Container having improved dispensing and storage capabilities

Abstract

Generally described, the present invention relates to the use of a flexible container for use in dispensing a deformable material, which includes a plurality of seals along the length of the container. As the container is emptied, the seals would be spaced in such a way that each section would interlock and in doing so would contain the material and not allow it to be squeezed any further back towards the bottom of the container than the last interlocked section.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the storage of materials that may be stored in and subsequently discharged from a flexible container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of flexible containers for the dispensing of items such as toothpaste is well known. However, there is always a need in the art to provide improvements for same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally described, the present invention relates to the use of a flexible container for use in storing and subsequently dispensing a deformable material, which includes at least one intermediate and possibly a plurality of seals along the length of the container. As the container is emptied, the seals would be spaced in such a way that each section would interlock and in doing so would contain the material and not allow it to be squeezed any further back towards the bottom of the container than the last interlocked section. It should also be understood that this could also provide more accurate dispensing from a tube.

Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved dispensing apparatus and method for using same.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved dispensing apparatus and method for using same which includes a plurality of seals therein.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved dispensing apparatus and method for using same which includes a plurality of independent seals therein.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved dispensing apparatus and method for using same which includes a plurality of independent seals therein, which may be initially open during the initial containment of material within the associated container, but progressively closed as the container is emptied.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention when taken in conjunction with the drawing and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the invention, which shows a flexible container 10 (such as a toothpaste tube but not to be so limited) which includes a plurality (in actuality five) of selectively engageable transverse seals 20, which includes mating seal portions 20A, 20B. The seals 20, define storage sections 30 therebetween. It may be understood that the spacing of the seals could be varied to dispense a given amount. Each segment's seal is similar to a reclosable sandwich bag. The portions 20A, 20B, can be mated together for sealing, and if desired opened for unsealing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

The basic concept for this application can be most easily understood when applied to a normal tooth paste tube but could be applied to any product dispensed from a tube such as, but not limited to, modeling blue, dedicated creams, painting caulk, epoxy (or components thereof), etc. The interior of the tube would be manufactured with a series of interlocking ridges similar to a re-sealable sandwich bag's locking system.

In one embodiment, the seals 20 could be spaced in such a way that as the toothpaste was squeezed out of the tube 10 from the bottom up, each section would interlock and in doing so would contain the toothpaste and not allow it to be squeezed any further back towards the bottom of the tube than the last interlocked section.

In one embodiment, the spacing should be close enough so as to not allow pockets of toothpaste to be trapped in the tube prior to being squeezed out. A possible additional feature might be a one way valve or flap that would allow any toothpaste trapped between sections to be squeezed out toward the tube but not re-enter.

It should also be understood that the seal could also be of the type which includes a graspable zipper tab, or is locked by simply pushing the two seals together from opposing sides. It should also be understood that the seal could be of the type that easily locks but is more difficult to unlock.

Other applications of this concept are limitless but some further specific applications are listed below:

Re-sealable bags could be manufactured on a continuous roll with interlocking sections at a given spacing (for example 1 pint) and then the consumer could have a bag that could be cut (by a cutting mechanism built into the box) to be used as any desired multiple of the spacing (for example 1 pint, 2 pint, 3 pint, etc.). One potential container could be severed at either end of such a configuration, if the seals are spaced equally, or the invention also contemplates the use of relatively close “pairs” of seals, with each pair spaced along the tube of containing material, such that a cut could be made in between a closely-spaced pair of seals, so as to reduce waste. In this case the waste would be between the closely spaced seals as opposed to seals spaced at a distance so as to contain a desired volume (for example 1 pint) within a segment 30.

This application would be very beneficial in instances where it is desired to get as much of the product out of the tube as possible such as in icing a cake. It would also be useful in instances where a desired number of units are required to be dispensed such as in applying hair color or mixing epoxy glue components.

The invention could be referred to under the LADDERLOC trademark.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A container for dispensing a product, said dispenser comprising:

at least two side wall panels; and

a plurality of seals configured to connect said side wall panels such that differing dispensing volumes may be provided depending on the engagement of said seals.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said seals are resealable.

3. A method for dispensing product from a flexible container, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a container having at least two side wall panels and at least one seal configured to connect said side wall panels such that differing dispensing volumes may be provided depending on the engagement or disengagement of said seal;

dispensing material with said seal disengaged until an amount of material has been expended from a first, larger, dispensing volume;

sealing said seal such that a smaller dispensing volume is provided; and

dispensing said product from said second, smaller, dispensing volume.

4. A dispensing apparatus, said dispensing apparatus comprising:

a pair of cofacing side walls;

a plurality of spaced-apart seals, such that sealing or unsealing the seals provides a selective variation of dispensing apparatus capacity.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said seals are resealable.