US20220371779A1

US20220371779A1 - Elastomeric covering and methods of use

Info

Publication number: US20220371779A1
Application number: US17/494,840
Authority: US
Inventors: Lisa A. Lane
Original assignee: Drug Careers Inc dba Lane Innovations
Current assignee: Drug Careers Inc dba Lane Innovations
Priority date: 2014-12-05
Filing date: 2021-10-06
Publication date: 2022-11-24

Abstract

An elastomeric cover comprises sidewalls, a closed end and an open end. Related methods include attaching the elastomeric cover to a container having liquid contents to prevent contents from leaking while under pressure.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/088,351 filed Oct. 6, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The device is in the field of leak proof coverings for bottle or containers and related methods of use.
There is a need in the art for a covering to prevent leaks from bottles particularly when travelling on an airplane when bottle or containers containing liquids or creams tend to leak out of their bottle or containers and spill all over the contents of luggage during travel often damaging valuable content inside the suitcase. Decreased pressure at higher altitudes make gases expand, including the air inside of a container of liquid, such as toiletries. Most aircraft cabins, whether in a small plane or a large commercial jet, are pressurized to the equivalent of 8,000 feet above sea level or lower at high altitudes e.g., above 10,000 feet. As the aircraft cabin is depressurized upon descent the air inside of the containers can contract. Emptier containers contain more air inside. When that air expands, pressure inside the container can increase and can rupture the container or more likely can force air and liquid contents of the container through a removable component (e.g., a lid or cap) to relieve pressure creating the sticky explosions with which frequent travelers are so familiar.
Conventional attempts to solve the problem of leaking toiletries such as during air travel are untrustworthy such as putting toiletries in re-sealable Ziplock plastic bags. The plastic bags often contain air that can cause the bags to open under pressure and can cause the toiletry contents to leak outside the plastic bag. Cleaning the all of the toiletries that were subject to a leak in the plastic bag and cleaning the plastic bag itself is time consuming. In addition, the re-sealable bags are prone to rips especially at the seams and need to be replaced often.
There is also a need in the art to have a single cover for leak protection that will accommodate a large range of container sizes and shapes because, for example, travelers do not use uniform sized toiletries and consumers otherwise do not have uniformly sized containers that they would like to make leak proof.

SUMMARY

Other features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims.
In some aspects, an elastomeric cover comprises contiguous walls adjacent to and integral with a closed end and forming an open end opposite the closed end, wherein the elastomeric cover has properties and dimensions wherein when in use a single elastomeric cover self seals about peripheries of containers having approximately round, square, rectangular, oval and trapezoidal cross sections.
In some aspects, the elastomeric cover has a length of the cover from the closed end to the open end that is longer than the width of the closed end or the open end.
In some aspects, the elastomeric cover has sidewalls that are cylindrical. In some aspects, the sidewalls are substantially perpendicular to the closed end when in a resting state.
In some aspects, the elastomeric cover comprises a thermoplastic elastomer having a durometer hardness Shore Type A or Shore Type 00 value of about 1-50, such as a durometer hardness Shore Type A value of about 1-40. In some aspects, the elastomeric cover comprises a thermoplastic elastomer that has a tear strength of about 1-35 kN/m.
The elastomeric may have a length of about 1-5 inches.
In some aspects, a single elastomeric cover has properties and dimensions capable of self sealing about peripheries of containers comprising a 1″ diameter cylindrical container, 3″ diameter cylindrical container and a 2″ by 1.5″ rectangular cuboid container when in use. For example, the properties and the dimensions may provide a surface area about peripheries of the containers to counter a force of a pressurized contents when in use.
In some aspects, the elastomeric cover comprises a thermoplastic elastomer; wherein the elastomeric cover has an open end for receiving a container; wherein the elastomeric cover has a wall thickness of about 1/32″ to ½″; wherein the thermoplastic elastomer has a durometer hardness Shore Type A value of about 1-100; wherein the elastomeric cover has properties and dimensions wherein, when affixed to a container, less than 1% of the contents of the container escapes the open end of the elastomeric cover when pressure is applied.
In some aspects, the elastomeric cover has properties and dimensions capable of self sealing about peripheries of various sized containers comprising both a cylindrical container and cuboid container when in use; wherein the properties and the dimensions provide a surface area about peripheries of the various sized containers to counter a force of pressure when in use; wherein one of the properties comprises retaining the resting state dimensions after use without deforming.
In some aspects, the elastomeric cover comprises a thermoplastic elastomer; wherein the elastomeric cover has a wall thickness of about 1/32″ to ½″ and a length of about 2-10 inches; wherein the thermoplastic elastomer has a tensile stress at least in one direction at 100% strain or 300% at 23° C. of less than about 15 MPa; has a tensile strength at least in one direction at break of about 0.1-15 MPa; a tear strength of about 1-35 kN/m; a tensile elongation at least in one direction at break of 50% or greater; or a durometer hardness Shore Type A value of about 1-100.
In some aspects, the elastomeric cover has an external length and width; wherein the length is greater than the width.
In some aspects, a method of using the elastomeric cover herein may comprise affixing the elastomeric cover to a container. In some aspects, the method further comprises applying pressure to the container, wherein less than 1% of the contents of the container escapes the open end of the elastomeric cover and remains in the closed end of the elastomeric cover. In some aspects, the container may be pressurized to about 11-15 psi. In some aspects, the method may comprise stretching the open end of the elastomeric cover about a container; aligning the closed end of the elastomeric cover with an end of a container that has a potential to leak; and applying pressure to the container; wherein less than 1% of the contents escapes the open end of the elastomeric cover during the applying pressure step.
A method of using the elastomeric cover may comprise affixing the elastomeric cover to a container having a smaller circumference than the inner circumference of the elastomeric cover; rolling the elastomeric cover onto itself to decrease the inner circumference of the elastomeric cover to form a leak-proof seal about the periphery of the container.
In some aspects, a method of using the elastomeric cover comprises stretching a first elastomeric cover about wet or soiled contents; stretching a second elastomeric cover over the open end of the first elastomeric cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1a and 1b are embodiments of the elastomeric cover.

FIG. 2 is a view of various sized toiletries each enclosed in the same size elastomeric cover in its resting state as described in Example 1. Also, views showing the open end and the closed end of the elastomeric cover in the resting state when not in use are present in the foreground.

FIG. 3 is a view of various sized and shape toiletries each enclosed in the same size elastomeric cover (in resting state) as shown in FIG. 1 as described in Example 1.

