DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CONTAINING AND DISPENSING FLUID

Abstract

The disclosure herein provides devices and methods for containing and dispensing fluids. A fluid dispenser may comprise a holder having a dispensing portion and a stand portion, and a fluid packet attached to the dispensing portion. The holder may comprise business information (for example, advertisements, coupons, regulatory labels, etc.). A business information display device may comprise an information display member and a cleaning product container attached to the information display member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/583,671 filed Jan. 6, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosure relates generally to the field of fluid containers, and more particularly, to the field of packets for containing and dispensing fluid.

2. Description

Throughout the day, a person interacts with other people and objects that may carry communicable diseases that can potentially get transferred to that person. Increasingly, people use sanitizers and other products to periodically sanitize their hands and decrease the chances of becoming sick after touching a person or object potentially carrying a disease. A person may, for example, carry a bottle of bulk hand sanitizer on his or her person, or a business may present a bulk sanitizer dispenser for its customers' or employees' use. However, there may be times when a person does not have hand sanitizer with him or her, or when a bulk sanitizer dispenser is undesirable or inconvenient. Accordingly, it can be advantageous to provide devices and methods for containing and dispensing fluids, such as hand sanitizer.

SUMMARY

According to some embodiments, a fluid container for storing fluid (e.g., sanitizer, fragrance, gel, disinfectant, soap, cleaning agent, etc.) and selectively providing access to a volume of the fluid includes a fluid packet for containing a volume of fluid. In one embodiment, the fluid packet comprises at least one layer that defines an interior cavity configured to maintain the fluid protected from an outside environment (e.g., outside the packet or container, etc.) when the layer is maintained in a non-compromised state (e.g., unripped, untorn, uncut, etc.). In some embodiments, the layer of the packet comprises foil, other metal, plastic, paper and/or other materials. In some embodiments, the layer of the packet is impermeable or substantially impermeable. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the stored fluid is configured to be accessed (e.g., by a user, recipient of the container, etc.) when the layer is at least partially compromised (e.g., ripped, torn, cut, etc.), thereby allowing fluid to be selectively discharged from the interior cavity of the packet. The fluid container additionally comprises a holder configured to at least partially secure to the fluid packet. In one embodiment, the holder comprises a main portion and at least one support portion (e.g., stand, a leg, a frame, etc.).

In some embodiments, the main portion of the holder comprises a first side and a second side. In one embodiment, the fluid packet is secured, at least in part, to the second side of the main portion. In other embodiments, the fluid packet is attached to the support portion, either in lieu of or in addition to the main portion. In some embodiments, the fluid packet is partially or completely surrounded by the main portion and/or the support portion. In one embodiment, the fluid packet is at least partially hidden from a user by the holder. In some embodiments, one or more sides or areas (e.g., the first side, the second side, etc.) of the main portion is configured to display information (e.g., a company or person's name, contact information, coupon, advertisement, scannable code, scratch-off layer configured to selectively hide a hidden area positioned underneath it, warning or other regulatory information, an instruction for use, etc.). In some embodiments, the one or more support portions are at least partially attached to the main portion. The support portion can form a generally unitary structure with the main portion. Alternatively, the support portion can be a separate portion that is attached to the main portion using one or more connection members, features, devices and/or methods (e.g., adhesives, clips, hinges, staples, other mechanical fasteners, etc.). In some embodiments, the support portion can be attached to the main portion along a top, side, or bottom of the support portion and a top, side, or bottom of the main portion. The support portion can be attached to the main portion along an edge of the support portion and/or main portion. Alternatively, the support portion can be attached to the main portion along a surface of the support portion and/or main portion. In one embodiment, the support portion is configured to maintain the main portion in at least a partially upright position (e.g., vertical, slanted relative to both vertical and horizontal, etc.).

According to some embodiments, the fluid packet is removably secured to the holder using one or more temporary connections, such as, for example, adhesive layer, peel-away adhesive, other adhesive, within a pocket, void or other recess or area of the holder, etc. In some embodiments, the fluid packet is permanently or irremovably secured to the holder. In some embodiments, the removal of the packet from the holder at least partially rips or compromises the packet and/or the holder.

According to some embodiments, a fluid container for storing fluid (e.g., sanitizer, fragrance, gel, disinfectant, soap, cleaning agent, etc.) and selectively providing access to a volume of the fluid includes a fluid packet for containing a volume of fluid. In once embodiment, the fluid packet includes at least one layer defining an interior cavity configured to maintain the fluid protected from an outside environment (e.g., outside the packet or container, etc.) when the layer is maintained in a non-compromised state (e.g., unripped, untorn, uncut, etc.). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fluid is configured to be accessed (e.g., by a user, recipient of the container, etc.) when the layer is at least partially compromised (e.g., ripped, torn, cut, etc.), thereby allowing fluid to be selectively discharged from the interior cavity of the packet. The fluid container additionally includes a holder configured to at least partially secure to the fluid packet. In some embodiments, the holder includes a first side and a second side, the fluid packet being secured, at least in part, to the second side of the holder. The fluid packet can be removably or permanently secured to the holder, for example, by using adhesives, staples, or other types of mechanical fasteners, by at least partially recessing the fluid packet within a void in the holder, or by fully or partially encapsulating the packet within the holder.

