U.S. patent application number 12/655219 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-03 for tube holder.
Invention is credited to Eugene Lee Tresenfeld.
Application Number | 20100133296 12/655219 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41665719 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100133296 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tresenfeld; Eugene Lee |
June 3, 2010 |
Tube holder
Abstract
An apparatus for securing squeezable tubes therein includes a
plurality of vertical compartments that are each adapted to hold
one squeezable tube. A plurality of moveable front members are
adapted to move up or down between an opposite pair of sidewalls to
retain an upper portion of the tube in position. An open top allows
easy tube insertion or removal while a lower shelf retains the
bottom of each tube. A bottom strip ensures that each tube will
remain in position. According to a first modification, the interior
sidewalls are adjustable to accommodate a variable spacing between
them. Modified moveable front members include a variable width to
accommodate the variable spacing between the adjustable interior
sidewalls. According to a second modification, each tube is
retained by a pair of curved side members that narrow toward the
bottom of each compartment. An apparatus to secure a tube in an
inverted position and to dispense a substance from a bottom opening
is described.
Inventors: |
Tresenfeld; Eugene Lee;
(Eugene, OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Risto A. Rinne, Jr.;Complete Patenting Services
Suite 10, 4525 Montgomery Drive
Santa Rosa
CA
95409
US
|
Family ID: |
41665719 |
Appl. No.: |
12/655219 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11238951 |
Sep 28, 2005 |
7661559 |
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12655219 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/101 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 81/00 20130101;
B65D 35/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 35/28 20060101
B65D035/28 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. A tube holder adapted for use with a squeezable tube,
comprising: (a) a substantially planar base that is adapted for
attachment to a flat surface; and (b) a pair of curved sidewalls
each of which extend out from said substantially planar base and
wherein each of said pair of curved sidewalls include a radius that
extends vertically along said curved sidewall at a predetermined
distance away from said base, and wherein each of said curved
sidewalls includes a portion that is disposed beyond said radius
and wherein said portion of each curved sidewall extends toward a
corresponding portion of a remaining one of said pair of curved
sidewalls and wherein a distance intermediate said pair of curved
sidewalls is greater at a first end of said curved sidewalls than
at an opposite second end, and wherein a space intermediate said
pair of curved sidewalls form a compartment that is adapted to
receive said squeezable tube therein.
17. The tube holder of claim 16 including a gap intermediate said
portions and wherein said gap is adapted to receive a portion of a
finger therein sufficient to contact said tube.
18. The tube holder of claim 16 wherein when said tube is disposed
in said compartment said tube is prevented from rotating about a
longitudinal axis thereof, and wherein a cap of said tube is
adapted to be removed from said tube while said tube is retained in
said tube holder.
19. The tube holder of claim 18 including a gap intermediate said
portions and wherein said gap is adapted to receive a portion of a
finger therein sufficient to compress a portion of said tube
sufficient to urge a portion of a substance in said tube out of
said tube after said cap has been removed from said tube.
20. The tube holder of claim 16 wherein said compartment includes a
plurality of compartments that are disposed in a side by side
orientation to form a first row of compartments and including a
plurality of compartments that are disposed in a side by side
orientation to form a second row of compartments and wherein said
second row is disposed below said first row.
21. A method for storing a squeezable tube in a vertical position,
including the steps of: (a) providing a tube holder that is adapted
for attachment to a flat surface and which includes a compartment
that is adapted to receive and to retain said tube therein, and
including the step of providing a moveable member attached to said
tube holder, said moveable member disposed intermediate said
compartment; and wherein said moveable member is adapted to be
urged upward along a linear longitudinal length of said compartment
that does not include any curvature, and down along said linear
longitudinal length of said compartment; and (b) placing said tube
in said compartment in said tube holder.
