Flexible carry bag with replaceable fluid bladder

Abstract

A flexible carry bag for the transport and consumption of fluid by an individual, the flexible carry bag defining a receptacle for a flexible bladder formed of flexible resilient plastic such as polyethylene having a closure means at one end and pre-filled with the fluid, this flexible bladder insertable within the flexible carry bag such that its closure means extends out of said carry bag, carry bag having a closure means to allow access thereto by the user, the flexible carry bag having a support means in the form of a strap or clip for the transport of the flexible bladder and flexible carry bag by the user.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Applicant claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60/464,999, filed Apr. 25, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a portable, flexible fluid container for individual use, and more particularly to a flexible container or carry bag cooperative with a pre-filled fluid receptacle or bladder for the receipt thereof and transportation and use, the fluid bladder and carrying bag having complimentary shapes and dimensions.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Health conscious people are increasing consuming more water on a daily basis. In doing so they are increasingly consuming bottled water in container sizes ranging from 8 ounces to 32 ounces. The number of bottled water purveyors has increased dramatically as is evident from television and print advertising. It is not unusual to see a professional man or woman dressed in a suit walking down the street with a bottle of water in their pocket. This may oftentimes present a problem, particularly if the bottle of water has recently been removed from a refrigerator or cooler such that condensation occurs on the outside of the bottle which condensation is transferred to the clothing of the individual. Therefore there exists a need for a water container for the transport of water in a stylish fashion without affecting the clothing of the consumer. Applicant's invention is directed to a combination container which addresses this problem.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide for a novel flexible fluid container for the transport of fluids, and in particular water, in a stylish and comfortable manner.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide for a novel flexible fluid container for the transport and consumption of water which can be worn on a strap.

[0008] A still further object of the present invention is to provide for a novel flexible fluid container in which a first flexible bladder having a dispensing and closure means is positioned within a second absorbent container having a closure means and a strap, or clip means for transport.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A flexible carry bag for the transport and consumption of fluid by an individual, the flexible carry bag defining a receptacle for a flexible bladder formed of flexible resilient plastic such as polyethylene having a closure means at one end and pre-filled with the fluid, this flexible bladder insertable within the flexible carry bag such that its closure means extends out of said carry bag, carry bag having a closure means to allow access thereto by the user, the flexible carry bag having a support means in the form of a strap or clip for the transport of the flexible bladder and flexible carry bag by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent, particularly when taken in light of the following illustrations wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of the flexible bladder in which fluid is pre-filled;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a front closed view of the flexible carry bag for receipt of the flexible bladder;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a front open view of the flexible carry bag; and

[0014] FIG. 4 is a rear open view of the flexible carry bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view of the flexible bladder receptacle 10 of the present invention. Flexible bladder receptacle 10 resembles a kidney-shaped bag. It is constructed of polyethylene, or some other flexible plastic, preferably clear, and is secured about its periphery by heat seal 12 or similar sealing means. The general shape of flexible bladder receptacle 10 may vary depending upon the shape of the flexible carry bag described hereafter. For the purposes of disclosure, the flexible bladder receptacle is illustrated is generally kidney-shaped, having a first end 14 circumference greater than a second end 16 circumference. Positioned on second end 16 is a combination dispensing and closure means 18. The dispensing and closure means 18 could comprise a twist off cap or a push-pull nipple arrangement, or any other suitable closure means. The flexible bladder receptacle would be prefilled with the fluid, such as water, and the closure means 18 would be secured thereto. The closure means 18 would also include an appropriate anti-tampering seal to assure the purchaser at the time of purchase.

[0016] The flexible bladder receptacle 10 is designed as a replacement for the plastic polyethylene bottles presently used in most instances for the packaging and sale of bottled water. Prefilled flexible bladder receptacles 10 of the like described could be packaged in six packs, or cases for purchase by the user, or could be stocked on refrigerator shelves in convenience stores for individual purchase. The flexible bladder receptacle 10 is designed to be disposable after its contents have been consumed. However, that is not to say that the purchaser and consumer could not remove the closure means 18 and clean the interior of the bladder by rinsing such that the consumer or user could then refill the flexible bladder receptacle 10 with a similar liquid or alternative beverage.

