U.S. patent number 3,876,111 [Application Number 05/412,736] was granted by the patent office on 1975-04-08 for plural chambered squeeze tube.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Cambridge Research and Development Group. Invention is credited to Stephen C. Swain.
United States Patent |
3,876,111 |
Swain |
April 8, 1975 |
Plural chambered squeeze tube
Abstract
An elongated, flexible walled, hand squeezable tube having first
and second chambers for storing first and second fluids,
respectively. The first chamber has a generally cylindrical
configuration. A compressible and resilient interface for the first
and second fluids is positioned within and movable along the axis
of the first chamber. The interface compensates for variations in
the cross-sectional size and configuration of the generally
cylindrical first chamber by automatically assuming the
cross-sectional size and configuration thereof as the interface
moves along the axis of the chamber in response to hand squeeze
pressure exerted upon the flexible walled tube. A dispensing
mechanism is fluidly coupled to the two chambers to provide outlet
passageways therefrom. In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing
mechanism can be adjusted to selectively discharge the fluids and
to vary the proportions thereof.
Inventors: |
Swain; Stephen C. (Westport,
CT) |
Assignee: |
Cambridge Research and Development
Group (Westport, CT)
|
Family
ID: |
26937599 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/412,736 |
Filed: |
November 5, 1973 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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245956 |
Apr 20, 1972 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/94;
222/389 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
35/242 (20130101); B65D 47/242 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65D
35/24 (20060101); B65D 47/04 (20060101); B65D
47/24 (20060101); B65d 035/22 () |
Field of
Search: |
;222/94,142.5,142.6,142.9,145,136,215,326,327,336,386,386.5,389,212 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Reeves; Robert B.
Assistant Examiner: Staggs; H. Grant
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Birch; Richard J.
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 245,956 filed Apr.
20, 1972, now abandoned.
Claims
What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United
States is:
1. A plural chambered, hand squeezable, dispensing tube suitable to
be produced in commercial quantities and functioning effectively
under tolerances permissible in such commercial production, said
dispensing tube comprising:
1. an elongated, flexible walled, squeeze tube means defining first
and second chambers for storing first and second fluids,
respectively, said first chamber having a generally cylindrical
configuration;
2. first and second fluids stored in said first and second
chambers, respectively;
3. a generally circular cylindrical first and second fluid
interface of polymeric foam positioned within and movable along the
axis of said first chamber, said interface having an outside
diameter greater than the maximum diameter of the generally
circular cylindrical first chamber and being compressed when
positioned within said first chamber to form a sliding seal of zero
clearance with the walls of the first chamber which automatically
assumes the cross-sectional size and shape of the generally
cylindrical first chamber to maintain said zero clearance as the
interface moves along the axis thereof;
4. selectively operable outlet means for fluidly coupling to one,
both or neither of said first and second chambers; and,
5. selectively operable means for varying the ratio of the fluid
couplings between said outlet means and said first and second
chambers whereby the ratios of the dispensed first and second
fluids can be varied.
2. A plural chambered, hand squeezable, dispensing tube suitable to
be produced in commercial quantities and functioning effectively
under tolerances permissible in such commercial production, said
dispensing tube comprising:
1. an elongated, flexible walled, squeeze tube means defining first
and second chambers for storing first and second fluids,
respectively, said first chamber having a generally circular
cylindrical configuration;
2. first and second fluids stored in said first and second
chambers, respectively;
3. a generally circular cylindrical first and second fluid
interface of low density polyethylene foam positioned within and
movable along the axis of said first chamber, said interface having
an outside diameter greater than the maximum diameter of the
generally circular cylindrical first chamber and being compressed
when positioned within said first chamber to form a sliding seal of
zero clearance with the walls of the first chamber which
automatically assumes the cross-sectional size and shape of the
generally cylindrical first chamber to maintain said zero clearance
as the interface moves along the axis thereof;
4. selectively operable outlet means for fluidly coupling to one,
both or neither of said first and second chambers; and,
5. selectively operable means for varying the ratio of the fluid
couplings between said outlet means and said first and second
chambers whereby the ratios of the dispensed first and second
fluids can be varied.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said first and second fluid
interface is a closed cell, low density polyethylene foam and
wherein the sliding seal formed by said first and second interface
comprises a plurality of said foam cells that are in open, fluid
communication with the walls of the first chamber and are not in
fluid communication with each other.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to dispensers in general and more
particularly, to a hand squeezable, plural chambered dispensing
tube which utilizes a slightly compressed and resilient interface
acting within a generally cylindrical chamber.
