U.S. patent application number 12/284845 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-25 for fillable and/or refillable tube.
Invention is credited to Minna Ha.
Application Number | 20100072224 12/284845 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42036590 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100072224 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ha; Minna |
March 25, 2010 |
Fillable and/or refillable tube
Abstract
An improved fillable and/or refillable soft tube which provides
for storage and use of various kinds of products such as fluids,
lotions, paste, liquids, creams, gels, foams, etc. is provided. The
said tubes comprises a hollow tubular body with a dispensing end
and a fill and/or refill end; wherein the dispensing end comprises
at least one opening adapted for dispensing the contents of the
tube and the fill and/or refill end comprises of a sealable and/or
resealable closure.
Inventors: |
Ha; Minna; (La Canada,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Minna Ha
9754 E Naomi Avenue
Arcadia
CA
91007
US
|
Family ID: |
42036590 |
Appl. No.: |
12/284845 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/107 ; 383/64;
383/67 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/0842 20130101;
B65D 47/0833 20130101; B65D 35/26 20130101; B65D 2251/1083
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/107 ; 383/64;
383/67 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/16 20060101
B65D033/16; B65D 35/26 20060101 B65D035/26; B65D 33/36 20060101
B65D033/36 |
Claims
1. A fillable/refillable tube comprising a hollow tubular body, a
dispensing end and a fill/refill end; wherein the dispensing end
comprises at least one opening adapted for dispensing the contents
of the tube and the fill/refill end comprises of a sealable and/or
resealable closure.
2. A fillable/refillable tube as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
sealable and/or resealable closure comprises of a two or more part
interlocking, fluid impervious, flexible seal closure.
3. A fillable/refillable tube as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
sealable and/or resealable closure comprises of a flexible one-way
valve comprising a hollow body with first and second ends, the
first end having an open mouth and the second end having an
elongate slit which can be secured in an open and closed
position.
4. A fillable/refillable tube as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
sealable and/or resealable closure comprises an adhesive on one or
more sides of the filling/refilling end of the tube.
5. A fillable/refillable tube as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
tubular hollow body made of a material selected from flexible
packaging material, deformable material deformable thermoplastic,
metal, resin, plastic, silicones, rubbers, low density
polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylidene chloride,
polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyester, vinyl, nylon, recyclable
plastics, bioplastics, biodegradable plastics, various impregnated
and/or laminated fibrous materials, various plasticized materials,
etc. and combinations thereof.
6. A fillable/refillable tube as claimed in claim 2 wherein the two
or more part interlocking closure runs along a circumferential
segment along the body of the tube.
7. A fill/refill tube comprising a hollow tubular body and at least
one open end, the said open end in contact with a closure; the said
closure comprising at least two openings wherein one opening is a
first orifice suitably adapted to dispense the contents of the tube
and the second opening is a second orifice suitably adapted for
filling/refilling the contents of the tube.
8. A fill/refill tube as claimed in claim 7 wherein the closure
mating type with the tube is selected from a screw-type, snap fit,
welded closure, or the like.
9. A fill/refill tube as claimed in claim 7 wherein the tubular
hollow body made of a material selected from flexible packaging
material, deformable material, deformable thermoplastic, metal,
resin, plastic, silicones, rubbers, low density polyethylene,
polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene,
polycarbonate, polyester, vinyl, nylon, recyclable plastics,
bioplastics, biodegradable plastics, various impregnated and/or
laminated fibrous materials, various plasticized materials, etc.
and combinations thereof.
10. A fill/refill tube comprising a hollow tubular body and at
least one open end (wherein the open end is a large orifice
suitably adapted for filling/refilling the contents of the tube),
the said open end in contact with a closure; the said closure
comprising at least one opening wherein the opening is an orifice
suitably adapted to dispense the contents of the tube; the said
dispensing orifice further sealed by a second closure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of Invention
[0005] The invention relates to an improved fillable and/or
refillable soft tube which provides for storage and use of various
kinds of products such as fluids, lotions, paste, liquids, creams,
gels, foams, etc.
[0006] 2. Prior Art
[0007] Soft tubes used for packaging and storage of pharmaceutical,
cosmetic and consumer products have been well known. Typically soft
tube packaging has been advantageous in the packaging of fluids,
lotions, paste, liquids, creams, gels, foams, etc. It is well known
that these products may be packed in soft tubes having the top end
closed with various spout and sealing configurations (such as a
screw cap, flip cap, foldable nozzle, push button/toggle valve,
etc.), while the bottom end is sealed or closed upon itself by
rolling, milling, crimping, clamping, or welding. Such tubes may be
available in a wide range of sizes and proportions to accommodate
different product types and quantities.
