US2208201A - Cap for collapsible tubes and other containers - Google Patents

Description

H. SMITH Filed March 9, 1939 CAP FOR COLLAPSIBLE TUBES AND OTHER CONTAINERS July 16, 1940.

INVENTOR BY Har/y 5m/Th A (/M Mmm# @wir ATTORNEYS Fig. 7'

Fig.

Patented July 16, 1940 UNITED STATES lairifzlvr fom-ics CAPB OLLAPSIBLETUBES AND` OTHER CONTAINERS A `Harry Smith,y Leytonstone,.-London,. .lillirg'lanll` `as signor to Thel West Company, nc.,

phia, Pa.

Pliiladelif Application March 9, 1939,'seris1 No. 260,671

In'Gr-eatliiitain Marchi 9, 1938 1o claims. (oreal-60) This invention relates to improvements incaps 'for collapsible tubes and other containers, and. has for anobject the provision yol? a cap -or colmeantime had been lost) toreplace the cap on the neck of the tube, screwing the same .sufliciently tight to seal the contents "from the deleterious effects of theatmosphere. If lthe closing or replacing operationis neglected, the contents of the tube may, due to exposure, Abecome dried out, hardened, or otherwise deteriorate.

An object of the present invention is thegpro-` vision of a self-sealing cap applicable to `collapsl` ible tubes or containers Which normally seals the contents thereof from the outside air, said cap including a plurality of seals "which are broken While and as the user applies reasonable pressure to the tube proper and which are auto-` matically established upon the cessation of said pressure. i

Another object of the invention is the provision of an annulus of y comparatively non-` resilient material adapted to embrace the' neck or discharge end of the tube, saidv annulus carrying a bridgemember `or lwebv preferably -of `rectangular cross section spanning oneN end' of said annulus and havingy openings'on'each side of said bridge communicatingwith 'the opening in the neck of the tube, vand a resilient rcap member-adapted to envelop said-annulus andwbridge andito normally engagel the free edges of the bridge yand form seals therewith, vsaid cap fhaving a slit portion lying above andvparallel `to'the longitudinal axis of they bridge.

In this arrangement a chamber isformed within said cap adjacent tosadslit portion anduthe upperedges of said bridge,'and Whenvthe user applies pressure vto the '-tube"to"feject Amaterial therefrom, this pressure raises the resilient material and: therebyibreaks said seals,.z epermitting the material to rpass into said' chamber whence' (also due 'to the pressure) it` is'idischarge'd via said slit portion. When the pressuretceases the seals are automatically re-established and "at theA same time 'the slit 'closesiup tights and `the Vtight nt, said 'member being adapted to be material in the tube is doubly sealed from the outsideratmosphere. kAfurtherobjectof the inventionis thegprovision of `a resilient cap adapted to be applied to the 'necksoi-existing collapsible tubes Aor con- 5 tainers, said cap having a slit formed 4in-the apex thereof and the provision ofl a non-resilient memberA ol square or rectangular cross-section of' suicient lengifh to form at each endan air mounted Within said cap parallel to said-slit so that itsupperedges-Wil1'form, with said cap sealing valves.

After themember is mounted -inthe cap the assemblyisapplied to the `neck "of the tube so `l'l that" the resiliency Vofthe cap, in addition to effecting sealing, alsormly holds saidmember, which when sor'mounted spans the opening 4in the 'neck' of the tubefsolidly againstgthe end of thefneck. When pressureis applied to the tube to eject material therefrom, the material -passes through portions of the tube opening -to each side'oi'said'member, andthence viafsaidlsealing Valves `and said slit in the 'manner described.

` Anothe-r-iobject-'of the `invention isv the provision `of -a necked collapsible tube or vessel which hasra` bridge member of square or'rectangular cross-section formed integral therewith and the provision Iof a resilient cap member adaptedlto. be applied to the neck endof the tube incooperative `relationship with said 4bridge member to normally-f' form -a plurality ofA seals'ior isolating the contents of` the tubes `from the atmosphere.

`Yet another Yobject of the linvention is the provision' of a vcollapsible ltube 0r vessel carrying on its neckend lneans to form With a resilient cap, adapted to be applied to the tube, a plurality of series of chambers normally isolated from each other,` thereby forming a series of sealings of the contents `of the tube from the undesirable effects of the outside air.l

Otherobjects will be apparent tok those skilled in the art upon the perusal of the specication.