[0017] In order to avoid the awkwardness of carrying around the flexible bladder receptacle 10 in the same manner as individuals presently carry around a bottle of water, a flexible carry bag 20 would receive the flexible bladder receptacle 10. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the flexible carry bag 20 comprises a kidney-shaped bag having a first end 22 circumference greater than the second end 24 circumference thereby being compatible with the shape of the flexible bladder receptacle 10. In the embodiment shown, the flexible carry bag 20 would be secured about its periphery 26 with a seam 28. An opening 30 with a closure means 31 for the insertion of the flexible bladder receptacle 10 would be formed along edge 33 in alignment with seam 28. One side wall 32 of the flexible carry bag 20 would have a flap means 34 which would extend over the opposing side wall 36 of flexible carry bag 20. The underside of flap means 34 and the opposing side wall 36 would be secured by a hook and loop fastener 38 or the like after insertion of the flexible bladder receptacle 10. In this configuration after insertion of the flexible bladder receptacle 10, the closure means 16 would extend outwardly from the flexible carry bag 20 through an aperture 40 formed when flap means 34 were secured to the opposing side wall 36. In addition to flap means 34, carry bag 20 could also be formed with a zipper closure means 31 in alignment with seam 28 along the upper periphery of carry bag 20.

[0018] Flexible carry bag 20 would also have a supporting means 42 secured thereto. In the embodiment shown, the support means 42 consists of an adjustable strap secured to the flexible carry bag 20 at opposing ends. Strap means 42 could be of a sufficient length to allow the user to place the strap on their shoulder and carry the flexible carry bag 20 and inserted flexible bladder receptacle 10 as hanging from their shoulder at their waist.

[0019] Other embodiments of a support means 42 may also be developed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As an example, a clip means could be incorporated on one side wall of the flexible carry bag 20 for engagement with a waist belt. Additionally, flexible carry bag 20 could also be formed with other receptacles or pockets 46 with or without closure means which would allow the user or consumer to store keys, change or money.

[0020] In the embodiments shown, the user would make a one time purchase of a flexible carry bag 20 and thereafter purchase the flexible bladder receptacle either individually or in bulk and after appropriate refrigeration if desired, insert the flexible bladder receptacle 10 into the flexible carry bag 20 for transport and use.

[0021] While the present invention has been described with respect to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications or changes can be achieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore it is manifestly intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the claims and the equivalence thereof.

Claims

1. A flexible carry bag with fluid bladder comprising:

a carry bag generally oval in longitudinal cross section formed from two complimentary panels secured about a portion of said panels peripheries, thereby defining an opening proximate one end thereof and a cavity;

a fluid bladder for containment of a fluid, generally oval in longitudinal cross section formed from two complimentary panels secured about said panels peripheries and defining an opening at one end thereof, said opening having a closure means formed thereon for the filling of said fluid bladder and dispensing from said fluid bladder, said fluid bladder shape being complimentary with said cavity of said carry bag;

a closure means secured to said carry bag for partial closure of said opening of said carry bag, said closure permitting the insertion and removal of said fluid bladder, said closure means of said fluid bladder extending outwardly from said carry bag when said closure means of said carry bag is in a closed position.

2. The flexible carry bag with fluid bladder in accordance with claim 1 wherein said carry bag and said fluid bladder are kidney-shaped.

3. The flexible carry bag and fluid bladder in accordance with claim 1 wherein said closure means of said carry bag is a flap permanently secured to one of said panels of said carry bag and secured to said opposing panel by a hook and loop fastener means.

4. A flexible carry bag with fluid bladder in accordance with claim 1 wherein said closure means of said carry bag is a zipper securing opposing panels of said carry bag.

5. A flexible carry bag with fluid bladder in accordance with claim 1 wherein said fluid bladder is formed of polyethylene.

6. The flexible carry bag with fluid bladder in accordance with claim 1 wherein said closure means of said fluid bladder is a threaded closure.

7. The flexible carry bag with fluid bladder in accordance with claim 1 wherein said fluid bladder is disposable.

8. The flexible carry bag with fluid bladder in accordance with claim 1 wherein said fluid bladder is reusable.