TRAVEL CONTAINER, SYSTEM, KIT, AND METHOD

Abstract

A travel container, system, kit, and method for carrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline are presently provided. The travel container has an outer wall with a top opening and a bottom opening and a maximum fill capacity of 3.4 ounces or at least one measure demarcation on the outer wall. The at least one measure demarcation demarks at most 3.4 ounces of flowable materials in the travel container. The travel kit has a carrier with a volume of at most one quart and is configured to hold and carry each of the travel containers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/965,820 filed Jan. 25 2020 entitled “Travel Container, System, Kit, and Method”, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to travel containers, systems, kits, and methods. More specifically, travel containers, systems, kits, and methods that may provide a convenience to commercial airline passengers in carrying liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes.

BACKGROUND

The US Transportation Security Administration, TSA, implemented regulations that regulate the containing, and limit quantities, of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in carryon baggage. These regulations may need be met when a passenger passes through a checkpoint at an airport. These regulations and limitations may pose challenges to commercial airline passengers when carrying liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes onto a commercial plane.

The presently disclosed travel container, system, kit, and method may provide a convenience to commercial airline passengers in carrying liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes onto a commercial plane, in carryon baggage, for example.

SUMMARY

In at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a travel container configured for carrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline is provided. The travel container has an outer wall with a top opening and a bottom opening. The top opening is configured and disposed to dispense the flowable materials from the travel container and the bottom opening is configured and disposed to receive the flowable materials into the travel container. A removable cap is configured to engage an upper portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the top opening. A removable closure is configured to engage a lower portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the bottom opening. The travel container has a maximum fill capacity of 3.4 ounces or at least one measure demarcation, demarking at most 3.4 ounces, on the outer wall. The at least one measure demarcation indicates at least one of a fill volume and a volume of the flowable material contained in the travel container.

In at least one other aspect of the present disclosure, a travel kit configured for carrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline, the travel kit is provided. The at least one travel container has an outer wall with a top opening and a bottom opening. The top opening is configured and disposed to dispense the flowable materials from the travel container and the bottom opening is configured and disposed to receive the flowable materials into the travel container. A removable cap is configured to engage an upper portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the top opening. A removable closure is configured to engage lower portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the bottom opening. The at least one container has a maximum fill capacity of 3.4 ounces or at least one measure demarcation, demarking at most 3.4 ounces, of flowable materials in the travel container. The kit further has a carrier having a volume of at most one quart and which is configured to hold and carry each of the at least one travel container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The following Figures, which are idealized, are not to scale and are intended to be merely illustrative of aspects of the present disclosure and non-limiting. In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals. The drawings are briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed travel container;

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative embodiment of a removable insert configured to be inserted into a top opening of the travel container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative embodiment of a removable bottom closure configured to slide onto a portion of the outer wall proximate the bottom opening of the travel container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative embodiment of a travel kit configured for carrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline;

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative embodiment of an area configured and disposed for an indication of a type of the flowable material contained in the presently disclosed travel container;

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative embodiment of a removable bottom closure configured for pinching the outer wall and closing the bottom opening of the travel container shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an illustrative embodiment of a removable bottom closure having an oblong cam shaped feature configured to seal the bottom opening closed of the travel container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative embodiment of a removable bottom closure having a removable stabilizer and configured to slide onto a portion of the outer wall proximate the bottom opening of the travel container shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 10 and 10a show an illustrative embodiment of a removable top closure and a removable insert and their cooperation with the top opening of the presently disclosed travel container; and

FIG. 11 shows illustrative embodiments of removable inserts configured to cooperate with the top opening of the presently disclosed travel container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the disclosure, since the scope of the disclosure is best defined by the appended claims. Various inventive features are described below that may each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.

The US Transportation Security Administration, TSA, has implemented regulations that limit the volume and the quantity of containers of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes that can be in your carry-on bag when passing through the checkpoint at the airport. These containers are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. The quantity of containers is limited the number that fit in a quart-sized bag. Placing these items in the small bag and separating them from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening process. Packed items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters may be transported in checked baggage.