[0008] Such known tubes have the disadvantage of being usable once
only, after which they are discarded. Also, often times the
original or `regular` sized product tubes are not conveniently
sized. For example, the tubes are either too large, especially for
transport or for travel due to airport security container size
regulation and/or are too inconvenient and heavy to carry around in
a purse, gym bag or the like. Also, it is generally more economical
to purchase in bulk--large wholesale sized products. The large
quantity products are cumbersome and difficult to dispense from
their original sized containers and are large, bulky and heavy to
carry around. While these products can be transferred into smaller
jars or containers, most jars or containers are not as easily
deformable as soft tubes. Although soft tubes (typical tooth paste
or sunscreen tubes) are easily deformable and can be made in small
sizes, they are not easily or quickly refillable, especially small
sized soft tubes. While it is possible to refill them through their
small sized dispensing orifice, doing so is difficult and time
consuming since their design is not optimized specifically for the
purpose to be easily filled and/or refilled, and/or sealed, and/or
resealed by the end user. On the other hand, a large orifice may
make it difficult to control the dispensing quantities. The lack of
reusability of the tubes also contributes to waste and harm to the
environment.
[0009] Soft tubes for dispensing liquid, semisolid and pasty
products have been known (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,199,737, U.S. Pat.
No. 2,718,983). Generally, soft tubes comprise a dispensing orifice
to dispense the contents of the tube. The dispensing end of the
tube is generally made to taper, which may provide structural
stability as well as provide a smaller dispensing orifice for a
more controlled output/dispense. However, this taper or narrowing
of the dispensing orifice for the purpose of a more controlled
output makes it poorly suited for filling and/or refilling. Filling
is typically done during manufacturing from the bottom end, after
which, the bottom end is permanently crimped, folded, or welded
closed.
[0010] EP0806344 relates to a new method to fill a dispenser with
cyanoacrylate adhesive from the rear. The container is sealed by a
pressed-in base section.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,609 describes a refillable soft tube
that can be filled and/or refilled from the bottom end of the tube,
which is closed or resealed by folding the bottom end upon itself
after filling and is held closed by a third part, a clip. WO
93/10013 describes a refillable tube container with a screw cap at
the bottom end of the tube. While refillable soft tube containers
of the prior art (U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,609 and WO 93/10013)
advantageously provide adequate refillability and resealability,
they commonly suffer from a major disadvantage of the need to
essentially include a third part, namely a clip, pin, or screw cap
to clamp, wind, or screw closed the bottom end of the tube, (for
the clip or pin, folded upon itself). Further, the process of
resealing these refillable tubes of prior art, of folding the
bottom end upon itself in order to slide or insert the clip or pin,
can be messy, difficult to perform, complicated, and time
consuming. In case the third part gets lost, the tube is rendered
useless and/or requires the user to locate and purchase another
pin, screw cap, and/or tube. The use of a screw cap at the end of a
soft tube limits the deformability to effectively dispense the
contents of the tube.
[0012] The object of the present invention is to avoid these
disadvantages by providing a packaging tube that can be easily and
quickly opened, filled and/or refilled, sealed and/or resealed
closed by the user, and will not leak. A principal objective of the
present invention is to incorporate a large area, sealable and/or
resealable opening. Another objective is to provide a
fillable/refillable soft tube that can be deformed easily.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention relates to fillable and or refillable
soft tubes which can be used for packaging of semisolid and liquid
compositions like fluids, gels, creams, lotions, foams etc. More
particularly, the invention relates to a fillable and/or refillable
tube comprising a hollow tubular body with a dispensing end and a
fill and/or refill end; wherein the dispensing end comprises at
least one opening adapted for dispensing the contents of the tube
and the fill and/or refill end comprises of a sealable and/or
resealable closure.
[0014] It is to be noted that the preferred embodiments disclosed
in the specification and the accompanying drawings are not limiting
the present invention; and that any process; construction, or
characteristics that is same or similar to that of the present
invention should fall within the scope of the purposes and claims
of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft
tube with a two or more part interlocking closure on the bottom end
and a flip cap closure in the open position that has a screw type
attachment with the soft tube.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable
soft tube with a two or more part interlocking closure on the
bottom end and a flip cap closure in the open position that has a
snap fit attachment with the soft tube.
