COLLAPSIBLE TUBE CONTAINER WITH ONE OR MORE ONE-WAY VALVES

Abstract

An improved collapsible tube container according to the present invention is provided with one or more one-way valves affixed to the interior of its flexible chamber to reduce backflow during the dispensing and storage of fluid contents. Each one-way valve approximates a hollow generalized cylinder that may be right or tapered, and is composed of flexible material. Each valve is arranged such that fluid moves through it in a preferred direction toward the outflow nozzle. The functionality of the collapsible tube container is improved by the resultant promotion of unidirectional fluid movement.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to containers, and more particularly to a collapsible tube container provided with one or more one-way valves affixed to the interior of its flexible chamber for the purpose of reducing backflow during the dispensing and storage of fluid contents.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Collapsible tube containers are well-known in the prior art and are employed in a host of applications, including the dispensing and storage of toothpaste, pharmaceutical ointments, cosmetics, food preparations, and other industrial and household products.

Conventionally, a collapsible tube container embodies a flexible, hollow cylinder that is flattened closed and transversely sealed at one end. The opposite end of this tubular structure is provided with a shoulder that tapers to an outflow nozzle. A closure, such as removable cap, is provided to cover the nozzle and seal the container for storage. The walls of the tubular chamber may be composed of metal or plastic, or a combination thereof, as exemplified in aluminum barrier laminate tubes. Aluminum barrier laminate (ABL) is a material that comprises layers of metallic foil and polymeric compositions, and is well-known to the industry. The light-gauge metallic foil used in the ABL material allows the walls of the collapsible tube container to deform inelastically under an applied force.

The user dispenses the contents of a collapsible tube container by squeezing together the walls of the tubular chamber. This compression increases pressure within the chamber, expelling an amount of fluid product from the container via the nozzle. However, the squeezing action may also move an amount of fluid product in the opposite direction, away from the nozzle and toward the flat transverse seal. This fluid backflow effect is negligible when the container is near full-capacity, but becomes increasingly apparent as the container is progressively emptied. Depending on the orientation of the tube container during storage, gravity may also cause fluid backflow. Fluid backflow therefore introduces a functional inefficiency to the design of the conventional collapsible tube container, as it requires the user to repeatedly manipulate the displaced fluid product back toward the nozzle for dispensing.

In a prior attempt to address the fluid backflow issue in collapsible tube containers, a movable plug, or “follower”, is provided within the chamber of a tube container (Ballin, 1967, U.S. Pat. No. 3,297,207). According to this design, the fluid product is situated between the nozzle and the follower, the latter of which is sized to circumferentially abut the interior surface of the tubular chamber. The user manipulates the follower toward the nozzle to dispense the contents of the container. Although this proposed design reduces the fluid backflow effect by providing a barrier behind the advancing fluid product, it is not without limitations. The follower occupies substantial volume within the tube container, reducing the amount of space available for fluid product while also increasing the overall bulk and weight of the container.

Another previous attempt to address the fluid backflow issue proposes a motorized dispenser for a collapsible tube container (Bertrand, 1973, U.S. Pat. No. 3,738,533). A collapsible tube container is situated between two rollers, which are driven toward the nozzle by an electric motor to dispense the contents of the container. This dispensing contraption is situated entirely within an enclosure. While this design reduces the effect of fluid backflow in the tube container, it suffers from several limitations, such as the complexity of the contraption, the large volume occupied by the enclosure, and the requirement of external power to actuate the roller mechanisms.

The subject of one-way valves will be raised at this point, as it is an integral concept of the present invention. One-way valves, also referred to as “check valves” or “non-return valves”, are mechanical devices through which fluids move in one preferred direction. The operation of one-way valves is typically automatic, relying on the pressure differential across either end of the valve to regulate fluid movement and promote unidirectional flow. One-way valves are employed in a wide range of applications and embody designs of varying materials and degrees of mechanical complexity. Duckbill valves and the mitral valve (a.k.a. bicuspid valve), the latter of which is situated between the left atrium and left ventricle of the mammalian heart, are two examples of simple one-way valves composed of flexible materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An improved collapsible tube container is provided with one or more one-way valves affixed to the interior of its flexible chamber. The one-way valve approximates a hollow generalized cylinder that may be right or tapered, and is composed of flexible material which enables it to conform to the dynamic cross-section of the container's tubular chamber. The one-way valve is arranged coaxially with the tubular container and is affixed to the interior surface of the chamber along the periphery of the valve's edge that is distal to the outflow nozzle. During dispensing, the fluid product moves unrestricted through the one-way valve toward the outflow nozzle, but is otherwise prevented from flowing back in the opposite direction as the unconstrained edge of the valve collapses together and forms a seal. The one-way valve may be provided with a tapered profile, a beveled anterior edge, and/or non-uniform wall thickness; these features serve to enhance the valve's sealing capability. Multiple one-way valves may be implemented in a serial configuration along the length of the collapsible tube container to further reduce fluid backflow.

