GB2281759A

GB2281759A - Applicator for a fluid building material

Info

Publication number: GB2281759A
Application number: GB9318861A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond Beasley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-09-11
Filing date: 1993-09-11
Publication date: 1995-03-15
Also published as: GB9318861D0

Abstract

An applicator for a fluid building material, in the form of a cream or paste, comprises a hollow tubular reservoir 1 for containing the building material, a controllable pressurising means 4 provided at one end of the tube for urging a plunger 5 along the reservoir to force the material out of an outlet 21 at the other end of the reservoir, the pressurising means being connected to the reservoir by a quick release attachment 16, such that the reservoir can be opened by disconnection of the pressurising means from the end of the reservoir, re-filled with a new supply of the building material and then closed for dispensing the material from the outlet. The invention may find application in the pointing of walls. <IMAGE>

Description

APPLICATOR FOR A FLUID BUILDING MATERIAL The present invention relates to an applicator for a building materials fluid, and particularly, although not exclusively, to an applicator comprising a reservoir for the fluid, means for pressurising the fluid in the reservoir, and a nozzle outlet, through which the fluid is extruded.

Conventionally, in building and D.I.Y. applications, it is known to apply sealants, adhesives and the like from pre-filled tubular cartridges having a detachable nozzle at one end for extrusion of the material, and having a slidable end wall at the other end, which can be pushed along the tube to expel the material through the nozzle. In order to push the end wall along the tube, the cartridge is inserted into an applicator, which holds the cartridge at both ends, and has a plunger which can be pushed into the cartridge using a friction handle arrangement, which grips the plunger and forces it in one direction only, to extrude the material from the cartridge.

However, such a conventional cartridge system has a disadvantage in that the cartridges are not re-usable, and must be thrown away once the sealant or adhesive material therein has been expelled.

There is a further disadvantage, in that the type of material which can be extruded using the prior art cartridges, is limited to materials which have a long storage life. Materials such as cement, which may set within a few hours cannot be used with the conventional cartridge system, as the material will set in the cartridge.

Furthermore, in the United Kingdom at least, the size and capacity of the cartridge is standardised, and the cartridges usually contain small amounts of adhesive or sealant. which have high cost per unit volume to the user.

Specific embodiments of the present invention aim to solve some of the above mentioned problems of conventional cartridge systems.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an applicator for a building material in fluid form, the applicator comprising: a hollow tubular reservoir for containing a supply of the building material in fluid form; a controllable pressurising means provided at a first end of the reservoir, for controllably pressurising the fluid building material within the reservoir; and an outlet at a second end of the reservoir, through which the building material can be forced by the pressurising means; characterised in that, the pressurising means is attached to the first end of the reservoir by a quickly releasable attachment means provided at the first end, the reservoir being re-usable so that when a supply of building material has been fully discharged from the reservoir. the reservoir can be opened, by disconnection of the pressurising means from the first end of the reservoir, recharged with a new supply of building material fluid, and the reservoir can be closed by re-connection of the pressurising means to the reservoir, prior to dispensing the new supply of building material fluid.

This arrangement allows a user to fill the reservoir with a wide range of adhesives, which may be mixed by the user in the required quantity.

Further, because the reservoir can be filled by the user at the time of use, fluid building materials which are relatively quick setting, eg. cement or plaster, may be applied using the applicator. This may enable the present applicator to be used for building or maintenance jobs in which the prior art applicators have not so far been used, eg. pointing of walls. As the user may fill the applicator himself at the time of use of the building material, specific building materials may be supplied at lower cost as compared to their prior art alternatives supplied in disposable cartridge form.

The pressurising means may be wholly detachable from the reservoir.

This may enable easier filling of the reservoir, and easier cleaning of the applicator.

The attachment means may comprise a pivotal hinge mounted at the first end of the reservoir, the hinge connecting the pressurising means and the reservoir such that the pressurising means can be swung away from the first end of the reservoir, so that the fluid material can be inserted into the open first end, and the pressurising means can be swung across the first end to close the first end of the reservoir.

The applicator may further comprise locking means for locking the pressurising means in place across the first end of the reservoir.

The attachment means, may comprise a set of pins mounted on either the first end of the reservoir, or on the pressurising means, and a set of slots corresponding with the set of pins. the slots mounted on the other one of the first end of the reservoir or the pressurising means, such that the pins are arranged to engage the slots so that. to connect the reservoir and pressurising means together, the reservoir and pressurising means are first pushed together, and then twisted relative to one another.

This may enable speedy connection and disconnection of the pressurising means from the reservoir.

The applicator may have a detachable nozzle tube for fitment to the outlet of the reservoir. Preferably, the nozzle has a substantially tapered tubular bore terminating in an aperture, the aperture residing mainly in a plane which is transverse to a main length of the bore.

This may enable application of a wide range of building materials in fluid form, in a wide range of situations, for example a nozzle having a large aperture may be used for pointing brickwork. whilst a nozzle having a smaller aperture may be used for sealing kitchen units.

The reservoir may be provided with a hand grip for holding the reservoir, the hand grip being arranged having a length which is transverse to a main length of the reservoir, and being provided nearer the outlet end of the reservoir than the end of the reservoir nearest the pressurising means, such that the applicator can be directed for application of the building material fluid, by use of the handle.

This may have an advantage of allowing accurate positioning and application of the building material.

The reservoir may comprise an elongate tube having a substantially polygonal shaped bore.

A substantially polygonal shaped plunger for urging the building material out of the reservoir may be provided.

Preferably, said pressurising means comprises a push rod member which is pushed into a main length of the reservoir by a trigger operated releasable ratchet arrangement, the ratchet arrangement being resiliently loaded such that when the ratchet is operated to move the push rod into the reservoir, the trigger automatically returns to a return position from which the ratchet can be operated to move the push rod further into the reservoir.

Preferably, the pressurising means includes a plunger connected to the push rod, which is arranged to slide along a bore of the reservoir, the pressurising means being arranged to operate such that the first end of the reservoir is pulled relative to the movement of the plunger in the bore.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a first applicator for a building material according to a first specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a cut away view along a line A-A' of the first applicator; Figure 3 shows a detachable barrel reservoir of the first applicator; Figure 4 shows a cut away view looking into the barrel of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows in a partial view, a second applicator according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front; Figure 6 shows a barrel of the second applicator; Figure 7 shows in partial cut away view a pressurising means according to the second embodiment of the present invention, for pressurising a building material in the barrel of the second embodiment; Figure 8 shows an octagonal plunger for sliding along the second barrel of Figure 6; Figure 9 shows an assembly of a barrel and a pressurising means, according to a third specific embodiment of the present invention; joined by a locking means; Figure 10 shows a part of the locking means of Figure 8 attached to an end of a barrel; Figures 11 and 12 show in general view, a part of the locking mechanism of Figure 9. fitted to a pressurising means; Figures 13 to 18 show various nozzles according to further specific embodiments of the present invention, for fitment to the end of a barrel of a said applicator embodiment; Figure 19 shows an end view of a plunger for use with the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 20 shows a side view of the plunger of Figure 17; Figure 21 to 23 show a cleaning brush for cleaning a barrel of the first, second or third specific embodiments above.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings, a first applicator for a fluid building material comprises a reservoir 1 comprising an elongate rigid hollow tube having an inlet 3 at a first end, into which fluid building material can be filled, and an outlet 2 at a second end, out of which the fluid building material can be forcibly squeezed, under pressure. The first applicator further comprises a pressurising means 4 comprising a plunger 5 attached to a push rod 6, which can be pushed along a bore 7 of the tube by a trigger mechanism 8 which is pivotally mounted about a point 9 and resiliently loaded by a spring 10. At one end of the trigger 8 is provided an aperture 12, through which the push rod 6 passes. A release catch 14 prevents return of the push rod in a direction away from the reservoir, and acts as a releasable one way mechanism for travel of the push rod from right to left as shown in figure 1, towards the second end 2 of the reservoir. The reservoir is attached to the pressurising means via a hinge connection 15, mounted on one outer side of the first end of the reservoir, and by a locking pin and eye arrangement 16 on an opposite outer side of the first end of the reservoir.

In use, the locking pin is removed from the eye, allowing the pressurising means to swing pivotally around the pivot hinge connection 15, when the push rod and plunger 5, 6, are fully withdrawn from the reservoir tube 1. In this position. the first end of the reservoir is open, and may be filled with a fluid buildings material, eg. cement, liquid plaster, grouting paste etc.

The pressurising means is then swung back to close the first end of the reservoir, by insertion of the plunger 5 into the first end of the reservoir. The plunger can then be advanced along the reservoir towards the second end and the outlet, to force the fluid building material 20 therein to be extruded out of the outlet 21. The plunger 5 can be gradually advanced by squeezing the trigger against a handle 23. During this operation a rubber seal 25 on the plunger 5 effectively cleans the inner bore of the tubular reservoir 1 leaving the inner bore uncontaminated by the building material fluid. Preferably, the push rod 6 is made of a metal, eg. steel, whilst the plunger 5 is made of a plastics material eg. nylon.

