Metal packaging insert for a collapsible, flexible, plastic tube

Abstract

A malleable metal insert installed longitudinally in the container cavity of a squeezable, flexible, collapsible wall, plastic container used to package and dispense viscous material. The insert is made from malleable, bendable metal such as copper, aluminum or steel and can be protectively coated to avoid chemical reaction with the packaged product. The insert is installed before or after the tube and contents are sealed. When the tube is squeezed and folded/rolled, the malleable insert bends and conforms to the folded/rolled tube holding the folded tube in position permitting the tube to be either partially or fully emptied.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 represents a plastic tube.

FIG. 2 represents a −U-shaped bent wire insert with the legs spread outward at an angle.

FIG. 3 represents a −V-shaped bent wire insert.

FIG. 4 represents a flat sheet metal insert with slotted openings.

Claims

1- A metal insert installed in a squeezable, collapsible wall, plastic tube container/dispenser comprising a length of malleable, hand bendable metal material, corresponding to the inner dimensions of the container, installed longitudinally in the contents cavity of such type container/dispenser which holds the tube in position as it is folded/rolled.

2- The metal insert described in claim 1 comprises a length of standard, round, wire configured in a geometric shape to fit the width and length of the tube cavity.

3- The metal insert described in claim 1 comprises a narrow strip of flat sheet metal configured in a geometric shape to fit the width and length of the tube cavity.

4- The metal insert described in claim 1 comprises a piece of flat sheet metal sized to fit the width and length of the tube cavity and further configured with openings in the body of the insert.

5- A metal insert installed in a squeezable, collapsible wall, plastic tube container/dispenser comprising a length of malleable, hand bendable metal coated with a protective non-corrosive material sized to correspond to the inner dimensions of the container and installed longitudinally in the contents cavity of such type container/dispenser which holds the tube in position as it is folded/rolled.

6- The metal insert described in claim 5 comprises a length of standard, round, wire configured in a geometric shape to fit the width and length of the tube cavity.

7- The metal insert described in claim 5 comprises a narrow strip of flat sheet metal configured in a geometric shape to fit the width and length of the tube cavity.

8- The metal insert described in claim 5 comprises a piece of flat sheet metal sized to fit the width and length of the tube cavity and further configured with openings in body of the insert.