Brief Description of the Prior Art The present invention relates to a device for expressing a substance from a deformable tube. Collapsible tubes are used to package many products which are gradually dispensed through the open end of the tube. Squeezing of the tube by hand expresses the substance contained in the tube through a delivery nozzle. Ordinarily, the amount of substance being expressed is not easy to regulate by pressing with fingers, and it is difficult to simultaneously regulate the amount dispensed and its application to a substrate, especially when the tube is not completely full. Examples of products dispensed from collapsible tubes include adhesives, sealants, toothpaste, hair products and the like. These products are commonly dispensed from the open end of the collapsible tube by squeezing the closed end. The closed end may or may not be rolled up as the contents of the tube is gradually dispensed. Collapsible tubes are most often fabricated from either a soft, pliable metal or some polymeric material.

Manual manipulation of a conventional collapsible tube by squeezing the tube walls typically results in a random movement of the product within the tube. This movement is the result of a forced reaction to the compression of the tube walls caused by the manual squeezing. Although a full or partially-full tube readily expels adequate amounts of product when squeezed, when the product is unevenly dispersed throughout the tube cavity, the product may be unevenly dispensed from the tube.

Consequently, there is a significant amount of waste associated with the use of collapsible tubes by consumers. Users desiring to utilize product which is unevenly dispersed throughout the tube cavity typically must resort to using a flat-edged

instrument in order to forcefully flatten the tube from the closed end to the open end.

In any event, it is difficult to dispense product in precise amounts by squeezing the collapsible tube wall manually.

Manually squeezing collapsible tubes is further hampered by any resiliency in the tube material. Should the operator have to relax the compression of the tube wall while repositioning a hand to continue dispensement, a resilient wall may begin to expand back towards an uncompressed state, causing the material at the dispense end of the tube to drawback inside the tube. It is generally desirable to dispense a continuous and uniform bead of material, especially when dispensing onto a surface requiring a uniform layer of adhesive or sealant. Therefore, once dispensing has commenced, it is preferable to maintain compression of the tube wall so as to prevent material drawback into the tube and a resulting break or reduced thickness in the dispensed bead of material.

Another drawback to manually squeezing a collapsible tube results from the operator having to use both hands to effectuate an orderly dispensing from the closed end towards the open end of the tube. As both hands of the operator are occupied with squeezing the tube, the operator may not use a hand to steady or manipulate the surface onto which the contents of the tube are to be dispensed. This problem is exacerbated when dispensing onto small parts or parts requiring the operator to dispense onto a tortuous or uneven surface.

Another problem in expressing the contents from a collapsible tube arises from the tube itself. For example, the art knows of caulk-gun dispensers such as is presented in Figures 2a-b, for dispensing product from a rigid cylindrical-walled tube by extending a piston actuator 28 against a slidable interior piston or disc (not shown) so as to force the contents through a nozzle at the opposite end of the tube. Such caulk-gun dispensers are not suited for dispensing product from a collapsible tube as the tube is not steadied during compression by the piston actuator 28. The resulting compression of the tube is unpredictable in that the tube may first longitudinally

buckle and cause the dispense nozzle of the tube to orient in different directions or the tube may simply pass over the advancing piston actuator 28 and thwart compression.

As a result of the difficulties of dispensing product from a collapsible tube, the art has seen many different dispensing devices for collapsible tubes, such as those disclosed in GB 2,206,567 A and UK patent no. 451,933, FR-A-1,170,939, FR-A- 1,210,659 and FR-A-1,170,939, US-A-1,876,489, US-A-4,213,543, US-A- 3,405,843, US-A-2,568,286, US-A-2,589,058,2,613,853, US-A-4,334,638, US-A- 4,723,687, and Belgian patent application No. 418523. Other devices include those described in the following documents: EP-A-0,521,200, US-A-2,148,321, US-A- 2,643,029, US-A-2,790,579, US-A-2,830,736, US-A-3,219,238, US-A-3,291,345, US-A-3,961,727, US-A-4,036,412, US-A-4,213,543, US-A-4,365,727, US-A- 4,421,252, US-A-4,928,851 and US-A-5,743,434. Problems associated with known dispensing devices in general include difficulties in dispensing completely the entire contents of the tube. Some of the known devices referred to above are complex in construction, making them expensive and cumbersome to manufacture. Furthermore, while many of these devices are relatively efficient in expressing substances from tubes, control in dispensing the contents of the tube in desired continuous or discrete quantities is difficult. Many of the devices are for wall-mounting or are otherwise unsuited to being hand-held.

US-A-3,418,059 describes the use of a specially constructed dispenser package in the form of a flexible pouch. Control of the amount of dispensed substance is achieved by provision of a constricted throat orifice separating the substance-holding portion of the pouch from an outlet. The package may also be provided with squeezing means. The package is manually squeezed and the only control on the amount dispensed is the restricted throat. The package is intended for once-off use and is not suitable for use with conventional deformable tubes.

United States Patent No. 3,628,696 to Duiker is illustrative of devices transversely positioning an elongate mandrel across the closed end of the tube and

subsequently rolling the mandrel towards the open end of the tube. Rolling of the mandrel causes the product to be dispensed from the tube. The device of the'696 patent, however, requires two hands to operate, one to hold the tube the other to wind the mandrel. Additionally, the operator must release the winding key of the mandrel so as to be able to continue to roll the tube thereabout the mandrel. When dispensing product from a resilient tube, the short time period where the operator is readjusting his grip on the winding key allows the tube to decompress which can affect the continuity of the dispensed bead.

Other specially constructed packages include those described in US-A- 4,448,333 and US-A-4,579,254. US-A-4,448,333 discloses a flexible tube which has a forward nozzle and a rear (flat) sealed area. An expeller in the form of a unitary ring of plastic material encircles the tube about the flat sealed area. Movement of the expeller along the tube towards the forward nozzle expresses product. Corrugations or fins are employed in conjunction with the expeller to permit forward but not rearward movement of the expeller. The container is specially constructed for once-off use, and is not suited for use with conventional deformable tubes.

US-A-4,579,254 discloses a collapsible tube container having a stiff non- collapsible wall portion for progressively engaging with a tube follower. The stiff portion has corrugations or teeth which co-operate with the tube follower to express the substance from the tube on movement along the tube. The container is intended for once-off use, and rearward movement of the tube follower does not appear to be considered. The container is not suited for use with conventional deformable tubes.

US-A-5,425,475 describes a dispenser for dispensing two-part adhesives. The device includes a body having two pieces hingedly connected between which a package containing the adhesive is held. A squeegee moveable along a track on the body expresses a premix of the two parts of the adhesive by pressing directly on the package containing the premixed two parts of adhesive. A similar application is described in US-A-4,991,989.

Many of the devices described above do not speak to preventing buckling/deformation or other movement of the tube during expression which makes complete, accurate, and controlled dispensing difficult. Additionally, many of these devices do not allow operation by one hand for tracing the tube dispense nozzle over a workpiece.

It is therefore desirable to provide a hand-operated tool for dispensing product from a collapsible tube that will maintain compression of the tube wall throughout dispensement.

Summarv of the Invention The present invention provides apparati for dispensing contents from an elongate collapsible tube having a dispensing end, an opposed closed end, and an elongate tubular wall extending therebetween defining a cavity containing expellable contents. The closed end of the tube includes a first transverse dimension smaller than an aligned first transverse dimension of the tube wall adjacent the dispense end.

The apparatus includes first and second actuation members mounted for reciprocating motion towards and away from each other, a tube compression member for engaging and deforming the tubular wall so as to dispense the contents of the tube, and advancement means for translating the reciprocating actuator motion of the first and second actuation members into advancement of the tube compression member against the tube body to dispense the contents therefrom.

The advancement of the tube compression member against the tube body may be provided by a linear advancement of the compression member from the closed end of the tube towards the dispensing end of the tube. Alternatively, the advancement of the tube compression member against the tube body may be provided by a substantially longitudinal compression of the tube body about the closed end of the tube.

The apparatus of the present invention include first and second actuation members which are operable by one hand. The reciprocating motion of the actuation members may be a reciprocating pivotal motion by two elongate members pivotally connected at one end or at a midpoint of at least one of the members. Typically, the contents of the tube are dispensed during one of the reciprocating motions.

The apparatus of the present invention may further provide an elongate tube cradle for receiving the tube. It is contemplated that the tube compression member may compress the tube against the tube accommodating cradle to effect dispensement.

Alternatively, the present invention contemplates forming the tube compression member further to provide opposed pinching members defining a tube compression window therebetween for accommodating the closed end of the tube.

The opposed pinching members are movable relative to the closed end of the tube towards the dispensing end, whereby relative movement of the pinching means towards the dispensing end compresses the filled tube so as to permit passage of the tube through the opening and to urge the contents therein the tube through the dispensing end.

The present invention provides relative motion between the tube the opposed compression members whereby the dispensing end of the tube either remains fixed with respect to the first and second actuators as the contents are dispensed through the dispense end of the tube or it moves towards the compression member as the contents are dispensed through the dispense end of the tube.

Several embodiments of the present invention include a dispenser frame supporting the elongate tube cradle wherein the tube cradle further includes an elongate cradle wall defining an elongate cradle cavity for receiving the collapsible tube. An endwall extends transversely across the second end of the cradle and includes an aperture for supporting the dispensing end, or nozzle, of the collapsible tube. An elongate working arm, having opposed first and second ends, is supported at

the first end of the cradle for movement along the cradle cavity towards the endwall in response to a first stroke of relative movement between the first actuation member and the second actuation member in a first dispensing direction.

The working arm includes a number of longitudinally-aligned ratchet teeth formed along its length. The first actuation arm supports a deflectable actuation tooth at a first end thereof, the actuation tooth engages the ratchet teeth on the working arm so as to move the working arm towards the endwall in response to the first stroke of the actuation arm. The actuation tooth deflects to pass over the ratchet teeth in response to a second stroke opposite to the first stroke of the actuation arm during the opposite reciprocating motion. A deflectable holding tooth, supported by the frame for engaging the ratchet teeth on the working arm, prevents movement of the working arm away from the endwall in response to the second stroke while allowing advancement of the working arm during the first stroke.

Various compression members are contemplated for mounting on the second end of the working arm so as to compress the tube and dispense the contents therefrom. The compression member may be formed as a compression wedge including an elongate longitudinally-aligned tube-engaging surface for compressing the tube. The wedge and the cradle wall define a compression window therebetween through which the collapsible tube may pass as the wedge is moved towards the endwall. Movement of the wedge towards the endwall compresses the collapsible tube between the tube-engaging surface of the wedge and the cradle wall so as to dispense the tube contents through the dispense orifice of the tube. It is contemplated that the tube-engaging surface of the wedge may also be concave-shaped.

Alternatively, the tube engaging surface of the wedge may include a first and second planar face substantially transversely oriented to each other and an elongate beveled edge extending between the first and second planar face. Still another embodiment of the compression member is one having a frustroconical or frustrospherical shape. Desirably, the tube engaging surface of the wedge

substantially conforms to the tube cradle, whether the cradle provide a planar or curved surface.

Alternatively still, the compression member may be provided by a compression roller assembly affixed to the second end of the working arm. The compression roller assembly includes a first compression roller mounted about a first transversely-extending roller axle, the roller axle supported by the second end of the working arm. The cradle wall may further define a first and second longitudinally- extending transversely-spaced axle guide slots for accommodating opposed ends of the first roller axle. The compression roller assembly may further include a central yoke affixed to the second end of the working arm, the yoke defining a transversely- oriented axle aperture therethrough for receiving the first axle. The yoke may also include a leading surface conforming to a portion of the first compression roller so as to provide a co-extensive compression surface for engaging the tube wall.

The first compression roller may further include a first and second roller component supported by the first axle on either side of the working arm. The first and second roller components provide a tube compression surface substantially conforming to the cradle wall and which is positionable in spaced separation therewith so as to allow compressed portions of the tube to pass therebetween. The first and second roller components may be formed as elongate cylindrical members providing a cylindrical compression surface or as frustrospherically-shaped members providing a substantially spherical compression surface.