It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide a collapsible tube container with one or more one-way valves to reduce backflow during the dispensing and storage of fluid contents.

Another object of the present invention is to improve the functionality of a collapsible tube container by enabling the user to more easily and effectively dispense the contents of the container.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved collapsible tube container that assumes a form factor and dispensing method that are familiar to the user.

Yet another object of the present invention is to reduce environmental waste by maximizing the amount of fluid product extracted from the tube container.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a one-way valve design that is simple, effective, and economical to implement.

Another object of the present invention to provide a one-way valve design that incurs a minimal increase to the bulk, weight, and complexity of the container.

Still further objects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the present invention, are set forth with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric partial cutaway view of a filled collapsible tube container with a single one-way valve, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of a filled collapsible tube container with a tapered one-way valve, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of the arrangement from FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the improved collapsible tube container from FIG. 2 during the dispensing process, in an intermediate state of depletion;

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of the improved collapsible tube container from FIG. 2 during the dispensing process, in an advanced state of depletion;

FIG. 6 shows a detailed sectional view of a collapsible tube container with a tapered one-way valve that is provided with a beveled anterior edge, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a detailed sectional view of a collapsible tube container with a tapered one-way valve that is provided with non-uniform wall thickness, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of a filled collapsible tube container with multiple one-way valves, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, several embodiments of an improved collapsible tube container provided with one or more one-way valves will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an isometric partial cutaway view showing the configuration of a collapsible tube container 1 with a single one-way valve 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The chamber 3 of the container 1 embodies a hollow tube that is flattened closed at one end and provided with a transverse seal 4. The opposite end of the tubular chamber 3 is provided with a shoulder 5 that tapers to an outflow nozzle 6. A closure (not shown) is provided to cover the nozzle 6 and seal the container 1 for storage. The walls of the tubular chamber 3 are composed of flexible material such as aluminum barrier laminate, and the container 1 is filled with a fluid product such as toothpaste.

A directional convention that will be referenced in the ensuing descriptions and claims is hereby established: “anterior” refers to the direction toward the outflow nozzle 6, and “posterior” refers to the direction toward the transverse seal 4. In a normal unstressed state, the one-way valve 2 approximates a hollow generalized cylinder that is composed of flexible material, which enables it to conform to the dynamic cross-sectional profile of the tubular chamber 3. The one-way valve 2 is positioned between the nozzle 6 and the transverse seal 4, and is arranged coaxially with the tubular chamber 3. The one-way valve 2 is affixed to the interior surface of the tubular chamber 3 along the periphery of the valve's posterior edge 7.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view with visible hidden lines showing the configuration of a collapsible tube container 8 with a tapered one-way valve 9, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The container 8 is filled with a fluid product 10 such as toothpaste. The one-way valve 9 is affixed to the interior surface of the tubular chamber 3 along the periphery of the valve's posterior edge 11. The narrower anterior edge 12 of the one-way valve 9 protrudes unconstrained toward the outflow nozzle 6. To this effect, the one-way valve 9 may approximate a hollow truncated cone (frusto-conical shell), a hollow truncated paraboloid (frusto-paraboloidal shell), a hollow truncated neiloid (frusto-neiloidal shell), or any axially-revolved profile with an anterior edge that forms an opening narrower than the posterior edge. The tapered profile of the one-way valve 9 causes fluid product 10 that is moving in the posterior direction to be directed away from the valve's lumen. This enhances the sealing capability of the valve 9 and results in further reduction of fluid backflow.

FIG. 3 is a medial sectional view showing the improved collapsible tube container 8 from FIG. 2. The container 8 is filled with a fluid product 10. The tapered one-way valve 9 is affixed to the interior surface of the container's tubular chamber 3 along the periphery of the valve's posterior edge 11. The valve's narrower anterior edge 12 is unconstrained and protrudes toward the outflow nozzle 6.

