Double container squeezing assembly

Abstract

A double container squeezing mechanism includes a first side that contacts a surface of a first container, and a second side that contacts a surface of a second container when the first and second containers are disposed adjacent to each other and within the double container squeezing mechanism. The squeezing mechanism is designed to squeeze material from within the interiors of both the first and second containers through their respective outlets as the double container squeezing mechanism is displaced towards those outlets. The squeezing mechanism also includes a device that prevents displacement of the squeezing mechanism in the direction opposite to the first and second containers' outlets.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/685,263, filed Oct. 10, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,298, which issued Oct. 16, 2001, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/116,609, filed Jul. 16, 1998, abandoned. The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,298 is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to squeezeable containers such as tooth-paste containers, gel containers, cream containers, etc.

[0003] It is known that with squeezeable containers, after most of the substance stored within such containers has been extracted out, there inevitably remains within the container a small amount of such substance. Forcing out of such remaining amount of substance is either not possible or difficult to achieve.

[0004] Examples of prior art mechanisms used for squeezing out material stored within containers include U.S. Pat. No. 3,536,234, U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,333, U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,851, U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,036, U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,348, U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,629, U.S. Pat. No. 5,277,335, U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,369, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,593. The devices disclosed in these patents are either difficult to use, require two-handed operation or are difficult to manufacture.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a container for squeezeable material which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0006] More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a container for squeezeable material which guarantees that the entire volume of the material or substance contained within the container can be dispensed from the container.

[0007] Still further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a double container squeezing assembly. In particular, an assembly capable of squeezing two or more containers or tubes simultaneously.

[0008] In accordance with these objects and other objects which are apparent from the disclosure herein, the double container squeezing mechanism of the present invention has structure to surround two containers having material therein and, when the squeezing mechanism is displaced towards the two containers' outlets, the material within the containers are forced out through those outlets. The squeezing mechanism also includes a device that prevents displacement of the squeezing mechanism in the direction opposite to the containers' outlets.

[0009] As various features of the double container squeezing mechanism of the present invention, the device that prevents displacement in the opposite direction may include one or more teeth disposed to contact one of the containers or both of the containers. The device may be a roller that urges against one of the containers, or two rollers that urge against both containers.

[0010] As another feature, one or both of the containers may include a flexible surface on which a plurality of depressions and projections are arranged in the longitudinal direction, and the squeezing mechanism includes one or more teeth or rollers that interact with those depressions and projections. Audible or tactile clicks are provided upon movement of the squeezing mechanism towards the containers' outlets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The following detailed description, given by way of example and not intended to limit the present invention solely thereto, will best be appreciated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and parts, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front view of a container with a squeezing out mechanism in a starting l position in accordance with the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the container and squeezing out mechanism shown in FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 3 is another front view of the container with the squeezing out mechanism with the squeezing out mechanism shown moved toward the container's front in accordance with the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a top view of the container and squeezing out mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a view showing a section taken along the line A-A in FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a view showing a section taken along the line B-B of FIG. 2 of a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a view showing a section taken along the line B-B of FIG. 3 of still a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 6 but showing yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a view showing a section A-A of FIG. 1 with a squeezing out mechanism in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 10 is a top view of the container with a squeezing out mechanism in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 10 in accordance with still yet a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 12 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11;

[0024] FIG. 13 is a view of the section taken along the line D-D in FIG. 11; and

[0025] FIG. 14 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] A container for a squeezeable material in accordance with the present invention has a container member formed, for example, as a tube and is identified as reference numeral 1 in the various drawings. The tube has a hollow interior for accommodating squeezeable material and an opening closeable by a cover as shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 10-12. In accordance with the present invention, a squeezing out mechanism is provided for squeezing out the material from the interior of the tube 1. The squeezing out mechanism is identified as reference number 2 in the various drawings. Squeezing out mechanism 2, as discussed, includes means for allowing displacement of the mechanism 2 along the tube 1 toward the tube's opening and also includes means for preventing (preventing means) displacement of mechanism 2 in the opposite direction (toward the non-open end of the tube). In the various views, such means is formed on, for example, portion 3 of the squeezing out mechanism 2.

