Multi-opening, leak-proof packet

Abstract

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

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

All priority benefits under 35 USC 119(e) of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/995,066 filed Sep. 25, 2007 are hereby claimed and the contents thereof in their entirety incorporated herein by reference. The present invention is the subject matter of a Disclosure Document filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jan. 29, 2007 and registered as No. 612161. All benefits of said registered Disclosure Document are claimed under 35 U.S.C. Section 122, 37 C.F.R. Section 1.14, and MPEP section 1706.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of containers and packaging, and more particularly to packets, bottles, flexible leak-proof bags and the like developed for carrying or transporting fluid, paste, liquid, gel substances and the like. While in no way intended as limited to such field of use or application, the present invention is, in part, described in the context of current government regulations in the field of commercial aviation.

Following the Sep. 11, 2001 terrorists' attack, air travel security became a major emphasis of U.S. Government policy. One aspect of this policy is strict limitation as to the types and quantities of gels and liquids permitted to be personally carried onto commercial aircrafts. The objective, of course, is elimination of the potential for bringing aboard sufficient quantities and types of fluids of flammable or explosive nature to pose a serious security threat.

More specifically, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) promulgated a regulation widely known as the 3-1-1 Rule. Passengers are permitted to bring aboard fluids in containers with capacity no greater than 3 ounces; all such containers must fit into a 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; only 1 such bag per passenger may be placed in the screening bin.

Against this background, the present invention offers a new and improved system and method featuring flexible packets that may be made of plastic, plasticized material, or equivalent similarly flexible and durable material. This is a system or device and its method of use that typical consumers can employ in packaging or re-packaging fluids in a safe and cost effective manner while conforming to rigid Transportation Security Administration (TSA) standards and policies. Frequently, such re-packaging or re-distribution of fluids must happen very quickly to avoid travel delay and costly loss of goods.

Too often, passengers approaching an airport checkpoint for inspection of carry-on luggage, briefcases and purses face the dilemma of having to toss away or otherwise abandon unacceptably large containers of fluids in the form of liquids, gels, paste, lotions, oils, and the like (for simplicity but in no way limiting the invention, henceforth referred to generically as fluids). The unique packet configuration described and claimed herein is a major step toward addressing this issue in a satisfying and economic manner. It should be noted that this unique packet configuration certainly offers benefits to users well beyond the air transportation arena as will be discussed below.

This invention generally relates to inexpensive and readily portable flexible material packets and their method of use. More specifically, the unique product presented herein is a flexible yet durable, disposable, reusable, re-sealable multi-opening leak-proof packet, and its method of use. These may be individual packets or joined in a strip of multiple packets for reasons to be explained.

An additional significant feature of this inventive packet is its removably attached cap which may be a flip-top closure, a screw-off closure or articulated nozzle, or other equivalent cap structure. At least one side panel surface opening which is at least partially defined or bounded by a zipper type closure mechanism or element makes this inventive product particularly unique as compared to previous, related technologies which will now be discussed.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Previously available portable and reusable containers are well documented as including multiple types of re-sealable, re-closable packets, bags, bottles, tubes, and other containers of a variety of sizes and shapes. Such containers almost always serve to temporarily store products or substances, and facilitate handling of the contents in a secure fashion. A key producer of such flexible, re-sealable storage containers is S. C. Johnson & Son based in Racine, Wis., with the popular zipper storage bags sold under the brand name, ZIPLOC®. These bags generally are made from polyethylene plastic resin and are well suited for storage and freezer. They also typically include closures that are sliding zipper mechanism tabs or finger-pressure engaged interlocking beads and slots.

Another example of re-closable plastic bags is found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,788 issued to Hsiang for a resealable plastic bag with top tear-away header and “zipper” type closure. Hsiang's resealable bag has a tear-away header. This bag is arranged with first and second opposing panels sealingly connected along a pair of sides. Hsiang bag includes a single sealable opening, but does not include a cap-type lid configured for easy dispersal of liquids therefrom.

