GB2483127A

GB2483127A - Lockable pliant nozzle for dispensing material from cartridge

Info

Publication number: GB2483127A
Application number: GB1104735.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Scott Moon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-25
Filing date: 2011-03-22
Publication date: 2012-02-29
Also published as: GB201104735D0; GB201014168D0; GB2483078A; WO2012025748A1

Abstract

A nozzle 10 for use with a cartridge and a hand held dispensing gun comprises a first end 20 as the inlet, a second end 30 as the outlet, and a connecting mid-section 40 that provides a continuous passageway between the two ends, wherein the connecting centre section is flexible, bendable or extendable. Ideally, the pliant connecting section 40 is of a concertina structure, and may be resilient and/or able to retain its position. Preferably, the first end 20 and the second end 30 can be locked relative to each other when the middle section 40 is contracted and straight. In this position, the nozzle is straight and rigid. Preferably, the first and second ends are provided with complementary engagement tabs 50 or screw threads so that relative rotation between them locks or unlocks the nozzle. When unlocked, the nozzle can be stretched, bent and/or flexed. The cartridge may contain mastic or silicone sealant or adhesive.

Description

IMPROVED NOZZLE ATTACHMENT AND METHOD OF DISPENSING

The present invention relates to an improved nozzle and in particular, although not exclusively, to an improved nozzle for attachment to a cartridge in order to dispense the cartridge's contents using a gun dispenser.

Gun dispensers that are used to dispense cartridges through an attached nozzle are well known. Typical cartridges contain silicone sealant or adhesives and are generally cylindrical.

Operators use the gun dispenser to dispense lines or beads of material by moving the nozzle whilst activating the trigger of the gun dispenser, for instance, when sealing between a tiled area and bathroom appliance. The trigger of the gun dispenser acts to advance a pusher, which contacts a moveable bottom of the cartridge to force material within the cartridge to be dispensed.

Known nozzles for attachment to the cartridge define a straight, cylindrical bore from one end of the nozzle to the other. One of the ends of the nozzle includes a threaded connection to screw the nozzle on to the cartridge. The other end is often taped and provided sealed. In use, the tapered end is cut at an appropriate position to define the required bead size. The gun dispenser acts on the moveable back of the cartridge to squeeze the material (e.g. silicone) though the nozzle so that it is dispensed from the cut end. Known nozzles are formed from a single piece of rigid plastic.

Known nozzle attachments can be hard to use when operating in reduced spaces, such as behind toilets or taps.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an improved nozzle that overcomes at least one of the above or other disadvantages. It is a further aim to provide a more versatile nozzle and method of dispensing a cartridge through the nozzle, that is able to be more easily used in reduced space environments.

According to the present invention there is provided a nozzle, a kit including the nozzle, and a method of dispensing material using the nozzle as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

The nozzle provided is particularly suitable for use with a cartridge and hand held dispensing gun. As with known nozzles, the nozzle has a first end for receiving material to be dispensed from the cartridge and a second end for dispensing said material. In other words, the nozzle has an entrance and an exit. The entrance and exit are connected by a passageway. The passageway is continual and provided through a mid-section that connects the first end to the second end. The nozzle is improved because the mid-section is arranged to be at least partially pliant. That is, the mid-section is arranged to be bent or flexed or extended. For example: in one exemplary embodiment, the pliant mid-section is a flexible tube; in another exemplary embodiment the pliant mid-section is a concertina tube; in another exemplary embodiment, the pliant mid-section is a rotatable or bendable joint; in another exemplary embodiment, the pliant mid-section is formed from at least two sections of telescopic tube; and in another embodiment, the pliant mid-section is a combination of a rotatable or bendable joint and at least two sections of telescopic tube. Advantageously, the pliant mid-section allows the second end to be extended and / or bend relative to the first end. The nozzle is also improved by including a means to lock first end relative to the second end. Here, the pliant mid-section is prevented from extending and/or bending.

The pliant mid-section may be resilient such that when the force acting on the pliant mid- 1 5 section is removed the pliant mid-section returns to its previous shape or configuration.

Alternatively, the pliant mid-section may include a memory such that it substantially retains its shape or configuration after the force acting on it has been removed. In an exemplary embodiment, the pliant mid-section is provided by a length of concertina tube. Here the concertina tube may be arranged or configured to have either a resilient nature or include a memory. However, whilst advantageous, the memory may not necessarily be sufficient to overcome the forces applied to the pliant mid-section by gravity.

A kit of parts is also provided where the kit of parts includes the nozzle and other parts and consumables that the nozzle may be sold or supplied in conjunction with.