In some embodiments, the first side of the holder is configured to display information (e.g., a company or person's name, contact information, coupon, advertisement, scannable code, scratch-off layer configured to selectively hide a hidden area positioned underneath it, warning or other regulatory information, an instruction for use, etc.). The holder can additionally include one or more predetermined compromising locations along the holder, such as, for example, a tear, cut, or rip line, a partially pre-cut portion, a scored portion, or a perforated portion. When the holder is compromised along the one or more predetermined compromising locations by a user, the at least one layer of the fluid packet can also be compromised (e.g., ripped, torn, cut, etc.) to selectively provide access to the interior cavity of the fluid packet to the user. In some embodiments, the fluid packet may include its own one or more predetermined compromising locations that are positioned relative to the holder's one or more predetermined compromising locations such that compromising the holder at its predetermined compromising location also compromises the fluid packet at one of its predetermined compromising locations. Alternatively, the fluid packet may be positioned with respect to the holder such that compromising the holder allows a user to then access at least one predetermined compromising location of the fluid packet to compromise the fluid packet after compromising the holder. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the holder is configured to be maintained by a user after the interior cavity of the fluid packet has been accessed. For example, a portion of the holder configured to be torn, cut, or ripped and separated from the remainder of the holder when accessing the fluid in the fluid packet may include information (e.g., a coupon, advertisement, identifying information, etc.) that the user can retain for later use.

In some embodiments, the holder at least partially encapsulates or surrounds the fluid packet. For example, the fluid packet may be recessed within a void of the holder or sandwiched between layers of the holder. Portions of the fluid packet may be visible to a user while other portions may be hidden from view by the holder. In some embodiments, the holder fully encapsulates or surrounds the fluid packet so as to hide the fluid packet from a user handling a non-compromised (e.g., untorn, uncut, unripped, etc.) fluid container. In some embodiments, the fluid packet includes at least one bottleneck area (e.g., a tapered, constrained, restricted, etc. area defining the size of an opening in the packet when the packet is compromised) through which fluid is discharged from the interior cavity of the fluid packet when the at least one layer of said fluid packet is compromised.

According to some embodiments, a fluid container for storing fluid and selectively providing access to a volume of said fluid comprising a fluid packet for containing a volume of fluid, wherein the fluid packet includes one or more layers that define an interior cavity. In some embodiments, the interior cavity is configured to maintain the contained fluid and/or other substance (e.g., gel, lotion, serum, ointment, medicament, fragrance, etc.) protected from an outside environment when the layer is maintained in a non-compromised state (e.g., uncut, preserved in its original state, etc.). In some embodiments, at least a portion of fluid and/or other contained substance is configured to be accessed when the packet (e.g., a layer of the packet) is compromised, allowing fluid and/or other contained substance to be selectively discharged from the interior cavity of the packet. The container further comprises a holder that is configured to at least partially secure or otherwise attach to the fluid packet. In some embodiments, the holder at least partially (e.g., fully or partially) encapsulates or surrounds the fluid packet to at least partially hide said fluid packet before the fluid container is compromised or otherwise used. In some embodiments, the holder is configured to display information (e.g., company name and/or logo, contact information, scannable code, coupon, advertisement, etc.). In one embodiment, the holder comprises at least one predetermined compromising location, such as, for example, a scored or perforated portion, a precut or weakened portion and/or the like. In some embodiments, when the holder is compromised (e.g., along the predetermined location) by a user, the fluid packet is also compromised to selectively provide access to the interior cavity of the fluid packet. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the holder is configured to be maintained by a user after the interior cavity of the fluid packet has been accessed.

According to some embodiments, the holder fully encapsulates or surrounds the fluid packet so as to completely or substantially hide the fluid packet from a user handling a non-compromised fluid container. In some embodiments, the fluid packet is removably or permanently secured to the holder. In some embodiments, the fluid packet comprises at least one bottleneck or narrowed region area or region through which fluid and/or other substance is discharged from the interior cavity of the fluid packet when the fluid packet is compromised.

The concepts described herein make it possible to, among other things, present customers of a business with single-use hand sanitizer packets wrapped in a holder that provides various benefits.

In some embodiments, a fluid dispenser for containing fluid and dispensing the fluid to a user comprises a holder having a dispensing portion and a stand portion, wherein the dispensing portion is coupled to the stand portion along an edge, and the stand portion is configured to form an angle with the dispensing portion to raise a substantial amount of the dispensing portion off of a flat surface when the fluid dispenser is positioned on the flat surface; and a fluid packet attached to the dispensing portion, wherein the fluid packet is configured to contain fluid for dispensing to the user.

In certain embodiments, a business information display device for displaying information to users and dispensing a cleaning product to users comprises an information display member configured to visually display business information; and a cleaning product container attached to the information display member, wherein the information display member is configured to be torn at a predetermined location and wherein the cleaning product container is positioned with respect to the information display member to allow a user access to the cleaning product container's contents when the information display member is torn at the predetermined location.

For purposes of this summary, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present application are described with reference to drawings of certain embodiments, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the various inventions disclosed herein. It is to be understood that the attached drawings are for the purpose of illustrating concepts and embodiments of the present application and may not be to scale.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hand sanitizer dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the hand sanitizer dispenser of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 9 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 14 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer packet.

FIG. 15 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the hand sanitizer dispenser of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the hand sanitizer dispenser of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 20 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the hand sanitizer dispenser of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 24 is an additional front view of the hand sanitizer dispenser of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although several embodiments, examples, and illustrations are disclosed below, the concepts described herein extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples, and illustrations and include other uses of the devices, systems and methods and modifications and equivalents thereof. Embodiments of the various concepts are described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the various devices, systems and/or methods. In addition, the embodiments disclosed herein can comprise several novel features and no single feature is solely responsible for their desirable attributes or is essential to practicing the corresponding embodiments.

The disclosure herein provides devices and methods for containing and dispensing fluids, such as hand sanitizer, soaps, other disinfecting and/or cleaning fluids and/or the like. With an increasing use by people of hand sanitizer to sanitize one's hands after touching a potentially infected object or person, better and more convenient options for presenting and using hand sanitizer are desirable. Accordingly, described herein are various embodiments of single-use hand sanitizer packets attached to or contained within a holder.

