FLUID DISPENSING DEVICE

A dispensing device may be used to dispense fluids for a variety of uses. A dispensing device may include a flexible tube body with a nozzle coupled to a first end of the flexible tube body. A closure location may be coupled to a second end of the flexible tube body. At least one seal may be coupled to the flexible tube body at a location between the nozzle and the closure location. The at least one seal separates the flexible tube body into a plurality of chambers when the at least one seal is sealed. Additionally, a plunger may be placed in the flexible tube body and may fit in the chambers.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to fluid dispensing devices, in particular to flexible tubes with seals located along the tube which allow sections of the tube to be sealed off as the fluid is dispensed.

2. Background Art

Fluid dispensing devices, such as tubes, are used in many different industries and for many different products. Products dispensed from tubes include toothpaste, caulk, hair dye, medicine, paint, frosting, candy, lotion, body washes, scrubs and the like.

Dispensing devices or tubes are used in almost every aspect of our lives. These devices, however, have several drawbacks. First, once a certain amount of product has been dispensed from the tube, pressure is lost in the tube and the product comes out sporadically and no longer flows uniformly from the tube. This loss of uniform flow can cause a problem in situations such as when a user is decorating a cake with frosting from a tube, or when a home owner is trying to seal something with caulk. Large globs of product may come out of the tube, followed by no product at all, leaving uneven lines of product.

A second drawback to tubes as dispensing devices is the difficulty of getting all of the product out of the tube. When a user gets towards the end of their tube of product, they may have to twist, squeeze, fold and roll the tube in order to get the last of the product out.

A third drawback to using tubes is that it is difficult to measure the amount of product being dispensed from a tube without the use of an additional device such as a measuring spoon. Unlike syringes and the like, tubes do not come with the ability to allow a user to dispense a given amount of product. This can be especially frustrating when dispensing medicine from a tube. A user must have a measuring spoon available which must then be cleaned.

A few patents have attempted to overcome these drawbacks, such as, Rosen, U.S. Pat. No. 8,376,183, in its disclosure of premeasured chambers in a fluid dispenser package. Breakable or openable dividers are positioned between each chamber. Once the first chamber has been dispensed, the second chamber may be dispensed by applying pressure to the second chamber and causing the divider to break or open, thereby allowing the contents of the second chamber to pass through the first chamber and out of the dispenser package.

None, however, have successfully solved all of the drawbacks of the current dispensing devices.

Accordingly, what is needed is a dispensing device that allows pressure to be maintained in a tube so that fluid is dispensed evenly; allows all of the fluid to be dispensed easily; and allows a measured amount of fluid to be dispensed.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The dispensing device, as disclosed hereafter in this application, allows pressure to be maintained in the device as the contents are dispensed.

In particular embodiments, a dispensing device may include a body having a substantially hollow interior; an exit opening coupled to the body; at least one seal coupled to the body; and wherein the at least one seal is closeable.

Additional embodiments of a dispensing device may include a flexible tube body; a nozzle coupled to a first end of the flexible tube body; a closure location coupled to a second end of the flexible tube body; and at least one seal coupled to the flexible tube body at a location between the nozzle and the closure location. The at least one seal separates the flexible tube body into a plurality of chambers when the at least one seal is sealed.

Other embodiments of a dispensing device may include a flexible hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end; an exit opening coupled to the proximal end of the flexible hollow body; a closure location coupled to the distal end of the flexible hollow body; at least one seal coupled to the flexible hollow body at a location between the proximal end and the distal end; and a plunger in the flexible hollow body.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the dispensing device will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following more particular description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings where like designations denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a dispensing device configured according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a dispensing device configured according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a dispensing device configured according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a resealable seal;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a resealable seal;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a dispensing device configured according to a first embodiment with a toothpaste tube lid;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a dispensing device configured according to a first embodiment with a caulk tube lid;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a dispensing device configured according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a dispensing device configured according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a dispensing device configured according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a dispensing device configured according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a dispensing device configured according to a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a dispensing device with a plunger;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a plunger configured according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a plunger configured according to a first embodiment; and

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a plunger configured according to a second embodiment.

 DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a dispensing device for dispensing fluids, in particular for dispensing non-Newtonian fluids such as toothpaste, lotion, hair dye, frosting, medication and the like. In particular, disclosed is a dispensing device including at least one seal which may be closed or sealed once a portion of the fluid has been dispensed. Closing the seal allows the dispensing device to maintain pressure when a portion of the fluid has been removed.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a dispensing device 10 configured according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In particular, dispensing device 10 may include a tube or body 12. The body 12 may be any shape or size of container or compartment that may contain a fluid. The body 12 may be tube shaped as illustrated or it may be round, square, triangular, rectangular or the like. The body 12, as illustrated, may be a tube which is open on both ends and therefore resembles a hollow cylinder or pipe.

The body 12 may also be any type or shape of container which is mostly hollow and that is sealed on a majority of its circumference or which will be sealed after the body 12 is filled with fluid.

The body 12 may be flexible as illustrated in order to allow the fluid contained in the body 12 to be squeezed, pushed or dispensed from the body 12. The body 12 may be formed from a flexible metal, plastic, rubber or the like.

The body 12 may also be formed from a rigid material.

The body 12 has a closure location 13 at a distal end of the body 12. The closure location 13 contains a closure 14 which seals one end of the body 12. The closure 14 may be any type of seal desired and/or practical. The closure 14 may be a crimp, fold or rolled seam, heat seal, adhesive seal or the like. Additionally, the closure 14 may be sewn or stapled.

Typically, in the assembly, of a dispensing device 10, the body 12 is open at the closure location 13. The body 12 is filled through the closure location. Once the body 12 is filled with fluid, the closure location 13 is sealed with some type of seal or closure 14. The closure 14, while it could be openable, is typically a permanent closure 14 which is designed to withstand the force or pressure caused by the body 12 being squeezed in order to dispense the fluid or other product contained within the dispensing device 10.

A proximal end of the body 12 has a shoulder 18 coupled to it. The shoulder 18 is a stiff member which has an opening in the center. The shoulder 18 is shaped like a stiff washer or donut. The outer edge of the shoulder 18 is coupled to the body 12 and acts to close off the remaining end of the body 12. The center of the shoulder 18 is coupled to a nozzle or exit opening 32. The nozzle 32 and shoulder 18 may be formed as one piece.

Though illustrated as a stiff donut shaped member, the shoulder 18 may be formed from flexible material, such as the material used to form the body 12. Additionally, in some embodiments, a shoulder 18 may not be used at all.

The nozzle 32 or exit opening is a smaller tube-like member which may taper towards one end. The nozzle 32 is the opening through which the fluid is dispensed. While the nozzle 32 may be tube-like as illustrated, it may also just be an opening in the center of the shoulder 18. The nozzle 32 may be any opening that allows the fluid or substance within the dispensing device 10 to be dispensed or to exit.

The nozzle 32 may be as big or small as desired. It is likely that the size and shape of the nozzle 32 will be dependent on the viscosity of the fluid being dispensed and the application the fluid is being used for.

The nozzle 32 may be threaded in order to have a cap 16 twisted onto it. The nozzle 32 may also simply have an end which a cap 16 may be pushed onto with a compression fit. The nozzle 32 may have a narrower section at the end which receives a cap 16, also.

The cap 16 is any closure device which allows the nozzle 32 to be sealed off in order to prevent the substance within the body 12 from drying out or being exposed to contaminants. Additionally, the cap 16 may prevent the fluid within the dispensing device 10 from being dispensed accidentally.

The cap 16 is typically shaped like a hollow tube with a closed end. However, the cap 16 may be round, square, triangular or the like. The cap 16 may be threaded or may be smooth on the inside. The cap 16 may have a rough outer surface in order to allow user to obtain a firm grip on the cap 16 when they are attempting to remove the cap 16. The cap 16 may have a smooth outer surface also.

Additionally, the cap 16 may have a lip at the top or the bottom of the cap 16 and may have other decorative embellishments. The cap 16 may simply have a flat inner surface that seals off the nozzle 32 or it may have a needle or protrusion which enters the nozzle 32 in order to maintain an opening through the nozzle 32 for dispensing fluid.

