AU2017101739A4 - Dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a roll (50) of putty-like adhesive (51), a dispenser (10) of the putty-like adhesive (51) and a system including the roll (50) and the dispenser (10). The dispenser (10) includes a housing (11, 12) and a cylindrical member (30) is positioned within the housing (11, 12). The putty-like adhesive (51) can be dispensed from the dispenser (10) by a user pulling on a first end (55) of the putty-like adhesive (51) to cause the roll (50) to rotate about the cylindrical member (30) relative to the housing (11, 12) such that a desired amount of putty like adhesive (51) can be dispensed at a time. Figure 1 3Co ((N cnA kfl4 '-0i a 00

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser and to a putty-like adhesive to be dispensed by the dispenser.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] Putty-like removable adhesives are used to attach many lightweight articles to a number of surfaces. Particularly, posters and other sheets of paper can be attached to walls, doors or other dry surfaces using such putty-like adhesive. This type of putty-like adhesive can be easily removed from the surface and in most cases will not damage a surface against which it is attached. The putty-like adhesive is also reusable. Blu Tack™ is a leading product in the field of putty-like adhesives.

[0003] The putty-like adhesives available at present include a large partially flattened sheet of the putty-like adhesive, most commonly in a rectangular shape. A release paper is provided on upper and lower surface of the sheet of putty-like adhesive. The putty-like adhesive does not easily stick to the release paper or can be easily removed form the release paper. The release paper ensures that the putty-like adhesive does not stick to a cardboard outer packaging of the product. To obtain a piece of the putty-like adhesive to be used, a user can grip a section of the sheet of putty-like adhesives and pull away a section. The pulling away of the putty-like adhesive can leave an unattractive string effect of stretching a localised portion of the sheet of putty-like adhesive. It can be difficult for a user to acquire a desired amount of putty-like adhesive in a single pulling action from the sheet of putty-like adhesive. It is very difficult for a user to consistently acquire a desired amount of putty-like adhesive from the partially flattened sheet or to know precisely how much putty-like adhesive has been acquired each time.

2017101739 12 Dec 2017 [0004] Currently, there is not much choice in the market place in relation to putty-like adhesives. Most products come in rectangular cardboard packaging.

To access the putty-like adhesive product, the cardboard packaging must be opened and the sheet of putty-like adhesive is slid out of an opening of the cardboard packaging. The sheet of putty-like adhesive and release paper thereon, can be slid back into the cardboard packaging for storage following its use. These types of packages are not very sophisticated and require an amount of time to access and use the putty-like adhesive product within.

[0005] It would be desirable to provide improvements in the field of putty-like adhesives. Particularly, it would be desirable to provide an improved manner of obtaining a desired amount of putty-like adhesive, storing the putty-like adhesives and/or using putty-like adhesives. It would also be desirable to provide consumers with a useful alternative to existing packages of putty-like adhesives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a dispenser configured to dispense a putty-like adhesive, the dispenser comprising: a housing; and a cylindrical member configured to hold a roll of the putty-like adhesive, wherein the cylindrical member is positioned within the housing, and wherein the putty-like adhesive can be dispensed from the dispenser by pulling a first end of the roll of putty-like adhesive to cause the roll to rotate about the cylindrical member, such that a desired amount of the putty-like adhesive can be taken from the roll.

[0007] According to embodiments, the housing comprises a first side part and a second side part, and the first and second side parts are configured to engage one another to form the housing. Preferably, the first side part includes a first tubular member and the second side part includes a second each include a tubular member extending inwardly toward the other one of the first and second side parts and wherein the tubular members engage one another.

2017101739 12 Dec 2017 [0008] According to preferred embodiments, the first tubular member has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the second tubular member, and the second tubular member at least partially fits inside the second tubular member such that, in engagement, the second tubular member is located at least partially within and engages with the first tubular member.

[0009] The first and second tubular members may form the cylindrical member.

[0010] Alternatively, the cylindrical member may be in the form of a spool and separately formed from the housing. The cylindrical member or spool may be mounted on one or both of the first and second tubular members such that the cylindrical member or spool can be rotated relative to the housing.

[0011] The dispenser may also include a cover moveably attached to the housing, wherein the cover is movable between a first position where the first end of the roll of putty-like adhesive is obscured and a second position where the first end of the roll of putty-like adhesive is accessible.