Referring to Figures 5 to 8 of the accompanying drawings, a second applicator according to another specific embodiment of the present invention is shown. The second applicator comprises a reservoir 100 in the form of a hollow tubular barrel having an octagonal cross section, a plunger 101, for pushing a fluid building material along the barrel, the plunger being connected to a push rod 102 and a pressurising means 103 in the form of a handle 104 and trigger 105, in use to be gripped in one hand of an operator, for urging the push rod and plunger along the barrel.

The trigger 105 pivots about a point 110, and operates as a ratchet on indentations provided in the push rod 102. The trigger is resiliently biassed by a return spring 157 connected between the handle 104 and the trigger 105.

One end of the push rod 102 is attached to the plunger 101, and another end of the push rod is provided with a handle 130, for pulling the plunger out of the bore of the barrel, when the ratchet is released.

The plunger is preferably nylon or a plastics material, and having a circumferentially positioned rubber sleeve. The plunger is also octagonally shaped, to fit the barrel. The push rod is preferably of mild steel.

The barrel 100 is provided with an outlet 110 at one end of the barrel, through which the building material can be extruded, and has an inlet at another end 140, for insertion of the building material fluid. The outlet may be screw-threaded, or have some other quick release attachment means for attachment of a selection of various nozzle tubes, each suitable for a different application. For example one type of a nozzle may be fitted for grouting tiles, whereas another type of nozzle may be fitted for pointing brickwork.

The barrel also has a handle slot 111 for fitment of a forward handle 112 which extends at an angle transverse to a main length of the barrel.

The barrel is further provided with locating lugs 120, 121, one on each outer side of the barrel casing, and at opposite sides of the barrel. The pressurising means may be fitted to the barrel lugs 120, 121 by a pivotal connection and a locking pin 122.

In use, the applicator may be held steadily using one hand on the forward handle, and another hand on the rear handle 104, and operating the trigger 105 using the fingers of the rearmost hand. In this manner, accurate placement of the building material through the end of the nozzle fitted to the applicator can be achieved, and a smooth finish to the material can be obtained.

Once the material is completely discharged from the barrel and the plunger is at the outlet end of the barrel, the ratchet mechanism on the push rod 102 and trigger 105 may be released. and the push rod and plunger arrangement 101, 102 may be pulled back out of the barrel using the handle 130. The locking pin 122 may then be removed from the lug 121 and the corresponding locating aperture on the pressurising means, and the pressurising means may be swung away from the end 140 of the barrel so that a new charge of building material may be replenished into the barrel. Once the new charge of building material is placed in the barrel, the pressurising means can then be swung back over the end 140 of the barrel, and the plunger 101 re-inserted into the bore of the barrel. With the locking pin inserted into the lug 121, to hold the pressurising means in place, the trigger 105 may be repeatedly operated to drive the plunger 101 down the bore of the barrel, pushing the new charge of building material out of the outlet 110 and a connected outlet nozzle.

The octagonal cross section of the barrel may allow increased strength, and ease of construction.

Referring to Figures 9 to 12 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown an alternative method of fitting a pressurising means to a barrel of an applicator for a building material, using a quick release fitment. Figure 9 shows in partial view a pressurising means and cylindrical barrel connected together by the quick release fitment, which can be operated by pushing together the pressurising means and barrel and then twisting the barrel relative of the pressurising means.

Figure 10 shows an end 150 of a cylindrical barrel, in which a plurality of L-shaped recessed slots 151 have been formed by machining, casting or moulding.

Figures 11 and 12 show a side and a front view respectively of a fitment for a pressurising means, to correspond with the end of the barrel 150 in figure 10. The fitment comprises a cylindrical tube 160, of a diameter larger than an outside diameter of the barrel 150, the tube having a plurality of protruding pins 161 for engaging the slots 151 on the barrel.

In use, the pressurising means is pushed onto the end of the barrel, with the locking pins 161 engaging the locking slots 151, in a direction axially to a main length of the barrel. The barrel is then rotated relative to the pressurising means, so that the locking pins travel in the slots in a direction circumferentially around the outer surface of the barrel. The pressurising means is then in a locked position relative to the end of the barrel. Unlocking and disconnecting the fitment is by a reversal of the locking procedure.

