AU2006202418A1 - Method, apparatus and system for dispensing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

N METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING

SAPPARATUS

Technical Field This invention relates to arrangements suitable for dispensing apparatus. In one form the present invention relates to arrangements for the outlet of a dispensing apparatus and it will be convenient to herein describe the present invention in relation to the use of nozzles for conventional caulking gun cartridges. However, it should be appreciated that S 10 the present invention is not limited to that use, only. For example, the present invention may also be suitable for use with dispensers of flowable solids, liquids and gases such as glue bottles, graphite powder containers, helium dispensers, toothpaste and cosmetics containers, oil can nozzles or any other suitable material containers.

Background Art The inventor has identified the following related art. Various dispensing devices are known for the controlled delivery of a variety of products from their storage container.

To assist in such controlled delivery of the product, a variety of nozzles have typically been employed, such as glue bottle nozzles, oil can nozzles and other such nozzles. The nozzles are generally positioned proximal to the outlet of the container and aid in directing the product as it exits the container.

Caulking guns are a specific type of dispensing apparatus and are used to pump a sealant, filler or adhesive (to be known as the product) out of a generally tubular bodied cartridge, using a moveable sealing disk/piston to push the contents out. The guns are typically hand operated by the user, or in some instances, power actuated. The outlet of the cartridge is sealed and typically is cut off before use. The outlet of the cartridge is then engaged with a nozzle, and this is usually of at least partially tapered shape, allowing for a bead to be extruded through the end of the nozzle, onto the intended item/s.

The nozzle has a set hole size at the apex, and it is usual to cut the nozzle further back from this apex, at an angle, for the required product bead size.

Once opened the caulking gun cartridge must be used within a short period of time, as the extruded product will generally set hard in the nozzle and cartridge. Moreover, the typical caulking gun arrangement is not suitable for all applications and in practice it is often necessary to dispense the product from the gun onto a pallet and manually apply the product onto the desired surface(s). In sum, prior art nozzles are generally best suited for immediate use in the most fundamental of applications.

It would be desirable for the various aspects of the present invention to alleviate these and other disadvantages and/or at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

Most related art in this area require at least one additional part to be designed and sold, in addition to the nozzle, for the intended purposes to be met. The rest require an extremely bulky and complex nozzle design, adding to the costs and complexity.

Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of O the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the O relevant art in Australia or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein.

Disclosure of Invention rAccording to a first aspect, the present invention provides an outlet system for a dispensing apparatus comprising: the dispensing apparatus having an outlet, said outlet having first engagement means for engagement with engagement means on a first nozzle, OO 10 characterised in that, the first nozzle has outer engagement means on an outer surface and inner engagement means on an inner surface, said outer and inner engagement means being of compatible forms.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an outlet system for a dispensing apparatus comprising: a first nozzle adapted for direct engagement with a Onozzleless outlet of a dispensing apparatus, characterised in that, the first nozzle having outer engagement means on an outer surface that are adapted for positive engagement with inner engagement means on an inner surface of a nozzle of compatible form.

Preferably the second nozzle is identical to the first nozzle.

Preferably the first nozzle is adapted so that a second nozzle is capable of nesting over the said first nozzle, to provide a sealing arrangement between the two nozzles, the two nozzles are adapted for sealing against each other by virtue of contact either between the outer surface of the first nozzle and the inner surface of the second nozzle, or sealing means, complementary between the outer surface of the first nozzle and the inner surface of the second nozzle, can be built into the shape of the nozzles at any suitable position allowing each nozzle to be adapted for sealing with the nozzle it is stacked with.

Preferably the second nozzle has an apex which is closed.

Preferably the first and second nozzles each have an apex which is, at least initially, closed.

Preferably the apex of each nozzle is closed by a thin layer, at the inner surface, outer surface or the whole apex between the inner and outer surfaces has no aperture.

Alternatively, a raised portion of the apex at the outer surface of each nozzle is closed, blocking the nozzles' apexes.

Preferably the inner engagement means are the threaded means adapted for screwing onto the outlet of a dispensing apparatus (eg. a caulking gun cartridge).

Preferably the outer engagement means are threaded means or other means capable of engaging with the threaded inner engagement means.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a plurality of nozzles comprising at least a first nozzle and a second nozzle, wherein the nozzles each have a base end and an apex end, an inner engagement means and an outer engagement means, wherein the second nozzle is nested or stacked over the first nozzle and said outer IN engagement means of the first nozzle is engaged with inner engagement means of the 0 second nozzle.