22. (canceled)
23. An apparatus for securing a tube in an inverted position with a
cap on a bottom end of said tube removed, comprising: a. means for
securing said tube in said inverted position; and b. means for
dispensing a quantity of a substance from said tube when a
compressive force is applied to said tube, and wherein said means
for dispensing a quantity includes a roller assembly that is
adapted to move in a downward direction that is linear and which
does not include any curvature thereto, or in an opposite upward
direction, and wherein said roller assembly includes a roller that
is adapted to bear against said tube sufficient to supply said
compressive force when said roller is urged in said downward
direction.
24. (canceled)
25. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said roller assembly includes
an opposite pair of side rails and wherein said side rails engage
with a pair of longitudinal slots that are parallel with a
longitudinal length of said tube and wherein said roller is
disposed between said pair of side rails and wherein said roller is
adapted to rotate about a longitudinal axis of said roller, and a
lower member that includes a pair of opposite ends that engage
respectively with each of said pair of longitudinal slots, and
wherein said lower member includes an enlarged opening that is
adapted to pass over a neck of said tube, and wherein when a
sufficient force is applied to said lower member, said lower member
is able to be urged upward or downward along said pair of
longitudinal slots to a desired position, and wherein said lower
member is retained in said desired position until a subsequent
sufficient force is applied to said lower member that is sufficient
to urge it away from said desired position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention, in general, relates to squeezable
tubes and, more particularly, to a tube holder for squeezable
tubes.
[0003] Toothpaste tubes, ointments, glues, oil and acrylic artist
paint, and a variety of other lotions and substances come in
squeezable tubes. Some of these tubes get smaller as the material
is dispensed whereas other tubes retain their overall size and
shape as the material is being dispensed from within. Often, these
tubes are placed on shelves in medicine cabinets where they take up
considerable shelf space. Similarly, they are placed on any
available flat surface or counter top, even on top of toilet tanks
and, depending on the content, in other work areas, etc.
[0004] In general, squeezable tubes are unsightly when left
scattered about, and there is not available an effective special
storage device to properly secure them, ready for use.
[0005] One reason for this is because they are constantly changing
their shape, that is, they constantly become shorter as they are
used and the ends are rolled up. However, for some people, they do
not necessarily become shorter because the ends are squeezed but
not rolled up. Consequently, they become thinner.
[0006] Another reason for this is because squeezable tubes come in
a variety of sizes. There is no known adjustable device to
effectively hold squeezable tubes.
[0007] Also, it is desirable to store certain types of squeezable
tubes in an inverted position with the top down so that the
contents tend to migrate toward the open end, ready for immediate
dispensing.
[0008] Again, some people may wish to store their tubes upright. In
either case, there is a need to quickly remove the tube from the
holder when it is needed and to quickly deposit the tube in the
tube holder after use.
[0009] There is sometimes a need to store squeezable tubes out of
sight, for example in a medicine cabinet, or behind a cabinet door.
There is also a need to store squeezable tubes on a visible flat
surface, for example, a wall.
[0010] Also, there typically are a number of squeezable tubes that
must be stored, each having a potentially unique size that is
constantly varying.
[0011] Additionally, for certain squeezable tubes, like toothpaste,
it is desirable to provide a solution that permits easy and rapid
dispensing of the toothpaste onto a toothbrush.
[0012] Accordingly, there exists today a need for a tube holder
that helps to ameliorate the above-mentioned difficulties.
[0013] Clearly, such an apparatus would be a useful and desirable
device.
[0014] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0015] Tube holders and racks are, in general, known. For example,
the following patents describe various types of these devices:
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. Des. 171,595 to Harriton, Mar. 2, 1954;
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. Des. 206,254 to Lopiano, Nov. 15, 1966;
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. Des. 256,411 to Neuman, Aug. 19, 1980;
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 1,833,608 to Gunnison, Nov. 24, 1931; and
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 2,190,567 to Jung, Feb. 13, 1940.
[0021] While the structural arrangements of the above described
devices may, at first appearance, have similarities with the
present invention, they differ in material respects. These
differences, which will be described in more detail hereinafter,
are essential for the effective use of the invention and which
admit of the advantages that are not available with the prior
devices.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] It is an object of the present invention to provide a tube
holder that is adapted to store a squeezable tube in an upright
position.
