Controlling Flow From Multi-Chamber Containers

Abstract

The dispensing of substances from multi-chamber containers, such as tubes, can be controlled by the placement of a flow modifying unit in the dispensing nozzle of the container. The dispensing nozzle will have a plurality of channels, usually one for each chamber. The flow controlling unit is a constriction at an intermediate point, a point between the channel inlet and exit, in at least one of the channels. This constriction is sized to adjust flow so that the viscous substance from each chamber is dispensed at a set flow rate and in a set ratio, one to the other. The constriction is formed at the time that the nozzle is formed. In the compression molding process a mold pin is used, the mold pin meeting a mold base at an intermediate point in at least one channel. The mold pin and or mold base has a recess that is the size and shape of the flow modifying constriction. Plastic is injected into the mold and the flow modifying unit is formed at the same time as the nozzle.

1 . A tube container comprising:
 a first end;   a second end;   a shoulder   at least two chambers;   a dispensing nozzle at said first end comprising:
 an input end having a first cross-sectional area above the shoulder for receiving a substance from the shoulder; 
 an exit dispensing end having a second cross-sectional area, wherein the second cross-sectional area is less than the first cross-sectional area; and 
 at least one channel positioned between the input end and the exit dispensing end in communication with each chamber of the at least two chambers; 
   at least two substances, one of the at least two substances provided in each of the at least two chambers; and   a flow modifying unit in said at least one channel at a location in the nozzle   intermediate the input end and the exit dispensing end, the location in the nozzle having a cross-sectional area that is equal to the second cross-sectional area.   
   
   
       2 . A tube container as in  claim 1  wherein said flow modifying unit is a constriction. 
   
   
       3 . A tube container as in  claim 1  wherein at least one channel has an exterior wall and an interior wall separating the at least one channel from another channel, said constriction on said exterior wall of said channel. 
   
   
       4 . A tube container as in  claim 1  wherein said channel has an exterior wall and an interior wall separating the at least one channel from another channel, said constriction on said interior wall of said channel. 
   
   
       5 . A tube container as in  claim 1  wherein said constriction comprises blocking about 10 percent to about 50 percent of the cross-sectional area of said channel.