Hand sanitizer, such as a gel comprising alcohol for disinfecting one's hands, may be packaged in single-use packets. For example, a small amount of hand sanitizer may be sandwiched between two thin sheets of plastic, foil (e.g., aluminum, other metal, cloth, fabric, etc.) and/or the like. A user can easily and conveniently access the sanitizer by tearing the packet open, such as by tearing off a corner. However, there can be one or more disadvantages associated with merely presenting hand sanitizer in single-use packets. For instance, a hand sanitizer packet may be confused with a condiment packet, such as a packet containing ketchup, mustard or other edible product, by a customer. In that case, a customer may mistakenly apply hand sanitizer to his or her food at a restaurant, ruining his or her meal. By attaching a holder to a sanitizer packet, or wrapping a holder around a packet, the sanitizer packet may be easily differentiated from a condiment packet.

Government regulations may also require that a statement, label, or warning of a certain size or minimum size be placed on any item containing or dispensing hand sanitizer. For example, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may require a label of a certain size listing any ingredients, intended uses, warnings, directions, etc. A single-use hand sanitizer packet, requiring only a small amount of sanitizer fluid, may be relatively small. Accordingly, the packet may not have sufficient surface area to include a required label. Additionally, even if a packet has enough surface area to include a required label, a manufacturer or distributor may desire to include branding, advertisements, coupons and/or the like on the packet, further limiting the space for any required labels. By attaching a holder to a fluid (e.g., sanitizer) packet, or at least partially wrapping a holder around a packet (e.g., partially or completely wrapping a holder around a packet), additional surface area may be created to allow room to include both required label(s) and any branding, advertisement, coupons, etc. that the manufacturer or distributor would like to include.

In some embodiments, in addition to allowing more room for text, graphics, images, other information and/or the like, a fluid container (e.g., sanitizer packet holder) may also allow more options for text, graphics, images, etc., and the inclusion of more intricate and durable printing. For instance, a single-use fluid (e.g., sanitizer) packet may comprise two thin sheets of foil with a small amount of hand sanitizer sandwiched between them. Packets are described herein, at least in some embodiments, in the context of containing sanitizer. However, as noted herein, the fluid packets can contain one or more liquids, gels and/or other substances, as desired or required by a particular application or use. For example, in any of the embodiment disclosed herein, the fluid packets can contain sanitizers, disinfectants, sterilizers or other sterilizing agents, lotions, serums, drinkable fluids, pharmaceuticals or other medicaments, soaps or other cleaning agents and/or any other liquid, fluid, material or composition, A manufacturer or distributor may be limited in the types of printing that can be applied to fluid packet (e.g., to the thin sheet of foil or other layer or membrane that is part of the fluid packet). The layer or membrane (e.g., foil layer) of the packet may also flex and change shape as the fluid packet changes shape, distorting any printing on the layer and/or limiting the types of printing that can be used to only printings that can be flexed without being damaged. Additionally, once a user opens the packet, the packet will likely be torn and thrown away. By utilizing a holder, the manufacturer or distributor may have more options with respect to retaining at least a portion of the fluid container. For instance, the holder may comprise a substantially flat and stiff piece of cardboard or other paper-based portion. The cardboard can be printed using one or more printing techniques capable of applying text, graphics, images, etc. to cardboard or other paper-based material. In other embodiments, the holder comprises metal, plastic and/or any other natural or man-made material, as desired or required, either in addition to or in lieu of cardboard (or other paper-based material). A type of printing that would be damaged or cracked when flexed may even be used. The resulting printings may be more durable, because the cardboard may not flex and change shape as much as a packet would. Additionally, a user may choose to retain the holder or a portion of the holder after using the packet, allowing whatever is printed on the holder or the portion of the holder to be viewed by the user long after he or she used the sanitizer packet. For example, such a retained portion of the holder can comprise an advertisement (e.g., company name, contact information, etc.), one or more coupons, scannable codes (e.g., QR code, barcodes, etc.) and/or the like that can provide value to the company or source of the fluid container. For instance, the ability of users to retain a portion of the fluid container (e.g., before or after use) can provide marketing benefits to the provider of the fluid container, increased advertising and public exposure, increased business (e.g., when and if user decide to use a coupon), etc.

Another advantage of the embodiments described herein is a potential lower cost of manufacturing. Single-use hand sanitizer packets are, by definition, an item that is intended to be used once, and then thrown away. Therefore, to be economical, packets are often produced in very large quantities. However, a distributor, such as a restaurant that wishes to give each customer a packet with an advertisement for the restaurant on it, may only require a small quantity of the packets. For example, the restaurant may only want 10,000 packets, while a packet manufacturer may require a minimum order of 100,000 or more packets to add customized advertisements or labeling to its packets. By using a holder, however, the restaurant may order 10,000 standard (i.e. not customized) packets at a reasonable price, then have 10,000 custom holders produced and attached to the packets.

Some embodiments described herein may additionally enable better control of the rate of dispensing hand sanitizer during use. Since a single-use hand sanitizer packet may typically be made of a thin material, a user may choose to tear the packet open in various locations. If the user tears the packet open in one location, the tear may result in a small opening that does not allow the sanitizer to be dispensed quickly enough or that creates a “nozzle” effect, causing sanitizer to squirt out in an uncontrolled fashion when the packet is squeezed. On the other hand, if the user tears the packet open in another location, the tear may result in a large opening that dispenses more sanitizer than the user desires when the user squeezes the packet. By attaching the packet to or wrapping the packet in a holder, more control over the packet's opening size may be achieved. For example, a cardboard holder attached to the packet may have a perforated line that crosses the packet in an optimum tear path. Because the holder may be made of material substantially thicker than the packet, and substantially more resistant to tearing, the user may be encouraged to open the packet along the perforated tear line, creating an optimum-sized opening in the packet for dispensing the sanitizer at an optimum rate.

Some hand sanitizer packets may utilize a bottleneck style opening, creating a constrained flow area of the packet, and allowing a user more tolerance in where he or she chooses to tear off a piece of the packet while still maintaining an optimum opening size. Additionally, a holder, as described in various embodiments herein, may create a similar bottleneck style opening in a packet that does not already have such an opening. For example, a holder may compress certain areas of a packet, allowing no sanitizer to flow through the compressed area, but only through a non-compressed area, creating an optimum flow rate.