Still another example is U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,951, issued to Sill and disclosing a plastic bag with header formed by an overlay strip which includes a reclosable fastener. The Sill invention is constructed of plastic and forms a volume with an opening at the bottom.

The Sill plastic bag normally is used as deli sandwich pouches to hold and/or store meats, cheeses and the like. As such, Sill's bag is not likely to be considered a candidate for extended storage of fluid materials. Nor is this bag of the durable construction necessary to endure transport. This bag is not configured or sturdy enough to include a cap or nozzle for easy fluid dispersal therefrom. Moreover, an additional zippered opening at the bag side or bottom is not contemplated in the bag manufacture since.

A third example, U.S. Pat. No. 5.682,730, issued to Dobreski, discloses another type of plastic bag designed with a bottom header. According to Dobreski, typically plastic bags include first and second opposing panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The bag may be provided with a zipper extending along the mouth of the plastic bag. This zipper includes a male track with a male profile and a female track with a female profile. The male and female profiles are releasably engageable to each other to allow the bag to be opened and closed.

As suggested, such plastic bags are commonly found in grocery and carryout restaurants and most often package perishable goods sold to consumers. To facilitate handling of the plastic bags, the bags often include a top header or flange extension upward from the reclosable zipper. Such top header frequently includes one or more holes for mounting the plastic bag to dispensing posts. The plastic bags are typically mounted to the dispensing posts in bag packs consisting of a predetermined number of bags. While Dobreski and others speak of a reclosable access opening with a zipper and slider for movement between closed and open position, no additional dispersing nozzle is contemplated or provided.

The above noted patents granted to Hsiang, Sill and Dobreski can reasonably be said to represent the state of the art in zipper-closed packets or bag-type containers. The content of each said noted Pat. Nos. (7,134,788; 6,536,951; 5,682,730) is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for the material that is disclosed therein. It is noted that prior art containers of the type depicted suffer a number of disadvantages which render them ineffective or, at least, inconvenient for use under the conditions described hereabove and offered more in detail below.

Turning once more to the suggested use of the present invention in an airport setting, it is possible the above discussed zipper-closed containers could (with some risk of spillage) be employed to receive and store fluid transferred from a larger “non-conforming” container so as to be carried past an airport checkpoint. However, unlike the invention presented herein, a consumer's subsequent attempts to access or disperse the transferred fluid (such as face cream, hand lotion, perfume, tooth paste, hair gel and the like), cannot possibly be neatly accomplished, if at all, through the zippered opening afforded by the prior art containers.

The TSA 3-1-1 Rule has stimulated other innovators to action. Increasingly well known in the prior art are smaller containers constructed simply as miniature (e.g., 3-ounce size and smaller) versions of larger (non-TSA conforming) containers often offered as preassembled kits including zippered quart-sized containers. As examples, such kits are manufactured and/or distributed by Samsonite Corp, Japonesque, and Travelon, Inc. and readily available from convenience stores and Internet vendors. The prior art miniature container versions typically have single openings, usually involving caps of the screw-on type or fluid dispersing nozzle and spray outlets.

Consumer reviews posted on the popular Amazon, Inc. commercial website complain that preexisting containers provided by these 3-1-1 TSA compliant kits are too rigid to permit easy dispersal of stored fluids. Also, typical miniature bottle-shaped configurations do not fit well together when co-stored in a single 1-quart sized container as required, resulting in inefficient use of storage capacity.

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

A common problem with respect to transferring fluid from larger (donor) containers to smaller (recipient) containers is that the fluid cannot easily enter the smaller container volume. This is because fluids flowing against the smaller openings do not permit venting air from the recipient container volume. The result, again, is spillage as contained air blocks the fluid path.

Previously known packet-type containers are not configured and formulated to provide an outlet nozzle or cap opening to permit effective dispersing of fluids stored in the packet volume, while also incorporating at another area of the packet surface an auxiliary opening feature configured to accept quick and easy in-feeding of fluids or materials into the packet volume. The present invention does just that by the provision of a new and unique configuration solving the problems faced when trying to transfer fluid from a larger container into more useful (or compliant), smaller packets for subsequent dispersal therefrom.