O

Preferably the apexes of all the stacked nozzles can be opened, before stacking, allowing the stacked nozzles to act as one lengthened nozzle.

Preferably the nozzles seal against each other by virtue of contact between the outer surface of the first nozzle and the inner surface of the second nozzle, although sealing means can be built into the shape of the nozzle at any suitable position allowing it to seal 00 10 with another similar nozzle it is stacked with.

Preferably the nozzles allow engageable nesting solely by engagement between the outer engagement means of the first nozzle and the inner engagement means of the second nozzle.

OThe nozzle can also be made from a clear, opaque and/or coloured plastic or any other suitable material.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention also provides a method for using a first nozzle attached to a material dispensing apparatus, said first nozzle having outer engagement means adapted for engagement with inner engagement means of a second nozzle of compatible form, the method involving allowing the material to dispense from the apparatus, through the first nozzle and out the end of the second nozzle.

The above method of sealing can include the step of removing a sealed apex of the nozzles by cutting off the apex, cutting off a raised portion of the apex, puncturing the sealed apex or by using the pressure of the material to break through the apex seal.

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method of sealing a first nozzle attached to a dispensing apparatus by placing a second nozzle of compatible form having internal engagement means onto external engagement means of said first nozzle and into engagement therewith.

The above method of sealing and capping a first nozzle can include the step of allowing material to be dispensed from the apparatus through the first nozzle to block the apex of the said second nozzle of compatible form.

Alternatively the above method can include the step of using another nozzle of similar design previously having had material dispensed from an apparatus therein, said material forming a seal in the another nozzle of compatible form.

Alternatively, the above method can include the step of having a further nozzle of compatible form in which the apex is sealed by other means.

According to a sixth aspect, the present invention also provides a method of preventing unwanted discharge from a dispensing apparatus having a first nozzle having outer engagement means that are adapted for engagement with inner engagement means of a second nozzle of compatible form, the method involving engaging the first nozzles outer engagement means with the inner engagement means of the second nozzle of compatible form, the second nozzle of compatible form having a sealed apex.

IAccording to a seventh aspect, the present invention also provides a method of storing 0 nozzles for a dispensing apparatus, the nozzles having outer engagement means that are adapted for engagement with inner engagement means of another nozzle of compatible form, the method involving engaging the nozzles outer engagement means with the inner engagement means of the nozzle of compatible form.

According to an eighth aspect, the present invention provides a method of modifying a nozzle wherein external engagement means are added to the nozzle to engage, where possible, with internal engagement means of another nozzle of compatible form.

OO Preferably internal engagement means are added to the nozzle if there are no suitable internal engagement means on the existing nozzle allowing for suitable stacking and Sengagement of the nozzles.

INi According to a ninth aspect, the present invention also provides a method for using a first Sdispensing apparatus nozzle as a nozzle lengthening system for a second nozzle of identical design, the first nozzle, which is adapted for direct engagement with a nozzleless dispensing apparatus outlet, the first nozzle having outer engagement means that are adapted for engagement with inner engagement means of the second nozzle, using the following steps; if necessary, both nozzles have their apexes opened, (ii) the second nozzle is placed over the first nozzle and engaged therewith, and (iii) steps and (ii) are repeated, if necessary, for further nozzles added in a stacking nature until the required length of the nozzle lengthening system is reached. The second nozzle need only be of compatible form if the nozzle lengthening system needs only two nozzles.

According to a tenth aspect, the present invention also provides a method of stacking dispensing apparatus nozzles, the nozzles having outer engagement means that are adapted to engage with inner engagement means of other identical nozzles, the method including stacking nozzles on top of each other and engaging each nozzle with the next nozzle in the stack, allowing for better storage of the nozzles.

According to an eleventh aspect, the present invention also provides an outlet system for a dispensing apparatus comprising: the dispensing apparatus having an outlet, said outlet having engagement means adapted for engagement with engagement means on a first nozzle, characterised in that, the first nozzle has outer engagement means on an outer surface and inner engagement means on an inner surface, said outer and inner engagement means being of compatible forms.

