GB2469868A

GB2469868A - Applicator nozzle

Info

Publication number: GB2469868A
Application number: GB0907546A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel Mellors; Jason Lam
Original assignee: University of Salford
Current assignee: University of Salford
Priority date: 2009-05-01
Filing date: 2009-05-01
Publication date: 2010-11-03
Also published as: GB201117430D0; WO2010125399A2; GB0907546D0; WO2010125399A3; GB2481933A

Abstract

To enable fluid material from a dispensing tube (400) to be more consistently applied to a seam, there is provided an applicator nozzle (100, 300) which has suitable stabilising surfaces (110, 210) arranged to ensure a stable and consistent angle and height of a dispensing end of the applicator nozzle (100, 300) relative to a seam between two substantially perpendicular surfaces. The stabilising surfaces (110, 210) are provided separate from a dispensing head (106, 306) so that fluid material is not disturbed thereby, and a more stable design is achieved. The stabilising surfaces may be detachable from the applicator nozzle.

Description

An Applicator Nozzle Filed of the Invention The invention relates to an applicator nozzle, and in particular to an applicator nozzle adapted for use with a dispensing tube. More particularly, the invention relates to an applicator nozzle specifically designed to dispense adhesives, sealants or caulking compounds to joins between surfaces perpendicular to each other.

Background and Related Prior Art

Generally, adhesives, sealants and caulking compounds (subsequently referred to as fluid material) are applied to seams between surfaces perpendicular to each other by means of a simple, conical-shape nozzle mounted on a discharge end of a dispensing tube. Such a nozzle can be a permanent member of the dispensing tube, or it can be removably mounted on a discharge nozzle. Further, some nozzles have surfaces or sections which can easily be cut off to provide a desirable diameter for the discharge orifice of the nozzle.

These conical-shape nozzles are used by pushing down on their respective dispensing tubes along the seam to be worked on. At the same time, the fluid material is dispensed into the seam.

However, once the fluid material has been applied, the quality of finish depends heavily on the skill of a user. This is because, a good finish requires a consistent amount of fluid material to be applied to the seam.

In order to compensate for an inconsistent application of fluid material, there are post-finishing tools available in the marketplace. In general, these post-finishing tools aim to smooth over the fluid material to achieve a desired quality of finish. Many people use their fingers as such a post-finishing tool. However, these tools cannot compensate where an inadequate amount of fluid material has been applied, nor are they particularly effective at creating a desired finish where an excess of fluid material has been applied. This is because, in the former case, there is an inadequate amount of fluid material to create a full seal, and in the latter case, there is too much fluid material so that extraneous streams or stripes of the applied material are left behind. These extraneous streams are unsightly and do not give the seam a finished look and are difficult to paint over depending on the applied material.

Back in 1969, Dow Corning Corporation filed a patent application for a corner tool and applicator nozzle, published under the number GB1255279. This invention attempted to provide a combination applicator nozzle and finishing tool which can be used for applying an aesthetically attractive bead of fluent material to a seam between substantially perpendicular surfaces and which will not leave extraneous beads or stripes on those surfaces.

Another object of GB 1255279 was to provide a combination applicator and finishing tool which can be removably mounted on the discharge nozzle of a dispensing tube and which can be easily aligned with the seam between substantially perpendicular surfaces.

In GB 1255279, inclined surfaces are provided at a base of an applicator nozzle. The exterior or outside surfaces of the inclined surfaces are respectively defined by one of two intersecting perpendicular planes converging in the direction from the head to the base of the applicator nozzle. The line of intersection of the above-described perpendicular planes also lies in a plane longitudinally bisecting the head and neck of the tool and nozzle. The inclined surfaces also bear cross ribs or fins which are used to clean any excess or overflowing material from the perpendicular surfaces while the tool and nozzle is moved forward along those surfaces. In this way, the aperture can be aligned with the seam whilst at the same time excess material can be cleaned.

Whist seemingly a good idea, this solution has not been a commercial success, and is not available currently in the marketplace.

