Sealable packaging device and related method

Abstract

A packaging device includes an expandable and collapsible tube, for receiving a product therein. The tube has a sidewall, a closed end and an open end. A closed-cell foam plug is compressible and insertable in the compressed state at least partially into the open end of the tube. Upon expanding, the foam plug closes and seals the open end of the tube.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A packaging device comprising:
 an expandable and collapsible tube, for receiving a product therein, the tube having a sidewall, a closed end and an open end; and   a closed-cell foam plug, insertable in a compressed state at least partially into the open end of the tube and thereafter permitted to expand to engage, close and seal the open end of the tube.   
     
     
         2 . The packaging device of  claim 1 , wherein the plug forms substantially fluid-tight compression seal. 
     
     
         3 . The packaging device of  claim 1 , wherein the tube and the foam plug define substantially the same melting point. 
     
     
         4 . The packaging device of  claim 1 , wherein the tube and the foam plug are both constructed of polyethylene. 
     
     
         5 . The packaging device of  claim 1 , wherein the tube and the foam plug are both constructed of polypropylene. 
     
     
         6 . The packaging device of  claim 1 , wherein the tube and foam plug are generally cylindrical, and wherein a diameter of the foam plug in the expanded state is at least slightly greater than a diameter of the open end of the tube. 
     
     
         7 . A packaging method comprising:
 filling an expandable and collapsible tube with a product via an open end thereof;   compressing a closed-cell foam plug;   inserting the compressed foam plug at least partially into the open end of the tube; and   closing and sealing the open end of the tube upon expansion of the foam plug.   
     
     
         8 . The packaging method of  claim 7 , wherein the tube and the foam plug are generally cylindrical. 
     
     
         9 . The packaging method of  claim 8 , wherein the compressing step comprises compressing the closed-cell foam plug to a diameter smaller than a diameter of the open end of the tube and wherein the sealing step comprises permitting the foam plug to expand and engage the tube, forming a substantially fluid-tight compression seal. 
     
     
         10 . The packaging method of  claim 7 , wherein the inserting step comprises inserting the compressed foam plug a depth at least equal to a width of the open end of the tube. 
     
     
         11 . The packaging method of  claim 7 , wherein the sealing step comprises heating the foam plug and the open end of the tube to sealingly join together the foam plug and the tube.