FIG. 4 is a demonstration of the process of stretching the elastomeric cover over a container via an open end so the closed end is proximate the cap where contents may leak and the sidewalls are pulled down to grip the container.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The elastomers used herein are similar to the elastomers used for the elastomeric connector in U.S. Pat. No. 10,393,300, and a continuation application thereof that issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,085,567, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/002,769, which are assigned to the same assignee as the present application, and are incorporated herein by reference.
In some aspects, as exemplified in FIGS. 1-4, the elastomeric cover may have resilient sidewalls 1 integral with a resilient closed end 2 and forming an opening 3 opposite the closed end 2. In some aspects, sidewalls refer to one or more walls forming the sides of a contiguous enclosure such as a cylinder or a cuboid shape. In some aspects, one end of the sidewalls is closed to form an enclosure while the other side is open. In some aspects, the length of the cover from the closed end 2 to the open end 3 is longer than the width of the cross section of the inner diameter or longest width of the closed end 2 or the open end 3, for example about 2-4 or about 2-3 times longer. The width of the closed end 2 or open end 3 may be the diameter if round, a length of a side if square, the distance from one side of the end to the facing side directly across, such as the distance from a long side of an oval end to the facing long side, from the short side to the opposite short side, or from a side of a hexagon to the opposite side, etc. As the elastomer is readily stretchable to cover, for example, cylindrical, cuboid, as well as oddly shaped containers, references herein to the dimensions, size and shape of the elastomeric cover and containers are approximate and are provided to show the versatility of a single cover in covering many different size and shaped containers. The dimensions may be adjusted depending on the desired fit. In some aspects, the sidewalls 1 are substantially perpendicular to the plane of the closed end 2. In some aspects the sidewalls 1 are cylindrical and the closed end 2 is round. In some aspects the entire elastomeric cover is made from the same material, and does not comprise a substantially rigid portion or cap.
The elastomeric cover may cover at least a portion of a bottle or container when in use. When in use, the elastomeric cover self-seals about a periphery of one end of bottle (or the entire bottle if the container is relatively small) or other container of any shape, where the contents may leak. When in use with a container, the container may be partially full such that air inside the container could expand during travel.
In some aspects, the elastomeric cover is not a sheet. In some aspects, the elastomeric cover does not comprise any openings other than the opening on the end to receive the bottle or container. For example, in some aspects, there is no opening proximate the closed end 2 or along the sidewalls 1 as the end is closed to prevent contents of a container from leaking. Conventional plastic film wraps or re-sealable Ziplock plastic bags are thin and insufficiently elastomeric, and although the wrap may be used to cover an end of a container, it does not form a leak tight seal. The wrinkles that form during wrapping impede the ability of the wrap to self seal and the air inside the re-sealable bag make the bag subject to opening. Also, it is difficult to rinse off the plastic wrap or bag and reuse it without it losing some of its adhering qualities or without it developing tears. In some aspects, the elastomeric cover does not form wrinkles or does not contain problematic air pockets when in use.
In some aspects, the elastomeric cover is comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer, wherein, when in use, self-seals about a periphery of an existing bottle and retains the liquid inside the container.
The same elastomeric cover can accommodate various sized and shaped containers when in use for example, containers having a round, oval, square, rectangular or trapezoidal shaped cross section. The elastomeric cover can also be stretched over and form a leak proof seal on, e.g., metal, glass, plastic or rubber containers.
As many containers have a height that exceeds its width, the elastomeric cover in some embodiments also has a length that is longer than its width.
Many toiletries can be an inch or less in width or diameter and can exceed 5 inches in width or diameter. In some aspects, a single elastomeric cover can be used to form a leak proof seal around a container to prevent the contents of the containers from leaking out onto the other portions of the luggage such as clothes.
In some aspects of the elastomeric cover herein, the cover comprises a thermoplastic elastomer that has a tensile stress at least in one direction measured according to ASTM D412 at 100% strain or 300% at 23° C. of less than about 15 MPa such as about 0.05-5 MPa.
In some aspects of the elastomeric cover herein, the cover comprises a thermoplastic elastomer that has a tensile strength at least in one direction at break measured according to ASTM D412 at 23° C. of about 0.1-15 MPa, such as about 0.5-5 MPa.
In some aspects of the elastomeric cover herein, the cover comprises a thermoplastic elastomer that has a tear strength measured according to ASTM D624 of about 1-15 kN/m such as about 5-10 kN/m.
In some aspects of the elastomeric cover herein, the cover comprises a thermoplastic elastomer that has a tensile elongation at least in one direction at break measured according to ASTM D412 at 23° C. of 50% or greater, such as is about 300%-2000%.
In some aspects of the elastomeric cover herein, the cover comprises a thermoplastic elastomer that has a durometer hardness Shore Type A or Shore Type 00 value measured according to ASTM D2240 for 10 seconds at 23° C. of about 1-30, such as a durometer hardness Shore Type A of about 3-15.
A method of using the elastomeric cover comprises stretching the opening over the portion of a container where a leak may occur such as near a removable component (e.g., lid), and stretching/pulling the open end 3 over the container until the closed end 2 of the elastomeric cover is proximate the portion of the container that may leak and is stretched sufficiently taught to maintain pressure on the container from the closed end 2 keeping a removable component such as a cap in place so as to prevent leaks. The elastomeric cover may be pulled down so that the stretched sidewalls grip the outside of the container. The method may further comprise removing the elastomeric cover from the container, and rinsing if necessary in the event contents leak into the closed end 2 of the elastomeric cover.
A method may further include rolling the open end 3 of the elastomeric cover over itself thereby effectively decreasing the diameter of the open end 3 so it can accommodate a container with a smaller circumference than the circumference of the open end 3 of the elastomeric cover.
In one embodiment, a self-sealing, slip on elastomeric cover comprises a hollow, extremely flexible tube-shaped member having a closed end 2 and an open end 3 for receiving a container. The self-sealing elastomeric cover is comprised of a self-sealing, extremely stretchy, flexible and durable material such as a flexible thermoplastic elastomer.
The open end 3 of the self-sealing elastomeric cover is stretched over a container, for example, by stretching, pulling and sliding the open end 3 of the elastomeric cover, over the container until the closed end 2 is proximate the potentially leaky end of the container and the sidewalls 1 of the elastomeric cover are stretched down over the remainder of the container.
In some embodiments, a “self-sealing” elastomeric cover is sufficiently flexible and has sufficient memory such that the elastomeric cover does not require a clamping means, securing means, connecting means, or other mechanical means such as a ring clamp, clip, clasp, grip, a vise, a fastener, or an additional flexible band, to secure the elastomeric cover to an existing container when in normal use, while preventing a substantial amount of fluid content such as a liquid, cream or gel or liquid-like product to escape the elastomeric cover or the open end 3 of the elastomeric cover during use. In some embodiments, preventing a substantial amount of content means at least less than 10% by volume or weight of the amount of contents, such as less than 8%, 5%, 2% by volume or weight of the amount of the content, or none or almost none of the contents, escapes from the open end 3 during use. In most cases, when affixed to containers as described herein, no contents or almost no contents such as less than 1%, 0.1%, or 0.01% of the contents by volume or weight escapes the container and may be captured by the closed end 2 of the elastomeric cover when in use. In most cases, if the contents of a container leak when the elastomeric cover is used as described herein, it remains in the closed end 2, and any spillage can be removed by rinsing, such as by turning the elastomeric cover inside out. The area that may need cleaning may be less than if a bottle leaked, for example, inside a plastic bag or over the contents of neighboring items in a suitcase.
Nonetheless, some uses may benefit by the use of a clamping means, securing means, connecting means, or other mechanical means such as a ring clamp, clip, clasp, grip, a vise, a fastener, or an additional flexible band, to secure the open end 3 of the elastomeric cover. For example, the elastomeric cover can be used to store contents within the cover such as soiled or wet items, such baby clothes or bathing suits during travel, which would benefit from being mechanically closed off. Alternatively, two elastomeric covers may be used, for example, to hold soiled or wet items without the use of a mechanical means to enclose the contents. The first elastomeric cover can be used to encase the wet clothes, and the second elastomeric cover can be used to encase the filled first elastomeric cover, wherein the second elastomeric cover's closed end 2 covers the first elastomeric cover's open end 3.