There exists a long-felt need for an alternative, or an improved applicator nozzle which more easily enables a fluid material to be consistently applied to a seam between substantially perpendicular surfaces.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide such an applicator nozzle.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an applicator nozzle, a detachable guide, and a method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to the present invention there is provided an applicator nozzle for attachment to a discharge nozzle of a dispensing tube, the applicator nozzle comprising: a connection end arranged to be removably mountable on a discharge nozzle of a dispensing tube; a neck; and a dispensing end joined to the connection end via the neck and arranged to allow dispensing of the contents of the dispensing tube in use via a longitudinal internal aperture; wherein the applicator nozzle comprises: a pair of stabilising surfaces separate from the dispensing end and respectively defined by one of two intercepting substantially perpendicular planes converging at the dispensing end and intercepting in a plane longitudinally bisecting the connection end and the dispensing end.

In this way, an applicator nozzle is provided which has suitable stabilising surfaces which ensure a stable and consistent angle and height of the dispensing end relative to a seam between two substantially perpendicular surfaces. By separating the stabilising surfaces from the dispensing end there is less interference with a resulting bead of fluid material.

Additionally, a more stable applicator nozzle results. This is because the pivot point is moved to a position toward the centre of the applicator nozzle making any movement of the dispensing tube more difficult. Also, the stabilising surfaces are more conveniently enlarged.

Advantageously, this aspect of the invention has the following optional, but useful features.

Preferably, each stabilising surface comprises a first arm and a second arm. Preferably, the first arm lies in the plane longitudinally bisecting the connection end and the dispensing end and the second arm extends away from the first arm in a respective one of the substantially perpendicular planes. Preferably, the first arm is at least half of the length of the applicator nozzle. Preferably, the second arm is at least one third of the length of the applicator nozzle. Preferably, a third arm joining the first arm to the second arm, wherein the first arm has a first elbow, and the second arm has a second elbow so that first and third arms meet at an apex.

In one embodiment, the stabilising surfaces are detachable from the applicator nozzle.

Preferably, a connecting part is provided to connect the stabilising surfaces to the applicator nozzle. Preferably, the connecting part has an internal surface arranged to match the external surface of the applicator nozzle. Preferably, the applicator nozzle and the connecting part are arranged to be detachably connected using a bayonet fitting. Preferably, the applicator nozzle comprises a pair of nipples, and the connecting part has corresponding L-shaped slots which are arranged to receive the nipples in order to connect the stabilising surfaces to the applicator nozzle.

In another embodiment, the stabilising surfaces are each formed by an L-shaped projection from the neck of the application nozzle. Preferably, the neck is separated from the dispensing end by a shoulder portion of the applicator nozzle.

Preferably, there is provided a triangular orifice where the internal aperture meets the dispensing end.

In this way, the arms provide good stability, whilst at the same time ensuring that only a small amount of frictional drag is created.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a detachable guide for connection to an applicator nozzle, the detachable guide comprising; a pair of stabilising surfaces respectively defined by one of two intercepting substantially perpendicular planes; a connecting part detachably mountable on an applicator nozzle.

Preferably, the connecting part is detachably mountable on an applicator nozzle via a bayonet fitting. Preferably, the connecting part comprises two L-shaped slots arranged to receive nipples on an applicator nozzle in use.

According to third aspect of the invention, there is provided an applicator nozzle for attachment to a discharge nozzle of a dispensing tube, the applicator nozzle comprising: a connection end arranged to be removably mountable on a discharge nozzle of a dispensing tube; a neck; and a dispensing end joined to the connection end via the neck and arranged to allow dispensing of the contents of the dispensing tube in use via a longitudinal internal aperture; wherein the applicator nozzle comprises: a connection part connectable in use to a detachable guide.

Preferably, the connection part is a pair of nipples.

In this way, the guiding surfaces can be manufactured and sold separately from the applicator nozzle, thus creating an additional revenue stream. Also, the applicator nozzle can be sold without the guiding surfaces, but the guiding surfaces can be added at a later date.

Also, the guiding surfaces can be fitted to nozzles having different sizes of opening for creating the bead width.

According to fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method comprising the step of: detachably mounting a detachable guide onto an applicator nozzle of a dispensing tube.