[0023] It is also an important object of the invention to provide a
tube holder that is adapted to store a squeezable tube in an
inverted position.
[0024] Another object of the invention is to provide a tube holder
that is adapted for use with different sizes of squeezable
tubes.
[0025] Still another object of the invention is to provide a tube
holder that is adapted to secure a plurality of squeezable
tubes.
[0026] Still yet another object of the invention is to provide a
tube holder that is attachable to a flat surface.
[0027] Yet another important object of the invention is to provide
a tube holder that is adapted for use in a medicine cabinet or on
an inside of a cabinet door.
[0028] Still yet another important object of the invention is to
provide a tube holder that is adapted for use on a wall.
[0029] A first continuing object of the invention is to provide a
tube holder that allows quick removal of a tube from the tube
holder for use and quick and easy insertion of the tube back into
the tube holder after use.
[0030] A second continuing object of the invention is to provide a
tube holder that allows removal of a portion of the contents of a
squeezable tube from the tube while the tube remains in the tube
holder.
[0031] A third continuing object of the invention is to provide a
tube holder that allows for a tiered arrangement with one row of
tubes disposed over another row.
[0032] A fourth continuing object of the invention is to provide a
tube holder that secures a tube in an inverted position with a
bottom cap removed and which is adapted to dispense a quantity of a
substance from the tube when a compressive force is applied to the
tube.
[0033] A fifth continuing object of the invention is to provide a
tube holder that is able to allow for removal of a portion of the
contents of a squeezable tube from a type of tube that changes its
size or shape or both its size and shape as the contents are being
dispensed and to retain the tube in the tube holder.
[0034] A sixth continuing object of the invention is to provide a
tube holder that is able to allow for removal of a portion of the
contents of a squeezable tube from a type of tube that does not
change its size or shape or both as the contents are being
dispensed and to retain the tube in the tube holder.
[0035] Briefly, a tube holder that is constructed in accordance
with the principles of the present invention has a plurality of
vertical compartments that are each adapted to hold one squeezable
tube, either in an upright or in an inverted position. According to
a first embodiment, a plurality of moveable front members are
adapted to move up or down between an opposite pair of sidewalls to
retain an upper portion of the tube in position as the tube is
consumed and its overall length decreases or to accommodate
different length tubes. An open top allows easy insertion or
removal while a lower shelf retains the bottom of each tube. A
bottom strip ensures that the tube will remain in position.
According to a first modified embodiment, the interior sidewalls
are adjustable to accommodate a variable spacing between them.
Modified moveable front members fit in opposite slots and include a
variable width to accommodate the variable spacing between the
adjustable interior sidewalls. An attachment secures, for example,
a tube of toothpaste in an inverted position for ready dispensing.
A roller engages with the slots and dispenses toothpaste when it is
urged downward. According to a second modified embodiment, each
tube is retained by a pair of curved side members that extend from
a sidewall and fold around toward the front of the tube to secure
it therein. Different spacing between the curved side members
accommodate different overall sized tubes while a narrowing of a
space between the curved side members at the bottom of each
compartment prevents each tube from passing through the compartment
and through an open bottom.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 is view in perspective of a tube holder with a
modification thereto also shown.
[0037] FIG. 2 is view in perspective of another modified type of
tube holder.
[0038] FIG. 3 is view in perspective of an accessory added to the
device of FIG. 1 for dispensing toothpaste.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] Referring to FIG. 1 is shown, a tube holder, identified in
general by the reference numeral 10.
[0040] A plurality of vertical compartments, identified in general
by the reference numeral 12, are provided with any desired spacing
between a first outer sidewall 14, a second outer sidewall 16 and a
plurality of interior sidewalls 18-22.
[0041] A planar rear member 24 is adapted for placement against a
flat planar surface, for example, against the back of a medicine
cabinet door (not shown) or the back of a cabinet door (not shown)
or directly on a visible flat surface such as a wall (not
shown).