The elastomeric cover may also be used with food containers to prevent spills, such as with condiment containers that are stored upside down in the refrigerator, which may keep the contents inside the elastomeric cover instead of the refrigerator making clean up easier.
Without being bound by theory, it appears that the self-sealing elastomeric cover, when in use, has sufficient friction against or traction on the container to allow the potentially leaky portion of the container to remain enclosed or if contents leak, the leakage remains proximate the closed end 2 of the elastomeric cover. The elastomeric cover concomitantly has sufficient elastomeric properties to directly contact and grip a larger percentage of each type of container's surface area to counter the force from the leaking contents from the removable component of the container or other source of potential leakage. The gripping of the sidewalls 1 when in use keeps pressure on the removable component to prevent the container from leaking especially at the point where the removable component. In some aspects, the length of the elastomeric cover that directly contacts a container when in use is at least about 30% the length in its resting state such as 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%. In some aspects, the elastomeric cover and the container do not have significant air pockets against the sides of the container when in use, thus allowing direct contact and self-sealing around a container when in use. In some aspects, some elastomeric cover shapes may not be optimal such as a spherical shape may contain a portion of the sidewalls 1 that is wider in the center than on either end. This type of shape may not allow the sidewalls 1 to sufficiently grip the sides of a container as it may be too loose and may be unable to prevent the elastomeric cover from directly contacting and gripping sufficient surface area of the container. Further, this shape such as a spherical shape may cause a gap against the sidewalls 1 when in use and may allow any potential leakage to travel further down the sides of the container instead of keeping any leaked material proximate the closed end 2 and away from the open end 3. Leaks that travel down the inside of the sidewalls 1, e.g., due to gaps when in use, have a greater chance of allowing leaks to escape the open end 3 of the elastomeric cover. In some aspects, shapes that have sidewalls 1 perpendicular to the closed end 2 will eliminate gaps and allow the internal surface of the elastomeric cover to stretch over a sufficient surface area of the bottle or container when in use. The entire sidewalls 1 such as a portion proximate the closed end 2 do not need to grip the entire surface area of the container, to allow for an oddly shaped components such as a toothpaste cap; however the sidewalls 1 proximate the opening should be substantially free of gaps between the sidewalls 1 and the sides of the container. Thus, in some aspects, the sidewalls 1 may be straight such as a cylinder or a cuboid shape.
Moreover, the closed end 2 of the cover, when in use provides resistance against the cap of the container to prevent the removable component such as a cap from opening and the contents from leaking. To achieve this resistance when in use, in some aspects, the length of the sidewalls 1 may be longer than the width of the closed end 2 to allow enough surface area of the sides of the bottle or container to be gripped.
The following documents are incorporated by reference in their entirety:
U.S. patent Ser. No. 12/011,945, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, refers to an apparatus and method for sanitizing the bristles of a toothbrush before and between uses by wrapping the bristles or the entire toothbrush in a leak-proof and disposable cover that has been impregnated with a sanitizing agent.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,172,544 recites “a substantially rigid cap which may be readily engaged about the mouth of the bottle, in combination with resilient skirt means adapted to be tensioned by a portion of the bottle to provide a relatively impermeable seal.” In some aspects, the elastomeric cover herein is not a sheet with a hole made from same material, and/or does not comprise an embodiment that is in combination with an outer cap.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,393,578 recites a “closure provided with a channel, with a thin diaphragm of resilient, organic material that is normally under neither tension nor compression” wherein the “closure is of the type used when medicinal preparations are withdrawn from stoppered bottles by means of a hypodermic syringe, the needle of which is introduced into the bottle through the stopper material.”
U.S. Pat. No. 2,461,703A recites a “sheet-like form, consisting of a thin flat sheet of suitable elastic material, such for example as sheet rubber . . . . The thickness may vary from 0.001” to about 0.025″ in accordance with the size and character of the receptacle for which the 2 closure is intended and the particular material employed.” In addition, the “foldable sheet” comprises “a hole therethrough.”
WO2005115860 recites an “elastic cover for preservation and storage of foodstuff or the like easily mounted onto plates, dishes, bowls of varied size and shape, food in its original package, and cover for three-dimensional objects such as fruits and vegetables. The invention consists of an equilateral, multiple sided, thin plastic film, which when uninfluenced is provided with a tunnel or pathway which will keep the somewhat shorter elastics within. In the elastics [sic] natural, or uninfluenced form, the circumference created will be somewhat smaller than the circumference of the plastic sheet, thereby creating a sort of plastic bag that is easy to use, mount and dismount.”
RU2326033C2 refers to a “device for sealing or tightly closing bottles or similar containers consists of at least two components, a rigid cup-shaped component and an elastic membrane, which are constantly held together. The rigid cup-shaped component, made from metal, plastic or some other material, has the shape of a hollow body of rotation, formed by a hollow cylinder or a cut-off cone with a closed bottom. The membrane is immovably stretched on top of the rim of the open end 3 of the cup-shaped component, or preferably perpendicular the axis to the plane, located between the closed bottom and the open end 3 of the rigid cup-shaped component, using any suitable method. When installing the device on the neck of the vessel, the membrane is stretched, which allows for its tight adhesion to the edge of the neck. The rigid cup-shaped component is joined to the inner part of the neck of the vessel through deformation or a screwed joining. The tightening device is between the closed bottom of the rigid cup-shaped component and the edge of the neck of the vessel.”
WO2000051905A1 relates to a covering element for open bodies which is provided for covering or closing openings of the body. The covering element is comprised of a rubber elastic material which can expand to a multiple of its size in order to close differently shaped bodies or openings.
US20110127267A1 refers to a reusable, flexible beverage lid designed to fit various beverage containers includes a drink through cover portion having a generally circular periphery and a flexible sidewall with a profile enabling sealing against varying dimensioned beverage containers. The shape of the sidewall profile allows the lid to reliably seal and be easily assembled against various beverage containers and is generally consistent circumferentially. The lid design is such that it can be scaled radially to fit a further amount of beverage containers.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,534,486 states that a container cover prevents spillage of contents. In one embodiment, the container cover includes a flexible body having a first portion that can be stretched over a mouth of a container. The container cover also includes a second portion providing a periphery around the first portion that can contract against the sides of a container on which the container cover is placed to hold the cover in position. The first portion when stretched over the mouth of the container has an extension forming an area of slack for the container cover to allow the container cover to expand as a result of increased pressure within the container. The container cover further includes the first portion also including an aperture to receive a tube for withdrawing contents from the container. The first portion of the container cover includes a venting system. The venting system is provided by a valve.
DE102009042716A1 recites: Lid for non-threaded bottle closure in shape and type of description with the following characteristics.
a. The lid is made of a stretchable material, for example, elastomers
b. The lid has no thread but can have grooves
c. The lid is executed like a cap
d. The lid is the conclusion of a container
e. The lid may have a retracted edge
f. The lid may have a perforation for sealing purposes.