In an embodiment a conventional sanitizer packet is at least partially (e.g., partially or completely) “wrapped” or contained within another package, for example a holder or cardboard package. The packet may be completely wrapped, such that it is not visible to a user, or the packet may be partially wrapped, allowing the user to see at least a portion of the sanitizer packet. The sanitizer packet can be glued to the holder, held in place by friction, attached in various other ways, or even encased inside the holder with no physical attachment to the holder. The holder can be made of various materials, such as cardboard, plastic, or any other material sufficient to perform the functions described herein, and can be constructed in a multitude of ways to wrap the sanitizer packet or to attach to the packet. One advantage of utilizing a holder, as described above, is to differentiate between a packet that consumers are used to as containing a food item or condiment (such as sugar, salt, pepper or ketchup) and switching the touch and feel of the packet to something that is new and unique and something that is not thought of as a packet containing a food item or condiment. This can be important for consumers and eaters who may open up a packet without looking at it carefully.

By utilizing the embodiments described herein, businesses, such as restaurants, can offer sanitizer packets for their customers in a variety of holder types. One advantage is that the holder can be fabricated from a variety of different material choices. In contrast, a sanitizer packet itself is usually made from a selection of just a few limited materials. One reason for this is that hand sanitizer itself can be corrosive and can eat away at some packaging types.

Using different materials for the holder can further set apart a business from its competitors by being able to decorate the holder however they see fit. If, for example, the holder is made from paper or cardboard, the holder can be foiled and embossed, printed on in a variety of patterns, etc. The packet can therefore be presented in a way that is new and unique.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a sanitizer dispenser 1. FIG. 1 is a side view of the sanitizer dispenser 1, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fluid (e.g., sanitizer) dispenser or container 1. Fluid (e.g., sanitizer) container or dispenser 1 comprises a holder having a front and a back and two collapsible sides, and a fluid (e.g., sanitizer) packet 3. A front portion of the container can comprise a dispensing portion, while a back portion of the container can comprise at least one support portion (e.g., stand). In this embodiment, the sanitizer packet 3 is glued or otherwise adhered to the inside of the holder of dispenser 1. The two collapsible sides of the holder of dispenser 1 can fold along the dashed line shown in FIG. 1 to allow the dispenser 1 to be in a flat configuration or an expanded configuration.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show dispenser 1 in a partially expanded configuration. It may be advantageous to put dispenser 1 in the expanded or partially expanded configuration for presentation of dispenser 1 standing up, for example, on a restaurant table or counter. It may be advantageous to put fluid container or dispenser 1 in the flat configuration to take up less space during shipping or transportation, or, for example, to present dispenser 1 lying flat on a restaurant table or counter. Dispenser 1 can be set up on a dining table in a restaurant much like a tradition fork and knife setting.

As described above, the holder of dispenser 1 can be made out of various materials and attached to packet 3 in various ways. Additionally, the holder can be various shapes and sizes. For example, FIG. 3 shows perspective view of an embodiment of a sanitizer dispenser 1b, having a holder with a perforation 4, and a sanitizer packet 3, that is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but comprising different dimensions and having the packet 3 and perforation 4 in different locations.

The holders of dispensers 1 and 1b may comprise information display members and may include advertising, business information, coupons, or anything else the distributor or manufacturer desires to display on front surfaces 5 and 6 or any other surfaces of dispenser 1 and 1b. For example, a restaurant may include a coupon on front surface 5 or 6, and any required FDA label on a back, side, or interior surface.

A perforation or other compromising feature 4 can be included into the holders of dispensers 1 and 1b and may be aligned with a perforation on packet 3 to make for easy opening of packet 3. For example, a compromising feature can include a cut, a perforation, a scored portion, an illustrated cut line and/or the like. For any of the embodiments, illustrated herein, the compromising feature can be included on the fluid packet and/or an adjacent holder. Thus, when a holder is compromised, the fluid packet can also be at least partially cut or torn to access the contents of the packet (e.g., sanitizer or substance contained within an interior cavity defined by an outer foil or other layer). Alternatively, packet 3 may not have a perforation, but perforation 4 may still guide a user in the opening of packet 3. It should be noted that, while several embodiments described herein include a perforation in the holder and/or packet to assist a user in dispensing the sanitizer, alternate embodiments may include other means to assist a user in dispensing the sanitizer. For example, instead of a perforation, a holder may include a guiding solid or dashed line or lines printed on the surface to show a user where he or she should tear the holder. A guiding line may even be combined with a perforation.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser comprising a holder 2 and a sanitizer packet 3. FIG. 4 shows a front view of the dispenser, and FIG. 5 shows a side view of the dispenser. The holder 2 can be substantially rectangular and flat in shape, as shown herein. However, in other embodiments, the holder comprises one or more other shapes, orientations, configuration or designs, as desired or required by a particular application or use. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the fluid packet 3 does not extend beyond an outer envelope size of the holder 2. The packet 3 may be substantially flush with a surface of holder 2 by being attached within a depression of a surface of holder 2. Alternatively, the packet 3 may be enclosed within holder 2, for example by being sandwiched between a front and back surface of holder 2.

The embodiment of a dispenser shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 allows a fluid packet to be presented in a space saving manner. The dispenser may be, for example, smaller than the dispenser 1 of FIG. 1, because it does not have collapsible sides to allow it to have an expanded configuration. The relatively small size of the dispenser in FIGS. 4 and 5 can also enable a person to more easily carry the dispenser, such as in a person's shirt or pants pocket, for use when needed.

The illustrated holder 2 (or any of the holder embodiments disclosed herein) can comprise one or more materials that feel unique as compared to, for example, a food container or packet. For example, the surface may have a specific texture, or the holder 2 may be substantially stiff. This, among other things, can allow for customer safety in that the customer will not assume there is food in holder 2 because of its feel.

