AU2009240815B2

AU2009240815B2 - Applicator and Container

Info

Publication number: AU2009240815B2
Application number: AU2009240815A
Authority: AU
Inventors: John Carroll; Andrew Mackenzie
Original assignee: Vinidex Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Vinidex Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-08-13
Filing date: 2009-11-25
Publication date: 2010-03-04
Anticipated expiration: 2027-08-13
Also published as: AU2009240815A1; AU2007205768A1; AU2007254659A1

Description

P/00/009 Regulation 3.10 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION for a DIVISIONAL APPLICATION Invention Title: APPLICATOR AND CONTAINER The invention is described in the following statement, including the best method of performing it known to us: Our Ref: 072153 -- 2 APPLICATOR AND CONTAINER The present invention relates to containers for special purposes and, more particularly to containers for supply, transport and application of hazardous liquids. BACKGROUND 5 PVC and other thermo-plastic pipes and fittings for the collection and reticulation of liquids have largely supplanted earlier materials used for these purposes. Particularly the interconnection of PVC pipes and fittings with a special solvent cement has greatly added to the convenience and efficiency of installation fluid distribution components. For best results, it is preferred that the parts to be joined are first prepared at the 10 mating portions with a primer. This primer is in liquid form but is volatile and toxic in nature so that contact with the skin and inhalation of fumes from an open container can be hazardous to health. Another problem associated with the application of the primer is that it is difficult to get a consistent even coating of the mating parts, especially when this has to be done 15 by someone in an awkward posture in a confined space. It is an object of the present invention to address or ameliorate some of the above disadvantages. Notes 20 1. The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of'. 2. The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the 25 common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION This specification is particularly concerned with a container and applicator assembly for a liquid and a methodology of using same. The specification provides a particular 30 example of use in relation to PVC pipe ends and fittings and, more generally, to PVC or other like thermo-plastic pipes and fittings. However it is to be understood that the container and applicator arrangement can be used for the application of liquids for other purposes. Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention there is provided a container for 35 dispensing a liquid; said container provided with a neck portion including a first externally threaded portion and a second externally threaded portion; said second externally threaded portion being of reduced diameter relative said first threaded portion; said first externally threaded portion arranged for screwed attachment of a cover thereto; said cover enclosing an applicator for said liquid; said applicator incorporating an 40 internal thread for screwed attached to said second externally threaded portion. In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a container for dispensing a liquid; said container provided with a cover releasably attached to a first threaded portion of a neck of said container; said container provided with a further threaded portion projecting elsewhere from the said container; said cover arranged for attachment to said 45 further threaded portion so as to become a handle for grasping by the hand of a user of said container.

- 3 In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a container for dispensing a liquid; said container provided with a baffle structure; said baffle structure substantially restricting entry of a liquid into said container; said baffle structure restricting refilling of said container after use. 5 In a further form of the invention, there is provided a method of applying a liquid to mating portions of PVC or other thermo-plastic pipes and fittings; said method including the steps of: (a) unscrewing a cover portion from a first externally threaded portion of a neck of said container, 10 (b) attaching said cover portion to an externally threaded portion projecting elsewhere from the said container so as to transform said cover portion into a handle for grasping by the hand of a user. In yet another broad form of the invention, there is provided a container and applicator assembly for a liquid; said assembly including a body for retaining a volume of said 15 liquid and an applicator element; said applicator element dispensing said liquid when said applicator element is deflected from a first non dispensing state to a dispensing state by contact with a surface. Preferably, said body is provided with a neck comprising a first cylindrical portion provided with a first external thread, and a second cylindrical portion extending outward 20 from said first cylindrical portion; said second cylindrical portion provided with a second external thread for attachment of said applicator element. Preferably, said first external thread is adapted for attachment of a cover element; said cover element sealingly enclosing said applicator element when said assembly is not in use. 25 Preferably, said body is provided with an internal baffle structure located within or below said neck; said baffle structure arranged so as to substantially restrict flow of liquid through said neck into said body. Preferably, said baffle structure is inserted into said neck after a first filling of said body with said hazardous liquid. 30 Preferably, said assembly includes a further cylindrical portion extending outwardly from a side of or elsewhere from said body; said further cylindrical portion provided with an external thread of identical configuration to said first external thread, Preferably, said cover element includes a skirt portion provided with an internal thread; said internal thread adapted for screwed connection to said first external thread and said 35 external thread of said further cylindrical portion. Preferably, said cover element further included a generally cylindrical sheath extending from said skirt portion; said generally cylindrical sheath closed at an outer end. Preferably, said cover element when attached to said further cylindrical portion provides a handle for grasping by a hand of a user.