The art of plural chambered "hand squeezable" tube dispensers is
quite extensive and relatively old. Early examples of such
dispensers are found in Hopkins, U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,535,529;
1,639,699; and 1,699,532 issued Apr. 28, 1925; Aug. 23, 1927; and
Jan. 29, 1929, respectively. More recent and also representative
examples of the hand squeezable tube art include Bloom, U.S. Pat.
No. 2,959,327 issued Nov. 8, 1960; Gangwisch, U.S. Pat. No.
3,200,995, issued Aug. 17, 1965; and Farrar, et al. U.S. Pat. No.
3,217,931, issued Nov. 16, 1965.
Plural chambered dispensers which utilize a movable diaphragm
follower to force out one material are shown in the following
United States Patents: Sperro, U.S. Pat. No. 2,873,887 issued Feb.
17, 1959; Maraffino, U.S. Pat. No. 2,914,220, issued Nov. 24, 1959;
Taylor, U.S. Pat. No. 2,944,704, issued July 12, 1960; Sajada, U.S.
Pat. No. 3,002,658, issued Oct. 3, 1961; Gallo, U.S. Pat. No.
3,042,263, issued July 3, 1962; and Gallo, U.S. Pat. No. 3,182,860,
issued May 11, 1965. Similar hand squeezable plural chambered
dispensers having a fixed, but flexible diaphragm are also known in
the art, e.g., Moskovitz, U.S. Pat. 3,031,104 issued Apr. 24,
1962.
The hand squeezable, plural chambered tube dispensers illustrated
in the prior art listed above are not particularly well-suited for
modern day plastic molding techniques and subsequent high speed
assembly and filling line operations. Furthermore, a number of new
products have been proposed which are predicated upon the mixing of
two chemical active agents at the point of use. The aforementioned
plural chambered tube dispensers do not provide significant means
to prevent cross-contamination of these two reactive ingredients,
not only before and during, but also after each dispensing
operation.
Additionally, new product concepts have been identified that expand
upon the concept of plural chambered tube devices but which require
the ability to selectively discharge the fluids and vary the
proportions thereof.
When one approaches the problem of effectively protecting against
product cross-contamination within a plural chambered tube produced
by mass production techniques a number of variables are recognized
which contribute to the problem, such as product viscosity,
injection molding techniques, etc. Since the prior art was
primarily concerned with relatively viscous and compatable
materials such as toothpastes and striping ingredients,
cross-contamination of the stored materials was not a major
problem. However, with the use of thinner lotions or chemically
active agents, greater precautions should be taken to guard against
the occurrence of cross-contamination. An effective interface is
now needed which will form a sliding, yet consistently sealing fit
despite the tolerances and irregularities inherent to today's high
speed molded plastic parts.
It is, accordingly, a general object of the present invention to
provide an improved hand squeezable, plural chambered, dispensing
tube.
It is a specific object of the present invention to provide a hand
squeezable, plural chambered dispensing tube which substantially
eliminates cross-contamination of the dispensed materials during
the entire life cylce of the dispenser.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a hand
squeezable, plural chambered dispensing tube which permits
selective discharging of the stored materials.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a
hand squeezable, plural chambered, dispensing tube which permits
variable ratio dispensing of the stored materials.
It is a feature of the present invention that the functional
elements of the dispensing tube when assembled have the desired
degree of fit and movement yet are still compatable with the
dimensional tolerances common to present day plastic molding
techniques.
It is still another feature of the present invention that the
functional elements thereof can be readily fabricated, assembled
and filled using present day standard techniques and equipment.