[0027] The squeezing out mechanism 2 may be formed as a peripherally enclosed frame having a central opening. The height T (FIG. 5) of the central opening must be at least equal to, or just slightly greater than, double the thickness of the wall of tube 1. The length S (FIG. 5) of the central opening must be longer than the transverse width of tube 1.

[0028] The previously mentioned means for preventing displacement of the mechanism 2 in the opposite direction of the tube's opening in shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6 as including one tooth or, alternatively, multiple teeth disposed along the mechanism's width. Each tooth is formed so that during displacement of the squeezing out mechanism towards the tube's opening, the teeth (or tooth) yield rearwardly, but in response to attempted motion of the squeezing out mechanism 2 in the opposite direction, each tooth engages or wedges into the surface 4 of tube 1. For this purpose, each tooth 11 has a hardness which is greater than the hardness of the surface of tube 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, teeth 12 have a hardness that is equal to or smaller than the hardness of the surface of tube 1. However, the teeth 12 in FIG. 7 are arranged one behind another in a direction of displacement of the squeezing out mechanism along the tube. Therefore, when an attempt is made to displace the squeezing out mechanism in the opposite direction, the teeth 12 arranged as shown in FIG. 7 prevent such displacement.

[0029] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, tube 1 is provided with a flexible surface 4 that includes a plurality of depressions and projections 5. A tooth or teeth 13 are arranged on the squeezing out mechanism in a direction towards the outlet opening so that the teeth yield and move from one depression into the next depression. However, when an attempt is made to displace the squeezing out mechanism in the opposite direction, tooth (or teeth) 13 abut against corresponding flanks of the projections. The embodiment of FIG. 4 advantageously provides both audible and tactile clicks upon displacement of the squeezing out mechanism towards the tube's opening. Such clicks, whether audibly heard or felt through one's hands, enables a user to identify the amount of substance or material being extracted from the tube. Thus, exact measurements of volume or dosages of material can be extracted from the tube in a convenient and simple manner. While beneficial to most users, such audible and tactile clicks are particularly beneficial to blind persons or use of the device in the dark, and whether the tube contains toothpaste or medicine or other material, it is particularly useful to anyone to be able to control the exact amount of material that is extracted from the tube.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the teeth are inclined in a direction opposite to the direction of the displacement of the squeezing out mechanism 2 toward the opening of tube 1.

[0031] FIG. 9 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the squeezing out mechanism is formed as a frame composed of two semi-frames 15 and 16. The semi-frames 15, 16 are connected with one another by a bolt 17. With such a construction, assembly and disassembly of the squeezing out mechanism is quick and simple: the semi-frames are places on opposite sides of the tube, and the semi-frames are attached to one another by inserting bolt 17 through them.

[0032] FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of the squeezing out mechanism, wherein mechanism 2 is provided with a roller 18 which frictionally engages the surface of the tube 1. The roller 18 is held rotatably in the lateral supports 21.

[0033] FIGS. 11-13 show yet a further embodiment of the present invention. As shown, squeezing out mechanism includes a roller 19 that includes a plurality of teeth disposed around its periphery, and a catch 20 is mounted on the frame of the squeezing mechanism. Catch 20 is arranged to project into the spaces between the teeth of roller 19 in the manner shown, so that displacement of the squeezing out mechanism towards the tube's opening causes roller 19 to rotate resulting in the teeth of the roller to contact and displace catch 22. However, motion of the squeezing out mechanism 2 in the opposite direction is prevented since catch 20 reliably prevents rotation of roller 19 in the opposite direction. Moreover, catch 20 provides both an audible and tactile click similar to the click mentioned previously with respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 8. Also, as previously discussed, such audible and tactile clicks are beneficial to allow an exact volume or dosage to be extracted, and is particular useful for blind persons, operation of the device in the dark, or extraction of an exact, designated dosage (e.g., of medicine).

