Abstract:
The invention relates to a device for storing an extension tube with a spray can. With the can having an exterior surface and the exterior surface of the can having a cross-section, an embodiment of the invention comprises a sleeve having a cavity adapted to receive the tube. The sleeve is coupled to the can through two resilient wings on the sleeve where the interior surface formed by these wings has a cross-section that conforms to, and is smaller than the cross-section of the exterior surface of the spray can. Through a slot formed by the free ends of the wings, the can engages the interior surface of the wings by causing the slot to deform apart then return towards the original width of the slot as the can passes between the slot.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates generally to storage devices and more particularly to a storage device for extension tubes typically used in conjunction with aerosol spray cans. 
     2. Background Information 
     In 1953, Norm Larson and his co-workers at Rocket Chemical in San Diego, Calif., developed a rust-preventive solvent that displaced water. Five years later, in 1958, WD-40 aerosol was packaged in the familiar blue-and-yellow spray can by the WD-40 Company for use outside the aerospace industry. The WD-40 brand® is a petroleum-based, multi-purpose product that is used as a lubricant, rust preventative, penetrant, and moisture displacer. Its five basic properties—cleaning, lubricating, penetrating, displacing moisture and preventing rust—generates thousands of uses at work, in the home, for the car, at the workbench, in the garden and on sports and recreation equipment. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,257,464 discloses a fabric cover treated with a mixture of TRI-FLON® and WD-40® where the cover is used to protect hand guns, rifles and firearms from rust and corrosion. Many other uses for WD-40 brand are set out in Tim Nyberg &amp; Jim Berg, The WD-40 Book (Bad Dog Press, March 1997). 
     The WD-40 brand is the most important product offered by The WD-40 Company, serving as the cornerstone for all the Company does. Four out of five US households have a can of WD-40® which is sold through retail outlets and industrial distributors in over 150 countries. The success of WD-40® has spawned literally hundreds of imitators, some backed by billion-dollar corporations. However, strong brand loyalty has enabled WD-40® not only to withstand incursions by competitors, but to actually expand its market share in the multi-purpose category. 
     To enhance the application of the atomized liquids propelled by the WD-40® spray can, the WD-40 Company includes a single, plastic, hollow extension tube with each can. By focusing the conic shaped spray of the atomized liquids into a narrow stream and transporting that stream to at least a fixed point at the end of the tube, the tube creates a penetrating jet stream that not only reaches confined spaces but acts to enhance the five basic properties of WD-40®. The tube is central to many of the uses for WD-40® set out above. 
     The red, polypropylene WD-40® extension tube that is used in conjunction with the WD-40® spray can is manufactured by Summit Packaging Systems, Inc. of Manchester, N.H. This flexible, but resilient hollow tube may come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, Summit Packaging Systems part number 38009 has an outside diameter of 0.085 inches, an inside diameter (or “lumen”) of 0.040 inches and a length of 4 inches. Summit Packaging Systems part number 0115 has an outside diameter of 0.082 inches, a lumen of 0.035 inches and a length of 6 inches. 
     Like most manufacturers who supply an extension tube with their spray can, the WD-40 Company holds the tube to the WD-40® spray can through a single piece was of adhesive tape. This adhesive tape is comprised of adhesive film disposed upon a thin, clear, mylar layer, with the layer being approximately 1.25 inches in length and 0.75 inches in width. At the WD-40 Company factory, the tube is held in physical, vertical contact with the WD-40® can by adhering the tape to the can lengthwise along the can&#39;s circumferential exterior at approximately the vertical midpoint of the can&#39;s circumferential exterior so that the tube is interposed between the tape and the can&#39;s circumferential exterior. With the tube attached to the can by the adhesive tape, the can is then shipped to retailers and sold to consumers. 
     The adhesive tape holds the tube in direct contact with the WD-40® spray can through two mechanisms. The first mechanism is the adhesiveness of the tape itself, which adheres to the outer surface of the tube to hold the tube in place. The second mechanism relies on a wedging force initially formed in the gap between the mylar tape and the can. 
     In using the plastic tube, the light amber WD-40® solvent inevitably coats the outside surface of the tube. Upon replacing the plastic tube into its adhesive tape holster, the WD-40® solvent residing on the outside surface of the tube acts upon the tape&#39;s adhesive film, causing the film to loose its adhering properties where the tube meets the adhesive tape. In other words, the first mechanism of holding the tube to the can through the adhesiveness of the tape itself is quickly lost upon using the WD-40® product. 
     The wedging force is similarly lost through using the WD-40® product. In this case, the consumer&#39;s actions of repeatedly removing the tube from its tape holster and replacing the tube back into its tape holster inevitably widens the gap between the mylar tape and the can until the gap no longer offer no support for the tube. Among the problems with using mylar tape to secure an extension tube is that the tape is not rigid enough to withstand repeated insertions and removals of the tube. 