Presently disclosed is a travel container, system, and method for carrying liquids onto an aircraft that may provide passengers a convenience in meeting the carry-on regulations established by the TSA. Aspects of the present disclosure may provide a universal standardized solution to meet TSA requirements for carryon travel containers which may maximize and optimize the allowable volumes, quantities, and space constraints for containers, eliminate or minimize leakage from travel containers caused by pressure cycle events during travel, and/or accommodate filling and dispensing the many different viscosities and volumes of different materials desired to be in travel containers by the consumer.

Presently disclosed is a travel container configured for carrying flowable materials, such as liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes, onto a commercial airline and may provide advantages for other activities. For example, the presently disclosed travel container may contain flowable liquids and resist leakage during exterior pressure changes or cycling of exterior pressure. Changes or cycling of exterior pressure on the container may be encountered during changes in elevation which may be encountered during air travel or other activities such as skiing, climbing, hiking, etc., or other activities that may subject the container to a change in elevation.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present exemplary embodiments and aspects of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the figures to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative embodiment of travel container 100. Travel container 100 is configured for carrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline. Outer wall 104 has a top opening 121 and a bottom opening 123, shown in FIG. 5. The top opening 121 is configured and disposed to dispense the flowable materials from the travel container and the bottom opening 123 is configured and disposed to receive the flowable materials into travel container 100. Removable cap 102 is configured to engage an upper portion of outer wall 104 and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the top opening 121. Removable closure 106 is configured to engage lower portion of outer wall 104 and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the bottom opening 123. Travel container 100 has at least one measure demarcation 115 on outer wall 104.

At least one measure demarcation indicates at least one of a fill volume and a volume of the flowable material contained in the travel container. For example, measure demarcation 115a is proximate the top opening 121 and may indicate the volume of the flowable material contained in the travel container being 3.4 ounces, upon the travel container being oriented with the top opening 121 above the bottom opening 123. Measure demarcation 115b is proximate the bottom opening 123 and may indicate a fill volume of 3.4 ounces, upon the removable closure being removed and the travel container being oriented with the bottom opening 123 above the top opening 121. One or more measure demarcations may be permanently etched into, and be a part of, travel container outer wall 104. In at least one embodiment, travel container 100 has at least two measure demarcations, wherein at least one of the measure demarcations demarks at most 3.4 ounces of flowable materials in travel container 100.

FIG. 2 shows removable insert 103 configured to be inserted into a top opening 121 of travel container 100. Removable insert 103 may be configured to be inserted into the top opening 121 of travel container 100 and have a selected sized opening therein, 105. Travel container 100, or a travel kit, may have a first removable insert having a first sized opening therein and a second removable insert having a second sized opening therein, wherein the first sized opening is different than the second sized opening. For example, removable insert 103 may have an opening 105a of a first size, 105b of a second size, or 105c of a third size. For example, an upper opening in container 100, or an opening in an insert 103, may have a radius configured for the dispensing of fluids of different viscosities. For example, the upper opening may be small for low viscosity liquids, such as opening 105a, and larger for more viscous fluids or flowable materials such as shampoo, for example opening 105c. The removable cap may have a knurled portion for grasping and may have a seal, such as an o-ring, configured and disposed for sealing the cap with the upper opening. In at least one embodiment, removable insert 103 has a seal 107, such as an o-ring seal.

FIG. 3 shows removable bottom closure 106 configured to slide onto a portion of outer wall 104, proximate the bottom opening 123 of travel container 100. Removable bottom closure 106 may be configured to slide onto a portion of outer wall 104 proximate the bottom opening 123, sliding perpendicularly to an axis extending from the top opening 121 to the bottom opening 123 of travel container 100. In at least one embodiment, removable bottom closure has a cylindrical “C” shaped portion 111 extending about a centrally extending rod 110. Removable bottom closure 106 may have an extending portion 108 configured for turning removable bottom closure 106 and reducing or expanding the volume of travel container 100. For example, a lower portion of outer wall 104 may be folded and inserted into the opening in C shaped portion 101 and extending rod 110 may extend between the folded portions of outer wall 104. Upon turning removable bottom portion 106, outer wall 104 may wrap around C shaped portion 101 and thus decrease the volume of travel container 100. This may force flowable materials contained in travel container 100 out of the top opening 121.

