TUBE SEAL CAP ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A tube seal cap assembly for use with a product tube having a top wall and a nozzle comprises a primary cap and a gripper ring. The primary cap includes a top end and a bottom end. The gripper ring is operatively connected to the primary cap proximate the bottom end, and the gripper ring and the primary cap include mating features configured and arranged to prevent rotation of the gripper ring relative to the primary cap. The gripper ring includes at least one inwardly extending protrusion. In use, when the tube seal cap assembly is operatively connected to the product tube, the primary cap is configured and arranged to receive the nozzle and the at least one inwardly extending protrusion is configured and arranged to carve into the nozzle.

Claims

1. A tube seal cap assembly for use with a product tube having a top wall and a nozzle, comprising: a primary cap having a top end and a bottom end; a gripper ring operatively connected to the primary cap proximate the bottom end, the gripper ring and the primary cap having mating features configured and arranged to prevent rotation of the gripper ring relative to the primary cap, the gripper ring including at least one inwardly extending protrusion; wherein in use, when the tube seal cap assembly is operatively connected to the product tube, the primary cap is configured and arranged to receive the nozzle and the at least one inwardly extending protrusion is configured and arranged to carve into the nozzle.

2. The tube seal cap assembly of claim 1, further comprising a skirt extending from the bottom end and configured and arranged to seal against the top wall of the product tube.

3. The tube seal cap assembly of claim 2, wherein the skirt is flexible and configured and arranged to conform to the top wall of the product tube.

4. The tube seal cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the mating features include one of: a nub in one of the primary cap or the gripper ring and a notch in another of the primary cap or the gripper ring; or an aperture in the gripper ring configured and arranged to receive one of an adhesive or a portion of the primary cap interconnecting the primary cap and the gripper ring.

5. The tube seal cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the top end is closed thereby being configured and arranged to seal an opening in the nozzle.

6. The tube seal cap assembly of claim 5, wherein the top end is configured and arranged to be cut to form an opening in the top end.

7. The tube seal cap assembly of claim 1, further comprising a secondary cap configured and arranged to receive a portion of the top end and releasably engage the top end.

8. The tube seal cap assembly of claim 7, wherein the primary cap is configured and arranged to be used with one of a plurality of secondary caps and the secondary caps are interchangeable.

9. The tube seal cap assembly of claim 7, wherein the primary cap includes a ridge configured and arranged to be received in a groove of the secondary cap for snap engagement.

10. The tube seal cap assembly of claim 7, further comprising a sealing member operatively connected to the secondary cap, the sealing member including a rod extending downward from the secondary cap and configured and arranged to extend through the primary cap, through the nozzle, and into product tube when the tube seal cap assembly is operatively connected to the product tube.

11. The tube seal cap assembly of claim 10, wherein the sealing member is integral with the secondary cap.

12. The tube seal cap assembly of claim 10, wherein the sealing member is rotatable relative to at least the primary cap.

13. The tube seal cap assembly of claim 10, wherein the sealing member is rotatable relative to the secondary cap.

14. The rube seal cap assembly of claim 10, wherein the rod includes a helical portion along its length.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure or system elements are referred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views. All descriptions are applicable to like and analogous structures throughout the several embodiments, unless otherwise specified.

[0007] Three example embodiments of such a tube seal cap assembly are described, and in some cases they will be differentiated by referring to the first embodiment with reference to number 16a, the second embodiment with reference to number 16b, and the third embodiment with reference to number 16c. However, in many aspects, the assemblies are similar; descriptions of tube seal cap assembly 16, 16a, 16b, or 16c apply to all embodiments unless otherwise specified. This convention also applies to other similarly numbered elements. In addition, any differences in the embodiments can be interchanged among the embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an open tube of product.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the open tube of product closed with a first embodiment tube seal cap assembly constructed in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of components of the first embodiment tube seal cap assembly, separated from each other.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the components of the first embodiment tube seal cap assembly.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2, of the first embodiment tube seal cap assembly.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3, of a primary cap.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 7-7 of FIG. 3, of a secondary cap.

[0015] FIG. 8A is a top view of an exemplary gripper ring configured for insertion into a groove of the primary cap.

[0016] FIG. 8B is a top view of another exemplary gripper ring configured for insertion into a groove of the primary cap.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary secondary cap similar to that shown in FIG. 7 with an opening.

[0018] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a second embodiment tube seal cap assembly constructed in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10B is a side elevation view of components of the second embodiment tube seal cap assembly.

[0020] FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 10C-10C of FIG. 10A, of the second embodiment tube seal cap assembly.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a third embodiment tube seal cap assembly.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a top view of an exemplary gripper ring configured for insertion into a groove of the third embodiment's primary cap.

[0023] While the above-identified figures set forth one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure.

[0024] The figures may not be drawn to scale. In particular, some features may be enlarged relative to other features for clarity. Moreover, where terms such as above, below, over, under, top, bottom, side, right, left, vertical, horizontal, etc., are used, it is to be understood that they are used only for ease of understanding the description. It is contemplated that structures may be oriented otherwise.