` In vthe accompanying drawing which is given by way of example -to illustrate the invention:

Figure 1 is a-sectional elevation of Aone embodiment of` the invention `particularly adapted to loe-applied to existing collapsible tubes after the usual s'creW cap `has been removed;

Figure 2 is a side elevati-on of the device shown 50 in Figure l taken inra plane at right angles to the plane in Which 'Figure 1 appears;

"FigureS is a perspective view of a modication of the invention in which la longitudinal bridge or Web spanning` the neck of` thetube is 55 member I5.

formed integral with the tube and arranged to cooperate with a resilient cap when the latter envelops said bridge and tube neck;

Figure 4 is a sectional elevation of the neck end of the arrangement shown in Figure 3, the relation between the bridge member and the resilient cap being clearly showin'- Figure-5 is an elevation of the device shown in Figure 4 as viewed in a plane at right angles to the plane of Figure 4;

Figure 6 lis a sectional elevation of the nec end of a tube embodying a further modification in which a plurality of series of normally sealed chambers normally isolate the contents of the tube from the atmosphere; and

Figure 7 depicts a modification in which the resilient cap hasa bridge member inserted and properly located therein in respect to the slit, whereby the assembly of cap and bridge may be bodily applied to the necks of existing collapsible tubes.

Referring to Figure 1, a portion of an existing tube I0 has a tapered portion I I which terminates in the usual threaded neck I2 having the usual discharge opening I3 through which material is discharged from the tube.

Anon-resilient member comprised of an annular portion I4 having a bridge member i5 secured thereto or formed integral therewith has an opening therein adapted to accommodate and be supportedby the neck VI2'.

To one side of the bridge member I5 is a passage I and to the other side of the bridge member is a passage II, both said passages com-v of suitable consistency (such for example as the f rubber used for nipples on'nur'sing bottles) although other resilient or flexible materials may also be used. This cap envelops the non-resilient member and may be provided with a skirting bead I9.

One portion ofthe wall of the cap I8 engages and forms a sealing valve with the longitudinal Aedge 2U of the bridge I5 and another portion engages and forms a sealing valve with the longitudinal edge 2|, dening therebetween a chamber 22. The cap with said non-resilient member also forms a chamber'23 between the longitudinal edge 20 and the curved edge 24 of the nonresilientmember, and a chamber 25 between' the longitudinal edge 2I and the curved edge 25 of the non-resilient member.

The chambers 23 and 25 are normally isolated from the chamber 22 by the engagement of the edges 24 and 21B by the portions of resilient cap above referred to.

The resilient cap has formed therein a slit 21 which also remains normally closed. This slit is preferably parallel to the axis of the bridge When pressure is applied to the exterior of the tube to eject some of the contents, the material in the tube passes from the neck discharge opening I3 via the passages I6 and II into the chambers 25 and 23 respectively. The material presses against the portions of the resilient cap bounding said chambers, thereby raising them andl breaking the seals between said cap and the edges V2i) and 2I. v

This permits the material to pass into the chamber 22 where it still under pressure engages the portion of the resilient cap bounding the chamber 22, forcing the slit 2'I open and the material is discharged viathe slit u21,

As soon as the required quantity of the material is ejected, the user ceases to apply pressure and as a result the following actions take place automatically, thereby reestablishing a double seal between the material in the tube and the atmosphere outside.

(l) The .slit 2'I immediately closes, sealing off the chamber 22. Y

(2) The walls of the resilient'cap I8 adjacent .-tol the edges 20 and 2| of the bridge I5 immetubes or Vessels equipped with the herein dev scribed device.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the collapsible container is provided with a neck 3| which need not be threaded. In some instances the neck SI may be provided with an annular groove 29 adapted to be engaged by a skirting bead such as that indicated by the numeral I9 in Figurel.

The neck 3| preferably has formed integral therewith a bridge or web 32 of substantially square or rectangular cross-section, spanning the discharge lopening 33 of the tube and leaving a passage 3l! on one side of the bridge and a passage 35 on the other side.

Where the tube is preformed when manufactured in the manner just described, it is only necessary to apply the cap 36 of flexible rubber or other resilient material.

The portion 3'I of the cap extending from the i curved edge 38 of the neck to the straight edge 39 of the bridge 32 bounds a chamber 30. Likewise the portion Y4I of the cap extending from the curved edge 42 of the neck to th-estraight edge 43 of the bridge 32 bounds a chamber 44.