The compression member may also be formed to include a second compression roller supported by the second end of the working arm. The first and second compression rollers define a compression window therebetween for receiving the closed end of the tube so that compressed portions of the tube pass through the compression window as the second end of the working arm is advanced towards the dispensing end of the tube. The present invention contemplates positioning the

compression window to be either longitudinally aligned with the working arm or above the working arm to facilitate the compressed tube passing thereover.

The present invention also contemplates providing first and second elongate planar compression members supported within the tube cradle so as to define a tube- receiving cavity therebetween. Each of the first and second planar compression members have abutting first ends and second ends which are urgable towards and away from each other. Advancement of the opposed compression rollers from the first ends of the planar compression members towards the second ends of the planar compression members forces the first and second planar members together so as to cause the contents of the tube to be dispensed from the dispensing end of the tube.

The first and second planar compression members may be formed to include opposed corrugated surfaces so as to allow each of the compression members to provide a convex surface against the tube wall during compression and thereby better force product from the closed end.

Still an alternative compression member of the present invention further provides first and second opposed compression wedges supported by the second end of the working arm. The compression wedges provide elongate first and second tapering compression surfaces defining therebetween a relatively large first opening and a relatively narrow tube compression window, so that compressed portions of the tube will pass through the compression window during dispensement.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a tube compression member having first and second elongate planar plates defining a tube-receiving cavity therebetween for supporting the tube. The first and second planar plates are pivotally connected at one end so as to be urgable towards and away from each other.

As the first and second actuation members operate to urge the first and second planar plates towards each other, the tube is compressed within the tube-receiving cavity to thereby dispense the contents from the dispensing end thereof.

The advancement means include an elongate reciprocating rod having a plurality of ratchet teeth formed thereon. The reciprocating rod is advanced and retracted by the reciprocating motion of the first and second actuation members.

An advancement sprocket supported by the first planar plate has a plurality of circumferential ratchet teeth formed thereon so as to provide meshing engagement with the ratchet teeth of the reciprocating rod during advancement and so as to provide non-meshing engagement with the ratchet teeth of the reciprocating rod during retraction thereof. The sprocket defines an internally threaded passageway therethrough about which the sprocket rotates. An elongate actuator shaft having a first end pivotally connected to the second planar plate and a second end having a thread formed thereon for threadably engaging the threaded passageway of the sprocket is also provided. Rotation of the sprocket by the reciprocating rod causes the actuator shaft to be advanced through the threaded passageway so as to move the second planar plate towards the first planar plate.

A portion of the ratchet teeth of the sprocket are accessible to an operator for manually rotating the sprocket about the actuator shaft. A spring-biased bushing through which the reciprocating rod advances and retracts is also provided to bias the ratchet teeth of the reciprocating rod against the ratchet teeth of the sprocket during the advancement of the reciprocating rod. The busing includes a manually graspable member to provide for urging the bushing against the bias of the spring to thereby allow the sprocket to be freely rotated.

Still yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a tube compression member further defining a tube compression window through which compressed portions of the tube are drawn during dispensement of the contents thereof. The tube compression member includes opposed planar surfaces tapering towards the tube compression window. The advancement means includes a take up reel having a spool pin about which the compressed portion of the tube is wrapped during dispensement of the contents of the tube. The advancement means also include a first rolling member so that the tube accommodating window is defined between the

first rolling member and an opposed surface. The rolling member has a cylindrical surface for engaging the tube against the opposed surface so that as the first rolling surface rotates, the compressed portion of the tube is urged through the tube accommodating window. The opposed surface may include a second rolling member having a cylindrical surface for rolling engagement of the tube. The first and second rolling members include a plurality of meshing gear teeth at one end of the cylindrical surfaces thereof to provide cooperative rolling engagement.

In one embodiment of this apparatus, the take-up reel further includes a co- axial ratchet wheel, guide wheel, the ratchet wheel and the guide wheel including pin accommodating apertures for removably retaining the spool pin along an axis about which the ratchet wheel and the guide wheel are coaxially aligned. The ratchet wheel includes a plurality of circumferentially-aligned locking teeth, and the spool pin defines a tube accommodating aperture between the ratchet wheel and the guide wheel for receiving the closed end of the tube therethrough prior to dispensement. The actuation means further include first and second handle members rotatable about the take-up reel. Each of the first and second handle members includes a first and second transversely-spaced and coaxially-aligned annular rim for accommodating the take-up reel.

The first annular rims of the first and second handle members each support a deflectable locking tooth for deflectably engaging the locking teeth of the ratchet wheel. Additionally, a spring member extends between the first and second ratchet handles so as to bias each the ratchet handle away from the other. Urging the first and second ratchet handles against the bias of the spring member, i. e., towards each other, rotates the spool pin in a dispensing direction past one of the first and second deflectable locking tooth and wherein the bias of the spring member urges the first and second ratchet handles away from each other to rotate the spool pin in the dispensing direction relative to the other of the first and second deflectable locking tooth. The tube compression member is affixed to one of the ratchet handles so that

the dispensing end of the tube is intermittently pulled towards the spool pin during the reciprocating pivotal motion of the ratchet handles towards and away from each other.

Still even another embodiment of the present invention includes a tube cradle having first and second elongate transversely-spaced cradle legs. Each leg has a first end, a second end, and an elongate cradle leg wall extending therebetween. The cradle legs defines a tube cradle cavity therebetween for receiving the tube, and the first and second cradle leg walls include a plurality of longitudinally-aligned locking teeth thereon in facing opposition. The tube cradle further includes a transversly- extending nozzle cradle joined to the first ends of the cradle legs which defines a central aperture for supporting the dispensing end, or nozzle, of the tube. The first and second actuation handles further include first and second cooperating ratchet handles. Each of the first and second ratchet handles include an annular cradle guide portion and a depending handle portion. Each cradle guide portion includes an annular rim both defining a cradle aperture for accommodating the tube cradle therethrough, and supporting a deflectable ratchet tooth for engaging the locking teeth on the cradle legs so as to allow relative advancement of the cradle legs in a first dispensing direction and to oppose relative advancement of the cradle legs in a second withdrawal direction opposite to the dispensing direction. The tube compression member is supported by the first ratchet handle to extend into the cradle aperture thereof so as to compress the tube as the tube cradle is advanced therethrough in the dispensing direction. A spring member connects the first and second ratchet handles, biasing the first and second ratchet handles away from each other, so that urging the first and second ratchet handles against the bias of the spring member towards each other advances the cradle in the dispensing direction relative to one of the cradle guide portions. The bias of the spring member additionally urges the first and second ratchet handles away from each other to advance the cradle guide portion in the dispensing direction relative to the other of the cradle guide portions.

The deflectable locking tooth of the first ratchet handle is located at a first end of an elongate deflectable locking pawl hingedly supported by the annular rim of the

first ratchet handle. Similarly, the deflectable locking tooth of the second ratchet handle is located at a first end of an elongate deflectable locking pawl hingedly supported by the second ratchet handle. The locking pawls of the first and second ratchet handles further include a free end opposite to the end which includes the deflectable locking tooth. The free ends of the locking pawls may be depressed towards the tube cradle so as to disengage the deflectable locking tooth of each of the ratchet handles from the locking teeth of the tube cradle and thereby allow the tube cradle to be withdrawn from the cradle apertures in the withdrawal direction. The free ends of the locking pawls of the first and second ratchet handles desirably extend away from each other.

It is further contemplated that the spring member may be either integrally formed in the first and second ratchet handles or separately provided as a conventional spring. When integrally formed within the ratchet handles, at least the first ratchet handle defines an elongate notch and includes a first elongate spring element formed extending into the notch from one end thereof. The first spring element incudes a free end deflectable towards the second ratchet handle and the second ratchet handle further includes a first spring receptacle defining a first spring receptacle aperture for receiving the free end of the first spring element. The spring member may be provided by inserting the free end of the spring element into the first spring receptacle aperture. A second spring element and receptacle are also provided on the second and first handles, respectively.

The tube compression member may be formed by opposed first and second tube compression blades extending into the cradle aperture of the first ratchet handle and defining a tube accommodating opening through which compressed portions of the tube pass during dispensement of the contents thereof.

Even still yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a housing having an open front end for receiving a collapsible tube and a narrowly tapered back end for squeezing product from the collapsible tube, a slidable track secured inside the

housing, located adjacent to the tapered end, having gear teeth extending outwardly from the track, and lower gear means having a toothed axle member in meshing relation with the gear teeth of the slidable track, and a pair of lower gears located at both ends of the toothed axle member. A stop mechanism in meshing relation to the lower gears is provided for allowing the lower gears to rotate in only one direction.

Upper gear means are provided having a slotted axle member for receiving a crimped end of the tube and including a pair of upper gears located at both ends of the slotted axle member. The upper gears are in meshing relation with the lower gears. The first and second actuating members engage the lower gear means, which in turn actuates the dispensing apparatus. The narrowly tapered back end of the housing forms a slit which causes product to be squeezed from the collapsible tube.

The slidable track is desirably captured within the housing, adjacent to the back end. A constriction member, located adjacent to the back end of the housing, and including a rigid band which is sufficiently narrow to define a slit is also provided. The rigid band may be integrally connected to the back end of the housing.

Additionally, the slotted axle member may be formed by a pair of coextensive tines cooperating to form a slot.

The present invention provides event still yet another device for expressing a substance from a deformable tube. The device includes a squeezer comprising two opposing members for embracing the tube therebetween. At least one of the members includes a deformable portion. Pressure-applying means are associated with the squeezer for applying pressure to the deformable portion, thereby deforming the deformable portion against the tube so as to express the contents of the tube therefrom.

The provision of the squeezer between the pressure applying means and the tube allows sufficient pressure to be applied at any position along the tube to express product, by flattening of the tube. Flattening of the tube is uniformly and progressively achieved so that no dents, bumps, or other irregularities are formed on

the surface (s) of the tube by the application of pressure. The pressure load is distributed along the tube by the squeezer.

The present invention provides a simple, yet efficient, dispenser for the expression of substances from deformable tubes, which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, allows more accurate control of the amount (s) dispensed and may be hand-held. The dispenser may be re-useable and is suitable for use with conventional tubes. The device alleviates the known problems of buckling, distortion or unwanted movement of the tube during expression.

Suitably the deformable portion is resiliently deformable allowing re-use of the device. More suitably the members are arranged to bias towards a non-pressure applying position (relative to the tube). In this arrangement the pressure may be at least partially relieved from the tube by the bias of the squeezer. This results in a lesser tendency for run-on of product i. e. relieves over-pressurization of the tube, thus alleviating tendency for product to dribble (or drool) from the nozzle after sufficient product has been expressed. The bias of the squeezer towards an unpressurized position can also facilitate suck-back of undispensed product from the dispensing nozzle by elasticity of the tube. The suck-back effect can be achieved even with metallised tubes such as aluminum tubes which have a very low elastic limit, even though this effect is more commonly seen with resilient plastics tubes. The effect is most noticeable with low viscosity products. Suitably the deformable portion (s) on the member (s) is (are) arranged to coincide with a deformable body of the tube i. e. suitably the members have deformable portions each of which coincides with a deformable part of the tube. In an arrangement for achieving expression of a high percentage of the product the deformable portion runs along at least that part of the member (s) that press against the deformable body of the tube. In one desired embodiment at least a portion of each opposing member is deformable.

In one embodiment the opposing members for embracing the tube comprise opposing jaws.

In one desirable arrangement the pressure-applying means is mounted on the device by means for travel along the squeezer, so that the position of applying pressure to the deformable portion is selectable. Suitably the means for travel comprises a slide which is slidable along the squeezer. In one simple, but highly desirable construction, the squeezer forms a rail on which the slide is slidably mounted. Suitably the slide engages the opposing members of the squeezer.