[0025] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments, and the terminology is not intended to be limiting. Unless indicated otherwise, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are used to distinguish or identify different elements or steps in a group of elements or steps and do not supply a serial or numerical limitation on the elements or steps of the embodiments thereof. For example, first, second, and third elements or steps need not necessarily appear in that order, and the embodiments thereof need not necessarily be limited to three elements or steps. Unless indicated otherwise, any labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, proximal, distal, intermediate and the like are used for convenience and are not intended to imply, for example, any particular fixed location, orientation, or direction. Instead, such labels are used to reflect, for example, relative location, orientation, or directions. The singular forms of a, an, and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tube 10, wherein opening 14 has been sealed by an exemplary tube seal cap assembly 16 of the current disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, tube seal cap assembly 16a is a two-part structure including primary cap 18 and secondary cap 20. Primary cap 18 can be used on its own or in combination with the optional secondary cap 20.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, secondary cap 20 has been removed from primary cap 18 so that the features of both components of tube seal cap assembly 16 can be more easily seen. In an exemplary embodiment, primary cap 18 has a top end 22 that is closed so that the primary cap 18 effectively seals the opening 14 of a cut nozzle 12, thereby precluding the ingress of air that can dry out the contained product within tube 10 or other contaminants. The top end 22 can be selectively cut, for example along new cut line 46, to create a new opening for dispensing product. In an exemplary embodiment, a circular ridge 24 is configured and located for a frictional interface or a snap engagement with an interior groove 26 of secondary cap 20 (see FIG. 7 for example). Although an interior groove 26 and a circular ridge 24 are shown, it is recognized that any suitable mating or engaging features can be used to releasably interconnect the secondary cap 20 to the primary cap 18. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of generally triangular vertical stiffening ribs 28 is provided in equally spaced increments about a periphery of the primary cap 18. These stiffening ribs 28 offer structural reinforcement of the lower wall of primary cap 18 and also provide gripping locations by which a user can twist primary cap 18 relative to tube 10. Preferably, a relatively more flexible skirt 30 is provided at the base proximate the bottom end of primary cap 18 to seal against top wall 21 of tube 10 (see FIG. 1). Such flexibility can be conferred by a thinner wall thickness of skirt 30, for example.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, secondary cap 20 is configured to fit over the top end 22 of primary cap 18 and has outer circular ridges 32 to facilitate gripping of the secondary cap 20 for attachment to primary cap 18 and detachment from primary cap 18. The secondary cap 20 can be used, for example, if the top end 22 of the primary cap 18 is cut to form a new opening for dispensing product.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of tube cap assembly 16, wherein phantom lines are used to show relative positions of internal components. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 8A, in an exemplary embodiment, primary cap 18 has an internal groove 34 configured to hold a gripper washer or ring 36. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8A, in an exemplary embodiment, groove 34 has a plurality of nubs 38 configured to fit into corresponding notches 40 of gripper ring 36a. Thus, once gripper ring 36a is inserted into groove 34 of primary cap 18, with the nubs 38 positioned in the corresponding notches 40, the gripper ring 36 and primary cap 18 are non-rotatably connected to each other. Although nubs 38 and notches 40 are shown, it is recognized that any suitable mating or engaging features can be used to connect the gripper ring 36 to the primary cap 18. As shown in FIGS. 5, 8A, 8B, and 12, in an exemplary embodiment, gripper ring 36 has at least one inwardly extending protrusion, preferably a plurality of teeth or spikes 42, on an inner periphery.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 8B, a gripper ring 36b includes differently shaped notches 40, and it is recognized that any suitable shape can be used. Although four notches 40 are shown, one or more notch(es) and corresponding nub(s) can be used.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, primary cap 18 is formed of high density polyethylene (HDPE) or another polymer, which is suitably durable, flexible, easy to shape by injection molding or other manufacturing techniques, and impervious to water, air and other fluids. For similar reasons, in an exemplary embodiment, secondary cap 20 is also formed of HDPE or a similar pliable material. In an exemplary embodiment, gripper washer 36 is formed from 21-gauge steel or a similar material that is harder than the other components of tube seal cap assembly 16. Referring to FIGS. 6, 8A and 8B, because of the flexibility and resilience of the material of primary cap 18, the stiffer and rigid gripper washer 36 can be snapped into the locking channel or groove 34 and retained therein.

