Field of. the Invention

This invention relates to devices and methods for folding up collapsible dispensing tubes and containers. More particularly, the invention concerns an improved device for winding the proximal end of a collapsible tube as the tube contents are discharged from the distal end.

Background of the Invention

Collapsible tubes are commonly used as containers and dispensers for toothpaste, shampoo, shaving cream and the like. Because such containers have minimal structural rigidity, they become easily deformed with repeated use. Such deformation often hinders further dispensing of the tube's contents, and results in waste and tube rupture.

Devices for winding or coiling the end of a collapsible tube are known in the art, and provide a means for reducing the problems listed above. U.S. Patent No. 955,530 to Morrison shows a key-like device

that engages the sealed end of a collapsible tube and is used to coil the tube upon itself as the tube contents are dispensed from the opposite end. Similar devices are shown in U.S. Patent No. 2,162,295 to Benedict and U.S. Patent No. 2,809,770 to Neimy et al. These references each disclose a device that comprises a tube-engaging means (typically, a slot) and a handle for use in coiling up the tube.

A common drawback to the use of such devices is that as the tube is rolled up about itself, it becomes increasingly difficult to effect further coiling, because of the internal resistance of the tube, and the circular cross-sectional shape of the coiled end. Additionally, the devices described above are somewhat expensive and difficult to manufacture, and are not disposable.

U.S. Patent No. 3,199,737 to Koffler describes a clip-like device for .use with collapsible dispensing tubes. The device clamps on to the sealed end of a dispensing tube, and is used to roll up the tube as the tube contents are dispensed. The Koffler device suffers from disadvantages similar to those previously mentioned. Although the Koffler device avoids the formation of a generally circular cross-sectional shape as a tube is rolled up, the irregular shape of the device still makes it increasingly difficult to continue rolling up the dispensing tube. As with the earlier mentioned references, the Koffler device is not inherently inexpensive and easy to manufacture, and is not inherently disposable.

Accordingly, a need exists for a simple, disposable, and inexpensive device for use with collapsible tubes. The present invention fulfills this need.

Summary of the Invention

A tube folding device for use with collapsible

dispensing tubes is provided, and comprises a thin, generally rectangular plate, preferably coated on one or both surfaces with a contact adhesive. A release liner covers the adhesive until the device is employed. A method for folding up a collapsible dispensing tube is also provided.

In operation, the release liner is removed, thereby exposing the adhesive, and the plate is attached to the sealed end of the tube, which is then folded over the plate by using an edge of the plate as a fulcrum. As the contents of the tube are periodically dispensed, the tube is repeatedly folded about itself. The rectangular plate's shape and rigidity ensure that the tube folds up in an efficient and convenient manner. If desired, the folded up configuration of the tube can be secured with the attachment of a suitable clip, such as a binder clip.

The present invention is exceedingly easy and inexpensive to manufacture, yet quite effective in operation. Because the device and the described method of use more efficiently collapses the tube, waste and the chance of tube rupture are greatly reduced. The device is disposable and may be discarded along with the tube to which it is attached when the latter is empty.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention, showing a partially removed release liner;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a collapsible tube; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the invention affixed to the collapsible tube shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a side view of a folded up collapsible tube equipped with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 in a partially folded configuration;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 in another folded configuration.;

FIG. 10 is a side view of alternate adhesive means for use in the invention; FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the adhesive means of FIG. 10 attached to a collapsible dispensing tube; FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of

FIG. 11 in a folded configuration; FIG. 13 is a face view of an alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an adhesive tape used in the embodiment of Fig 13;

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of the method of tight folding;

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of the method of loose folding; and

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an adhesive tape used in the present invention.

Detailed Description

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the tube rolling device essentially comprises a thin, generally rectangular plate 30. The plate has an upper surface 31, and a lower surface 32, and is preferably comprised of. plastic or wood. Thus, the plate is generally rigid, easy to manufacture, and disposable.

A layer of adhesive 37 preferably is coated on at least one surface of the plate. In FIG. 3, the adhesive is shown coated on the upper surface 31. A removable release liner 38 protects the adhesive of the plate prior to use.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4-6, which show a common collapsible dispensing tube 10, such as is used to package toothpaste. Such a tube is commonly manufactured out of plastic or a thin metal foil. The tube has a distal end 12, with a cap 14 thereon, and a sealed proximal end 16. The proximal end is typically crimped to prevent leakage of the tube contents. The proximal end of the tube merges into the cylindrical body of the tube, via a generally flat tail portion 20.