None of the prior art container devices incorporates multi-openings, generally at opposite ends (or different surfaces) thereof, for respectively (a) accepting quickly transferred amounts of fluids from oversized containers and (b) subsequently dispersing said transferred amounts in a controlled manner via a suitably capped outlet.

So, clearly, objectives and advantages readily ascribed to the present invention include resolving airport screening dilemmas. The present invention offers air travelers the means and opportunity to effortlessly transfer quantities of fluids (of the type mentioned above) from oversize containers directly into TSA regulation compliant packets that are durable, portable, leak-proof, disposable, reusable, re-sealable and with multiple openings.

This inventive packet facilitates airline passengers' passage through screening without hassle or exceedingly long lines. Air travelers equipped with the present invention will not have to discard oversize containers filled with fluid that may be valuable, irreplaceable, or of critical health-related significance. This uniquely structured packet container can lessen the frustration of air travelers resulting in fewer complaints to TSA. As noted, beyond its use in TSA screening situations, the inventive packet can enjoy utility in a variety of other settings. It can fit into a purse or briefcase for easy access anytime, anywhere.

Still another objective is that the unique packet can be relatively easy to manufacture and be heat sealed at its edges to define a leak-proof bottle-shaped inner volume. The packet can be fabricated or molded from well known plastic materials such as polyethylene, as long as it meets FDA and USDA requirements. It may be made substantially transparent and scaled to any desired size, particularly the TSA's dictated 3 ounce capacity noted above.

While the novel packet container sides must be pliable, light-weight, and flexible, they obviously must have sufficient thickness and durability to maintain a stable shape and avoid rupture under reasonable use parameters. Apart from this latter requirement, the actual sizes and specific source materials for forming these novel packet configurations are not to be considered in any way limiting the present invention scope.

Yet another objective is to provide a leak-proof packet capable of dispersing or dispensing quantities of its stored fluids through a first opening (for example, at or near the packet top or first end). This first opening would normally be capped and may include a flip-top, twist cap or equivalent closure. The novel packet is formed through a process that results in an integral peripheral flange. A flange portion, also known as a header element, may border the first opening and performs several roles.

First, the molded flange header bordering the first opening may serve as a cap cover to preserve the integrity of the cap in a secure and sanitary mode. Second, the flange header may include holes for suspension or display rods used in a point-of-sale display or in vending machines. Third, this flange header generally serves as a joinder section interconnecting adjacent packets when produced and/or vended in a continuous multi-packet strip. With strategically placed perforations (as is a well known procedure in the packaging art) the header is thus weakened along a tear-line and easily torn away so as to (a) expose the first opening and cap, or (b) separate conjoined packet units.

Again, a key objective is to present a unique packet container that not only features a dispensing outlet at one surface area thereof, but also provides, at another surface area thereof, at least one additional opening of the relatively wide zippered type. The at least one additional opening is relatively large, compared to the dispensing outlet, and is operated (opened and closed) by hand manipulation of a surface zipper interlock tab.

Advantageously, this latter device is a high quality bead-type zipper closure configured to ensure a leak-proof seal while offering an oversize opening for quickly transferring fluids (or items) directly to the interior defined volume of the packet. At least one more zipper type closure system may be added to form an additional storage area at (or adjacent) an edge of the packet fully opposite said dispensing outlet area. The packet itself can have heat-sealed partitioned sections permitting storage of different fluids or items (such as pills or currency) within the same packet structure while safely separated from other packet contents.

Further advantageous is the provision of a permanent or temporary blank label element on prominent surfaces of individual packets to facilitate content identification. This labeling opportunity can be important or even critical when the original containers have been discarded. Speaking of discarded containers, this invention further avoids massive collections of abandoned substance waste at air terminal checkpoints requiring frequent removal by maintenance personnel.

This novel packet invention will accelerate the airport screening process, enhance customer service, and make compliance to TSA boarding regulations much less objectionable to harried travelers.