As with other embodiments, advertising and other graphics, images, or wording can be printed on the surface(s) of holder 2. An advantage of a compact dispenser, such as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, is that it is easy for a person to carry around. A restaurant may, for example, include a coupon on holder 2, intending for customers to carry the dispenser around with them and reminding them to return to the restaurant when they look at the coupon on the dispenser.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of a container (e.g., hand sanitizer dispenser) comprising a holder 10 attached to a fluid (e.g., hand sanitizer) packet 3. The holder 10 can be configured to lie or otherwise be positioned substantially flat against or adjacent to the packet 3. The holder 10 may alternatively be configured to be a flap or other extension that pivots or extends outwardly and provides a stand to stand the packet 3 up on (e.g., vertically, diagonally, at an angle relative to horizontal or vertical, etc.), for example, angled relative to a base surface (e.g., a restaurant counter or table, exhibit table, etc.). The holder 10 may include advertisements, coupons, graphics, images, text, scannable codes, and the like. In some embodiments, the holder 10 is detachable or otherwise separable from the packet 3 to allow a user to keep the holder (such as to keep the coupon printed on it) after using and throwing away the packet 3. For example, the holder can be cut or torn from the packet (e.g., using one's hands either roughly or along a perforated, scored or other compromised feature), separated by pulling the holder away from the packet (e.g., to overcome connection forces imparted by adhesives, staples, other mechanical connections, etc.) and/or the like.

As shown in FIG. 6, while some embodiments comprise a holder that is larger than a sanitizer packet, this dispenser comprises a holder 10 that is smaller than the packet 3. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the packet can be smaller, larger or the exactly or generally the same size as the holder, as desired or required. The holder 10 may be used to change the look and feel of the packet 3 while not having to change (e.g., increasing) the size of the packet, thereby allowing for easy storage and transportation of the packet. Additionally, having the holder 10 attached to the packet 3 is likely to discourage customer or other users who may encounter the container to treat the contents (e.g. sanitizer, other fluids, etc.) as food, a condiment (e.g., a ketchup packet) or other edible or otherwise ingestible item.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a container or dispenser 20 comprising a holder having a front surface 5, and a packet 3 having a perforation or other compromised feature 4 (e.g., scoring, precut feature, etc.) for opening the packet 3. In the illustrated container 20, the packet 3 extends beyond a top edge of the holder. When a user desires to dispense the sanitizer or other stored fluid, gel and/or other substance, the user may tear open the packet 3 along the perforation 4 without having to tear the holder. Alternatively, the interior cavity of the packet 3 that is configured to store the desired fluid or other substance can be accessed in one or more other methods, as desired or required, such as, for example, ripping, cutting, squeezing or otherwise manipulating one or more portions of the packet, holder or other portion of the container. This may be desirable if, for instance, a restaurant wants the customer to be able to keep an undamaged holder after dispensing the sanitizer. A restaurant may determine that a customer is less likely to throw the holder away if the customer does not have to tear the holder to dispense the sanitizer or other contained fluid or substance.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, the packet 3 may be glued, adhered or otherwise attached (e.g., permanently or temporally) to the holder or attached in various other ways. The packet 3 may be attached to an inside surface of the holder, with a top of the packet 3 protruding through an opening at or near the top edge of the holder. Alternatively, the packet 3 may be attached to an outside surface of the holder, eliminating any need for an opening at or near the top edge of the holder. Further, in another embodiment, the holder comprises a front portion and a back portion, with the packet 3 being attached to an inside surface of the front portion, and the back portion being attached to the front portion and/or the packet 3, allowing the top part of the packet 3 to extend above the holder. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, a packet can be secured to one or more portions of the holder using one or more connection devices, feature or methods, such as, for example, adhesives, stitching, clips, staples, other mechanical devices, pressure connections, slots or other slidable connections, etc.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a container or dispenser 21 comprising a holder and a packet 3 having perforations or other compromising features 4 for opening the packet 3 and accessing the fluids and/or other substances stored within its internal cavity (e.g., sanitizer, cleaning products, other fluids, etc.). As shown, the illustrated container or dispenser 21 comprises a slightly different design than the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 8 comprises a different shape and size than the one of FIG. 7. It will be appreciated that the size, shape, orientation and other properties of the containers illustrated and disclosed herein can be varied, as desired or required for a particular application or use. Additionally, the packet 3 protrudes from a side of the holder of dispenser 21 instead of from the top of the holder of dispenser 20.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of an embodiment of a container 22 comprising a holder and a packet 3 having a compromising feature 4(e.g., perforations, scoring, pre-cut lines or design, etc.) for readily and conveniently opening the packet 3 to access its interior cavity which contains the desired fluid or other substance (e.g., sanitizer, cleaning product, gel, lotion, etc.). The illustrated container 22, which is similar in design and function to the dispenser shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, comprises a packet 3 that extends beyond an edge of the holder.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser comprising a holder having a base 6 and a sanitizer packet 3. The dispenser shown in FIG. 10 is similar in design and function to the dispenser 20 shown in FIG. 7, except, instead of having collapsible side walls, the dispenser of FIG. 10 has a base 6.

The base 6 can enable the dispenser to stand up on, for example, a restaurant counter or table. The base 6 may be configured to be collapsible, allowing the dispenser to have a flat configuration and an extended configuration, as has already been described in other embodiments. As with some other embodiments disclosed herein, advertising, images, graphics, coupons, regulatory labels, and the like may be included on various surfaces of the holder and/or packet 3.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer packet holder. The holder comprises an opening 8 at or near a top edge. The opening 8 is configured to enable a sanitizer packet to be inserted through the opening. The opening may lead to a cavity within the front wall of the holder, allowing the packet to be enclosed within the front wall of the holder. The opening may alternatively protrude through the entire front wall, allowing a packet to be inserted through the opening and then attached to a rear surface of the front wall. The holder may be configured to have a portion of the sanitizer packet protrude out of the opening 8 (similar to as shown in FIG. 10), or to have the packet not protrude out of the opening (similar to as shown in FIG. 2). The holder shown in FIG. 11 has an opening 6 at the bottom rather than a base (as shown in FIG. 10). This may be advantageous because the holder may be able to be manufactured using less material than a holder with a base. Under some circumstances, the holder illustrated in FIG. 11 requires less time and labor to construct and otherwise finalize (e.g., as it may only have to be folded at the top edge).

