the
body 20 is formed by joining two generallyplanar sheets sheets edges 23. In one form, such joining may be performed by heat sealing (as long as at least one of the sheets is made from a thermoplastic material), while in another form, such joining may be performed by ultrasonic welding, and yet another may include the use of hot melt adhesive deposited between the adjacently-facingsheets sheets sheet sheets 21, 22 (when made from a thermoplastic-based material) are held together in a facingly-adjacent relationship while high-frequency acoustic vibrations are applied in order to form a solid-state weld. In fact, ultrasonic welding is beneficial in that it can be performed in a sanitary manner to form a hermetic seal for the soft plastics that make upsheets sheets sheets sealed edges 23 formed about the periphery of the twosheets planar sheets 21, 22) to form an assembly (such as thesealed edges 23 and related squeezable body 20) is understood to be permanent in situations where the adhesion, affixing or related coupling between two adjoining surfaces of such components is such that in the process of separating the components at the point of attachment, damage incurred by one or both of the components or the assembly is such that either are incapable of performing the task for which they were designed, or at least are severely curtailed. - The filling
structure 30 is secured to thesqueezable body 20 and includes a fillingport 31 that permits the introduction of a fluid into the volumetric region V of thesqueezable body 20, the fillingport 31 defining a fluid filling cross-sectional area. As shown, the fluid filling cross-sectional area is axisymmetric and defined by a first diameter D1, although it will be appreciated that other non-axisymmetric shapes may be provided as well, and that all such variants are deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure. In one form, the fillingstructure 30 is secured to thesqueezable body 20 through an attachment between them at an upper sealededge 24 through a sandwich-like fit between the generallyplanar sheets planar sheets edges 23, such attachment may be permanent through heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, hot melt adhesive or other known techniques as a way to ensure a fluid-tight fit. In one form, the width of the upper sealededge 24 is greater than the remaining portion of the sealededges 23 in order to provide a wider contact area between the outer surface of thelower portion 34 of the fillingstructure 30 and the inner surface of the portion of the upper sealededge 24 of thesqueezable body 20 that surrounds thelower portion 34. The connection formed between thesqueezable body 20 and the fillingstructure 30 is such that aperipheral flange 32 that is formed approximately half way between a bottom-most edge defined by thelower portion 34 and a top-most edge defined by anupper portion 35 provides some measure of structural rigidity to thedisposable travel pouch 10 as well as a secure mounting location for the dispensingstructure 40. Ahelical thread 33 is formed on the outer surface of the fillingstructure 30 about an axis defined by flow dimension (i.e., flowpath) F. As with the sealededges 23 discussed above, the connection formed between thesqueezable body 20 and the fillingstructure 30 can form a permanent attachment. By such construction, thesqueezable body 20 and the fillingstructure 30 can assume an integrally-formed construction even though prior to being joined the respective components are separate. - The dispensing
structure 40 is selectively secured to thesqueezable body 20 through the fillingstructure 30, and includes a dispensingport 41 that permits the removal of the fluid contained within the volumetric region V of thesqueezable body 20, the dispensingport 41 defining a fluid dispensing cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the fillingport 31. As with the fluid dispensing cross-sectional area of the fillingstructure 30, the fluid dispensing cross-sectional area is axisymmetric and defined by a second diameter D2, although it will be appreciated that other non-axisymmetric shapes may be provided as well, and that all such variants are deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure. In one form, the dispensingstructure 40 is formed as part of a removable screw cap that additionally includes alid 42 so that together they may be selectively secured to the fillingstructure 30. A helical thread 43 (as shown in conjunction withFIG. 2 ) is formed on the inner surface of the dispensingstructure 40 about the same flow dimension (i.e., flowpath) F axis to cooperate with thehelical thread 33 of the fillingstructure 30 to allow a screw-on fit between the fillingstructure 30 and the dispensingstructure 40. When the dispensingstructure 40 is secured to the fillingstructure 30 and thebody 20, the dispensingport 41 and the fillingport 31 are substantially aligned along the flow dimension (i.e., flowpath) F. As with the fillingstructure 30, the dispensingstructure 40 has a bottom-most edge defined by alower portion 44 and a top-most edge defined by anupper portion 45 from which thelid 42 may be secured by ahinge 46 to allow selective closure of the dispensingstructure 40. - Referring next to
FIG. 2 , a notional alignment of the fillingstructure 30 and the dispensingstructure 40 is shown prior to being joined through threaded connecting. In one form, thethreads 43 formed on the internal surface of the dispensingstructure 40 can cooperate with complementary-shapedthreads 33 on the external surface of the fillingstructure 30 to form the screwed-on attachment (that is to say, a screw-based threaded contact) between the fillingstructure 30 and the dispensingstructure 40. In one form, the length of the dispensingstructure 40 is such that it can be screwed onto the fillingstructure 30 until such time as thelower portion 44 with its bottom edge abuts the fillingstructure 30 with itsupper portion 35 and corresponding edge, thereby forming a secure stop. As can be seen, the portion of the flow dimension F that passes through thelower portion 34 of the fillingstructure 30 may encounter a non-axisymmetric shape (shown presently as an ogive, but to be understood to define any shape that promotes a secure, fluid-tight fit between thebody 20 and the filling structure 30). In another form, this same portion of the flow dimension F that passes through thelower portion 34 may define an axisymmetric cross sectional area. - Referring next to