[0032] Referring again to FIG. 1, when a user wishes to reseal the partially used product tube 10, it is sufficient to use just the primary cap 18 if the top end 22 is closed (uncut). In an exemplary method of use, the user places the primary cap 18 over and around the open nozzle 12. Primary cap 18 is sized and shaped to closely correspond to the contours of common tubes 10, and different sizes and configurations of components of tube seal cap assembly 16 can be provided for different product containers 10. The user presses skirt 30 of the primary cap 18 down against the upper wall 21 of tube 10 to deform the flexible skirt 30, thereby resulting in a tight interface. The user then rotates primary cap 18 about longitudinal axis 44 as shown in FIG. 2. Such twisting is facilitated by gripping vertical ribs 28. With this motion, the spikes 42 of the gripper ring 36 carve and tap out some of the plastic material at the base of nozzle 12. Thus, the primary cap 18 is not only frictionally engaged with the walls of nozzle 12, but the gripper ring 36 is also mechanically engaged with nozzle 12, as spikes 42 of the gripper ring 36 are now inserted into newly formed, carved and tapped out recesses of the outer surface of nozzle 12. Primary cap 18 can be removed from tube 10 with a reverse twisting manipulation and pulling upward on the primary cap 18 relative to the tube 10. Primary cap 18 is repeatedly usable with a tube 10 for generally the remaining useful life of the product contained therein. Moreover, primary cap 18, if not soiled with excessive product, can be reused on other tubes 10. The primary cap 18 can also be disposable after one or more uses.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, the size of a bead of product squeezed from tube 10 generally corresponds to the size of opening 14 cut into nozzle 12. Conventionally, it has been possible to enlarge the opening 14 by recutting lower on nozzle 12, but it has not been possible to produce a smaller opening 14 for squeezing out a smaller bead from an already open tube 10. In some cases, the opening 14 is lower on nozzle 12, and therefore larger in diameter, than a user desires. Referring to FIG. 3, a tapered upper portion of primary cap 18 can serve as a replacement nozzle tip that allows a user to recut a new opening on the primary cap 18 between the top end 22 and the circular ridge 24. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the user can cut primary cap 18 at new cut line 46 to obtain a narrower opening near the tapered top end 22. To reseal this new opening, the user can place secondary cap 20 over the primary cap 18, wherein circular ridge 24 of primary cap 18 snaps into the internal groove 26 of closed-top secondary cap 20a for a frictional interference or snap engagement. Similarly, the secondary cap 20 can be cut to obtain a narrower opening. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the secondary cap 20b can be cut along a new cut line 48 to create an opening 49 in the secondary cap 20b. One or more replacement secondary caps 20 can be interchangeably used with the primary cap 18 for sealing or for creating different sizes of openings.

[0034] Thus, the described tube seal cap assembly 16 offers a reliable manner by which an open tube 10 of product can be resealed to preserve the remaining product in the tube for future use. Moreover, the tube cap assembly 16 is reusable for a useful life of the tube 10. Provision of the secondary cap 20 allows for resealing the primary cap 18 if it is cut to provide a smaller bead of product from the tube 10. The gripper ring 36 and flexible skirt 30 form a reliable, strong and airtight attachment interface between the primary cap 18 and a tube 10. While particular configurations of features such as notches, nubs, spikes, ribs, ridges and grooves are illustrated, it is to be understood that other shapes and configurations of parts can also be used.

[0035] Another embodiment tube seal cap assembly 16b is illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C. In this embodiment, the secondary cap 20 can include a sealing member. An exemplary sealing member 60 includes an optional grip portion 62 extending upwardly from the top of the secondary cap 20 and a rod portion 64 that extends downwardly from the top of the secondary cap 20. The secondary cap 20 could include a gripping feature or member rather than having the optional grip portion 62. When the tube seal cap assembly 16b is operatively connected to an open tube of product, as illustrated in FIG. 10C, the rod portion 64 extends through the secondary cap 20, through the primary cap 18, through the nozzle 12, and into the tube 10 to seal the nozzle 12 and prevent the product from drying within the nozzle 12 and the tube seal cap assembly 16. Preferably, the rod portion 64 is tapered so that its cross-sectional diameter is smaller proximate its distal end. The rod portion 64 can optionally include a helical portion extending along its length to accommodate different size openings. The optional grip portion 62 or the secondary cap 20 can be used to rotate the rod portion 64 when inserting and removing the sealing member 60 from the nozzle 12.

[0036] The secondary cap 20 can be integral with the sealing member 60 or they can be separate components operatively connected. If they are separate components, they can either be moveable or fixed relative to one another.

[0037] Another embodiment tube seal cap assembly 16c is illustrated in FIG. 11 and a gripper ring 36c for use with the tube seal cap assembly 16c is illustrated in FIG. 12. Generally, the gripper ring 36c includes apertures 40a instead of notches. When the gripper ring 36c is positioned in the groove 34 of the primary cap 18, which in this embodiment includes a shoulder portion 37 that abuts the gripper ring 36c, an adhesive could be used to interconnect the gripper ring 36c and the shoulder of the primary cap 18. Alternatively, the primary cap 18 could be melted proximate the shoulder so that the melted material flowed into the apertures 40a and solidified. The adhesive or the melted and solidified portion of the primary cap 18 extend into the apertures 40a to mechanically interconnect them. Also, as illustrated in this embodiment, spikes 42a could be larger and rectangular-shaped.

[0038] Although the subject of this disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, any feature disclosed with respect to one embodiment may be included in another embodiment, and vice-versa.