[0012] A further aspect of the present invention provides a roll of putty-like adhesive configured to be dispensed by the dispenser described above, wherein the roll includes a hollow central section that is sized to receive the cylindrical member.

[0013] Preferably, the roll is formed from an elongated strip of putty-like adhesive. The roll may include a spool in an internal diameter of the roll.

[0014] The roll of putty-like adhesive may comprise a layer of release paper on at least one side of the putty-like adhesive within the roll. According to embodiments, a layer of release paper may be provided on each side of the putty-like adhesive within the roll.

2017101739 12 Dec 2017 [0015] The roll of putty-like adhesive may include perforations located at predetermined intervals along the putty-like adhesive on the roll such that one or more predetermined lengths of the putty-like adhesive can be dispensed at a time.

[0016] The at least one layer of release paper may incude perforations at predetermined intervals along a length to enable a predetermined length of the putty-like adhesive to be dispensed at a time. The perforations are preferably provided perpendicularly to the length of the putty-like adhesive on the roll. According to preferred embodiments, both the putty-like adhesive and the layer(s) of release paper comprise perforations at the same predetermined intervals to aid a user to dispense the predetermined length of putty-like adhesive easily. The predetermined interval between perforations on the putty-like adhesive or release paper may be in the region of 10mm to 100mm. Alternatively, the predetermined interval is a value in the region of 20mm to 80mm. The predetermined interval may be a value in the region of 40mm to 60mm. In preferred embodiments the predetermined interval between perforations is about 50mm.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for dispensing a putty-like adhesive, the system comprising: the dispenser described above; and the roll of putty-like adhesive according to the above description, wherein the roll of putty-like adhesive is mounted onto the cylindrical member of the dispenser and retained at least partially within the housing, such that an amount of the putty-like adhesive can be dispensed when desired.

[0018] The dispenser, roll of putty-like adhesive and system according to the present invention provide an improvement over the packages of putty-like adhesives according to the prior art. The present invention may enable putty-like adhesive to be dispensed more easily and more quickly than was previously possible. The present invention also allows desired quantities of putty-like adhesive to be dispensed at a time.

2017101739 12 Dec 2017

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] The invention may be better understood with reference to preferred embodiments, as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is an exploded isometric view of a dispenser and roll of puttylike adhesive according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the dispenser with the cover in a closed configuration; and [0022] Figures 3a to 3c are top, side and front views, respectively, of the dispenser with a cover in a closed configuration as shown in figure 2.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, figure 1 shows an exploded view of system for dispensing a putty-like adhesive including a dispenser 10 with roll 50 of putty-like adhesive 51.

[0024] The roll 50 is formed from an elongate strip of putty-like adhesive 51 which has been turned in a coil like manner to form the roll 50. As shown in figure 1, the strip of putty-like adhesive 51 is covered on one side by release paper 52. The release paper 52 is preferably a waxed-paper, grease proof paper or similar material which from which the putty-like adhesive 51 can be easily detached from. The release paper 52 forms a barrier between adjacent turns of the putty-like adhesive 51 in the roll 50 to prevent the adjacent turns of the puttylike adhesive 51 from sticking to one another. The layer of release paper 52 also enables the putty-like adhesive 51 to be more easily dispensed from the roll 50.

2017101739 12 Dec 2017 [0025] The release paper 52 includes lines of perforation 53 at predetermined intervals along its length. The lines of perforation 53 allow the release paper 52 to be easily broken along those lines during dispensing of the putty-like adhesive 51.

[0026] The putty-like adhesive 51 may include lines of perforation to enable a user to more easily remove a desired amount of the putty-like adhesive 51 (not shown in the figures). Where the roll 50 of putty-like adhesive 51 also includes a layer of release paper 52, the lines of perforation on the putty-like adhesive 51 should be aligned with the lines of perforation 53 on the release paper 52.

[0027] A second layer of release paper (not shown) could be included on the opposite side of the putty-like adhesive 51 to the layer of release paper 52. Similarly, as discussed above, if the release paper 52 includes lines of perforation 53 and/or the putty-like adhesive 51 includes lines of perforation, the second layer of release paper would preferably also include its own lines of perforation aligned with the perforations on the release paper 52 and/or putty-like adhesive 51. Each of the perforations discussed in relation to the putty-like adhesive and release paper is preferably aligned in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the length of the elongate strip of putty-like adhesive 51 that forms the roll 50.