FIGS. 3, 5A and 5B , the cooperation between thelid 42 and the remainder of the dispensingstructure 40 throughhinge 44 is shown. As shown, at least two additional features promote enhanced closure as a way to provide a leak-free (i.e., fluid-tight) fit. One of these aplug 47 that is mounted on (or formed integrally with) an inner surface of thelid 42 to extend along the flow dimension F when thelid 42 is engaged. Theplug 47 may be sized and shaped such that when thelid 42 is placed in a closed position (that is to say, when it is rotated about itshinge 46 to form a secure (and optional locked) fit against the adjoining surface of the housing that defines the dispensing structure 40), theplug 47 fits snugly within the dispensingport 41 in order to form a fluid-tight fit. Another of these features is in the form of a snap-fit lock formed by interlocking peripheral rings 48, 49 to promote secure cap closure. In one form, these may be in the form of a ledge (shown as 49) and a radially-inward projecting ring (shown as 48) that defines a slight overlapping (i.e., interference) fit between them. As can be seen with particularity inFIG. 5A , in one form theplug 47 may include an accentuated distal end in order to promote a slight interference with the dispensingport 41. In one form, sealing between the two may be enhanced by making the accentuated distal end out of a resiliently deformable material, such as silicone or the like. - Referring next to
FIGS. 4 and 6 , a top perspective view of the filling structure 30 (FIG. 4 ) and a lower perspective view of the fillingstructure 30 coupled to the dispensing structure 40 (FIG. 6 ) highlights the difference in the shape of the flowpath defined along the flow dimension F where the non-axisymmetric shape adjacent thelower portion 34 switches to the axisymmetric shape adjacent theupper portion 35. In one form, a transition from the non-axisymmetric shape to the axisymmetric shape can take place in an abrupt, step-like fashion, while in another, the transition may take placed gradually, such as by a taper. As can be seen, the size of the opening that makes up the fillingport 31 that is formed adjacent theupper portion 35 is relatively large. In this way, it allows a user that is adding a fluent material to do so with a lesser degree of pouring precision than that required if the fillingport 31 were smaller, such as if it were the same size as the dispensingport 41. This in turn simplifies the fluent material-adding task for the user. - Referring next to
FIG. 7 , a variation of thedisposable travel pouch 10 ofFIG. 1 is shown. As with the embodiment ofFIG. 1 , thebody 20 is formed by joining two generallyplanar sheets FIG. 7 , a lowermost sealededge 23A defines an accentuated surface area and includes at least oneaperture 23B defined therein. In one form, the accentuated surface area may be generally triangular as shown, although it will be appreciated that other geometric shapes such as rectangular, semicircular or the like may also be provided, as well as irregular shapes, should the need arise. In one form, the material that makes up thebody 20, generallyplanar sheets edges 23 is of a high-tear-strength (that is to say, it has a high degree of notch toughness) plastic such as polyurethane, although reinforced versions of other materials (such as silicone-based ones as previous-discussed in conjunction withFIG. 1 ) may also be used in situations where weight concerns may dictate that such increased tear-strength is needed. - A
string 50 may be threaded through theaperture 23B in order to provide thetravel pouch 10 the ability to function as a hanging assembly such that it can be attached to a hook, shower caddy or other wall-mounted device. In one form, thestring 50 may be about four feet in total length, although shorter or longer lengths are also within the scope of the present disclosure. - It is noted that one or more of the following claims utilize the term “wherein” as a transitional phrase. For the purposes of defining features discussed in the present disclosure, it is noted that this term is introduced in the claims as an open-ended transitional phrase that is used to introduce a recitation of a series of characteristics of the structure and should be interpreted in like manner as the more commonly used open-ended preamble term “comprising.”
- It is noted that terms like “preferably”, “generally” and “typically” are not utilized in the present disclosure to limit the scope of the claims or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the disclosed structures or functions. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Likewise, it is noted that the terms “substantially” and “approximately” and their variants are utilized to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement or other representation. As such, use of these terms represents the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.
- It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus it is intended that the specification cover the modifications and variations of the various described embodiments provided such modification and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/297,805 US20190300246A1 (en) | 2018-03-28 | 2019-03-11 | Disposable travel pouch |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201862649191P | 2018-03-28 | 2018-03-28 | |
US16/297,805 US20190300246A1 (en) | 2018-03-28 | 2019-03-11 | Disposable travel pouch |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20190300246A1 true US20190300246A1 (en) | 2019-10-03 |
Family
ID=68056758
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/297,805 Abandoned US20190300246A1 (en) | 2018-03-28 | 2019-03-11 | Disposable travel pouch |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20190300246A1 (en) |
-
2019
- 2019-03-11 US US16/297,805 patent/US20190300246A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Owner name: VASITY PEAK PRODUCTS, LLC, MARYLAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CHEN, RENEE A.;REEL/FRAME:048556/0642 Effective date: 20180720 |
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Owner name: VARSITY PEAK PRODUCTS, LLC, MARYLAND Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNEE NAME PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 048556 FRAME 0642. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:CHEN, RENEE A.;REEL/FRAME:048576/0758 Effective date: 20180720 |
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