- 4 Preferably, said applicator element includes a cap member provided with an internal thread; said internal thread adapted for screwed connection to said second external thread. Preferably, said applicator element further includes an elongate permeable dispensing 5 member; said dispensing member receiving said fluid from said container; said hazardous fluid dispensed from said permeable dispensing member when said dispensing member is deflected by contact with a receiving surface, Preferably, said applicator element further includes a valve member within said permeable dispensing member; said valve member in sealing engagement with a fluid 10 conducting sleeve extending from said cap member; said valve member being partly pulled away from said sealing engagement when said dispensing member is deflected by said contact. Preferably, said valve member comprises a portion of a flexible shaft. Preferably, said fluid is a primer fluid applied to PVC or other thermo-plastic pipes and 15 fittings prior to application of a solvent cement. Preferably, said permeable dispensing member comprises a fibrous material, In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of dispensing a fluid onto a receiving surface; said method including providing said fluid in a container and applicator assembly, wherein a dispensing member of an applicator of said assembly 20 comprises a permeable dispensing element; said permeable dispensing element receiving said fluid from a container of said assembly when said permeable element is urged into contact with said receiving surface. In still another broad from of the invention, there is provided a method of applying a film of primer liquid to surfaces of mating portions of PVC or other thermo-plastic pipes and 25 fittings; said method including the steps of: (a) unscrewing a cover member from a container and applicator assembly, (b) exposing a dispensing member of an applicator portion of said assembly, (c) attaching said cover member to a threaded cylindrical portion at a side of or protruding elsewhere from said container, 30 (d) grasping said cover member by the hand, (e) urging said dispensing member into contact with said surfaces sufficient to deflect said dispensing member, (f) wiping said dispensing member over said surfaces. In still another broad fonn of the invention, there is provided a container for 35 dispensing a liquid; said container provided with a neck portion including a first externally threaded portion and a second externally threaded portion; said second externally threaded portion being of reduced diameter relative said first threaded portion; said first externally threaded portion arranged for screwed attachment of a cover thereto; said cover enclosing an applicator for said liquid; said applicator 40 incorporating an internal thread for screwed attached to said second externally threaded portion.