The passage 34 communicates with the chamber lm and the passage 35 communicates with the chamber 44. Y Y

Where the Walls of the .capV 35 contact the straight edges 39 and 43 of the bridge, effective seals are normally established'and a chamber 45 formed therebetween is thereby normally isolatedfrom the chambers and 44. A normally closed slit is formed in the apex of the cap 36 preferably-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bridge 32, A In ejecting material from the tube 30 the sam procedure is followed and the same effect is obtained as that described in connection with Figures 1 and 2.

'Ihe advantages of the embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5 is that the tubes will cost practically the same as the tubes of the prior art, and

v the cost of the live rubber caps 36 is less than that valving edges 5I and 52 which cooperate with the cap 53 ,to form a chamber 54.

jA bridge member 55 is on one side of and spaced apart from the bridge 50 and a bridge member 56 is on theother side of and spaced apart from the bridge 5I] and a Web'5'I connects the bridge 50 andthe bridgemembers .55' and56 together. The bridge membersf 55ra`ndv56- are respectively provided withlstraight contact edges .58 and `55 which-are engaged. in sealing relation by portions of thecapa53. .Passages-E andvl arev formed in the neck of -thetube to lead material outwardly 4as .pressure is applied tothe tube.

'Ihe spacesbetween bridge members 55 and 55 and the .bridge `respectively form `therebetween chambers@ .and 63 which .are'isolated from the passages `6I] and 6l andare also isolatedfrom the chamber 54. yA slit :Slis formed in the cap preferably parallel .to the lmajor axis of the bridge 5D. When pressureis applied tothe tube the material inpassages and 6| lift the cap walls from the edges 58 and 59 and the material passes into chambers B2-.and V63, after-which the material lifts the walls of thecap andpasses between the same and the ledges 5l and 52 into the chamber andfout viathe slitf64.v

Iny the modification in Figure '7, the cap 65 is provided with Alocating means in Y the interior thereof and before the :cap isapplied to an ordinary collapsible tube (after the cap has been screwed offiabar '66 ofsquare or rectangular cross-section and of a length'not lessLthan the diameter ofthe tube neck -is inserted into the 'cap and located by saidlocating means into proper relation to theslit 61. j After this is done the assembly is ready'to be applied to the neck of the tube, designated by the numeral 68. `Ill/hen properly positioned thereon the cap holds the bar tightly against the end of the neck 68, and

i the material, when the tube is squeezed `passes via passages .69 and 'IIJ into chambers 1I and 12 respectively and thence, as described above in connection with Figures l through 5, into chamber i3, and out via the slit 67. In this embodiment as with the others, when the pressure on the tube walls ceases the ejection of material also immediately ceases andthe material in the tube is doubly sealed off from the atmosphere.

Although I have described my invention and several modifications thereof, it must be understood that these are given by way of example and I should not be limited thereby except insofar as set forth in the annexed claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination, a collapsible container having a neck and a discharge opening, a resilient cap having a slitted apex and adapted to be applied to said neck, a bar member of a length at least equal to the ldiameter of said neck and having a plurality of longitudinal sealing edges adapted to cooperate with the interior of said cap to normally form a chamber within the apex thereof when said bar member is mounted within the cap and the cap is applied to said neck,

Vand locating means within said cap to insure the placing of said bar in parallel relation tothe slit, said cap having a skirt of such length that it holds said lbar member in intimate contact with the end of said neck `and spanning the mid portion of said discharge opening.

2. In combination, a collapsible container having a neck and a discharge opening, a bridge member extending across and maintained in fixed relation to said neck and spanning the mid portion of said discharge opening, said bridge having a pair of longitudinal edges spaced apart from each other, a resilient cap adapted to envelop said bridge and said neck and having an apex, said longitudinal edges being normally engaged by portions of the interior walls of said cap in sealing'l'relationthereby forming an isolated chamberfbounded by said apex-and the spacessur-*face of--said-bridge between said edges, and a slit formed in said apex between and parallel Ato said edges, `said sealing 4relation `being :adapted: to rbebroken whensufcient pressure is applied; tosaid container thereby permitting the contents of `said container to pass `into said chamber and outtherefrom via -said slit.