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative embodiment of travel kit 200 configured for carrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline. Travel kit 200 may have one or more travel containers, such as travel containers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d. Each travel container has an outer wall with a top opening 121 and a bottom opening 123. The top opening 121 is configured and disposed to dispense the flowable materials from the travel container and the bottom opening 123 is configured and disposed to receive the flowable materials into the travel container. A removable cap 203 is provided for each container in travel kit 200 and each removable cap 203 is configured to engage an upper portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the top opening 121. A removable closure 206 is provided for each travel container and each removable bottom closure 206 is configured to engage lower portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the bottom opening 123.

Each travel container supplied in travel kit 200 has a maximum fill capacity of 3.4 ounces or at least one measure demarcation, demarking at most 3.4 ounces, of flowable materials in the travel container. For example, a travel container may have a fill volume proximate the bottom opening 123 to provide a demarcation for filling the container trough a bottom opening 123. Alternatively, or additionally, a travel container may have measure demarcation proximate the top opening 121 to indicate the volume of the flowable material contained in the travel container, upon the travel container being oriented with the top opening 121 above the bottom opening 123. Another option may be to provide a permanent indication of maximum contents of 3.4 ounces on the container. The travel containers may have different dimensions such as different heights and widths. For example, travel container 100b may have a width of x and travel container 100d may have a width of y, wherein x is greater than y.

Travel kit 200 has a carrier 202 with a volume of at most one quart. Carrier 202 is configured to hold and carry each of the at least one travel container in travel kit 200. Carrier 202 has a closure 204 configured for opening and closing carrier 202. Travel kit 200 may have a plurality of removable caps 203, removable bottom closures 206, and may have a plurality of removable inserts 103. For example, travel kit 200 may have several removable inserts with different diameters, 105a, 105b, and/or 105c for configuring a selected travel container for dispensing a selected flowable material. In at least one embodiment, travel kit 200 has least one removable insert 103 configured to be inserted into the top opening 121 of a travel container, the removable insert 103 has a selected sized opening therein. In at least one other embodiment, travel kit 200 has first removable insert 103 having a first sized opening 105a therein and a second removable insert 103 having a second sized opening 105b therein, wherein the first sized opening 105a is different than the second sized opening 105b. The heights of the containers may vary as well. For example, container 100c and 100d may both be sized to hold 3.4 ounces.

In at least one embodiment, travel kit 200 has a carrier 202 with a flexible or foldable wall. For example, carrier 202 may be sized to tightly fit the travel containers contained therein. Carrier 202 may be configured to be reduced in volume to a volume proximate to each of the travel containers held therein. In at least one embodiment, upon placing the containers into carrier 202, air may be evacuated from carrier 202 and thus reduce the volume of carrier 202 to proximate the volume of the containers held therein. Carrier 202 may have a volume of one quart and an outer demarcation indicating the volume of carrier 200 to be one quart.

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative embodiment of an area 110 configured and disposed for an indication of a type of the flowable material contained in the presently disclosed travel container. In at least one embodiment, the presently disclosed travel container has at least one area 110 configured and disposed for an indication of a type of the flowable material contained in the travel container. For example, area 112 may be provided for the checking of an indication of the type of flowable material or provide space, such as proximate “Other” where the type of flowable material may be written or marked.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative embodiment of a removable bottom closure 109 configured for pinching the outer wall 104 and closing the bottom opening 123 of the travel container disclosed herein. For example, the presently disclosed travel container may have removable bottom closure 109 with a pinching mechanism 113 configured for pinching outer wall 104 and closing the bottom opening 123. For example, pinching mechanism 113 may have teeth which may be concave, such as 113a, or may be convex, such as teeth 113b.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an illustrative embodiment of removable bottom closure having an oblong cam shaped feature 130a configured to seal the bottom opening 123 closed. For example, the presently disclosed travel container may have removable bottom closure with a cylindrical “C” shaped portion 126 extending about a centrally extending rod 130. An oblong cam shaped feature 130a may extend from centrally extending rod 130 and be configured to compress outer wall 104 against the “C” shaped portion 126 and seal the bottom opening 123 closed.

FIG. 8 shows cross sections A-A′ and B-B′, as indicated in FIG. 7. Knob 128 may be rotated to extend cam shaped feature 130a toward “C” shaped portion 126, as shown in Section B-B and seal bottom opening 123 closed. A rotation of knob 128 may extend cam shaped feature 130a toward the opening in “C” shaped portion 126, as shown in Section A-A, releasing pressure on wall 104. In at least one embodiment, the removable bottom closure has an oblong cylindrical “C” shaped portion 241.

