Self-sealing squeeze tube

Abstract

This invention relates to a squeeze tube having a self-sealing orifice with a slotted diaphragm sloping inward toward the squeeze tube for use in dispensing the contents of the squeeze tube. The slotted diaphragm has an initial seal that is broken on first use and has a replaceable cap for further sealing the squeeze tube. Pressure applied to the squeeze tube forces open the slotted diaphragm allowing the contents to be dispensed. Relief of pressure causes the slotted diaphragm spring back to its original closed position thus sealing the squeeze tube.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A self-sealing squeeze tube comprising a slotted diaphragm.  
     
     
         2 . A self-sealing squeeze tube according to  claim 1  further comprising tube threads.  
     
     
         3 . A self-sealing squeeze tube according to  claim 1  further comprising a cap.  
     
     
         4 . A self-sealing squeeze tube according to  claim 1  further comprising a flip top.  
     
     
         5 . A self-sealing squeeze tube according to  claim 1  whereby said slotted diaphragm comprises a plurality of slots and an initial seal.  
     
     
         6 . A self-sealing squeeze tube according to  claim 5  further comprising a cap having a cone for breaking said initial seal.  
     
     
         7 . A self-sealing squeeze tube according to  claim 1  whereby said slotted diaphragm is sloped inward toward the squeeze tube.  
     
     
         8 . A self-sealing squeeze tube according to  claim 7  whereby pressure applied to said squeeze tube forces open the slotted diaphragm outward sloping away from said squeeze tube thus dispensing the contents.  
     
     
         9 . A self-sealing squeeze tube according to  claim 8  whereby when pressure is released, the inward slope provides a spring-like action and allows said slotted diaphragm to spring back to its original inward sloping position thus resealing said self-sealing squeeze tube.  
     
     
         10 . A self-sealing squeeze tube cap comprising a slotted diaphragm for fitting on a squeeze tube.  
     
     
         11 . A self-sealing squeeze tube cap according to  claim 10  whereby said slotted diaphragm comprises a plurality of slots and an initial seal.  
     
     
         12 . A self-sealing squeeze tube cap according to  claim 11  further comprising a flip top.  
     
     
         13 . A self-sealing squeeze tube cap according to  claim 12  further comprising a cap having a cone for breaking said initial seal.  
     
     
         14 . A self-sealing squeeze tube cap according to  claim 10  whereby said slotted diaphragm is sloped inward toward the squeeze tube.  
     
     
         15 . A self-sealing squeeze tube cap according to  claim 14  whereby pressure applied to said squeeze tube forces open the slotted diaphragm outward sloping away from said squeeze tube thus dispensing the contents.  
     
     
         16 . A self-sealing squeeze tube cap according to  claim 15  whereby when pressure is released, the inward slope provides a spring-like action and allows said slotted diaphragm to spring back to its original inward sloping position thus resealing said self-sealing squeeze tube cap.