According to an exemplary method, a method is provided for dispensing material through the nozzle. A hand held dispensing gun is used. The gun is activated in any known way to dispense material from a replaceable cartridge (although if necessary the gun and cartridge could be supplied as a one use item). Here the replaceable cartridge is received by the dispensing gun. The replaceable cartridge includes the nozzle either integral to the cartridge or attached in a removable way. The nozzle is moved between positions or configurations in order to reach or operate in a reduced space environment and material dispensed before and after. Advantageously, the method comprises operating a locking means to lock and unlock a pliant mid-section of the nozzle, wherein, in the unlocked arrangement, the pliant mid-section allows the second end to be extended and/or bent relative to the first end.

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: Figure 1 shows a partial cross-sectional side view through a nozzle in accordance with a first embodiment, where the nozzle is shown in a retracted position; Figure 2 shows a side view of the nozzle of Figure 1, where the nozzle is shown in a partially extended position; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the nozzle of Figures 1 and 2, where the nozzle is shown in an extended and manipulated position; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view through a nozzle in accordance with a second embodiment; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view through a nozzle in accordance with a third embodiment; Figure 6 is a perspective side view of the third embodiment in a locked arrangement, and Figure 7 is a perspective side view of the third embodiment in an unlocked arrangement.

Figure 8 is a perspective side view of a nozzle in accordance with a fourth embodiment shown in an unlocked and bent arrangement.

Referring to Figure 1, a nozzle 10 is shown. The nozzle 10, includes a first end 20 for receiving material to be dispensed through the nozzle. The first end 20 is arranged in use to receive material when the trigger of a dispensing gun is activated or by another means.

Preferably the nozzle is detachable from a cartridge. However, where required, the nozzle could equally be integral of permanently attached to the cartridge. It is though anticipated that, for commercial reasons, the nozzle will be adapted to detachably attach to a cartridge.

Consequently, in order to be interchangeable with existing nozzles, the first end 20 may include a female thread (not shown) for engaging a male thread of the cartridge. However, it will be appreciated that other attachment methods could equally be employed and as mentioned, these could be permanent or detachable. Also, whilst a generally circular first end is shown, the end could be any shape as required. What is important is that the first end 20 is suitable for receiving material to be dispensed and particularly for receiving materials to be dispersed by a hand-held dispensing gun. It is therefore anticipated that the first end may include any feature known from the art.

The nozzle includes a second end 30. The second end 30 is adapted to dispense the material. The second end 30 may include any feature known from the art. For instance, the second end 30 may include a tapered section. Hence, rather than as shown in Figure 1, walls of the tapered section may be a substantially constant thickness such that the tapered section can be cut with a knife or other implement to provide a varying diameter exit 31. Alternatively, the second end may be provided with an open exit 31. Whilst the second end and exit 31 is shown as being substantially circular, other shapes have been contemplated in order to accommodate the requirements of the user. A cap 32 may also be provided. Here it is preferable for the cap to provide an air-tight seal to the nozzle so as to prevent the contents of an opened cartridge from drying out when not in use. The air-tight seal may be achieved by an interference fit between the nozzle and cap. Additionally or alternatively, a rubber seal may be provided. Suitably, the rubber seal is provided on the inside of the cap.

Consequently, it will be appreciated that the first and second ends of the nozzle may be substantially the same or similar to the first and second ends of known nozzles.

However, rather than being rigidly connected, the first and second ends are connected via an at least partially pliable mid-section 40. It will be appreciated that the pliable mid-section provides a continuous and sealed passageway between the first and second ends.

Consequently, by bending or extending the mid-section 40, the first and second ends are able to move relative to each other. Thus, typically in use, because the first end 20 will be held in position by the operator holding and operating the trigger of the dispenser gun, the second end can be manipulated by the operators other hand. Consequently, the nozzle 10 is more versatile. This is because the first and second ends can be moved relative to each other which therefore change the shape and characteristics of the nozzle in order to suit varying requirements of each job.

Preferably, the pliable mid-section is able to bend. Here an entrance of the first end has a first axis and an exit of the second end has a second axis. In one arrangement the first and second axis may be coincident such that a straight passageway is formed between the entrance and exit such that the nozzle 10 resembles a known nozzle. However, by bending the pliant mid-section 40, to form an arc or other shape, the second axis of the second end can be arranged to move relative to the axis of the first end.