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative embodiment of a removable bottom closure having a removable stabilizer 141 configured to slide onto a portion of the outer wall proximate the bottom opening of the travel container. An oblong cam shaped feature 130a may extend from centrally extending rod 110 and be configured to compress outer wall 104 against the “C” shaped portion 111 and seal the bottom opening 123 closed. Centrally extending rod 110 may extend from knob 108 and trough and beyond “C” shaped portion 111. “C” shaped portion 111 may have outer threads proximate an end thereof. Removable stabilizer 141 may have an inner thread configured for engaging the outer threads on “C” shaped portion 111 and a central aperture 142. Central aperture 142 may be configured to closely receive centrally extending rod 110 and stabilize oblong cam shaped feature 130a in “C” shaped portion 111.

FIGS. 10 and 10a show an illustrative embodiments of removable top closures and removable inserts and their cooperation with a top opening of the presently disclosed travel container. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, outer wall 104 may have an exterior thread proximate top opening 319 and a top closure 312 may have an inner thread for threadingly engaging the exterior thread proximate top opening 319. Outer wall 104 may have an inner thread proximate top opening 319 and removable insert 303 may have an exterior thread configured for threadingly engaging the inner thread proximate top opening 319. FIG. 10a shows an embodiment of removable top closure or cap 310 that may be configured to be press fitted about the top opening in outer wall 104. Removable insert 303a may have a seal for sealing with cap 310.

FIG. 11 shows illustrative embodiments of removable inserts configured to cooperate with the top opening of the presently disclosed travel container. For example, removable inserts 303a-303f show removable inserts having outer threads configured for threadingly engaging an inner thread proximate a top opening in the presently travel container. The removable insert may have a slot detent in an upper surface thereof, thus configuring the removable insert to be rotated and threadingly engaging the outer wall about the top opening. Removable inserts 303e and 303f have slot detents for cooperation with the removable insert and rotating the insert. For example, removable insert 303e has a rounded slot detent 323 which may cooperate with a coin to rotate removable insert 303e and thread into a top opening of the presently disclosed travel container. In another example, removable insert 303f has a rectangular slot detent 329 which may cooperate with a tool, such as a screwdriver, to rotate removable insert 303f and thread into a top opening of the presently disclosed travel container.

The presently disclosed travel container may have a seal for sealing the removable insert with a removable cap. For example, removable insert 303a may have a compression seal or an o-ring seal 306 about opening 305. In other examples shown herein, insert 303b may have a flap seal 307 about opening 305 and insert 303c may have a washer or disk seal 309 about opening 305. In at least one embodiment, a removable insert has no opening 305, for example insert 303d, and is configured to seal the travel container closed.

The presently disclosed travel container comprises an outer wall with a top opening and a bottom opening. The top opening may be configured and disposed to dispense the flowable materials from the container. The bottom opening may be configured and disposed to receive the flowable materials into the container. A removable cap may be configured to engage an upper portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the top opening. A removable closure may be configured to engage lower portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the bottom opening. A measure demarcation of at most 3.4 ounces may be disposed on the outer wall. The measure demarcation indicates at least one of a fill volume and a volume of the flowable material contained in the container.

In at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed travel container, the measure demarcation is proximate the bottom opening and indicates a fill volume of the container. The location of the demarcation proximate the bottom opening provides for filling an amount not to exceed 3.4 ounces in the container, through the bottom opening. In at least one other embodiment of the presently disclosed travel container, the measure demarcation measure is proximate the top opening and indicates the volume of the flowable material contained in the container upon the container being oriented in an upright orientation, having the top opening positioned upwardly.

The presently disclosed travel container travel container may have a maximum capacity of 3.4 ounces of the flowable material. The travel container may be configured to contain the flowable materials upon a reduction of exterior pressure. For example, the outer wall may be flexible to accommodate or configured to expand and hold the flowable materials upon expansion of the contents, due to reduced exterior pressure. In at least one embodiment, the travel container may have a capacity in excess of 3.4 ounces and may be configured to increase its volume from 3.4 ounces and hold the flowable materials contained therein, upon expansion of the contents of the container due to a reduction in external pressure as may be experienced during flight of the aircraft.