DE202005007773 recites a cover for a container which comprises an outer surface and an inner surface which is in contact with a container to be sealed, wherein the lid is made of a silicone material and is formed with a central portion and an outer peripheral portion surrounding the central portion, wherein the thickness of the outer peripheral portion is between 2.0 mm and 4.0 mm, and the thickness of the central portion is larger than that of the outer peripheral portion.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,172,544 recites a closure for receptacles and particularly for bottles and the like, comprising a substantially rigid cap which may be readily engaged about the mouth of the bottle, in combination with resilient skirt means adapted to be tensioned by a portion of the bottle to provide a relatively impermeable seal.
US20130133288 recites “a cover configured to be detachably secured to multiple objects having irregular shapes. The cover comprises a spheroid comprising a hollow interior and a wall.”
WO2003022702A1 “concerns a method for preserving perishable products (10) arranged in a container (1), comprising a step which consists in fixing a flexible envelope (2) including at least a projecting tab (5, 5′, 5″ and 6), on at least part of the ends of said container so as to form a fluid-tight housing (8) for the products. The invention is characterized in that it comprises the following steps, for expelling fluid, for example ambient air, contained in said housing: a) a drawing step which consists in stretching at least one of said tabs (5, 5′ or 5″) so as to form a temporary passage between the inside and the outside of said housing (8); b) a step which consists in compressing, or pressing, the flexible envelope (2) against the products and/or the container so that the fluid contained in said housing (8) is expelled through said temporary passage; c) a step which consists in closing said passage.”
In some embodiments, the elastomeric cover comprises a thermoplastic elastomer or any other material or mixture of materials that has similar properties. Some materials have been referred to as “super elastic plastic.” In some aspects, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) may comprise polymers or copolymers or blends of thereof that are formulated to provide the properties outlined below. For instance, TPEs may contain block copolymers such as styrene based block copolymers including styrene-ethylene, butylene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-ethylene, propylene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-ethylene, propylene block copolymers, styrene-ethylene, ethylene propylene-styrene block copolymers, partially hydrogenated products of styrene-isoprene, butadiene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, or styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers, or a combination thereof. Thermoplastic urethanes also may be useful and may be formulated to provide appropriate properties. In some aspects, TPEs may contain a styrene butadiene styrene block copolymer or styrene ethylene butadiene styrene block copolymers.
In some aspects the TPE elastomeric cover can be stretched a sufficient amount to accommodate various size containers, yet after being fitted on the container, the elastomeric cover will have elastomer properties such that upon contraction, the elastomeric cover self-seals about a periphery of container, and when removed the elastomeric cover may return to its original resting shape. In some aspects, the elastomeric cover having the same size in its resting state could accommodate a range of containers that are at least twice the size relative to the other, for example, 2-20 times the size relative to another such as 2-10, 4-16, 3-8, or 5-8 times the size relative to another. Size may be based on volume of the elastomeric cover in the resting shape compared to the volume of the contents in a container. Thermoplastic elastomers or super elastic plastics are commercially available under trade names such Kraton® D2104, Dynaflex® G6713-001, Dynaflex® G6713C, Versaflex® OM9-802CL or Versaflex® CL2000X. Some or all commercial TPEs are proprietary polymers or copolymers, or blends thereof having proprietary formulations containing components such as crosslinking agents or additives, which affect the properties identified below. TPE suppliers may readily provide materials based on one or a combination of the properties below.
In some aspects, a combination comprising primarily about 75% by weight Kraton® G1651 H, a clear, linear copolymer based on styrene and ethylene/butylene (with a polystyrene content of about 33%) and about 25% by weight Kang Libo 15# white oil cosmetic product are used to make the TPE cover, and secondarily, from a weigh perspective, proprietary additives and dyes. The white oil lends properties to the combination making the resulting material less hard than the Kraton® G1651 H while providing similar strength and elasticity Kraton® G1651 H. For example, Kraton® G1651 H has a hardness of Shore Type A using ASTM 2240 at 10 seconds at 23° C. of 60, which may prove too hard to use as the only component for making the TPE cover. The tensile strength of Kraton® G1651 H is less than about 5.5 and the elongation at break is less than 800%, which are both in range for the material used for making the final TPE cover herein.
In some aspects, the durometer hardness Shore Type A or Shore Type 00 of the super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D2240 for 10 seconds at 23° C. may have a value of about 1-50, such as about 1-45, about 2-40, or about 3-15 such as about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40, or any range among these values.
In some aspects, the super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer may have a tensile stress at least in one direction measured according to ASTM D412 at 100% strain or 300% at 23° C. of less than about 15 MPa, such as about 0.01-10 MPa, about 0.05-5 MPa or about 0.05-3 MPa. Tensile stress of the same material may have lower values at 100% strain versus 300% strain. In some aspects, tensile stress at 100% strain at 23° C. may be less than about 10 MPa, such as about 0.01-5 MPa, about 0.03-1.5 MPa, or about 0.06-1.5 MPa, such as about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5 MPa. Alternatively, in some aspects tensile stress at 300% strain at 23° C. may be about 0.1-10 MPa, about 0.1-5 MPa, or about 0.1-3 MPa, such as about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, or 10.0 MPa MPa, or any range among these values.
In some aspects, the tensile strength of the super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer at least in one direction at break measured according to ASTM D412 at 23° C. may be about 0.1-15 MPa, such as from about 0.1-10, 0.5-8 or 1-8 MPa, and typically have a value of about 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 MPa, or any range among these values.
In some aspects, the tensile elongation of the super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer at least in one direction at break measured according to ASTM D412 at 23° C. may be 50% or greater such as about 100%-5000%, about 200%-3000%, about 300%-2000%, or about 500%-1500%, or about 500%, 600%, 700%, 800%, 900%, 1000%, 1100%, 1200%, 1300%, 1400%, or 1500%, or any range among these values.
In some aspects, the tear strength of the super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D624 is about 1-35 kN/m, such as about 3-27 kN/m, about 5-10 kN/m, such as about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 kN/m, or any range among these values.
In some aspects, the stress at break of the super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D2240 may be about 1-35 kN/m, such as about 3-27 kN/m, about 5-10 kN/m, such as about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 kN/m, or any range among these values.
In some aspects, the durometer hardness Shore Type A or Shore Type 00 of the super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D2240 for 10 seconds at 23° C. may have a value of about 1-50, such as about 1-45, about 2-40, or about 3-15 such as about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40, or any range among these values.
In some aspects, the density of the super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D2240 or ASTM D792 may be about 0.01-5 g/cm3, about 0.5-2 g/cm3, or about 0.8-1.5 g/cm3, such as about 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 g/cm3, or any range among these values.
In some aspects, the shrinkage of the super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D2240 may be about 0.01-5%, about 0.5-2%, or about 0.8-1.5%, such as about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2.0%, or any range among these values.
In some aspects, the melt flow of the super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D2240 may be about 25-150 g/10 min, such as about 50-100 g/10 min, about 75-95 g/10 min, such as about 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100 g/10 min, or any range among these values.
In some aspects, the melt flow of the super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D2240 may be about 25-150 MPa, such as about 50-100 MPa, about 75-95 MPa, such as about 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100 MPa, or any range among these values.
In some aspects, the compressive strength of the super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D2240 may be about 1-50%, such as about 1-45, about 2-40, or about 3-30 such as about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45% or any range among these values.
In some aspects, the brittle temperature of the super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D2240 may be about −80 to −50° C., such as about −75 to −55, about −72 to −58 or about −75, −74, −73, −72, −71, −70, −69, −68, −67, −66, −65, −64, −63, −62, −61, −60, −59, −58, −57, −56, −55, −54, −53, −52, −51, or 50° C. or any range among these values.
The super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer may have one or more of the properties above (e.g., tensile stress, tensile strength, tear strength, tensile elongation, or durometer hardness), such as tensile elongation and durometer hardness.