It is still further feature of the present invention that hangup of
one or both stored materials is minimized.
These objects and other objects and features of the present
invention will best be understood from a detailed description of a
preferred embodiment thereof, selected for purposes of illustration
and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded view in partial cross-section showing the
structural elements of the hand squeezable, plural chambered tube
dispenser;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view in cross-section showing the dispensing
mechanism of the dispensing tube in the closed position;
FIG. 3 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 2 illustrating the
dispensing mechanism in the position for dispensing one of the two
stored materials;
FIG. 4 is another view in cross-section similar to that shown in
FIG. 2 depicting the dispensing mechanism in position for
dispensing both of the stored materials;
FIGS. 5 through 8 show in cross-section and in sequence another
embodiment of the dispensing mechanism of the tube which provides
for variable ratio dispensing of the two dispensed materials;
and,
FIGS. 9 through 12 show in cross-section and in sequence still
another embodiment of the dispensing mechanism for varying the
ratio of the dispensed materials.
Turning now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1 thereof,
there is shown in exploded and cross-sectional view a plural
chambered, hand squeezable dispensing tube constructed in
accordance with the present invention and indicated generally by
the reference numeral 10. The squeeze tube 10 comprises four major
components: a conventional, flexible walled, hand squeezable tube
12; a tubular insert 14 which defines a generally cylindrical first
chamber 16; an interface 18 formed of a compressible and resilient
material which is positioned within and movable along the axis of
the cylindrical chamber 16; an outsert 20; and, an adjustable
overcap 22.
A removable cap 24 may be supplied with the dispensing tube 10 as
shown in FIG. 1 if desired. However, it should be understood that
the removable cap 24 is optional and does not form a part of the
invention.
The first chamber 16 defined by the tubular insert 14 is used for
storing a first dispensing material or fluid. For purposes of
clarity, the material stored within the first chamber 16 has been
omitted from the drawings. The elongated, flexible walled tube 12
defines a second chamber 26 for storing a second dispensing
material which also has been omitted from the drawing for purposes
of clarity. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
a variety of types of materials or fluids can be stored in the
first and second chambers 16 and 26, respectively. Typically, the
dispenser can be used for dispensing liquids of widely varying
viscosities including gels, pastes, and creams and lotions.
Recently a number of products have been proposed which have
variable product characteristics depending upon the mixing ratios
of two materials. For example, variable color hair dyes and
bleaches can be produced by varying the ratios of a "concentrate"
and "main solution." The terms "concentrate" and "main solution"
are used herein for purposes of descriptive convenience and by way
of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the
types of materials which can be stored in the first and second
chambers of the dispensing tube 10. For example, the concentrate
and main solution both can be in the form of liquids, creams, gels,
lotions, etc.
Looking at FIG. 1, it can be seen that the volume of the first
chamber 16 is substantially smaller than the volume of the second
chamber 26. Using the terminology of concentrate and main solution,
the concentrate is stored in the smaller first chamber 16, while
the main solution is stored in the larger chamber 26. Normally, the
concentrate fill in chamber 16 would be approximately 10 to 20
percent of the total tube capacity. However, other fill ratios can
be employed to accommodate the specific requirements of the product
concept.
A variety of materials can be used to fabricate the major
components of the dispensing tube shown in FIG. 1 subject to a
number of constraints, such as, cost, aesthetics, strength and
other physical characteristics and the compatability with the
concentrate and main solution, etc. Thus, for example, the tube 12
can be formed from a low density polyethylene and molded as a
conventional injection headed tube. The tubular insert 14 is
preferably made of polypropylene while the interface 18 is made of
a moderately low density polyethylene in order to obtain the
desired compressibility and dimensional memory for the interface.