- 5 Preferably, said container further includes a cover portion; said cover portion is arranged for use as a handle for grasping by the hand of a user; said cover arranged for attachment to a further externally threaded portion projecting from said container; said further threaded portion being of like thread to said first externally threaded portion. 5 In yet another broad form of the invention, there is provided a container for dispensing a liquid; said container provided with a cover releasably attached to a first threaded portion of a neck of said container; said container provided with a further threaded portion projecting from said container; said cover arranged for attachment to said further threaded portion so as to become a handle for grasping by the hand of a user of said 10 container. Preferably, said container is provided with an applicator for applying said liquid to a surface; said applicator attached to said second externally threaded portion. Preferably, said container is provided with an applicator for dispensing said liquid; said applicator attached to a second threaded portion of said neck of said container; said 15 applicator enclosed by said cover when said container is not in use. Preferably, said baffle structure is provided as a press-fit into a neck portion of said container, Preferably said baffle structure is inserted into said neck portion after an initial filling of said container with said liquid, 20 In one more broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of applying a liquid to mating portions of PVC or other thermo-plastic pipes and fittings; said method including the steps of: (a) unscrewing a cover portion form a first externally threaded portion of a neck of said container, 25 (b) attaching said cover portion to an externally threaded portion projecting from the said container so as to transform said cover portion into a handle for grasping by the hand of a user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to 30 the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is an elevation view of a container and applicator assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 is a detailed sectioned elevation view of the applicator of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a further sectioned view of the applicator of Figures 1 and 2 when 35 deflected in use, Figure 4 is a sectioned view of the applicators of Figures 1 to 3 when protected by a cover, Figure 5 is a view of the container and applicator assembly of Figure 1 when in use with the cover of Figure 4 providing a handle. 40 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for the application of a hazardous volatile and/or toxic flowable substance to surfaces. In particular the apparatus includes a container for holding a volume of the substance and a dispensing -6 element attached to the container. In addition, the apparatus provides a convenient way of holding the container and applicator for use, in this particular instance for applying a film of primer liquid to the mating portions of PVC and other thermo-plastic pipe ends and fittings. 5 With reference to Figure 1, an applicator and container assembly 10 includes a generally bottle shaped container body 12 having a neck 13 and an applicator element 15, Neck 13 comprises a first cylindrical portion 14 provided with a first external thread 16. Extending outwardly from first cylindrical portion 14 is a second cylindrical portion 18 of reduced diameter, and provided with a second external thread 20. 10 Located within, or below neck 13 is a baffle structure (not shown) arranged to substantially restrict flow of liquid through the neck and into the container body 12, while permitting sufficient flow from container body 12 into the applicator element 15. Preferably, the baffle structure is inserted into neck 13 as a snap-fit after the first filling of container body 12, preventing its inadvertent dislodgment or later removal. 15 Applicator element 15, shown in Figure 2, is attached to the second external thread 20 of container 12. Applicator element 15 is as disclosed in WO 2007/070963, incorporated herein by reference. Applicator element 15 comprises an internally threaded cap member 26 for screwed engagement with the second external thread 20. An elongate, generally cylindrical dispensing member 28 extends outwardly from cap member 26. 20 Dispensing member 28 is, in this instance, formed of a fibrous permeable material such as felt for example, but could be manufactured of a permeable foam or other suitable material. Within dispensing member 28 and integral with cap member 26, is a central sleeve 30, able to receive liquid from container 12. A valve member 32 is located at an 25 outer end 34 of sleeve 30, Valve member 32 is operable between a first non-dispensing state (as shown in Figure 2), preventing egress of liquid from outer end 34, and a second dispensing state allowing liquid to flow from sleeve 30 to permeate dispensing member 28. In this instance valve member 32 is the inner end 38 of an elongate shaft 36, of a flexible polyurethane extending from the outer end 34 of sleeve 30 part way through the 30 centre of dispensing member 28. Valve member 32 is shaped at inner end 38 to provide closure of the outer end 34 of sleeve 30 when in the first non-dispensing state shown in Figure 2. Shaft 36 is retained in closing contact with outer end 34 of sleeve 30 by a thinner flexible shaft 39 extending from inner end 38 with its distal end 40 secured in cap member 28 by a retaining member 42. 35 As shown in Figure 3, because of the flexible nature of both dispensing member 28 and valve member 32 within it, pressure applied to a side of the dispensing member 28 (for example when pressed against a pipe end 31) will deflect both dispensing member 28 and valve member 32. Deflection causes valve member 32 to be partially pulled away from its normally non-dispensing seated engagement with outer end 34 of 40 sleeve 30, opening up a gap 35. With the container and applicator assembly 10 held at an angel as shown in Figure 3, liquid will flow from container 12, through central sleeve 30 and through the opened gap 35 to permeate dispensing member 28, Liquid saturating the outer surface of dispensing member 28 can then be transferred to any surface with which dispensing member 28 is brought into contact. 45 Applicator and container assembly 10 further includes a cover element 44 shown in Figure 4 for protecting the dispensing member 28 when the container and applicator assembly 10 is not in use, Cover element 44 comprising a skirt 46 and an elongate cylindrical sheath 48 closed at its outer end 50. Skirt 46 is provided with an internal thread 50 adapted for screwed connection to first external thread 16. Cover element 44 7 provides a substantially air tight closure over the dispensing member 28, preventing or at least reducing the drying out of liquid at the surface of the dispensing element. Again with reference to Figure 1, attached to a side of container body 12 is a third cylindrical portion 52 provided with an external thread 54 identical to the first external 5 thread 16. By this means, when the container and applicator assembly 10 is to be put to use, the cover element 44 is removed from neck 13 and attached to third cylindrical portion 52 to provide a convenient handle 56 as shown in Figure 5. In Use In use, the cover element 44 is unscrewed from the first cylindrical portion of the neck 10 13 of the container 12 and screwed onto the third cylindrical portion 52 projecting from the side of the container, The assembly 10 may then be grasped by the hand and, while holding it in an inclined position, urge the applicator 15 into contact with the surface to be primed. With sufficient deflection fluid will flow from the container and suffuse at least that portion of the dispensing element 28 of the applicator with the priming fluid. 15 This fluid then transfers to the receiving surface by the action of wiping the dispensing element along the surface. This methodology finds particular use for the application of priming fluid to the ends of PVC or other thermo-plastic pipes and fittings. However it will be understood that the apparatus and methodology can be used for the application of many other liquids to 20 many different surfaces and materials. The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A container assembly for a liquid; said assembly including a body for retaining a volume of said liquid; said body including a neck portion including at least a first attachment mechanism; said first attachment mechanism receiving a cover element 5 said body including an attachment portion extending from said container; said cover element providing a handle for grasping by the hand of a user when attached to said attachment portion for use,

2. The container assembly of claim I further including an applicator assembly; said applicator assembly including an applicator element; said cover element sealingly 10 enclosing said applicator element when not in use;

3. The assembly of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said neck portion includes a second attachment mechanism.