[0017] FIG. 3 is cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable soft
tube with two or more part interlocking closure in the form of
strips attached to the bottom end of the soft tube and a flip cap
closure in the open position that has a snap fit attachment with
the soft tube.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft
tube with a two or more part interlocking closure with an optional
slider on the bottom end and a screw cap closure attachment with
the soft tube.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft
tube with a two or more part interlocking closure at a distance
from the bottom end and a flip cap closure in the open position
that has a screw type attachment with the soft tube.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable
soft tube with a two or more part interlocking closure in the form
of strips attached at a distance from the bottom end and a flip cap
closure in the open position that has a screw type attachment with
the soft tube.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative
fillable/refillable soft tube with an adhesive strip closure on the
bottom end and a flip cap closure in the open position that has a
screw type attachment with the soft tube.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another alternative
fillable/refillable soft tube with a one-way valve on the bottom
end and a flip cap closure in the open position that has a welded
type attachment with the soft tube.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable
soft tube with a one-way valve on the bottom end and a flip cap
closure in the open position that has a welded type attachment with
the soft tube.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another alternative
fillable/refillable soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill
opening and a dispensing opening. The closing mechanisms for both
openings are hinged on the same side of the closure, in the open
position with the closure detached from the tube.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable
soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a
dispensing opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are
hinged on the same side of the closure, in the open position with
the closure detached from the tube.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable
soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a
dispensing opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are
hinged on the same side of the closure, in the closed position with
the closure attached to the tube.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft
tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing
opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are hinged on
opposite sides of the closure, in the open position with the
closure detached from the tube. The closing mechanism for the
dispensing opening is hinged to the closing mechanism for the
fill/refill opening.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable
soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a
dispensing opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are
hinged on opposite sides of the closure, in the open position with
the closure attached to the tube. The closing mechanism for the
dispensing opening is hinged to the closing mechanism for the
fill/refill opening.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable
soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a
dispensing opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are
hinged on opposite sides of the closure, in the closed position
with the closure attached to the tube. The closing mechanism for
the dispensing opening is hinged to the closing mechanism for the
fill/refill opening.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft
tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing
opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are hinged on
opposite sides of the closure, in the open position with the
closure unattached from the tube. Both closing mechanisms for the
dispensing opening and fill/refill opening are hinged to the base
of the closure.
[0031] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft
tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing
opening. The closing mechanism for the fill/refill opening is
removable from the closure, with the closure unattached from the
tube. The closing mechanism for the dispensing opening is hinged to
the base of the closure, in the open position.
[0032] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable
soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a
dispensing opening. The closing mechanism for the fill/refill
opening is removable from the closure, with the closure attached to
the tube. The closing mechanism for the dispensing opening is
hinged to the base of the closure, in the open position.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable
soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a
dispensing opening. The closing mechanism for the fill/refill
opening is removable from the closure, with the closure attached to
the tube. The closing mechanism for the dispensing opening is
hinged to the base of the closure in the closed position.
[0034] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable
soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a
dispensing opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are
hinged to the base of the closure, in the open position with the
closure attached to the tube.
[0035] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft
tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing
opening. The closing mechanism for the dispensing opening is a push
button/toggle valve mechanism, in the open position. The closing
mechanism for the fill/refill opening is hinged to the base of the
closure, in the open position.
[0036] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft
tube with,a closure with a fill/refill opening and a dispensing
opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are hinged on the
same side of the closure, in the open position with the closure
detached from the tube. The closure has an optional clasp, in the
open position.
[0037] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a fillable/refillable
soft tube with a closure with a fill/refill opening and a
dispensing opening. The closing mechanisms for both openings are
hinged on the same side of the closure, in the closed position with
the closure attached to the tube. The closure has an optional
clasp, in the closed position.
[0038] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft
tube with a large fill/refill opening and a closure with a snap fit
attachment. The closure has a dispensing opening and a hinged
closing mechanism for the dispensing opening, in the open position.
The closure is detached from the tube.
[0039] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a fillable/refillable soft
tube with a large fill/refill opening and a closure with a screw
type attachment. The closure has a dispensing opening and a hinged
closing mechanism for the dispensing opening, in the open position.
The closure is detached from the tube.
DESCRIPTION
[0040] One aspect of the present invention relates to a fillable
and/or refillable tube comprising a hollow tubular body with a
dispensing end (at the top of the tube) and a fill and/or refill
end (at the bottom end of the tube); wherein the dispensing end
comprises at least one opening adapted for dispensing the contents
of the tube and the fill and/or refill end comprises of a sealable
and/or resealable closure. The opening for dispensing the contents
may also have a resealable closure. The different closure types for
the dispensing end are generally well known. The tube may be made
of any deformable material suitable for storage and dispensing of a
variety of cosmetic products, such as but not limited to creams,
lotions, pastes, gels, liquids, fluids, foams, etc.