According to a twelfth aspect, the present invention also provides a modular component for use with a dispensing apparatus, comprising: a first surface having first engageable fastening means adapted for fastening the first component to the dispensing apparatus, and; a second surface having second engageable fastening means adapted for fastening the first component to a second corresponding modular component wherein the first and second fastening means are further adapted for compatible engagement.

The first and second surfaces may respectively comprise an inner and outer surface of the component. Alternatively, the first and second surfaces may respectively comprise an outer and inner surface of the component.

IN According to a thirteenth aspect, the present invention also provides a nozzle system for a O dispensing apparatus comprising: a plurality of nozzle components, each component defined by the modular component of the previous paragraph.

In this specification, the term "nozzle of similar design" or "nozzle of compatible form" is to be interpreted as a nozzle of similar proportions and design allowing it to at least partially stack/nest on or into, and seal with, the nozzle of the present invention.

O

In this specification, the term "engagement" is to be interpreted as in contact and in 00 10 removable securement with. It covers wedging engagement and positive engagement such as snap fitting protrusions as well as screw engagement.

OIn this specification, the term "positive engagement" is to be interpreted as in contact and removable securement with by means that involve some form of engagement other than C 15 simple wedging, such as screw threads and snap fitting protrusions.

O

In this specification, the term "engagement means being of compatible forms" is to be interpreted as forms or types of engagement means that are not necessarily the same type but do allow interengagement between them, as will become apparent from further reading of some examples in the specification.

In this specification, the term "nozzleless dispensing apparatus outlet" is to be interpreted as an outlet of a dispensing apparatus that originally is supplied without a nozzle formed as part of the outlet.

Other aspects and preferred aspects are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention.

Brief Description of Drawings Figure 1 shows an example of a preferred embodiment of the current invention attached to a caulking cartridge.

Figure 2 shows the nozzles of a preferred embodiment of the invention in a stacked arrangement.

Figures 3 to 6 show possible outer engagement means of further embodiments.

Figure 7 shows a further preferred embodiment of the invention.

Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention The preferred embodiment is discussed in relation to a caulk dispensing cartridge, however it is to be understood that the invention resides more broadly in dispensing apparatus in general, such as glue bottles, lubricant containers and so on.

In most of the figures, the inner nozzle is shown with half its exterior showing and half its cross section showing as this can provide more information about the form of the nozzle in one figure. The outer nozzle is always in complete cross section.

Referring to figure 1 of the drawings, a caulking cartridge 10 can be seen having an annular sidewall 11 with an end wall 12. In the middle of the wall 12 is located an outlet 13 with a threaded outer cylindrical wall 14. A dispensing nozzle 15 is screwed onto the Ioutlet 13, with the nozzles threaded internal portion 16 threadedly engaged with the O threaded outer wall 14.

The (typically injection moulded) nozzle 15 has a main body 17 a portion of which is a substantially tapered cone shape, consisting of an outer wall/surface 18 and inner wall/surface 19. At the apex 20, a recess is recessed into the point, however this is not a through hole, as a thin layer 22 of the nozzle material blocks the inner end of the apex (or it could block the outer end alternatively (see the outer nozzle of figure or even have a raised portion on the outside of the apex which could be cut off see figure 7, portion OO 10 202). An outer engagement means 40 is located on the outer wall 18, and this engagement means 40 is capable of engaging the inner thread portion 16 of another caulking cartridge nozzle.

In use, the user cuts the end (not shown) off the cartridge outlet 13, screws on a nozzle 15, and either pokes in/out the end layer 22 with suitable means such as a nail, or cuts a Osection of the tip off (as the line 30 indicates an example thereof), or cutting through a raised closed portion at the outer surface of the nozzle apex figure 7, portion 202).

Alternatively, the thin layer 22 could have weakened sections or be thin enough that the pressure of the product (pushed by the dispensing gun) will break through the layer. The caulking product is now ready to use.

Once the user has enough product, the user takes another nozzle 15, places it, in a stacking arrangement over the nozzle in use, and engages it with the said nozzle in use.

This prevents further product from escaping the cartridge and provides an airtight environment, reducing the setting of the unused product.

Figure 2 shows the two nozzles stacked, with the outer wall 18 of the inner nozzle, sealing with the inner wall 19 of the outer nozzle. This provides an airtight seal, also preventing the exiting of the product past this seal. The line 30 is an example of the portion of the nozzle in use that could be cut away. Whilst this figure shows two identical nozzles, as is the preferred embodiment, it is recognised that when outer engagement means 40 have the thread matching to the cartridge outlet 13 (or a compatible form which is an equivalent to this), other makes of nozzles may well fit and be used as a cap.