The dispensing device 10 also has at least one seal 20 formed in or coupled to the body 12. The at least one seal 20 will likely be multiple seals 20 located at even or mostly even intervals along the body 12 of the dispensing device 10. The seals 20 are oriented so that they are substantially perpendicular to the length of the body 12. The seals 20 allow portions of the body 12 to be closed off in order to maintain pressure in the body 12 of the dispensing device 10 once a portion of the fluid has been dispensed. I.E., once enough of the fluid or substance in the dispensing device 10 has been dispensed to leave the portion or chamber 30 of the body 12 empty, then a first seal 20 is closed. This causes the dispensing device 10 to act like the body 10 is still full and the fluid in the dispensing device 10 is still dispensed easily and uniformly.

When the chamber or portion of the body 12 labeled 28 is empty, then a second seal 20 is closed off, once again leaving the dispensing device 10 to act like it is still completely full and the fluid in the dispensing device 10 is still dispensed easily and uniformly.

The third chamber 26 may also be sealed off once it is empty, followed by the fourth chamber 24. The final chamber 22 is the section of the body 12 which abuts the shoulder 18. Once chamber 22 is empty, the dispensing device 10 is empty and all of the fluid has been dispensed.

Depending on the size of the dispensing device 10 and in particular, the size and length of the body 12, fewer or more seals 20 may be used and fewer or more chambers created in the body 12.

FIG. 4 illustrates a potential embodiment of a seal 20. The seals 20 formed in or coupled to the body 12 may be resealable seals such as those used on plastic sandwich bags and the like. The seals 20 are easily closed when pressure is applied to the seal 20 pressing it together and causing the two sides of the seal 20 to mate.

Typical resealable seals 20 are also openable. Therefore in situations where the seals 20 need to be reopened in order to make sure that the chambers that have been sealed off are completely empty or the like, the seals 20 may be easily reopened. Additionally, typical resealable seals 20 such as those used in plastic bags are also easily opened by pulling the seal apart from the top which is the side away from the contents of the bag. However, the seal 20 is not opened when pressure is applied to the contents of the bag, thereby preventing spills. In this way, the seals 20 may be directional.

In other embodiments, however, it may be desirable to use seals 20 which are not directional, but can be opened from either side.

FIG. 4 illustrates a typical resealable seal 20 as is known in the art of plastic bags. The seal 20 includes a first set of hooks 38 which are coupled to the top, inside surface of the body 12. A second set of hooks 42 are formed on or coupled to the bottom, inside surface of the body 12. When the two sets of hooks 38 and 42 are pressed together, they interlock sealing the seal 20 together.

As illustrated in the figure, the body material 44 extends beyond the seal 20 in both directions on both sides of the seal.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an alternate version of a seal 20. The seal 20 is coupled to or formed in the body material 44. The seal 20 is configured similarly to the seal illustrated in FIG. 4, however, the seal 20 in this figure has a plurality of overflow pockets 46. These pockets 46 are small open areas formed along the seal 20 which catch or contain any extra fluid in the seals 20. The pockets 46 allow the extra fluid a place to go so that it does not prevent the seals 20 from sealing.

In alternate embodiments, the pockets 46 may simply be openings in the seal 20 that allow excess material trapped in the seal 20 to travel back into the chamber that is being sealed off.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate alternate embodiments of a dispensing device 10. In FIG. 6, the dispensing device 10 is illustrated with a toothpaste type lid or cap 16. The nozzle in FIG. 6 would be threaded in order to have the lid or cap 16 rotated firmly down onto the nozzle for closure. Additionally, the lid or cap 16 has ridges formed on the outside of the cap 16 in order to allow the user to gain a firm hold on the cap 16 even with wet hands.

Additionally, FIG. 6 illustrates the fluid 34 contained in the body 12 of the dispensing device 10.

The dispensing device 10 illustrated in FIG. 6 also illustrates fewer seals 20 than in the previous figures.

FIG. 7, like FIG. 6, has fewer seals 20 and chambers than the other figures. FIG. 7 also has a cap 16 and nozzle 32 such as would be found on a tube of caulk or the like. The nozzle 32 is long and tapering, creating a narrow flow of fluid which is easily manipulated. The cap 16 is also tapered with a closed end. The interior of the cap 16, unlike the cap 16 in FIG. 6, is not threaded. Instead the cap 16 fits firmly over an indented or particularly narrow portion of the nozzle 32.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a dispensing device 10 which has a resealable seal 20 at its closure location 13 and replacing the permanent closure 14 discussed in previous embodiments. The resealable seal 20 located at the closure location 13 would allow the end of the body 12 to be opened and the body 12 refilled once the dispensing device 10 is empty. This is particularly useful in situations where the dispensing device 10 is being used to dispense a fluid such as frosting which may be placed in the dispensing device 10 in order to be placed directly on a cake, cookie or the like. In this type of embodiment, the nozzle would be a cake decorating tip.

