Flexible liquid dispenser

• US 5,476,194 A
• Filed: 04/08/1994
• Issued: 12/19/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 04/22/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jon L. Stern, Keith A. Hippely
• Original Assignee: Jon L. Stern, Keith A. Hippely
• Inventors: Hippely, Keith A., Stern, Jon L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Shaver, Kevin P.
• Application Number:
  US08/225,428
• Time in Patent Office: 620 Days
• Field of Search: 63/1.1, 63/12, 63/11, 63/18, 63/19, 63/DIG. 3, 222/23, 222/548, 222/549, 222/555, 222/39, 222/78, 222/175, 222/206, 222/212, 222/192, 222/521, 239/53-56, 239/36, 206/37, 206/823, 206/235, 224/148, 224/160, 224/214, 40/219, 40/306, 40/310, 40/312, 359/346-848, 428/912.2, 428/457, 428/461, 428/358, 383/105, 383/127
• US Class Current: 222/192
• CPC Class Codes: A44C 15/002 Jewellery dispersing perfume or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 34/00 Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 34/06 in combination with other toiletry or cosmetic articles
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2003/002 Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of a single strap passing around the neck
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2005/006 comprising a suspension strap or lanyard
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 5/00 Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 23/003 Suspension means
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 23/12 Means for the attachment of smaller articles
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 47/242 moving helically

Abstract

A flexible liquid dispenser which may be used to hold and discharge suntan lotion, sunscreen lotion, perfume, insect repellent, or other liquids. In one embodiment the liquid dispenser is relatively flat, about 0.5 inch thick, fits in the palm of a person'"'"'s hand, and may be conveniently carried in a person'"'"'s pocket or hung around a person'"'"'s neck by a cord or tube attached to the dispenser. The dispenser body may be made out of molded plastic and has at least one flexible wall portion which allows the dispenser body to be compressed for the purpose of discharging the liquid from the dispenser. The liquid dispenser has a rotatable cap which may be turned to open a dispensing aperture in the cap. Liquid may then be discharged through the dispensing aperture by squeezing or compressing the dispenser body. The shape of the cap matches the outer contour of the dispenser body when the cap is unturned, providing a smooth outer surface for the dispenser that will not damage or rip a person'"'"'s pocket, and will be comfortable to carry. The liquid dispenser has a mirror, or reflective surface, and advertising label attached to the outside of the dispenser. The cap may be removed for the purpose of refilling the dispenser.

Claims

1. A flexible container for holding and dispensing liquid, having squeezable walls on which a non-rigid flexible image reflective mirror surface is mounted on at least one side thereof utilizing amounting means;

and the means provided for mounting said flexible image reflective mirror surface comprises an overhanging mounting on said walls which is sized to fit over a portion of the reflective surface.

2. A liquid dispenser comprising a plastic substantially flat sided bottle with flexible sides, at least one side provided with a flat depression, and wherein the outer border of the depression is fitted with an inwardly protruding lip which overhangs the perimeter of the depression;

with a flexible image reflective mirror surface of approximately the same size as the depression on the side of the bottle, fitted to the bottle by inserting it into the depression and under the overhanging lip.

3. A liquid dispenser comprising a plastic, substantially planar sided bottle with non-rigid sides, at least one side provided with an inwardly protruding perimeter lip on said bottle;

and said lip defines a frame into which is placed a flexible image reflective mirror surface of the approximate same shape, said lip is sized and dimensioned so as to assist in holding said flexible image reflective mirror surface to the side of the bottle.

4. A liquid dispenser for holding and discharging liquid, comprising:

a thin-walled, hollow, substantially planar body for holding liquid having a flexible front wall and a flexible rear wall whereby compressing said front and rear walls discharges liquid from the dispenser;

a flexible image reflective mirror surface attached to and covering a substantial portion of the entire outer surface of one of said front and rear walls;

a cap engaged to said body portion, said body portion and said cap adapted to provide a substantially smooth outer surface for said dispenser, said cap having an aperture through which said liquid is discharged;

wherein at least a portion of the flexible rear wall has a recessed area for receiving the flexible image reflective mirror surface.

5. A liquid dispenser for holding and discharging liquid comprising:

a substantially planar hollow body for holding liquid having a flexible front wall and a flexible rear wall whereby compressing said front and rear walls discharges liquid from the dispenser;

a flexible image reflective mirror surface attached to and covering a substantial portion of the entire outer surface of one of said front and rear walls;

said hollow body having a throat portion leading to a selectively sealable opening for dispensing liquid from said hollow body through the throat to the exterior;

wherein at least a portion of the flexible rear wall has undercuts for receiving the flexible image reflective mirror surface.

6. A liquid dispenser for holding and discharging liquid comprising:

a thin-walled, hollow, substantially planar body for holding liquid having a flexible front wall and a flexible rear wall whereby compressing said front and rear walls discharges liquid from the dispenser;

a flexible image reflective mirror surface attached to and covering a substantial portion of the entire outer surface of one of said front and rear walls;

a cap engaged to said body portion, said body portion and said cap adapted to provide a substantially smooth outer surface for said dispenser;

said cap having an aperture through which the liquid is discharged;

wherein at least a portion of the flexible rear wall has undercuts for receiving the flexible image reflective mirror surface.