US 2022/0024643 A1 · INTERNAL SECURING SYSTEM FOR A COLLAPSIBLE TUBE

Abstract

The present invention relates to squeezable tubes for holding creams and gels such as toothpaste and a method for progressively collapsing and internally securing a tube in a flattened state. As the user squeezes the tube proximal to one end, the tube collapses. An internal mechanism to retain that portion of the tube in a collapsed position engages. The portion of the tube that no longer holds toothpaste remains in a relatively flat configuration of which sections may be cut off and thrown away. In an alternative embodiment, the internal mechanism is recyclable and/or releasable and the tube is refillable. The present invention may alternatively be used with many other types of contents such as hair shampoo and conditioner, paint, sunscreen, oil, frosting, pudding, ointments, powders, and liquids.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An eco-friendly method of progressively collapsing and securing a tube for creams, gels, ointments, and/or other dispensable contents, comprising the steps of:

dispensing cream from an opening at one end of the tube, the tube being recyclable and having an interior, a sealed distal end, and a proximal end with an opening, the tube having hook-to-hook material on opposing sides of the interior of the tube and containing a cream or liquid;
sealing off a portion of the tube from containing cream or liquid by securing a portion of the tube in a collapsed configuration by pushing opposing sides of hook-to-hook material together;
dispensing cream for a second time;
and
sealing off a second portion of the tube by securing a second portion of the tube in a collapsed configuration by pushing opposing sides of hook-to-hook material together.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Internal securing system for a collapsible tube

Life of this patent

Internal securing system for a collapsible tube

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20