In one embodiment the pressure-applying means comprises a cam-surface for cam-operated application of pressure to the deformable portion (s). Suitably the cam surface is located on a lever. In a particularly advantageous arrangement of the pressure-applying means the lever is disposed on the device so that progressive movement of the lever causes the cam surface to progressively apply pressure to the deformable portion (s) (of the squeezer).

The pressure-applying means can act as a local high pressure applicator, with ever decreasing pressure being applied to the tube away from the area of action of the pressure-applying means and towards the dispensing end of the nozzle. The distribution of the pressure is achieved by the squeezer. The further the deformable portions (s) of the squeezer extend away from the point of application of pressure, the greater the splaying apart of the members, and the less the pressure applied to the tube. The pressure-applying means may, alternatively or additionally, include a mouth provided on the slide which is dimensioned to close the jaws on movement of the slide along the squeezer.

In one desired arrangement the position of the means for travel is indexed for securing the pressure-applying means at a desired position. In one embodiment indexing is provided by inter-engaging means on the slide and the squeezer. In a desired construction the inter-engaging means comprises a ratchet mechanism. In an even more desired construction release means are provided for release of the inter- engaging means. In a particularly advantageous embodiment the pressure-applying means also effects movement of the slide. In a particularly useful but simple

construction, the pressure-applying means also acts as release means for release of the inter-engaging means.

In one embodiment the device further comprises retaining means for retaining the tube in position between the opposing members. In one arrangement the tube includes a crimped end and the retaining means comprises co-operating means for engaging and holding the crimped end of the tube.

In an alternative arrangement the retaining means comprises a collar located on the squeezer for engaging a dispensing end of the tube. Suitably the device includes both forms of retaining means. In a desired arrangement the collar has an aperture defined therein through which a (dispensing) nozzle of the tube may extend.

In one arrangement the aperture forms part of a slot with an opening for allowing insertion of the nozzle from the side, and optionally the opening extends to one side of the collar. Suitably the aperture is dimensioned to receive and hold the nozzle in a snap-fit arrangement. Where the retaining means includes a collar it is desirable that the collar extends between the jaws. In this latter arrangement it is desirable that the jaws are collapsible proximate the collar, and this may be achieved by hingedly attaching the collar to at least one of the jaws. In one desired arrangement the collar is hingedly attached to the jaws by resiliently deformable material, the resiliently deformable material optionally having one or more fold or pivot lines about which the jaws and the collar are moveable relative to each other. For ease of construction, the jaws and collar may be fabricated as a unitary piece. In an alternative arrangement the collar is slidingly engageable with at least one of the members and optionally is slidingly engageable with each.

Suitably the device is of dimensions which make it appropriate for use as a hand-held device, generally being operable by one hand.

The present invention will be more readily appreciated in a reading of the "Detailed Description of the Invention"with reference to the following drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figures 1 a-b shows a collapsible tube providing dispensable contents which are dispensed by a tool of the present invention.

Figures 2a-b show a dispense apparatus of the prior art.

Figure 3 shows a dispense apparatus of the present invention.

Figures 4a-e show alternate views of the pinching means of the dispenser of Figures 2 and 3.

Figure 5 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 6a-f shows alternate views of the roller means of the dispenser of Figure 5.

Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 8a-c show alternate views of the pinching means of the dispenser of Figure 7.

Figure 9 shows still another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 shows the pinching means of the dispenser of Figure 9.

Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 12a-c show details of the dispenser of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a side elevation view of a tube dispensing device embodying principles of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a partially sectioned side elevation view of the tube dispensing device of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a tube constriction member and a key member; Figure 16 is a partially exploded side elevation view of an actuating means of the device of Figure 13.

Figure 17 is a plan view of a mating gear mechanism of the device of Figure 13.

Figure 18 shows a side elevational view of a still further embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 19 shows an oblique view of the dispenser of Figure 18.

Figure 20 is a side elevational view of still another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 21 is an oblique view of the dispenser of Figure 20.

Figure 22a-d show the components of the dispenser of Figure 20.

Figure 23 is a side elevational view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 24 is an oblique view of the handle mechanism of the dispenser of Figure 21.

Figure 25 is a front elevational view of the handle mechanism Figure 21 prior to assembly.

Figures 26a-d show alternate views of the tube support member of the dispenser of Figure 21.

Figure 27 shows a front elevational view of a deformable tube which may be used with the device of the present invention; and Figure 28 shows a top plan view of the tube of Figure 27; and Figure 29 shows a side elevational view of the tube of Figure 27; and Figure 30 shows a perspective view of a squeezer which forms part of a device of the present invention, and a collar extending between the jaws of the squeezer; and Figure 31 shows a perspective view of an alternative squeezer which may form part of a device of the present invention; and Figure 32 shows a perspective view of a further alternative squeezer which may form part of a device of the invention; and Figure 33 shows a perspective view of a yet further embodiment of a squeezer with a collar extending between the jaws, which may form part of a device of the invention; and Figure 34 shows a variation on the construction of the squeezer of Figure 33; and Figure 35 shows a perspective view of a slide which may form part of a device of the present invention; and

Figure 36 shows a rear-sectional view of the slide of Figure 35 (along the line A-A shown in Figure 39); and Figure 37 shows a side-sectional view of the slide of Figure 35 (along the line B-B shown in Figure 39); and Figure 38 shows the tube of Figures 27-30 embraced between the jaws of the squeezer of Figure 31; and Figure 39 shows a top plan view of an assembly comprising a squeezer, a slide; and a tube (most of the substance in the tube having been dispensed); and Figure 40 shows a side elevational view of the assembly of Figure 39; and Figure 41 is a part-sectional side view of the assembly of Figure 39 showing the cam action of the pressure applying means of the slide and also the indexing of the movement of the slide, the slide acting on the tube; and Figure 42 shows a perspective view of a device of the present invention including an alternative squeezer, the device being applied to a full tube; and Figure 43 shows a side elevational view of the device of Figure 42 (the tube being shown in part); and Figure 44 shows an exploded view of an alternative device of the present invention; and Figure 45 shows the components of Figure 44 assembled for expressing a substance from a deformable tube; and

Figure 46 shows a perspective view of a device of the present invention being hand-held and in an operational configuration for dispensing the contents of the tube; and Figure 47 shows a side part-sectional view of a device according to the invention wherein the motion of the slide has been motorized.

Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention is directed to a tool for dispensing the contents 10 from an elongate collapsible tube 10 having a dispensing end 12, an opposed closed end 14, and an elongate tubular wall 16 extending therebetween, shown in Figures 1 a-b. Tube 10 defines an elongate tube cavity 18 containing expellable contents 20. Closed end 14 includes a first transverse dimension hl smaller than an aligned first transverse dimension h2 defined by tube wall 16 adjacent dispensing end 12.

Figures 2a-b illustrate a known dispensing tool 22, commonly-known as a caulk gun, for dispensing the contents from contents-dispensing tube (not shown) having a rigid cylindrical wall and an internal piston movable towards dispense opening of the tube by a piston actuator 28. Tool 22 includes a tube cradle 26 for accommodating a tube having a rigid cylindrical wall. Piston actuator 28 is linearly displaced in the direction of arrow A by a driving shaft 29 operable by mechanical actuator 24. Mechanical actuator 24 includes a frame 25 supporting an elongate fixed handle 30 and an elongate trigger 32 reciprocatingly pivotable about a pin 34 in the direction of arrows C and D.

Trigger 32 includes an action arm 36 having a free end 38 which is biased towards an open configuration in spaced separation from handle 30 by a torsion spring 40. Torsion spring 40 may be positioned about pin 34 so as to provide a first torsion spring arm 40a abutting handle 30 and a second torsion spring arm 40b abutting action arm 36 so as to urge trigger 32 to the open configuration. Alternate means for biasing trigger 32 towards the open configuration are well known in the art.

Trigger 32 also includes a reaction arm 42 extending opposite pin 34 from action arm 36 and having a distal end 44 supporting a deflectable pawl 46 and a hinge 48. Pawl 46 is deflectable about hinge 48 and biased into engagement with ratchet teeth 50 formed on driving shaft 29. Pawl 46 is urged into engagement with ratchet teeth 50 by a torsional pawl spring 52 mounted about hinge 48. Frame 25 supports a secondary pawl 54 deflectably mounted about a secondary hinge 56 and also biased into engagement with ratchet teeth 50 by a secondary spring 58.

Mechanical actuator 24 may therefore translate the reciprocating pivoting motion of trigger 32, in both the closing direction of arrow C and the opposite opening direction of arrow D, into a linear intermittent dispensing motion of driving shaft 29 in the direction of arrow A. As action arm 36 of trigger 32 is pivoted in the direction of arrow C towards the closed position, pawl 46 also pivots about pin 34 and engages ratchet teeth 50 so as to push driving shaft 29 in the direction of arrow A. As action arm 36 is returned to the open configuration in the direction of arrow D, pawl 46 deflects so as to be drawn over ratchet teeth 50. While secondary pawl 54 maintains its locking engagement with ratchet teeth 50 so as to hold driving shaft 29 stationary. Continued actuation of trigger 32 as hereinabove described causes the continued advancement of driving shaft 29 in the direction of arrow A. Driving shaft 29 may be retracted by rotating driving shaft 29 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis 1, as represented by arrow E, so as to present a flat or even surface to pawls 46 and 54 and then pulling shaft end 29 in the direction of arrow B. While tool 22 is of little use in dispensing contents 20 from a tube such as collapsible tube 10, the portion of tool 22 comprising the mechanical actuator 24 may be employed with several embodiments of the present invention.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4a-e, a first dispensing tool 60 of the present invention is shown for dispensing the contents 20 from a collapsible wall tube 10.

Tool 60 provides an elongate tube cradle 62 for supporting tube 10. Cradle 62 desirably includes a transversely upstanding nozzle support member 64 having a nozzle receiving aperture 65 for accommodating the dispensing end 12 of tube 10.

Cradle 62 provides a substantially planar base 66 having a sufficient transverse dimension so as to fully support tube 10 thereon.

Tool 60 includes a mechanical actuator 70 providing a ratcheting means as is known in the art described hereinabove for translating the reciprocating motion in the directions of arrows C and D of a trigger 72 into the intermittent longitudinal advancement of a driving shaft 74 towards the dispensing end 12 of a tube 10 supported in cradle 62. Tool 60 provides a piston wedge 76 on the distal end 74a of shaft 74. Wedge 76 includes a tapering pinching face 77 extending from a leading edge 80 to a trailing edge 81. Pinching face 77 and base 66 define opposed pinching means for compressing tube 10 as wedge 76 is advanced along base 66 towards dispense end 12 of tube 10 in the direction of arrow A. Wedge 76 and base 66 define a transverse opening 78 therebetween for accommodating closed end 14 of tube 10 and the compressed tube wall 16 as wedge 76 advances. As opening 78 advances with wedge 76, tube wall 16 must compress so as to pass therethrough. Compression of tube wall 16 causes the collapse of cavity 18 and thereby expresses contents 20 out through dispense opening 15 of dispense end 12. While not shown, the present invention further contemplates that base 66 be shaped or aligned so as to minimize the relative tapering with respect to pinching face 77 so as to further increase the compression of tube wall 16 and thereby maximize the amount of contents 20 dispensed from tube 10.

Figures 4a-e illustrate alternate embodiments for wedge 76 of the present invention. Figures 4a illustrates a frustroconical wedge 82 mountable on the free end of shaft 29. Wedge 82 includes a pinching surface 84 extending from a leading edge 88 to an arcuate trailing edge 86. Trailing edge 86 and base 66 of tool 60 define opening 78 through which the compressed tube wall 16 may pass through during dispensement of contents 20. Wedge 82 is particularly desirable when dispense tool 60 provides a cylindrical tube cradle 62, such as provided with conventional dispense tool 22. Figures 4b-c illustrate a wedge 90 providing a transversely-oriented cylindrical pinching face 92 extending between transversely-oriented leading edge 91

and trailing edge 93. Pinching surface 92 provides a convex tapering lead into opening 78 defined between trailing edge 93 and base 66. The present invention further contemplates that trailing edge 93 may be arcuately-shaped as trailing edge 86 of wedge 82 for mounting with a dispense tool providing a cylindrical tube cradle.

