CA3067082A1 - Tube tip replacement system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Docket No.: DOUCETTE-CAP
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A tube tip replacement system and method wherein the present invention is configured to remove a portion of an integrated first tip that has had material cure in the hollow passage thereof. The present invention includes a thread forming element that is configured to cut threads into the exterior surface of the integrated first tube formed on a tube of caulk or similar material. A cutting element is provided wherein the cutting element is utilized to sever the first tip proximate the base portion. A
second tip is secured to the base portion of the first tip utilizing the threads formed on the base portion. A cap is provided to seal the second tip ensuing use so as to inhibit material curing within the second tip.

Description

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 Docket No.: DOUCETTE-CAP
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.

Docket No.: DOUCETTE-CAP

[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 Docket No.: DOUCETTE-CAP
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 Docket No.: DOUCETTE-CAP
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 second Docket No.: DOUCETTE-CAP
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 Docket No.: DOUCETTE-CAP
contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (7)

Docket No.: DOUCETTE-CAP
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A tube tip replacement method operable to facilitate the replacement of a clogged tip from a tube comprising the steps of:
utilizing a tube, said tube having a first tip integrally formed on an end thereof, said first tip having an exterior surface, wherein the tube has a material stored therein that is partially removed from the tube and deposited onto a desired surface;
storing the tube, wherein the tube is stored subsequent deposit of a portion of the material in a desired location;
forming threads, wherein threads are formed on the exterior surface of the first tip utilizing a thread forming element;
cutting the first tip, wherein the first tip is cut proximate the threads utilizing a cutting element;
securing a second tip, wherein the second tip is secured to a portion of the first tip having threads on the exterior surface thereof;
utilizing the tube having the second tip thereon to deposit the material stored within the tube.

2. The tube tip replacement method as recited in claim 1, wherein the second tip includes a first end and a second end, said second tip being tapered in shape from said first end to said second end.

3. The tube tip replacement method as recited in claim 2, wherein the threads are formed on the exterior surface of the first tip proximate a base portion.

4. The tube tip replacement method as recited in claim 3, wherein the second tip includes a hollow passage therethrough and further has an aperture on the second end thereof.

5. The tube tip replacement method as recited in claim 4, wherein the second tip is releasably secured to the base portion of the first tip.

Docket No.: DOUCETTE-CAP

6. A tube tip replacement method operable to facilitate the replacement of a first tip integrally formed on the tube comprising the steps of:
depositing a portion of material stored in the tube onto a desired surface, wherein the material fills a hollow passage in the first tip and remains therein, said first tip having an exterior surface, said first tip having a second end and a first end, wherein the first tip includes a base portion proximate the first end;
storing the tube, wherein the tube is stored subsequent deposit of a portion of the material in a desired location, wherein during storage of the tube material present in the first tip at least partially cures rendering the first tip unusable;
forming threads, wherein threads are formed on the exterior surface of the first tip utilizing a thread forming element, wherein the threads are formed proximate the base portion of the first tip;
cutting the first tip, wherein the first tip is cut proximate the base portion utilizing a cutting element;
securing a second tip, wherein the second tip includes mateable threads and is secured to the base portion of the first tip haying the threads on the exterior surface thereof; and utilizing the tube having the second tip thereon to deposit the material stored within the tube.

7. The tube tip replacement method as recited in claim 6, and further including the step of placing a cap on the second end of the second tube, wherein the cap is placed on the second end ensuing use of the tube and second tip.