Unlike competing travel kits with TSA compliant containers, these novel packets can be manufactured and delivered for only a very few pennies, a number of companies can offer them as promotional incentives or tokens of corporate goodwill. For example, airlines or luggage manufacturers and vendors may offer these unique packets or multiple packet strips as promotional incentives. Travel agencies may offer them as travel rewards. Manufacturers of fluids of the type mentioned hereabove may wish to include complementary packets with the purchase of oversized containers.

The public will likely want to adapt these unique self-filling packets to their own personal uses wholly unrelated to TSA and travel issues. The packets could find use or reapplication, for examples, as temporary containers for makeup, jewelry, pill or medicaments, food court condiments, quick relief skin lotions and antibacterial fluids.

Opportunities for profitably vending these unique packets at airports and elsewhere will attract entrepreneurial businesspersons who will install wall-mounted packet strip vending devices at suitable areas near airport checkpoints. Gift shops and individuals are likely to offer the packets, as well. Beauty salons may offer pre-loaded packets of hair gels and the like as new product samplers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more comprehensive understanding of the invention, reference now is made to the attached drawings when read in combination with the following detailed description. Reference numerals will refer to like parts throughout the several views. It is to be understood that the invention is not presented to scale and in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an exploded front perspective view of the present invention wherein the unique packet container is shown with two openings and a flange removed thus permitting cap removal;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective of the unique packet container with flange and cap in place and a side opening unzipped;

FIG. 2A shows front perspective of the present invention with an optional top tear away flange completely removed to expose the top and perimeter of the cap;

FIG. 3 is a first side elevation of the unique packet container packet filled with a fluid;

FIG. 3A is a second side elevation of the unique packet (opposite said first side elevation) in its empty state, and with the cap affixed in place;

FIG. 3B is a second side elevation of the unique packet, in its filled state and with a top mounted dispensing cap completely removed;

FIG. 3C presents perspective views of closure options for capping the unique packet;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the present invention illustrating a packet cap option and zipper terminal clamps;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation of the unique packet with its zippered opening in closed position and a detailed view of the zipper slide configuration;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective of a dispenser for a strip of attached packets of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective of a modified form of the present invention illustrating an additional opening at a lower edge thereof;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective of the present invention in position to receive transferred fluid from a second container;

REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 packet body

12 tear away perforated flange or header

14 cap for dispensing

14a modified cap for dispensing

15 cap nozzle

16 sliding zipper mechanism tab

17 end termination clamp

18 content label

20 internal fluid boundary section

21 locking seam

22 optional flip cap cover

23 optional screw off cap

24 optional bottom opening with overlay strip

31 vending dispenser

32 user's hand

42 fluid supply bottle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A typical embodiment of the closure of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 which shows an illustration of the portable, multi-opening, reusable, leak proof liquid dispensing packet 10. Said packet is configured to form a first defined packet volume. The illustration of this packet body 10 shows the flange or header 12 in both ripped and withdrawn position. FIG. 1 further shows a cap 14 withdrawn to reveal a dispensing outlet opening defined in a first or upper surface packet body 10. Packet body 10 is fabricated or configured to include an internal fluid boundary section 20.

Sliding zipper mechanism tab 16 is illustrated in position to define an input opening in a second surface area of packet body 10, said opening directly communicates with said first defined packet volume. Said tab 16 is configured to move along locking seam 21 extending between end termination clamps 17. Although not shown in great detail, the zipper mechanism tab 16 is understood to be of a conventional construction and one by which inter-engaging bead portions of locking seam 21 are converted between sealed and unsealed conditions depending upon the direction of zipper tab 16 translation.

Termination clamp 17 stops tab 16 from sliding off the packet 10. Seen in this view is a temporary or permanent content label 18 with a writable or markable surface with which the user may identify contents added to the packet body 10 internal fluid boundary section 20.