The length of the elastomeric cover in its resting state may be sufficient to accommodate various shaped containers in its expanded state. The length may be, for example, from about 1-10 inches such as about 1-7 inches, about 2-6 inches, about 2-4 inches or about 3 inches in length in its resting state. The elastomeric cover, such as the TPE or super elastic plastic elastomeric cover, in some aspects, may have a wall thickness (i.e., of the sidewalls 1 and closed end 2) of about 1/32″ to ½″ thick such as about 1/16″ to ¼″ thick, for example, about 1/16″, ⅛″, or 3/16″ thickness. The inner or outer diameter of a cylindrical elastomeric cover may be about 0.25-10 inches, about 0.5-5 inches, about 0.5-3 inches, about 0.5-2 inches, or about 1 inch. In some aspects, the inner diameter is about 1 inch and the cross sectional outer diameter is about 1.25 inch. Other shaped elastomeric covers may have similar inner or outer dimensions from one side to the other side of the elastomeric cover, for example, between facing sides of a cuboid or prism. In its expanded state, the elastomeric cover may stretch in any direction (e.g. horizontally, vertically, diagonally, lengthwise, widthwise, circumferentially, etc.) in which it is expanded about 2-20 times, such as about 4-16 or about 8-10 times, in comparison to the resting state dimensions, allowing a elastomeric cover having a fixed size to accommodate various size containers. By any direction e.g., horizontally, vertically, diagonally, lengthwise, widthwise, or circumferentially, refers to stretching the entire elastomeric cover e.g., from one end to another lengthwise, from side to side widthwise, from corner to corner diagonally, or outwardly from a diameter circumferentially, etc. When in various stretched states, for example, when fitted to a various existing containers, the elastomeric cover may have a dimension such as an inner diameter of a single cylindrical elastomeric cover at its widest stretched part of about 0.5-10 inches, for example 1-10, 1.5-10, 1-8, 1.5-8, 1.5-5, 2-5 or 2-3 inches. As an illustration, one elastomeric cover can be used to cover a container having a 1″ round diameter or square length (or other shaped) cross section and also can be used to cover a container having a 5″ round diameter or square length (or other shaped) cross section. Other shaped elastomeric connectors may have similar inner or outer dimensions from one side to the opposite side of the elastomeric connector, for example, between facing sides of a cuboid or prism.
The guidance herein regarding the flexibility and other properties of the materials, sizes, dimensions etc. of the elastomeric connector may be used to determine which dimensions may be optimal for a particular group of differently dimensioned and shaped containers to be covered.
The elastomeric cover may have similar sized dimensions on either end or one end may be narrower than the other end, such as wherein the elastomeric cover may have, at least partially, a dome, funnel or conical shape, although the elastomeric cover may be formed in any suitable shape that will accommodate a container of various sizes such as cylindrical, spherical, barrel shaped or prism shaped, rectangular prism, or variations thereof. The elastomeric cover can accommodate caps or ends that may potentially leak such as a squeeze bottle top, spray bottle top, a twist off cap, an aerosol can top, a snap closure lid, and/or nozzle.
The elastomeric cover may be manufactured in a variety of ways including but not limited to injection molding or extrusion. In some aspects, the elastomeric cover may be manufactured in a single contiguous piece.
In some aspects a container may be subject to at about 11-15 psi during the course of a commercial airplane flight. In some aspects, no fluid or almost no fluid such as less than 1%, 0.1%, or 0.01% of the fluid escapes the open end 3 of the elastomeric cover when in use.
Without being bound by theory, it appears that the self-sealing elastomeric cover, when in use, has sufficient elastomeric properties for its inner surface to directly contact and grip a larger percentage of the container's surface area to counter the force from e.g., the cabin air pressure during air travel or otherwise that may force a cap to open and liquid to escape a container. In contrast, other, more rigid or differently shaped covers, which may be unable to grip such a large surface area on a container or may detach or leak. In some aspects, the length of the elastomeric cover having an internal surface that directly contacts the container when in use is at least about 30% the length in its resting state along the sidewall from the open end 3 toward the closed end 2 of the elastomeric cover, such as 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%. In some aspects, the elastomeric cover allows direct contact and self-seals around a container when in use, without gaps between the container and the elastomeric cover along the sidewalls 1 and closed end 2. In some aspects various sized caps may prevent complete direct contact of the internal surface of the elastomeric cover and the container and may leave gaps near the closed end 2 that do not affect the ability of the elastomeric cover to prevent leaks from the open end 3.
The terms “container” is meant to include various containers such as bottles, tubes, or tubs that have a removable or semi-removable component such as a cap, lid or cover to keep the contents inside, such as a snap-on or screw-on piece, a flip cover, toggle opening, or a combination thereof. As toiletry containers are generally irregularly shaped, the dimensions generally refer to the cross section of the largest portion of the container excluding the cap, which may have a smaller cross section, e.g., diameter in comparison to the container. Further, the container often has rounded edges even if, for example, it is generally a cuboid shape. The container may dispense a fluid substance, including thick fluids, such as creams, gels, and pastes or substances that act like a fluid, or otherwise contains a substance that is desired to be secured in the container. For example, the container may contain toiletry items such as shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, fluid medication, fluid makeup, and/or may include substances such as sand, beads, or pills, or the container may be a food containing container such as a milk carton, soda bottle or can, or other containers that hold food and drinks. In some aspects the container may be partially full with liquid, wherein gas inside the container will expand during air travel and cause leaks from the container if the elastomeric cover was not used to secure the end of the container susceptible to leaks. A cylindrical elastomeric cover having approximately a 1″ inner diameter, 3″ length and approximately 0.125″ wall thickness may easily accommodate a container that is about 1″ in diameter to about 4″ or 5″ in diameter and other similar sized containers having different shapes or combination of shapes.
The elastomeric cover may comprise an approximately perpendicular flange near the opening of the elastomeric cover to assist in applying or removing the elastomeric cover from the container when in use, which may extend perpendicularly from the outer edge of the cover by about 0.1-0.5 inches. The flange may be integral with the sidewalls 1 adjacent the open end 3 of the elastomeric cover. In some aspects, the flange is annular and surrounds the entire open end 3 to assist removal and allows for two hands to grasp the flange to apply or remove the elastomeric cover. The flange can comprise a decorative edge that does not interfere with the function of the flange.
Typically, the elastomeric cover illustrated herein in FIGS. 1-4 may have a cylindrical opening and/or is made to accommodate a cylindrical, elliptical cylinder, or cuboid container; however, other shapes are not precluded and the elastomeric cover may be customized to complement a particularly shaped or sized container. Generally, due to the elastomeric nature of the elastomeric cover, a cylindrical elastomeric cover can accommodate most shaped containers such as those that have a cross section that is approximately round, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, hexagonal, and can fit over entire oddly shaped containers having caps that are flush or protrude from the container such as a toothpaste tube, shampoo or conditioner bottle, makeup bottle, hairspray bottle, shaving cream container. Each container may have, for example, a flat lid, a curved lid or an asymmetric lid. Each container may have a spray end or a pump that may have a cap covering it. Nonetheless, other shaped elastomeric covers are contemplated, such as cuboid, cube, cone/funnel, prism, or pyramid shaped elastomeric cover having opening on one end, or for instance any shape having a round, square, triangular, rectangular, hexagonal or multi-sided cross section. Elastomeric cover shapes need not be symmetrical and can include an asymmetrical hourglass, wavy, or custom shape, which could be similarly beneficial in particular applications. In some aspects the sidewalls 1 of the elastomeric cover are straight as in a cylindrical cover, and/or the end is approximately perpendicular to the straight side. In some aspects the elastomeric cover is not spherical in shape. In some aspects the elastomeric cover does not comprise a hinge on a closed end 2 opposite the opening
The terms “approximately” “about” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount or measurement close to the stated amount or measurement that still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount.
All patents and publications referenced herein are incorporated herein by reference.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

