TRAVEL CONTAINER

Abstract

A travel container for storing liquids and ideally sized for convenient transport and storage is provided and comprises a first end having an opening that is configured to receive a cap that is releasably secured to the first end of the container to hold the liquid inside the container when the cap is in a closed position and to allow for liquid to be dispensed from the container when the cap is deployed in an open position; a body that is constructed of a flexible material that allows the container to be reshaped into a folded or rolled up state; a second end featuring a heavy duty zip lock that allows for opening and closing the container for ease of refilling the container with liquid to be dispensed; and a small tab attached to the container at its second end that allows the container to be hung in place. Optionally, a waterproof pocket is provided on the side of the container in which a label may be inserted to identify the contents of the container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to portable containers for holding or carrying personal effects, such as toiletries, cosmetics and other liquids. This invention further relates to containers that are capable of compact storage, easy dispensing and refilling and convenient placement during use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Transporting liquids, such as shampoo, lotion, mouthwash and the like presents challenges for travelers because it is not easy to pack and store travel containers for these personal necessities. Transporting liquids is particularly problematic for airplane travelers due to Transport Security Administration (“TSA”) rules which limit the volume of liquids allowed in travel containers. The conventional travel bottles that comply with the applicable TSA rules are limited in that they are typically very difficult to refill. Many travel containers do not allow users ease of identifying the liquid stored in each container. Moreover, most travel containers are not optimally suited to dispense different liquids of varying degrees of viscosity. Travel containers are also often difficult to store compactly during travel due to their shape and size. Accordingly, there is a need for a portable travel container that allows for ease of refilling and dispensing of liquids of varying viscosities and for compact storage during travel.

Furthermore, travelers typically are required to use a multitude of travel containers to transport various toiletries. Once the traveler arrives at their travel destination, it is often difficult to find space to set up the various containers for convenient access when the traveler needs to use them. Therefore, what is also needed is a travel container that allows for easy and convenient access to the toiletries at once while a user is showering, getting ready at the bathroom sink, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable travel container that may be easily and compactly stored during travel, can dispense liquids of varying viscosity at a desirable rate, may be easily and quickly refilled and may be easily accessed while a user is performing activities such as showering, bathing, washing his or her face and other similar activities. Other objects and features of the invention will be in part apparent and in part specifically described herein.

In accordance with the invention, a portable container is provided for storing and dispensing liquids in a controlled manner. In one embodiment, a container is provided that has at a first end, an opening that is grooved to receive a twist on cap. The body of the container is foldable or rollable, much like a toothpaste tube, allowing for optimally compact storage when the container is either empty or not filled to capacity. The flexibility of the body allows for the containers to be packed in a more compact fashion than rigid containers, thus allowing for optimal use of storage space.

Opposite of the container's first end, the container has an opposing second end that features a heavy-duty zip lock that allows for opening and closing the container. This zip lock at the second end acts as a closure mechanism that secures a closed position of the second end of the container, while also allowing the container to be opened at the second end to enable the user to easily refill the container. A small tab is included at the second end, allowing the container to be hung in place from any suitable hanging member, such as a hook. The positioning of the tab allows for the container to be hung even when the container is in a rolled up or folded state.

A dispenser cap is provided and configured to be releasably secured to the first end of the container by a screw thread. The dispenser cap of the preferred embodiment has a flip top and a tapered distal end providing an opening of a particular width through which liquid product may be dispensed. The distal end of the dispenser cap may have any one of many different sized openings to accommodate a desired or optimal flow rate for the particular material or liquid being dispensed from the container. The proximal end of each variation of the dispenser cap would be sized uniformally, to allow for a fit that enables each cap to be secured firmly by the screw thread to the first end of the travel container. The distal end of the dispenser cap may ideally feature a flip top that allows the product to be dispensed when the flip top is opened and that prevents leakage when the flip top is closed.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a key element is provided that includes a grooved portion that engages the second end of the container. The key element may be rotated while engaging the container, thereby causing the second end of the container to be rolled. As the container is rolled, a force is exerted causing the liquid inside the container to be pushed out of the first end of the container. The rotation of the key element while engaging the container also effectively shortens the length of the container, thus rendering the container to be more compact and easier to transport, pack and store.