Preferably, the detachably mounting step comprises rotating the detachable guide relative to the applicator nozzle. Preferably, the detachable guide is rotated by 90 degrees relative to the applicator nozzle.

For brevity, the optional features of the second, third and fourth aspects of the invention are listed above in respect of the first aspect, where applicable.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an applicator nozzle according to a first embodiment of the invention, together with a dispensing tube; Fig. 2 is a close-up perspective view of the applicator nozzle of Fig. 1 from a first side; Fig. 3 is a close-up perspective view of the applicator nozzle of Fig. 2 from the opposite side; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the applicator nozzle of Fig. 1 being put into use on two perpendicular surfaces; Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an applicator nozzle according to a second embodiment of the invention, together with a dispensing tube; Fig. 6 is a close-up perspective view of the applicator nozzle of Fig. 5 for a first side; Fig. 7 is a close-up perspective view of the applicator nozzle of Fig. 6 from the opposite side; and Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the applicator nozzle of Fig. 5 being put into use on two perpendicular surfaces.

Specific Description

Two exemplary embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the drawings.

The first embodiment of the invention is described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an applicator nozzle 100 and a corresponding dispensing tube 400. Figures 2 and 3 are close-up perspectives of the applicator nozzle 100 from opposite sides. In this example, the dispensing tube 400 contains a fluid material such as an adhesive, sealant or caulking compound, but may contain other fluid materials for dispensing.

The applicator nozzle 100 has a connection end 102, a neck 104 and a dispensing end 106, together with an internal aperture 108 running longitudinally through the applicator nozzle between the connection end 102 and the dispensing end 106.

The connection end 102 is preferably cylindrical and provides a means by which the applicator nozzle 100 can be removably mounted on a discharge nozzle 402 of the dispensing tube 400. Since most discharge nozzles 402 are externally threaded, the connection end 102 preferably has an internal thread which is complementary to the external thread on a corresponding discharge nozzle 402. However, the connection end 102 can bear other means for being removably mounted onto a discharge nozzle if desired, for example by using complementary flanges or groves to achieve a snap-on connection. The applicator nozzle 100 may be permanently fixed to the dispensing tube 400 in some applicators but this is considered rare in practice.

The applicator nozzle 100 also comprises a pair of stabilising surfaces 110, best seen in Figure 3, and which are respectively defined by one of two intersecting substantially perpendicular planes converging at the dispensing end 106 and intersecting in a plane longitudinally bisecting the connection end 102 and the dispensing end 106. The stabilising surfaces 110 are separate from the dispensing end 106. In particular, the stabilising surfaces are formed by two projections 130 which project outwardly from the neck 104 of the applicator nozzle 100. Each projection 130 is substantially L-shaped in cross-section so that the stabilising surfaces 110 are each substantially L-shaped.

Importantly, the stabilising surfaces 110 connect to the applicator nozzle 100 at a point separate from the dispensing end 106. More specifically, the projections 130 connect to the neck 104 of the applicator nozzle 100 at a position substantially half-way between the connection end 102 and the dispensing end 106. The skilled person would realise that the projections 130 could connect at another point or area on the applicator nozzle 100 separate from the dispensing end 106, right up to the connection end 102. Preferably, the projections connect to the applicator nozzle 100 at a position at least one third of the length of the applicator nozzle 100 from the dispensing end 106.

More specifically, the stabilising surfaces 110 comprise a first arm 112 and a second arm 114. The first arm 112 lies in the plane longitudinally bisecting the connection end 102 and the dispensing end 106 and the second arm 114 extends away perpendicularly from the first arm 112 in a respective one of the substantially perpendicular planes. Each of the first arm 112 and the second arm 114 are formed as a single projection extending from the neck 104 of the applicator nozzle 100 at a point substantially half-way between the connection end 102 and the dispensing end 106. The projection tapers outwardly from the neck 104 to the respective stabilising surface 110. Each of the first arm 112 and the second arm 114 have rounded outside edges and a curved portion joins the first arm 112 to the second arm 114.

The first arms 112 are spaced apart from each other to define a gap and the dispensing end 106 extends through this gap at a point approximately in line with the curved portions connecting the respective first arms 112 with the respective second arms 114.

