Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
Docket No.: DOUCETTE-CAP
TUBE TIP REPLACEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates generally to tube storage for materials,
more
specifically but not by way of limitation, a system and method that is
configured to
address partially clogged or clogged tips that are integrally formed with a
tube such
as but not limited to a caulk tube wherein the present invention provides a
second tip
and a method of securing to a remaining portion of the first tip integrally
formed with
the caulk tube.
BACKGROUND
[002] As is known in the art, materials such as but not limited to caulk and
adhesive
are commercially available in tubes wherein the tubes are designed to operably
couple with dispensing devices, commonly known as caulk guns, so as to
dispense a
desired amount in a specific location. Caulk and adhesive tubes are typically
manufactured from plastic or cardboard and have a bottom that is movable in an
upwards direction ensuing being engaged by the plunger of the caulk gun. The
caulk
tube has formed on one end a tapered tip typically manufactured from plastic.
The tip
has a hollow passage therethrough and the tip is tapered from broad to narrow
as the
tip extends outward from the top section of the tube.
[003] A benefit of the conventional tip design is that a user can choose where
to cut
the tip so as to produce an exit bead of material that is a desired diameter.
If a user
needs a small exit bead then the user will cut the tip proximate the end
distal to the
tube. If a larger exit bead is desired then the user will cut the tip more
proximate the
base thereof. It is common that the user may not consume all of the material
stored
within the tube. Often for smaller jobs a portion of the material disposed
within the
tube remains subsequent completion of the task. Conventional techniques to
save the
remaining material vary from using tape to cover the aperture formed in the
tip from
the cutting thereof or using a makeshift plug such as but not limited to a
nail or screw.
While the aforementioned techniques will work for a very short period of time,
after
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several days, the material that remains in the passage of the tube will cure
and as such
block the passage. Often the cured material cannot be cleared and as such
access to
the remaining contents within the tube is prohibited. While a user can
sometimes cut
the tip below the cured material, this will often leave the aperture of the
tip with a
larger than desired diameter.
[004] Accordingly, there is a need for a tube tip replacement system and
method that
will provide an element for removing a portion of the tip integrally formed
with the
tube and further provide a second tip and securing thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] It is the object of the present invention to provide a tube tip
replacement
system that is configured to provide removal of a caulk tube tip and cured
material
therein wherein the present invention includes a cutting element configured to
sever
the original tube tip integrally formed on a caulk tube.
[006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a caulk tube tip
removal
apparatus and method wherein the present invention further includes a
technique to
alter the exterior surface of the original tip in order to be releasably
secured to a
second tip.
[007] A further object of the present invention is to provide a tube tip
replacement
system that is configured to provide removal of a caulk tube tip and cured
material
therein wherein the method of the present invention includes the providing of
a
second tip.
[008] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a caulk tube
tip
removal apparatus and method wherein the second tip of the present invention
includes a hollow passage extending intermediate a first end and a second end.
[009] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a tube tip
replacement system that is configured to provide removal of a caulk tube tip
and
cured material therein wherein the interior surface of the hollow passage is
configured to be releasably secured to the exterior surface of the first tip.
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[0010] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a caulk
tube tip
removal apparatus and method wherein the present invention provides a tool to
cut
threads onto the exterior surface of the first tip integrally formed with the
tube.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to a provide a tube tip
replacement
system that is configured to provide removal of a caulk tube tip and cured
material
therein wherein the second tip of the present invention further includes a
cap.
[0012] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present
invention
may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Attention is
called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are
contemplated
as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by
reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken
in
conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:
[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the thread forming element of the
present
invention engaged with the first tip; and
[0015] Figure 2 is an exemplary cutting element engaged with the first tip;
and
[0016] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the second tip secured to the tube;
and
[0017] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the method of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various
elements
depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the
views
and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals,
there is
illustrated tube tip replacement system and method 100 constructed according
to the
principles of the present invention.
[0019] An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with
reference to
the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that
the
detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory
purposes
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and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that
alternative
embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation,
those
having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present
invention will
recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the
needs
of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given
detail
described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the
embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within
the scope of the present invention.
[0020] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not
limited to the
particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as
these
may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used
herein
is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not
intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as
used
herein and in the claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include the
plural
reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a
reference
to "an element" is a reference to one or more elements and includes
equivalents
thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be
understood
in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood
as
having the definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical
"exclusive or" unless
the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to
be
understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.
Language that
may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0021] References to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "exemplary
embodiments", and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the
invention so
described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but
not every
embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or
characteristic.
[0022] Now referring in particular to the Figures submitted herewith, the tube
tip
replacement system and method 100 includes a thread forming element 5. The
thread
forming element 5 is utilized to form threads on the exterior surface 10 of
the first tip
15. The first tip 15 is integrally formed on the end 14 of the tube 99. The
first tip 15
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is manufactured from plastic or similar material and includes a first end 16
and
second end 17. The first tip 15 is formed in a shape so as to be tapered in
form from
the first end 16 to the second end 17 wherein the first tip 15 is more narrow
proximate the second end 17. The first tip 15 has a hollow passage formed
therein (not
particularly illustrated herein) that is operable to facilitate the egression
of material
stored in the tube 99 from the aperture 12 of the first tip 15. The thread
forming
element 5 includes a central bore 6 that includes a thread cutting element(not
illustrated herein) that is operable to form threads on the exterior surface
10 of the
first tip 15. While threads are utilized to releasably secure the second tip
40, it is
contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the illustrated
tube tip
replacement system and method 100 could utilize alternate techniques to
provide
releasably securing of the second tip 40 to a base portion 2 of the first tip
15.
[0023]A cutting element 25 is provided as part of the illustrated tube tip
replacement
system and method 100. The cutting element 25 is a conventional cutting
element
that is configured to sever a portion of the first tip 15. It should be
understood within
the scope of the present invention that the first tip 15 would be severed by
the cutting
element 25 in a location that would include removal of any cured material
disposed
within the first tip 15. While an exemplary cutting element 25 is illustrated
herein, it
should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the
cutting
element 25 could be embodied in numerous alternate forms and achieve the
desired
objective within the scope of the present invention.
[0024] The illustrated tube tip replacement system and method 100 further
includes
a second tip 40. The second tip 40 is manufactured from plastic or similar
material.
The second tip 40 includes a body 41 having a first end 42 and second end 43
wherein
the body 41 is tapered in shape from the first end 42 to the second end 43.
Releasably
secured to the second end 43 is a cap 45. The body 41 has a hollow passage
extending
therethrough(not particularly illustrated herein) which facilitates the
egression of
material from tube 99 ensuing the operable coupling of the second tip 40 to
tube 99.
The second tip 40 is releasably secured to the base portion 2 of the first tip
15 wherein
the second tip 40 includes threads on the interior surface of the hollow
passage of the
body 41. While a preferred embodiment has been disclosed herein where the
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tip 40 is secured to base portion 2 ensuing threads being formed thereon, it
is
contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the second tip 40
could
be releasably secured to base portion 2 utilizing alternate suitable
techniques.
[0025] Referring now to Figure 4 submitted herewith, the illustrated tube tip
replacement system and method 100 includes step 401 wherein a user utilizes a
tube
99 to apply a material stored therein to a desired location. The amount of
material
dispensed in step 401 is less than that of the entire amount stored in tube
99. Step
403, the tube 99 is stored in a desired location wherein the first tip 15 is
either left
uncovered or is covered with a desired material. In step 405, the remaining
material
disposed in the first tip 15 will at least partially cure so as to inhibit
reuse of the first
tip 15 for dispensing the material stored within the tube 99. Step 407, a user
will
engage the thread forming element 5 with the first tip 15, in particular near
base
portion 2, and rotatably move the thread forming element 5 so as to form
threads on
the exterior surface 10 on the first tip 15. In step 409, a user will utilize
the cutting
element 25 to sever the first tip 15 wherein the first tip 15 will be severed
proximate
the base portion 2 that has the threads formed thereon. Step 411, a user will
releasably secure the second tip 40 to the base portion 2. In step 413, a user
will
utilize the cutting implement 25 to sever the second tip 40 proximate the
second end
43 thereof. Step 415, a user will deposit material stored within the tube 99
through
the second tip 40 in a desired location. In step 417, the user will secure the
cap 45 to
the second end 43 of the second tip 40 ensuing completion of deposit of the
material
from the tube to a desired location.
[0026] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the
accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way
of
illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.
These
embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient
detail to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be
understood that
other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be
made
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description
may omit
certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding
description is,
therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein,
but on the
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contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents, as
can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.
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