The pliant mid-section 40 may be resilient such that when the operator removes the force moving the second end to a different angle to the first end, the second end moves back to its original position. This is shown suitably as being coincident with the first end such that the nozzle replicates a known nozzle. Alternatively, the mid-section 40 may retain its position.

Hence, the material or structure of the pliant mid-section includes a memory so that it retains its shape until a further force is applied. Thus the operator can "set" the angle of the nozzle before dispensing material. This is advantageous as it removes the need for the operator to hold the second end. Both resilient and memory type materials and structures are known and readily available.

Dependant on the length of the pliant mid-section, one or more arcs may be formable. Also, it is preferable if the pliant mid-section enables the second axis of the second end to be moved through an angle of at least 45°. More preferably, the mid-section enables the second axis of the second end to be moved through an angle of at least 90 0 More preferably, the mid-section enables the second axis of the second end to be moved through an angle of at least 0 More preferably, the mid-section enables the second axis of the second end to be moved through an angle of at least 180 0 When forming an arc, the pliable mid-section is pliable meaning that the passageway remains open and, preferably, remains open a substantially consistent shape and size to the corresponding part of the passageway before bending.

Preferably the pliant mid-section is able to extend. This may be in addition to being able to bend. Again, the mid section may be resilient or have a memory. In the Figures, the mid-section is shown suitably as a concertinaed tube. Consequently, the passageway remains open as the second end is extended without significant thinning. Preferably the pliable mid-section may be able to extend to more than 25% or more than 50% or more than 75% or more than 100% of its contracted length.

Here, the concertinaed tube connects rigid first and second parts. The rigid first and second parts form the first and second ends.

Preferably the nozzle 10 includes means to lock the first and second ends in position relative to each other. As shown in Figure 1, this may be to lock the first and second ends in a substantially straight arrangement. Hence, the mid-section may be straight and contracted (where appropriate). Advantageously, this allows the nozzle to look and operate like a standard nozzle when the increased flexibility is not needed. The means to lock the first and second ends may be in addition to any memory in the pliant mid-section.

In the Figures, the first and second ends are shown as first and second parts. Suitably, these would be rigid. Here, the means to lock the first end respectively to the second end, locks the first and second parts. Suitably, as shown, the means may comprise a male and female portion of the first and second ends co-operating with each other. This is shown in the Figures as the first end 20 having a cylindrical end having a first diameter to which the mid-section is connected. The mid-section is shown connected to an end but it could be spaced from the end so that the mid-section extends over the outside or inside of the cylindrical end. The mid-section is connected to the second end on the inside of a bore. Thus the second part extends towards the first part from the connection between the second part and mid section. The diameter of the bore is sized so as to receive the cylindrical end of the first part. Thus, it will be appreciated that the first and second parts may then lock together by an interference push fit between the two parts. Alternatively or additionally a specific locking means 50 may be provided. The locking means 50 is shown as suitably comprising a protrusion on each part.

Here, the protrusions are arranged to co-operate or engage with each other in any known manner. One particularly suitable manner is to arrange the protrusions to pass each other in one relative rotation but to prevent axial movement when the two parts are rotated relative to each other. The rotation is enabled here by the pliancy of the pliant mid-section.

In one exemplary embodiment, the first and second ends are formed separately. This is advantageous as it reduces the manufacturing complexity. Also, it allows the pliant mid-section to be connected to the first and second ends. Here it is advantageous if at least one of the connections is such that the mid section and said end can rotate relative to each other.

This means that the second end can rotate freely relative to the first. This is opposed to an alternative embodiment where one or both of the connections between mid section, and ends are fixed such that any rotating of the second end is accommodated by a twisting in the mid section, which is not therefore considered to be free. However, in either embodiment the important advantage is that the second end is arranged to rotate relative to the first end. One such advantage is that where an angle has been put on the second end, the operator can rotate the angle to suite the reduced space environment. If rotation was not enabled, the user would have to rearrange the cartridge in the dispensing gun to get the correct angle.

Consequently, in use the nozzle 10 can be arranged to resemble a known nozzle. That is, the first and second ends can be arranged to be in line with each other such that a substantially straight passageway is provided. When necessary, for instance when extra reach is required because the operator is wishing to operate in a reduced space environment which prevents the nozzle from getting close enough (e.g. because the dispenser gun is prevented from moving closer by an object), and where the pliant mid section is extendable, the second end can be extended to allow the job to be completed more easily. Alternatively, where the pliable mid-section is bendable, and when necessary, for instance when sealing behind a unit where the dispensing gun is prevented from being held at a required angle because of interference with a wall or other unit, the nozzle can be bent in order to allow the job to be completed more easily.