In other words, the stabilising surfaces are designed to obtain maximum stability and minimal friction with surfaces in use.

Also, the projections 130 allow a user to easily grip the applicator nozzle 100.

The neck 104 of the applicator nozzle 100 is substantially cylindrical and has a shoulder adjacent and defining the dispensing end 106. This is more clearly seen from Figure 3.

The neck 104 has a diameter greater than the diameter of the dispensing end 106. The dispensing end 106 has a substantially triangular-shaped cross-section and the internal aperture 108 is also triangular-shaped in cross-section at a tip of the dispensing end.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the applicator nozzle 100 in use.

As can be seen, the applicator nozzle fits snugly in a corner 500 of two perpendicular surfaces 510. In use, the applicator nozzle is pushed along the corner of the two perpendicular surfaces to deposit a material, such as adhesive, sealant or caulking compound.

The stabilising surfaces 110 formed by first and second arms 112,114 ensure that a constant angle and height of the applicator head is maintained along the corner.

In use, a user is invited to grip the applicator nozzle 100 by the projections 130. This, combined with the separation of the stabilising surfaces 110 from the dispensing end 106 provides much improved stability, as the pivot point is shifted up the applicator nozzle 100.

The design of the first and second arms 112,114 allows for stable and smooth operation of the applicator nozzle 100, without disturbing the applied material, and with minimal frictional drag.

A second embodiment of the invention is now described with reference to Figures 5 to 8.

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an other applicator nozzle 300 connected to the discharge nozzle 402 of the dispensing tube 400, the dispensing tube 400 having been described with reference to the first embodiment.

An important difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment, is that the stabilising surfaces 210 of the second embodiment are detachable from the applicator nozzle 300. This is achieved by providing a detachable guide 200 which is connectable with the applicator nozzle 300 by a bayonet-style connection, in this example embodiment. Other methods and means of attaching the detachable guide 200 to an applicator nozzle 300 would also be apparent to the skilled person, such as a screw or push-fit mechanism.

The applicator nozzle 300 is similar to the applicator nozzle 100 of the first embodiment in that it has a connection end 302, neck 304, dispensing end 306, internal longitudinal aperture 308. However, the stabilising surfaces 210 are different and are provided on the detachable guide 200 and not the applicator nozzle 300 itself. Instead, the applicator nozzle 300 is provided with nipples 360 which form part of the bayonet-style connection.

The detachable guide 200 is provided with a connecting part 250. The connecting part 250 is in the form of a cylinder, which has an internal surface to match the applicator nozzle 300. In this example, the applicator nozzle 300 has a cylindrical outer surface at the neck 304 which then tapers towards the tip of the dispensing end 306. Therefore, the connecting part 250 has an internal surface which is substantially cylindrical. Two diametrically apposed L-shaped 252 slots are provided on the connecting part 250 to receive the corresponding nipples 360 on the applicator nozzle 300. In this way, by inserting the applicator nozzle into the connecting part 250 and then twisting the applicator nozzle 300 by 90 degrees, a full and secure connection is made. This operation can be reversed by twisting the applicator nozzle 300 back by 90 degrees. Of course, it is the relative movement which is important, and so the detachable guide 200 could be twisted instead.

Importantly, the stabilising surfaces 210 connect to the applicator nozzle 300, when the detachable guide 200 is attached, at a position separate from the dispensing end 306. More specifically, the connection part 250 connects to the neck 304 of the applicator nozzle 300, preferably at a position substantially half-way between the connection end 302 and the dispensing end 306. Of course, as mentioned in respect of the first embodiment, the detachable guide 200 could connect to the applicator nozzle 300 at a different position.

The connecting part 250 is joined to the stabilising surfaces 210 in this embodiment by a linking member 270. The linking member 270 has a first arm 271 best seen in Figure 5 nearest the dispensing end 306 in use, and a rear arm 272 furthest from the dispensing end 306 in use.

The stabilising surfaces 210 operate using the same principle as the first embodiment.