In operation, the release liner 38 is removed from the plate 30, exposing the adhesive 37. The plate is then attached to a collapsible tube, such that the upper adhesive surface 31 abuts the tail portion 20. This is more clearly understood with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. By using an edge of the plate as a fulcrum, the tail portion 20 of the tube is folded toward the distal end of the tube, so that the lower surface 32 of the plate abuts ^" the tube. In one embodiment of the invention, both the upper and lower surfaces of the plate are coated with an adhesive. Thus, when the tube is folded as described above, both the upper and lower surfaces of the plate adhere to the tube. A bend line 25 is shown in FIG. 4, and denotes the location of the initial fold. A partially folded up collapsible tube is shown in FIG. 5.

As the contents of the tube are dispensed, the proximal end of the tube is repeatedly folded toward the distal end. In this manner, the tube is coiled up about itself and plate 30, and the contents of the tube are thereby efficiently extruded from the tube. The thin, plate-like design of the present invention allows the tube to be coiled up into a non-circular, somewhat oval-like, cross-sectional shape. Essentially, the tail portion of the tube is more easily grasped, and more leverage is provided by the shape of the tail portion of the partially folded tube. Continued folding-up of the tube thus requires minimal effort.

Tubes constructed of metal foil generally retain the coiled up shape that results from repeated folding. Plastic tubes, however, have a tendency to uncoil. Accordingly, it is desirable to place a spring clip or clamp 40 about the folded up portion of the tube. An ordinary "binder clip," such as is sold by Acco International, Inc., is quite effective. When the contents of a plastic tube are periodically dispensed, the clip is removed, the tube folded, and the clip reattaσhed. FIG. 6 shows a partially coiled dispensing tube equipped with a clip 40 and the present invention. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a dispensing tube may be retained in a folded-up config¬ uration without the use of a clip. This is shown in FIGS. 7-9.

A plate 30, coated with an adhesive on one surface only, is attached to the tail portion of a collapsible tube 10 in the manner described above. First adhesive means 50, such as a transfer adhesive or double sided tape, is attached to a proximal portion of the tube, and the tail end of the tube is folded toward the distal end, about a bend line 25, such that the uncoated surface of the plate 30 makes contact with the first adhesive means 50.

As the contents of the tube are periodically dis-

pensed, the process is repeated, with the attachment of second adhesive means 51, third adhesive means 52, etc., and the folding-up of the tube about itself. This embodiment obviates the need for a clip or similar securing means.

This particular embodiment may be further modified by using a single adhesive means in the form of a long strip of transfer adhesive or double-sided tape. This is shown in FIGS. 10-12. The adhesive strip 60 is perferrably about 6/7 as long as the collapsible tube 10. A protective release liner 65 covers the upper surface 61 of the adhesive strip. The release liner is perforated at increments along the length of the strip, allowing portions of the release line to be removed from the strip, one at a time, as necessary.

In operation,, a collapsible tube is first equipped with a rectangular plate 30 as described above. The lower surface 62 of the adhesive strip 60 is then attached lengthwise to the tube. As the contents of the tube are dispensed and it is desired to fold the tube up about itself, portions of the protective release liner 65 are incrementally peeled away from the adhesive strip 60, starting at the tube's proximal end 16, thereby exposing successive portions of the adhesive upper surface 61 of the strip. The tube is then folded about itself and secured in a new configuration by the exposed adhesive portion. As needed, the process is repeated; additional release liner is peeled away from the adhesive strip, new adhesive is exposed, and the tube is folded again. Excess release liner can either be left attached to the adhesive strip, as shown in FIG. 12, or can be trimmed along a perforated line 67. This embodiment eliminates the need for a clip or other mechanical securing means, and further obviates the need for successive applications of adhesives.

It will be appreciated that the invention further comprises a kit for equipping a collapsible dispensing tube with folding means. In this embodiment, the invention comprises a generally rectangular plate, as described above, optionally coated on one or both surfaces with an adhesive coating.. The kit may further comprise a suitable clip or clamp, such as described above, or adhesive means such as at least one transfer adhesive or double sided tape. FIGS. 13-16 illustrate other embodiments of the present invention. A thin, narrow, strip 70 of material is secured to the flat proximal end 72 of a typical dispensing tube 74 with an adhesive (not shown) on the lower surface of the strip. The strip may be plastic, or some other suitable material, and may be affixed to the material comprising the dispensing tube either before or after the material is formed into a tube shape.