However, as they do not have outer engagement means themselves, they cannot fulfil all functions that the nozzle of this invention can.

The ribs 45 that are on the outer surface of the nozzles are shorter than on a typical nozzle, as normal sized ribs of existing nozzles will not allow sealable stacking of existing nozzles. A typical nozzle has a plurality of ribs 45 (normally 6 ribs) which assist the user by providing something to grip whilst screwing the nozzle onto a cartridge.

However it is for the reason that another nozzle of similarly proportioned design (compatible form) could be blocked and adapted to be used as a cap with a nozzle of the present invention, that a method of using a similarly proportioned nozzle (compatible form) with the nozzle of the present invention is included.

This figure also demonstrates another advantage of this design. It is sometimes a problem that the standard nozzle does not allow the user to caulk in areas where there is not enough room to move the caulking gun around freely. In these cases a longer nozzle is required. With this invention, the user can engage another nozzle over the first nozzle, cut the end off this second nozzle and thus use the stacked nozzles as a longer nozzle, the ND dispensed product flowing through both nozzles and out. Of course this process can be O continued, stacking further nozzles until the required length is reached.

Stacking nozzles may be considered by some as an advantage in storing them so that they are all in the one spot, rather than loose somewhere, and may allow them to be held somewhere easily. They will also be more easily found this way.

However, in some countries nozzles are sold through automats (vending machines), where the nozzles are stacked loosely on top of each other. To allow the possibility of 00 10 stacking the nozzles loosely without unintentional engagement, unintentional engagement prevention means could be included into the nozzle design. These means could take many forms, offering resistance to engaged stacking, but being easily overcome by a user Oforcing the nozzles into nesting engagement. They could be small tabs on the inner surface, facing inward or downward, (see projections 42 in figure 2) at the base of the C 15 nozzle, resting on a relevant part of the outer surface of a nozzle they are situated over or Oradially outwardly directed tabs at the outer engagement means. Or they could take other forms where the user, by cutting the nozzle apex in use, disables these means, such as an inwardly directed spike extending down from the inside of the nozzle apex. These are examples and not an exhaustive list of the types of these simple prevention means. As long as they can be cut away or deformed or otherwise overcome when not longer required, and no longer prevent engagement or sealing, the form of these means can take many shapes.

The outer engagement means 40 can take many shapes. In the preferred embodiment, its purpose is to engage with the outer nozzles inner threaded portion 16. For example, it can be a specially shaped substantially annular projection 55, as in figure 3, which will engage with a simple push over the first wind of the threaded portion 16, possibly even sealing the space between two adjacent winds of the inner threaded portion 16 of the outer nozzle.

Outer engagement means could also take the form of rib-like projections (for example the rib extensions 56 in figure 4) of suitable dimensions so that the outer diameter 57 at this rib extension section is slightly larger than another nozzle's inner engagement means inner diameter 58, such that the another nozzles inner engagement means could engage with these rib extension engagement means by plastically deforming the ribs 56. For example, if the inner engagement means were threaded means, then the ribs 56 would be of suitable dimensions and shape (for example, flat ribs of figure 4 or the raised saw tooth profile of figure 6, but less pronounced) allowing the inner engagement means to cut a thread onto the ribs. If the inner engagement means were another type of projection, this too could plastically deform suitable outer engagement means to allow engagement. Also little projections (not shown) could be placed at the upper end of rib extensions 56 preventing unintentional engagement, but being easily overcome and deformed by more forceful engagement.

The outer engagement means could be threaded portion 51 of one or more turns as seen in figure 5. It could be a plurality of saw tooth shaped projections 53 (or other shapes of similar function), as in figure 6 that can be pushed into engagement with the threaded portion 16, either by pushing the nozzle over the nozzle in use, or by twisting it as one would with a normal thread.

ID The broadest form of the invention covers engagement of the outer and inner engagement 0 means being achieved by wedging of the respective outer and inner wall/surfaces, in which case the engagement means are suitably corresponding wall/surfaces. However it is recognised that this type of engagement means will have little effectiveness when exposed to pressure build up between the two nozzles or product trapped between the two nozzles.