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a sanitizer dispenser comprising a holder and a sanitizer packet 3, the holder having a side opening 7 and a base 6. The dispenser shown in FIG. 12 is similar to the dispenser shown in FIG. 10, except that the packet 3 is attached to an inside surface of the holder, with no portion of the packet protruding from the holder, rather than having a portion of the packet protrude from a top edge of the holder.

One of the advantages of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is that printing may be included on all of the outer surfaces of the holder, and the holder may be positioned on a counter or table with any of the three sides acting as the base 6. Thus, a distributor, for example a restaurant, another retail store or the like, can select the side of the container that will serve as the base 6. Under these circumstances, the manner in which the container is displayed to customers or other possible users can be conveniently changed and customized based on the specific situation. For example, one side may have a list of happy hour menu items, while another side has a list of breakfast items. The restaurant may choose to have the happy hour items side be the base 6 during breakfast, while choosing the breakfast side to be the base 6 during happy hour. Regardless of how the distributor positions the dispenser, a user may pick up the dispenser at any time and tear through the holder to open the sanitizer packet 3. The holder may or may not include a perforation to assist in tearing through the holder.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser 130. The hand sanitizer dispenser 130 includes a holder and a sanitizer packet, with the holder having two or more (e.g., three, four, five, more than five, etc.) tabs or other extensions 9 for attaching the packet to the holder. In this embodiment, the holder can be folded in such a manner so that it assumed a generally closed or collapsed position (e.g., to lie flat on a table or counter or to carry in one's pocket). The holder can also be partially opened (as shown in FIG. 13) to allow it to stand or otherwise be propped up (e.g., angled relative to horizontal) on a table or counter. When a user wants to use the sanitizer, the user can open the front flap of the holder and remove the packet from the holder, then tear the packet open. Alternatively, the user can tear through the holder and packet without removing the packet from the holder.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the holder folds roughly in half at a center fold and opens like a book. In other embodiments, the holder may include a fold or folds at the top, opening and closing like a matchbook. The holder may additionally have a flap at the bottom to tuck the front cover in like a matchbook. Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 utilized tabs 9 to retain the packet, various other removable or permanent methods may be used to retain the packet. For example, in the matchbook example, a sanitizer packet may be held in place by the flap that the front cover tucks into and/or by a fastener, such as a staple that goes through the flap that the front cover tucks into. In this example, and in various other embodiments, the holder may be configured to allow the user to remove the packet without damaging or compromising the holder. Additionally, in some embodiments, the holder is configured to allow the user to access the contents of the packet (e.g., by ripping, tearing, cutting, etc. an opening in the packet) without removing the packet from the holder, but without damaging or compromising the holder.

While the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 includes front and back halves of the holder that are both substantially rectangular in shape, the halves may be shaped differently and may even be shaped differently from each other. For example, the back half may be substantially rectangular in shape, while the front half has its top and bottom corners cut off or has a rounded shape or a hole in it to allow a user to see the packet behind the front half even when the front half is folded against the back half.

FIG. 14 shows a front view of an embodiment of a sanitizer packet 3 having a perforation 4 and a curved edge 14. In this embodiment, rather than a sanitizer packet having a substantially rectangular shape, the packet 3 has a curved edge 14 to more comfortably fit in a user's hand. The curved edge 14 may be ergonomically designed. When a user wishes to dispense sanitizer from the packet 3, the user may hold the packet 3 in one hand and tear a corner of the packet off along perforation 4 or other compromising feature (e.g., scoring, precut line, weakened portion of the container, etc.).

FIGS. 15 and 16 show an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser 150 comprising a holder having a perforation 4 and a hand sanitizer packet 3. FIG. 15 shows a front view of the dispenser 150, and FIG. 16 shows a side view of the dispenser. Similar in design to the dispenser shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the dispenser 150 is substantially flat in shape and the packet 3 does not extend beyond an outer envelope size of the holder. In this embodiment, however, the holder has a generally curved or non-linear edge. In some embodiments, the curved edge may be ergonomically designed to fit in a user's hand comfortably.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser comprising a cap 17. For example, FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of the container or dispenser, while FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of the container. The container or dispenser may have advertisements, coupons, images, graphics, text, etc. printed on any of its sides or the cap 17. The dispenser may hold several uses of hand sanitizer and be reusable. The cap 17 may be removable or hingedly mounted to the dispenser body, and a closure mechanism, for example a detent and mating protrusion, may be used to keep the cap 17 closed (e.g., at least partially or completely) when not in use. The terms container and dispenser are used interchangeably herein.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a fluid container or dispenser comprising a holder and a packet 3, wherein the holder comprises borders 19, inside surfaces 20, and a back surface 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the packet 3 is attached, at least partially, to the outside front surface of the holder, leaving the borders 19 viewable around the outside of the packet 3. A manufacturer or distributor may include graphics, images, text, advertisements, coupons, and the like on the borders 19, the inside surfaces 20, and/or the back surface 21. In some embodiments, the holder comprises one or more perforations and/or other compromising features to assist a user in selectively opening the sanitizer packet 3 (e.g., accessing the interior cavity of the packet).

