Holder assembly for tubular containers

Abstract

A holder assembly designed (embodiment # 1) to hold at least one but preferably multiple elongated tube-like containers or “squeeze-tubes” in a substantially vertical position such that the labeling, directions, contents and other information formed on the exterior of the tube-like containers are clearly viewable. The holder assembly includes a horizontal support to create a closed channel wherein the closed channel creates a gripping structure into which the closed or sealed ends of the tube-like containers are inserted. The gripping channel has a sufficient length to position multiple tube-like containers along the horizontal support in side-by-side relation to one another. The horizontal support includes the means to attach the entire assembly to a substantially oriented vertical surface.Additionally, said invention, further provided with magnets (embodiment #2) can hold a multitude of metallic instruments and utensils along its length that are easily accessible and removable.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0001]The use of squeezable, tube-like containers, or tubular containers, or “squeeze tubes” for the commercial packaging of a variety of products, such as ointments, creams, hair gels, etc. is extremely popular due in large part to the fact that these types of products are easier to dispense utilizing the squeeze tube container. These squeezable, tube-like containers are typically formed from a plastic material and / or a metallic material such as heavy type of metal foil or light weight metallic sheet material, which have sufficient flexibility and ductility to allow the tubes to be squeezed by the hands and fingers of the user. However, such material also has at least some degree of rigidity, which provides sufficient structural integrity to the tube-like container to allow it to be oriented and maintained in a vertical position without collapsing or folding upon itself.[0002]Containers of the type mentioned above are normally formed by extruding extre...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a holder assembly for storing tube-like containers, which can be positioned in a variety of locations. It is designed to be mounted on a vertical support surface and can be made from plastic or metal. The size and configuration of the holder can vary depending on the intended positioning and the number of containers. It can be mounted using various methods such as double-sided adhesive tape, adhesive backed magnetic strips, nails, rivets, screws, or an adhesive bonding agent. The holder assembly is adaptable for a variety of storage locations and enclosures.

Problems solved by technology

However, one universally recognizable disadvantage of utilizing this type of container is the appearance of these containers after a significant portion of the contents of the squeeze tube have been dispensed.

More in particular, due to the semi-rigid and partially flexible nature of the material from which such containers are usually formed, the exterior shape of the container frequently becomes bent, wrinkled and / or at least partially folded, particularly when a majority of the contents has been removed therefrom, and must be further bent and / or folded in order to remove more of the tube's contents for additional use.

While this rolled or folded configuration may at least minimally improve the appearance of partially used squeeze tube containers, there still exists a significant disadvantage relating to identifying the contents or otherwise recognizing the printed labeling on the exterior of the tube.

Since many of the tube-like containers are similar in both size and configuration, it is a common occurrence to mistake the identity of one product for another, particularly when at least a significant portion of the length of the tube is folded upon itself.

The mistaken identity and dispensing of products is not only inconvenient but could also be dangerous, particularly in light of the fact that some products such as toothpaste, which are to be orally administered, are frequently packaged in tube-like containers similar to creams and ointments, which would be harmful if placed in the mouth or swallowed, and could result in injury to the user.

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