Method and system of flexible packaging for containment of liquid and gaseous fluids

• US 20020131655A1
• Filed: 12/27/2001
• Published: 09/19/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Smith & Vandiver Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Smith & Vandiver Incorporated
• Inventors: Wei, Zhang Shao
• Application Number:
  US10/033,713
• Publication Number:
  US 20020131655A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 383/96
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 33/14 Suspension means handles B65D33/06
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 75/5877 connected to a planar surface of the package wall
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/365 Containers, or parts thereof, simulating or being incorporated into other items, e.g. puppet, animal, vehicle, building, dumb bells B65D81/363, B65D81/368 take precedence

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a container 10 for fluids, including cleansers, emulsifiers and other liquids, wherein the container 10 provides an after use as inflatable toys, decorative accessories, and so forth. Further, the container 10 is readily and economically manufactured, shipped and stored. In one embodiment of the present invention, a container 10 includes a flexible member 12 forming a chamber 16 therein, the flexible member 12 having a modulus of elasticity conducive to liquid containment and gaseous inflation of the flexible member 16; and means for selective flow restriction 14, such that the container 10 is capable of repetitive use for both liquid containment and gaseous inflation.

Claims

1. A flexible container for fluids, the system comprising:

at least one flexible member forming a chamber therein, the at least one flexible member having a modulus of elasticity conducive to liquid containment and gaseous inflation of the at least one flexible member; and

means for selective flow restriction, such that the system is capable of repetitive use for both liquid containment and gaseous inflation.

2. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the modulus of elasticity substantially provides for recoverable deformation.

3. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the at least one flexible member further comprises a polymer.

4. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the at least one flexible member further comprises a vinyl material.

5. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the means for selective flow restriction further comprises a valve.

6. The flexible container of claim 4, wherein the valve further comprises a stem, a stopper mechanically associated with the stem, and a gusset mechanically associated with the stem and the at least one flexible member for reinforcement between the stem and the at least one flexible member.

7. The flexible container of claim 1, further comprising:

the at least one flexible member further comprising two flexible members; and

means for sealing the two flexible members such that a chamber forms therebetween.

8. The flexible container of claim 1, further comprising means for hanging.

9. The flexible container of claim 1, further comprising at least one insert.

10. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the at least one member further comprises at least one attribute selected from the group essentially consisting of:

predetermined geometric shape, translucence, transparency and predetermined color.

11. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the flexible member further comprises an outer surface having a design disposed thereon.

12. The flexible container of claim 11, wherein the design further comprises a message.

14. The flexible container of claim 10, further comprising at least one insert.

15. The flexible container of claim 10, wherein at least one member of the group consisting of the first flexible member and the second flexible member has a design associated therewith.

16. The flexible container of claim 10, wherein the means for flow restriction further comprises:

a stem;

a stopper mechanically associated with the stem; and

a gusset for reinforcement of the area between the step and the flexible member.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising of the step of providing a means for hanging mechanically associated with the at least one flexible member.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one flexible member has a design disposed thereon.

13. A flexible container for fluids, the container comprising:

a first flexible member having a portion of vinyl material having a modulus of elasticity conducive to liquid containment and gaseous inflation of the at least one flexible member;

a second flexible member attached to said first flexible member such that a chamber forms therebetween;

retractable means for flow restriction mechanically attached to at least one of the first flexible member and the second flexible member, the retractable means for flow restriction providing selective, repetitive transfer of liquid and gaseous fluids into and from the chamber; and

means for hanging mechanically associated with the first flexible member.

17. A method suitable for flexibly packaging liquid and gaseous fluids, the method comprising the steps of:

providing at least one flexible member forming a chamber therein, the at least one flexible member having a modulus of elasticity conducive to liquid containment and gaseous inflation of the at least one flexible member; and

providing means for selective flow restriction mechanically associated with the at least one flexible member, wherein in the means for selective flow restriction selectively permits repetitive transfers of liquid and gaseous fluids into and from the chamber.

20. A bag for containing fluid, said comprising a bag body and a bag opening, wherein the bag opening is a flared portion at the end in connection with the bag body, the other end of the bag opening is a circular hole with a cylindrical hollow space therein;

the cylindrical hollow space has a sealed end extending into the flared portion and a slim slit adjacent to the sealed end;

the other end of the cylindrical hollow space is opened and extended out of the bag body as an outlet of fluid;

a plug is provided at the edge of the outlet, and the whole bag opening is integrally formed.