Figures 4d-e illustrate a wedge 94 mountable on free end 74a of shaft 74 having a transversely-oriented planar leading face 96, a beveled leading edge 98, and a planar trailing face 100. Leading face 96 desirably extends parallel to upstanding nozzle support member 64 for compressing tube wall 16 of tube 10 therebetween.

Additionally, trailing face 100 is desirably parallel to base 66, or slightly tapering with respect thereto, and defines opening 78 for accommodating the collapsed wall 16 of tube 10 therethrough. While wedge 94 provides minimal tapering at beveled leading edge 98 for smoothly compressing tube 10 into opening 78, the minimal clearance between leading face 78 and support member 64 and between trailing face 100 and base 66 provide maximum compression of tube wall 16 and maximizes the amount of material 20 dispensed through dispense end 12.

It is contemplated that each of wedges 76,82,90, and 94 of the present invention may be provided either as part of a dispensing tool 60 or as a separately available item which may be mounted on the free end 74a of a conventional dispensing tool 22 so as to provide improved dispensing from a collapsible wall tube 10.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6a-f, another embodiment of the present invention provides a dispensing tool 160 for dispensing the contents 20 from a collapsible tube 10. Tool 160 provides a tube cradle 162 for receivably accommodating a collapsible tube 10. Cradle 162 is shown providing a transverse upstanding nozzle support member 164 defining a nozzle supporting aperture 165 for accommodating the dispense end 12 of tube 10. Cradle 162 further provides a planar base member 166 for supporting tube 10 and a pair of upstanding transversely spaced

side walls 167a, 167b. Each of side walls 167a, 167b defines an elongate axle guide 168a, 168b.

Tool 160 includes a mechanical actuator 170 providing a ratcheting means for translating the reciprocating pivotal motion in the directions of arrows C and D of a trigger 172 into the intermittent longitudinal advancement of a driving shaft 174 in the direction of arrow A towards the dispensing end 12 of a tube 10 supported in cradle 162. Tool 60 provides a compression roller 176 supported on the distal end 174a of shaft 174 by a yoke 177. Roller 176 and yoke 177 define axially aligned bores 180a and 180b for receiving a roller axle 179. Axle 179 includes a first end 179a supported in axle guide 168a and a second end 179b supported in axle guide 168b.

Figure 6b shows yoke 177 including a single yoke prong 184 being supported between a first cylindrical roller 176a and a second cylindrical roller 176b. Single yoke prong 184 desirably includes a leading edge 186 contoured to the outer diameter of rollers 176a and 176b so as to present a uniform surface across the rollers to thereby aid in pinching tube 10.

Roller 176 and base 166 define opposed pinching means for compressing tube 10 as roller 176 is advanced along base 166 towards dispense end 12 of tube 10 in the direction of arrow A. Roller 176 and base 166 define a transverse opening 178 therebetween for accommodating closed end 14 of tube 10 and the compressed tube wall 16 as roller 176 advances. As opening 178 advances with roller 176, tube wall 16 must compress so as to pass therethrough. Compression of tube wall 16 causes the collapse of cavity 18 and thereby expresses contents 20 out through dispense opening 15 of dispense end 12.

Referring to Figure 6d, tool 160 may include a cradle 162 defined by a cylindrical base wall 186 and a therefore employs a first semi-spherical roller 188a and a second semi-spherical roller 188b. The tool of Figure 6d operates on the same

principles as hereinabove described. Rollers 188a and 188b are better suited for compressing tube wall 16 against cylindrical base wall 186.

Referring now to Figures 7 and 8a-c, another embodiment of the present invention provides a dispensing tool 260 for dispensing the contents 20 from a collapsible tube 10. Tool 260 provides an elongate tube cradle 262 for supporting tube 10. Cradle 262 desirably includes a transversely upstanding nozzle support member 264 defining a nozzle receiving aperture 265 for accommodating the dispensing end 12 of tube 10. Cradle 262 provides a substantially planar base 266 having a sufficient transverse dimension so as to reliably support tube 10 thereon.

Tool 260 includes a mechanical actuator 270 providing a ratcheting means for translating the reciprocating pivotal motion in the directions of arrows C and D of a trigger 272 into the intermittent longitudinal advancement of a driving shaft 274 in the direction of arrow A towards the dispensing end 12 of a tube 10 supported by cradle 262. Tool 260 provides a first and a second transversely-supported pinch roller 276a and 276b on the distal end 274a of shaft 274. Pinch rollers 276a and 276b define opposed pinching means for compressing tube 10 as they are advanced towards dispense end 12 of tube 10 in the direction of arrow A. Pinch rollers 276a and 276b define a transverse opening 278 therebetween for accommodating closed end 14 of tube 10 and the compressed tube wall 16 as the pinch rollers 276a and 276b advances.

As opening 278 advances with pinch rollers 276a and 276b, tube wall 16 must compress so as to pass therethrough. Compression of tube wall 16 causes the collapse of cavity 18 and thereby expresses contents 20 out through dispense end 12.

Figure 8a shows yoke 279 including a transverse yoke base 280 supporting a first and second longitudinal yoke prongs 282 and 284 supporting roller 276a therebetween. First and second upstanding yoke prongs 286 and 288 are supported by yoke prongs 282 and 284, respectively, so as to support roller 276b therebetween in radially spaced alignment with roller 276a. Yoke 279 defines opening 278 transversely spaced from above shaft 274 so that compressed tube wall 16 of tube 10

may transit opening 278 without interfering engagement by yoke base 280. Figures 8b-c show an alternate embodiment for a low-profile yoke 279'whereby roller 276a is replaced by axially-supported first and second short rollers 290a and 290b and a compression wedge 292. Rollers 290a and 290b and wedge 292 provide tube- compressing surfaces 294a and 294b and 296 extending in flush arcuate alignment so as to concertedly pinch tube wall 16 against roller 276b as opening 278 advances in the direction of arrow A. Wedge 292 is formed having a planar base-riding surface 293. First and second short rollers 290a and 290b define a base-accommodating passageway 198 therebetween so as to minimize the profile of wedge yoke 279'. Base 226 supports surface 293 of wedge 292 thereon so that surface 293 may slide therealong as opening 278 is advanced from closed end 14 to dispense end 12 of tube 10.

Figures 9 and 10 depict yet another embodiment of the present invention for dispensing the contents 20 from a collapsible tube 10. Tool 360 provides a tube cradle 362 between a lower and upper planar jaw member 361 and 363 for receivably accommodating a collapsible tube 10. As will be described hereinbelow, jaw members 361 and 363 compress tube wall 16 of tube 10 in the direction of arrow A from closed end 14 towards dispense end 12. Tool 360 provides a transverse upstanding nozzle support member 364 defining a nozzle supporting aperture 365 for accommodating the dispense end 12 of tube 10. Tool 360 further provides a planar base member 366 for supporting tube 10 and a pair of upstanding transversely spaced side walls 367a, 367b. Each of side walls 367a, 367b defines transversely-spaced upper elongate axle guide 368a, 368b and transversely-spaced lower elongate axle guide 369a and 369b.

Tool 360 includes a mechanical actuator 370 providing a ratcheting means for translating the reciprocating pivotal motion in the directions of arrows C and D of a trigger 372 into the longitudinal advancement of a driving shaft 374 in the direction of arrow A towards the dispensing end 12 of a tube 10 supported in cradle 362. Tool 360 provides a yoke 377 mounted on the distal end 374a of shaft 374. Yoke 377 is

rotatably mounted to shaft 374 so as to allow shaft 374 to be rotated and retracted in the direction of arrow B, as described for known tool 22.

Referring to Figure 10, yoke 377 supports a first and second transverse compression roller 376a and 376b. Yoke 179 includes a transverse yoke base 380 supporting a first and second longitudinal yoke prongs 382 and 384 having a roller 376a spanning therebetween. First and second upstanding yoke prongs 386 and 388 are supported by yoke prongs 382 and 384, respectively, so as to support roller 376b therebetween in radially spaced alignment with roller 376a. Roller 376a and yoke 377 define an axially aligned bore for receiving a roller axle 379 therethrough. Axle 379 includes a first end 379a supported in axle guide 368a and a second end 379b supported in axle guide 368b. Roller 376b and yoke 377 define an axially aligned bore for receiving a roller axle 381 therethrough. Axle 381 includes a first end 381a supported in axle guide 369a and a second end 381b supported in axle guide 369b.

Yoke 377 is therefore similar in structure to yoke 279, previously discussed, although roles 376a and 376b define an opening therebetween for additionally accommodating jaw members 361 and 363.

Jaw members 361 and 363 desirably provide opposed corrugated surfaces 361a and 3 63 a providing increased flexibility thereabout so as to more freely flex in response to rollers 376a and 376b advancing thereover. Jaw members 361 and 363 define opposed pinching means for compressing tube 10 as rollers 376a and 376b are advanced towards dispense end 12 of tube 10 in the direction of arrow A. Jaw members 361 and 363 define a transverse opening 378 therebetween for accommodating closed end 14 of tube 10 and the compressed tube wall 16 as rollers 376a and 376b advance towards dispense end 12 of tube 10. As opening 378 advances with rollers 376a and 376b, tube wall 16 is compressed. Compression of tube wall 16 causes the collapse of cavity 18 and thereby urges contents 20 out through dispense end 12.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12a-c, a further embodiment of the present invention provides a collapsible tube dispenser 400 providing a tube receiving cavity 402 formed between a pair of substantially planar jaws 404 and 406. First jaw 404 defines a tube cradle for supporting tube 10 and supports an upstanding nozzle support member 405. Nozzle support member 405 defines a nozzle support aperture 407 for accommodating the dispense end 12 of tube 10 when tube 10 is positioned within cavity 402. First and second jaw members 404 and 406 are pivotally connected at proximal end portions 404a and 406a, respectively, so that second jaw 406 may pivotally rotate towards first jaw member 404 and thereby compress tube 10 in the direction of arrow F from closed end 14 towards dispensing end 12. First jaw member 404 includes transversely-spaced collar members 408a and 408b at proximal end 404a. Collar members 408a and 408b define coaxially-aligned apertures 410a and 410b, respectively. Jaw member 406 includes oppositely projecting pivot pins 412a and 412b at proximal end 406a for insertion through apertures 41 Oa and 41 Ob, respectively, so as to provide pivotal motion of jaw member 406 with respect to jaw member 404.

With particular reference to Figures 12a-c, the ratcheting mechanism for dispenser 400 will be described in detail. The ratcheting mechanism of dispenser 400 translates the reciprocating pivotal movement of a trigger 414 in the directions of arrows A and B to a nonreciprocating intermittent compression of tube 10 between first and second jaw members 404 and 406. Trigger 414 is an elongate member having a free end 416 and an opposed working end 418 and is pivotable about a trigger pivot 420 fixed to a dispenser handle 422. Working end 418 of trigger 414 is pivotally connected to a reciprocating rod 424 by a pivotal connection 426. A trigger spring 428 is desirably operable between working end 418 of trigger 414 and handle 422 so as to urge trigger 414 in a return direction, shown by arrow D, after an operator has displaced free end 416 of trigger 414 towards handle 422, shown by arrow C.

Thus the pivotal motion of trigger 414 about trigger pivot 420 in the directions of arrows A and B produces a linear reciprocating translation of reciprocating rod 424 in the directions of arrows C and D, respectively.

A bushing 430 defines an elongate bushing passageway 432, shown by phantom lines in Figure 12a, and allows the unimpeded reciprocating motion of reciprocating member 424 therethrough. Reciprocating rod 424 includes a ratcheting end 434 providing a plurality of transversely oriented ratchet teeth 436. Each ratchet tooth 436 is proportioned to include a first sloping surface for abutting engagement in the direction of arrow C with a locking tooth 438 on sprocket 440 and a second sloping surface, longer than the first, over which a ratchet tooth slides in the direction of arrow D without engagement of a locking tooth 438, as is well-known in the art.