4. The assembly of claim 2 wherein each said first and said second attachment mechanism comprises a first and second external thread respectively. 15 5. The assembly of claim 3 wherein said neck portion comprises a first cylindrical portion provided with said first external thread for attachment of said cover element, and a second cylindrical portion extending outward from said first cylindrical portion; said second cylindrical portion provided with said second external thread for attachment of said applicator element. 20 5. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said body is provided with an internal baffle structure located within or below said neck portion; said baffle structure arranged so as to substantially restrict flow of said liquid through said neck into said body.

6. The assembly of clam 5 wherein said baffle structure is inserted into said neck 25 portion after a first filling of said body with said liquid.

7. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said cover element includes a skirt portion provided with an internal thread; said internal thread adapted for screwed connection to said first external thread and said externally threaded portion. 30 8. The assembly of any one of claims I to 7 wherein said cover element further included a generally cylindrical sheath extending from said skirt portion; said generally cylindrical sheath closed at an outer end,

9. The assembly of any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein said applicator element includes a cap member provided with an internal thread; said internal thread adapted for 35 screwed connection to said second external thread. 10, The assembly of any one of claims 2 to 9 wherein said applicator element further includes an elongate permeable dispensing member; said dispensing member receiving said liquid from said container; said liquid dispensed from said permeable dispensing member when said dispensing member is deflected by 40 contact with a receiving surface. - 9 11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein said applicator element further includes a valve member within said permeable dispensing member; said valve member in sealing engagement with a liquid conducting sleeve extending from said cap member; said valve member being partly pulled away from said sealing engagement when said 5 dispensing member is deflected by said contact,

12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein said valve member comprises a portion of a flexible shaft.

13. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein said liquid is a primer fluid applied to PVC or other thermo-plastic pipes and fittings prior to application of a 10 solvent cement.

14. The assembly of any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein said permeable dispensing member comprises a fibrous material.

15. A method of dispensing a fluid onto a receiving surface; said method including providing said fluid in a container and applicator assembly, wherein a dispensing 15 member of an applicator of said assembly comprises a permeable dispensing element; said permeable dispensing element receiving said fluid from said container of said assembly, when said permeable element is urged into contact with said receiving surface, and wherein said applicator is covered by a cover element when said container and applicator assembly is not in use; said cover element 20 including a threaded skirt for attachment of said cover element to an externally threaded portion extending from a side of said container; said cover element thereby providing a handle for said container and applicator assembly for use,

16. A method of applying a film of primer liquid to surfaces of mating portions of PVC or other thermo-plastic pipes and fittings; said method including the steps of: 25 (a) unscrewing a cover element from a container and applicator assembly, (b) exposing a dispensing member of an applicator portion of said assembly, (c) attaching said cover element to a threaded cylindrical portion extending from a body of said container (d) grasping said cover member by the hand, 30 (e) urging said dispensing member into contact with said surfaces sufficient to deflect said dispensing member, (f) wiping said dispensing member over said surfaces.

18. A container for dispensing a liquid; said container provided with a neck portion including a first externally threaded portion and a second externally threaded 35 portion; said second externally threaded portion being of reduced diameter relative said first threaded portion; said first externally threaded portion arranged for screwed attachment of a cover element thereto; said cover element enclosing an applicator for said liquid; said applicator incorporating an internal thread for screwed attached to said second externally threaded portion; said cover element 40 attachable to an externally threaded portion extending from a side of said container thereby providing a handle for grasping by the hand of a user when said container is in use. - 10 19. The container of claim 17 wherein said applicator is attached to said second externally threaded portion.

20. A container for dispensing a liquid; said container including a neck portion provided with at least one externally threaded portion and a cover element 5 attachable to said at least one externally threaded portion; said container further including an externally threaded portion extending from a side of said container to which said cover element may be attached so as to form a handle when said container is in use;

21. The container of claim 19; said container further provided with a baffle structure; 10 said baffle structure substantially restricting entry of a liquid into said container; said baffle structure restricting refilling of said container after use. 22, The container of claim 19 wherein said baffle structure is provided as a press-fit into a neck portion of said container. 23, The container of claim 19 or 20 wherein said baffle structure is inserted into said 15 neck portion after an initial filling of said container with said liquid.

24. A method of applying a liquid to mating portions of PVC or other thermo-plastic pipes and fittings; said method including the steps of: (c) unscrewing a cover element from a first externally threaded portion of a neck of a container, 20 (d) attaching said cover element to an externally threaded portion projecting from a body of said container so as to transform said cover element into a handle for grasping by the hand of a user, wherein an applicator for applying said liquid is attached to second externally threaded portion of said neck of said container; said second externally threaded 25 portion being of a smaller diameter then said first externally threaded portion. 23. A container and applicator assembly for PVC or other thermo-plastic pipes and fittings as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.