Tube squeezer-dispenser with drip prevention

Claim 1

A tube dispenser for progressively emptying a tube from one end by applying pressure to the contents of the tube from the other end and comprising: p1 (a) a support for receiving and supporting a tube against longitudinal movement relative thereto; (b) a handle pivotally mounted on said support and having a range of reciprocating movement between first and second pre-determined points for applying an increment of pressure to one end of the tube; and (c) ratchet means operatively connected to said handle and comprising a pair of parallel, spaced-apart and longitudinally extending elongate rails having a roller rotatably mounted transversely therebetween for limited movement from the closed end of the tube towards the open end of the tube, each of said rails being provided with teeth along one radially aligned surface thereof angled toward the direction of forward movement of said roller, and a pair of collars extending axially outwardly beyond the opposing end edges of said roller and having apertures therein for being slidably movable along said rails, and including means whereby during each reciprocation of said handle said roller is incrementally moved forward against said tube exerting pressure thereon and then maintained in said position during movement of said handle to a point defined relative to the pivot point of said handle on said support and beyond said pivot point to an over-center position where said roller releases sufficient pressure on the contents of the tube to prevent residual emptying or dripping thereof after each successive reciprocating movement of the handle thereby permitting a precisely metered flow of the contents from the tube.