Apparatus and method for open thread, reusable, no-waste collapsible tube dispensers

Abstract

The invention includes a method of using a cap containing an internal thread form matching an external thread form on a flexible throat for a collapsible tube enclosing at least one contained product. Twisting the cap engages the internal thread form and the external thread form. These collectively urge the cap and the flexible throat to seal the contained product into the collapsible tube. Deforming the flexible throat through squeezing the collapsible tube dispenses essentially all the product. The collapsible tube may preferably include an external thread form on a flexible throat coupled to a flexible shoulder. The external thread form mates to a cap with an internal thread form urging the flexible throat to seal against the cap when the cap is twisted onto the flexible throat. The flexible throat and flexible shoulder flatten to dispense essentially all of the product.

1 . A collapsible tube for containing at least one product, comprising:
 an external thread form on a flexible throat coupled to a flexible shoulder, whereby   said external thread form mates with an internal thread form, included in a cap, urging said flexible throat to seal against said cap when said cap is twisted onto said flexible throat, and   said flexible throat and said flexible shoulder flatten to dispense essentially all of said product,   said external thread form further comprises:   at least two external open threads, each of said external open threads possesses at least one break, and all of said breaks of all of said external open threads, form at least one column in the radial axis of said flexible throat.   
   
   
       2 . The collapsible tube of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 said flexible shoulder mating to a collapsible tube body, whereby said flexible throat and said flexible shoulder flatten with said collapsible tube body to dispense essentially all of said product.   
   
   
       3 . The collapsible tube of  claim 1 , further comprising: said flexible shoulder mating to itself. 
   
   
       4 . The collapsible tube of  claim 1 , wherein said external open thread involves at least one of an external acme thread, an external buttress thread, an external V thread, and an external box thread. 
   
   
       5 . The collapsible tube of  claim 1 , wherein said collapsible tube contains at least two contained products. 
   
   
       6 . The collapsible tube of  claim 1 , wherein said contained product is at least one member of the group consisting of: pharmaceutical product, a personal care product, a paint product, a toothpaste product, a food product, a glue product, a hazardous chemical, a grease product, and a viscous plastic. 
   
   
       7 . A cap for a collapsible tube, comprising:
 an internal thread form for mating with an external thread form on a flexible throat to urge said flexible throat to seal against said cap when said cap is twisted;   said cap further comprising one of:   an interior bulge to act upon said flexible throat to urge said flexible throat to engage said internal thread form and said external thread form; and   an interior rim to act upon said flexible throat to urge said flexible throat to engage said internal thread and said external thread form.   
   
   
       8 . Said cap of  claim 7 , wherein said cap is not flexible. 
   
   
       9 . Said cap of  claim 8 , wherein said cap is rigid.