The nozzle 10 is therefore more versatile and allows operators to more easily work in reduced space environments.

Referring to Figure 4, a further exemplary embodiment is shown. Here, a nozzle 10 includes a first end 20 and a second end 30. The first end and second end are substantially the same as herein described. That is, the first end and the second end may be substantially the same or similar to first and second ends of known nozzles.

The difference between the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4 and the previous exemplary embodiments is that a pliant mid-section 40 that connects the first and second ends is formed from a first section 42 rotatably connected to a second section 42. In this embodiment, the first section 42 is connected to the first end 20 and the second section 44 is connected to the second end 30. Because the first and second ends are connected by the rotatable joint, the first and second ends can be arranged at varying angles substantially in the same arrangement as the previous embodiments. However, the pliant mid-section being a rotatable joint is advantageous as it enables the operator to hold the first end steady by gripping it between the palm and fingers whilst simultaneously gripping the second end between the thumb and fore finger, for instance. Thus, the operator can use their other hand to operate the trigger of the dispenser.

Suitably, the pliant mid-section 40 being a rotatable joint is shown in Figure 4 as a ball and socket joint. Thus one of the sections, shown as the first section, forms a socket and the other section, shown as the second section, forms a cooperating ball. The ball includes an aperture 45, through which material can flow from one end to the other. Ball and socket joints are known and it will therefore be understood that the joint enables the first and second ends to be manipulated. A seal (not shown) may be provided between the ball and socket to prevent leakage. Alternatively, leakage may be prevented by a tight-fitting relationship between the ball and socket. Friction generated by a close-fitting nature of the ball and socket or ball and socket and intermediate seal, may be arranged to cause the joint to be resilient. That is, once arranged in a position, the ball and socket may maintain their relative position, particularly, say, to resist movement due to gravity acting on the second end. However, the force to bend the joint may be significantly higher such that the joint holds its shape during use of the nozzle and the forces it might reasonably expect to see.

Referring to Figures 5 to 7, a further exemplary embodiment is shown. Here, a nozzle 10 includes a first end 20 and a second end 30. The first end and second end are substantially the same as herein described. That is, the first end and the second end may be substantially the same or similar to first and second ends of known nozzles.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 7, a pliant mid-section 40 that connects first 20 and second 40 ends is also formed from a first section 42 that is rotatably connected to a second section 44. Here, the rotatable joint formed is substantially the same as previously described, however, one main difference is that the second section 44 is not connected fast to the second end 30. Rather, the second section 42 is formed separately to the second end 30.

Here, the second end 30 and second section 42 are arranged to telescopically extend and contract relative to each other.

Suitably, as shown in the figures, the second section 44 therefore has an elongate section 46 of substantially constant cross section. The cross section is shown as being circular as advantageously this allows the second section 44 and second end 30 to rotate relative to each other. However, other cross sections are possible as the rotation can be achieved in any event by the rotatable joint. In co-operation, the second end 30 also has an elongate section 32 of substantially constant cross section. It will be appreciated that the cross section mirrors the cross section of the elongate section 46 of the second section 44. Moreover, the two elongate sections 46, 32 are sized so as to be able to slide relative to each other. Fluid within the nozzle may be retained by a close fitting relationship of the two elongate sections or by the incorporation of a sealing member (not shown).

Advantageously, a stop (not shown) is provided to prevent the second end 30 and second section 44 from being pulled apart. For instance, one option is to provide on a distal end of the elongate section of the second end 30 an inwardly extending lip and an outwardly extending lip on the distal end of the elongate section 46. Here, the lips may include a chamfer to allow the two parts to be push fitted together (i.e. to allow the two lips to slide past each other in a contracting direction), but to form a substantially perpendicular abutment of faces relative to the extending direction when being pulled apart.

Advantageously, the nozzle 10 is provided with a locking means 50. The locking means 50 locks the rotatable joint to prevent movement. In Figure 6, the locking means 50 is shown locking the ball joint in a substantially straight arrangement. That is, the first end and second ends are arranged co-axially and therefore resemble a traditional nozzle.

Suitably, the locking means 50 is sown as a pin 52 that engages a slot 54. Importantly, the pin is able to be engaged with the slot to prevent the second end 30 from being extended relative to the second section 44. Here, a distal end 34 of the second end 30 forms a socket portion 56. The socket portion is sized to fit about the exposed ball of the rotatable joint. Thus an end face of the socket portion abuts an end face of the socket of the first section 42. Whilst it is shown as a continual abutment between the faces, it will be appreciated that the socket portion may engage the socket at a number of radially spaced, discrete positions sufficient to prevent rotation. Thus it will be further appreciated that when the locking means 50 comprises a socket portion on the second end, and two co-operating features for preventing extension of the second end and second section, the rotatable joint is able to be locked.