Cap 14 may be configured as removable in a number of equivalent ways including threaded connector element as shown on packet 10 near said dispensing outlet opening. Cap 14 also could be attached by what is commonly known as interference or friction fit so as to be withdrawn by a twisting or axial pulling force. Still further closure types will be discussed herebelow. Packet body 10 can be heat sealed to define its interior volume and to retain fluids from leakage, and is capable of dispersing or dispensing small quantities of fluids from said internal fluid boundary section 20.

A plurality of similar packet bodies 10 can be simultaneously molded or fixedly heat sealed and interconnected along adjacent packet 10 sides or top edge to bottom edge as suggested in FIG. 6.

FIG. 2 is substantially identical in configuration to that illustrated and described in FIG. 1. This illustration shows how tear-away perforated flange or header 12 encloses or embraces the perimeter of the top mounted dispensing cap 14. When cap 14 no longer requires confined protection (for example to forestall tampering with packet 10 contents), flange or header 12 may be ripped and discarded as suggested in FIG. 2A.

Removal of header 12 affords user's access to cap 14 to any contents within packet 10 through the first or upper opening defined therein. Though not critical to the present invention, there may be a second small flange or header 12 portion (not shown) remaining at an opposite end of the packet 12 where the latter has been ripped from an adjoining packet 10 in a strip of joined packets 10.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first side view of the packet body 10 with a modified dispensing cap 14a with a dispensing base 22 suitably fastened to packet body 10 at a first or upper opening (not shown) defined in said packet body 10. Modified Cap 14a is shown as having a flip-up portion attached to base 22 through means of a living hinge. Such details are conventional and do not warrant detailed explanation.

Packet body 10, in FIG. 3 is shown with its internal boundary section 20 fully distended or inflated by a charge of transferred fluid within the defined packet volume. Packet body 10 is pictured in FIG. 3A as having fluid charge depleted, and wherein said cap 14a is in its down or closed position on base 22. FIG. 3B is a second side view of the packet body 10 (taken in direct opposition to the FIG. 3 view) with internal boundary section 20 fully distended and cap 14a fully removed therefrom.

FIG. 3C illustrates a collection of optional closure configurations including flip cap cover 22 discussed hereabove, and a screw cap 15 furnished with a retractable dispensing spout in closed position (depicted but unnumbered). This screw cap would normally include internal threads, not shown, typically configured to engage packet body threads 23.

Clearly, as is well known in the container field, closure caps are available in a great variety of essentially equivalent configurations. The present invention is readily adaptable to most of those commonly available. In other words, any conventional container opening apparatus will do. A typical screw-off cap is illustrated in closed position in FIG. 4.

Sliding zipper mechanism tab 16 is more clearly illustrated in FIG. 5 wherein tab 16 is shown as configured to move along locking seam 21. Tab 16 engages the locking seam 21 and slides along the tracks from open to closed position, or vice versa. In a manner well known in the zipper container storage industry, movement of tab 16 causes an interlocking of male and female bead and slot profiles such that the packet is tightly and securely sealed to prevent opening or leakage.

An end termination clamp 17 is mounted at opposite ends of the zipper locking seam to prevent the zipper mechanism tab 16 from going past the ends of the packet. This serves to ensure an interlock of the male and female type profiles together will resist stresses applied to interlocking beaded profiles during normal use of the packet. The zipper mechanism tab 16 is located at a lower or second surface area of the packet body. This gives consumers an optional way of opening and closing the packet, as well as affording a sizeable opening for transferring fluids to the packet internal fluid boundary section.

The illustration in FIG. 6 depicts packet bodies 10 attached together with the perforated tear away flange or header tab 12. This arrangement enables a packet 10 strip to be vended from a wall mounted dispenser 31 (clearly not to scale) in lengths determined by dispenser 31 capacity. The dispenser 31 may be hand operated by manually drawing out one or more packets 10. Alternatively, dispenser 31 may be coin-operated, paying out packets 10 in response to coin deposits. Of course, roving vendors may market the packets along airport hallways or elsewhere as appropriate and permitted.