[0041] An advantage of the filling and/or refilling orifice being
at the bottom end is that it allows for a large area flexible and
sealable/resealable opening. The filling/refilling orifice being at
the bottom end also allows the dispensing end and/or orifice to be
of any geometric shape, size or design without compromising the
size of the filling/refilling orifice. The large area, flexible and
sealable/resealable opening at the opposite end of the dispensing
end provides a directional flow/circulation--the older fluids are
in place to be dispensed sooner than the subsequently added newer
fluids. The older fluids being dispensed before the newly added
fluids are dispensed is beneficial because it reduces the need
and/or frequency to fully empty and clean the soft tube of older
and/or stale product.
[0042] The fill/refill tubes in accordance with the present
invention can accommodate a wide variety of geometries, shapes, and
designs of tubes. Circular shaped tubes in cross section (at the
dispensing end) are volumetrically optimal to hold more
product/fluid, however, less efficient due to the lack of
deformability of the circular shaped dispensing end and cap. If the
tube is a flattened or oval shape in cross section, a screw type
mate with its closure will result in a smaller sized circular
dispensing orifice, which is disadvantageous to filling/refilling
through the dispensing orifice. Therefore, by integrating a large
area flexible and sealable/resealable opening at the bottom end of
the soft tube, the top dispensing end of the tube can be of any
geometric shape or design without compromising the size of the
filling/refilling orifice. By integrating a large area, flexible
and sealable/resealable opening in a soft tube, the user of a soft
tube according to the present invention can quickly fill the
container with fluids and/or large objects that would not otherwise
transverse the dispensing opening. An advantage of this embodiment
is that the soft tube can be deformed as it normally can. Moreover,
the user may have the ability to manually clean and dry the inside
of the flexible soft tube. In addition, the mixing of particles or
fluids is greatly enhanced.
[0043] The dispensing end of the said tube typically comprises an
orifice large enough to dispense the contents of the tube. The
shape and/or size of the orifice may be varied depending upon the
flowability/viscosity of the contents and/or upon desired rate of
dispensing flow of the contents. In an embodiment of this aspect of
the invention, the dispensing end may be further provided with one
or more closures. Alternatively, the closure may also have an
orifice suitable to dispense the contents of the tube, as well as a
mechanism to close the orifice. The different closure types for the
dispensing end are generally well known. In a preferred embodiment,
the closure has an air and water-tight seal. In another preferred
embodiment, the dispensing end is provided with an air-tight
closure with a push button (toggle open and close valve) mechanism
(described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,516,581 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,777)
which has a snap-fit mate with the dispensing end of the tube. In a
third preferred embodiment the dispensing end is provided with an
air-tight closure with a flip cap mechanism which has a snap-fit
mate with the dispensing end of the tube. In another preferred
embodiment, the closure has a screw type mate with the dispensing
end of the tube. In another embodiment, the closure is welded or
attached via adhesive or the like with the dispensing end of the
tube.
[0044] The filling and/or refilling end of the said tube is
generally an orifice suitable to fill and/or refill the tube with
the desired products or contents. The size of the fill and/or
refilling end may be varied but is large enough to enable the user
to fill and/or refill the tube through this opening. The
fill/refill end of the tube is provided with a closure.
[0045] In one embodiment of this aspect, the bottom (fill/refill)
end comprises a sealable and/or resealable closure comprising of a
two or more part interlocking, fluid impervious, flexible seal
closure commonly known as Ziploc. The flexible two or more part
interlocking fluid impervious seal closure may be formed with the
body of the tube (as in FIGS. 1 and 2) or may be securely attached
to the tube in the form of strips (as in FIG. 3) or by other known
methods of manufacture. In order to attach the two or more part
closure to the tube, the filling/refilling end of the tube may
first be flattened. A first part of the two or more part fluid
impervious closure is attached to one half of the inside portion of
the tube. A second part of the two or more part fluid impervious
closure is attached to the opposite one half of the inside portion
of the tube, in alignment with the first part. The method of
attachment may be weld, bond, adhesive or formed with the body of
the tube. In order to permit the insertion of the two or more part
closure in the flattened tube, it may be necessary that the two or
more part closure be slightly shorter than the width of the
flattened tube. In order to make the container fluid tight, it may
be necessary to seal by crimp, weld, or adhesive, etc the points
where the two strips touch or come together with the creases of the
flattened tube. In another method to attach the strips to the tube,
the filling/refilling end of the tube may again be flattened. After
flattening the end of the tube, the corners or creases of the
flattened portion may be cut or stretched a length great enough to
allow insertion of the two or more part closure into the tube. The
method of attachment may be weld, crimp, bond, and/or adhesive. In
order to make the container fluid tight, it may be necessary to
seal by crimp, weld, or adhesive, etc the points where the two
strips touch or come together with the creases of the flattened
tube.