The strip is approximately 1.8 inches long, 0.25 inches wide, and 0.01 inches thick. An upper surface 71 of the strip can be covered with a detachable coupon (not shown) which may be removed from the strip before the tube's contents are dispensed.

Because of its diminutive nature, the narrow strip 70. makes contact with and adheres to the tube along the entire area of the strip's lower surface. In contrast, it has been found that less contact between adhesive and tube can result when the wider plates described above are initially applied to dispensing tubes. For example, for a plate 1.8 inches long, 0.8 inches wide, and 0.02 inches thick, from 40 to about 60% of the adhesive initially makes contact with the tube. More narrow plates make better contact. Thus, a plate having dimensions of 1.8" x 0.25" x 0.01" (or 0.02") makes 100% contact with the tube when initially applied.

Despite it's narrow dimensions, the strip 70 is

sufficiently sturdy to act as a fulcrum for folding the tube's proximal end 72 toward the distal end 76 of the tube. For a tube with a diameter of approximately 1.4 inches, good results are achieved when the plastic strip is positioned about one inch away from the crimped end 78 of the tube.

As described above, plastic dispensing tubes have a tendency to uncoil from a folded position. Accordingly, a long strip of adhesive tape 80 is affixed lengthwise to the dispensing tube and provides means for maintaining the tube in a folded up configuration. In order to provide generally uniform folding of the tube, it is preferred to position the adhesive tape 80 a certain distal distance away from the narrow strip 70. For example, the adhesive tape is preferably located about 0.15 inches away from the narrow strip when the distal edge 104 of the strip is about 0.9 inches away from the crimped end 78 of the tube. In one embodiment, the tape is a double faced tape comprising a substrate 82 having an upper surface 84 and a lower surface 86. A. first layer 88 of adhesive material adheres to the lower surface 86 of the substrate and secures the tape to the dispensing tube. A second layer 90 of adhesive material adheres to the upper surface 84 of the substrate. A release liner 92 covers the second layer of adhesive material until the latter is needed to hold the dispensing tube in a particular folded configuration. Preferably, a narrow, longitudinal portion 93 of the upper surface 84 of the substrate is not coated with adhesive, and provides means for initiating the removal of the release liner 92 from the adhesive upper surface of the substrate. A plurality of parallel perforations 94 are formed in the release liner, and define incremental sections 96,97,98,99, etc. of the release liner. The sections

are easily detached by tearing the release liner along the perforations.

The sections defined by the perforations are alternatingly large and small. Each small section 97,99, etc. is 0 to about 0.2 inches long and provides means for compensating for any overfolding of the tube. In other words, the small sections of release liner facilitate the easy removal of adjacent large sections of the release liner. Each large section 96, 98, 100, etc., is longer than each of the small sections, but the length of each large section is preferably not equal. Instead, the area of the large sections of the release liner nearest the proximal end 72 of the dispensing tube is less than the area of the large sections of release liner near the tube's distal end 76. Preferably, the area varies in a regular or uniform pattern. In other words, the area of the first large section 96 of release liner is less than the area of the second large section 98, which is less than the area of the third large section 100, and so forth. The regular variation in area so described provides means for compensating for the changing dimensions of the tube's surface as its contents are dispensed and it goes from a full, unfolded configuration to an empty, completely folded configuration.

A dispensing tube provided with the thin strip and adhesive tape described above may be folded up as the tube contents are dispensed, and held in a folded configuration, in the following manner:

A first large section 96 of the release liner 92 is peeled away from the adhesive tape 80, exposing a proximal portion of the second layer 90 of adhesive. The adjacent first small section 97 of the release liner remains attached to the second layer of adhesive. The thin strip 70 acts as a fulcrum, and the flat proximal end 72 of the dispensing tube 74 is folded

toward the tube's distal end 76 about a first fold line 102 defined by the distal edge 104 of the thin strip. The flat end 72 of the tube is then pressed against and affixed to the exposed section of adhesive. After part of the tube's contents have been squeezed out, a second large section 98 of the release liner is peeled away, exposing another portion of adhesive. The flat proximal end 72 of the tube, now folded toward the tube's distal end, defines a second fold line 106, and acts as a fulcrum for again folding the tube about itself. This process is repeated until the contents of the tube have been fully dispensed.