The fact that the interface 18 is both compressible and resilient
permits the interface to conform to or assume the cross-sectional
size and shape of the generally cylindrical first chamber 16.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the molding art that the
dimensional tolerances of the molded insert 14 are in the order of
.+-. 10 thousandths of an inch for a chamber having an inside
diameter of approximately 11/2 inches. Additionally, the interface
when fabricated exhibits dimensional variations of approximately
.+-. 10 thousandths of an inch. Given the variations in the molded
diameter of the first chamber 16 and the size of the interface 18,
the interface must have some elasticity to compensate for these
variations in order to provide a leakproof interface between the
materials contained in the first and second chambers 16 and 26,
respectively.
In the preferred embodiment, the interface 18 comprises a low
density, closed cell foamed polyethylene. An example of a suitable
foam polyethylene for the interface 18 is sold by the Dow Chemical
Company under the trademark "Ethafoam" and the type identification
of No. 220. The closed cell, foamed plastic interface 18 is die cut
to the desired diameter. The die cutting operation leaves a
plurality of broken cell walls adjacent to the chamber wall which
provide the requisite sealing and skrimming function as the
interface moves along the axis of the generally cylindrical first
chamber 16. Although the interface 18 has been shown in FIG. 1 with
a solid lateral surface 18a for purposes of clarity, it will be
appreciated that the surface is relatively rough because of the
myriad cut walls of the closed cell foam.
The interface 18 functions as a dimensional tolerator to compensate
for variations in the inside diameter of the first chamber cylinder
16 caused by normal variations in the plastic molding process.
These variations may be intentional, i.e., draft angle and/or
inherent, i.e., shrinkage. The minimum outside diameter of the
circular interface 18 is designed to be at least equal to the
maximum tolerated molded inside diameter of the first chamber 16.
Under most circumstances, the outside diameter of the circular
interface 18 will be greater than the maximum inside diameter of
the first chamber, thereby compressing the interface when the
interface is inserted in the chamber as shown in FIG. 1. The
resiliency or memory of the interface when in a slightly compressed
state acts to constantly expand and contract and change its
cross-sectional size and shape to assume the cross-sectional size
and shape of the cylindrical chamber 16. It will be appreciated
that even in the situation where the outside diameter of the
interface is exactly equal to the nominal diameter of the first
chamber 16, an effective seal between the two viscous fluids will
be caused by the "zero" clearance all along the distance of the
broken cell walls in the lateral surface 18a which constitutes the
length or "height" of the cylindrical interface 18. Migration of
the two viscous fluids is inhibited by the zero clearance path
between the two fluids. Any fluid migration which does occur is
absorbed by the reservoirs formed by the broken cell walls.
The outsert 20 is molded preferably from a low density polyethylene
while the adjustable overcap 22 is formed from polypropylene. The
alternating sequential arrangement of the relatively soft low
density polyethylene and the relatively hard polypropylene for the
major components of tube 12, insert 14, outsert 20 and overcap 22
is employed to facilitate the fit and assembly of these
components.
Other materials besides a low density polyethylene can be used for
tube 12. For example, conventional metal squeeze tubes or a
laminated combination of plastic and metal foil can be used.
The flexible walled tube 12 is formed with a thicker, relatively
rigid, threaded male neck portion 28 which mates with the
corresponding threaded female portion 30 of the adjustable overcap
22. A plurality of upstanding supporting ribs 32 are positioned
circumferentially around the inner end of the threaded neck portion
28. These ribs support the tubular insert 14 in the assembled
position and define a plurality of fluid channels 34 through which
the main solution passes during the dispensing operation.
In the preferred embodiment, the tubular insert 14 is formed with
relatively rigid walls to prevent distortion by accidentally
squeezing. If not prevented, the accidental squeezing of the
tubular insert 14 could allow the concentrate in chamber 16 to be
dispensed by itself and/or sufficiently distort the interface to
destroy the sliding seal between the lateral surface 18a of the
cylindrical interface and the inner wall surface 14a of the insert
14. However, it should be understood that the same protection can
be achieved by making the walls of the tube 12 relatively rigid in
the portion of the tube surrounding the insert 14 by adding a rigid
sleeve in the tube in this area or by other means.