Ratchet teeth 436 are urged by a bushing spring 442 into unidirectional meshing engagement with the engagement teeth 438 formed on the outer circumference of an advancement sprocket 440. Bushing spring 442 is operable between the underside of first jaw member 404 and bushing 430. As reciprocating bar 424 is advanced in the direction of arrow C, ratchet teeth 436 engage teeth 438 on sprocket 440 so as to rotate sprocket 440 in the direction of arrow E. While retracting in the direction of arrow D, under the urging of trigger spring 428, reciprocating bar 424 deflects sufficiently so that ratchet teeth 436 pass over locking teeth 438 without imparting rotation to sprocket 440.

Sprocket 440 provides a first major surface 440a, an opposed second major surface 440b, and an elongate axially-located passageway 444 communicating therebetween. Passageway 444 is further defined by internal cylindrical surface 446 having a helical thread 448 formed thereon and extending between major surfaces 440a and 440b. Dispenser 400 includes a sprocket retention member 450 affixed to the underside of first jaw member 404 and formed so as to provide abutting engagement with the opposed major surfaces 440a and 440b of sprocket 440.

Sprocket retention member 450 is not shown in Figures 12a-c so as to more clearly illustrate the ratcheting mechanism of dispenser 400. Sprocket retention member 450 further defines a sprocket access aperture 452 through which a portion of 440 and locking teeth 438 project for manipulation by an operator as will be described herein below. Sprocket retention member 450 thereby affixes 440 with respect to first jaw member 404 while allowing rotation thereof about sprocket axis 445.

Sprocket aperture 444 threadingly receives an elongate actuator shaft 456 therethrough. Shaft 456 desirably takes the form of a cylindrical rod including a first end 458 having a helical thread 460 formed thereon for mating engagement with helical thread 448 of sprocket 440. Shaft 456 includes an opposed second end 462 from which a compression arm 464 transversely extends over the upper surface 406c of jaw 406. Shaft 456 further includes a longitudinal groove 466 opening towards, and receiving, a pin 468 transversely extending from first jaw member 404. The interaction of groove 466 and pin 468 prevent rotation of shaft 456 about axis 445 of sprocket 440 so that, upon rotation of sprocket 440 in the direction of arrow E, shaft 456 will be longitudinally advanced therethrough in the direction of arrow F. As shaft 456 is advanced through sprocket 440, compression bar 464 urges second jaw member 406 to pivot towards first jaw member 404 so as to compress tube 10 therebetween. Tube 10 is thereby compressed from closed end 14 towards dispense end 12. In this respect, jaws 404 and 406 define therebetween a compression window 478 moving from closed end 14 towards dispense end 12 as second jaw member 406 is advanced towards first jaw member 404.

When an operator is finished dispensing the contents 20 from tube 10, tube 10 may be removed from dispenser 400 as follows. The operator grips dispenser 400 so as to hold the first jaw 404 and dispenser handle 422 with one hand such that bushing tab 470 may be engaged by a finger or thumb of that hand and urged in the direction of arrow G to transversely deflect ratchet teeth 436 clear of locking teeth 438 of sprocket 440. While maintaining reciprocating bar in this deflected position, the operator may use the thumb of his other hand to tangentially engage that portion of sprocket 440 projecting from sprocket aperture 452 and thereby freely rotate sprocket 440 in the direction of arrow H. So rotating sprocket 440 causes rod 456 to withdraw through aperture 444 in the direction of arrow I. The operator continues rotating sprocket 440 until jaw members 404 and 406 are sufficiently spaced so as to allow the collapsed tube 10 to be removed from space 402. Jaw member 406 desirably provides a lifting bracket 472 extending over compression bar 464 so that jaw member 406 is lifted by compression bar 464 as shaft 456 is withdrawn through sprocket 440.

Member 472 defines sufficient clearing space 474 transversely adjacent to compression bar 464 so as to allow sufficient travel of bar 464 along jaw member 406 during opening and closing of space 402.

Referring now to Figures 13-17, there is shown in a collapsible tube dispenser referred to generally by reference numeral 530. Dispenser 530 includes a housing 542 having a front end 543 for receiving a collapsible tube 10 and a back end 545.

According to one aspect of the invention, constriction means are provided adjacent to the back end 545 of housing 542 through which closed end 14 of collapsible tube 10 is inserted. The constriction means flattens the collapsible tube wall 16 as it passes therethrough, thereby causing product to be forced out of an open end 12 of the collapsible tube 10 According to one embodiment of the present invention, best seen in Figure 14, the constriction means includes a narrow rigid band 548 which defines a constriction slit 546 through which the tube 10 is inserted. Band 548 is integrally connected to back end 545 of the housing 542 Alternatively, the constriction means can be formed by narrowly tapering the back end 545 of the housing 542 so that it forms a constriction slit.

Pulling means are provided for pulling the collapsible tube 10 through the constriction means and are located adjacent to the back end 545 of the housing 542 in a direction transverse thereto. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the pulling means includes a lower gear means in meshing communication with an upper gear means.

The lower gear means includes an axle member 560 having a plurality of outwardly extending lower gear teeth 551 arranged longitudinally around the circumference of axle member 560. Axle member 560 further includes lower gears 562 axially mounted onto the ends of the axle member 560.

The upper gear means includes a shaft 566 having a slot 570 therein for receiving the closed end 14 of a tube 10. As best seen in Figure 15, shaft 566 is formed as a split shaft to form a pair of coextensive tines 568 cooperating to form

therebetween slot 570 for receiving and pinching the crimped end 14 of collapsible tube 10. In this embodiment, upper gears 567 are removably axially mounted onto shaft 566. Shaft 566 is formed with shaped ends 572, preferably of a square configuration, representing a male element. Upper gears 567 are also formed with similarly shaped mating apertures 574 representing female elements. The upper gear means is assembled by inserting the shaped male ends 572 into the shaped female apertures 574, thereby locking them in place. It should be noted, however, that any suitable configuration may be employed for the shaped male ends 572 and shaped female apertures 574 without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Actuating means are provided for operating the above-disclosed lower and upper gear means and includes a captured slidable track 550 in cooperation with a trigger 554, located adjacent to the back end 545 of housing 542. The slidable track 550 includes gear teeth 552 extending upwardly from the track 550 which are in meshing communication with the lower gear teeth 551 of axle member 560.

Trigger 554 may be spring-loaded in order to provide for reciprocating motion to advance tube 10 in an intermittent linear direction by manual operation of the dispenser 530, and is connected to both the slidable track 550 and a coiled spring 556.

It should be noted, however, that other types of actuating means such as, for example, a lever on a swivel pin may also be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention. Handle means, desirably in the form of a pistol grip 576, are also provided in order to both support the coiled spring 556 and facilitate easy maneuverability of the dispenser 530. A stop mechanism 564, (see Figure 14), is also provided in order to control the movement of the slidable track 550 in small precise increments. The stop mechanism 564 is in meshing communication with lower gears 562, thereby ensuring that they rotate in only one direction.

In use, the closed end 14 of a collapsible tube 10 is first inserted through housing 542 and through constriction member 548. The closed end 14 is then inserted into slot 570 of shaft 566. The trigger 554 is then squeezed, causing slidable track

550 and its gear teeth 552 to move in a longitudinal direction relative to the housing 542. Stop mechanism 564, which is in meshing relation with one of the pair of lower gears 562, allows the lower gear means to rotate in small increments, and in only one direction. The gear teeth 552, which are in meshing relation with lower gear teeth 551 of axle member 560, cause the lower gear means to rotate. Rotation of the lower gear means, in turn, causes lower gears 562 to rotate which, since they are in meshing relation with upper gears 567, causes the upper gear means to rotate. Rotation of the upper gear means causes the closed end 14 of tube 10 to be pulled through the constriction member 548 and around shaft 566. As the closed end 14 of tube 10 wraps around shaft 566, constriction member 548 causes the tube 10 to flatten, thereby forcing product out of the open end 12 of tube 10, in precise amounts.

Referring now to Figures 18 and 19, a still further embodiment of the present invention provides a collapsible tube dispenser 600. Dispenser 600 provides a tube receiving cavity 602 defined between a lower planar jaw surface 604 and an upper planar jaw surface 606. Jaw surfaces 604 and 606 are tapered with respect to each other so as define a proximal opening 608 and a distal opening 610, larger than proximal opening 608. Tube 10 is loaded into cavity 602 by inserting closed end 14 first through distal opening 610 then through cavity 602, and then out proximal opening 608. Closed end 14 of tube 10 is then positioned in compressed interfering engagement between a transversely aligned ratchet driven driving roller 612 and a transversely aligned free-turning follower roller 614. As roller 612 is rotated in a driving direction, shown by arrow A, tube 10 is advanced in the longitudinal direction of arrow B. Follower roller 614 provides opposed pinching engagement of tube wall 16 and rotates in the direction of arrow C in response to roller 612 being rotated in the direction of arrow A. As tube 10 is advanced in the direction of arrow B, tube wall 16 is collapsed between opposed surfaces 604 and 606 at proximal opening 608.

Therefore, as tube 10 is advanced between rollers 612 and 614, the pinching of tube wall 16 at proximal opening 608 is advanced towards tube dispense end 12.

Dispenser 600 thereby provides pinching of tube wall 16 at proximal opening 608 and

relatively advances the compressed tube wall towards dispense opening 12 as tube 10 is advanced in the direction of arrow B.

Actuation of driving roller 612 is provided by the reciprocating pivoting motion of a trigger lever 616 and a handle lever 618 about a pivot axle 620 in the direction of arrows E and F. As seen in Figure 18, trigger lever 616 and handle lever 618 are urged to a pivotally open configuration by a trigger spring 622 having ends 622a and 622b acting against each lever. In order for dispenser 600 to be operative, opposed surfaces 604 and 606 are formed as part of, or affixed to, handle lever 618.

Dispenser 600 further provides a reciprocating bar 624 having a first end 626 movable with trigger lever 616 and an opposed free end 628 having a plurality of ratchet teeth 630 formed thereon. An elongate bushing 632 having a passageway 634 therethrough receives reciprocating bar 624 so as to allow unimpeded linear reciprocating motion in the directions of arrows G and H in response to the reciprocating pivotal motion of levers 616 and 618 in the directions of arrows E and F, respectively. Bushing 632 is longitudinally affixed to handle lever 618 via a spring member 636. Spring member 636 urges bushing 632 in the direction of against reciprocating bar 624 arrow I so as to urge ratchet teeth 630 against locking teeth 640 formed on an outer circumference of roller 612. As is well known in the art, ratchet teeth 630 and locking teeth 640 are formed so as to provide interfering locking engagement as reciprocating bar 624 is moved in the direction of arrow H while allowing ratchet teeth 630 to pass over locking teeth 640 in nondriving engagement as reciprocating bar 624 is moved in the direction of arrow G.

Therefore, as trigger lever 616 is moved in the direction of arrow E about pivot 620 towards a closed position, reciprocating bar 624 will be moved in the direction of arrow G such that ratchet teeth 630 pass over locking teeth 640 of roller 612 without causing rotation thereof. As the operator relaxes his grip, trigger spring 622 will urge trigger 616 towards an open position in the direction of arrow F which thereby causes reciprocating bar 624 to move in the direction of arrow H and cause interfering engagement between ratchet teeth 630 and locking teeth 640. The

movement of ratchet teeth 630 in the direction of arrow H against locking teeth 640 causes the rotation of roller 612 in direction of arrow A which therein drives tube 10 (in the direction of arrow C) between roller 612 and complimentary roller 614.

Dispensement of contents 20 through dispensing end 12 of tube 10 therefore occurs as trigger lever 616 is urged towards the open configuration in the direction of arrow F.