FIG. 20 shows a front view of an embodiment of a fluid container or dispenser comprising a holder 2 and a packet 3. The holder additionally comprises a perforation 4 and a bottleneck area 20. In this embodiment, the packet 3 is opened prior to being sealed within holder 2. When a user wishes to dispense the fluid (e.g., sanitizer) from the interior cavity of the packet, the user may tear off a flap of holder 2 at perforation 4 and then squeeze holder 2. Squeezing holder 2 will force fluid (e.g., sanitizer) out of the packet and through the bottleneck area 20, which provides improved control of the fluid flow as it is dispensed. In alternate embodiments, the packet 3 is not opened prior to being inserted into holder 2. Instead, the packet 3 is inserted with a portion of the packet 3 fitting within the bottleneck area 20 of holder 2. Then, when a user tears the holder 2 at perforation or other compromising features 4 (e.g., scoring, precut feature or line, etc.), the user simultaneously tears packet 3 open. The user can then squeeze holder 2 to dispense hand sanitizer or other container fluid or substance through the bottleneck area 20.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the dispenser and FIG. 22 is a side view of the dispenser. In this embodiment, a holder 2 comprises three flaps connected at folds 210. The holder may be one unitary item or be comprised of more than one component. A packet 3 is attached to the holder 2 on the middle flap, though the packet 3 may be positioned elsewhere in other embodiments. The outer flaps may be folded at the folds 210 to create a more compact assembly. In FIG. 22 the holder 2 is shown in a partially folded configuration. The packet 3 may be attached to the holder 2 using any of the methods already described, including adhering the packet 3 to a surface of the holder 2, partially or completely enclosing the packet 3 within a void in holder 2, etc. Additionally, the packet may be removably or permanently attached to the holder 2.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser having open and closed configurations. FIG. 23 is a front view of the dispenser in a closed or substantially closed configuration, and FIG. 24 is a front view of the dispenser in the open configuration. The dispenser comprises a holder 2 and a packet 3. The holder 2 comprises an opening 230 to allow a user access to the packet 3. In this embodiment, the packet 3 is contained within a void in the holder 2 created by a front portion and a back portion of the holder 2. The packet 3 may be attached to the holder 2, or the packet 3 may be held within the void in holder 2 by friction between the packet 3 and holder 2. A user may squeeze the sides of holder 2 to change the shape of opening 230 and allow the user easier access to the packet 3 (as shown in FIG. 24).

One advantage of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, and various other embodiments, is that the holder 2 does not have to be damaged for a user to access the contents of the packet 3. A user may remove the packet 3 from the holder 2, and then tear the packet 3 to access its contents. A user may place the used packet 3 back in the holder 2 after the user is done accessing the contents of packet 3 (for example after the user is done sanitizing his or her hands). This may be an advantage in situations where users do not wish to see the used packet or where the user does not have a place to throw the used packet away. For example, a used sanitizer packet may be considered unsightly waste by some customers of a restaurant. Putting the used packet back in the holder after use may alleviate this concern. In some embodiments, the holder 2 may act similarly to a holder some hotels include a room key in or that credit card companies include a credit card in, because a user can remove the packet 3, use the packet 3, then place the packet 3 back in the holder 2. Various other embodiments, including those described elsewhere in this specification, may also allow a user to remove the packet and return it to the holder after use. In some embodiments, a holder may be reusable and refilled with new fluid packets after a holder's packet is used. A reusable holder may be made out of relatively durable materials such as plastic, carbon fiber, etc. A reusable holder may also be made out of less durable materials, such as cardboard, film, etc., though the usable life of the holder may be less than if it was made of more durable materials.

FIG. 25 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser comprising a holder 2 with a sanitizer packet attached to a back surface of the holder 2. This embodiment is similar in design and function to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, except that in this embodiment the holder 2 is shaped to resemble a hot dog and may include printing and/or graphics on it to make it further resemble a hot dog. In other embodiments, the holder may be configured to resemble other food items or non-food items. The sanitizer packet may be attached to other surfaces or contained, at least partially, within a void in the holder, as described in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, a holder of a sanitizer dispenser may include third party advertisements. For example, a restaurant may provide sanitizer dispensers as described herein to its customers, and include a place on the holder for other companies to advertise to the restaurant's customers. This may be advantageous to the distributor (i.e. the restaurant) as an additional revenue stream in addition to the restaurant's main business of selling food to customers. The restaurant can sell advertising space on its sanitizer dispensers to third parties so the third parties can advertise products or services that the third party provides. In an example, if a restaurant has an agreement with a film studio, the film studio may pay the restaurant a certain amount of money to have the restaurant wrap its sanitizer packets in holders comprising an advertisement for the film studio's latest film release and to give those wrapped packets to the restaurant's customers. In some embodiments, a third party advertiser may pay the sanitizer packet distributor per sanitizer packet distributed. For example, a film studio may pay a restaurant only for the number of wrapped packets with film advertisements that were actually distributed to restaurant customers.

In some embodiments, a fluid packet, such as a hand sanitizer packet, may be partially or entirely wrapped in a holder comprising a thin flexible material that may substantially conform to a shape or contours of the fluid packet. For example, the holder may be a foil, thin plastic sheet, or film that wraps the packet and allows for information to be displayed on it (e.g., advertisements, coupons, business information, etc. as described in other embodiments). Such a holder may be advantageous to minimize the size of the holder and fluid packet combination. In some embodiments, the holder may be a heat-shrink material, such that the fluid packet may be placed entirely or partially within a cavity of the holder, and then heat applied to the holder to shrink the holder to substantially conform to contours of the fluid packet. In some embodiments, the holder may adhere to the fluid packet using adhesive, static electricity, or other attaching means.

In some embodiments, a sanitizer dispenser as described herein may be given to a consumer after he or she purchases a product or service of the distributor. In other embodiments, the distributor may distribute sanitizer dispensers comprising the distributor's business information or coupons or the like prior to a sale as a way to gain a potential customer's business.

In some embodiments, a coupon may be included on a tear away flap of a hand sanitizer dispenser. For example, when a user tears through a perforation in the holder to dispense hand sanitizer from the sanitizer packet, the user may throw away the portion of the dispenser that includes the empty sanitizer packet, but keep the portion or flap that was torn off. The flap that was torn off may be smaller and easier for a customer to carry around in a pocket, wallet, purse, etc. as a reminder to return to the restaurant and use the coupon on the flap.