TPE super elastic plastic cylindrical elastomeric cover as shown in FIG. 1, for example, was made from a propriety blend comprising primarily about 75% by weight Kraton™ G1651 H Polymer, a clear, linear copolymer based on styrene and ethylene/butylene with a polystyrene content of 33% and about 25% by weight Kang Libo 15# white oil cosmetic product, and secondarily from a weigh perspective, proprietary additives and dyes. The TPE super elastic plastic cylindrical elastomeric cover was about 3″ long and had about a 1″ inner diameter and about a 1.25″ outer cross sectional diameter in its resting state. The closed end 2 of the elastomeric cover having a lip has a diameter of about 1.5″. The wall thickness of the sidewalls 1 and the closed end 2 were about 0.125″. The open end 3 has a flange that can be used to grip the elastomeric cover, and also includes a decorative scalloped shape. The elastomeric cover was fitted over various sized containers as shown in FIG. 1-3. Generally, this size elastomeric cover can be used to cover most toiletry sized containers as well as large bulk size shampoos, conditioners, shaving creams and oddly shaped perfume bottles.
The elastomeric cover is fitted over containers of various shapes and sizes, for example approximately 1″ round cylindrical container, 3″ round cylindrical container, 4″ round cylindrical container, 2″ square cuboid container, 2″×3″ rectangular cuboid container, 2″ by 1.5″ rectangular cuboid container, an elliptical cylindrical container having a cross section that is about 3′ by 4″, and a full size toothpaste tube. Most containers, the sizes of which were approximated above, had a cap that was not flush with the rest of the container. Each container is partially full such that air inside the container may expand and cause the contents to leak from the container. None of the containers covered with the elastomeric cover leaks outside the elastomeric cover during travel on a commercial aircraft.
The open end 3 of the elastomeric cover was stretched about and affixed to approximately 1″ round cylindrical container, elliptical cylindrical container having a cross section that is about 3′ by 4″, a 2″ by 1.5″ rectangular cuboid container, and a full size toothpaste tube, roughly aligning the closed end 2 of the elastomeric cover with the end of the container having a cap that may potentially leak. The containers were made of a flexible plastic. To simulate an increase in pressure that the container might experience in luggage stowed during an airplane flight, the containers are each squeezed by hand individually using maximal hand force. The elastomeric cover is then removed, and the leakage is assessed. It is found that none of the contents leaked from the open end 3 of the elastomeric cover in any container tested.