FIG. 8 also illustrates a tab 36. This tab 36 is an extra flap of material such as the material used to form the body 12. This extra tab 36 of material may be used to open the resealable seal 20. In the embodiment illustrated, there would be two tabs 36 located right on top of each other. The user would grasp one of the tabs 36 in one hand and the other tab 36 in the other hand and would pull the tabs 36 apart in order to open the resealable seal 20.

The tabs 36, though illustrated as arched in shape, may be any shape or size desired, provided the tabs 36 are large enough to allow a user to grasp them firmly.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment having a toothpaste type cap 16 and nozzle.

Additionally, FIG. 9 has a tab 36 coupled to each seal 20 location. These tabs 36 are formed on both sides of the body 12, both the top and the bottom. The tabs 36 allow the user to reopen any of the seals 20 after they have been closed. Additionally because the tabs 36 are located towards the end of the body 12 at which the closure 14 is located, the seals 20 are arranged so that pressure applied to the side of the seal 20 towards the nozzle of the dispensing device 10 will not open the seal 20 if directional seals 20 are being used.

FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 9 except FIG. 10 has a caulk type nozzle 32 and cap 16. Additionally, FIG. 10 has tabs 36 which are located towards the nozzle 32 end of the body 12. If directional seals 20 are being used, this embodiment has the side of the seal 20, which opens, located towards the nozzle 32 end of the body 12.

A configuration such as the one illustrated in this figure, will likely be used in a situation where each chamber 30, 28, 26, and 24 are filled with a substance and sealed off individually before the dispensing device is sold. After the user dispenses all of the product in chamber 24, the user opens seal 20 and dispenses the fluid contained in chamber 26 and so forth. This allows different fluids to be placed in each of the chambers 30, 28, 26, and 24. Additionally, a specific amount of fluid may be placed in each chamber 30, 28, 26 and 24 and that amount is dispensed prior to the next chamber being opened. With this embodiment, a measured amount of fluid may be dispensed without the use of measuring spoons and the like.

While the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 10 may be used for this type of dispensing arrangement, the other embodiments disclosed may also be used in a similar type of dispensing arrangement.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment where the seal 20 is oriented parallel to the length of the body 12. The seal 20 also has a tab 36 coupled to it.

The embodiment illustrated in this figure, allows one substance to be placed in one chamber or on one side of the seal 20 and another substance to be placed in the other chamber or on the other side of the seal 20. While the substances may both be fluids, one may be a fluid and the other may be a powder or the like. When the user wants to dispense the substance in the dispensing device 10, the user pulls on the tab 36 or pushes on one of the chambers in order to open the seal 20. The user then massages the body 12 of the dispensing device 10 in order to mix the substances together. The mixtures of substances, which will most likely be a fluid, may then be dispensed.

While the cap 16, shown in this figure, is likely sufficient to contain the substances during the mixing process, it may also be desirable to include a secondary seal, such as a piece of plastic or foil over the tip of the nozzle or in the opening in the shoulder 18 prior to the nozzle. This secondary seal would be punctured prior to dispensing the mixed substance.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 could be used for certain medications, epoxies or the like, which must be mixed right before dispensing.

The seal 20 could be reclosed after a portion of the mixed substances have been dispensed in order to maintain pressure within the body 12.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a dispensing device 10 used to dispense a specific amount of the fluid within the device 10. In this embodiment, the body 12 of the dispensing device 10 may be transparent or translucent in order to help the user see how much of the fluid in the tube is left or available. The body 12 may also have measurement markings 60 printed along the length of the body 12. The seals 20 are located at common measurements along the length of the body, i.e. there may be a seal between every teaspoon of fluid contained in the dispensing device or the like. Then, depending on how many teaspoons are required to be dispensed, that many chambers 30, 28, 26, 24 and 22 may be emptied.