[0046] The two or more part interlocking closure generally
comprises a rib or hook portion on one part that mates with a
complimentary channel to receive the rib on the second part when in
a closed state. According to another feature of the invention, the
two or more part interlocking, fluid tight, and sealing mechanism
may be single, double or more interlocking parts/seals (one or more
ribs to be received by one or more channels) to secure from leakage
and remain closed despite possible internal and/or external
pressures. The closure is suitably adapted to withstand relatively
high hydrostatic pressures that might be encountered when the soft
tube is subject to manipulation, such as squeezing, changes in air
pressure (changes in altitude during travel), etc. The point of
connection or attachment of the tube and two or more part closure
may be at an angle and/or may be hinged to help relieve pressures
that could cause unintended separation of the two or more part
interlocking seal, especially when the tube is handled, squeezed,
and/or subject to other external or internal hydrostatic or other
pressures. The two or more part closure may also have one or more
flanges to facilitate the opening or separation of the interlocking
seal when desired. Two or more part interlocking resealable
closures that can be used in the present invention are well known
and described in prior art (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,561,109, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,403,094, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,394).
[0047] Optionally, the two or more part interlocking seal may be
slightly further from the bottom end of the tube, going partially
or all the way around the tube (see FIGS. 5 and 6). A soft tube
according to this embodiment may additionally comprise a two or
more part interlocking closure on a circumferential segment along
the body of the tube. The tube so manufactured reduces the internal
and/or external pressures exerted on the interlocking closure
(Ziploc) that can result in unintended separation, and in turn
leakage of fluid/product. By placing the interlocking closure along
the side of the tube rather than at the end, the internal and/or
external forces are not as directly transmitted to the interlocking
portions of the closure.
[0048] The two or more part interlocking seal or Ziploc may
additionally comprise a water and/or air tight slider as described
in U.S. Pat. No. 7,052,181 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,621 to assist in
the separation and combination of the interlocking seal (see FIG.
4). Optionally the two or more part interlocking closure may be
colored on one or both sides (U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,786 and U.S. Pat.
No. 4,907,321). According to another feature of the invention, the
two or more part interlocking, fluid tight, and sealing mechanism
may be single, double or more interlocking parts/seals (one or more
ribs to be received by one or more channels) to secure from leakage
and remain closed despite possible internal and/or external
pressures.
[0049] In another embodiment of this aspect, the sealable and/or
resealable closure comprises an adhesive. Preferably the adhesive
does not react with, interfere with, degrade and/or fail if and
when it comes in contact with the contents of the tube. A temporary
or permanent, preferably reusable/resealable, and/or
pressure-sensitive adhesive, preferably in the form of an adhesive
strip can be placed on one or both sides inside surface of the
filling/refilling end of the tube, located either at the end or at
a distance from the end of the tube. The adhesives may also be
heat-activated, solvent-based and/or water-based adhesives which
may in strips or otherwise applied at the end or at a distance from
the end of the tube. In the case with two adhesive strips or
components, the adhesive may comprise of two distinct portions that
react and/or adhere to each other and form a seal when they come in
contact together. The adhesive strips may have a removable liner
applied over the adhesive strip for protection prior to use. The
adhesive strip may be suitably adapted to withstand relatively high
hydrostatic pressures that might be encountered when the soft tube
is subject to manipulation, such as squeezing, changes in air
pressure (changes in altitude during travel), etc. The adhesive
strip may be attached to the dispensing end of the tube either
directly or by means of a hinge to relieve pressures that could
cause unintended separation of the adhesive seal, especially when
the tube is handled, squeezed, and/or subject to other external or
internal hydrostatic or other pressures. There may also be one or
more flanges which extend past the adhesive to facilitate the
opening or separation of the adhesive seal when desired.
[0050] In another embodiment of this aspect, the sealable and/or
resealable closure comprises a flexible one way valve. One way
valves, control valves, and/or duckbill valves, are generally used
to regulate pressure and/or flow in a variety of different
applications. Such valves are typically one-way, self-sealing
valves, which allow fluid flow in one direction but prevent fluid
flow in the opposite direction (U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,551). In a
preferred embodiment, a flattened duckbill valve is provided that
has a flattened flexible elastomeric body with first and second
ends, the first end having outer walls tapering to an elongate
slit, the second end having an outer and inner wall terminating in
an open mouth. The second end, or end with an open mouth, is
attached (watertight attachment) to the filling/refilling end of
the tube. The attachment or seal between the valve and tube can be
selected from any type of seal, including but not limited to heat
welds, adhesive bonds, cohesive bonds and combinations thereof. It
is preferred that the open mouth is of an oval, football, or
flattened shape in cross section. The tube is filled/refilled by
either inserting a nozzle or elongated dispenser tip into the open
mouth of the duckbill valve partially or fully through the length
of the valve, separating and opening the slit of the valve. The
contents pass through the nozzle or dispenser tip, through the
one-way valve, and into the body of the tube. The sides of the
valve, at the joining corners of the slit, and tube may also be
squeezed towards each other to assist in the opening or separation
of the valve and/or slit. After filling/refilling, the nozzle or
dispenser tip may be removed to allow the valve and/or slit to
return to the closed position. Once the slit is closed, it forms a
watertight seal, restricting back flow out of the tube through the
valve.