Shown in FIG. 7, a front perspective of an alternative embodiment featuring an additional zippered (e.g., a third) opening defined in the general proximity of a second or lower end of said packet 10 (as compared to said first or upper end of said packet 10 where the dispersing opening is located). This additional zippered opening provides access to a second defined packet volume. Closing said additional zippered opening is accomplished at interlocking bead strip 24 which may, or may not include a zipper mechanism tab (not shown) similar to tab 16. Since this “third” opening is in the proximity of a second or lower end of packet 10, sliding finger pressure may be adequate for closure. This additional opening may function as a storage space for miscellaneous items such as pills, cash, and so forth.

Note that the packet 10 illustrated in FIG. 7 is purposely depicted in a larger scale (as suggested by the relative size of user's hand 32) compared to other packet 10 illustrations referenced hereabove. With the exception of the TSA venue discussed above, these unique packets 10 may be manufactured in any desired size, as is commonplace where plastic (or similarly flexible and durable material) bag devices are concerned.

Further, the second opening discussed hereabove and defined and operated by zipper mechanism tab 16 on locking seam 21 (discussed above) may or may not be included in this FIG. 7 alternative embodiment. For purposes of clarity, only, tab 16 and locking 21 are not depicted in FIG. 7, but could be shown if desired.

Demonstrated in FIG. 8 is a process of transferring fluid from a larger size container (perhaps non-complying under TSA Rule) directly into the packet body 10 through the sizeable opening defined and operated by sliding zipper mechanism tab 16. A fresh packet 10, with its perforated flange or header 12 undisturbed, is being loaded with a fluid charge from bottle 42. The packet 10, in this view, is conveniently inverted to facilitate the transfer.

When internal fluid boundary section 20 volume is loaded, sliding zipper tab 16 will be manually drawn or translated along locking seam 21 (limited by end termination clamp 17) to a closed position. The contents label 18 may be inscribed with information identifying the fluid (or with other pertinent information such as the user's name, the fluid source, date and so forth). Other packets 10 may be similarly loaded from the same or other source containers 42. Assuming the packets are have no more than 3 ounce capacity, they may be placed together, for example, within a single quart-size transparent bag, thus complying with the TSA 3-1-1 rule for screening passengers.

In conclusion, it is apparent that this novel, inexpensive, portable, multi-opening packet container 10 can be used quickly and conveniently. It addresses airport and screening dilemmas by offering air travelers the ability to store or transfer small quantities of fluids such as skin lotions, hair gels, toothpaste and the like, while meeting TSA-imposed standards.

Because of its robust and durable construction, this inventive product enjoys the capability to secure liquids better and longer than previously available plastic, plasticized (or similarly flexible and durable material) bags. Consumers can avoid waste or unfortunate losses by transferring contents of larger containers where said larger containers are not be permitted or are not conveniently carried.

Packet 10 is particularly unique in that it not only has a removable or affixed flip or screw off cap 14, 22, 15 (on its first surface area) for easy opening and closing during fluid dispersal, but it also has (on its second surface area) a zipper tab 16 closable loading bay. This loading bay or input opening is sizable for readily accepting direct transfer of fluids as well as other items such as pills, keys and the like. At least one further zipper sealed opening may be provided, for example along a bottom-most edge of the packet 10 opening to at least one further defined internal volume space of packet 10. Contents of packet 10 may be identified by appropriate inscription on content label 18.

As explained hereabove, perforated flange or header 12 is fixed in place to prevent tampering with the contents closed within a cap 14, 22, 15 at the upper or first portion of the packet container 10. Said header 12 may be removed and discarded when the user desires access to stored contents.

This unique packet container 10 can be sold in airport food courts and waiting lobbies, luggage companies, travel agencies, beauty salons, restaurants as well as other type businesses around the world. Furthermore, packet 10 enjoys additional advantages in that: (a) it can be made of (for example only) inexpensive, lightweight polyethylene or polypropylene materials, as long as it results in a durable yet flexible construction; (b) it can be heat sealed to define interior volume boundaries and to prevent leakage therefrom, provided in conjoined container sets or separately, and in any size and shape required; (c) it is capable of being placed in wall-mounted dispensers within commercial settings, restrooms and other venues, where it may be manually or automatically coin-vended; (d) it may be used to supply skin lotions, treatments for chemical or heat induced bums, hand sanitation fluid, beauty aid samples, food condiments and the like.