The preferably rigid walled, insert 14 has a plurality of separate
or integrally molded, outwardly extending ribs 36 which together
with the inner wall surface 12a of the tube 12 define a plurality
of fluid channels 38. The channels 38 fluidly connect the second
chamber 26 with the fluid passageways 34 so that when the flexible
walled portion of the tube 12 is squeezed, the main solution in
chamber 26 will pass downwardly around the outside of insert 14 and
through the fluid passageways 34 into a neck portion bore 40.
Positioned within the threaded neck portion bore 40 is an extension
or neck 42 of the walled insert 14 which is in fluid communication
with the concentrate chamber 16 at one end and which terminates at
the other end in a discharge orifice 44. The insert extension 42 is
held in spaced relation with respect to the walls of bore 40 by
means of a plurality of circumferentially space, outwardly
extending spacer ribs 46. The open areas between the spacer ribs 46
form a corresponding plurality of main solution fluid passageways
extending downwardly through the threaded neck portion bore 40.
Referring now to both FIGS. 1 and 2, it can be seen that the
outsert 20 is fitted over the threaded neck portion 28 and snap
fitted within the insert neck 42. The female portion of the snap
fitting connection is provided by means of a snap fit ring 48
located within bore 50 of the insert neck.
The outsert 20 preferably is molded as a single unit having an
outer shell ring 52, an inner, hollow nozzle element 54 and a
plurality of webs 56 which support the nozzle element 54. The upper
end of the nozzle element 54, as viewed in the drawings, has an
outwardly extending shoulder 58 which functions as the male end of
the snap fitting when the outsert nozzle element 54 is pressed into
the insert neck portion 42 during assembly of the tube components.
The assembled configuration of these elements can best be seen in
the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2.
The lower or discharge end of nozzle element 54 has at least one
concentrate metering slot 60 which is formed in the inner wall
surface of the nozzle element. Similarly, at least one main
solution metering slot 62 is formed in the outer surface of the
nozzle element. These metering slots are used to control the
relative proportions of the dispensed concentrate and main solution
as will be explained below in greater detail.
The adjustable overcap 22 has a sealing plug 64 which is supported
by a plurality of webs 66. The inner end of the sealing plug 64 is
tapered to provide a self-centering action during the assembly of
the adjustable overcap on the threaded neck portion of tube 12.
Referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that in the "Closed" position
shown therein, the sealing plug 64 is positioned within bore 68 of
the outsert nozzle 54 thereby sealing the concentrate metering slot
60.
The basic sealing of the main solution in the "Closed" position is
obtained by means of a flexible sealing ring 70 located in the
overcap 22. This ring seats itself in the "Closed" position against
an outer tapered surface 72 on the end of the outsert nozzle 54 and
thereby limits the tightening rotation of the overcap.
The adjustable overcap also has an inwardly extending flexible
sealing ring 74 which operates in conjunction with the outer
surface of the outsert nozzle element 54 to provide an annular
point seal for the main solution primarily during dispensing. An
outwardly extending skrim ring 76 is provided on the outer ring
element 52 of the outsert to inhibit leakage of the main solution
into the molded threads of the tube neck and the overcap.
Looking now at the sequential cross-sectional views of FIGS. 2, 3,
and 4, FIG. 2 illustrates the "Closed" position of a dispensing
tube (together with the optional, removable cap 24); FIG. 3 shows
the setting of the adjustable overcap 22 for dispensing only the
main solution; and FIG. 4 illustrates the setting of the overcap
for dispensing both the main solution and the concentrate.
Expressed in slightly different terms, the FIG. 2 setting is the
OFF position, FIG. 3 is the main solution or SINGLE setting and
FIG. 4 is the main solution and concentrate or BOTH setting.
Since these settings are achieved by rotating the adjustable
overcap 22 about the tube axis thereby effecting a downward travel
of the overcap, as viewed in the drawings, the relative setting of
the dispenser can be indicated by means of the angular position of
a pointer 78 on the overcap with respect to one or more reference
indicia 80 located on the tube 12. The reference indicia 80 or
graphic indicators can be marked with suitable colors, letters, and
numbers and the like to indicate the corresponding setting of the
adjustable overcap.