[0028] The dispenser 10 is formed from a first side part 11 and a second side part 12, which join together to form a singular housing from which putty-like adhesive 51 can be dispensed. The external appearances of the first and second side parts 11,12 when the dispenser is formed, as shown in figures 2 and 3A to 3C, are largely the same but mirror images of one another. Each of the first and second side parts 11,12 includes a flattened base 20. The first side part 11 has a wall 16 extending upwardly from the base 20 and the second side part 12 has a pair of walls 17 extending upwardly from the base 20. The walls 16, 17 can be of constant thickness throughout. Alternatively, the walls 16, 17 can vary in thickness depending on the internal and external contours of the first and second side parts 11,12 that are required.

2017101739 12 Dec 2017 [0029] As shown in figure 1, the first side part 11 includes a first tubular member 13 which extends inwardly of the wall 16. The second side part 12 similarly includes a second tubular member 14. The first tubular member 13 has a hollow internal portion 15. The second tubular member 14 may also include a similar hollow internal portion. The first tubular member 13 has an external diameter and an internal diameter. The second tubular member 14 has an external diameter that is about the same as or less than the internal diameter of the first tubular member 13. The first and second side parts 11,12 can be brought together with one another such that the second tubular member 14 becomes located within the hollow internal portion 15 of the first tubular member 13. In this manner the walls 16, 17 of the first and second side parts 11,12 are also brought together until their edges are in contact with one another. The first side part 11 includes a locating tab 18 which aligns with a receiving recess of the second side part 12 (not shown). The first side part 11 also includes locating tabs 19 adjacent to the base 20, which are used to align with respective receiving recesses on the second side part 12 (also not shown). The tabs 18, 19 and recesses are used to ensure that the first and second side parts 11,12 are correctly aligned when brought together. In some embodiments, one or more of the tabs 18, 19 may include a locking means that engages a similar locking means in the corresponding recess to hold the first and second side parts 11,12 together. The locking means may be in the form of a resilient clipping mechanism.

[0030] In other embodiments, the dispenser 10 may be formed as a unitary piece rather than having first and second side parts 11,12. A person skilled in the art will easily recognise that the number of parts forming the dispenser 10 is less important than the function that it performs.

[0031] A cylindrical member 30 in the form of a spool is provided. The cylindrical member is ring-like in shape and includes an outer surface 31 and an inner surface 32. The outer and inner surfaces 31, 32 are each formed from a thin tubular piece of material and are spaced apart from one another. A plurality

2017101739 12 Dec 2017 of ribs 33 are provided between the thin tubular pieces of material to retain them in a sturdy spaced relationship. The outer surface 31 runs around the outside of the cylindrical member 30 which has an outer diameter. The inner surface 32 runs around the inside of the cylindrical member 30 which has an internal diameter. In other embodiments, the cylindrical member 30 could be formed as a single ring of material, in which case, the outer and inner surfaces 31, 32 would be on opposite sides of the same ring of material.

[0032] The internal diameter of the cylindrical member 30 defined between the inner surface 32 is greater than the external diameter of the first tubular member 13 of the first side part 11 of the dispenser 10. This means that cylindrical member 30 can be placed over the first tubular member 13 prior to the first tubular 13 member receiving the second tubular member 14 when the first and second side parts 11,12 are brought together. In this manner the cylindrical member 30 will be retained in place on the first tubular member 13 when the dispenser 10 is formed by the engagement of the first and second side parts 11, 12. Further, the internal diameter of the cylindrical member 30 being larger than the external diameter of the first tubular member 13 means that that the cylindrical member 30 is free to rotate on the first tubular member 13 relative to the first and second side parts 11, 12. Preferably, the internal diameter of the cylindrical member 30 differs only slightly from the external diameter of the first tubular member 13 such that the cylindrical member can rotate freely on the first tubular member 13 but with only a small amount of relative rocking motion between the cylindrical member 30 and the first tubular member 13 being permitted. For example, the difference between the internal diameter of the cylindrical member 30 and the external diameter of the first tubular member 13 may be from about 0.1mm to 10mm. Alternatively, the difference in diameter may be from about 0.5mm to 5mm. Alternatively, the difference in diameter may be from about 1mm to about 5mm.

