WO2018100457A1

WO2018100457A1 - Squeezer-cum-cover for laminate tubes

Info

Publication number: WO2018100457A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/057129
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jatin Vasant Thakkar
Original assignee: Jatin Vasant Thakkar
Priority date: 2016-11-29
Filing date: 2017-11-15
Publication date: 2018-06-07

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the field of squeezers for tubes. The present disclosure envisages a squeezer-cum-cover that comprises a cap and an arcuate groove. The cap of the squeezer-cum-cover is configured at the center of the squeezer-cum-cover such that it defines a recess seat having threads configured therein for facilitating coupling or decoupling of the collapsible laminate tube at the operative open end to respectively prevent or allow removal of material from the collapsible laminate tube. The arcuate groove of the squeezer-cum-cover is configured around the cap for facilitating entry of the operative closed end of the collapsible laminate tube. The arcuate groove is further configured to guide the movement of the squeezer-cum-cover along a longitudinal track of the wall of the tube, thereby dispensing the material from the open end of the collapsible laminate tube.

Description

SQUEEZER-CUM-COVER FOR LAMINATE TUBES

FIELD The present disclosure relates to mechanical engineering, and more particularly it relates to squeezers for tubes.

BACKGROUND

Laminate tubes are often deformed randomly by users that can lead to trapping of material between folds created on the wall of the tubes. Also, sharply made bends rupture laminate tubes, thereby causing leakage of content therefrom or damage to the content by exposing it to air. For the foregoing reasons, tube squeezers become an economic necessity.

Conventional tube squeezers typically have a flat or cylindrical configuration and are required to be carried separately with laminate tubes. Conventional tube squeezers are displaced or rolled over the surface of laminate tubes to squeeze the content out from the laminate tubes. However, such types of tube squeezers are costly as a completely separate component is required to be bought and carried along with the tubes. Also, conventional tube squeezers have a complex working configuration, require manual skill for operation purpose, and their use is time consuming and laborious. Further, conventional tube squeezers have a comparatively low dispensing efficiency than what is desired by users and therefore, some of the content remains inside the tube unused.

Hence, there is felt a need to develop a squeezer for laminate tubes that is an integral part of the tubes and alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks of the conventional tube squeezers.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure envisages a squeezer-cum-cover for a collapsible laminate tube. The collapsible laminate tube is flexible and deformable in nature and comprises: (i) an operative open end which is defined by an externally threaded nozzle configured to remove material therefrom, and (ii) an operative closed end which is defined by a seam formed by joining wall of the laminate tube together. The squeezer-cum-cover of the present disclosure comprises a cap and an arcuate groove. The cap of the squeezer-cum-cover is configured at the center of the squeezer-cum-cover such that it defines a recess seat having threads configured therein for facilitating coupling or decoupling of the collapsible laminate tube at the operative open end to respectively prevent or allow removal of material from the collapsible laminate tube. The arcuate groove of the squeezer-cum-cover is configured around the cap for facilitating entry of the operative closed end of the collapsible laminate tube. The arcuate groove is further configured to guide the movement of the squeezer-cum-cover along a longitudinal track of the wall of the tube, thereby dispensing the material from the operative open end of the collapsible laminate tube.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, the squeezer-cum-cover is defined by a cylindrical wall portion and a roof portion, such that the cap projects inwardly inside the cylindrical wall portion. The arcuate groove is formed along the roof portion around the cap.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, the squeezer-cum-cover is defined by a flared skirt configured around the cap. The arcuate groove of the squeezer-cum- cover is configured along the flared skirt around the cap.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the arcuate groove of the squeezer-cum-cover has a thickness equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the second end of the collapsible laminate tube. In another embodiment, the arcuate groove of the squeezer-cum- cover is tapered from both ends for facilitating entry of the collapsible laminate tube from either ends thereof.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cap of the squeezer-cum-cover has a shape selected from the group consisting of cylindrical, square, rectangular, any geometrical or non-geometrical shape. In still another embodiment, the threads configured in the cap of the squeezer-cum-cover have a shape complimentary to that of the externally threaded nozzle of the collapsible laminate tube.

OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows: It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a squeezer-cum-cover for a tube that is integral to the tube and is not required to be carried separately.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a squeezer-cum-cover for a tube that dispenses almost all the content from the tube.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a squeezer-cum-cover for a tube that performs in an optimal manner from cost and time perspective. Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a squeezer-cum-cover for a tube that reduces human effort.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a squeezer-cum-cover for a tube that has a simple structure and is easy to operate.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A squeezer-cum-cover for laminate tubes, of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of an accompanying drawing, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a squeezer-cum-cover with a laminate tube, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 illustrates another isometric view of the squeezer-cum-cover of Fig. 1 with the laminate tube;

Fig. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a squeezer-cum-cover, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4 illustrates another isometric view of the squeezer-cum-cover of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an arcuate groove of the squeezer-cum-cover of Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an arcuate groove of the squeezer-cum-cover of Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 7 illustrates a working configuration of the squeezer-cum-cover of Fig. 1, in which a closed end of a laminate tube passes through the arcuate groove of the squeezer-cum-cover of Fig. 1, thereby squeezing it; and

Fig. 8 illustrates a working configuration of the squeezer-cum-cover of Fig. 3, in which a closed end of a laminate tube passes through the arcuate groove of the squeezer-cum-cover of Fig. 3, thereby squeezing it.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Conventional tube squeezers typically have a flat or cylindrical configuration and are required to be carried separately with laminate tubes. Conventional tube squeezers are displaced or rolled over the surface of laminate tubes to squeeze the content out from the laminate tubes. However, such types of tube squeezers are costly as a completely separate component is required to be bought and carried along with the tubes. Also, conventional tube squeezers have a complex working configuration, require manual skill for operation purpose, and are time consuming and laborious. Further, conventional tube squeezers have a comparatively low dispensing efficiency than what is desired by users. The present disclosure envisages a squeezer-cum-cover for laminate tubes that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks of the conventional squeezers. The squeezer-cum-cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the embodiments, which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration. The structure of the squeezer-cum-cover of the present disclosure has been described with reference to Fig.l through Fig.6.

Fig. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a squeezer-cum-cover 120 with a laminate tube 100, in accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 illustrates another isometric view of the squeezer-cum-cover 120 of figure 1 with the laminate tube 100. Fig. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a squeezer-cum-cover 150, in accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 illustrates another isometric view of the squeezer-cum-cover 150. Fig.5 and Fig.6 illustrate a cross-sectional view of an arcuate groove 145,165 of the squeezer- cum-cover 120,150, in accordance with different embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 illustrate a working configuration of the squeezer-cum-cover 120,150 in which an operative closed end 100 of a laminate tube 100 passes through the respective arcuate groove 145,165 of the squeezer-cum-cover 120,150, thereby squeezing it.

The present disclosure envisages the squeezer-cum-cover 120 for a collapsible laminate tube 100. The collapsible laminate tube 100 comprises: (i) an operative open end 105 which is defined by an externally threaded nozzle 107 configured to remove material therefrom, and (ii) an operative closed end 110 which is defined by a seam formed by joining wall (not exclusively shown in the figures) of the collapsible laminate tube 100 together. In an embodiment, the collapsible laminate tube 100 is flexible and deformable in nature. In accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the squeezer-cum-cover 120 is defined by a cylindrical wall portion 125 and a roof portion 130. In an embodiment, the squeezer-cum-cover 120 is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastics, laminates, ceramics, aluminum alloys and the like. The squeezer-cum-cover 120 comprises a cap 127 and an arcuate groove 145. The cap 127 is configured to project inwardly inside the cylindrical wall portion 125 from the roof portion 130, whereas the arcuate groove 145 is configured along the roof portion 130 such that it surrounds the periphery of the cap 127.

The cap 127 of the squeezer-cum-cover 120 is configured at the center of the squeezer-cum- cover 120 in such a way that the cap 127 defines a recess seat 140 having threads 135 configured therein to facilitate coupling or decoupling of the collapsible laminate tube 100 at the operative open end 105, via., the externally threaded nozzle 107 to respectively prevent or allow removal of material from the collapsible laminate tube 100. The arcuate groove 145 surrounding the cap 127 is configured to facilitate entry of the operative closed end 110 of the collapsible laminate tube 100. In an embodiment, the flexible closed end 110 of the collapsible laminate tube 100 is folded in such a way that it complements the shape of the arcuate groove 145. The arcuate groove 145 is further configured to guide the movement of the squeezer-cum-cover 120 along a longitudinal track of the wall of the collapsible laminate tube 100, thereby dispensing the material from the operative open end 105 of the collapsible laminate tube 100. In an embodiment, the movement of the squeezer-cum-cover 120 along the longitudinal track of the wall is facilitated manually by the user or can by mechanized.

In accordance with the second aspect of the present disclosure, the squeezer-cum-cover 150 is defined by a flared skirt 155 which is configured around a cap 160. The squeezer-cum-cover 150 further comprises an arcuate groove 165. The cap 160 is configured to protrude outwardly from the flared skirt 155 and has a cylindrical profile, whereas the arcuate groove 165 is configured along the flared skirt 155 in such a way that it surrounds the cap 160.

The cap 160 of the squeezer-cum-cover 150 is configured at the center of the squeezer-cum- cover 150 and defines a recess seat 167 having threads 170 configured therein. The threads 170 of the recess seat 167 are configured to facilitate coupling or decoupling of the collapsible laminate tube 100, in a similar way to that disclosed in the first aspect of the present disclosure, and respectively prevent or allow removal of material from the collapsible laminate tube 100. The arcuate groove 165 is configured to facilitate entry of the operative closed end 110 of the collapsible laminate tube 100 generally by folding the flexible closed end 110 in such a way that it complements the shape of the arcuate groove 165. The arcuate groove 165 also guides the movement of the squeezer-cum-cover 150 along a longitudinal track of the wall of the collapsible laminate tube 100, thereby dispensing the material from the operative open end 105 of the collapsible laminate tube 100. In an embodiment, the movement of the squeezer-cum-cover 150 along the longitudinal track of the wall is facilitated manually by the user or can by mechanized.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the arcuate groove 145,165 of the squeezer-cum- cover 120,150 has a thickness equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the operative closed end 110 of the collapsible laminate tube 100. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the arcuate groove 145,165 of the squeezer- cum-cover 120,150 is tapered from both ends to facilitate entry of the collapsible laminate tube 100 from either ends thereof. The same has been illustrated by means of Fig. 5. The central portion of the tapered arcuate groove 145,165 facilitates squeezing of the collapsible laminate tube 100. In an alternate embodiment, the arcuate groove 145,165 of the squeezer- cum-cover 120,150 is tapered from one end to facilitate entry of the operative closed end 110 of the collapsible laminate tube 100. The same has been illustrated by means of Fig. 6. The end portion having minimum thickness of the tapered arcuate groove 145,165 facilitates squeezing of the collapsible laminate tube 100.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cap 127,160 of the squeezer-cum- cover 120,150 has a shape selected from the group consisting of cylindrical, square, rectangular, any geometrical or non-geometrical shape. In still another embodiment, the threads 135,170 configured in the cap 127,160 of the squeezer-cum-cover 120,150 have a shape complimentary to that of the externally threaded nozzle 107 of the collapsible laminate tube 100.

The squeezer-cum-cover 120,150 is configured to dispense all the material from the collapsible laminate tube 100. In still another embodiment, the squeezer-cum-cover 120,150 of the present disclosure is configured to dispense 5-10% additional material from the collapsible laminate tube 100 as compared to any of the conventional squeezers.

Therefore, the squeezer-cum-cover 120,150 disclosed in the present disclosure does not need to be carried separately as it is an integral part of the cap of the laminate tube. Also, the squeezer-cum-cover 120,150 has a simple configuration and is easy to operate. Further, it is comparatively cheaper and consumes less time than conventional squeezers known in the state of the art.

TECHNICAL ADVANCES AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The squeezer-cum-cover for laminate tubes, in accordance with the present disclosure described herein above has several technical and/or economic advantages including but not limited to the realization of a squeezer that:

- is manufactured integral with the laminate tubes and is not required to be carried separately;

- that dispenses almost all the content from the tube;

- performs in an optimal manner from cost and time perspective;

- reduces human effort; and - has a simple structure and is easy to operate.

Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or mixtures or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure, as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application. The numerical value mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the invention, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific features of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

The embodiment herein, the various features, and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced, and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

A squeezer-cum-cover (120, 150) for a collapsible laminate tube (100), said collapsible laminate tube (100) being flexible and deformable, said collapsible laminate tube (100) having an operative open end (105) defined by an externally threaded nozzle (107) for removal of material therefrom, and an operative closed end (110) defined by a seam formed by joining wall of said laminate tube (100) together, wherein said squeezer-cum-cover (120, 150) comprises:

• a cap (127, 160) configured at the center of said squeezer-cum-cover (120, 150), said cap (127, 160) defining a recess seat (140, 167) having threads (135, 170) configured therein for facilitating coupling or decoupling of said laminate tube (100) at said operative open end (105) to respectively prevent or allow removal of material from said tube (100); and

• an arcuate groove (145, 165) configured around said cap (127, 160) for facilitating entry of said operative closed end (110) of said tube (100), said groove (145, 165) further configured to guide the movement of said squeezer- cum-cover (120, 150) along a longitudinal track of the wall of said tube (100), thereby dispensing said material from the operative open end (105) of said collapsible laminate tube (100).

The squeezer-cum-cover (120) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said squeezer-cum- cover (120) is defined by a cylindrical wall portion (125) and a roof portion (130), such that said cap (127) projects inwardly inside said cylindrical wall portion (125), and said groove (145) is formed along said roof portion (130) around said cap (127).

The squeezer-cum-cover (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said squeezer-cum- cover (150) is defined by a flared skirt (155) configured around said cap (160) such that said arcuate groove (165) is configured along said flared skirt (155) around said cap (160).

The squeezer-cum-cover (120, 150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said arcuate groove (145, 165) has a thickness equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of said operative closed end (110) of said tube (100).

5. The squeezer-cum-cover (120, 150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said groove (145, 165) is tapered from both ends for facilitating entry of said tube (100) from either ends thereof. 6. The squeezer-cum-cover (120, 150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cap (127,

160) has a shape selected from the group consisting of cylindrical, square, rectangular, any geometrical or non-geometrical shape.

7. The squeezer-cum-cover (120, 150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the threads (135, 170) configured in said cap (127, 160) has a shape complimentary to said externally threaded nozzle (107) of said tube (100).