In order to dispense either the main solution or a combination of
the main solution and the concentrate, the adjustable overcap is
rotated by the user to the appropriate setting. Assuming that the
cap is set for dispensing only the main solution, when the flexible
wall of tube 12 are squeezed, the main solution in chamber 26 will
flow downwardly through fluid channels 38 and 34 into the threaded
neck portion bore 40. The main solution then passes between the
outsert supporting webs 56 through the main solution metering slot
62 and finally past the sealing plug supporting web 66.
If the overcap is now rotated to the main solution and concentrate
setting as shown in FIG. 4, and the flexible walled tube 12 is
squeezed, the squeezing pressure is transmitted through the main
solution in chamber 26 to the movable foam plastic interface 18,
causing the interface to move downwardly, as viewed in the
drawings. The downward, axial travel of interface 18 within the
generally cylindrical chamber 16 forces the concentrate in chamber
16 into the insert neck bore 50, through the outsert nozzle bore 68
and its associated concentrate metering slot 60 and finally past
the sealing plug supporting webs 66. The main solution travel path
is the same as previously described in connection with the main
solution or SINGLE setting.
It should be noted that in the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 2
through 4 only one concentrate metering slot 60a is employed,
together with a plurality of circumferentially spaced equal length
main solution metering slots, two of which are shown in the Figures
and identified by the referenced numerals 62 and 62b. This
arrangement provides for a fixed ratio dispensing of the main
solution and concentrate. It will be appreciated that the ratio of
the main solution and concentrate can be changed by altering the
length, width and/or number of the concentrate and main solution
metering slots 60 and 62, respectively. For example, the amount of
main solution dispensed with respect to the dispensed concentrate
can be varied, as shown in FIGS. 5 through 8, or the amount of
concentrate can be varied with respect to the amount of dispensed
main solution as shown in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 9
through 12.
Referring to the first sequence illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 8,
it can be seen that there are two equal length concentrate metering
slots 60a and 60b. Although two slots 62a and 62b are provided for
metering the main solution, these slots are of unequal length. FIG.
5 illustrates the closed setting for this embodiment of the hand
squeezable dispensing tube. When the adjustable overcap is rotated
and thereby moved downwardly to the first setting as shown in FIG.
6, only the main solution metering slot 62a is opened to allow a
predetermined amount of the main solution to exit from the
dispenser. Further rotation or downward travel of the adjustable
overcap 22, shown in FIG. 7, opens the two concentrate metering
slots 60a and 60b. In this setting, both the concentrate and main
solution are dispensed in a ratio which is determined by the
relative sizes of the main solution metering slot 62a and the
concentrate metering slots 60a and 60b. If the adjustable overcap
22 is again rotated, the cap will travel downwardly to the position
shown in FIG. 8. At this position, a second main solution metering
slot 62b is opened thereby increasing the amount of dispensed main
solution with respect to the amount of dispensed concentrate.
It is also possible as noted above to vary the amount of
concentrate with respect to the amount of dispensed main solution.
This particular embodiment is illustrated in the sequential
cross-sections shown in FIGS. 9 through 12. FIG. 9 illustrates the
embodiment in the closed position with the optional cap 24 shown in
dotted form. Note that in this configuration, the main solution
metering slots 62a and 62b are of equal length. However, the two
concentrate metering slots 60a and 60b are of unequal length so
that the slots will be exposed sequentially as the adjustable
overcap 22 moves in a downwardly direction as viewed in the
drawings. FIG. 10 illustrates the main solution only setting for
the dispensing tube with only the main solution metering slots 62a
and 62b open. FIG. 11 shows the first setting in which both the
main solution and the concentrate are dispensed from the tube. In
this setting, both of the main solution metering slots 62a and 62b
are open together with the single concentrate metering slot 60a. If
the adjustable overcap is rotated downwardly to the setting shown
in FIG. 12, it can be seen that in addition to the previously
mentioned open concentrate metering slot 60a, metering slot 60b is
also open. Thus, it can be seen that at the setting shown in FIG.
