Abstract:
Bottle carriers for transporting liquids in glass bottles or other breakable containers may be either flexible or rigid and provide leak-proof containment for any spillage of the contents of the breakable container. Flexible bottle carriers have a leak proof bag and a wrap that provides additional cushioning and protection to the contents as well as provides an aesthetically appealing covering. Rigid and semi-rigid bottle carriers have two segments that are capable of interlocking to form a reservoir for containing a glass bottle or other breakable container and which are leak-proof. Rigid and semi-rigid bottle carriers may additionally be nestable or collapsible for ease in transporting the empty carrier.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/954,421, filed Aug. 7, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to the field of containers. More specifically the invention is directed to various containers for the transport of liquids. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In the summer of 2006, in response to threats of bombs from on domestic and international flights, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued restrictions to quantities of liquids taken on board aircraft in carry-on, hand luggage. In part, these restrictions limit liquids to 3 oz. per container. Such restrictions are a constraint on travelers who would have ordinarily carried bottles of wine, distilled spirits, specialty cooking oils, marinating liquids or sauces on board the an airliner as carry-on baggage to avoid breakage of the container in checked luggage. However, these bottles must currently be placed in checked luggage creating the risk of breakage and leakage and risking costly damage to luggage contents. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is a drawing of a flexible bottle carrier according to one embodiment. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is a drawing of a flexible bottle carrier according to one embodiment. 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is a drawing of a flexible bottle carrier for carrying two bottles according to one embodiment. 
           [0007]      FIG. 4  is a drawing of a flexible bottle carrier for carrying multiple bottles according to one embodiment. 
           [0008]      FIG. 5  is a drawing of a semi-rigid bottle carrier according to one embodiment. 
           [0009]      FIG. 6  is a drawing of a rigid bottle carrier according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0010]    For the purposes of this disclosure and unless otherwise specified, “a” or “an” means “one or more.” 
         [0011]    Bottle carriers embodied herein, are lightweight containers that may be configured in various ways to provide a protected, liquid-tight solution for transporting glass bottles, or other breakable containers, in checked luggage. The bottle carriers general have characteristics of expanding to contain a bottle of a liquid, but are also capable of being capable of being packed flat, collapsing, nesting, or changing shape. Such characteristics allow for storage of the bottle carrier within luggage or a drawer when not in use, but will expand to accommodate a bottle of liquid. Such bottle carriers are also capable of being sealed to prevent spillage or leakage of the contents. In some embodiments a protecting covering is provide to aid in preventing breakage in low-level impact or contact with other objects. Such a protective covering provides cushioning, puncture resistance, and/or sealing capabilities, and are durable and reusable. An exterior surface of the bottle carrier should be amenable to various stylings, decorating, or labeling options. The bottle carriers also accommodate a variety of bottle diameters and heights. 
         [0012]    The bottle carrier may be configured in a flexible or rigid configuration. One such flexible configuration is a sewn bottle carrier that may be made from a variety of travel-grade fabrics or natural materials with an integrated or insertable liquid-tight bag and seal. On such rigid or semi-rigid housing is collapsible or nestable to minimize product volume when stored. 
         [0013]    With reference to the figures, each of the above configurations is described. First, and with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , flexible bottle carriers may be made from two or more primary components that wrap around the contents and secure the opening with buckles, clips, hook and loop fasteners (i.e. Velcro), or other methods known to those of skill in the art. In one embodiment, the bottle carrier comprises a leak proof bag or other containment device to contain the bottle and retain liquids in the event that a bottle contained within the bottle carrier leaks or breaks. The bottle can be inserted into the bag or other containment device from either a long side of the bag or an end of the bag depending upon design preference and sealing method utilized. Such bottle carriers may have the ability to contain one or more bottles. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, a separate leak proof bag is contained within a wrap, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0015]    In one embodiment, a separate leak proof bag is inserted into a sewn pocket or pouch as shown in  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, in another embodiment, a permanent, leak-proof liner is integrally contained within a sewn pocket or pouch as also shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0016]    As indicated above, a sealing device is used to close the leak proof bag. For example, the sealing device is amenable to repeated closures and openings of the bag, providing a leak proof seal with each closing. Such sealing devices are known to those of skill in the art, including, but not limited to a press seal (i.e. Ziploc®), a zipper style press seal, a disassociated clip that is placed around the top and is then clamped down upon the end of the bag to be sealed, or a molded component that is mechanically attached to the bag. Other such methods will be recognized by those of skill in the art. 