Air is a compressible fluid where water is substantially not compressible. Many fluids that are placed into the travel container may comprise primarily water or other substantially incompressible fluids. Therefore, substantially only the air in the container may tend to expand in low pressure environments. In at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed travel container or method, air may be removed, or substantially removed, from the container which may alleviate, or substantially eliminate, expanding of the contents of the container at elevation.

The presently disclosed travel container may have a removable closure configured to slide onto a lower portion of the bottom wall, sliding perpendicularly to an axis extending from the top opening of the container to the bottom opening of the container.

The presently disclosed travel container may have for example, at least one of a 1 ounce, two ounce, three ounce, and 3.4 ounce measure demarcations. The presently disclosed travel container may have a flexible outer wall or otherwise configured to contain the flowable materials upon a reduction of exterior pressure. In at least one embodiment, the presently disclosed container has at least one seal configured to be disposed with the outer wall and the removable cap or the removable closure.

In at least one embodiment, the presently disclosed travel container has at least one area configured and disposed for the indication of a type of the flowable material contained in the container.

A travel kit or system is presently disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a travel kit is configured for carrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline. The travel kit has a resealable carrier configured to carry at least one container, wherein the at least one container is configured for carrying flowable materials. The at least one container has an outer wall with a top opening and a bottom opening. The top opening is configured and disposed to dispense the flowable materials from the container. The bottom opening is configured and disposed receive the flowable materials into the container, allowing the container to be refilled. A removable cap is configured to engage an upper portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the top opening. A removable closure is configured to engage lower portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the bottom opening. The at least one container has a measure demarcation of 3.4 or about 3 ounces, or a maximum capacity of 3.4 or about 3 ounces. The measure demarcation may indicate at least one of a fill volume and a volume of the flowable material contained in the container. The travel kit's carrier has a volume of at most one quart.

The figures show embodiments of the presently disclosed travel container. In at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed travel container, the travel container has a flexible or foldable sidewall or outer wall. The sidewall may have demarcations, such as 1, 2, 3, and 3.4 ounce demarcations. In at least one embodiment, a marking showing a maximum fill of 3.4 ounces is provided.

The sidewall demarcations, indicating volume and/or contents, may be marked, printed on or they can be integrated into or etched into the container wall. For example, etching may be permanent and may provide the TSA assurance that the volume is as indicated on the container.

For example, a laser may be used to etch markings into the sidewall of the container.

A removable cap may have a helical thread to threadingly engage with an upper portion of the outer wall having an opening with a helical thread. The upper opening in the container may have a radius configured for the dispensing of fluids of different viscosities. For example, the upper opening may be small for low viscosity liquids and larger for more viscous fluids such as shampoo. The removable cap may have a knurled portion for grasping and may have a seal, such as an o-ring, configured and disposed for sealing the cap with the upper opening.

A removable closure may be configured to engage lower portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the bottom opening. For example, a foldable slider or fold clamp, may be configured to slide onto a lower portion of the outer wall and close the bottom of the container. The sliding of the removable closure off of the lower portion of the outer wall may provide a large opening for the filling of the travel container.

The figures shows a design of a removable closure configured to receive and hold a folded lower portion of the container, thus engaging a lower portion of the outer wall and preventing the flowable materials from exiting the bottom opening. The removable closure may have a cylindrical “C” shaped portion extending about a centrally extending rod. The lower portion of the outer wall may be folded and slid into the opening in the “C” shaped portion and around the rod. A seal may be incorporated with the removable closure, such as a cylindrical length of flexible material that may be disposed between a folded sidewall slid into the cylindrical “C” shaped portion.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bottom closure allows for the container volume to be adjusted or reduced to the volume of the flowable materials contained therein. The sizing of the container to the contents of flowable material contained therein may remove air from the container and/or may minimize the size of the container containing the flowable material. For example, the sizing of the container to its liquid contents may maximize the number of containers that may fit into one-quart carrier, thus maximizing the amount of liquids that may be carried onto a commercial aircraft and meet TSA requirements.

The sidewall may have an indication of contents. For example, the container may be color coded, have an area for the writing of the contents of the container or for the placement of a label. In at least one embodiment, the sidewall or outer wall has areas to be marked to indicate the contents of the container.

