Paper Tube Packaging with Coated Interior

Abstract

A biodegradable tube comprises a mom-rigid paper tubular body defining a lumen for containing a semi-solid composition; a paper tubular cap that slidably mates with the body; and wherein interior surfaces of the each of the body and the cap have a coating that is substantially impermeable to the semi-solid composition. In preferred embodiments the tube body and cap have tapered sealed ends, the coating comprises an adhesive, and the walls of the tube/cap comprise a rolled paper material upon which the coating has been applied. Contemplated semi-solid product materials include for example lip balm, facial cream, lotion, deodorant, sunscreen, caulk, grease sticks, mosquito repellant, and shoe polish.

1 . A tube comprising:
 a non-rigid tubular body having a first paper with an open end and a sealed end, the body defining a lumen that contains a semi-solid composition;   a tubular cap having a second paper with an open end and a sealed end, wherein the open end of the cap mates with the open end of the body;   wherein interior surfaces of each of the body and the cap have a coating that is substantially impermeable to the semi-solid composition; and   such that the coated interior surface of the body is disposed to operate as a primary barrier to leaking of the semi-solid composition through the tube.   
     
     
         2 . The tube of  claim 1  wherein the semi-solid composition comprises one of a lip balm, a lip stick, and a skin cream. 
     
     
         3 . The tube of  claim 1  wherein the semi-solid composition comprises one of a shampoo, a deodorant, and a toothpaste. 
     
     
         4 . The tube of  claim 1  wherein the semi-solid composition comprises one of a shoe polish, a stain stick remover, and a grease stick. 
     
     
         5 . The tube of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular body has a wall thickness of no more than 0.5 mm. 
     
     
         6 . The tube of  claim 1 , wherein the second paper has substantially the same chemical composition as the first paper. 
     
     
         7 . The tube of  claim 1 , wherein each of the sealed ends of the body and cap are transverse seals. 
     
     
         8 . The tube of  claim 7 , wherein the transverse seals arc formed by at least one of crimping and folding. 
     
     
         9 . The tube of  claim 1 , wherein the open end of the cap is sized and dimensioned to slidably engage an exterior surface of the open end of the body. 
     
     
         10 . The tube of  claim 1 , wherein the cap has a longitudinal dimension that has a ratio of at least 1:6 with respect to a longitudinal dimension of the body. 
     
     
         11 . The tube of  claim 1 , further comprising a sliding tapered insert disposed in the lumen. 
     
     
         12 . The tube of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular cap further comprises an interior flat surface that pushes the semi-solid composition back into the tubular body when the cap mates with the body. 
     
     
         13 . The tube of  claim 1 , wherein the coating comprises at least one of a milk protein and a sugar cane protein. 
     
     
         14 . The tube of  claim 1 , wherein the semi-solid composition is disposed within the lumen to contact the coated interior surface of at least one of the body and the cap. 
     
     
         15 . The tube of  claim 1 , further comprising an opening strip. 
     
     
         16 . The tube of  claim 1 , wherein the coating is a biodegradable adhesive. 
     
     
         17 . The tube of  claim 1 , wherein the coating is on an outside surface of at least one of the body and the cap. 
     
     
         18 . The tube of  claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises first, second, and third layers of the first paper, and the cap further comprises first, second, and third layers of the second paper, and wherein the coating is disposed between the first and second layers and the second and third layers of the first paper, and between the first and second layers and the second and third layers of the second paper. 
     
     
         19 . The tube of  claim 1 , wherein the coating is impregnated within at least one of the first and second papers. 
     
     
         20 . The tube of  claim 9 , wherein the exterior surface of the body includes a raised ring that mates with a corresponding depression on the interior surface of the cap.