[0042] The rear member 24 is attached by screws (not shown) that
pass through mounting holes provided in the rear member 24 or
alternatively by an adhesive or double-stick tape that is disposed
on the back of the rear member 24.
[0043] Each compartment 12 is adapted to hold one squeezable tube
26, 28, either in an upright or an inverted position.
[0044] In general, most tubes 26, 28 range from about 1 and 1/2
inches in width to about 3 and 1/16 inches in width. Of course,
other sizes are possible.
[0045] When a fixed spacing between the parallel first and second
outer sidewalls 14, 16 and the interior sidewalls 18, 20, 22 is
included with the tube holder, the fixed spacing can be the same
for each compartment 12, or it can vary as desired.
[0046] For example, a preferable fixed spacing may include
different width compartments 12, one of each having a width of 2
and 1/4 inches, 2 and 1/2 inches, 2 and 3/4 inches, and 3 and 1/4
inches. Of course, any other spacing is also possible depending
upon the intended application. Similarly, any number of
compartments 12 may be included with one compartment 12, of course,
being the minimum.
[0047] If the tubes 26, 28 contain substances that may vary in
width, then the compartment 12 widths are varied to suite the
intended application. If the tubes 26, 28 are generally all the
same width, for example, as found with artist's paints, then the
compartments 12 will likely all be the same width, the width being
selected to optimally accommodate the width of the tubes 26,28. The
number of compartments 12 that are included as well as the height
of the sidewalls 14-22 are similarly varied as desired.
[0048] A plurality of fixed-width moveable front members 30, 32, 34
are each adapted to move up or down between an opposite pair of
slots 36 that are provided on the sidewalls 14-22 in each
compartment 12, as shown by arrow 38. Each front member 30-34 is
urged up or down to accommodate the length of the tube 26, 28.
[0049] Assuming the tube 28 is unused and at its maximum length
(i.e., height), the corresponding front member 34 is raised to
provide support near the top of the tube 28. The front member 34 is
not placed at the top as this tends to impede removal of the tube
28, but rather is disposed below the top sufficient to retain the
tube 28 in position.
[0050] As the tube 28 is used, its length decreases as shown by
tube 26. Accordingly, the length of the tube 26 decreases during
use as its contents are consumed, and to compensate for a change in
overall length of the tube 26, the corresponding front member 32 is
lowered to provide support near the top of the now shortened tube
26.
[0051] Certain types of the tube 28 do not decrease their overall
length when the contents are consumed. Rather, they compress while
maintaining the same general overall length. For such applications,
the front member 32 is initially adjusted for the length of the
particular tube 28 and does not have to be readjusted unless a
different size tube 28 is used.
[0052] This allows the tube holder 10 to accommodate any desired
length or varying length of the tube 26, 28.
[0053] The front members 30, 32, 34 are each held in place within
the slots 36 by friction or, alternatively, by protrusions that
extend from the ends of the front members 30-34 and which cooperate
with recesses 40 that are provided on opposite ends of the slots
36.
[0054] A bottom planar member 42 retains the bottom of each tube
26, 28 in place. A front bottom strip 44 extends upward from the
bottom planar member 42 and helps retain the bottom of the tubes
26, 28 in position, especially when a sudden movement is applied to
the tube holder 10. A sudden movement can occur if the tube holder
10 is attached to an inside of the medicine cabinet or the cabinet
door, which is then suddenly opened or closed.
[0055] The open top of the tube holder 10 allows for easy
withdrawal or insertion of the tube 26, 28 from the tube holder
10.
[0056] The tubes 26, 28 are placed in either an upright position
(with the cap on top) or in an inverted position (with the cap on
bottom), as desired.
[0057] According to a first modified embodiment, at least one
adjustable interior sidewall is provided. In the drawing figure,
the first interior sidewall 18 is adjustable horizontally as shown
by arrow 46.
[0058] The first interior sidewall 18 includes an upper protrusion
48 that extends out of the back thereof and which is adapted to
enter into one of several upper rear openings 50 that are provided
in the rear member 24.
[0059] A similar lower protrusion 52 that extends out of the bottom
of the first interior sidewall 18 is adapted to enter into one of
several lower bottom openings 54 that are provided in the bottom
planar member 42.
[0060] To adjust the width of the compartment 12 to suit the width
a particular squeezable tube (not shown), a top of the first
interior sidewall 18 is pulled away from the rear member 24
sufficient to remove the upper protrusion 48 from the upper rear
opening 50 that it is in cooperation with.
[0061] A bottom of the first interior sidewall 18 is raised from
the bottom planar member 42 sufficient to remove the lower
protrusion 52 from the lower bottom opening 54 that it is in
cooperation with.
[0062] This frees the first interior sidewall 18 from the tube
holder 10 and allows it to be moved horizontally in either
direction along the second arrow 46 until a desired spacing is
obtained from the first outer sidewall 14 and the second interior
sidewall 20.
[0063] When the desired spacing is attained the lower protrusion 52
is inserted into the proper lower bottom opening 54 and the upper
protrusion 48 is inserted into the proper upper rear opening
50.
[0064] As many of the remaining interior sidewall members 20, 22 as
desired, may also be similarly modified to move horizontally.
However, it is preferable that at least one of the first and second
end sidewalls 14, 16 remain fixed in position to define the left
and right ends of the tube holder 10. For certain applications,
both end sidewalls 14, 16 are fixed while for other applications
one of them is fixed and other is adapted to be moved horizontally
to provide adjustment for the width of the last compartment.
[0065] Similarly, as many upper rear openings 50 and as many lower
bottom openings 54 are included as desired having whatever spacing
there-between as is desired.
[0066] After benefit of the instant disclosure, there are other
ways in which the first interior sidewall 18 (or any other interior
sidewall 20, 22) can be adapted to move and also to be secured
where desired along the second arrow 46. For example, horizontal
slots could be provided (not shown) in which the interior sidewalls
20, 22 are adapted to move from side to side.
[0067] When any of the interior sidewall members 18, 20, 22 is
adapted to move along the second arrow 46, a method must be
provided to vary the width of the front members 30, 32, 34 to
accommodate the variable distance between the interior sidewall
members 18, 20, 22 and also possibly between the first and second
outer sidewalls 14, 16.
[0068] A preferred solution is to use a modified moveable front
member 56 that includes a variable width. A preferable type of the
modified moveable front member 56 includes an accordion structure
that applies a slight force which tends to urge its opposite ends
apart and into the slots 36.
[0069] When the spacing intermediate any of the sidewall members
14-22 changes, the accordion structure either expands or retracts
to compensate accordingly.
[0070] After having had benefit of the above disclosure, other ways
to make the moveable front member of variable length sufficient to
accommodate the variable distance between the interior sidewall
members 18, 20, 22 are possible.
[0071] For example, a further modified moveable front member (not
shown) includes two pieces that each include a slot along a
longitudinal length thereof. The two slots align when the two
pieces are placed atop each other and are held together by a small
bolt that passes through the two slots and a nut that cooperates
with the bolt. By loosening the nut while retaining the bolt within
the slots, the two pieces can be moved closer together or further
apart to accommodate a variable distance between the interior
sidewall members 18, 20, 22 and the first and second outer
sidewalls 14, 16.
[0072] The benefits provided by certain of the embodiments
disclosed herein appertain for use with the tube 28 regardless of
whether or not the tube 28 changes shape or size or both during a
dispensing of its contents. When, during use the tube 28 changes
its shape or its size or both its size and its shape, the
adjustable sidewall members 18, 20, 22 or the fixed-width moveable
front members 30, 32, 34 or the modified moveable front member 56
or any combination of the above are adjusted to accommodate the
change in size. This provides a substantial increase in utility not
previously available.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 2, according to a second modified tube
holder 100, each tube 26, 28 is retained by a respective pair of
curved side members 58a 58b, 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b, 64a, 64b.
[0074] The curved side members 58-64 extend away from a rear panel
66 and include a sidewall that extends the vertical height of the
second modified tube holder 100. The curved side members 58-64
continue forward sufficient to surround each tube 26, 28 and fold
around toward the front of each tube 26, 28 an amount sufficient to
secure it therein.
[0075] Different spacing between each pair of the curved side
members 58-64 accommodate different overall sized (i.e., width)
tubes 26, 28.
[0076] The width between each respective pair of curved side
members 58-64 is not constant but narrows toward the bottom of each
compartment 68. As the tubes 26, 28 are generally larger at the top
(near the cap), the narrowing of the space between the curved side
members 58-64 at the bottom of each compartment 68 prevents each of
the tubes 26, 28 from passing through the compartment 68 and
through an open bottom. The tubes 26, 28 become lightly wedged in
each compartment.
[0077] It is possible for a user to place a finger 70 in the gap
between any pair of curved side members 58-64 and lift the tube 26,
28 to remove it from the second modified tube holder 100. To
reinsert the tube 26, 28 back into the second modified tube holder
100, it is simply dropped back into the compartment 68 in which it
falls until the narrowing pair of curved side members 58-64 secures
it in place.
[0078] It is also possible to use the finger 70 to remove the cap
while the tube 26, 28 is still in the second modified tube holder
100 by placing the finger in the gap against the cap and then
urging the finger 70 to remove or attach the cap, as desired.
Pressure can then be applied to the tube 26, 28 in the gap
sufficient to squeeze some of the tube's 26, 28 contents out of the
top without the need to remove the tube 26, 28 from the second
modified tube holder 100.
[0079] Any preferred material can be used for either the tube
holder 10 or the second modified tube holder 100. The second
modified tube holder 100 can be further modified, as desired, to
allow a variable spacing between the curved side members 58-64 in a
manner similar to that described for the tube holder 10 or,
alternatively, the second modified tube holder 100 can be formed
out of a thin metallic stock, for example, and then bent from side
to side to vary the distance there-between.
[0080] Referring again to FIG. 1, is shown a third modified tube
holder 200, in dashed lines. The third modified tube holder
includes a tiered structure in which one or more of the tube
holders 10 or the second modified tube holders 100 are placed atop
each other. This is useful to accommodate a large number of tubes
28 in a limited space, such as an artist might use.
[0081] Referring now primarily to FIG. 3 and on occasion to FIG. 1
is shown an inverted tube dispenser, identified in general by the
reference numeral 300.
[0082] The inverted tube dispenser 300 is disposed in one of the
plurality of vertical compartments 12. By way of example only, the
right-most compartment 12 includes the inverted tube dispenser 300
and it is shown in dashed lines so as to allow better clarity of
the component parts of the inverted tube dispenser 300.
[0083] A lug bolt 302 is attached near the top of the rear member
24 and in the center of the compartment 12. A wing nut 304
cooperates with threads on the lug bolt 302 sufficient to draw an
arcuate plate 306 toward the rear member 24 when the wing nut 304
is tightened.
[0084] The arcuate plate 306 includes a generally flat portion 306a
through which a hole is provided for the lug bolt 302 to pass. The
arcuate plate 306 includes a radius portion 306b that extends from
the flat portion 306a and includes a bottom edge 306c. The bottom
edge 306c includes a width that is nearly that of a conventional
type of a tube of toothpaste 310 or any other preferred tube.
[0085] To use the inverted tube dispenser 300 the wing nut is
loosened and removed so that a bottom of the arcuate plate 306 can
be pulled away from the rear member 24 and to permit a roller
assembly 312, as is described in greater detail below, to be urged
into position. Then, a bottom lip 308 of the conventional type of a
tube of toothpaste 310 is urged between a bottom edge of the
arcuate plate 306 and the rear member 24.
[0086] The roller assembly 312 includes a pair of side rails 314
that engage with the slots 36 on one side of each side rail 314.