In some cases, a distributor may utilize multiple embodiments of sanitizer dispensers. For example, a restaurant may utilize the dispenser shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for “dine in” customers by standing the dispenser on each table. The restaurant may also utilize the dispenser shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 for “take away” customers, because it may be smaller and easier to place in a take away bag. A restaurant may even give sanitizer packets without holders to take away customers, while using dispensers with holders for dine in customers.

Although several embodiments described herein are described with reference to hand sanitizer, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein could be used with various products, fluids, and chemicals. For example, various embodiments could be used to dispense cleansing wipes, food products, condiments, paint, etc. The packet may be a cleaning product container that contains other types of cleaning products or other fluids or substances (e.g., soaps, fragrances, lotions, crèmes, serums, ointments, pharmaceuticals or other medicaments, etc.) instead of hand sanitizer.

Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Additionally, the skilled artisan will recognize that any of the above-described methods can be carried out using any appropriate apparatus. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with an embodiment can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. For all of the embodiments described herein the steps of the methods need not be performed sequentially. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

Claims

1. A fluid container for storing fluid and selectively providing access to a volume of said fluid, said fluid container comprising:

a fluid packet for containing a volume of fluid, said fluid packet comprising at least one layer defining an interior cavity, said interior cavity configured to maintain said volume of fluid protected from an outside environment when said at least one layer is maintained in a non-compromised state;

wherein at least a portion of the volume of fluid is configured to be accessed when the at least one layer is compromised, allowing fluid to be selectively discharged from the interior cavity;

a holder configured to at least partially secure to the fluid packet, said holder comprising a main portion and at least one support portion;

wherein the main portion of the holder comprises a first side and a second side, the fluid packet being secured, at least in part, to the second side of the main portion;

wherein the first side of the main portion is configured to display information; and

the at least one support portion being at least partially attached to the main portion, said at least one support portion being configured to maintain the main portion in at least a partially upright position.

2. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the fluid packet is additionally secured to the at least one support portion of the holder.

3. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the fluid packet is removably secured to the holder.

4. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the fluid packet is secured to the holder using at least one adhesive.

5. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the fluid packet is permanently or irremovably secured to the holder.

6. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the at least one layer of the fluid packet comprises foil.

7. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the fluid packet is compromised by at least partially tearing the at least one layer to exposed fluid contained within the interior cavity of the fluid packet.

8. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the information displayed along the first side of the main portion comprises at least one of: an advertisement, a warning or other regulatory information, an instruction for use and a coupon.

9. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the at least one support of the holder is attached to the main portion along a top of the at least one support and a top of main portion.

10. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the at least one support forms a generally unitary structure with the main portion.

11. A fluid container for storing fluid and selectively providing access to a volume of said fluid, said fluid container comprising:

a fluid packet for containing a volume of fluid, said fluid packet comprising at least one layer defining an interior cavity, said interior cavity configured to maintain said volume of fluid protected from an outside environment when said at least one layer is maintained in a non-compromised state;

wherein at least a portion of the volume of fluid is configured to be accessed when the at least one layer is compromised, allowing fluid to be selectively discharged from the interior cavity;

a holder configured to at least partially secure to the fluid packet;

wherein the holder comprises a first side and a second side, the fluid packet being secured, at least in part, to the second side of the holder;

wherein the first side of the holder is configured to display information; and

at least one predetermined compromising location along the holder;

wherein when the holder is compromised along the at least one predetermined location by a user, the at least one layer of the fluid packet is also compromised to selectively provide access to the interior cavity of the fluid packet; and

wherein at least a portion of the holder is configured to be maintained by a user after the interior cavity of the fluid packet has been accessed.

12. The fluid container of claim 11, wherein the holder at least partially encapsulates or surrounds the fluid packet.

13. The fluid container of claim 11, wherein the holder fully encapsulates or surrounds the fluid packet so as to hide said fluid packet from a user handling a non-compromised fluid container.

14. The fluid container of claim 11, wherein the fluid packet is removably or permanently secured to the holder.

15. The fluid container of claim 11, wherein the fluid packet comprises at least one bottleneck area through which fluid is discharged from the interior cavity of said fluid packet when the at least one layer of said fluid packet is compromised.

16. The fluid container of claim 11, wherein the at least one predetermined compromising location comprises at least one of a tear, cut or rip line, a partially pre-cut portion, a scored portion and a perforated portion.

17. A fluid container for storing fluid and selectively providing access to a volume of said fluid, said fluid container comprising:

a fluid packet for containing a volume of fluid, said fluid packet comprising at least one layer defining an interior cavity, said interior cavity configured to maintain said volume of fluid protected from an outside environment when said at least one layer is maintained in a non-compromised state;

wherein at least a portion of the volume of fluid is configured to be accessed when the at least one layer is compromised, allowing fluid to be selectively discharged from the interior cavity;

a holder configured to at least partially secure to the fluid packet;

wherein the holder at least partially encapsulates or surrounds the fluid packet to at least partially hide said fluid packet before the fluid container is compromised or otherwise used;

wherein the holder is configured to display information;

wherein the holder comprises at least one predetermined compromising location;

wherein when the holder is compromised along the at least one predetermined location by a user, the at least one layer of the fluid packet is also compromised to selectively provide access to the interior cavity of the fluid packet; and

wherein at least a portion of the holder is configured to be maintained by a user after the interior cavity of the fluid packet has been accessed.

18. The fluid container of claim 17, wherein the holder fully encapsulates or surrounds the fluid packet so as to completely or substantially hide said fluid packet from a user handling a non-compromised fluid container.

19. The fluid container of claim 11, wherein the fluid packet is removably or permanently secured to the holder.

20. The fluid container of claim 11, wherein the fluid packet comprises at least one bottleneck area through which fluid is discharged from the interior cavity of said fluid packet when the at least one layer of said fluid packet is compromised.