12, the volume of the dispensed concentrate has been increased with
respect to the volume of the dispensed main solution.
It will be appreciated from the preceding description of the
operation of the plural chambered dispensing tube 10 that the
combination of the metering slots and adjustable overcap
selectively controls the discharge or fluid coupling of the
concentrate and main solution fluid paths to the chambers 16 and
26. Thus, it is possible to fluidly couple the dispensing tube
outlet to one or both or neither of the chambers merely by rotating
the adjustable overcap 22 to the appropriate setting of Main
Solution and Concentrate or Closed. Additionally, the amount or
degree of fluid coupling can be varied by selection of the
appropriate combination of concentrate and main solution metering
slots.
Although the main solution metering slots 62 have been shown in the
drawings on the outer surface of the outsert nozzle 54, other
arrangements can be employed. For example, the main solution
metering slots 62 can be placed on the inner surface of the
adjustable overcap and operate in conjunction with a solid outer
surface on the outsert nozzle 54.
It has already been mentioned that in the preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the insert walls 14 are relatively rigid in
order to prevent accidental discharge of the concentrate and
deformation of the foam plastic interface 18. Given the relatively
rigid configuration of the insert walls 14a or alternatively the
surrounding portion of the tube walls 12, it can be seen that when
the concentrate in chamber 16 has been fully dispensed so that the
movable interface 18 is in its full downward position as viewed in
the drawings, the main solution could occupy the volume formerly
occupied by the insert 18. With typical fill ratios of 4:1 main
solution to concentrate, up to 20 percent of the main solution
could be hungup or trapped within the cylindrical chamber of the
insert 14.
The problem of main solution hangup can be substantially eliminated
if the flexible tube walls 12 have a memory so that they will
return to their unsqueezed shape after the squeezing pressure is
released. In this case, air will be sucked back through the main
solution fluid path into the second chamber 26. With air present
within the tube, pressure still can be exerted upon the main
solution even when the level of the main solution is depleted below
the upper end of the insert cylinder 14 (as viewed in the
drawings). If the insert 14 is provided with a plurality of
circumferentially spaced main solution slots 82 as shown in FIG. 1,
the main solution can be forced outwardly through the slots 82 and
then downwardly through the normal main solution channels 38. This
configuration minimizes the amount of main solution trapped within
the insert and allows the user to discharge substantially all of
the main solution. The depth of the main solution slots 82 is less
than the axial length or height of the cylindrical interface 18 in
order to provide a sufficient seal between the lateral surface 18a
of the interface and inner wall surface 14a of the insert.
It will be appreciated that in the case of self-collapsing tubes
which do not have a memory, such as, metal tubes, no air is sucked
back through the main solution fluid path. Accordingly, a greater
amount of main solution remains trapped within the insert cylinder
14.
Looking at FIG. 1, it can be seen that the generally cylindrical
interface 18 has a substantial axial length or height. In order to
achieve maximum volumetric replacement of the concentrate within
chamber 16, the length of the cylindrical interface 18 is made
substantially equal to the height or fill level of the concentrate
within chamber 16. Thus, when the concentrate is fully depleted,
the cylindrical interface 18 replaces the same volume as the
concentrate.
Having described in detail a preferred embodiment of the plural
chambered dispensing tube of the present invention, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
alternative constructions can be made without departing from the
scope of the invention. For example, the first chamber 16 and the
interface 18 have been depicted in the drawings as having a
circular cylindrical configuration. However, other cylindrical
shapes, such as, elliptical, rectilinear, etc., can be used for the
first chamber 16 together with a correspondingly shaped interface
18.
The interface itself has been described as comprising a low density
polyethylene foam which provides the desired degree of
compressibility and resiliency. It will be appreciated that the
interface can have a relatively rigid core portion with a perimeter
section of a compressible and resilient material. The
compressibility and resiliency of the perimeter section should be
sufficient to compensate for the molding tolerances of the insert
chamber 16.
* * * * *