[0034] FIG. 14 shows still yet a further embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the squeezing out mechanism 2 (also called double container squeezing mechanism or double tube squeezing mechanism herein) is designed to allow two tubes 1, 30 to be disposed within its central portion. Similar to various embodiments previously discussed, portion 3 of mechanism 2 provides capability to allow displacement of the squeezing out mechanism towards both tubes' openings, and which prevents motion of the mechanism 2 in the opposite direction. Such portion 3 can have the designs shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 10 or 11-13. FIG. 14 is particularly useful for fields and applications that require mixing of substances. For example, various epoxies are formed by the combination of two substances. The embodiment of FIG. 14 is particular useful for such an application since equal dosages of two substances can be extracted in a quick and efficient manner. Moreover, dosage amounts can be exactly determined by using the clicks provided in the designs shown in FIGS. 4, 8 and 11-20 13. Of course, the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 is not limited to two tubes, but may be used with three (3) or more tubes depending on the particular applications of the present invention.

[0035] In accordance with the double container squeezing mechanism of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 14, the squeezing mechanism 2 may be used to squeeze tube 1 that includes a flexible surface 4 with a plurality of depressions and projections 5 as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 8, or the embodiment of FIGS. 11-13, and also to squeeze tube 30 that may or may not include such depressions and projections.

[0036] Moreover, the double container squeezing mechanism of the present invention may include any of the previously discussed preventing means (i.e., means for preventing displacement of the mechanism in a direction opposite the tube's openings—i.e., discontinuous contact surface—e.g., tooth 11, teeth 12, roller 19, etc.) on both of its sides. That is, the double container squeezing mechanism may include a tooth (e.g., tooth 11 shown in FIG. 6) on one side contacting tube 1 and another tooth on its other side contacting tube 30. As another example, multiple teeth (e.g., teeth 12 shown in FIG. 7) may be provided on both sides for contact with both tubes 1, 30.

[0037] In a similar manner, both tubes 1 and 30 may include respective flexible surfaces with pluralities of depressions and projections (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4) where such flexible surfaces are in contact with the double container squeezing mechanism. In such case, the squeezing mechanism may include on both of its sides a tooth or teeth 13 (as shown in FIG. 8). Alternatively, the double container squeezing mechanism may include two sets of rollers 19 (such as shown in FIG. 13) and two sets of catches 20 and lateral supports 21 (FIG. 13).

[0038] As would be appreciated, each of the embodiments described herein allows for one-handed operation of a device in accordance with the present invention to squeeze out material from a tube. Also, it should be understood that the elements and devices described above, either separate or combined, may also find useful application on other types of constructions different from that described herein.

[0039] While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in containers for squeezing out material, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown and discussed herein, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

[0040] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gift of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

[0041] Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims be interpreted as including the embodiments described herein, the alternatives mentioned above, and all equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A double container squeezing mechanism, comprising:

a first side adapted to contact a surface of a first container; and

a second side adapted to contact a surface of a second container when disposed adjacent the first container, said first and second sides of the double container squeezing mechanism fixed to surround both of the first and second containers and adapted to squeeze material from within respective interiors of the first and second containers through respective outlets of said first and second containers as said first and second sides of the double container squeezing mechanism are displaced towards the outlets of said first and second containers; one of said first and second sides including preventing means for preventing displacement of the first and second sides in an opposite direction to said displacement towards the outlets.

2. The double container squeezing mechanism of claim 1, wherein the other of said first and second sides includes second preventing means for preventing displacement of the first and second sides in the opposite direction.

3. The double container squeezing mechanism of claim 1, wherein said preventing means includes at least one tooth adapted to engage the surface of one of said first and second containers when the first and second sides of the double container squeezing mechanism is displaced in the opposite direction.