In this embodiment, the seals 20 may be sealed with a specified amount in each chamber or else, the user could simply dispense material until the correct number of chambers are empty and then seal the seal 20 above the empty chambers.

In additional configurations of this embodiment, a needle may be coupled to the exit of the body 12. The dispensing device 10 could then be used to give injections.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a dispensing device 10 having a plunger 48 located in the body 12 of the dispensing device 10. The plunger 48 is shaped to fit in the body 12 and to help the user to force the fluid in the body 12 towards the nozzle or shoulder 18 of the body 12 as the fluid is being dispensed.

The plunger 48 includes a down body portion 52 which is wedge shaped in order to allow the user to pinch the body 12 of the dispensing device 10 to push the plunger 48 towards the nozzle end of the body 12.

The plunger 48 also has a body portion 56. This portion of the plunger 48 is the width and shape of cross section of the body 12 at its narrowest location. The body portion 56 of the plunger 48 acts to push the fluid in the body 12 towards the nozzle as the plunger 48 is moved up the body 12.

The plunger 48 also includes a nozzle portion 50 which is shaped to fit inside the nozzle of the dispensing device 10. The nozzle portion 50 forces the last of the fluid out of the body 12 by pushing into the nozzle.

The shape of the plunger 48 prevents the plunger 48 from rotating in the body 12. While the plunger 48 may rotate around its long access within the body 12, the plunger 48 cannot rotate around its short access and therefore the nozzle portion 50 of the plunger 48 will always be oriented so that it fits inside the nozzle of the dispensing device 10.

As the plunger 48 is moved up the body 12 of the dispensing device 10, the seals 20 in the body 12 of the dispensing device 10 are closed behind the plunger 48 preventing the plunger 48 from being forced back down the body 12 as the fluid is dispensed.

The plunger 48 may also be used in dispensing devices 10 without seals 20.

While the figures illustrate, a plunger 48 shaped to match the interior shape of the body and the nozzle, the plunger 48 may also have any shape desired that helps to push the fluid in the dispensing device 10 towards the exit opening. The plunger 48 may be round, cubic or the like.

The plunger 48 may be formed from rubber, silicone or the like or it may be formed from wood, metal, stone or any other material. The plunger 48 may be flexible or rigid.

FIGS. 14-15 illustrate an embodiment of a plunger 48 for use in a dispensing device 10. This embodiment of a plunger 48 includes a valve 54 which passes from the nozzle portion 50 of the plunger 48 through the down body portion 52 of the plunger 48. The valve 54 allows any air trapped in front of the plunger 48 to travel through the plunger 48 and into the rest of the body 12. Additionally, in embodiments where the body 12 is rigid, the valve 54 prevents a vacuum from forming behind the plunger 48 which would pull the plunger 48 back down the body 12.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a plunger 48. This embodiment of a plunger 48 includes scallops 58 formed in the edge of the body portion 56 of the plunger 48. These scallops 58 are areas at which material has been removed from the edge of the body portion 56 of the plunger 48 in order to allow air to pass around the plunger 48 and to aid the plunger 48 in moving smoothly up the body 12 of the dispensing device 10.

While the figure illustrates the scallops 58 as semi-circular cutouts, any shape of cutouts may be used which are easy to manufacture and which allow air to pass around the plunger 48 and to aid the plunger 48 in moving easily up the body 12 of the dispensing device 10 towards the nozzle.

In alternate embodiments, the plunger 48 may be formed without a valve 54 or scallops 58. Instead the plunger 48, would be a solid piece shaped to fit in the body 12 of the dispensing device 10.

In additional embodiments, the plunger 48 may be used in the transparent dispensing device 10 having measurement markings 60. The end of the plunger 48 located farthest from the nozzle of the dispensing device 10 may be used in conjunction with the measurement markings 60 allowing a user to determine the amount of fluid dispensed by the location of the end of the plunger 48 in comparison to the measurement markings 60. Alternatively, any other location on the plunger 48 may also be used in conjunction with the measurement markings 60 to allow the user to determine how much of the fluid has been dispensed.

In other embodiments of the dispensing device 10, it may be desired to have the plunger 48 act as part of the seal 20. The end of the plunger 48 farthest from the exit or nozzle of the dispensing device 10 may mate with a seal 20 on the body 12 of the dispensing device 10. The plunger 48 may include one set of hooks 38 while the interior surface of the body 12 includes the other set of hooks 42.