A travel kit may have a resealable carrier configured to carry at least one container configured for carrying flowable materials. The carrier may have a volume of at most one quart. For example, the container may be in the form of a resealable bag. The resealable carrier may be configured to hold a plurality of travel containers. The travel containers may have a variety of sizes, profiles, and a variety of top openings for different contents of flowable materials.

The resealable carrier may be configured to carry about 1 to 10 travel containers of the present disclosure. For example, a travel kit may have 6 to 8 containers of various sizes, or the same size, in a resealable carrier.

The figures show example seals that may be incorporated with the travel container of the present disclosure. For example, an o-ring seal may be configured to surround the top closure and cooperate with a neck of the outer wall of the container. A variety of configurations of a removable closure may provide for the closing and sealing the bottom of the outer wall. For example, the bottom closure may be contoured, such have gripping extensions or have a concave or convex configuration. Other and different configurations of the removable disclosure as will become known by persons having skill in the art are within the present disclosure.

The figures of the present disclosure show an illustrative embodiment of a removable closure configured to engage lower portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the bottom opening. For example, the removable closure may have configured to slidingly receive a lower portion of the outer wall and lock the bottom end of the closure closed. For example, the closure may have an outer “C” shaped sleeve with a longitudinally extending opening configured to receive a lower portion of the outer wall. Centrally oriented with sleeve may be a longitudinally extending rotatable camming seal. The camming seal may be configured to press the outer wall against the sleeve and seal the outer wall. The sleeve may be rounded or oval. In at least one embodiment, the sleeve is oval and configured press and seal the outer wall between the sleeve and the camming seal when the camming seal is rotated into a sealing orientation. Upon the camming seal being rotated into a non-sealing orientation, the outer wall may be slid to a desired position in the removable closure or removed from the container wall for refilling of the container.

The figures show illustrative examples of interchangeable orifices that may accommodate different viscosity liquids, or flowable materials, using the same container. For example, a larger diameter orifice may be desired for viscous liquids such as shampoo while a smaller diameter orifice may be desired for less viscous liquids such as cologne. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the container has an inner and an outer thread about its neck opening. An insert having a desired orifice size may be screwed into the container neck and a cap may be screwed onto the outer perimeter of the container neck. A seal may be made between the orifice insert and the cap. For example, the insert or cap may have an o-ring or flap seal. Other and different compressive sealing surface features between cap, container, and/or orifice insert as are known by persons having ordinary skill in the art may be provide.

The following patents, patent applications or patent publications, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein: US 20140374302, US 20120279960, US, 20100072224, US 20090097779, US 20080105328, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,946,440, 7,905,367, 6,176,394, 5,452,748, 4,863,014, 4,473,097, 4,445,609, 3,841,513, 3,648,876, 3,269,576, 3,257,038, 3,199,737, 3,157,302, 3,086,264, 1,687,689, 1,351,496, 1,024,894, 0,955,530, and WO 9310013.

The purpose of incorporating U.S. patents, foreign patents, publications, etc. is solely to provide additional information relating to technical features of one or more embodiments, which information may not be completely disclosed in the wording in the pages of this application. Words relating to the opinions and judgments of the author and not directly relating to the technical details of the description of the embodiments therein are not incorporated by reference. The words all, always, absolutely, consistently, preferably, guarantee, particularly, constantly, ensure, necessarily, immediately, endlessly, avoid, exactly, continually, expediently, need, must, only, perpetual, precise, perfect, require, requisite, simultaneous, total, unavoidable, and unnecessary, or words substantially equivalent to the above-mentioned words in this sentence, when not used to describe technical features of one or more embodiments, are not considered to be incorporated by reference herein.

Some examples of the presently disclosed travel container, kit, and method may be found in the following disclosure. The words all, always, absolutely, consistently, preferably, guarantee, particularly, constantly, ensure, necessarily, immediately, endlessly, avoid, exactly, continually, expediently, ideal, need, must, only, perpetual, precise, perfect, require, requisite, simultaneous, total, unavoidable, and unnecessary, or words substantially equivalent to the above-mentioned words in this sentence, when not used to describe technical features of one or more embodiments, are not to be considered in the instant disclosure.