However, in this example, first arms 212 abut one another at a join 213 with the linking member 270, which is best seen in Figure 6. The join forms a ridge projecting toward the connecting part 250 and leaving a raised slot with an arcuate cross-section, again projecting toward the connecting part 250. A second arm 214 extends away from the first arm 212 at an end of the first arm 212 nearest the dispensing end 306 of the applicator nozzle 300, when attached. The second arm 214 extends outwardly from the first arm in a respective one of the substantially perpendicular planes which represent the substantially perpendicular surfaces 510 in use.

In this example embodiment, the second arm 214 extends perpendicularly from the first arm 212 until a first elbow 242 where the second arm 214 angles back toward an opposite end of the first arm 212. A third arm 240 is provided to connect the second arm 214 to the opposite end of the first arm 212 via a second elbow 244. An apex 246 marks the join of the first arm 212 with the third arm 240.

The rear arm 272 of the linking member 270 connects to the first arms 212 where the first arms 212 join together at a point furthest from the dispensing end 106 in use. The rear arm 272 extends towards the connecting part 250 at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from the first arms 212 to offer a user a thumb hold. The rear arm 272 then elbows toward the connecting part 250 to join the connecting part 250.

The applicator nozzle 300 and detachable guide 200 are used generally in the same way as the first embodiment of the invention, Of course, in the second embodiment the stabilising surfaces 210 are detachable from the nozzle 300, and the stabilising surfaces have a different construction.

In both the first and second embodiments, the angle of the first arms 112,212, relative to a longitudinal axis of the applicator nozzle 100,300 is approximately 45 degrees. The inventor envisages that a different angle may obtain the claimed invention. That is, an angle of approximately 25 degrees to 65 degrees. Any one angle within that range may be suitable.

The applicator nozzles 100,300 of the first and second embodiments, and the detachable guide 200 of the second embodiment are preferably made by injection moulding of a non-sticking or low-friction material, such as polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene. The stabilising surfaces 110,210 are also preferably made to be flexible so that when two surfaces 510 are not exactly perpendicular, the stabilising surfaces 110,210 flex to conform to those surfaces 510 and thereby still automatically allow good alignment of the aperture of the applicator nozzle with the seam between the surfaces 510.

In order to achieve good stability and low frictional forces between the perpendicular surfaces and the stabilising surfaces 110,210, the first arm 112,212 is at least half of the length of the applicator nozzle 100,300. Also, the second arm 114,214 is at least a third of the length of the applicator nozzle 100,300. In the examples shown, the first arms 112,212 are at least mm long and preferably 60 mm. The second arms 114,214 are at least 20 mm long and preferably 30mm. The applicator nozzle 100,300 is typically 90 mm long.

The skilled person would understand that a pair of stabilising surfaces could also cover a single surface. Arguably, the second embodiment discloses a single surface extending in two planes perpendicular to one another, and not two separate and distinct surfaces.

The two intercepting substantially perpendicular planes converging at the dispensing end of the applicator nozzle, which define the pair of stabilising surfaces, could be exactly perpendicular. Alternatively, they could be defined by an angle there between of plus or minus degrees, or plus or minus 10 degrees, or plus or minus 20 degrees.

Accordingly, an applicator nozzle is provided which has suitable stabilising surfaces which ensure a stable and consistent angle and height of the dispensing end relative to a seam between two substantially perpendicular surfaces. By separating the stabilising surfaces from the dispensing end there is less interference with a resulting bead of fluid material.