Referring to Figures 13 to 18 of the accompanying drawings, there are shown various embodiments of a nozzle suitable for fitment to the embodiments of a building applicator as described herein above. Figure 13 shows a nozzle having a small aperture outlet, which may be used for fine material such as for grouting tiles etc. Figures 14, 15 and 16 show nozzles having exit apertures of larger size, for use with other fluid for building materials for example filler or cement, for example for use in pointing.

Figure 16 shows a nozzle having a plurality of spreader wings 180 angled at about 90" to each other for use in applying a fluid building material to a corner joint.

Figure 18 shows a nozzle suitable for applying a fluid building material in a thin layer. The nozzle comprises an elongate aperture 182 in a plane transverse to a main length of the nozzle.

The nozzles of Figures 13 to 18 may be inter-changeably fitted to the outlets of the reservoirs of the above described building applicators as required.

Figures 19 and 20 show a further embodiment of a plunger 200, for use in a building applicator as described herein above having a reservoir having a substantially cylindrical bore. The plunger 200 comprises a nylon disc-shaped member 201 having a rubber sleeve 202 fitted circumferentially there around. Typically, the rubber sleeve may be circular in cross section, or have a semi-circular cross sectional profile and have a cross sectional thickness of around 2mm.

Figures 21 to 23 show an embodiment of a cleaning brush comprising a nylon handle 300 and a plurality of radially extending nylon bristles 301.

The cleaning brush may be used for cleaning the reservoir of the building materials applicator embodiments as described above.

In this specification, where the term building material, or fluid building material is used, this includes pastes, adhesives, cements, paints, and fillers, and includes such materials for use in D.I.Y. applications.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. An applicator for a building material in fluid form, the applicator comprising: a hollow tubular reservoir for containing a supply of the building material in fluid form; a controllable pressurising means provided at a first end of the reservoir, for controllably pressurising the fluid building material within the reservoir; and an outlet at a second end of the reservoir, through which the building material can be forced by the pressurising means; characterised in that, the pressurising means is attached to the first end of the reservoir by a quickly releasable attachment means provided at the first end, the reservoir being re-usable so that when a supply of building material has been fully discharged from the reservoir, the reservoir can be opened, by disconnection of the pressurising means from the first end of the reservoir, recharged with a new supply of building material fluid, and the reservoir can be closed by re-connection of the pressurising means to the reservoir, prior to dispensing the new supply of building material fluid.

2. An applicator according to claim 1, in which the pressurising means is wholly detachable from the reservoir.

3. An applicator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment means comprises a pivotal hinge mounted at the first end of the reservoir, the hinge connecting the pressurising means and the reservoir such that the pressurising means can be swung away from the first end of the reservoir, so that the fluid material can be inserted into the open first end, and the pressurising means can be swung across the first end to close the first end of the reservoir.

4. An applicator according to claim 3, further comprising locking means for locking the pressurising means in place across the first end of the reservoir.

5. An applicator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment means, comprises a set of pins mounted on either the first end of the reservoir, or on the pressurising means, and a set of slots corresponding with the set of pins, the slots mounted on the other one of the first end of the reservoir or the pressurising means, such that the pins are arranged to engage the slots so that, to connect the reservoir and pressurising means together, the reservoir and pressurising means are first pushed together, and then twisted relative to one another.

6. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, having a detachable nozzle tube for fitment to the outlet of the reservoir.

7. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir is provided with a hand grip for holding the reservoir, the hand grip being arranged having a length which is transverse to a main length of the reservoir, and being provided nearer the outlet end of the reservoir than the end of the reservoir nearest the pressurising means, such that the applicator can be directed for application of the building material fluid, by use of the handle.

8. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the reservoir comprises an elongate tube having a substantially polygonal shaped bore.

9. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims having a substantially polygonal shaped plunger for urging the building material out of the reservoir.

10. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pressurising means comprises a push rod member which is pushed into a main length of the reservoir by a trigger operated releasable ratchet arrangement, the ratchet arrangement being resiliently loaded such that when the ratchet is operated to move the push rod into the reservoir, the trigger automatically returns to a return position from which the ratchet can be operated to move the push rod further into the reservoir.

11. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the pressurising means includes a plunger connected to the push rod, which is arranged to slide along a bore of the reservoir, the pressurising means being arranged to operate such that the first end of the reservoir is pulled relative to the movement of the plunger in the bore.

12. A building material applicator substantially as herein described with reference to figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

13. A nozzle for a building applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the nozzle having a substantially tapered tubular bore terminating in an aperture, the aperture residing mainly in a plane which is transverse to a main length of the bore.