     With no mechanism left to store the tube in conjunction with can, the consumer is left to find an adequate storage location for not only the can, but the small, narrow tube itself. Since an adequate storage device for these tubes is not supplied with the WD-40® can, the tubes frequently become damaged or lost. The present solutions to this problem are to either use the WD-40® product without the tube or to replace the damage/lost tube with another tube. For example, the WD-40 Company will supply free tube replacements merely by phoning the corporate headquarters in San Diego, Calif. In either case, the consumer is left without the ability to use the tube for a period of time. It is the consumer&#39;s lack of ability to use the tube for a period of time that, in turn, upsets the enhancement of the five basic properties of WD-40® added through the use of the tube. 
     Other solutions have been put forth. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,544,783 and 5,558,247 relate to a spray can extension tube holder comprising a device that clips onto the spray can, the device having an exterior, C-shaped configuration, where the axial opening of this C-shaped configuration extends radially outward from the device. The axial opening of the C-shaped configuration permits the user to snap the extension tube through the exterior wall of the device. However, this axial opening does not secure the extension tube against an accidental force that is applied to the extension tube, particularly when that force is applied radially outward from the far end of the extension tube. Under such circumstances, the force leverages the extension tube against either the upper or lower portion of the opening of the C-shaped configuration and, using the wall of the device as a fulcrum, knocks the extension tube from the spray can extension tube holder. 
     As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,068 relates to a cylindrical aerosol extension spray tube holder permanently secured to a spray can. The holder has an axial bore extending longitudinally through at least a portion of the tube holder so that, as shown in the figures of U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,068, at least three quarters of the extension tube may be encased within the holder. By permanently securing the holder to a spray can, the holder may interfere with the user&#39;s grip on the can where the nozzle rotates into a position such as shown in FIG. 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,068. U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,084 also suffers from this same problem. Moreover, by encasing the majority of the extension tube within the holder, the user can not easily remove the extension tube nor quickly inspect the extension tube for wear. 
     Other art that might be relevant to this area includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,178,354, 5,143,263, 4,823,445, 4,819,838, and 4,305,528. 
     Thus, there is a need for a device that adequately stores the extension tube in conjunction with the can not only at the time of sale, but over time as the product contained in the can is consumed in use. The invention disclosed relates to a device that allows the consumer to store over time at least one extension tube in conjunction with its can. Although the problems with the storage device for the extension tube used with WD-40® can were the inspiration for the invention, the use of this invention is not limited to the WD-40® can, but extends to storing at least one tube to any packaging of fluid that makes use of an extension tube. The benefits of the tube storage device include providing a stable, secure platform attached to the can from which the tubes may be safely stored for display and selection. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a device for storing an extension tube with a spray can. With the can having an exterior surface and the exterior surface of the can having a cross-section, an embodiment of the invention comprises a sleeve having a cavity adapted to receive the tube. The sleeve is coupled to the can through two resilient wings on the sleeve where the interior surface formed by these wings has a cross-section that conforms to, and is smaller than the cross-section of the exterior surface of the spray can. Through a slot formed by the free ends of the wings, the can engages the interior surface of the wings by causing the slot to deform apart then return towards the original width of the slot as the can passes between the slot. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a section view of FIG. 1 taken on line  2 — 2  of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the first embodiment of tube storage device according to the invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the recessed portion of the second embodiment of the device according to the invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the peg of the third embodiment of the device  1 , according to the invention. 
     FIG. 5 a  is detailed view of the peg of FIG. 5 taken within line a. 
     FIG. 5 b  is detailed view of the peg of FIG. 5 taken within line b. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the annular ring of the fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the annular ring showing a hinge and locking mechanism. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the base of the fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a section view of the base of FIG. 8 taken on line  9 — 9  of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the body of the sixth embodiment of the device according to the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Plastic, hollow extension tubes are typically used to enhance the application of atomized liquids by focusing the conic shaped spray of the atomized liquids into a narrow stream and transporting that stream to at least a fixed point at the end of the tube. Since there is no adequate storage device for these tubes when the tubes are not in use, the tubes frequently become damaged or lost. The invention disclosed relates to a device that allows the consumer to store at least one tube in conjunction with its can. The benefits of the tube storage device include providing a stable, secure platform attached to the can from which at least one extension tube may be safely stored, displayed, and selected. 
     For purposes of explanation, specific embodiments are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by one skilled in the art, from reading this disclosure, that the invention may be practiced without these details. Moreover, well-known elements, devices, process steps and the like are not set forth in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. 
     Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 to  8  to illustrate several embodiments of the tube storage device. In one embodiment, a sleeve adapted to receive at least one tube may be mounted onto the packaging of the fluid. As shown in FIG. 1, can  10  packages fluid for sale to consumers in a spray can and comprises actuator  12  residing on mounting cap  14 , where mounting cap  14  is crimped onto collar  16 . Cylindrical housing  18  is sealed at the top by collar  16 , forming chine or ridge  22   a , and sealed at the bottom by bottom part  20 , forming ridge  22   b.    
     Also shown in FIG. 1 is sleeve  30 . In a preferred embodiment, sleeve  30  comprises two side wings  32  and  34 , bent or curved in the form of a bow, as well as geometric protrusion  36  projecting outwards from the sleeve. The arcuate side wings  32  and  34  serve to define an axial slot between their mutually confronting axial edges as well as define an interior surface. Geometric protrusion  36  aids in applying and removing sleeve  30  from can  10 . 
     Opposite to geometric protrusion  36 , an axial slot directed along Y-Y′ of can  10  is formed in sleeve  30  right through sleeve  30 . In other words, geometric protrusion  36  and the axial slot of sleeve  30  are disposed in front of each other along the diameter of can  10  onto which sleeve  30  will be mounted. In this embodiment, the distance between the mutually confronting axial edges of side wings  32  and  34  is smaller than the diameter of the corresponding can  10 . Side wings  32  and  34  are elastically deformable until can  10  may extend through the axial slot. 
     Concurrently with defining an axial slot, side wings  32  and  34  of sleeve  30  define an interior surface, the cross-section of which nearly corresponds the exterior cross-section of can  10 . Although other cross-sections are possible for the fluid package, for the purposes of this embodiment, can  10  has a cylindrical cross-section. Thus, side wings  32  and  34  of sleeve  30  define interior cylindrical surface  37  in this embodiment, the cross-section of which nearly corresponds in diameter to the exterior diameter of can  10 . Other sleeve  30  interior surface shapes, such as a “U” shape, rectangular shape, “V” shape, etc., may be used and are a function of the exterior cross-section of the fluid package. Side wings  32  and  34  may also be shaped accordingly. 
     Sleeve  30  is shown in FIG. 1 with a surface into which at least one storage hole or cavity  38  is formed, either partially or completely through the vertical thickness of sleeve  30 ; As shown in FIG. 2, where cavity  38  is formed partially through the vertical thickness of sleeve  30 , the remainder of the thickness of sleeve  30  may be kept in tact or have drainage hole  39  formed through this thickness. Preferably, the storage cavities are shaped to retain tube  40  within cavity  38 , such as by tapering cavity  38 , although such securing may be accomplished by an insert included in cavity  38  or scoring the interior surface of cavity  38 . 
     Since side wings  32  and  34  are elastically deformable, sleeve  30  may be clipped onto can  10  radially through the axial slot until sleeve  30  reaches the desired storage position. This movement is shown by arrow M 1  in FIG.  1 . Moreover, since side wings  32  and  34  are elastically deformable, side wings  32  and  34  may spread apart sideways to elastically engage sleeve  30  onto can  10  axially by sliding sleeve  30  along the periphery of can  10  until sleeve  30  reaches the desired storage position. This movement is shown by arrow M 2  in FIG.  1 . By inserting tube  40  into cavity  38 , and inserting can  10  into sleeve  30 , sleeve  30  holds tube  40  to can  10  without directly contacting can  10 . The desired storage position may be that shown in FIG.  3 . As shown, the tubes are stored directly under the path of the spray stream from actuator  12 . This storage position permits the user to hold onto can  10  without contacting tube  40  or any embodiment of the tube storage device. 
     In another embodiment, rather than forming a cavity in the vertical thickness of sleeve  30 , at least one recessed portion  50  is formed axially along Y-Y′ (of FIG. 1) in the interior peripheral surface of the arcuate side wings  32  and  34 . As shown in FIG. 4, recessed portion  50  may exhibit in cross-section a concave shape of an arc of a circle in the manner of a rigid wedge. Where recessed portion  50  is formed axially along Y-Y′ in interior cylindrical surface  37  of the arcuate side wings  32  and  34 , recessed portion  50  holds tube  40  to can  10  in direct contact with can  10 , either by itself or in conjunction with can  10 , thereby restricting the tube from being knocked out of the tube&#39;s storage position by an accidentally applied, radial force. Recessed portion  50  need not extend through the vertical thickness of sleeve  30 . The surface of recessed portion  50  may have at least two distinct diameters or be scored to increase the retention of tube  40 . 
