ROLLER DEVICE FOR SQUEEZABLE TUBE

Abstract

A device for discharging contents from a squeezable tube defining a bottom edge and a top nozzle for discharge of the contents comprises a main longitudinal body comprising a slot for slidingly receiving the bottom edge of the tube therein. A turning handle is mounted to the main longitudinal body for providing a user to impart a turning movement to the main longitudinal body and the bottom edge about the longitudinal axis to roll the tube about the main longitudinal body thereby squeezing the tube and causing the contents therein to be discharged therefrom. The turning handle and the main longitudinal body define at least one opening for receiving at least a portion of the tube rolled about the main longitudinal body therein. The main longitudinal body is slidable along a length of the bottom edge thereby providing the user to selectively move the turning handle towards the rolled tube so as to receive a portion thereof within the at least one opening preventing the rolled tube from unrolling or away from the rolled tube so as to remove the portion thereof from the at least one opening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority on Canadian Patent Application No. 2,977,108 filed on Aug. 23, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to squeezable tube used for thick liquids or pastes. More particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a device for rolling a squeezable tube to discharge the contents thereof.

BACKGROUND

A squeezable tube is a soft squeezable container which can be used for thick liquids or pastes such as adhesive, caulking, ointment, cosmetics and toothpaste. Generally, the tube is a cylindrical, hollow piece with a round or oval profile. The contents of these squeezable tubes are discharged by squeezing the tube from the bottom end and progressively flattening the tube along its length from the bottom towards the top nozzle. Getting the most out of these tubes requires a strong squeezing action along the full length of the tube which is often tiresome or an annoyance to users who often waste a large portion of the contents by discarding a tube before it has been completely emptied. For example, toothpaste tubes become harder to squeeze the toothpaste out as the remaining paste is pushed towards the top shoulder of the tube surrounding the nozzle. Moreover, older people, people with reduced mobility or people suffering from medical issues such as arthritis have a tough time squeezing the contents out of such squeezable tubes.

Devices such as toothpaste tube roller keys have been proposed. These devices allow a user to slip the closed edge of the toothpaste tube within a slot and to roll the tube along the length of the tube.

Objects

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a roller device for a squeezable tube.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device for discharging contents from a squeezable tube.

It is an object to of the present disclosure to provide a roller and squeezable tube kit.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a kit for discharging contents.

SUMMARY

There is provided a device in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure that allows for a user to roll a squeezable tube along its length from its closed bottom flat edge towards its top end which includes a nozzle to discharge a desired amount of the tube's contents. Once a desired amount of content has been discharged, the device allows the user to lock the tube at a given rolled position along its length thereby avoiding the situation of the tube slowly unrolling back to its extended position when rolling action has stopped.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a device for discharging contents from a squeezable tube defining a bottom edge and a top nozzle for discharge of the contents, the device comprising: a main longitudinal body defining opposite longitudinal ends and a longitudinal axis and comprising a slot for slidingly receiving the bottom edge of the tube therein; and a turning handle mounted to the main longitudinal body at one of the longitudinal ends thereof for providing a user to impart a turning movement to the main longitudinal body and the bottom edge received thereby about the longitudinal axis to roll the tube about the main longitudinal body thereby squeezing the tube and causing the contents therein to be discharged therefrom, the turning handle defining with the main longitudinal body at least one opening for receiving at least a portion of the tube rolled about the main longitudinal body therein, wherein the main longitudinal body is slidable along a length of the bottom edge thereby providing the user to selectively move the turning handle towards the tube rolled about the main longitudinal body so as to receive the rolled tube portion within the at least one opening preventing the rolled tube from unrolling or away from the tube rolled about the main longitudinal body so as to remove the rolled tube portion from the at least one opening.

In an embodiment, the slot is defined by flap elements extending from a front side of the main longitudinal body, the flap elements providing for grippingly engaging the bottom edge when inserted in the slot.

In an embodiment, one of the longitudinal ends comprises an open end for receiving the bottom edge into the slot.

In an embodiment, the turning handle and the main longitudinal body define at least one inner edge therebetween for defining the at least one opening, the at least one inner edge grippingly engaging the rolled tube portion when received by the opening.

In an embodiment, the turning handle and the main longitudinal body define a pair of openings for receiving at least a respective portion of the rolled tube therein. In an embodiment, the turning handle and the main longitudinal body define a pair of inner edges therebetween, each inner edge defining a respective one of the pair of openings, each inner edge grippingly engaging a respective rolled tube portion when received by a respective one of the pair of openings.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit for discharging contents comprising: a tube defining a bottom edge and a top nozzle for discharge of the contents; the device in as defined hereinabove.

Other objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the appended drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front and side perspective view of a device for rolling squeezable tubes in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the device of FIG. 1 in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the device of FIG. 1 in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a lateral side view of the device of FIG. 1 in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flat sheet cut out for the device of FIG. 1 in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 engaging the bottom flat edge of a squeezable tube in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 having engaged the bottom flat edge of a squeezable tube in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 rolling the squeezable tube from the bottom flat edge upwardly along the length thereof in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 having locked the squeezable tube in a rolled position in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a lateral side view of a device for rolling squeezable tubes in accordance with another non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 11 is an opposite lateral side view of the device of FIG. 10 in accordance with a further non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Generally stated and in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a device for discharging contents from a squeezable tube defining a bottom edge and a top nozzle for discharge of the contents. The device comprises a main longitudinal body comprising a slot for slidingly receiving the bottom edge of the tube therein. A turning handle is mounted to the main longitudinal body for providing a user to impart a turning movement to the main longitudinal body and the bottom edge about the longitudinal axis to roll the tube about the main longitudinal body thereby squeezing the tube and causing the contents therein to be discharged therefrom. The turning handle and the main longitudinal body define at least one opening for receiving at least a portion of the tube rolled about the main longitudinal body therein. The main longitudinal body is slidable along a length of the bottom edge thereby providing the user to selectively move the turning handle towards the rolled tube so as to receive a portion thereof within the at least one opening preventing the rolled tube from unrolling or away from the rolled tube r so as to remove the portion thereof from the at least one opening.

With respect to the Figures, a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present device and kit will be discussed.

FIGS. 1 to 4 shows a roller device 10 for squeezable tubes 12 (see FIGS. 6 to 9), such as toothpaste tubes or tubes that contain adhesives, caulking, ointment, cosmetics and other contents as is known in the art.

The roller device 10 includes a main longitudinal body 14 connected to a turning handle 16 for turning the main longitudinal body 16 about its longitudinal axis X (see FIG. 2) and as shown by arrows T in FIG. 8. The main longitudinal body 14 and the turning handle may be contiguous integrated structures or otherwise attachable (and optionally removable) to each other as can be contemplated by the skilled artisan within the scope of the present disclosure.

The main longitudinal body 14 defines one end 18 which is connected to the turning handle 16 and an opposite free end 20. The main longitudinal body 14 includes a front side 22 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) and an opposite rear side 24 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The front side 22 defines a longitudinal slot 26 for receiving the bottom flat edge 28 of the squeezable tube 12 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The opposite rear 24 defines a generally flat surface.

In the non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 1-9, the main longitudinal body 14 comprises a generally rectangular configuration, yet other configurations can be contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, FIGS. 10 and 11 show a device 10′ comprising a main longitudinal body 14′ having a generally cylindrical configuration.

Furthermore, in the non-limiting example of FIGS. 1-9 the main longitudinal body 14 comprises a triangular configuration along its cross-section as better shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 shows an example of a flat sheet 30 cut out 32 that shows just one example of manufacturing the device 10. The cut out 32 in the sheet 30 provides a shape in which two flaps 34A and 34B are folded towards each other defining the slot 26 along with the floor 37 of the front side 22. More specifically and as shown in FIG. 4, the front edges 35A and 35B of the flaps 34A and 34B, respectively, define the opening 27 of slot 26 that receives bottom flat edge 28 of the tube 12. The front edges 35A and 35B grippingly engage edge 28 to secure it to the device 10. As is shown by arrow S in FIG. 6, the bottom edge 28 of the tube 12 is slid within slot 26 via the free open end 20.

In another non-restrictive embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the main longitudinal body 14′ of device 10′ comprises a circular cross-section made up of two curved flaps 34A′ and 34B′ defining the slot 26′.

The main longitudinal body 14 (or 14′) can comprise a variety of cross-section configurations, including an oval shape, a square shape and other suitable shapes. Moreover, the flaps defining the slots may be separate or discontinued structures rather than contiguous elements as shown in the present non-restrictive examples.

The turning handle 16 extends from the main longitudinal body 14. A pair of openings 36A and 36B (see FIGS. 1-3 and 8) are defined between the main longitudinal body 14 and the turning handle 16. More particularly, the turning handle 16 and the main longitudinal body 14 define an inner edge 38A therebetween that delineates opening 36A as well as another inner edge 38B therebetween that delineates opening 36B. As shown in FIG. 9, the openings 36A and 36B receive portions of the rolled tube 12 therein by sliding the device 10 towards the tube as shown by arrows L in order to fir the tube when sufficient amount has been rolled about the main longitudinal body 14 within both openings 36A and 36B so that inner edges 38A and 38B (see FIG. 2) grippingly engage the tube 12 thereby locking the tube 12 in a current rolled position as shown in FIG. 9, thus avoiding the tube from being unrolled.

In the present non-limiting example, the turning handle 16 comprises a generally flat rectangular configuration, yet other suitable configurations can be contemplated by the skilled artisan within the scope of the present disclosure. The turning handle 16 may be provided in a larger massive shape for example like a knob, to give just one example. Moreover, the openings 36A and 36B are shown to be rectangular but can also be provided in other forms such as curved or c-shaped structures to name but two examples. The inner edges 38A and 38B (see FIG. 2) can thus be provided in a variety of suitable configuration for locking the tube 12 as explained above.

In the non-limiting example shown here and with particular reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 9, the turning handle 16 includes a main portion 40 with a pair of fins 42A and 42B extending therefrom towards the free end 20. The fins 42A and 42B are spaced apart and extend over the main longitudinal body 14. The fins 42A and 42B define inner edges 44A and 44B, respectively. Edges 44A and 44B respectively extend over and above edges 46A and 46B defined by the main longitudinal body 14. The main portion 46 defines a pair of inner edges 48A and 48B. Edge 48A extends between edges 44A and 42A. Edge 48B extends between edges 44B and 42B. Inner edge 38A is defined by edges 42A, 44A and 48A. Inner edge 38B is defined by edges 42B, 44B and 48B.

In the example shown here, two opening 36A and 36B are shown for receiving the rolled tube therein. Of course, the device 10 may only include one such opening such as 36A or 36B when the handle includes one fin 42A or 42B. In another embodiment, the device 10 includes a greater number of such openings or a continuous single opening when the turning handle defines a receiving cavity (i.e. the opening) circumscribing the main longitudinal body 14 along a 360-degree angle. Other suitable configurations of the turning handle 16 and the main longitudinal body for providing such openings that receive a portion of the rolled tube therein can be contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.

The device 10 may be made of a variety of strong, resilient, deformable and rigid materials as can be contemplated by the skilled artisan and can be provided in a variety of suitable shapes and sizes depending on the size and shape of the tube that is to be rolled.

In operation and with particular reference to the sequence of FIGS. 6 to 9, the user inserts the bottom edge 28 of the tube into slot 26 by sliding the bottom edge 28 along the slot 26 via the open free end 20 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The bottom edge 28 is engaged within slot 26 by flaps 34A and 34B. The user turns the turning handle 16 as shown by arrows T in FIG. 8 causing the main longitudinal body 14 along with bottom edge 28 to turn about its longitudinal axis X. In this way, the tube 12 is rolled about the main longitudinal body 14 which progressively squeezes and flattens the tube 12 from its bottom edge 28 along the length of the tube 12 towards the top end 50 of the tube. As such, the contents within the tube 12 are squeezed out of the tube and discharged via the nozzle 52 (see FIG. 9, shown here covered by cap 54) as is well known in the art. When a sufficient amount of content has been discharged, the user locks the tube 12 in its current rolled position pushing the handle 14 inwardly thereby sliding the main longitudinal body 14 inwardly along the bottom edge 12 in order to move the turning handle 14 towards the tube 12 (as shown by arrows L in FIG. 9) and inserts the rolled tube 12 within the openings 36A and 36B so that it can be lockingly engaged by the inner edges 38A and 38B. In this way, the tube 12 is locked in its current rolled position (FIG. 9) against unrolling. When the user desires to squeeze more content out of the tube 12, the user moves the turning handle in the direction shown by arrows U in FIG. 8 (i.e. the opposite movement of arrows L in FIG. 9) to release the tube 12 from the aforementioned locked position in order to continue rolling the tube as previously explained.

In an embodiment, the device 10 and the tube 12 can be sold together as a kit.

The various features described herein can be combined in a variety of ways within the context of the present disclosure so as to provide still other embodiments. As such, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Moreover, the embodiments discussed herein need not include all of the features and elements illustrated and/or described and thus partial combinations of features can also be contemplated. Furthermore, embodiments with less features than those described can also be contemplated. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. Hence, although the present disclosure has been provided hereinabove by way of non-restrictive illustrative embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the scope, spirit and nature thereof and of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for discharging contents from a squeezable tube defining a bottom edge and a top nozzle for discharge of the contents, the device comprising: a main longitudinal body defining opposite longitudinal ends and a longitudinal axis and comprising a slot for slidingly receiving the bottom edge of the tube therein; anda turning handle mounted to the main longitudinal body at one of the longitudinal ends thereof for providing a user to impart a turning movement to the main longitudinal body and the bottom edge received thereby about the longitudinal axis to roll the tube about the main longitudinal body thereby squeezing the tube and causing the contents therein to be discharged therefrom, the turning handle defining with the main longitudinal body at least one opening for receiving at least a portion of the tube rolled about the main longitudinal body therein,wherein the main longitudinal body is slidable along a length of the bottom edge thereby providing the user to selectively move the turning handle towards the tube rolled about the main longitudinal body so as to receive the rolled tube portion within the at least one opening preventing the rolled tube from unrolling or away from the tube rolled about the main longitudinal body so as to remove the rolled tube portion from the at least one opening.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the slot is defined by flap elements extending from a front side of the main longitudinal body, the flap elements providing for grippingly engaging the bottom edge when inserted in the slot.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein one of the longitudinal ends comprises an open end for receiving the bottom edge into the slot.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the turning handle and the main longitudinal body define at least one inner edge therebetween for defining the at least one opening, the at least one inner edge grippingly engaging the rolled tube portion when received by the opening.

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the turning handle and the main longitudinal body define a pair of openings for receiving at least a respective portion of the rolled tube therein.

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the turning handle and the main longitudinal body define a pair of inner edges therebetween, each inner edge defining a respective one of the pair of openings, each inner edge grippingly engaging a respective rolled tube portion when received by a respective one of the pair of openings.

7. A kit for discharging contents comprising: a squeezable tube defining a bottom edge and a top nozzle for discharge of the contents; anda device for discharging the contents from the squeezable tube, the device comprising:a main longitudinal body defining opposite longitudinal ends and a longitudinal axis and comprising a slot for slidingly receiving the bottom edge of the tube therein; anda turning handle mounted to the main longitudinal body at one of the longitudinal ends thereof for providing a user to impart a turning movement to the main longitudinal body and the bottom edge received thereby about the longitudinal axis to roll the tube about the main longitudinal body thereby squeezing the tube and causing the contents therein to be discharged therefrom, the turning handle defining with the main longitudinal body at least one opening for receiving at least a portion of the tube rolled about the main longitudinal body therein,wherein the main longitudinal body is slidable along a length of the bottom edge thereby providing the user to selectively move the turning handle towards the tube rolled about the main longitudinal body so as to receive the rolled tube portion within the at least one opening preventing the rolled tube from unrolling or away from the tube rolled about the main longitudinal body so as to remove the rolled tube portion from the at least one opening.