4. The double container squeezing mechanism of claim 3, wherein the other of said first and second sides includes at least one tooth adapted to engage the surface of the other of said first and second containers when the first and second sides of the double container squeezing mechanism is displaced in the opposite direction.

5. The double container squeezing mechanism of claim 1, wherein said preventing means includes a plurality of teeth arranged behind one another in a direction of movement of the first and second sides and adapted to engage the surface of one of said first and second containers when the first and second sides of the double container squeezing mechanism is displaced in the opposite direction.

6. The double container squeezing mechanism of claim 5, wherein the other of said first and second sides includes a plurality of teeth arranged behind one another in a direction of movement of the first and second sides and adapted to engage the surface of the other of said first and second containers when the first and second sides of the double container squeezing mechanism is displaced in the opposite direction.

7. The double container squeezing mechanism of claim 1, wherein one of said first and second containers has a flexible wall on which a plurality of depressions and projections are arranged in the longitudinal direction; and the preventing means is comprised of at least one tooth urging against the flexible wall of said one of said first and second containers and is displaced as it engages said depressions and projections, said at least one tooth shaped to prevent displacement of the first and second sides in the opposite direction.

8. The double container squeezing mechanism of claim 7, wherein the at least one tooth is adapted to emit an audible click upon displacement past each of the projections on the flexible wall as the first and second sides of the double container squeezing mechanism is moved towards the outlets of the first and second containers.

9. The double container squeezing mechanism of claim 7, wherein the at least one tooth is adapted to emit a tactile click upon displacement past each of the projections on the flexible wall as the first and second sides of the double container squeezing mechanism is moved towards the outlets of the first and second containers.

10. The double container squeezing mechanism of claim 1, wherein both of said first and second containers has a flexible wall on which a plurality of depressions and projections are arranged in the longitudinal direction; and the preventing means is comprised of a tooth urging against the flexible wall of said first containers and a tooth urging against the flexible wall of said second container; said first tooth and second tooth being displaced as they engage said depressions and projections and shaped to prevent displacement of the first and second sides in the opposite direction.

11. The double container squeezing mechanism of claim 1, wherein the preventing means includes a roller that urges against the surface of one of said first and second containers, said roller rotating as the first and second sides of the double container squeezing mechanism is moved towards the outlets of said first and second containers.

12. The double container squeezing mechanism of claim 11, wherein the roller includes a plurality of projections extending from its periphery; and the preventing means also includes a catch engageable with each of the projections of the roller as the roller rotates; the catch adapted to allow rotation of the roller in one direction when the double container squeezing mechanism is moved towards the outlets and adapted to prevent rotation of the roller in the opposite direction.

13. The double container squeezing mechanism of claim 12, wherein the catch is adapted to emit one of an audible or tactile click upon displacement past each of the projections on the roller as the double container squeezing mechanism is moved towards the outlets.

14. The double container squeezing mechanism of claim 12, wherein the preventing means further includes a second roller that urges against the surface of the other of said first and second containers, said second roller rotating as the first and second sides of the double container squeezing mechanism is moved towards the outlets of said first and second containers.

15. The double container squeezing mechanism of claim 14, wherein the second roller includes a plurality of projections extending from its periphery; and the preventing means further includes a second catch engageable with each of the projections of the second roller as the second roller rotates; the second catch adapted to allow rotation of the second roller in one direction when the double container squeezing mechanism is moved towards the outlets and adapted to prevent rotation of the second roller in the opposite direction.

16. The double container squeezing mechanism of claim 1, wherein one of the first and second containers has a surface on which a plurality of projections and depressions are arranged in the longitudinal direction; and the preventing means includes a roller having a plurality of projections extending from its periphery, a respective one of the projections of the roller being received within a respective one of the depressions of said one of the first and second containers as the double container squeezing mechanism is moved towards the outlets; the preventing means further including a catch engageable with each of the projections of the roller as the roller rotates; the catch adapted to allow rotation of the roller in one direction when the double container squeezing mechanism is moved towards the outlets and adapted to prevent rotation of the roller in the opposite direction.