[0051] In another aspect of the present invention is provided a
fill/refill tube comprising a hollow tubular body and at least one
open end, the said open end in contact with a closure; the said
closure comprising at least two openings wherein one opening is a
first orifice suitably adapted to dispense the contents of the tube
and the second opening is a second orifice suitably adapted for
filling the contents of the tube and the two openings having
separate means of closing or resealing.
[0052] The closure can be of any geometry or shape such as
circular, ovular, rectangular, etc.
[0053] The large opening on the closure, for filling/refilling,
comprises a first resealing mechanism, such as a flip cap. The
first resealing mechanism can either be removable or it can be
attached to the closure via hinge or other means. If the first
resealing mechanism is removable, methods for attachment to the
closure, in the closed position, may be a snap, screw, or friction
fit. The opening(s) for dispensing may be located on the first
resealing mechanism that closes the large filling/refilling
opening. The opening(s) for dispensing is closed with a second
resealing mechanism, such as a flip cap or push button/toggle
release valve as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,516,581 and U.S. Pat.
No. 5,918,777. During dispensing, the first resealing mechanism
remains in the closed position. It is preferred that the first
resealing mechanism can securely stay in the closed position during
dispensing, to avoid unintentional spilling or overflow. The first
resealing mechanism can be removed or hinged open to fill/refill
the tube.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment, both resealing mechanisms for
closing the dispensing and the filling/refilling openings are
attached via hinges. This arrangement/embodiment provides for easy
use of both fill/refill and dispensing openings without the
detachment or removal of either resealing mechanism, preventing its
loss or need to find a place to set it down while filling/refilling
the tube. The hinges may both be on the same side of the closure,
on alternating sides, or at different locations along the side of
the closure.
[0055] In a further preferred embodiment, the hinges are at
alternating sides or are at different locations. Such an
arrangement avoids unintentional opening of the wrong/undesired
resealing mechanism. Another means to prevent unintended opening of
the larger filling/refilling opening when the user is trying to
open the dispensing opening is to have an additional clasp to hold
the resealing mechanism for the filling/refilling orifice in the
closed position (see FIGS. 22 and 23).
[0056] In another preferred embodiment, the closure may comprise
one hinge to access the larger filling/refilling orifice and then a
push button/toggle release valve to open the smaller dispensing
orifice. Likewise, this embodiment provides for easy use of both
fill/refill and dispensing openings without the detachment or
removal of either resealing mechanism, preventing its loss or need
to find a place to set it down while filling/refilling the
tube.
[0057] The opening on the tubular body in contact with a closure is
large enough to enable easy filling/refilling of the tube. The
opening on the tubular body may adequately mate and provide a
watertight seal with the closure. The different mating types
between the closure and the tube are generally well known. The
mating type between the closure and tubular body include but are
not limited to screw-type, snap fit or a welded attachment. In a
preferred embodiment, the dispensing end of the tube is provided
with an air-tight closure which has a snap-fit mate. In another
preferred embodiment, the closure has a screw type mate with the
dispensing end of the tube. In another embodiment, the closure is
welded, permanently attached, and/or attached via adhesive or the
like with the dispensing end of the tube.
[0058] The tubes in accordance with this aspect comprise a large
opening which enables easy filling/refilling and also provides easy
opening and closing of the fill/refill opening. Another advantage
of this embodiment is that the closure with two openings can be of
any geometric shape including but not limited to circular, oval or
rectangular cross sections. The desired shape can be selected by
one skilled in the art on the basis of aesthetics, ease of
handling, and/or ease or cost of manufacturing. Some shapes can be
more effective in dispensing the product (oval or flattened shapes
are more easily deformable than circular ones) and/or aesthetically
pleasing.
[0059] In another aspect of the present invention is provided a
fill/refill tube comprising a hollow tubular body and at least one
open end, the said open end in contact with a closure; the said
closure comprises a smaller opening suitably adapted to dispense
the contents of the tube. The hollow tubular body comprises a large
opening suitably adapted for filling/refilling the tube.