Although each large section of the release liner is peeled off, as needed, the small sections of the release liner remain attached, and are folded up along with the tube. Ideally, the small sections of release liner would not be required, if each incremental folding of the tube was perfectly positioned. In practice, the small ^• sections provide means for preventing overlap of the folded portion of the tube with the next adjacent large section of release liner.

For example, without the small sections, if the flat proximal end of the tube was folded too far in the distal direction, it would slightly overlap the second large section 98 of the release liner, thereby making removal of the latter difficult. The separation of each of the large sections of the release liner with small, narrow sections reduces the likelihood of such overlap. Thus, the small sections facilitate the easy removal of adjacent large sections of release liner. The tube can therefore be folded up about itself and secured in a folded configuration without "perfect" positioning of each fold.

As noted above, the narrow strip 70 and the adhesive tape 80 are preferably carefully positioned on the dispensing tube in order to facilitate alignment of each folded increment of the tube with a portion of

adhesive. Although the small strips of release liner provide means for achieving the desired alignment, improper positioning of the strip and tape can result in undesired overlap of a folded portion of the tube and not-yet-exposed portions of the upper layer of adhesive. The resulting error is increased each time the tube is folded. For example, if the narrow strip is inaccurately positioned by 0.02 inches, the error becomes 0.08 inches after four folds. To reduce this problem, a dispensing tube equipped with the narrow strip and adhesive tape just described can be folded in "loose folds" rather than "tight folds". The difference is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 15-16. In FIG. 15, a dispensing tube 74 is tightly folded. The first fold is accomplished by using the distal edge 104 of the thin strip 70 as a fulcrum. The distal edge 104 of the strip defines a first fold line 102, and the flat proximal end 72 of the tube is folded about this first fold line.

A second fold line 106 is defined by the crimped edge 78 of the dispensing tube. The second fold is accomplished by using this edge as a fulcrum, and folding the tube about the second fold line. A third fold line 108 is defined by the previously folded portion of the tube, which portion also acts as a fulcrum for folding the tube a third time. Subsequent folds are accomplished by using the distal edge of the previously folded portion of the tube as a fulcrum.

In FIG. 16, a dispensing tube 74 is loosely folded.

The tube is equipped with a narrow strip 70 and an adhesive tape as described above, but with one difference. The perforations 94 are spaced further apart along the release liner. Thus, the area of the large sections 96,98,100 etc. is greater than

previously described.

The first fold is achieved in the same manner as that described above, i.e., the distal edge 104 of the narrow strip 70 defines a first fold line 106 and acts as a fulcrum for folding the proximal end 72 of the tube toward the tube's distal end.

The second fold occurs at a second fold line 106, which is spaced a first distance 110 away from the folded crimped end 78 of the tube in a distal direction. The tube itself is used as a fulcrum at this point, and the tube is folded toward its distal end.

Similarly, the third fold occurs at a third fold line 108, which is spaced a second distance 112 away from the previously folded portion of the tube in a distal direction. Subsequent folds are carried out in a similar manner.

The actual location of the second, third, and subsequent fold lines is determined by the person folding the tube. By allowing a distance between a given fold line and the previously folded tube portion, the method of loose folding reduces the importance of precise positioning of the narrow strip and the adhesive tape. In actual practice, for a dispensing tube equipped with a narrow strip as described above, the difference between a "loose fold' and a 'tight fold' is about 0.03 inches per fold.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention that is preferred because of its low cost, the adhesive tape 80 comprises a lower release liner 114, an adhesive matrix 116, and an upper release liner 118, as shown in FIG. 17. A plurality of perforations 120 are formed in the upper release liner in a pattern similar to that described above. The tape is applied to a dispensing tube by removing the lower release liner 118 and pressing the lower surface 122 of the adhesive matrix

against the tube.

A tube equipped with the adhesivie tape just described is folded up in a manner identical to that described above, with sections of the upper release liner being peeled away as necessary.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a number of additional modifications and improvements can be made to the invention without departure from the essential spirit and scope. Therefore, the invention is not limited by the above disclosure, but only by the following claims.