3. In combination,v=a collapsible tube having a neck and a .dischargewopening a rigid 4member adapted to be Iattacher-1 to said neck comprised of a bridge portionl of rectangular cross-section .and an Vvannular portion embracing said neck 'and supporting said bridge member, said bridge inem- .ber spanning the mid-portion of said discharge Acpenin'gtand having fa pair of longitudinal edges spaced apart from each other, a resilientcap .adapted to embrace said annular' portion and envelopthe same,l said neck and said bridge, said cap having an apex whichnormally liesabove saidbridge and interiorly Vengaging said longitudinal edges thereby form a chamber isolated and ynormally sealed off from said discharge opening,

anda slit formed in said 'apex between'and parallel to saidedges, said normally sealed relation beingvadaptedto be broken Vwhen suiiicient pressure is applied to said container to eject contents therefrom, thereby 'permitting said contents to pass into `said chamber and out therefrom via said slit.

.4. In combination, Ia collapsible tube, an annular `discharge member on said tube, said'annularv member having a discharge passage therethrough, a bar spanningtheout'er end of said passage yand defining therewith two openings, said bar having a length at least equal to the outer diameterof said annular member, and a resilient cap enveloping said bar and vsaid. member and having an apex and a normally closed outlet in said apex, said bar having outer longitudinal edges engaging said cap to define a chamber between said bar and said apex.

5. In combination, a collapsible tube having a neck and a discharge opening, means forming a chamber normally isolated from said opening and comprised in part of the apex of a live rubi ber cap, said cap also having a skirt portion supported on said neck, a bridge member forming another part of said means and having longitudinal edges normally contacted by portions of the interior of said cap and forming valves sealing 01T and effecting the isolation of said chamber, and a normally closed slitformed in said apex, whereby when the user applies pres sure to the body of said tube to eject material therefrom said material deforms the walls of said cap and opens said valves to permit said material to pass into said chamber and out via said slit which is forced open by the pressure exerted thereon by the material in contact therewith.

6. In combination, a collapsible tube having a neck and a discharge opening, a resilient cap adapted to be applied to said neck, said caphaving a slittedapex comprised of edges or lips which are normally closed, a bar member of a length equal to the diameter of said neck and awidth which will enable the bar to at least partially cover said discharge opening, the upper edges of said bar forming in cooperation with s a skirt ofpsufcient length to maintain said bar in `contact with said neck and spanning said the diameter of said' neck, a resilient cap adapted to embrace said neck, enveloping the same and said bridge, said cap having an apex normally closed and lying above said bridge member and having Walls adjacent thereto interiorly engaging said longitudinal edges to form a chamber isolated and normally sealed on from said discharge opening, and a normally closed slit formed in said apex communicating With said chamber, said normally sealed relation ybeing adapted to be broken when the Walls of said cap are deformed by the application of suiiicient` pressure to said container to eject material therefrom, thereby permitting said contents to pass into said chamber and out therefrom via said slit.

8. In combination, a collapsible. tube having a neck and a discharge opening, a plurality of chambers formed integral with said neck and each being bounded by a Wall having an engageable longitudinal edge, a resilient cap mounted on said neck and enveloping the same, the interior Walls of said cap normally adapted to sealingly engage said edges thereby isolating said cham- Atially parallel relation to said slit, said cap having `bers from eachother, said walls being adapted to I'be deformed by material from said tube when under pressure thereby placing said chambers in Vcommunication with each other whereby said material may pass therethrough, and a normally closed slit formed in said cap overlying one of said chambers via Which material from said last chamber may pass out into the open air when the YWalls of the tube are subjected to pressure.

9. A collapsible tube carrying means forming ra plurality of chambers, one of said means comprising a deformable cap cooperating with edges of the boundaries of said chambers to isolate said chambers from each other, the Walls of said cap being adapted to be deformed by material Within the tube When pressure is applied to the body of said tube for the purpose of ejecting material therefrom, and a slitformed in said exble cap overlying one of said chambers whereby said material under pressure may pass to the outside.

Y 10. In combination, a collapsible tube having rigid sealing members carrying sealing edges, a sealedv non-rigid member including Wall portions cooperating With said sealing edges to normally seal the interior of said tube against the outside atmosphere, a plurality of chambers formed by said rigid members and said non-rigid member, saidV chambers being bounded by said sealingA edges, the slit formed in said non-rigid member being comprised of edges or lips which are normally closed thereby providing, together with the cooperation oi said Wall portions and said sealing edges, double insurance of the contents of said tube against deleterious effects of the atmosphere.

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