In another embodiment of the invention, the container also includes a pocket on the side, for inserting a label. The label pocket would preferably be waterproof and feature a zip lock, for opening and closing to allow for easy changing of the labels inserted therein.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a support hanger is provided. The support hanger has one hanging element that allows for the support hanger to be secured to a hanger rod, a towel rack, or any other suitable supporting means. The support hanger includes a plurality of support hooks that allow for multiple travel containers of the present invention to be hung from the support hanger and, thus, accessible to the user. The support hanger s foldable to allow for compact and easy packing and storing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The drawings constitute a part of the specification and include exemplary embodiments of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a container in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is perspective view of the container.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a key element for adjusting the rolling up of the container.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the key element shown in FIG. 3 and the container shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the key element shown in FIG. 3 engaging the container shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the key element shown in FIG. 3 folding the container shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a plurality of containers having varied cap sizes.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an illustration that shows a representation of the shape and configuration of the hanging element of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view of illustration that shows a representation of the shape and configuration of the hanging element of the present invention and illustrates how the hanging element supports a plurality of containers, such as the container shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a plurality of dispenser caps of varying sizes that may be used with the container shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 2, with the second end in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to and should not be interpreted to limit the invention, its application, or uses and the embodiments described herein. The following descriptions and illustrations herein should be considered illustrative in nature, and thus, not in any way limiting the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description provides numerous specific details set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention, however it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily all of these specific details. For example, the present invention is not limited in scope to a particular application described herein or depicted in the figures. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described for purposes of clarity and so as not to obscure the present invention.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference character, reference character 10 refers to a container in accordance with the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-7.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-7 illustrate a container 10 that allows for ease of storing and use while traveling, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated container 10 features a tubular shaped body portion 12 having a first end 14 through which liquid residing in the container is dispensed and a second end 16 which receives liquid inserted into the container for later dispensing. As shown in FIG. 6, the tubular body portion 12 must be flexible enough to change form when the body portion 12 of the container 10 is squeezed or rolled, for example. The ability to roll or fold the tubular body portion 12 is advantageous as the rolled up or folded state of the container 10 results in a more compact configuration, where the container 10 takes up less space and, thus, is easier to pack, transport and store. Also, the composition of the container 10 allows the container 10 to be returned to its unrolled or unfolded configuration, for example when the user refills the container 10 with liquid. The body portion 12 of the container 10 can be manufactured using any suitable production method and raw materials. The body portion 12 of the container 10 in the preferred embodiment is formed from a material such as flexible plastic, but may also be formed from any other composition those skilled in the art would recognize as suitable, such as aluminum or a plastic-aluminum composite.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5, at the first end 14 of the tubular shaped body 12, the container 10 has a first opening 18 having a threaded neck 20 that is adapted to receive a screw cap 22. In alternative embodiments, the first opening 18 can be configured to have any structure suitable to connect a cap to the first end 14 of the container 10, such as a press-fit or snap-fit. The first end 14 of the container 10 terminates at the opening 18 through which the liquid contents may exit the container and be dispensed through an orifice 26 in the screw cap 22 (see FIG. 10). The outer periphery of the first opening 18 has screw threads 20 that correspond to threads along the inner circumference of a screw cap 22, allowing for the screw cap 22 to be secured to the first end 14 of the container 10 to seal the contents within the container 10 (see FIG. 7). In alternative embodiments, the cap 22 can be fixedly attached to the first opening 18 in a manner evident and known to those skilled in the art. For example, the cap 22 could be molded to first end 14 of the container 10 at or around the first opening 18. Although a threaded engagement is the preferred method of connecting the cap 22 to the body portion 12 of the container 10, other known methods and structures can be conceived that would be sufficient for the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates the basic configuration of the screw cap 22 of the preferred embodiment. The screw cap 22 is threaded along its inner circumference (not shown) to allow for the cap 22 to be securely attached to the container 10. The screw cap 22 has a cap top or flip top 24 to allow for the liquid to be dispensed from the container when the flip top 24 is in an open position (as shown in FIG. 10) and to allow the liquid contents to be retained in the container 10 when the flip top 24 is in a closed position (as shown in FIG. 7). As will be apparent and understood by those skilled in the art, the screw cap 22 may alternatively have any known configuration or structure other than a flip top 24 that is sufficient to allow the cap 22 to be deployed in an open position (shown in FIG. 10) and alternatively secured in a closed position (shown in FIG. 7). For example, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the cap 22 is comprised of the cap top 24 that is snap fit to the cap base 25 while the cap 22 is in a closed position, and the cap top 24 could be removed from the cap base 25 thereby opening the container 10 for dispensing its liquid contents.