     In another embodiment, rather than forming cavity  38  as shown in FIG. 1 or recessed portion  50  as shown in FIG. 4, peg  60  is formed axially along Y-Y′ (of FIG. 1) in surface of sleeve  30 . As shown in FIG. 5, peg  60  may exhibit in cross-section a diameter, onto which the hollow portion or lumen of tube  40  may be inserted. Peg  60  may have two or more portions as shown in FIG. 5 a . Peg  60  need not exhibit in cross-section a diameter, but any shape that serves to retain tube  40  through interaction with the lumen of tube  40 . Such shapes include, but are not limited to, needle shaped, bent, diamond shaped, nipple-shaped, cigar-shaped, and square. Peg  60  may also be bifurcated as shown in FIG. 5 b  for clamping to the side wall of tube  40 . 
     In another embodiment, rather than coupling tube  40  to can  10  through sleeve  30 , ring  100  having an annulus shape and adapted to receive at least one tube  40  may be mounted onto can  10 . As shown in FIG. 6, ring  100  forms a complete annulus that may be inserted onto can  10  axially by disposing ring  100  along the periphery of can  10  until ring  100  reaches the desired storage position. This movement is shown by arrow M 2  in FIG.  6 . To store the at least one tube  40 , ring  100  may have cavity  38 , as discussed in connection with FIGS. 1,  2 , and  3 , recessed portion  50 , as discussed in connection with FIG. 4, or peg  60 , as discussed in connection with FIGS. 5,  5   a , and  5   b . Although cavity  38 , recessed portion  50 , and peg  60  are illustrated in FIG. 6, only one of these is needed to retain the at least one tube  40 . In the preferred embodiment, ring  100  is a single piece construction. The single piece construction may be made of a resilient material, such as rubber, whose properties couples ring  100  to can  10  and are rigid enough to retain tube  40  in a fixed storage position. As shown in FIG. 7, ring  100  may also have hinge  102  that permits first end  104  to move in relation to second end  106  to form an opening in ring  100  as well as move in relation to second end  106  to engage second end  106  in a locked position. 
     In another embodiment, rather than coupling tube  40  to can  10  through sleeve  30  or ring  100 , base  200  is adapted to be coupled to the bottom of can  10 . As shown in FIG. 8, base  200  comprises a flat portion  202  and a side wall  204  extending upwardly therefrom and terminating at annular rim  206 . Flat portion  202  restricts base  200  to the bottom of can  10  and may also serve to insulate can  10 . 
     FIG. 9 is a section view of base  200  taken on line  9 — 9  of FIG.  8 . As shown in FIG. 9, the annular rim  206  extends radially inward to form lip  208  capable of coupling base  200  to can  10  at ridge  22   b  through an overlapping rim-ridge technique. Annular rim  206  may be divided into two or more portions. Where can  10  lacks ridge  22   b , base  200  may be adapted to be coupled to bottom part  20  of can  10  by other techniques. For example, annular rim  206  may be made of a resilient material that forms a compressive seal between base  200  and can  10  upon inserting can  10  into annular rim  206 . 
     To store the at least one tube  40 , base  200  may have cavity  38 , as discussed in connection with FIGS. 1,  2 , and  3 , recessed portion  50 , as discussed in connection with FIG. 4, or peg  60 , as discussed in connection with FIGS. 5,  5   a , and  5   b  formed into either sidewall  204  or annular rim  206 . Although cavity  38 , recessed portion  50 , and peg  60  are illustrated in FIG. 8, only one of these is necessary to retain the at least one tube  40 . By inserting tube  40  into base  200  and inserting can  10  into base  200 , base  200  holds tube  40  to can  10  in a position such as that shown in FIG.  8 . 
     In another embodiment, rather than coupling tube  40  to can  10  through sleeve  30 , ring  100 , or base  200 , body  300  is made of magnetic material and engages can  10  by magnetically adhering to can  10 . As shown in FIG. 10, body  300  may include cavity  38 , as discussed in connection with FIGS. 1,  2 , and  3 , recessed portion  50 , as discussed in connection with FIG. 4, or peg  60 , as discussed in connection with FIGS. 5,  5   a , and  5   b . Although cavity  38 , recessed portion  50 , and peg  60  are illustrated in FIG. 10, only one of these is necessary to retain the at least one tube  40 . By inserting tube  40  into body  300  and engaging can  10  to body  300 , body  300  holds tube  40  to can  10 . 
     The embodiments of the invention described in relations to FIGS. 1,  4 ,  5 , and  7  above is made preferably from a single molding in which ABS plastic material was injected into the mold. Taking into account the structure and the function of the particular embodiment, materials such as glass, metal, wood, paper, cork, ceramic, cordage, fabric, stone or other material may be used for the embodiments of the invention to form a similar shape using appropriate methods. 
     While the present invention has been particularly described with reference to the various figures, it should be understood that the figures are for illustration only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Many changes and modifications may be made to the invention, by one having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.