Figure 7 shows a broader of form of this invention entailing a nozzle having an outer engagement means 118 (in this example an annular groove) that engages with an inner OO 10 engagement means 116 (in this example an annular projection) of another nozzle. The inner engagement means 116 needs only be some means positioned at any suitable position on the interior wall of the nozzle (not necessarily the inner threaded portion and some nozzles do not have these), capable of engaging the outer engagement means 118, which are also positioned at any suitable location. Figure 7 shows one of many possibilities for this broad form of the invention. However it is considered to be novel Oand desirable to adapt the outer engagement means to engage with the inner screw thread of the nozzle as this reduces unnecessary extra work and expense of adding further inner engagement means.

Also seen in this embodiment is that the sealing between the two nozzles may be by other means rather than the conical walls of the nozzle such as sealing means 122 of any design, located on the inner surface, outer surface or cooperating means on both surfaces of the nozzle. It is important to note that the sealing means can also be the engagement means and even the unintentional engagement prevention means, fulfilling two or all three functions, such as in figure 3.

In this most general of forms, the apex is unblocked as this feature is not essential in all embodiments. This open nozzle apex is normal in the art of nozzles and not shown in the figures. In use as a cap, the user can allow some of the product to escape the inner nozzle, which would be directed towards the apex of the outer nozzle, effectively sealing it. It is also envisaged that a nozzle that has previously escaped product could be re-used as a sealing cap, or a nozzle sealed by other means, such as a nail, glue, a screw and so on.

Figure 7 also shows a possible closed nozzle apex having a raised portion 202 on the outer surface of the apex of the outer nozzle. This can be simply cut off to give a clean small aperture at the apex. The raised portion 202 can take many shapes such as cones, hemispheres and so on.

A similar design can be applied to flexible cartridges (known as "sausages"). These cartridges are flexible walled cartridges held in a solid gun chamber. The nozzle can differ from the typical caulking gun nozzle by having a larger flange (held inside the chamber area) and having no engagement means engaging the cartridge (the two are held together by pressure from the gun). In this case, figure 7 shows the design modification required, engagement means 116 and 118, allowing two nozzles to stack on each other.

Also the apex of the nozzle could be sealed.

Industrial Applicability Hence it can be seen that the nozzle is a cheaply made unit that can act as a nozzle, but when used with another nozzle can function as an easy to use sealing cap or a lengthener.

ND In fact, it is envisaged that the existing nozzle injection moulding dies can be slightly O modified to produce this nozzle, greatly reducing the additional costs of production.

O

It is envisaged that this nozzle technology could be applied to other areas of nozzle/cap usage, such as a flexible tube of adhesive or a container for oil having a nozzle, where making the nozzle and cap from the same mould keeps these parts cheaper.

This invention encompasses a method of modifying a nozzle design to allow for the stacking engagement of similar designed nozzles. Whilst this functions best when all 00 10 nozzles are identical in design, it is noted that an existing similar designed nozzle may in fact engage with the external engagement means of this invention. The above mentioned method involves adding external engagement means and (optionally) sealing the apex of the nozzle, if required. Where there is no internal engagement means in the nozzle, or the internal engagement means are not suitable to engage with the external engagement means of the first nozzle (when stacked i.e. they are too far down the nozzle or Orestricted from contact due to its shape or some other reason), then suitable internal engagement means are added. This invention is suitable for any nozzle type that allows at least a partial stacking ability of similar nozzles.

Two nozzles could be suitably moulded with a thin joining strip to ensure they are paired together, although this would add to costs and complexity.

Faint outlines or indentations can be put into the outer surface of the nozzles at suitable positions to mark places that the nozzle can be cut, (similar to line 30 in figurel), as is well known in the art.

While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface to secure wooden parts together, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw are equivalent structures.

"Comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

The reference to any related art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that prior art forms part of common general knowledge.