Dispenser 600 therefor translates the reciprocating pivotal motion of trigger lever 616 and handle lever 618 into an intermittent longitudinal advancement of tube 10 between planar members 604 and 606 so that tube wall 16 will be compressed at proximal opening 608 and contents 20 will be dispensed through tube open end 12.

Once the operator is finished dispensing the contents 20 from tube 10, the operator may remove tube 10 from dispenser 600 in the following manner. Firmly holding handle lever 618, the operator may suppress free end 628 of reciprocating bar 624 in the direction of arrow J so as to disengage ratchet teeth 630 from locking teeth 640 on roller 612. While maintaining the separation of the teeth in this manner, the operator then pulls on the open end 12 tube 10 in a longitudinal direction of arrow H until clear of rollers 612 and 614. With ratchet teeth 630 now disengaged from locking teeth 640, rollers 612 and 614 are free to counter rotate opposite to the directions of arrow A and C, respectively, so that tube 10 may be removed from therebetween. Once tube 10 is clear of rollers 612 and 614, the operator would release the free end 628 of reciprocating bar 624 and a new tube may be inserted through space 602.

With reference to Figures 20,21 and 22a-d, still another embodiment of the present invention provides a collapsible tube dispenser 700 which includes a ratchet trigger member 702, a ratchet handle and squeezing member 704, and a rotatably mounted take-up spool 706 being coaxial with an axis of rotation 708 about which trigger 702 and a handle 704 reciprocatingly pivot. Referring to Figure 22a, trigger member 702 includes an elongate trigger grip 710 having a first free end 712 and an opposed second end 714 terminating at transversely oriented crossbar 716. Crossbar 716 is an elongate member having a first end 718, and an opposed second end 720.

Trigger member 702 further includes a first and second upstanding lever arm 722 and 724 extending from first end 718 and second end 720, respectively, of crossbar 716.

Leverage arms 722 and 724 further support annular members 726 and 728, respectively. Annular members 726 and 728 are similarly dimensioned and define similarly dimensioned apertures 730 and 732, respectively, which are coaxial with axis of rotation 708. Annular member 726 further defines a locking tooth aperture 734 supporting an elongate locking tooth 736 having a free end 738 extending into aperture 730.

Referring now to Figure 22b, handle member 704 includes an elongate trigger grip 740 having a first free end 742 and an opposed second end 744 terminating at transversely oriented crossbar 746. Crossbar 746 is an elongate member having a first end 748, and an opposed second end 750. Handle member 704 further includes a first and second upstanding leverage arm 752 and 754 extending from first end 748 and second end 750, respectively, of crossbar 746. Leverage arms 752 and 754 further support annular members 756 and 758, respectively. Annular members 756 and 758 are similarly dimensioned and define similarly dimensioned apertures 750 and 752 which are coaxial with axis of rotation 708. Annular member 756 further defines a locking tooth aperture 754 supporting an elongate locking tooth 766 having a free end 768 extending into aperture 760.

Handle member 704 further provides a tube support and compression member 770 for receiving the closed end 14 of tube 10 therethrough and for compressing tube wall 16 as tube 10 is moved therethrough. Tube support and compression member 770 provides a substantially planar first surface 772 and an opposed substantially planar tube support surface 776. Surfaces 772 and 774 define a tapering tube passageway 776 therebetween extending from a tube insertion opening 778 to a tube exit opening 780. Tube insertion opening 778 is located at the widest span between surfaces 772 and 774, while tube exit opening 780 is located across the narrowest span between surfaces 772 and 774. Tube exit opening 780 is further defined between transversely spaced first and second support columns 775a and 775b. Tube

passageway 776 further defines centrally located passageway axis 782 extending therethrough. Passageway axis 782 is desirably transversely aligned with, and coplanar to, axis of rotation 708. Tube exit opening 780 is desirably formed to be coextensive with annular wall 761 and 763 of annular member 756 and 758, respectively.

Referring now to Figures 22c-d, spool 706 includes a ratchet wheel 784 and a guide wheel 786 coaxial therewith. A spool pin 788 is extendible through guide wheel 786 for engaging ratchet wheel 784. Spool pin 788 includes a first spool prong 780a and a second spool prong 780b extending from a pin base 782. Guide wheel 786 further includes a pair of prong passageways 784a and 784b for accommodating prongs 780a and 780b therethrough. Ratchet wheel 784 defines first and second prong insertion apertures 786a and 786b for frictionally engaging the tips of prongs 780a and 780b, respectively. Pin 788 further includes a manual engagement tab 785 so an operator may manually slide prong 780a and 780b through passageway 784a and 784b in disengagable engagement with ratchet wheel 784. Prongs 780a and 780b define a spool opening 788 therebetween for receiving closed end 14 of tube 10 prior to dispensement. Ratchet wheel 784 further includes a plurality of ratchet teeth 790 formed on the outer circumference thereof. Ratchet teeth 790 are formed having one major surface oriented for abutting engagement with locking teeth 736 and 766 and another major surface oriented to allow their free ends 738 and 768 to pass thereover.

The operation of ratchet teeth 790 will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow.

Referring to Figures 20 and 21, closed end 14 of tube 10 may be inserted through passageway 776 so as to extend through tube exit opening 780. It is contemplated by the present invention that spool opening 788 may be formed having a dimension requiring prong 780a and 780b to be transversely slid across tube wall 16 of tube 10 so as to provide pinching engagement therewith. Additionally, it is also contemplated that a separate pinching means may be attached to closed end 14 of tube 10 after being inserted through spool opening 788 to prevent tube 10 from withdrawing back therethrough. Tool 700 co-axially locates ratchet wheel 784 within apertures 730 and 760 of trigger 702 and handle 704, respectively, such that locking teeth 738 and 768

engage locking teeth 790 on ratchet wheel 784 thereby imparting unidirectional rotation in the direction of arrow A. As shown in Figure 21, trigger member 702 and handle member 704 are desirably urged towards a pivotally open position by a compression spring 792 extending from trigger grip 710 to handle grip 740.

As trigger 702 is pivoted about axis 708 towards handle 704, in the direction of arrow A, locking tooth 738 of trigger 702 lockingly engages ratchet teeth 790 on ratchet wheel 784 so as to simultaneously rotate spool 706 about axis 708 in the direction of arrow A. As the operator releases his grip and spring 792 urges trigger 702 in the direction of arrow B away from handle 704, locking tooth 768 of handle 704 will lockingly engage a ratchet tooth 790 of ratchet wheel 784 and prevent the relative rotation of spool 706 therewith. Meanwhile, locking tooth 738 of trigger 702 is drawn across and past ratchet teeth 790 without engagement until trigger member 702 reaches the open position. Thus continued reciprocating pivoting motion of trigger 702 with respect to handle 704 about axis 708, as represented by opposed arrows A and B, results in the relative rotation of spool 706 in the direction of arrow A. As closed end 14 of tube 10 extends across the axis of rotation 708, the resulting intermittent rotation of spool 706 in the direction of arrow A causes closed end 14 of tube 10 to be reeled about spool prongs 780a and 780b of spool 706 and the intermittent advancement of dispense end 12 towards the opposed pinching surfaces 772 and 774 on handle 704 as represented by arrow C. Continued reeling of closed end 14 in the collapsed portion of tube wall 16 about spool 706 advances opening 780 towards tube dispense end 12 to thereby cause dispensement of tube contents 20 therethrough.

Once finished dispensing product 20 from tube 10, the operator pulls on tab 785 so as to transversely draw prong 780a and 780b out from the portion of tube wall 16 reeled thereabout. The operator may then unfurl the collapsed portion of tube wall 16 and draw it back through both tube exit opening 780 and tube passageway 776 until clear of tool 700. A new tube 10 may then be loaded into tool 700 as described hereinabove.

Figures 23,24a-b, 25, and 26a-d illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention providing a collapsible tube dispenser 800 which may be formed from two components, a tube support cradle 802 and an actuation handle 804. Tube support cradle 802, shown in Figures 26a-d, includes a first and second transversely- spaced elongate support wall 806 and 808 extending from a nozzle support cap 810.

Support walls 806,808 each include a proximal end 806a, 808a, a distal end 806b, 808b, and an elongate ratchet wall 806c, 808c extending therebetween. Brace elements 812,814, and 816,818 extend along the opposed longitudinal edges of ratchet walls 806 and 808, respectively, in a non-planar alignment therewith so as to provide structural rigidity thereto. Ratchet walls 806c and 808c each include a plurality of ratchet teeth 820 formed thereon, the operation of which will be described hereinbelow.

Nozzle support cap 810 extends across proximal ends 806a and 808a of support walls 806 and 808. Nozzle support cap 810 includes an annular rim 821 defining a nozzle-receiving aperture 822 for insertion of the dispense end of tube 10 therethrough. Annular rim 821 is desirably formed having a straight taper as shown in Figure 23, although it is also contemplated by the present invention that annular rim 821 may alternatively have either a radially planar or curved shape. Annular rim 821 defines opposed major surfaces 821a and 821b. Support walls 806 and 808 and nozzle support cap 810 define a tube accommodating cavity 830 for receiving a collapsible tube 10 for dispensement. Dispense end 12 of tube 10 extends through aperture 822 and abuts major surface 822a when a tube 10 is received within tube cavity 830.

Referring now to Figures 23-25, actuation handle 804 includes a forward guide handle 840 and an aft compression handle 842 connected together by first spring and second springs 842 and 843. Handles 840 and 841 are desirably formed of a suitable plastic material by conventional techniques. As shown in Figure 25, it is desirable that actuation handle 804 may be molded as a single component to be later assembled by a user. Each of handles 840 and 841 include a cradle support portion 844 and 845

and an actuation handle portion 846 and 847, respectively. Handles 840 and 841 further include a substantially planar handle face 848 and 849, parametrically bounded by an upstanding wall 850 and 851, respectively. Handles 850 and 851 each define an open handle cavity 852 and 853 to be placed in facing opposition when actuation 804 is assembled.

Handle face 848 defines a cradle accommodating aperture 854 through which support walls 806 and 808 of tube support cradle 802 may be inserted when supporting tube 10 therein. Handle face 848 further defines a pair of oppositely extending aperture wings 854a and 854b for accommodating ratchet teeth 820 of support walls 806 and 808 respectively therein. Handle 840 further supports a first and second deflectable locking pawl 856 and 858 adjacent aperture wings 854a and 854b, respectively. For manufacturing purposes, handle face 848 and handle wall 850 include reduced dimensions adjacent pawls 856 and 858 so as to be continuous therewith at an upper pivot hinge 860 and 862 and at a lower pivot hinge 864 and 866, respectively. Pivot hinges 862,864,866, and 868 are desirably co-planar with their respective locking pawls 856 and 858. Each of pawls 856 and 858 supports a locking tooth 870 and 872 and a free end 874 and 876 oppositely disposed about each side of their respective pivot hinges.

Actuation handle 841 is similar to guide handle 840 in several respects.

Handle face 849 defines a cradle accommodating aperture 855 through which support walls 806 and 808 of tube support cradle 802 may be inserted when supporting tube 10 therein. Handle face 849 further defines a pair of oppositely extending aperture wings 855a and 855b for accommodating ratchet teeth 820 of support walls 806 and 808 respectively therein. Handle 841 further supports first and second deflectable locking pawls 857 and 859 adjacent aperture wings 855a and 855b respectively. For manufacturing purposes, handle face 849 and handle wall 851 include reduced dimensions adjacent pawls 857 and 859 so as to be continuous therewith at an upper pivot 861 and 863 and at a lower pivot 865 and 867, respectively. Pivots 861,863, 865, and 867 are desirably co-planar with their respective locking pawls 857 and 859.

Each supports a locking tooth 871 and 873 and a free end 875 and 877 oppositely disposed about each side of their respective pivotal hinges.