[0033] The roll 50 of putty-like adhesive 51 includes an internal diameter defined by its vacant central section 54. The external diameter of the spool 30

2017101739 12 Dec 2017 defined by its outer surface 31 is the about the same as or smaller than the internal diameter of the central section 54 of the roll 50 of putty-like adhesive. In embodiments where the outer diameter of the cylindrical member 30 is about the same as or slightly less than the internal diameter of the roll 50 of putty-like adhesive 51, the roll 50 will rotate relative to the dispenser 10 when the cylindrical member 30 rotates. Alternatively, the roll 50 of putty-like adhesive 51 may have an internal diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical member 50 such that the roll 50 is free to rotate relative to both the cylindrical member 30 and the dispenser 10.

[0034] In some embodiments the cylindrical member 50 is in the form of a spool and is part of the roll 50. A second end 56 of the roll 50 in its central section 54 may be attached to the outer surface 31 of the spool 30.

[0035] In embodiments, the dispenser 10 does not include a separate cylindrical member 30. In such embodiments on or both of the tubular members 13, 14 will receive the roll 50 of putty-like adhesive directly without the addition of a cylindrical member 30 between them. In that case the tubular member(s) 13, acts as the cylindrical member which is part of the dispenser 10. The roll 50 will be able to rotate relative to the tubular member(s) 13, 14 on which it is positioned.

[0036] As shown in the accompanying figures, the dispenser includes a cover 40. The cover 40 is an optional feature of the dispenser 10 and it is envisaged that a dispenser 10 which fulfils the same purpose could be provided that does not include a cover 40. The cover 40 includes a protrusion 41 on either side. The protrusions 41 of the cover 40 are aligned with one another and protrude from a surface of the cover 40 internally towards one another. The protrusions 41 interact with a respective recess 28 that is provided on each of the first and second side parts 11, 12. The cover 40 is adapted such that when the first and second side parts 11,12 have been brought into engagement with one another,

2017101739 12 Dec 2017 the cover can be fitted over the first and second side parts 11,12 such that each protrusion 41 clips into the respective recess 28.

[0037] The engagement of the protrusions 41 in the recesses 28 permits the cover 40 the move and rotate relative to the first and second side parts 11,12 when in position. Preferably, the cover 40 can be rotated between a closed configuration (as shown in figures 2 and 3a to 3c) and an open configuration. In the open configuration the first end 55 of the roll 50 of the putty-like adhesive 51 is accessible by a user. For example, the open configuration of the cover 40 allows the putty-like adhesive to be dispensed from the dispenser by a user pulling on the first end 55 in such a manner that a desired amount of the putty-like adhesive is dispensed. Where perforations 53 are provided on the roll 50, the user can dispense the predetermined amounts of the putty-like material defined by the spacing of the lines of perforation 53. In other embodiments, some type of releasing or cutting means can be provided on the dispenser to allow a user to accurately select a desired amount of putty-like adhesive 51 to be dispensed and to separate this amount of putty-like adhesive 51 from the rest of the roll 50.

When the cover 40 is in the closed configuration, the putty-like adhesive 51 is not accessible to a user and is retained within the dispenser 10.

[0038] The first and second side parts 11, 12 of the dispenser 10 each include a recessed section 22 formed by a stepping down of the outer contour of the walls 16, 17. The recessed sections 22 on the outer surfaces of the first and second side parts 11,12 are sized to correspond to the size and shape of the cover 40. The recessed sections 22 are also contoured and sized to accommodate the rotational movement of the cover 40 relative to the first and second side parts 11, 12. The stepped down features of the first and second side parts 11,12 defining the recessed regions 22 are in the form of a rim 23. The rim 23 of each of the first and second side parts 11,12 includes a front rim portion 24 and a rear rim portion 25. The front rim portion 24 acts as a stop for the front cover portion 42 cover 40, such that when the cover 40 is in the closed configuration the front rim portion 24 is in contact with the front cover portion 42.

2017101739 12 Dec 2017

When the cover 40 is rotated from the closed configuration towards the open configuration, the rear rim portion 25 will act as a stop to the rear cover portion 43. Wherein, when the cover 40 is in the open configuration, the rear cover portion 43 contacts and rests on the rear rim portion 25.