Example 2

The TPE super elastic plastic cylindrical elastomeric cover of Example 1 was fitted over the following containers:
a) A partially filled 50 g cylindrical container of cream about 1 and ¾″ in height having a round cross section with a round screw top having about a 2″ diameter and a cap having a height of ⅜″.
b) A partially full 2 oz bottle of saline solution having mostly a round cross section, which is 3½″ height, 1 and ⅝″ diameter, and ⅞″ cap which snaps open to a squeeze bottle.
c) A full 3.3 ounce mostly cylindrical bottle of vanilla having 3 and ⅛″ height, 1⅞″ diameter on the bottom, having sides that form a sloped portion near the cap, which is ⅜″ high by 1″ diameter.
d) An approximately ⅞ full 23.7 oz mostly cylindrical bottle of a micellar water solution with a mostly oval cross section having an 8″ height including a cylindrical cap and at the largest cross-section measuring 3½″ by 2″½″, and having an approximately 1″ high by 1″diameter cylindrical cap wherein the lid on cap snaps opens to a squeeze bottle.
e) An approximately ⅓ full 13.52 oz thickened liquid facial cleanser mostly cylindrical pump bottle having an 8″ height including the protruding pump arm and a round cross section with a 2¼″ diameter, with a pump height of 1¾″. The elastomeric cover was not stretched tightly over the protruding pump arm so that the pump arm would not pierce the elastomeric cover.
f) An approximately ¼ full 8 oz nail polish remover bottle having an approximately 6⅜″ height, which has an essentially square cross section with rounded corners having approximately a 1¾″ width, and a cylindrical cap that is 1″ high and has a ⅞″ diameter.
g) An approximately half full mostly cylindrical eye dropper bottle including dropper filled with a liquid serum having approximately 4″ height, has a round cross section with a 1¼″ diameter and a dropper approximately 1¼″ high, and a cap of approximately ⅞″ diameter.
h) A mostly cylindrical 13 oz plastic bottle approximately ¾ full of cream leave in conditioner having a cap left open to simulate leaking conditions, with an approximately 6⅜″ height including the cap and having a round cross section that has a 2½″ diameter, and a cap that is 1″ high and 1″ in diameter, which can be pushed on one side to open into a squeeze bottle type opening.
i) A nearly full 3.4 oz glass bottle of perfume having 4⅜″ height including cap and having an approximately rectangular cross section that is approximately 2½″ wide by 1″ deep, wherein the height of the cap is about 1⅛″ in height and the rectangle cross section cap is approximately 1⅝″ by 1⅛″.
j) An approximately % full 20 oz plastic bottle of hair gel about 9″ in height has oval cross sections of varying sizes, the largest of which is about 3½″ by 1¼″ and having a cap that is 1⅛″ high and wherein the oval cap is about 2⅛″ by 1¼″ and has a lid that opens to a squeeze bottle.
k) An approximately half full 2½ ounce tube of lotion has a 5″ length wherein the crimped end has a length of about 2⅜″ and the cylindrical cap has a round cross section and is approximately 1″ high and 1⅜″ diameter.
l) A full 6½ oz. tube of toothpaste has a length of 7½″, wherein the crimped end has a length of 2⅜″, and the cylindrical cap is ¾″ high and 1¼″ diameter.
m) A 2.6 oz mostly cylindrical plastic pressure bottle of saline with a streaming spray having a height of 5½″ and has a round cross section of approximately 1⅝″ and wherein the cylindrical cap is 1⅝″ tall and approximately 1¼″ diameter.
n) A full 5 oz plastic bottle of sunscreen that has an approximately rectangular cross section on the lower portion which is about 2½″ by 1″ and rounded sloped shoulders with varying sized rectangular cross sections on the upper portion and having a cap that is 1″ high and 1″ diameter, which opens to a squeeze bottle.
o) A cylindrical plastic tub of coconut oil that is approximately half full and has a round cross section with a diameter of about 3½″ and a height of 2⅝″ that includes the cap, which is approximately ½″ high.
p) An approximately half full 3.4 oz plastic pump spray bottle of leave in conditioner having a trapezoidal cross section with a longer 1¾″ longer side and a 1½″ shorter side and about 1½″ width, having a pump top of about 1⅝″ height and 1″ pump spray top with a round cross section and an upper pump with a round cross section portion having an approximately ½″ diameter. No cap covered the pump spray.
q) An approximately 1/10 full 3 oz glass bottle of perfume with a broken spray top approximately having a 1⅝″ square cross section and having an approximately 4″ height and a cap portion having a round cross section that is ⅝″ high and ½″ diameter.
r) An approximately half full 6.8 oz. tube of hair gel has a length of 7″, wherein the crimped end is 3″, and the cap is 1″ high and has a 1¾″ diameter.
s) An approximately ¼″ full 2.6 ounce mostly cylindrical pressurized spray metal bottle having an approximately 6¼″ height with a round cross section of 1⅜″ diameter and a spray cap having 1″ height and an approximately 1½″ diameter.
The elastomeric cover of Example 1 was affixed to each container above by stretching the elastomeric cover over the top of the container and pulling down and stretching over the container, except for the container with a protruding pump that had some slack at the closed end of the elastomeric cover so the protruding pump would not pierce the elastomeric cover. All of the above toiletries were put in checked baggage on a commercial flight of over 1000 miles. The containers were observed and noted for any leakage while unpacking. Most of the containers did not leak within the elastomeric cover. None of the contents of any container leaked out from the open end of the elastomeric cover.
The approximately ⅓ full 13.52 oz thickened liquid facial cleanser pump bottle having an 8″ height including the protruding pump arm leaked into the closed end of the elastomeric cover but did not leak outside the open end of the elastomeric cover.
The pump spray bottle of leave in conditioner having a trapezoidal cross section leaked from the bottle into the closed end of the elastomeric cover but did not leak outside the open end of the elastomeric cover.
The 13 oz plastic bottle approximately ¾ full of cream leave in conditioner having a cap left open leaked contents into the closed end of the elastomeric cover but did not leak outside from the open end of the elastomeric cover.
All elastomeric covers were rinsed and reused.