Although the foregoing description makes reference to a number of specific features and embodiments, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Instead, the described invention should be viewed as susceptible of modification, combinations and alterations. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications which are within the spirit and scope of the invention. In other words, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents, rather than limited in any manner by the examples given.

Claims

1. At least one flexible, multi-opening leak-proof packet with a first defined packet volume for storing and dispensing fluid, said packet constructed of a flexible material and further including:

a first surface area defining therein a dispensing opening of a predetermined size configured to dispense stored fluid from said first defined packet volume;

a second surface area configured to define therein an input opening of a size larger than said predetermined size of said dispensing opening and configured to connect with said first defined packet volume;

said defined dispensing opening covered by a cap configured to close said dispensing opening to secure said fluid in said first defined packet volume and to open said dispensing opening so as to permit dispensing of said fluid from said first defined packet volume;

said input opening defined in said second surface area of said packet includes a surface zipper interlock mechanism for selectively closing and opening said input opening;

whereby fluid may be transferred through said input opening to said first defined packet volume and sealed therein by said zipper mechanism, and subsequently dispersed from said dispensing opening when said cap is opened.

2. The flexible packet of claim 1 wherein said cap at said dispensing opening includes a flip-top for selectively uncovering or covering said dispensing opening.

3. The flexible packet of claim 1 wherein said cap at said dispensing opening includes a screw-off closure for selectively uncovering or covering said dispensing opening.

4. The flexible packet of claim 1 wherein said cap at said dispensing opening includes an articulated nozzle for dispensing said fluid.

5. The flexible packet of claim 1 further including:

a header flange integral with said packet and configured to enclose and secure said cap against accidental removal or tampering;

said header flange having defined therein perforations enabling the header flange to be ripped from said packet to provide access to the cap;

6. The flexible packet of claim 5 further defined by said header flange being integrally interconnected to an additional adjacent packet header flange thus forming a joined set of multiple packets.

7. The flexible packet of claim 6 interconnected through its header flange to multiple packets, said multiple packets configured to be vended in series and separated as needed for use.

8. The at least one flexible packet of claim 1 further including:

at least one further defined packet volume in addition to said first defined packet volume formed in said packet for storing material separately from said fluid;

at least one additional input opening defined in said second surface area providing access to said at least one further defined packet volume;

an additional zipper interlock mechanism for selectively closing and opening said at least one additional input opening;

whereby said at least one additional defined packet volume of said at least one facilitates extra and separate storage volume.

9. A method of disbursing and storing fluid from a relatively large container to each of a plurality of relatively smaller containers for temporary storage in, and subsequent dispersal from, each of said smaller containers, said method including the steps of:

providing a number of said smaller containers in the form of multi-opening, leak-proof, flexible material packets with preselected individual packet volumes defined therein for storing and dispensing said fluid, and wherein said number of smaller containers, assembled together, has a collective volume no greater than a preselected combined volume;

configuring a first surface area of each said packet to define therein a fluid dispensing opening of a predetermined size;

configuring a second surface area of each said packet to define therein a fluid input opening of a size larger than said predetermined size of said fluid dispensing opening;

providing said fluid dispensing opening with a cap configured to selectively close said fluid dispensing opening to secure said stored fluid, and to open said fluid dispensing opening so as to permit dispensing of said fluid from said defined packet volume;

providing said input opening defined in said second surface area of each said packet with a surface zipper interlock mechanism for selectively closing and opening said input opening;

operating said zipper interlock mechanism to open said input opening;

transferring fluid from said relatively larger container directly into each said packet defined internal volume;

operating said zipper interlock mechanism to close said input opening;

storing said packets together for collective transport and future use;

whereby fluid is distributed quickly and easily from said larger container through said input opening to each said defined packet volume and sealed therein by said zipper mechanism for storage during transport and subsequently dispersed from each said dispensing opening.