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

Claims 1. An applicator nozzle (100,300) for attachment to a discharge nozzle (402) of a dispensing tube (400), the applicator nozzle (100,300) comprising: a connection end (102,302) arranged to be removably mountable on a discharge nozzle (402) of a dispensing tube (400); a neck (104,304); and a dispensing end (106,306) joined to the connection end via the neck (104) and arranged to allow dispensing of the contents of the dispensing tube (400) in use via a longitudinal internal aperture (108,308); wherein the applicator nozzle (100,300) comprises: a pair of stabilising surfaces (110, 210) separate from the dispensing end (106,306) and respectively defined by one of two intercepting substantially perpendicular planes converging at the dispensing end (106,306) and intercepting in a plane longitudinally bisecting the connection end (102,302) and the dispensing end (106,306).
2. The applicator nozzle (100,300) of claim 1, wherein: each stabilising surface comprises a first arm (112,212) and a second arm (114,214).
3. The applicator nozzle (100,300) of claim 2, wherein: the first arm lies in the plane longitudinally bisecting the connection end (102,302) and the dispensing end (106,306) and the second arm (114,214) extends away from the first arm (112,212) in a respective one of the substantially perpendicular planes.
4. The applicator nozzle (100,300) of claim 3, wherein the first arm (112,212) is at least half of the length of the applicator nozzle (100,300).
5. The applicator nozzle (100,300) of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the second arm (114,214) is at least one third of the length of the applicator nozzle (100,300).
6. The applicator nozzle (300) of any of claims 2 to 5, wherein there is provided a third arm (240) joining the first arm (212) to the second arm (214), wherein the first arm (212) has a first elbow (242), and the second arm (214) has a second elbow (244) so that first and third arms (212,240) meet at an apex (246).
7. The applicator nozzle (300) of any preceding claim, wherein the stabilising surfaces (210) are detachable from the applicator nozzle (300).
8. The applicator nozzle (300) of claim 7, wherein a connecting part (250) is provided to connect the stabilising surfaces (210) to the applicator nozzle (300).
9. The applicator nozzle (300) of claim 8, wherein the connecting part (250) has an internal surface arranged to match the external surface of the applicator nozzle (300).
10. The applicator nozzle (300) of any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the applicator nozzle (300) and the connecting part (250) are arranged to be detachably connected using a bayonet fitting.
11. The applicator nozzle (300) of claim 10 wherein the applicator nozzle (300) comprises a pair of nipples (360), and the connecting part (250) has corresponding L-shaped slots (252) which are arranged to receive the nipples (360) in order to connect the stabilising surfaces (210) to the applicator nozzle (300).
12. The applicator nozzle (100) of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stabilising surfaces (110) are each formed by an L-shaped projection (130) from the neck (104) of the application nozzle (100).
13. The applicator nozzle (100) of claim 12, wherein the neck (104) is separated from the dispensing end (106) by a shoulder portion (120) of the applicator nozzle (100).
14. The applicator nozzle (100,300) of any preceding claim, wherein there is provided a triangular orifice where the internal aperture (108,308) meets the dispensing end (106,306).
15. A detachable guide (200) for connection to an applicator nozzle (300), the detachable guide comprising: a pair of stabilising surfaces (210) respectively defined by one of two intercepting substantially perpendicular planes; a connecting part (250) detachably mountable on an applicator nozzle (300).
16. The detachable guide (200) of claim 15, wherein the connecting part (250) is detachably mountable on an applicator nozzle (300) via a bayonet fitting.
17. The detachable guide (200) of claim 16, wherein the connecting part (250) comprises two L-shaped slots (252) arranged to receive nipples (360) on an applicator nozzle (300) in use.
18. An applicator nozzle (300) for attachment to a discharge nozzle (402) of a dispensing tube (400), the applicator nozzle (300) comprising: a connection end (302) arranged to be removably mountable on a discharge nozzle (402) of a dispensing tube (400); a neck (304); and a dispensing end (306) joined to the connection end via the neck (104) and arranged to allow dispensing of the contents of the dispensing tube (400) in use via a longitudinal internal aperture (308); wherein the applicator nozzle (300) comprises: a connection part (260) connectable in use to a detachable guide (200).
19. The applicator nozzle (300) of claim 18, wherein the connection part (265) is a pairof nipples.
20. A method comprising the steps of: detachably mounting a detachable guide (200) onto an applicator nozzle (300) of a dispensing tube (400).
21. The method of claim 18, wherein the detachably mounting step comprises rotating the detachable guide (200) relative to the applicator nozzle (300).
22. The method of claim 19, wherein the detachable guide (200) is rotated by 90 degrees relative to the applicator nozzle (300).
23. An applicator nozzle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures ito 4.
24. An applicator nozzle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 5 to 8.
A detachable guide substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures4to8.
26. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the Figures.