         [0017]    For both utility and aesthetic aspect, a fabric, leather, rubberized material, or other wrap is provided as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . In some embodiments, the wrap has padding that, upon closing of the bottle carrier, wraps around the bottle thereby protecting it from bottle-to-bottle and outside impacts. The padding comprises a foam, rubber, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, or any other material that provides impact absorption and cushioning. A carrying feature such as a handle, attachment point for a shoulder strap or lanyard may also be included, as shown in  FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, a place for labeling may be provided. Such labeling place may be appropriate for private labels for vineyards, distillers, retailers, distributors or other custom identification. 
         [0018]    In another aspect, a semi-rigid or rigid bottle carrier is provided. The semi-rigid carrier comprises two or more, user-assembled components joined together with a threaded or quarter turn, or bayonet-style closure to form a liquid-tight seal. In some embodiments, the semi-rigid or rigid bottle carrier is collapsible for storage and is expandable to variable heights to accommodate multiple bottle styles. Such embodiments are depicted in  FIG. 5 , without limitation to such drawings. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment, the semi-rigid bottle carrier of  FIG. 5 , comprises a container comprising a locking collar, a bellows, a base, and a cap. The parts may be made from any of number of materials including a thermoplastic polyolefin resin, such as, but not limited to polyethylene or polypropylene; a thermoplastic elastomer such as, but not limited to Santoprene®, Kraton®; or a thermoset elastomer such as a silicone; or other materials known to those of skill in the art. Such semi-rigid bottle carrier may be capable of containing one or more bottles. In another embodiment, the bottle carrier further comprises a leak proof expandable bellows component attached to the base and locking collar. The bellows may be either transparent, semi-transparent or opaque. The bellows may also be attached to a leak proof bag, thus forming a single part. 
         [0020]    The semi-rigid bottle carrier cap may have interior threads to allow threading or locking to the bellows-locking collar thereby sealing the contents into the closed, semi-rigid bottle carrier. Leak proof sealing is achieved by molding seal geometry into the part or by means of an integrally attached or separate elastomeric gasket. The semi-rigid bottle carrier may also have a carrying feature such as a handle, attachment point for a shoulder strap, or lanyard. The semi-rigid bottle carrier may also have the ability to private label for vineyards, distillers, retailers, distributors or other custom identification. 
         [0021]    In another aspect, a rigid bottle carrier is provided. Such rigid bottle carriers utilize two or more rigid parts that are secured together to seal a bottle within the rigid bottle carrier. In some embodiments, the rigid bottle carrier has a compliant insert that is compressible to accept various bottle lengths. In one embodiment, the rigid solution comprises a base and a cap as shown in  FIG. 6 . The base and cap may be prepared from rigid, leak proof, transparent, semi-transparent or opaque rigid materials. Such materials include thermoplastic polyolefin resins such as, but not limited to polyethylene or polypropylene; metals such as stainless steel or anodized aluminum; or a combination of metal and plastic. The rigid bottle carriers may be capable of containing one or more bottles depending upon form. In other embodiments, the rigid bottle carrier has a carrying feature such as a handle, attachment point for a shoulder strap or lanyard. In yet other embodiments, the rigid bottle carrier is capable of receiving a private label for vineyards, distillers, retailers, distributors or other custom identification. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the cap has interior threads to allow threading or locking to the bellows-locking ring thereby sealing the contents. Leak proof sealing is achieved by molding seal geometry into the part or by means of an integrally attached or separate elastomeric gasket. 
         [0023]    One skilled in the art will readily realize that all ranges and ratios discussed can and do necessarily also describe all subranges and subratios therein for all purposes and that all such subranges and subratios also form part and parcel of this invention. Any listed range or ratio can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range or ratio being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range or ratio discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. 
         [0024]    All publications, patent applications, issued patents, and other documents referred to in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent application, issued patent, or other document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety. Definitions that are contained in text incorporated by reference are excluded to the extent that they contradict definitions in this disclosure. 
         [0025]    While several, non-limiting examples have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made therein in accordance with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the invention in its broader aspects as defined in the following claims.