As can be seen in FIG. 10, the screw cap 22 includes an orifice 26 through which liquid may be dispensed from the container 10. This orifice 26 may vary in size so as to provide an optimal rate of flow for the liquid dispensed from the container 10. For example, an orifice 26 of a relatively smaller size may allow for optimal dispensing of a liquid of relatively low viscosity whereas an orifice 26 of a relatively larger size may be preferred for dispensing liquids of a relatively higher viscosity. Those skilled in the art would realize and understand the appropriate sizing of the orifice 26 to accommodate different types of liquids to be dispensed from the container 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 11, the container 10 has a second end 16 of the tubular shaped body 12 with an opening 28 (shown in FIG. 11) through which liquid may be inserted into the container for later dispensing. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 11, the second end 16 of the container 10 has a zipper sealing portion 30 for closing the opening at the second end of the tubular body 12. The zipper sealing portion 30, in the form of a zip-lock, is configured by having a recessed line portion 32 (i.e., a female element) that traverses along a first inner surface of the tubular shaped body 12 at the second end 30. A corresponding protruding line portion (not shown) (i.e., a male element) traverses along an opposing second inner surface of the tubular body 12 and is sized to fit securely within the recessed line portion 32. By pressing the protruding line portion into the recessed portion 32, the protruding line portion engages the recessed portion 32 and is held firmly within the recessed portion 32 by friction and the zipper sealing portion 30 is thusly firmly secured in a closed position. The two opposing ends 34, 36 of the second end 16 of the tubular shaped body 12 may be pulled in opposing directions to release the protruding line portion from the recessed portion 32, thus opening the container 10 at the second end 16. Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that the zipper sealing portion functions in the same manner as a conventional zip-lock and will further understand that any other known suitable closure or re-sealing mechanism or configuration, such as a zipper or any other known zip-lock closure, may be used as an alternative to the zipper sealing portion 30 shown in the preferred embodiment.

The container 10 of the present invention allows for liquid to be dispensed from the tubular body 12 by squeezing or rolling the tubular body 12, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 provides a rolling element 38 that engages the second end 16 of the tubular body 12 and enables the rolling of the tubular body 12 to aid in the dispensing of the liquid from the container 10. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the rolling element 38 of the preferred embodiment is a key-shaped apparatus that has an elongated member 40 with a recess 42 that is sized to engage and receive the container 10 at the second end 16 of the tubular body 12. The recess 42 in the rolling element 38 is sized to secure the rolling element 38 to the second end 16 of the tubular body 12 by friction. As shown in FIG. 6, by rotating the rolling element 38 in the direction from the second end 16 of the tubular body 12 towards the first end 14 of the tubular body 12, the rolling element 38 allows for the liquid to dispense from the container 10. When the container 10 is in the rolled form, as shown in FIG. 6, it provides for a more compact form that renders the container 10 easier to pack, transport and store.

As shown in FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment may include a label pocket 44 disposed on the side of the container 10. The label pocket 44 may be comprised of flexible plastic or any other suitable material molded to the side of the container 10. A label (not shown) may be inserted into the label pocket 44 to identify the nature of the liquid contents housed in the container 10. The label pocket 44 may include a zip lock or other known closure mechanism to allow for the pocket 44 to remain closed for the purpose of securing the label therein. One skilled in the art would appreciate the label pocket 44 can function with or without a zip lock and, alternatively, can employ any other known means such as adhesive or the like to secure a label inside the label pocket 44.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes a small tab 46 attached to the second end 16 of the tubular body 12, allowing the container 10 to be hung in place from any suitable hanging member, such as a hook. The positioning of the tab 46 allows for the container 10 to be hung even when the container 10 is in a rolled up or folded state.

The sizing of the container 10 allows for easy storage and portability while traveling, particularly in view of the Transportation Security Administration rules and restrictions relating to travel-sized containers of liquids, gels, creams, etc. Although a relatively smaller sizing of the container 10 makes it ideal for travel purposes, it is known and evident to those skilled in the art that the container 10 may be produced using any suitable known production method in other sizes large enough for other uses such as storage of liquids while camping, attending sporting events, etc.

In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-9, a hanging element 50 is provided upon which a plurality of the containers 10 of the present invention may be hung. In the preferred embodiment, the hanging element 50 is comprised of a substantially integrally formed frame that may be composed of any material or composition those skilled in the art would recognize as suitable, such as synthetic molded plastic or a similar composition. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a hook member 54 is provided for suspending the hanging element 50 from a hook, bar, rod or other support means. The hanging element has a base frame body that is comprised of an upper branch 60 and a transverse lower branch 62 extending between opposing ends 60a, 60b of the upper branch 60.

The hanging element 50 shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 has an arcuate upper branch 60 upon which the hook member 54 is anchored or otherwise secured. The upper branch 60 can alternatively be configured in any other fashion, such as two downwardly angled branches forming a hanging element 50 that is generally triangular shaped like many known conventional clothes hangers.

The lower branch 62 may be configured as a planar elongated frame member, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, that extends between opposing ends 60a, 60b of the upper branch 60. The lower branch 62 is not limited to the structure shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art, can be formed in any suitable shape, such as a substantially cylindrical rod that extends between the opposing ends 60a, 60b of the upper branch 60.