Handle face 849 further supports first and second tube compressing members 876 and 878 within cradle accommodating aperture 855. Each of tube compressing members 876 and 878 are desirably elongate tapering members having a relatively wide tube compressing edge 880 and 882 opposite a relatively narrow neck 884 and 886, respectively. Necks 884 and 886 are contiguous with handle face 849 for supporting tube compressing members 876 and 878 within cradle accommodating aperture 855. Cradle accommodating aperture 855 is therefore seen to include transversely-spaced support wall accommodating portions 855a and 855b for accommodating support walls 806 and 808 of tube cradle 802 therethrough. Edges 880 and 882 define a tube accommodating opening portion 855c of aperture 855 for accommodating the closed end 14 and collapsible wall 16 of tube 10 therethrough. As will be described further hereinbelow, passage of collapsible wall 16 through opening 855c deforms tube 10 so as to dispense contents 20 out through dispense opening 12.

Guide handle 840 and compression handle 841 are connected by spring elements 842 and 843. Referring to Figures 24a and 25, the present invention further contemplates providing spring elements 842 and 843 as elongate members molded within handles 840 and 841 respectively. In the embodiment shown, handles 840 and 841 each define a spring formation aperture 888 and 889. Springs 842 and 843 are formed as elongate members having proximal ends 842a and 843a contiguous with planar face 848 and 849 and opposed distal ends 842b and 843b extending into spring formation apertures 888 and 889, respectively. Planar faces 848 and 849 each support an upstanding spring retention member 890 and 891 within handle cavity 852 and 853, respectively. Spring retention members 890 and 891 define an insertion aperture 892 and 893 for retentive insertion of distal ends 843b and 842b of springs 843 and 842, respectively.

Springs 842 and 843 are sufficiently flexible so as to resiliently deflect when handle 840 is brought towards handle 841 upon squeezing by an operator. Squeezing

by an operator causes the relative displacement of handle 840 in the direction of arrow A towards handle 841, as shown in Figure 23. Springs 842 and 843 are also sufficiently resilient so that upon the operator relaxing the compressive force, handle 840 is urged in the direction of Arrow B away from handle 841. Referring now to Figure 24b, it is also contemplated that spring elements 842 and 843 may be alternatively provided by conventional helical spring elements 842'and 843'having opposed ends supported by each of planar faces 848 and 849.

Dispenser 800 is operated by loading a collapsible tube 10 within tube accommodating cavity 830 of cradle 802 and inserting dispense end 12 through aperture 822. Distal ends 806c and 808c of support walls 806 and 808 are inserted first through aperture 854 of guide handle 840 and then through portions 855a and 855b of aperture 855 of compression handle 841. Tube cradle is oriented within apertures 854 and 855 so as to insert ratchet teeth 820 across deflectable locking teeth 870,871,872, and 873 of pawls 864,865,866, and 867, respectively. Closed end 14 of tube 10 is extended through tube accommodating opening portion 855c of aperture 855 so as to position compressing edges 880 and 882 against tube wall 16. As locking teeth 870,871,872, and 873 are engaging ratchet teeth 820 of tube cradle 802, the urging of guide handle 840 towards compression handle 841 causes pawls 864 and 866 of guide handle 840 to push tube cradle 802 through aperture 855 of compression handle 841. Locking teeth 871 and 873 are deflected by ratchet teeth 820 as tube cradle 802 is urged in the direction of arrow A. The relative movement between tube cradle 802 and compression handle 841 forces tube 10 through opening 855c of aperture 855 to thereby compress tube wall 16 between compressing edges 880 and 882. Compression of tube wall 16 results in the dispensement of fluid 20 through dispense end 12.

Upon relaxing the compression of handle 840 towards 841, springs 842 and 843 urge guide handle 840 in the direction of arrow B away from compression handle 841. Locking teeth 871 and 873 maintain the relative positioning of tube cradle and compression handle 841 while locking teeth 870 and 872 are deflected about ratchet

teeth 820 so as to move guide handle 840 along tube cradle 802 in the direction of arrow B. The operator continues to compress and relax guide handle 840 towards and away from compression handle 841 and thereby force tube cradle 802 through aperture 855 and tube 10 between compressing edges 880 and 882 to dispense the contents 20 of tube 10. The operator disengages the locking teeth from ratchet teeth 820 by simultaneously pushing the free ends 874,875,876, and 877 of pawls 856, 857,858, and 859 towards tube cradle 802 and then withdrawing tube cradle 802 in the direction of arrow B out from apertures 854 and 855 of handles 840 and 841. The operator may then load a new tube 10 into tube cradle 802 for dispensement as hereinabove described.

Figures 27 to 29 show an alternate embodiment of a deformable tube 1010 which may be accommodated by the present invention for dispensing the contents therefrom. It is contemplated that tube 10 and tube 1010 are each accommodated by the alternate embodiments of the present invention and any distinctions between the tubes hereinbelow highlighted do not effect the present invention. Tube 1010 comprises a deformable body 1011 with a screw-on cap 1012 located on the dispensing nozzle 1013 at a dispensing end of the tube 1010. The dispensing nozzle 1013 is screwed onto an conventional screw threaded closure nozzle 1019. The deformable tube 1010 has a shoulder or neck 1014 tapering up from the body 1011 to the closure nozzle 1019. The tube 1010 has a closed crimped end 1015 distal the dispensing end of the tube. The body 1011 tapers from being roughly cylindrical in cross-section at a portion 1016 at the dispensing end of the tube, to a flatter, wider, winged-shape closer to the closed crimped end 1015.

Figure 30 shows a squeezer 1020 comprising two opposing planar members 1021,1022 for embracing the tube 1010 therebetween. In the embodiment shown the squeezer 1020 comprises a unitary piece 1023 formed of resiliently deformable plastics. Members 1021,1022 are desirably elongate planar components of sufficient length to form two jaws and a handle portion as will be described in more detail below. While in the embodiment shown the opposing members are formed as jaws,

the skilled person will appreciate that the squeezer could be of any desired shape or cross-section, for example cylindrical or box-shaped, provided that opposing sides of the squeezer can be flattened against each other. In the embodiment the plastics material is polypropylene. Other suitable plastics materials include polyethylene though of course the squeezer could be constructed of any other suitable material. An open-necked collar 1026 forms a socket which is dimensioned to be snap-fit engageable with a dispensing nozzle 1013 of the tube 10 10. In the embodiment the socket on the collar is in the form of a central aperture 1027 defined therein with an opening 1028 extending to one side 1029 of the collar 1026. The aperture is"key- hole"shaped and is dimensioned to allow insertion and snap-fit engagement of the closure nozzle 1019, by side insertion from side 1029, of the nozzle 1019 though opening 1028 into aperture 1027. The collar thus engages the closure nozzle 1019 at the space between the shoulder 1014 and the dispensing nozzle 1013. The members 1021,1022 are each pivotable with respect to the collar 1026. The members 1021, 1022 are respectively connected to the collar 1026 by resiliently deformable joints 1030,1031 each of which acts as a hinge allowing relative movement of the collar 1026 and the members 1021,1022. The joints 1030, 1031 are constructed of the same material as the members 1021,1022 though they are of lesser thickness. Ease of pivotable movement of the members 1021,1022 is ensured by providing fold or hinge lines 1032,1033, and 1034,1035 respectively at each end of the resiliently deformable joints 1030,1031. It will be appreciated that pivoting is facilitated along the entire length of deformable joints 1030,1031 which can be progressively deformed to the desired configuration. A series of oblong molded grooves 1042 are formed transversely on the member 1021. Molding is one convenient method of forming the grooves 1042. The grooves could otherwise be formed by perforation, cutting out or other machining methods. The grooves form part of an indexing system described in more detail below.

In an alternative embodiment of the squeezer 1020 shown in Figure 1031, a central aperture 1036 is provided on the collar 1026 and the dispensing nozzle 1013 is simply pushed through the aperture 1036-from below in Figure 31. In this

embodiment both members 1021,1022 are provided with a series of holes 43 which perform a similar function to the grooves 1042 described above. In other respects, the embodiment is similar to that of Figure 30. This form of squeezer is suitable for use with a device such as the one shown in Figure 45, though it will be appreciated that various squeezers may be used with any modification required. In each of the embodiments above the squeezer is constructed so that the jaws are biased apart toward a non-pressurized position, but nonetheless embracing the tube.

Figure 32 shows an alternative squeezer 1120 comprising two separate pieces.

One of the pieces is a resiliently deformable member 1121 having a brace or grip 1123 in the form of an open-neck collar at one end thereof. The brace 1123 is bifurcated with two legs 1124,1125. A slot 1126 in the brace 1123 allows for insertion of a tube and sliding engagement of the dispensing nozzle 1013 of the slot. In this embodiment the tube is free to move within the confines of the member 1121 and a second member 1122. This allows for progressive movement of the nozzle toward the top of the slot while the tube is being flattened.

The brace 1123 has a lip 1127 facing inwardly on each of the legs 1124,1125.

The lips 1127 act as stops for the upper end 1128 of the second member 1122, when the members 1121 and 1122 are joined together by any of the methods described above. Grooves 1129 are also formed on member 1121 to provide an indexing track for a slide such as the one discussed below. A u-shaped joint 1130 runs between the member 1121 and the brace 1123. The members 1121,1122 could also be provided with a notch or groove for holding the crimped end of the tube such as described above with reference to Figures 30 and 31. A fastening hole 1131 is also provided toward the end of each of the members 1121,1122 to allow ease of fastening.

Figure 33 shows a further alternative squeezer 1140 having two opposing members 1141,1142 joined together as described for previous embodiments. In this embodiment both members 1141,1142 truncate in a bifurcated end resulting in two forks respectively labeled as 1143 and 1144. The forks 1143,1144 are adapted to

receive and slidingly engage a collar for a tube in the form of a separate neck-piece or plate 1145. The plate 1145 has an aperture 146 defined therein for snap-fit engagement with the dispensing nozzle 1013 of the tube. The area about the aperture 1146 is dished as indicated by the broken line 1147 to the rear of the plate 1145, so as to be a snug fit with a shoulder 1014 of the tube.

An alternative plate 1148 is shown in Figure 34 where the aperture 1149 is a figure of eight shape, the lower portion of which has a larger diameter than the upper portion. This allows for ease of insertion of a tube through the lower portion and then snap-fit engagement in the upper portion of the aperture. Otherwise the device is identical to that shown in Figure 33.

In the embodiment of Figure 33 the device has been assembled for use.

Assembling for the embodiments of Figures 33 or 34 is easily achieved by inserting each pair of legs of forks 1143,1144, labeled as 1150,1151, one after the other through a pair of opposing notches 1152,1153 located on opposing sides of either of the plates 1145,1148. The notches 1152,1153 marry to opposing notches 1154,1155 respectively on each pair of legs 1150,1151. The sides 1156,1157 of the plates thus form a guide for the legs 1150,1151 allowing opening and closing of the members 1141,1142. Stops in the form of four ears 1158 one on each corner of the plates 1145, 1148 prevent the members 1141,1142 from opening too far. As shown in the assembled configuration of Figure 33 the ears 1158 limit the extent to which the members 1141,1142 can move apart. As in previous embodiments the members 1141,1142 are joined to form a handle and jaws, and grooves 1159 are provided for indexing of a slide to be described below. Notches or grooves 1160 are also provided for holding the closed end of the tube as described previously.

Figures 35,36,37 and 41, in Figure 41 the slide forms part of an assembly, show different views of a slide 1050 constructed of a body portion 1051 having an elongate aperture 1052 defined therein. The aperture 1052 is defined by side walls 1080,1081, a base 1082, and a top wall 1083. The aperture 1052 is dimensioned to

accommodate and slidingly engage a squeezer according to any of the embodiments above. The slide 1050 has a lever 1053 which is pivotably mounted by a pivot pin 1054 on the side walls 1080,1081 of the body portion 1051. The lever 1053 has a cam-surface 1055. The cam-surface forms pressure-applying means for applying cam- pressure to one or both of the deformable portions of the squeezer, described below.