[0039] The cover 40 includes a projection 44 adjacent the front cover portion 42. The projection 44 can be used in a similar fashion to a handle, such that a user can interact with the projection 44 with one of their finger nails to move the cover 40 between the open and closed configurations.

[0040] The first and second side parts 11,12 each include a closing projection 26 which is configured to interact with a recess in the internal wall of the cover (not shown). The recess may be positioned on the cover 40 on an opposite side of the cover wall from the projection 44. When the first and second side portions 11,12 have been brought together and engage with one another, the closing projections 26 come together to act as a single closing projection 26. The interaction between the closing projection 26 and the respective recess in the cover 40 is such that it provides a small amount of force to retain the cover 40 of the dispenser 10 in the closed configuration. The closing projection 26 may interact with the respective recess in the cover 40 by a simple clipping action.

The interaction is preferably such that a user of the dispenser 10 can open the cover 40 by pushing the projection 44 without requiring an excessive force to be applied. In a similar manner, an opening projection could be provided on the dispenser 10 to maintain the cover 40 in an open configuration.

[0041 ] The first and second side parts 11, 12, cylindrical member 30 and cover 40 are all preferably made from suitable substantially rigid materials, such as plastic material. For example, one or more of the first and second side parts 11, 12, cylindrical member 30 and cover 40 could be formed form high density polyethylene (HDPE). In other embodiments, the cylindrical member 30 could be formed from a type of material that is different from the first and second side parts 11,12 and cover 40. For example, the cylindrical member 30 could be formed

2017101739 12 Dec 2017 from a disposable or more easily recyclable material, such as cardboard or other paper based material. When made from a cardboard or similar material, the cylindrical member 30 could be formed as a single ring of material. In such embodiments, the cylindrical member could be part of the roll 50 and could be disposed of or recycled when all of the putty-like adhesive 51 on the roll 50 has been dispensed. A refill comprising another roll 50 with the cylindrical member 30 could be purchased and used in the same dispenser 10 by a user.

[0042] The overall appearance of the dispenser 10 when in the closed configuration is shown in figures 2 and 3A to 3C. The appearance of the dispenser 10 as shown is largely circular or wheel-like in appearance. However, the invention is not restricted to dispensers 10 of this shape and the dispenser can be any desired size and shape, providing that it meets the requirement of enabling the roll 50 of putty-like adhesive 51 to be dispensed therefrom.

[0043] Comprises/comprising and grammatical variations thereof when used in this specification are to be taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

2017101739 12 Dec 2017

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A dispenser configured to dispense a putty-like adhesive, the dispenser comprising:

   a housing: and a cylindrical member configured to hold a roll of the putty-like adhesive, wherein the cylindrical member is positioned within the housing, and wherein the putty-like adhesive can be dispensed from the dispenser by pulling a first end of the roll of putty-like adhesive to cause the roll to rotate about the cylindrical member, such that a desired amount of the putty-like adhesive can be taken from the roll.
2. 2. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a first side part and a second side part, wherein the first and second side parts are configured to engage one another to form the housing, wherein the first side part includes a first tubular member and the second side part includes a second tubular member extending inwardly toward the other one of the first and second side parts, and wherein the tubular members engage one another.
3. 3. The dispenser according to claim 2 wherein the first and second tubular form the cylindrical member, or the cylindrical member is in the form of a spool mounted on one or both of the first and second tubular members.
4. 4. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover moveably attached to the housing, wherein the cover is movable between a first position where the first end of the roll of putty-like adhesive is obscured and a second position where the first end of the roll of puttylike adhesive is accessible.
5. 5. A roll of putty-like adhesive configured to be dispensed by the dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roll includes a hollow

   2017101739 12 Dec 2017 central section that is sized to receive the cylindrical member, and wherein the roll is formed from an elongated strip of putty-like adhesive having a layer of release paper on at least one of the putty-like adhesive, and preferably wherein perforations are located at predetermined intervals along the putty-like adhesive and/or along the at least one layer of release paper on the roll such that one or more predetermined lengths of the putty-like adhesive can be dispensed at a time.

   BOSTIK AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

   WATERMARK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PTY LTD

   UIP1571AU00

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