17. A double container squeezing assembly, comprising:

a first elongated container having an outlet;

a second elongated container having an outlet, said second elongated container being disposed adjacent to said first elongated container;

a squeezing mechanism surrounding exteriors of the first and second containers for squeezing material from interiors of the first and second containers through said outlets by displacing said squeezing mechanism toward said outlets; said squeezing mechanism including a discontinuous contact surface shaped to preventing displacement of the squeezing mechanism in an opposite direction to said displacement towards the outlets.

18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the discontinuous contact surface is disposed on the squeezing mechanism to contact one of said first and second containers; said squeezing mechanism including a second discontinuous contact surface disposed to contact the other of said first and second containers and shaped to prevent displacement of the squeezing mechanism in the opposite direction.

19. The assembly of claim 17, wherein said discontinuous contact surface is a tooth adapted to engage a surface of one of said first and second containers when the squeezing mechanism is displaced in the opposite direction.

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the squeezing mechanism includes a second tooth adapted to engage a surface of the other of said first and second containers when the squeezing mechanism is displaced in the opposite direction.

21. The assembly of claim 17, wherein one of said first and second containers has a flexible wall on which a plurality of depressions and projections are arranged in the longitudinal direction; and the discontinuous contact surface is comprised of a tooth urging against the flexible wall and is displaced as it engages said depressions and projections, said tooth shaped to prevent displacement of the squeezing mechanism in the opposite direction.

22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the tooth is adapted to emit one of an audible and tactile click upon displacement past each of the projections on the flexible wall.

23. The assembly of claim 17, wherein both of said first and second containers have a respective flexible wall on which a plurality of depressions and projections are arranged in the longitudinal direction; and the squeezing mechanism includes a first tooth urging against the flexible wall of said first container and a second tooth urging against the flexible wall of said second container; said first tooth and second tooth being displaced as they engage said depressions and projections and shaped to prevent displacement of the squeezing mechanism in the opposite direction.

24. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the squeezing mechanism includes a roller that urges against the surface of one of said first and second containers, said roller rotating as the squeezing mechanism is moved towards the outlets of said first and second containers.

25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein the roller includes a plurality of projections extending from its periphery; and the squeezing mechanism includes a catch engageable with each of the projections of the roller as the roller rotates; the catch adapted to allow rotation of the roller in one direction when the squeezing mechanism is moved towards the outlets and adapted to prevent rotation of the roller in the opposite direction.

26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the catch is adapted to emit one of an audible or tactile click upon displacement past each of the projections on the roller as the squeezing mechanism is moved towards the outlets.

27. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the squeezing mechanism further includes a second roller that urges against the surface of the other of said first and second containers, said second roller rotating as the squeezing mechanism is moved towards the outlets of said first and second containers.

28. The assembly of claim 27, wherein the second roller includes a plurality of projections extending from its periphery; and the squeezing mechanism includes a second catch engageable with each of the projections of the second roller as the second roller rotates; the second catch adapted to allow rotation of the second roller in one direction when the squeezing mechanism is moved towards the outlets and adapted to prevent rotation of the second roller in the opposite direction.

29. The assembly of claim 17, wherein one of the first and second containers has a surface on which a plurality of projections and depressions are arranged in the longitudinal direction; and the squeezing mechanism includes a roller having a plurality of projections extending from its periphery, a respective one of the projections of the roller being received within a respective one of the depressions of said one of the first and second containers as the squeezing mechanism is moved towards the outlets; the squeezing mechanism including a catch engageable with each of the projections of the roller as the roller rotates; the catch adapted to allow rotation of the roller in one direction when the squeezing mechanism is moved towards the outlets and adapted to prevent rotation of the roller in the opposite direction.