The lever 1053 provides control or application means for controlling application of the cam-pressure-by controlling the camming action i. e. the amount of pressure applied by the cam. In particular the control means control the progressive application of cam-pressure. The cam surface is pivotable to allow adjustment of cam-pressure applied. The lever 1053 provides a simple construction, though it will be appreciated that other constructions are possible, for example motorizing the cam-action. The lever 1053 is moveable between a fully applied position shown in Figure 36, where the lever is recessed flush with the body portion 1051 of the slide 1050, and a position for operation shown in Figures 35,37 and 41, where the lever extends at an angle, suitably of approximately 45°, to the body portion 1051. The slide 1050 also has a resiliently deformable member 1056, formed in the top wall 1083. The deformable member 1056 is formed by a rectangular cut-out portion of the upper wall 1083, being spaced from the wall 1083 on either side by an elongate aperture 1087 on either side of the member 1056. The member eventually forms one with the upper wall 1083 at the point indicated at 1092. The member 1056 acts as a ratchet, inter-engaging in turn with each of the oblong molded grooves 1042 as the slide 1050 is moved along, as will be described in more detail below. The series of grooves 1042 form an indexing track 1041 along the squeezer. The track 41 thus acts as an indexing system, or ratchet system, for the pressure-applying means for applying pressure to the jaws 1024,1025.

The slide 1050 forms travel or carriage means for allowing travel of the pressure- applying means along the squeezer. In particular the resiliently deformable member 56 has a lower angular surface, or detent 1084, for engaging the grooves 1042. The resiliently deformable member 1056 and the oblong molded grooves 1042 act as inter- engaging formations. In the embodiment shown, release means in the form of a lifting surface 1057, see Figure 37, on the lever 1053 is provided. The lifting surface 1057 engages with a tab portion 1085 of the resiliently deformable member 1056, releasing

the detent 1084 from engagement with the oblong molded grooves 1042, thereby allowing free unindexed movement of the slide in both directions along the indexing track 1041, but most usefully allows movement in a reverse direction. Stops 1058 are provided one on the inner side of each of the side walls 1080,1081 of the slide 1050.

The stops 1058 restrict pivotable movement of the lever 1053 to a desired extent by abutting a forward planar surface either side of the cam surface 1055 on the lever 1053. In particular they help to prevent undue forward movement of the lever 1053 which could damage the member 1056 by excessive strain imparted by the lifting surface 1057.

Figure 38 shows the assembled arrangement of the deformable tube 1010 and a squeezer 1020 of the general configuration of Figure 30. In the embodiment, members 1021,1022 have been folded about the resiliently deformable joints 1030, 1031 to form a squeezer comprising jaws 1024,1025 which conforms substantially to the shape of the tube 1010, and also a handle or tail portion 1037. In the embodiment the members 1021,1022 are folded with respect to the collar 1026 to form jaws 1024, 1025 between which the tube 1010 is embraced. The closure nozzle 1019 has been snap-fitted into the aperture 1027 in the collar by side loading through the opening 1028 as described above with reference to Figure 30. The jaws 1024,1025, and the collar 1026 are in a triangular configuration about the tube body 1011. As shown, each of the members have respective deformable portions corresponding to the deformable jaws. A length of each of the members, from a position just below the jaws 1024,1025 to their lower ends, are held tightly to one another to form a handle portion or hand-grip 1037. It will be appreciated that the members 1021,1022 may be of any suitable length, and may be held together or joined at any suitable position to form jaws 1024,1025 which can accommodate any given size of tube 1010. The length of each of the members 1021,1022 taken up to form the handle may be adjustable so as to allow for longer jaws for accommodating different sizes of tube.

The members 1021,1022 may be joined together at the fastening point 1018, or at other places, by any suitable fastening means for example screws, rivets, or snap-fit, inter-engaging formations. The lengths of the members 1021,1022 taken to form the

handle portion 1037 may also be adhered or welded together, or indeed joined by any other suitable method. The handle portion may be fitted with a stop to prevent complete removal of the slide 1105 if desired. The handle portion also acts as a rest place for the slide with no pre-stressing on the squeezer when the tube is initially mounted.

Retaining means in the form of opposing grooves 1038 are formed in members 1021 and 1022. The grooves 1038 are dimensioned so as to together accommodate and trap or grip the crimped end 1015 of the tube 1010 thereby assisting retention of the tube in place. For tubes which are closed by methods other than crimping, other gripping arrangements for holding the end of the tube may be used.

It will be appreciated that by removing the cap 1012 to expose dispensing nozzle 1013 and applying pressure in the direction of the arrows B the contents of the tube, in this case adhesive, may be expressed from the tube and dispensed onto a substrate.

Figures 39 and 40 show respectively a top-plan view and a side elevational view of the entire assembly comprising the squeezer 1020, the slide 1050 and the tube 1010. In Figure 39 the indexing track 1041 is formed of a series of grooves 1042.

Alternatively the track 1041 may be provided by teeth or detents formed in a saw- tooth or other such arrangement.

Figures 39 and 40 show the slide 1050 having been moved along the squeezer 1020 by ratchet movement along the track 1041. The action of the pressure-applying means, the lever 1053 and the cam surface 1055, has been used in each case to flatten the tube, as described in more detail below, so that the tube now has two flattened walls 1047,1048 which abut each other. The cam surface 1055 is arranged, to press the jaws 1024,1025 of the squeezer sufficiently close together so that they in turn substantially flatten the tube body 1011 and express the contents of the tube. The deformable joints 1030,1031 allow the jaws 1024,1025 to close along their entire length. The deformable joints 1030,1031 aid expression of the remaining adhesive from the tube by pressing upon the dispensing end of the tube close to its shoulder

1014. As can be seen in Figure 40 the device has been used to express as much of the contents of the tube 1010 as possible. Further expression of contents could be achieved by deforming the shoulder 1014 of the tube. The tube 1010 has been progressively substantially flattened along its length so that only tiny amounts of adhesive, if any, remain undispensed from the flattened part of the tube body.

The pressure applying action is now described in more detail with reference to Figures 35 and 36 and in particular with reference to Figures 11 and 15. Figure 41 shows the slide 1050 in operation to apply pressure to the squeezer 1020 and in turn to the tube 1010. Movement of the lever 1053 in the direction of arrow C causes the cam surface 1055 to progressively press the squeezer 1020 against the upper surface 1086 of the base wall 1082 transverse of the aperture 1052. The side walls 1080, 1081 and base wall 1082 of the slide 1050 about the aperture 1052 together with the cam surface 1055 form a mouth into which the squeezer and tube can be progressively drawn or fed. A representative amount of grooves 1042 are shown, which inter- engage with the detent 1084 in a ratchet-like mechanism. The lever 1023 may be pressed fully downwards from the position shown to the recessed position shown in Figures 39 and 40.

The slide 1050 may then be moved forward manually to engage the next groove 1042. Moving the slide forward causes the lever 1053 to automatically raise once more to the position shown in Figures 35 and 41. This is due to action of the cam surface 1055 and/or the tab 1085 against the squeezer 1020. Pushing the lever forward of the position shown in Figure 41 engages a lifting surface 1057 against the tab 1085 to lift the detent 1084 from the grooves 1042 allowing the slide to be moved in a reverse direction. It will be appreciated that the members 1021,1022 form a rail on which the slide is slidable. The indexing of the ratchet is designed to allow sufficient forward movement of the pressure-applying means so that product further along the tube can be dispensed, and also to limit the forward movement, to no further than the next part of the tube not yet flattened, so that no product is left undispensed.

In the embodiment of Figures 42 and 43 no collar is located between the jaws 1024,1025. Instead the tube 1010 is held in place mainly by means for engaging the crimped end 1015 of the tube 1010. An enlarged partial view is shown in Figure 43 where the engaging means comprises opposing grips 1059,1060 which grip and hold the crimped end 1015 of the tube 1010. The grips 1059,1060 are provided as cut- away portions 1061 of the jaws 1024,1025. The grips 1059,1060 have teeth or detents 1090,1091 which are adapted to grip and retain the crimped end 1015 of the tube 1010. It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that both the collar and the grip systems can be used simultaneously as shown for example in Figure 40.

Providing the grips 1059,1060 in a cut-away portion of the squeezer allows the detents 1090,1091 to remain close to each other when a tube 1010 is inserted, as otherwise they would tend to splay apart, and lose hold on the tube, following the general shape of the squeezer 1020. It will be appreciated that grips to hold the crimped end of the tube could be positioned at any desired location on the squeezer 1020, for example at opposing sides of the members 1020,1021.

An alternative construction of a device of the invention is shown in exploded view in Figure 44. In this embodiment the collar 1026 and the resiliently deformable joints 1030 and 1031 are formed as a single piece. The jaws 1024,1025 are each molded as separate pieces. The jaws 1024,1025 and the collar are joined by a plug 1062 on each of the joints 1030,1031 and a socket 1063 on each of the jaws which are snap-fitted together. Two levers 1064,1065 are provided having respective cam surfaces 1066 and 1067 which act in the manner described above for cam surface 1055. Each of the levers 1064,1065 is engageable by respective pivot pins 1068, 1069 in retaining holes 1070,1071 in the slide 1050. The cam surface acts through respective apertures 1088,1089 in the manner described above for Figures 35 to 37 and 41 though pressure is now applied from both sides by the dual cam surfaces 1066, 1067. An indexing ratchet comprising a spring-loaded button 1072 indexes the slide 1050 by inter-engaging in turn with holes 1073 in the jaws 1024,1025. Snap-fit engaging formations comprising a projection 1074 and a socket 1075, one of each on the end of each of jaws 1024,1025, allow joining of the parts.

A very similar construction is shown in Figure 45. The device has been assembled with a tube 1010 in position. In the embodiment of Figure 45 the spring- loaded button 1072 is located on the side of the slide 1050, to allow for easier handling.

A device as shown in Figures 39 to 41 was used to express Loctite (t 409 and Loctite (t 454 gel adhesive from their respective 1020 gram tubes. The device expressed upwards of 85% of the contents of the tube, flattening the tube body 1011 along its length up to the shoulder 1014. Upwards of 90% expression can be achieved.

A residual amount of product nonetheless remaining in the shoulder portion of the tube, which being rigid, does not allow for further expression.

Figure 46 shows a device of the invention being hand-held and used to dispense adhesive from a tube in an easily controllable manner. Pressure on the lever 1053 is easily controllable by the thumb 1095 while being held in the hand by other fingers. The lever action requires very little force to dispense the product dropwise, for example dots 1100, or in a continuous bead 1101 on the substrate 1102.

Figure 47 shows the device according to the invention wherein the motion of the slide has been motorized. The tube 1010 has once again been placed between the jaws of a squeezer 1020 such as described in Figure 38. The slide 1105 comprises upper 1106 and lower 1107 extruding portions, which are adapted to squeeze and express the contents of the tube. The movement of the slide 1105 is controlled by a motor 1103 powered by a battery source 1108. The motor 1107 drives a spindle or worm drive 1109 which has screw-threads 1110 which engage with a corresponding screw threaded bore in the slide 1105. Power to the motor 1107 from the battery source 1108 is controlled by a contact switch 1111. The entire arrangement is held in a housing 1112. Pressing on finger button 1113 activates switch 1111 beneath. The finger button 1113 is biased toward the"off"-position, shown in Figure 47, to allow ease of control. The speed of the motor can be set to give slow and even, controlled expression of product. The device could alternatively be driven by mains electricity.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the device described above could be configured in many ways, including for example as a dispensing gun such as a caulk gun.

The words"comprises/comprising"and the words"having/including"when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

From the foregoing description, it can be seen that the present invention provides an easily manufactured collapsible tube dispensing apparatus capable of manually metering out precise amounts of product with minimal waste. The apparatus can be made in its entirety from any suitable rigid material, the most preferred being a thermoplastic material. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that although certain modifications have been suggested, other changes could be made to the above-described invention without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments shown and disclosed, but is intended to cover any modifications which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.