Example 3

The elastomeric cover (sold under the name Leaklocks®) was first offered for sale on Amazon.com on Sep. 27, 2020. In less than one year, the elastomeric cover was awarded “Amazon Best Sellers” in the Cosmetic Travel Cases category, filling a previous long-felt yet unmet need to satisfactorily prevent contents of toiletries from leaking over the contents of suitcases during travel. Over 5000 elastomeric covers were sold on line within the first year while maintaining a 4.5 out of 5 star rating on Amazon. Sales have been trending steeply upward since launch. This commercial success was achieved even though the travel industry was depressed severely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some Amazon purchasers have reviewed the product and left the following comments as follows:
“I've used them twice for travel and didn't have to clean up the contents from an exploded shampoo bottle. They fit small containers and larger containers.”
“These work great for most all sizes of bottles. I will definitely be ordering more. No more slime mess in my toiletries bag!”
“Very snug and holds liquid [sic] in great. Would buy again! !”
“This really keeps everything from leaking in my luggage. They are easy to put on and take off and I've tried them on all shapes and sizes of bottles. Will be buying more soon.”
“Amazing idea and great quality! A travel must . . . ”
“These were great when I traveled last. They kept all the lids from opening, so no leaks. Plus they saved me from having to waste plastic bags to protect my stuff.”
“Do a lot of traveling. These are the best thing ever! !! !”
“I've put them on the products I am most likely to take on a trip with me and they fit with out [sic] any problem. I think this is such a great idea! I am surprised that it has taken so long for someone to come up with such a great solution to common problem!”
“Very clever and useful product.”
“Always had a problem when I would check in a bag and the air pressure during flight would burst one of my bottles. I'd see shampoo or anything else splattered all within my toiletries bag. I got into the habit of wrapping it with plastic or little bags but that became a process and started to get expensive having to buy more each time. This is ideal as it's washable and reusable.”

Claims

1. An elastomeric cover comprising

contiguous sidewalls adjacent to and integral with a closed end and forming an open end opposite the closed end,

wherein the elastomeric cover has properties and dimensions wherein when in use a single elastomeric cover self seals about peripheries of containers having approximately round, square, rectangular, oval and trapezoidal cross sections.

2. The elastomeric cover of claim 1

wherein a length of the elastomeric cover from the closed end to the open end is longer than the width of the closed end or the open end.

3. The elastomeric cover of claim 1

wherein the sidewalls are cylindrical.

4. The elastomeric cover of claim 1

wherein the sidewalls are substantially perpendicular to the closed end when in a resting state.

5. The elastomeric cover of claim 1

wherein the elastomeric cover comprises a thermoplastic elastomer having a durometer hardness Shore Type A or Shore Type OO value of about 1-50.

6. The elastomeric cover of claim 5

wherein the elastomeric cover comprises a thermoplastic elastomer having a durometer hardness Shore Type A value of about 1-40.

7. The elastomeric cover of claim 1

wherein the elastomeric cover comprises a thermoplastic elastomer that has a tear strength of about 1-35 kN/m.

8. The elastomeric cover of claim 1

wherein the elastomeric cover has a length of about 1-5 inches.

9. The elastomeric cover of claim 1

wherein a single elastomeric cover has properties and dimensions capable of self sealing about peripheries of containers comprising a 1″ diameter cylindrical container, 3″ diameter cylindrical container and a 2″ by 1.5″ rectangular cuboid container when in use.

10. The elastomeric cover of claim 1

wherein the properties and the dimensions provide a surface area about peripheries of the containers to counter a force of a pressurized contents when in use.

11. The elastomeric cover of claim 1

wherein the elastomeric cover comprises a thermoplastic elastomer;

wherein the elastomeric cover has an open end for receiving a container;

wherein the elastomeric cover has a wall thickness of about 1/32″ to ½″;

wherein the thermoplastic elastomer has a durometer hardness Shore Type A value of about 1-100;

wherein the elastomeric cover has properties and dimensions wherein, when affixed to a container, less than 1% of the contents of the container escapes the open end of the elastomeric cover when pressure is applied.

12. The elastomeric cover of claim 11

wherein the elastomeric cover has properties and dimensions capable of self sealing about peripheries of various sized containers comprising both a cylindrical container and cuboid container when in use;

wherein the properties and the dimensions provide a surface area about peripheries of the various sized containers to counter a force of pressure when in use;

wherein one of the properties comprises retaining the resting state dimensions after use without deforming.

13. The elastomeric cover of claim 11

wherein the elastomeric cover comprises a thermoplastic elastomer;

wherein the elastomeric cover has a wall thickness of about 1/32″ to ½″ and a length of about 2-10 inches;

wherein the thermoplastic elastomer has

a) a tensile stress at least in one direction at 100% strain or 300% at 23° C. of less than about 15 MPa;

b) has a tensile strength at least in one direction at break of about 0.1-15 MPa;

c) a tear strength of about 1-35 kN/m;

d) a tensile elongation at least in one direction at break of 50% or greater; or

e) a durometer hardness Shore Type A value of about 1-100.

14. The elastomeric cover of claim 1

wherein the elastomeric cover has an external length and width;

wherein the length is greater than the width.

15. A method of using the elastomeric cover of claim 11 comprising

affixing the elastomeric cover to a container.

16. The method of using the elastomeric cover of claim 15 further comprising

applying pressure to the container, wherein less than 1% of the contents of the container escapes the open end of the elastomeric cover and remains in the closed end of the elastomeric cover.

17. The method of using the elastomeric cover of claim 15

wherein the container is pressurized to about 11-15 psi.

18. The method of using the elastomeric cover of claim 15

stretching the open end of the elastomeric cover about a container;

aligning the closed end of the elastomeric cover with an end of a container that has a potential to leak; and

applying pressure to the container;

wherein less than 1% of the contents escapes the open end of the elastomeric cover during the applying pressure step.

19. A method of using the elastomeric cover of claim 1 comprising

affixing the elastomeric cover to a container having a smaller circumference than the inner circumference of the elastomeric cover;

rolling the elastomeric cover onto itself to decrease the inner circumference of the elastomeric cover to form a leak-proof seal about the periphery of the container.

20. A method of using the elastomeric cover of claim 1 comprising

stretching a first elastomeric cover about wet or soiled contents;

stretching a second elastomeric cover over the open end of the first elastomeric cover.