The roller assembly 312 includes a roller 316 that includes an axle
318 passing through its longitudinal center. The axle 318 is
attached to an opening provided in an opposite side of each of the
side rails 314. The axle 318 and the roller 316 are able to freely
rotate about the center longitudinal axis.
[0087] Prior to attachment of the tube of toothpaste 310, it is
squeezed near the bottom lip 308, as needed, to urge an interior
quantity of toothpaste (not shown) away from the bottom lip 308
sufficient to flatten the tube of toothpaste 310 near the lip
308.
[0088] The entire roller assembly 312 is then urged down as
required in the slots 36 until it is disposed over the flattened
area proximate the bottom lip 308.
[0089] The arcuate plate 306 is then placed in position and the
wing nut 304 is tightened which draws the bottom edge 306c of the
arcuate plate 306 tight against the tube of toothpaste 310, just
below the bottom lip 308. Accordingly, the tube of toothpaste 310
is suspended in an inverted position in the compartment 12 with the
roller assembly 312 disposed adjacent to the radius portion 306b of
the arcuate plate 306.
[0090] The tube of toothpaste 310 is retained in this position and
cannot move downward within the compartment 12.
[0091] A lower member 320 includes an enlarged center opening 322
that includes a large enough diameter to accommodate a threaded
neck 324 of the tube of toothpaste 310, after a cap (not shown) has
first been removed.
[0092] The lower member 320 extends into the slots 36 and can also
slide up or down. After the tube of toothpaste 310 has been secured
in position, the cap is removed and then the lower member 320 is
urged upward until the center opening 322 is over the threaded neck
324. This retains the threaded neck 324 in position. The lower
member 320 is provided in a variety of sizes to accommodate
variations in cap and neck sizes that occur with various types of
tubes. It is possible to provide a modified lower member (not
shown) that adjusts in size as desired. It is also possible to omit
the lower member 320, if desired.
[0093] To dispense a quantity of toothpaste 326 onto a toothbrush
328, the toothbrush 328 is held under the threaded neck 324 while
at least one finger 329 of an opposite hand (shown in dashed lines)
is placed on the roller 316. The finger 329 then applies a downward
force to the roller 316, as shown by arrow 330, sufficient to
rotate the roller 316 about its longitudinal axis and to urge the
roller 316 and the roller assembly 312 downward.
[0094] The diameter of the roller 316 is large enough so as to
flatten the tube 310 between the circumference of the roller 316
and the rear member 24 an amount sufficient to apply a compressive
force to the tube 310 and its contents and therefore, to urge the
toothpaste disposed in the tube 310 toward the threaded neck 324
until the pressure within the tube 310 is sufficient to expel the
quantity of toothpaste 326 from the tube 310 and to dispense the
quantity of toothpaste 326 onto the toothbrush 328.
[0095] The exterior of the roller 316 preferably includes a coating
of a sufficiently high coefficient of friction material such as
rubber so that it "sticks" to the tube 310 and does not spin as it
is rotated. However, even if it were to spin, the downward force
applied to the roller 316 by the finger(s) 329 is sufficient to
dispense the quantity of toothpaste 326.
[0096] As soon as force by the finger 329 is stopped, pressure
within the tube 310 drops to nearly zero and no more toothpaste 326
is dispensed until the finger(s) 328 is again placed on the roller
316 and the cycle is again repeated. The toothpaste 326 includes a
high-enough viscosity so that it will not drip absent an increase
of pressure within the tube 310. This allows for almost instant
dispensing of the quantity of toothpaste 326 when desired.
[0097] Of course, substances other than the toothpaste 326 can be
dispensed in this manner when other tubes (not shown) are similarly
suspended.
[0098] When the roller assembly 312 is disposed at the bottom of
the tube 310, the tube 310 is discarded and the above-described
procedure is repeated.
[0099] The invention has been shown, described, and illustrated in
substantial detail with reference to the presently preferred
embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in this art that
other and further changes and modifications may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is
defined by the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *