US3121906A - Squeezable tube dispenser - Google Patents

Description

S. D. HULSH SQUEEZABLE TUBE DISPENSER Feb. 25, 1964 Filed May 29, 1962 NTOR,

INVE SHELDON DAVID HULSH United States Patent 3,121,906 SQUEEZABLE TUBE DISPENSER Sheldon David Hulsh, New York, N.Y., assignor to Jerclaydon, Inca, Clifton, N.J., a corporation of Florida Filed May 29, 1962, Ser. No. 198,503 3 Claims. (Cl. 15592) This invention relates generally to squeezable tube disensers, and more particularly to a type of squeezable dispenser which provides not only the function of dispensing but also serves at the same time as an applicator device, the instant invention being an improvement over the dispenser device as shown and described in United States Patent No. 3,016,561, issued January 16, 1962.

In the past, squeezable dispensers have been known which serve as containers for a variety of substances which could be dispensed from the container by deformation of the container walls resulting in the expressing of the container contents through an aperture. Such containers almost universally include merely an aperture and a closure cap of one type or another for sealing the container when not in use. Such containers are of a very limited use for applications other than the mere dispensing of some substances such as toothpaste or certain types of food products, as for example jellies or soft cheeses.

My invention diifers from the foregoing types of squeeZa-ble dispensers in that it is not only a dispenser that contains substance but also serves as an applicator for that substance, as for example a container and applicator for an oven cleaning composition. Oven cleaning compositions, of course, in themselves are not new, but such cleaners are generally dispensed and applied by means of brushing or spraying. The brush type applicator is generally very messy to work with, whereas the spray on or aerosol type uses a relatively expensive type of packaging, together with the fact that there is frequently a substantial wastage of the cleaner due to the inability of completely exhausting the contents of the aerosol container. Moreover, both the brush type oven cleaner and the spray on type present a substantial health hazard because of the generally toxic nature of oven cleaner substances.

l" he spray on type of oven cleaner pollutes the air by causing dispersion of relatively fine particles of toxic cleaner material into the air during the spraying operation, such dispersed particles being inhalable by the user of the oven cleaner. The brush app-lied oven cleaners are used by dipping the brush into a screw capped can which tends to become loaded on the exterior of the can neck with the cleaner material, and hence foul the screw cap thread so that it becomes very diflicult to reopen such a can once the closure cap has been replaced. The threads, of course, cannot be flushed with running water in the generally recommended manner since the water will also flow into the can and dilute and render useless the cleaner material contained therein.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of my invention to provide a novel squeezable dispenser in the form of a single self contained unit which is easy to work with, inexpensive to manufacture and readily cleanable for ease of subsequent use.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel squeezable dispenser device including a protective cover for the applicator head which simultaneously performs the function of a high leverage wrenching device permitting very tight closure of the dispenser against the possibility of opening by small children but which also allows the container to be readily openable by a person of normal adult strength.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel squeezable dispenser device which utilizes a sponge type applicator device secured to the neck of the dispenser 3,121,906 Patented Feb. 25, 1964 N'Ce in such manner that the dispenser contents may be expressed directly into the applicator sponge for direct use, the dispenser device itself being provided with means for distributing the contents thereof into the body of the applicator sponge, and to provide means for sealing the distributor during non-use to prevent the container contents from being ejected into the sponge applicator.

The foregoing and other objects of my invention Will become apparent from a reading of the following specification in conjunction with an examination of the appended drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a squeezable tube type dispensing applicator according to the invention with the applicator cover partially fragmented away to reveal certain details of the cooperative interaction between the cover and applicator cap;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the dispensing applicator as seen in FIGURE 1 with the applicator cap, applicator cover, distributor, distributor closure cap and a portion of the tube neck being shown in section to reveal pertinent details of the assembly, all as would be seen when viewed along the line 22 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the upper part of the dispenser and applicator cap structure similar to that shown in FIGURE 2 but having the outer cover and inner closure cap removed to place the dispenser in condition for use; and

FIGURE 4 is an exploded perspective view of the dispensing applicator construction which shows the applicator cap, its cover and the inner closure cap each in section.

In the several figures, like elements are denoted by like reference characters.

Referring now to the figures, it will be seen that the dispensing applicator according to the invention comprises essentially four separable parts. These parts are, a deformable dispensing container'lil, aclosure cap 20 adapted to be secured upon the top of thecontainer 10, anapplicator cap 30 screwably securable to the neck of the container ill, and a cover 49 which serves not only to enclose theapplicator cap 30 but also has an effective I means for securing and removing the cap to and from the container.

The container 141 includes a main body portion 11 surmounted at its top by aneck portion 12 formed with a spiralexterior thread 13. Theneck 12 is partially enclosed by atop wall 14 from which latter centrally rises a reduceddiameter neck 15 exteriorly threaded as at 16 and centrally apertured as at 17. The closure cap 20- is of generally hollow cylindrical shape having a closedtop 21 and open bottom. The cylindrical cap sidewall 22 is interiorly threaded as at 23 in comp-lemental fashion to thethread 16 of the reduceddiameter neck 15 of thecontainer 10. Thecap 21 is thus threadedly cngageable onto the reduceddiameter neck 15 to close the same in the manner best seen in FIGURE 2, and when so engaged prevents the expressing of the container contents outwardly through theneck 15 and thereby prevents fouling of the applicator unit when the dispensing container is not in use. The closure cap 2% is of course removable when it is desired to utilize the dispensing container, and when so removed the assembly in use form appears as shown in FIGURE 3. p

Thecontainer cap 30 includes a pair of concentriccylindrical formations 31 and 34 formed unitarily and secured together by an annulartop wall 36 centrally apertured as at 39. This inside surface of thecylindri cal formation 34 includes a circumferentially extendingthread 35 formed complementally to thethread 13 on the exterior of thecontainer neck 12 so that thecap 30 may be screwed downwardly into firm seating engagement on theneck 12 of thecontainer 10. The outer acylindrical formation 31 extends upwardly for a short distance above thetop wall 36 so as to form a well for receiving acylindrical sponge applicator 38, the bottom end of which may be cemented to the upper surface of thetop wall 36. Thesponge applicator 38 contains an axially extending bore or through-hole 37 concentric with thehole 39 in the annulartop wall 36 so that a channel or passageway is formed extending from the top surface of thesponge applicator 38 downward into the interior of the cap, whereby it will be appreciated that when theclosure cap 20 has been removed from its threaded engagement with the reduceddiameter neck 15 of the container the contents of the container may be expressed outward into thebore 37 for lateral distribution therefrom into and through theapplicator sponge 38.

It should be noted, as best seen in FIGURE 3, that when the assembly is in its use condition with theclosure cap 20 removed from the reduceddiameter neck 15, the neck projects upward through thecentral aperture 39 in thedisc top wall 36 of theapplicator cap 30 and upward for a distance into thebore 37 of thesponge applicator 38. The bore side walls are observed to close fittingly surround the outside of the reduceddiameter neck 15 so that when the container contents are expressed outward the contents so expressed do not tend to pass back downward to foul the cap structure but are constrained to flow upward and laterally outward directly into theapplicator sponge 38. Additionally, it will be noted from the showing of FIGURE 2, in which the closure cap is engaged upon the reduceddiameter neck 15, that thecentral opening 39 in the annular disctop wall 36 of the applicator cap is of sufiicient diameter to allow theclosure cap 20 to pass upward therethrough. Thecap 20 passes into the applicator sponge bore 37, and since it is of a larger diameter causes a deformation as seen in FIGURE 2. Theapplicator sponge 38 is of course resilient and takes the shape illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4 when theclosure cap 20 has been removed preparatory to use of the assembly.

Provision of theclosure cap 20 makes it impossible to inadvertently or deliberately express the contents of the container when this cap is assembled into the dispenser in the manner seen in FIGURE 2. Apart from avoiding wastage of material, theclosure cap 20 when so engaged, prevents the container contents from expressing and thereby precludes fouling of thesponge applicator 38 and thethreads 13 and with the material from the container. The avoidance of such fouling is important since it avoids bonding of the applicator cap to theneck 12 of the container and also prevents thesponge 38 from becoming hard and stiff due to loading of the air spaces therein, a condition which would render the sponge unusable in a very short time.

The bottom of the outercylindrical formation 31 of thecontainer applicator cap 30 is flaired or skirted outward as at 33 and, as will be seen, provides a lip for anchoring the applicator cover to prevent the latter from falling off of theapplicator cap 30 at undesirable times. Finally, the outercylindrical formation 31 is formed on its exterior surface with a plurality of vertically extendingridges 32 which may best be seen in thel showing of FIGURE 1, and whose function will be also subsequently explained.

Theouter cover 40 is seen to be a hollow cylindrical formation having acylindrical side wall 41, a closedtop wall 42 and an open bottom. Formed on the insidecylindrical surface 41 are a plurality of vertically extending inwardly projectedridges 43 adapted to fit into the troughs between theridges 32 formed on the exterior surface of theapplicator cap 30 outercylindrical formation 31. This interfitting relationship is best seen in the showings of FIGURES 1 and 2. Also formed on theinside surface 41 of thecover 40 proximate the bottom are a plurality of inwardly extending horizontally disposedridges 44. When thecover 40 is slipped downwardly over thecap 30, theridges 44 pass downwardly and somewhat beyond the bottom edge of theskirt 33 formed on the bottom of thecylindrical formation 31 and latch thereunder. This latching arrangement is illustrated in the showings of FIGURES 1 and 2.

Thecontainer 10 is preferably, although not necessarily, formed of a relatively pliable plastic material, whereas thecover cap 40,applicator cap 30 andclosure cap 20 are preferably formed of a somewhat stiffer material, such as a hard plastic. Theapplicator sponge 38 may be made from any spongy material, foamed plastic being one satisfactory substance. The various physical parts of the dispensing applicator assembly may come, of course, in various colors to present an attractive merchandising package, and the several parts may be transparent, translucent or opaque, according to the desired visual appearance.

On purchase, the dispensing applicator with its contents will generally appear as seen in FIGURE 1. In order to use the dispensing applicator as for example in cleaning ovens, the outer cover 49 is rotated until thecap 30 is loosened, a wrenching action being provided by the interlock between the vertically extendingridges 43 formed on the inner surface of theapplicator cover 40 and theridges 32 formed on the external surface of theapplicator cap 39. Having loosened thecap 30, thecover 40 may be disengaged therefrom by providing an axial pull which causes theridges 44 formed on the inside of thecover 40 to ride outward and upward over theskirt 33 formed at the bottom of thecap 38. Thecap 30 andsponge 38, as an assembly, may then be readily unscrewed from the container to reveal theclosure plug 20, which may in turn be disengaged from the reduceddiameter neck 15 by merely unscrewing the same.

The cap and sponge assembly is now replaced by screwing it down upon theneck 12 with the reduceddiameter neck 15 thus projecting upward into thebore 37 of theapplicator sponge 38, the dispenser being then ready for use. By squeezing the body 11 of thecontainer 10, the contents thereof are expressed outward through the aperture 17 in the reduceddiameter neck 15 and into theapplicator sponge 38 via itsbore 37. Of course, the bore diameter '37 of thesponge 38 should be determined in accordance with the consistency of the container contents, larger diameters being suitable for pastes and viscous substances and smaller diameters being more suitable for less viscous substances.

After completion of the cleaning operation, thecover 40 may be slipped downwardly over thecap 30 until the cover insideridges 43 interlock with theridges 32 on the applicator cap, and the assembly of cover and applicator cap may then be unscrewed from thecontainer 10 and removed therefrom. Theneck 15 may then be wiped, after which theclosure cap 20 may be screwed upon the reduceddiameter neck 15 and the entire neck area flushed with running water. The applicator cap sponge assembly and thecover 40 may now also be flushed with running water to thoroughly cleanse them, separation of thecover 40 from theapplicator cap 30 being readily effected since thecover ridges 44 are not locked under thelower skirt 33 of theapplicator cap 30. The thoroughly cleansedapplicator cap 36 with itssponge 38 may now again be screwed downwardly onto theneck 12 of thecontainer 10 and thecover 40 thereafter slipped down over thecap 30 and locked thereto by means of the lockingridges 44.

Having now described my invention in conjunction with a particularly illustrated embodiment thereof, and realizing that various modifications and variations thereof will naturally occur to those persons normally skilled in the art without departing from the essential spirit or scope of my invention, it is my intention to claim the same broadly as well as specifically as indicated by the appended claims.

What is claimed as new, and usefulis:

1. A dispensing applicator container, comprising in combination, a deformable container having a pair of pyramided internally communicating neck portions each of which is externally threaded, the lower of said pair of neck portions extending directly from and internally communicating with the container and being surmounted by the upper of said pair of neck portions with the upper neck portion being of smaller diameter than the lower neck portion and having a centrally apertured top wall, a removable and replaceable closure cap interiorly threaded complementally to the externally threaded upper neck portion and being of transverse dimension no larger than the diameter of said lower neck portion, an applicator cap having an aperturcd top wall and depending from the underside thereof an internally threaded portion threaded complementally to the said externally threaded lower neck portion, said internally threaded portion being substantially concentric with the aperture in said applicator cap top wall and the aperture in said upper neck portion top wall when said applicator cap is screwably engaged with said container lower neck portion, the aperture in said applicator cap top wall being of sufiicient size to permit through passage of said closure cap when the latter is screwably engaged with said container upper neck portion, an absorbent a plicator element secured to the upper surface of said applicator cap top wall and including an opening therethrough substantially concentric with the aperture in said cap top wall, and an applicator element enclosing cover and means for detachably securing the same to said applicator cap.

