Dispensing tube mixing method and apparatus

A dispensing device for dispensing a mixture of ingredients, the dispensing device comprising:

• a tube having a filling end and closed dispensing end, the closed dispensing end including an aperture through which the mixture of ingredients is dispensed, in use;
• a first plunger in the tube sealing the filling end;
• a second plunger in the tube between the dispensing end and the first plunger, the second plunger including a breakable membrane portion;
• and
• a mixing apparatus, including
• an elongate shaft having a pointed end and a driving end,
• a foldable set of flanges configured to be attached to the pointed end of the shaft, and
• wherein a first cavity is defined between the dispensing end and the second plunger for holding the first ingredient, and wherein a second cavity is defined between the first plunger and the second plunger for holding the second ingredient,
• and wherein the foldable set of flanges has a width less than the diameter of the aperture when in a folded position, and wherein the foldable set of flanges is biased in an unfolded position, and wherein the pointed end of the shaft is configured to pierce the breakable membrane when the mixing apparatus is inserted into the tube through the aperture.

A method of dispensing a mixture of ingredients from a tube, the mixture including at least a first ingredient and a second ingredient, the tube including a filling end and closed dispensing end, the closed dispensing end including an aperture, the tube including a first plunger in the tube sealing the filling end and a second plunger in the tube between the dispensing end and the first plunger, the second plunger including a breakable membrane portion, wherein a first cavity is defined between the dispensing end and the second plunger that contains the first ingredient, and wherein a second cavity is defined between the first plunger and the second plunger that contains the second ingredient, the method comprising:

• inserting a mixing apparatus into the tube through the aperture, the mixing apparatus having an elongate shaft with a pointed end and a foldable set of flanges attached to the pointed end, wherein the pointed end is inserted into the tube, and wherein the foldable set of flanges are biased to unfold into an expanded position inside the tube;
• piercing the breakable membrane portion with the pointed end;
• moving the second plunger towards the first plunger through axial force exerted by the foldable set of flanges against the second plunger causing the second ingredient to flow through the pierced membrane portion to combine with the first ingredient in the first cavity;
• rotating the mixing apparatus to mix the ingredients in the first cavity;
• and
• dispensing the mixture through the aperture by moving the firs plunger towards the dispensing end.