[0060] The size of the opening for filling/refilling and the
opening for dispensing may be suitably varied depending upon the
flowability/viscosity of the contents to be dispensed and
filled/refilled. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the
opening for filling/refilling orifice is larger than that of the
dispensing orifice.
[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the closure has a smaller orifice
suitably adapted to dispense the contents of the tube. The smaller
dispensing orifice on the closure also has a resealing mechanism,
such as a flip cap or push button/toggle release valve. The closure
forms a fluid and air tight seal with the body of the tube. The
tube is filled/refilled by removing the closure. The closure can be
removably attached to the soft tube by various means as can be
determined by one skilled in the art, such as but not limited to
screw type or snap-fit mates with the tube.
[0062] An advantage of this design is that the method of opening
the dispensing orifice (flip cap or push button/toggle) is
different from the method of opening the filling/refilling orifice
(pull, screw, or twist off motion), reducing unintended opening of
the filling/refilling orifice when opening the dispensing
orifice.
[0063] When a tube that is shaped oval or flattened, in cross
section, is desired, it is preferred that the tube mating with the
closure be of snap fit to allow for maximum size filling/refilling
opening size.
[0064] The soft tubes can be made of a material that has deformable
qualities but also has the ability to be reused. The material
selected is such that it deforms to allow the dispensing of the
product/contents. However, the material also has the ability to
return to its original shape without permanent deformation of the
material. Generally, the tube may be made of a material selected
from but not limited to materials that can be repeatedly bent
without fracturing such as flexible packaging material, deformable
thermoplastic, metal, resin, plastic, silicones, rubbers, low
density polyethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,
polyvinylidene chloride, polycarbonate, polyester, vinyl, nylon,
recyclable plastics, bioplastics, biodegradable plastics, various
impregnated and/or laminated fibrous materials, various plasticized
materials, etc. and combinations thereof. Flexible packaging
materials that are pliant and capable of undergoing a large variety
of changes in shape, such as bending, squeezing, creasing, folding,
rolling, etc. with substantially little or no damage thereto in
response to the action of an applied force. The material is soft
enough to deform and the tube, to a certain extent, is able to stay
collapsed due to airtight nature of the tube. After the contents
are dispensed, the tube can either return to its natural or
original shape or it can stay deformed upon closing of the tube.
Materials for the closure may include packaging material such as
deformable thermoplastic, metal, resin, plastic, silicones,
rubbers, low density polyethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene,
polystyrene, polyvinylidene chloride, polycarbonate, polyester,
vinyl, nylon, various impregnated and/or laminated fibrous
materials, recyclable plastics, bioplastics, biodegradable
plastics, various plasticized materials, etc. and combinations
thereof. Materials for the valve may include elastomeric materials,
flexible materials, deformable thermoplastics, rubbers, silicones,
ethylene, propylene, styrene, butadiene, acrylonitrile, etc and
combinations thereof.
[0065] All of the tubes can optionally be decorated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0066] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a fillable/refillable tube comprising a
hollow tubular body (1), a dispensing orifice (2) at the top end
(10) of the tube and a filling/refilling orifice (3) at the bottom
end (9) of the tube. The filling/refilling orifice comprises a two
or more part interlocking, fluid impervious, flexible seal closure
(5) which permits sealing and reasealing of the filling/refilling
orifice. The two or more part closure may comprise flanges (12) to
facilitate the opening or separation of the interlocking seal when
desired. The two or more part closure (and flanges) may be welded
or crimped (18) at their edges to secure a seal. The top end of the
tube comprises a closure (14) sealing the dispensing orifice. The
said closure may be attached to the top end of the tube by means of
a thread (16) for screw mating (as in FIG. 1), or attached by other
means such as a snap fit (as in FIG. 2). The closure may also have
a dispensing orifice (2) on the closure base (23). The closure base
(23) may further comprise a resealing mechanism (4) for the
dispensing orifice attached to the closure base by means of a hinge
joint (13).
[0067] FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of a fillable/refillable
soft tube in accordance with the invention in which the two or more
part interlocking closure is in the form of strips which may be
attached by means of welding (19) or other means of (air and water
tight) attachment to the bottom end of the soft tube (9).
[0068] FIG. 4 shows a tube in accordance with the present invention
with water tight and air tight slider (8) to assist in the easy
opening and closing of the two or more part interlocking closure
(5).
[0069] FIGS. 5 & 6 show one embodiment of the present invention
with a two or more part interlocking, fluid impervious, flexible
seal closure (5) at a distance from the bottom end. The bottom end
of the tube is sealed by crimping (18). The two or more part
interlocking closure may be formed with the body of the tube (as in
FIG. 5) or may be in the form of strips (as in FIG. 6) and attached
to the tube by means of welding (19) or other means of
attachment.