Aspects and features of the presently disclosed travel container and travel kit are presently disclosed. One aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container configured for carrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline, the travel container comprising: a) An outer wall with a top opening and a bottom opening; b) The top opening being configured and disposed to dispense the flowable materials from the container; c) The bottom opening being configured and disposed to receive the flowable materials into the container; d) A removable cap configured to engage an upper portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the top opening; e) A removable closure configured to engage lower portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the bottom opening; f) A measure demarcation of at most 3.4 ounces; and g) Wherein the measure demarcation indicates at least one of a fill volume and a volume of the flowable material contained in the container.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a travel container wherein the measure demarcation is proximate the bottom opening and indicates a fill volume.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container wherein the measure demarcation is proximate the top opening and indicates the volume of the flowable material contained in the container.

Still another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container wherein the measure demarcations are permanently etched into and part of the container wall.

A further aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container having demarcations less than or equal to 3.4 ounces.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container comprising at least one area configured and disposed for the indication of a type of the flowable material contained in the container.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container wherein the removable bottom closure is configured to slide onto a lower portion of the bottom wall, sliding perpendicularly to an axis extending from the top opening to the bottom opening.

Still another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container wherein the outer wall is flexible and foldable.

A further aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container wherein the removable bottom closure allows for the container volume and size to be reduced by compressing or folding the outer wall of the container.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container having a maximum capacity of less than or equal to 3.4 ounces of the flowable material.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container having a capacity in excess of 3.4 ounces and being configured to increase its volume from 3.4 ounces and hold the flowable materials contained therein, upon expansion of the held materials due to a reduction in external pressure.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container comprising at least one compression seal configured to be disposed with the outer wall and the top removable cap or the removable bottom closure.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a travel container being configured to contain the flowable materials upon a reduction of exterior pressure and pressure change cycles.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container wherein the removable bottom closure has a pinching mechanism, or an oblong cam shaped feature configured to compress and seal the container outer wall.

Still another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container wherein the removable bottom closure has a pinching mechanism or an oblong cam shaped feature comprising a detent feature, slotted keyway or other locking feature configured to position the removable bottom closure on the outer wall.

A further aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container wherein the removable top cap contacts the container main body or wall with use of a compression seal such as an o-ring, foldable flap, washer or disk integrated with the container.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container wherein the removable top cap has a compression seal such as an o-ring, foldable flap, washer, or disk seal configured to seal the top opening of the container.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container having a removable insert with an orifice.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container wherein the top neck of the container allows for the installation and removal of a removable insert between the container outer wall and inner wall by means of a threaded screw method or press fit method.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container with a removable insert with an outer thread configured to cooperate with an inner thread in the travel container, about its top opening.

Still another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container, wherein a removable insert can be placed in the top neck opening of the container with none or more orifice openings passing through the insert.

A further aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container wherein the removable insert contains a knurled surface, one or more rectangular flats, or slot detent which mechanically differentiate the insert from the container body to allow for the removal and installation of the insert from the container main body by hand or with a tool.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit configured for carrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline, the travel kit comprising: A carrier configured to carrier at least one container configured for carrying flowable materials; At least one travel container configured for carrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline, the travel container comprising: a) An outer wall with a top opening and a bottom opening; b) The top opening being configured and disposed to dispense the flowable materials from the container; c) The bottom opening being configured and disposed to receive the flowable materials into the container; d) A removable cap configured to engage an upper portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the top opening; e) A removable closure configured to engage lower portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the bottom opening; f) A measure demarcation of at most 3.4 ounces; and Wherein the measure demarcation indicates at least one of a fill volume and a volume of the flowable material contained in the container.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit wherein the carrier has a volume of at most one quart.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit wherein the carrier has a wall with one or more openings and the kit has one or more closures configured close each of the openings in the carrier.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a carrier closure is configured to slide onto a portion of the carrier wall and close one of the openings.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit wherein the carrier wall is flexible and foldable.

Still another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit wherein the carrier closure is removable and is configured to adjust the carrier volume and size.

A further aspect of the disclosure provides a carrier closure configured to compress or fold the wall of the carrier.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit wherein the carrier has demarcations indicating the volume of the carrier permanently etched into and part of the carrier wall.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit comprising at least one compression seal configured to cooperate with the wall of the carrier and the carrier closure and seal the at least one opening in the carrier Another aspect of the disclosure provides a carrier being configured to contain flowable materials upon a reduction of exterior pressure and pressure change cycles.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit wherein the removable carrier closure has a pinching mechanism, or an oblong cam shaped feature configured to compress or connect the carrier wall and close an opening in the carrier.

