Collapsible dispensing tube
OwnerMax Rosenberginventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A collapsible dispensing tube such as a toothpaste tube or the like includes structure for maintaining the dispensing tube in a coiled position as the viscous material within the dispensing tube is expelled. The tube is provided with a slot formed in a first side of its exterior surface and a plurality of engaging elements positioned on a second side of the exterior surface. The slot and engaging elements are correspondingly sized such that the slot receives the engaging elements securely when the engaging element side of the tube is coiled onto the slot side of the tube. This construction readily prevents a dispensing tube from uncoiling to thereby more efficiently dispense the material within the tube.
Claims12
A collapsible dispensing tube including a tube exterior surface, the tube comprising:
- a slot formed in a first side of the tube exterior surface;
- and
- a plurality of engaging elements positioned on a second side of the tube exterior surface, opposite from the first side, wherein the slot and engaging elements are correspondingly sized such that the slot receives the engaging elements securely when the second side of the tube exterior surface is coiled onto the first side of the tube exterior surface.
A collapsible dispensing tube including a sealed crimp at one end and a cap at an opposite end, the tube having an exterior surface and an interior surface delimiting an interior space for a viscous material to be expelled from the tube by rolling the tube onto itself, the tube comprising:
- a slot formed in a first side of the exterior surface;
- and
- a plurality of engaging elements positioned on a second side of the tube exterior surface, opposite from the first side, wherein the engaging elements are sized to fit securely in the slot.
A method of manufacturing a collapsible dispensing tube including a tube exterior surface, the method comprising:
- (a) forming a slot in a first side of the tube exterior surface;
- and
- (b) positioning a plurality of engaging elements on a second side of the tube exterior surface, opposite from the first side, wherein the slot and engaging elements are correspondingly sized such that the slot receives the engaging elements securely when the second side of the tube exterior surface is coiled onto the first side of the tube exterior surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.