[0070] FIG. 7 shows a tube in accordance with the present invention
comprising an adhesive strip (6) to seal the filling/refilling
orifice. The adhesive strip may comprise a removable liner (7)
applied over the adhesive strip for protection prior to use. After
the removal of the protective liner, the tube may be sealed by
flattening the tube body, joining the adhesives or the adhesive and
the tube body. A closure (14) is attached to the tube by screw type
attachment (16).
[0071] FIGS. 8 & 9 show a tube in accordance with the present
invention with a one way valve (20) to seal/reseal the
filling/refilling orifice (3) at the bottom end (9) of the tube.
The open mouth of the one way valve (22) extends into an elongated
slit (21) into the tube body. The one way valve allows
unidirectional flow of the contents into the tube. The one way
valve may form a water and air tight attachment to the bottom of
the tube by means of welding (19) as disclosed in FIG. 9 or other
means of attachment.
[0072] FIGS. 10, 11, & 12 show a fillable/refillable tube
comprising a dual opening on the same side of the tube (top end of
the tube) for filling/refilling and dispensing. The tube comprises
a hollow tubular body (1) with a filling/refilling orifice (3) on
the top end (10) of the tube and on the base (23) of closure 14.
Closure (14) is attached to the top end of the tube by means of a
snap fit (FIGS. 11 and 12). A second closure (15) is provided to
seal the filling/refilling orifice and may be attached to the base
(23) by means of a hinge joint (13). The said closure further
comprises the dispensing orifice (2) which can be sealed with
closure (4) which may be attached to closure 15 by means of another
hinge joint. The bottom end of the tube (9) is sealed by crimping
(18) as shown in the figures or alternatively may be sealed by
folding, welding, or the like.
[0073] FIGS. 13, 14, & 15 show a fillable/refillable tube
comprising a dual opening on the same side of the tube (top end of
the tube) for filling/refilling and dispensing wherein closure 15
is attached to the base (23) of closure 14 by a first hinge joint
and closure 4 is attached to closure 15 by a second hinge joints on
the opposite side of the first hinge joint.
[0074] FIG. 16 shows a fillable/refillable tube comprising a dual
opening on the same side of the tube (top end of the tube) for
filling/refilling and dispensing wherein closures 15 and 4 are both
attached to the base (23) of closure (14) by hinge joints on the
opposite sides.
[0075] FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 show a fillable/refillable tube
comprising a dual opening on the same side of the tube (top end of
the tube) for filling/refilling and dispensing wherein a removable
closure (15) sealing the fill/refill opening is attached to the
base (23) of closure 14 by snap fit and a closure (4) sealing the
dispensing orifice is permanently attached to the base (23) of
closure 14 by a hinge joint.
[0076] FIG. 20 shows a fillable/refillable tube comprising a dual
opening on the same side of the tube (top end of the tube) for
filling/refilling and dispensing wherein closure 15 resealing the
filling/refilling opening and closure 4 resealing the dispensing
opening are attached to the base (23) of closure 14 by means of a
hinge joint.
[0077] FIG. 21 shows a fillable/refillable tube comprising a dual
opening on the same side of the tube (top end of the tube) for
filling/refilling and dispensing wherein closure 4 resealing the
dispensing orifice (2) is a push button/toggle valve closure.
Closure 4 is located on closure 15. Closure 15 seal/reseals the
filling/refilling orifice. Closure 15 may be attached to the base
(23) of closure 14 by means of a hinge joint.
[0078] FIGS. 22 and 23 show a fillable/refillable tube comprising a
dual opening on the same side of the tube (top end of the tube) for
filling/refilling and dispensing wherein closure 4 may be attached
to closure 15, and closure 15 may be attached to the base (23) of
closure 14 by hinge joints. The tube additionally comprises clasp
(11) to secure closure (15) in a closed position while not
filling/refilling the tube to prevent unintended opening of closure
15 when opening closure 4.
[0079] FIG. 24 shows a fillable/refillable tube comprising a dual
opening on the same side of the tube (top end of the tube) for
filling/refilling and dispensing. The tube comprises a hollow
tubular body (1) with a filling/refilling orifice (3) on the top
end (10) of the tube. The closure for the filling/refilling orifice
15 is attached to the top end of the tube by a snap fit
arrangement. The said closure further comprises the dispensing
orifice (2) which can be sealed with closure (4) which may be
attached to closure 15 by means of another hinge joint.
[0080] FIG. 25 shows a fillable/refillable tube comprising a dual
opening on the same side of the tube (top end of the tube) for
filling/refilling and dispensing wherein the closure 15 for
filling/refilling is attached to the top end of the tube by a screw
type arrangement (16).
* * * * *