A plurality of hanging members 58 from which the containers 10 may be hung are provided. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the hanging members 58 may have a first end 58a forming a hook and a second end 58b in the form of a ring. As further shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a plurality of orifices 64 are provided across the length of the lower branch 62, each of which is sufficient to receive the second end 58b of a hanging member 58, thereby allowing each respective hanging member 58 to be attached to and hung from the hanging element 50. Alternative embodiments may employ different known methods to attach the hanging members 58 to the hanging element 50. For example, the hanging members 58 could be clipped to or molded to the lower branch 62. Those skilled in the art would appreciate the different ways the hanging members 58 could be secured to the lower branch 62.

As shown in FIG. 9, a container 10 may be secured to and hung from the hanging element 50 by inserting the first end 58a of the hanging member 58 into the small tab 46 at the second end 16 of the container 10. A plurality of containers 10 may be hung from the respective hanging embers 58 of the hanging element 50 in this same fashion.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the hook member 54 is pivotally connected to the upper branch 60. The pivotal connection may be configured in any manner known in the art, including the hook member 54 having an orifice at its base through which the upper branch 60 traverses, and serves to allow the hook member 54 to rotate and be folded down or collapsed (as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9). The upper branch 60 may also provide a small pin which traverses through the orifice at the base of the hook member 54 to secure the hook member 54 to the upper branch 60 and enable the hook member 54 to rotate into a folded down or collapsed position (FIG. 8).

The preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 further provides an upper branch 60 and lower branch 62 that may both be collapsed to provide for a more compact and easier to store hanging element 50. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the upper branch 60 may be comprised of separate co-joined members 60c, 60d, 60e, 60f and the lower branch 62 may be comprised of separate co-joined members 62a, 62b, 62c. Upper branch members 60c, 60d are pivotally coupled by a hinge 66a and lower branch members 62a, 62b are also pivotally coupled by hinge 66a. Likewise, upper branch members 60e, 60f are pivotally coupled by a hinge 66b and lower branch members 62b, 62c are also pivotally coupled by hinge 66b. Members 60f, 62c on one hand and members 60c, 62a on the other hand, may be rotated inwardly, resulting in the hanging element 50 being disposed in a fully closed or collapsed state. This aspect of the present invention provides for a container 10 and hanging element 50 that can be quickly and easily collapsed and folded to compactly fit in a suitcase, travel bag, hand bag, etc.

Having described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, any number of changes, variations and improvements which may be apparent to those skilled in the art are within the scope of the invention claimed and described herein.

Claims

1. A travel container for housing a liquid to be dispensed, comprising:

A body formed into a generally tubular shape having a first end terminating in an orifice through which the contents of said container may be dispensed and a second end through which a liquid to be dispensed may be inserted into said container; said body being made of a flexible material, the flexibility of the body enabling said container to be deformable under squeezing pressure to facilitate dispensing of the liquid contents of said container; wherein said first end has a neck that is adapted to receive a cap and wherein said second end has a sealing portion for opening and closing said container;

and a key-shaped element that engages the second end of said body and when rotated in a direction from the second end of said body to the first end of said body, causes liquid to be dispensed from said container.

2. The travel container of claim 1 wherein said body is made out of a flexible plastic material.

3. The travel container of claim 1 wherein said body is made out of a flexible plastic-aluminum composite.

4. The travel container of claim 1 wherein said body is made out of flexible aluminum.

5. The travel container of claim 1 wherein said screw cap has a flip top allowing for liquid to be dispensed from said container when said screw cap is in an open position.

6. The travel container of claim 1, wherein said sealing portion is a zipper sealing portion.

7. The travel container of claim 1, wherein said sealing portion is a zipper sealing portion.

8. The travel container of claim 7, wherein said zipper sealing portion is comprised of a recessed line portion that traverses along a first inner surface of the second end of said body and a corresponding protruding line portion that traverses along an opposing second inner surface of the second end of said body and is sized to fit securely within the recessed line portion thereby securing the second end of said body in a closed position.

9. (canceled)

10. The container of claim 1, further comprising a flexible label pocket comprised of a flexible plastic molded to the side of said body.

11. A travel container unit comprising:

At least one travel container comprising a body formed into a generally tubular shape having a first end terminating in an orifice through which the contents of said container may be dispensed and a second end through which a liquid to be dispensed may be inserted into said container; said body being made of a flexible material, the flexibility of the body enabling said container to be deformable under squeezing pressure to facilitate dispensing of the liquid contents of said container; wherein said first end has a threaded neck that is adapted to receive a cap and wherein said second end has a sealing portion for opening and closing said container; and

a hanging element comprised of a hook member, frame body and a plurality of hanging members from which said travel containers may be hung;

and wherein said body has a tab attached to said second end that engages said hanging member of said hanging element to facilitate hanging said travel containers from said hanging element.

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)