As shown in Figure 7, when the two co-operating features are arranged not to prevent extension, moving the second end away from engagement with the socket on the first end, enables the rotatable joint to be re-arranged and an angle between the first and second ends formed. Moreover, the second end may be freely extendable by sliding relative to the second section or additional locks may be provided to lock the second end to the second section of various extended intervals.

Referring back to Figures 6 and 7, the two co-operating features are shown suitably as a pin 52 that extends from the second section and a slot 54 formed in the second end. The slot 34 has an elbow. Thus the pin and slot can be initially engaged by contacting the second end towards the rotatable joint. Relative rotation of the second end and second section causes the pin to enter the leg formed by the elbow and therefore prevent extension. However, other suitable co-operation features may be provided. For instance, the second end may include one feature and the first end another. For example, the distal faces of the socket portion and socket may have co-operating screw threads or other features to provide the prevention of the second end extending.

Figure 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment, substantially in accordance with that described in relation to Figure 5 to 7. However, here the two co-operating features that prevent extension of the second end are a protrusion and channel. Here the protrusion is formed on the second end and faces inwardly. The channel is formed on the mid section and includes an elbow. The channel does not penetrate through the mid section, so that fluid integrity is maintained. The channel is elongate but does not extend to the end of the mid-section. Consequently, the protrusion remains in the channel at all times. Thus, as the second end is extended, it is not able to rotate relative to the channel. It will be appreciated that the protrusion and channel lock by rotating the second end so that the protrusion passes the elbow and enters a portion of the channel that extends transverse the longitudinal direction. Moreover, in this exemplary embodiment, an additional stop preventing the second end from being pulled from the mid-section is not necessary. Rather, abutment between the protrusion and an end of the channel prevent the second end moving past a predetermined extension.

Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A nozzle for use with a cartridge and hand held dispensing gun, the nozzle comprising: a first end for receiving material to be dispensed from the cartridge; a second end for dispensing said material; and a mid-section that connects the first end to the second end and provides a continual passageway through the nozzle, wherein the mid-section is at least partially pliant; characterised in that: the nozzle includes means to lock the first end relative to the second end.
2. The nozzle of Claim 1, wherein the mid-section is able to bend.
3. The nozzle of either Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the mid-section is able to extend.
4. The nozzle of any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the pliant mid-section is resilient.
5. The nozzle of any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the pliant mid-section includes a memory.
6. The nozzle of any preceding Claim, wherein the pliant mid-section is formed from a concertinaed tube.
7. The nozzle of Claim 6, wherein the means to lock the first end relative to the second end causes the pliant mid-section to be rigid.
8. The nozzle of either Claim 6 or Claim 7 when dependant on Claim 2, wherein the means to lock the first end relative to the second end, acts to lock the two parts when the pliant mid-section is substantially straight.
9. The nozzle of either Claim 6 or Claim 7 when dependant on Claim 3, wherein the means to lock the first end relative to the second end, acts to lock the two parts when the pliant mid-section is substantially contracted.
10. The nozzle of any of Claims 6 to 9, wherein the first end is formed from a first part and the second end is formed from a second part and the means to lock the first end relative to the second end comprises a male feature of one of the parts that cooperates with a female feature on the other of the parts.
11. The nozzle of Claim 10, wherein the male feature comprises a distal end of one of the parts and the female feature comprises a socket that receives the distal end.
12. The nozzle of Claim 11, wherein each part includes a protrusion and engagement of the protrusions on each respective part prevents the two parts form moving axially relative to each other.
13. A kit of parts, wherein the kit of parts includes the nozzle of any of Claims 1 to 12 and either a handheld dispensing gun or a cartridge for use with a hand held dispensing gun or both a hand held dispensing gun and a cartridge for use with the same.
14. A method of dispensing material from a hand held dispensing gun, the method comprising: fitting a cartridge to the dispensing gun wherein the cartridge includes the nozzle of any of Claims ito 12; arranging the nozzle in a first arrangement and operating the dispensing gun to dispense material through the nozzle; manipulating the nozzle to cause the pliant mid-section to form a second arrangement and operating the dispensing gun to dispense material through the nozzle.
15. A nozzle, kit of parts including the nozzle or method of dispensing material using the nozzle substantially as herein described and with reference to the Figures.