In embodiments off the dispensing device 10 including a plunger 48, the body 12 of the dispensing device 10 is first filled with a fluid and then the plunger 48 is inserted into the body 12. Following insertion of the plunger 48, the body 12 may be sealed with closure 14.

Accordingly, for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure, the components defining any embodiment of the invention may be formed as one piece if it is possible for the components to still serve their function. The components may also be composed of any of many different types of materials or combinations thereof that can readily be formed into shaped objects provided that the components selected are consistent with the intended mechanical operation of the invention. For example, the components may be formed of rubbers (synthetic and/or natural), glasses, composites such as fiberglass, carbon-fiber and/or other like materials, polymers such as plastic, polycarbonate, PVC plastic, ABS plastic, polystyrene, polypropylene, acrylic, nylon, phenolic, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials, metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, iron, steel, stainless steel, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials, alloys, such as aluminum, and/or other like materials, any other suitable material, and/or any combination thereof.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical applications and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the forthcoming claims. Accordingly, any components of the present invention indicated in the drawings or herein are given as an example of possible components and not as a limitation.

Claims

1. A dispensing device comprising:

a body having a substantially hollow interior;
an exit opening coupled to said body;
at least one seal coupled to said body; and
wherein said at least one seal is closeable.

2. The dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising at least two seals, wherein said at least two seals are spaced along the body.

3. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein said body contains a fluid.

4. The dispensing device of claim 3, wherein closing said at least one seal maintains internal pressure in said body after a portion of said fluid has been dispensed.

5. The dispensing device of claim 4, wherein said at least one seal remains closed when external pressure is applied to a portion of said body containing said fluid.

6. The dispensing device of claim 3, wherein a first seal of said at least one seal is closed after a first portion of said fluid has been dispensed from said dispensing device; and a second seal of said at least one seal is closed after a second portion of said fluid has been dispensed from said dispensing device.

7. The dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a plunger within said body.

8. A dispensing device comprising:

a flexible tube body;
a nozzle coupled to a first end of said flexible tube body;
a closure location coupled to a second end of said flexible tube body;
at least one seal coupled to said flexible tube body at a location between said nozzle and said closure location; and
wherein said at least one seal separates said flexible tube body into a plurality of chambers when said at least one seal is closed.

9. The dispensing device of claim 8, wherein said at least one seal is coupled to said tube body at a location wherein said plurality of chambers each contain a predetermined amount of a fluid.

10. The dispensing device of claim 8, further comprising a plunger in said flexible tube body.

11. The dispensing device of claim 8, wherein said at least one seal may be opened by pulling said at least one seal apart from a side of said at least one seal adjacent to said second end of said tube body.

12. The dispensing device of claim 8, wherein said at least one seal is closed by applying external pressure to said at least one seal.

13. The dispensing device of claim 8, wherein said at least one seal is transverse to said flexible tube body.

14. The dispensing device of claim 8, wherein said at least one seal is a resealable seal and is parallel to said flexible tube body.

15. The dispensing device of claim 14, wherein said flexible tube body contains at least two substances and wherein at least one seal separates the at least two fluids.

16. The dispensing device of claim 15, wherein said at least one seal is opened and said at least two substances are mixed prior to dispensing.

17. A dispensing device comprising:

a flexible hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end;
an exit opening coupled to said proximal end of said flexible hollow body;
a closure location coupled to said distal end of said flexible hollow body;
at least one seal coupled to said flexible hollow body at a location between said proximal end and said distal end; and
a plunger in said flexible hollow body.

18. The dispensing device of claim 17, wherein said at least one seal is a resealable seal.

19. The dispensing device of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of seals with spaces between each seal and wherein said plunger fits in said spaces.

20. The dispensing device of claim 17, further comprising a closure coupled to said flexible hollow body at said closure location.

Patent History
Publication number: 20170247149
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 29, 2016
Publication Date: Aug 31, 2017
Inventor: Robert E. Colling (Pocatello, ID)
Application Number: 15/055,863
Classifications
International Classification: B65D 35/30 (20060101); B65D 35/06 (20060101); B65D 35/08 (20060101); B65D 35/44 (20060101); B65D 35/22 (20060101);