FIG. 4 is a medial sectional view showing the improved collapsible tube container 8 from FIG. 2 during the dispensing process, in an intermediate state of depletion. The user 13 unfastens the closure from the outflow nozzle 6 and dispenses the fluid product 10 by squeezing together the walls of the tubular chamber 3. Arrows 14 visualize the fluid product movement that results from the compression applied by the user 13. The fluid product 10 moves toward the nozzle 6 with negligible resistance from the one-way valve 9. The walls of the tubular chamber 3 converge under the compressive force applied by the user 13, and the flexible valve 9 conforms to the flattened profile of the tubular chamber 3.

FIG. 5 is a medial sectional view showing the improved collapsible tube container 8 from FIG. 2 during the dispensing process, in an advanced state of depletion. The user 13 squeezes together the walls of the tubular chamber 3 at a location between the outflow nozzle 6 and the one-way valve 9. Arrows 15 visualize the fluid product movement that results from this compression. The user's squeezing action displaces the fluid product 10 in opposite directions originating from the point of compression—both toward the outflow nozzle 6 and toward the transverse seal 4. The fluid 10 that is moving backward in the direction of the transverse seal 4 causes the narrower anterior edge 12 of the flexible one-way valve 9 to collapse together. This forms a seal and prevents fluid 10 from flowing back through the lumen of the one-way valve 9 toward the transverse seal 4.

FIG. 6 is a medial sectional view showing the detail of a collapsible tube container 16 with a tapered one-way valve 17 that is provided with a beveled anterior edge 18 during the dispensing process, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The anterior edge 18 of the one-way valve 17 is beveled, causing fluid product 10 that is moving in the posterior direction to be directed away from the valve's lumen. Arrows 19 visualize the fluid product movement. The beveled anterior edge 18 enhances the sealing capability of the one-way valve 17, resulting in further reduction of fluid backflow.

FIG. 7 is a medial sectional view showing the detail of a collapsible tube container 20 with a tapered one-way valve 21, said valve provided with non-uniform wall thickness, during the dispensing process, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The wall thickness of the one-way valve 21 is varied to optimize its structural characteristics for the purpose of enhancing the valve's sealing capability. Arrows 22 visualize the fluid product movement. This feature further reduces the likelihood of fluid product 10 entering back through the one-way valve 21 in the posterior direction.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view with visible hidden lines showing a filled collapsible tube container 23 with multiple one-way valves 24, 25, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The serial implementation of the one-way valves 24, 25 facilitates the control of fluid product movement, particularly in tube containers of larger diameter and/or length. Additionally, the one-way valves 24, 25 may be provided with tapered profiles, beveled anterior edges, and/or non-uniform wall thicknesses to further enhance their sealing capabilities.

The present invention is not limited to the above described embodiments, but can be modified as appropriate within a scope not departing from the spirit or thought of the present invention that can be read from the claims of the patent application and the whole specification, and such a modified container is also included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A collapsible tube container for dispensing and storing a fluid product, said collapsible tube container comprising:

a flexible tubular chamber that is flattened closed and sealed at one end, and provided at the opposite end with an outflow nozzle;

a closure; and

one or more one-way valves affixed to an interior surface of the flexible tubular chamber.

2. The collapsible tube container of claim 1, wherein walls of the flexible tubular chamber are composed of inelastically-deformable material.

3. The collapsible tube container of claim 1, wherein each one-way valve approximates a hollow generalized cylinder composed of flexible material, and is arranged coaxially with the flexible tubular chamber and affixed to an interior surface of said flexible tubular chamber along a periphery of a posterior edge of said one-way valve that is distal to the outflow nozzle.

4. The collapsible tube container of claim 3, wherein an unconstrained anterior edge of each one-way valve forms a narrower opening than the posterior edge.

5. The collapsible tube container of claim 4, wherein each one-way valve approximates a hollow truncated cone (frusto-conical shell).

6. The collapsible tube container of claim 4, wherein each one-way valve approximates a hollow truncated paraboloid (frusto-paraboloidal shell).

7. The collapsible tube container of claim 4, wherein each one-way valve approximates a hollow truncated neiloid (frusto-neiloidal shell).

8. The collapsible tube container of claim 4, wherein the unconstrained anterior edge of each one-way valve is beveled.

9. The collapsible tube container of claim 4, wherein walls of each one-way valve embody non-uniform thickness.