Still another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit wherein the carrier closure has a pinching mechanism or an oblong cam shaped feature comprising a detent feature, slotted keyway or other locking feature configured to position the carrier closure on the carrier wall.

Claims

1. A travel container configured for carrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline, the travel container comprising:

an outer wall with a top opening and a bottom opening;

wherein the top opening is configured and disposed to dispense the flowable materials from the travel container and the bottom opening is configured and disposed to receive the flowable materials into the travel container;

a removable cap configured to engage an upper portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the top opening;

a removable closure configured to engage a lower portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the bottom opening;

a maximum fill capacity of 3.4 ounces or at least one measure demarcation, demarking at most 3.4 ounces, on the outer wall;

wherein the at least one measure demarcation indicates at least one of a fill volume and a volume of the flowable material contained in the travel container.

2. The travel container of claim 1, wherein the at least one measure demarcation is proximate the bottom opening and indicates a fill volume, upon the removable closure being removed and the travel container being oriented with the bottom opening above the top opening.

3. The travel container of claim 1, wherein the at least one measure demarcation is proximate the top opening and indicates the volume of the flowable material contained in the travel container, upon the travel container being oriented with the top opening above the bottom opening.

4. The travel container of claim 1, wherein the at least one measure demarcation is permanently etched into, and is part of, the travel container outer wall.

5. The travel container of claim 1 comprising at least two measure demarcations, wherein at least one of the measure demarcations demarks at most 3.4 ounces of flowable materials in the travel container.

6. The travel container of claim 1 comprising at least one area configured and disposed for an indication of a type of the flowable material contained in the travel container.

7. The travel container of claim 1, wherein the removable bottom closure is configured to slide onto a portion of the outer wall proximate the bottom opening, sliding perpendicularly to an axis extending from the top opening to the bottom opening.

8. The travel container of claim 7, wherein the removable bottom closure has a cylindrical “C” shaped portion extending about a centrally extending rod.

9. The travel container of claim 8 comprising an oblong cam shaped feature configured to compress the outer wall against the “C” shaped portion and seal the bottom opening closed.

10. The travel container of claim 1, wherein the removable bottom closure has a pinching mechanism configured for pinching the outer wall and closing the bottom opening.

11. The travel container of claim 1 further comprising a compression seal, foldable flap, washer, or disk configured to seal the removable cap about the top opening.

12. The travel container of claim 1 further comprising a removable insert configured to be inserted into the top opening, the removable insert has a selected sized opening therein.

13. The travel container of claim 12, wherein the removable insert is configured to be inserted and held in the top opening by threadingly engaging the removable insert with the outer wall about the top opening.

14. The travel container of claim 13, wherein the removable insert has a slot detent in an upper surface thereof, thus configuring the removable insert to be rotated and threadingly engaging the outer wall about the top opening.

15. A travel kit configured for carrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline, the travel kit comprising:

at least one travel container comprising:

an outer wall with a top opening and a bottom opening;

wherein the top opening is configured and disposed to dispense the flowable materials from the travel container and the bottom opening is configured and disposed to receive the flowable materials into the travel container;

a removable cap configured to engage an upper portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the top opening;

a removable closure configured to engage lower portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the bottom opening; and

a maximum fill capacity of 3.4 ounces or at least one measure demarcation, demarking at most 3.4 ounces, of flowable materials in the travel container;

the kit further comprising a carrier having a volume of at most one quart; and

wherein the carrier is configured to hold and carry each of the at least one travel container.

16. The travel kit of claim 15 further comprising at least one removable insert configured to be inserted into the top opening, the removable insert has a selected sized opening therein.

17. The travel kit of claim 16 comprising a first removable insert having a first sized opening therein and a second removable insert having a second sized opening therein, wherein the first sized opening is different than the second sized opening.

18. The travel kit of claim 15, wherein the carrier has flexible or foldable wall.

19. The travel kit of claim 18, wherein the carrier is configured to be reduced in volume to a volume proximate to each of the travel containers held therein.

20. The travel kit of claim 15, wherein the carrier has a volume of one quart and an outer demarcation indicating the volume of the carrier to be one quart.