2. A dispensing applicator container, comprising in combination, a deformable container having a pair of pyramided internally communicating neck portions each of which is externally threaded, the lower of said pair of neck portions extending directly from and internally communicating with the container and being surmounted by the upper of said pair of neck portions with the upper neck portion being of smaller diameter than the lower neck portion and having a centrally aperturcd top wall, a removable and replaceable closure cap interiorly threaded complementally to the externally threaded upper neck portion and being of transverse dimension no larger than the diameter of said lower neck portion, an applicator cap having an apertured top wall and depending from the underside thereof an internally threaded portion threaded complementally to the said externally threaded lower neck portion, said internally threaded portion being substantially concentric with the aperture in said applicator cap top wall and the aperture in said upper neck portion top wall when said applicator cap is screwably engaged with said container lower neck portion, the aperture in said applicator cap top wall being of suificient size to permit through passage of said closure cap when the latter is screwably engaged with said container upper neck portion, an absorbent applicator element secured to the upper surface of said applicator cap top wall and including an opening therethrough substantially concentric with the aperture in said cap top wall, and an applicator element enclosing cover and means for detachably securing the same to said applicator cap, said container upper neck portion projecting upward through the aperture in said applicator top wall and upward beyond the upper surface of the applicator cap top wall into the opening extending through said absorbent applicator element but terminating substantially below the upper surface of said applicator element when said applicator cap is screwably engaged upon said container lower neck portion.

3. A dispensing applicator container, comprising in combination, a deformable container having a pair of pyramided internally communicating neck portions each of which is externally threaded, the lower of said pair of neck portions extending directly from and internally communicating with the container and being surm unted by the upper of said pair of neck portions with the upper neck portion being of smaller diameter than the lower neck portion and having a centrally apertured top wall, a removable and replaceable closure cap interiorly threaded complementally to the externally threaded upper neck portion and being of transverse dimension no larger than the diameter of said lower neck portion, an applicator cap having an apertured top wall and depending from the underside thereof an internally threaded portion threaded complementally to the said externally threaded lower neck portion, said internally threaded portion being substantially concentric with the aperture in said applicator cap top wall and the aperture in said upper neck portion top wall when said applicator cap is screwably engaged with said container lower neck portion, the aperture in said applicator cap top wall being of suil'lcient size to permit through passage of said closure esp when the latter is screwably engaged with said container upper neck portion, an absorbent applicator element secured to the upper surface of said applicator cap top wall and including an opening therethrough substantially concentric with the aperture in said cap top wall, and an applicator element enclosing cover and means for detachably securing the same to said applicator cap, said container upper neck portion projecting upward through the aperture in said applicator top wall and upward beyond the upper surface or" the applicator cap top wall into the opening extending through said absorbent applicator element but terminating substantially below the upper surface of said applicator element when said applicator cap is screwably engaged upon said container lower neck portion, said applicator element being resiliently deformable and with the said opening therethrough into which said container upper neck portion projects being of smaller cross-sectional area than that of said upper neck portion so that said applicator element fits closely about said upper neck portion when said closure cap has been removed to prepare the dispensing applicator container for use.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,118,051 MacMichael May 24, 1938 3,016,561 Hulsh Jan. 16, 1962 FOREIGN PATENTS 434,198 Great Britain Aug. 19, 1935

Claims (1)

1. A DISPENSING APPLICATOR CONTAINER, COMPRISING IN COMBINATION, A DEFORMABLE CONTAINER HAVING A PAIR OF PYRAMIDED INTERNALLY COMMUNICATING NECK PORTIONS EACH OF WHICH IS EXTERNALLY THREADED, THE LOWER OF SAID PAIR OF NECK PORTIONS EXTENDING DIRECTLY FROM AND INTERNALLY COMMUNICATING WITH THE CONTAINER AND BEING SURMOUNTED BY THE UPPER OF SAID PAIR OF NECK PORTIONS WITH THE UPPER NECK PORTION BEING OF SMALLER DIAMETER THAN THE LOWER NECK PORTION AND HAVING A CENTRALLY APERTURED TOP WALL, A REMOVABLE AND REPLACEABLE CLOSURE CAP INTERIORLY THREADED COMPLEMENTALLY TO THE EXTERNALLY THREADED UPPER NECK PORTION AND BEING OF TRANSVERSE DIMENSION NO LARGER THAN THE DIAMETER OF SAID LOWER NECK PORTION, AN APPLICATOR CAP HAVING AN APERTURED TOP WALL AND DEPENDING FROM THE UNDERSIDE THEREOF AN INTERNALLY THREADED PORTION THREADED COMPLEMENTALLY TO THE SAID EXTERNALLY THREADED LOWER NECK PORTION, SAID INTERNALLY THREADED PORTION BEING SUBSTANTIALLY CONCENTRIC WITH THE APERTURE IN SAID APPLICATOR CAP TOP WALL AND THE APERTURE IN SAID

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