Patent ID: 6116448
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: B65D

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising:a compressible container for storing a quantity of a substance, the container having a first end and a second end, wherein the substance is removed from or added to the container via an opening near one of the ends of the container, at least a portion of the container having a flexible surface such that an effective volume of the container can be altered; anda retainer including at least one of a first section and a second section, the first section surrounding at least a portion of the first end of the container and the second section surrounding at least a portion of the second end of the container, and at least one of the first and second sections having an opening therein through which the substance passes when being removed from or added to the container, wherein the effective volume of the container is altered by applying a force thereto, such that the container is altered in height, upon application of the force, relative to its height prior to application of the force, and wherein the retainer is operative to retain the container in a particular state after removal of the force, the particular state corresponding to a particular container volume not subject to further alteration based on an amount of the substance removed from or added to the container.