Kurt Tobler

Claims (14)

1. 2. An outlet system for a dispensing apparatus comprising: a first nozzle adapted for direct engagement with a nozzleless outlet of a dispensing apparatus, characterised in that, Sthe first nozzle having outer engagement means on an outer surface that are adapted for positive engagement with inner engagement means on an inner surface of a nozzle of compatible form.
2. 3. The outlet system for a dispensing apparatus of claim 1 or 2 further characterised by the first nozzle is adapted so that a second nozzle is capable of nesting over the said first nozzle, to provide a sealing arrangement between the two nozzles, the two nozzles are adapted for sealing against each other by virtue of contact either between the outer surface of the first nozzle and the inner surface of the second nozzle, or sealing means, complementary between the outer surface of the first nozzle and the inner surface of the second nozzle, can be built into the shape of the nozzles at any suitable position allowing each nozzle to be adapted for sealing with the nozzle it is stacked with.
3. 4. The outlet system for a dispensing apparatus of claim 3, further characterised by the nozzles being identical. The outlet system for a dispensing apparatus of claims3 or 4 further characterised by, the first and second nozzles each having an apex which is, at least initially, closed.
4. 6. The outlet system for a dispensing apparatus of claims3-5 further characterised by, the inner engagement means are threaded means adapted for screwing onto the threaded first engagement means of the dispensing apparatus outlet and the outer engagement means are threaded means, or other means capable of engaging with the threaded inner engagement means.
5. 7. The outlet system for a dispensing apparatus of claims 3-6, further characterised by the nozzles being adapted for engageable nesting solely by engagement between the outer engagement means of the first nozzle and the inner engagement means of the second nozzle.
6. 8. A storable stack of nozzles, each nozzle as defined by the first nozzle of claims 3-7, and further characterised by a plurality of nozzles being stacked on top of each other and either: each nozzle engaging with the next nozzle in the stack; or each nozzle stacking loosely and containing means preventing unintentional engagement but allowing loose stacking. I9. The outlet system of claims 1-8, wherein the apex of each nozzle is closed by a thin O layer, at the inner surface, outer surface or the whole apex between the inner and outer surfaces has no aperture.
7. 10. The outlet system of claims 1-8, wherein a raised portion of the apex at the outer surface of each nozzle is closed, blocking the nozzles' apexes.
8. 11. A method of sealing and capping a first nozzle adapted for direct engagement with a nozzleless dispensing apparatus outlet characterised by, 00 placing a further nozzle of compatible form having internal engagement means on an inner surface onto external engagement means on an outer surface of said first nozzle and into engagement therewith, INI further including the step of: including the step of allowing material to be dispensed from the apparatus through the first nozzle to block the apex of the said further nozzle of compatible form, or including the step of using the further nozzle of compatible form previously having had material dispensed from an apparatus therein, said material forming a seal in the further nozzle of compatible form, or including the step of having the further nozzle of compatible form in which the apex is sealed by other means.
9. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the sealed apex can be opened or removed allowing the further nozzle to be used as a nozzle, whilst either still being attached to the first nozzle or by replacing the first nozzle on the dispensing apparatus outlet.
10. 13. A method for using at least a second dispensing apparatus nozzle as a nozzle lengthening system or nozzle stacking system for a first nozzle of identical design, each nozzle having, at least initially, a closed apex, characterised by: the first nozzle, which is adapted for direct engagement with a nozzleless dispensing apparatus outlet, having outer engagement means that engage with inner engagement means of the second nozzle, using the following steps; if required, each nozzles have their apexes opened, (ii) the second nozzle is placed over the first nozzle and engaged therewith, and (iii) steps and (ii) are repeated, if necessary, for further nozzles added in a stacking nature until the required length of the nozzle lengthening/stacking system is reached.
11. 14. A modular component for use with a dispensing apparatus, comprising: a first surface having first engageable fastening means adapted for fastening the first component to the dispensing apparatus, and; a second surface having second engageable fastening means adapted for fastening the first component to a second corresponding modular component wherein the first and second fastening means are further adapted for compatible engagement.
12. 15. The modular component of claim 14, wherein the first and second surfaces may respectively comprise an inner and outer surface of the component. 0 16. The modular component of claim 14, wherein the first and second surfaces may O respectively comprise an outer and inner surface of the component.
13. 17. A nozzle system for a dispensing apparatus comprising: a plurality of nozzle components, each component defined by the modular component of claims 14-16. S18. A method of preventing unwanted discharge from a dispensing apparatus having a first nozzle having outer engagement means that are adapted for engagement with inner 00 10 engagement means of a second nozzle of compatible form, the method involving engaging the first nozzles outer engagement means with the inner engagement means of the second nozzle of compatible form, the second nozzle of compatible form having a sealed apex. INDI
14. 19. An outlet system for a dispensing apparatus substantially as herein before described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings. The modular component for use with a dispensing apparatus substantially as herein before described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings.