GB2524564A

GB2524564A - An applicator nozzle

Info

Publication number: GB2524564A
Application number: GB1405544.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Proud; Mohamed Hanif Khan
Original assignee: BIRMINGHAM INNOVATIONS Ltd
Current assignee: BIRMINGHAM INNOVATIONS Ltd
Priority date: 2014-03-27
Filing date: 2014-03-27
Publication date: 2015-09-30
Also published as: GB201405544D0

Abstract

An applicator nozzle 1 delivers and shapes a viscous liquid, such as a sealant or adhesive, dispensed from a cartridge (2, Figure 8). A channel 14 in a head 12 receives viscous liquid to be dispensed through an aperture 15 and shaped by an operative part 17. A pair of wings 16 have angled side edges 19 extending away from operative part 17, typically tapering towards operative part 17, and side walls at defining a removal volume partially open towards a rear of wings 16, allowing viscous liquid moving over wings 16 to leave the removal volume at the rear, for example through openings 116, which may avoid a build-up of excess liquid on head 12. A flexible neck (22, Figure 8), comprising at least two joints (22a, Figure 8), may connect nozzle 1 to the cartridge. Head 12 may be integral with a tubular shaft 13. Use of nozzle 1 may avoid dispensing of undesired liquid.

Description

Title: An Applicator Nozzle Descriijtion of Invention Embodiments of the present invention relate to an applicator nozzle, applicator nozzle and cartridge, and a kit including an applicator nozzle. The applicator nozzle may be used in the dispensing of a viscous liquid (such as a sealant or adhesive) from a cartridge.

Conventionally, sealants and adhesives may be supplied in a tubular cartridge.

The cartridge includes a piston which can be driven down a length of the cartridge to force the sealant or adhesive out of the cartridge through an aperture defined in an end of the cartridge.

It is also conventional to provide a nozzle -typically a conical or frusto-conical hollow member -which may be secured with respect to the aperture defined on the end of the cartridge. The nozzle allows the user to direct the flow of sealant or adhesive.

Particularly in relation to cartridges of this type which contain a sealant, the sealant is often delivered by the user to an interface between two surfaces, to seal the joint between the two surfaces. It may then be necessary to shape the sealant not only for aesthetic reasons but also to ensure the seal is complete.

Historically, a separate smoothing tool was provided for use after a bead of sealant has been delivered from the cartridge. However, this then requires the user to go back over the bead (after it has been deposited) with the smoothing tool, which takes time.

Furthermore, the use of a separate smoothing tool may result in a greater quantity of wasted sealant or a poor seal -as there is no immediate feedback during the delivery of the bead on whether or not it is of an appropriate size.

Advances such as described in W02012/1 50471 help to solve some of these issues. The document discloses a two-part applicator tool which comprises a nozzle (configured to be secured to the cartridge) and an applicator head to smooth the bead of sealant delivered from the nozzle. However, the applicator tool disclosed in W02012/150471 suffers from several additional problems.

For example, the two part form of the nozzle and applicator head is expensive and excessively complex to manufacture. The nozzle, which is keyed or threaded, is prone to collecting unwanted quantities of sealant during use -making the applicator head difficult to fit to the nozzle during later uses.

The applicator head of W02012/150471 collects relatively large amounts of sealant during use -such that the head becomes clogged with sealant easily and is difficult to clean after use. The bulky form of the applicator head is also difficult to use in tight spaces or for delicate work.

Embodiments of the present invention, therefore, seek to ameliorate one or

more problems associated with the prior art.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides an applicator nozzle for delivering a viscous liquid dispensed from a cartridge and for shaping that viscous liquid, comprising: a head portion including a channel member, an operative part, and a pair of wing portions, wherein: the channel member defines a dispensing aperture, the channel member being configured to receive viscous liquid from the cartridge and to dispense the viscous liquid through the dispensing aperture; the operative part is configured to shape viscous liquid dispensed through the dispensing aperture; and the pair of wing portions have angled side edges extending away from the operative part and carrying respective side walls at least partially defining a removal volume, wherein the removal volume is at least partially open towards a rear of the wing portions such that viscous liquid moving over the wing portions can leave the removal volume at the rear thereof.

The applicator nozzle may further comprise a connection portion and a tubular shaft portion, wherein the connection portion is configured to be connected to a connecting element of the cartridge and the connection portion is coupled to the head portion by the tubular shaft portion.

The applicator nozzle may further comprise a connection portion and a tubular shaft portion, wherein the connection portion is configured to be connected to a flexible connecting member and the connection portion is coupled to the head portion by the tubular shaft portion.

The flexible connecting member may include at least two flexible joints.

The connection portion, tubular shaft portion, and head portion may be integrally formed.

The side walls may taper towards the operative portion.

The head portion may further include a base and the side walls extend substantially perpendicular to the base.

The base may have a first side at least partially defining the removal volume and a second side which is substantially flat.

The head portion may further include rear walls defining release cut-outs.

The wing portions may taper towards the operative portion.

Another aspect provides an applicator nozzle and cartridge, wherein the applicator nozzle is as above and the cartridge may store a volume of viscous liquid.

Another aspect provides a kit comprising applicator nozzle as above and flexible connecting member.

Embodiments of the invention are described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a cartridge and applicator nozzle; Figures 2 to 7 show an applicator nozzle; and Figure 8 shows an applicator nozzle, flexible connecting member, and cartridge.

With reference to figures 1 to 8, embodiments of the present invention include an applicator nozzle 1 for a cartridge 2 containing a viscous liquid such as a sealant or adhesive.

The cartridge 2 may have a tubular form with an outer wall 21 at least partially defining a volume for holding the viscous liquid and also housing a piston. The piston may be driven from a second end of the cartridge 2 towards a first end of the cartridge 2 to reduce the volume holding the viscous liquid. The cartridge 2 (e.g. the outer wall 21) defines a liquid delivery aperture 23 through which a viscous liquid, forced from the volume by movement of the piston, may pass.

The cartridge 2, in some embodiments, includes a connection element 24 at or adjacent the liquid delivery aperture 23. In some embodiments, the connection element 24 defines the liquid delivery aperture 23. The connection element 24 is configured for coupling to the applicator nozzle 1. As such, the connection element 24 may comprise a threaded protrusion (e.g. a threaded male element) wherein the applicator nozzle 1 has a connection portion 11 with a correspondingly threaded surface (e.g. a threaded female portion) such that the connection element 24 and connection portion 11 may be engaged (to secure the applicator nozzle 1 to the cartridge 2). In some embodiments the applicator nozzle 1 may be secured to the cartridge 2 by an interference fit or bayonet arrangement.

The applicator nozzle 1 has the connection portion 11 at a first end and a head portion 12 at a second end (the two ends opposing each other across a length of the applicator nozzle 1).

A tubular shaft portion 13 extends from the connection portion 11 to the head portion 12. The connection portion 11 defines a first passageway for the flow of viscous liquid (this first passageway being configured to receive viscous liquid from the cartridge 2 when the connection portion 11 engages the connection element 24 and the viscous liquid is delivered through the delivery aperture 23).

The tubular shaft portion 13 defines a second passageway which is configured to receive the viscous liquid from the first passageway of the connection portion 11. The tubular shaft portion 13 may be tapered such that a diameter thereof is larger towards the connection portion 11 and smaller towards the head portion 12. In some embodiments, the second passageway may be tapered such that a diameter thereof is larger towards the connection portion 11 and smaller towards the head portion 12.

The head portion 12 includes a channel member 14. The channel member 14 defines a third passageway which is configured to receive the viscous liquid from the second passageway and deliver the viscous liquid to a dispensing aperture 15 defined by the channel member 14 (at an end thereof remote from the tubular shaft portion 13). The channel member 14 may be tapered such that a diameter thereof is larger towards the tubular shaft portion 13 and smaller towards the dispensing aperture 15. In some embodiments, the third passageway may be tapered such that a diameter thereof is larger towards the tubular shaft portion 13 and smaller towards the dispensing aperture 15 The head portion 12 also includes a pair of wing members 16. Each wing member 16 extends outwardly from the channel member 14. In embodiments, the two wing members 16 extend substantially radially outward from the channel member 14 in generally opposing directions. The wing members 16 may however be offset from a central longitudinal axis of the channel member 14.

The wing members 16 may define a roughly triangular or arcuate base of the head portion 12. The channel member 14 may be substantially to a first side of the base of the head portion 12.

The wing members 16 may define a base of the head portion 12 which is widest closest to the tubular shaft portion 13 and which tapers towards the dispensing aperture 15 such that the narrowest part of the base is at or adjacent the dispensing aperture 15.

The part of the wing members 16 (and/or base) adjacent or at the dispensing aperture 15 defines an operative part 17 of the head portion 12 and, therefore, of the applicator nozzle 1.

The operative part 17, as will become apparent, is configured to shape or otherwise direct viscous liquid dispensed through the dispensing aperture 15.

The end of the channel member 14 defining the dispensing aperture 15 may be spaced apart from a distal end of the operative part 17 such that viscous liquid dispensed through the dispensing aperture 15 can travel over at least a portion of the operative part 17.

The spacing of the end of the channel member 14 from the distal end of the operative part 17 may also serve to permit the operative part 17 to flex with respect to the channel member 14.

The wing members 16 define respective angled edges 18 which extend from the operative part 17 towards proximal edges of the head portion 12 (i.e. towards the tubular shaft portion 13).

Each of the angled edges 18 carries a respective side wall 19 (i.e. a part of a perimeter wall of the head portion 12). Each side wall 19 extends roughly perpendicular to the base of the head portion 12. In embodiments, the channel member 14 and side walls 19 extend to the first side of the base of the head portion 12.

Each side wall 19 has a height above the base which increases towards the proximal edge of the head portion 12 (i.e. which tapers towards the operative part 17). Each side wall 19 is coupled to a respective rear wall 111 of the head portion 12. Each rear wall 111 extends along, in some embodiments, a part of the proximal edge of the head portion 12 (i.e. a rear edge of the head portion 12). In embodiments each rear wall 111 is located to a respective side of the channel member 14 (and extends to the first side of the base of the head portion 12).

In some embodiments, the rear walls 111 are linked by a raised wall 112 which extends around a part of the circumference of the channel member 14 between the two rear walls 111. The raised wall 112 may have an outer surface which generally follows a part of the outer circumference of the channel member 14 but which may be spaced apart therefrom. A maximum height of the raised wall 112 with respect to the base may be substantially equal to a maximum height of the side walls 19 and/or the rear walls 111.

The rear walls 111 each define a respective release cut-out 113. The release cut-outs 113 are located either side of the channel member 14. The release cut-outs 113 are configured to allow the passage of excess viscous liquid, which moves across the base of the head portion 12 from towards the operative part 17 to towards the proximal edge. This configuration helps to prevent excessive build-up of viscous liquid on a head portion 12 and eases the cleaning of the head portion 12.

As will be appreciated viscous liquid which is removed by a smoothing action of the head portion 12 during use, is directed away from the angled edges 18 of the base of the head portion 12 by the side walls 19. Thus, the excess viscous liquid is directed away from the surfaces to which the viscous liquid is being applied. However, the release cut-outs 113 mean that this viscous liquid -now safely away from unintended deposits -does not become trapped in the head portion 12 and can be easily removed (i.e. cleaned) therefrom.

The head portion 12 (and hence the applicator nozzle 1) has the first side discussed above and a second side. The first side is such that a volume at least partially defined by the head portion 12 is open -the open top of the head portion 12. The second side is the side on which a back of the base is located -the closed bottom of the head portion 12.

The side walls 19 and base of the head portion 12 at least partially define a removal volume which is configured to receive excess viscous liquid which is removed from the bead by the operative portion 18. The removal volume may also be at least partially defined by the channel member 14. The rear walls 111 may also at least partially define the removal volume. The or each cut-out 113 is configured to allow viscous fluid to pass out of the removal volume remote from the operative portion 18.

The back of the base of the head 12 may be a generally uniform surface (although it may carry embossed or engraved branding, for example). In some embodiments the back of the base is generally flat or may have a slight curve.

The generally flat or slightly curved form of the back of the base helps to ensure that the head portion 12 is relatively shallow.

In some embodiments the height, from the base of the head portion 12, of the side walls 19 is approximately 0.5 to 3 times the diameter of the dispensing aperture 15. This ratio of size of the side walls 19 to the dispensing aperture has been found to be surprisingly effective at inhibiting an undesired flow of the dispensed viscous liquid whilst not allowing excessive build-up of viscous liquid on the head portion 12 during use.

In use, the applicator nozzle 1 is secured to a cartridge 2. Viscous liquid which leaves the liquid delivery aperture 23 passes through the first, second, and third passageways (these all being in fluid communication with each other) to the dispensing aperture 15.

The viscous liquid passes out of the dispensing aperture 15, over a surface of the operative part 17 and to the surfaces onto which the viscous liquid is to be deposited.

With the open top of the head portion 12 facing the direction of travel, the applicator nozzle 1 may be moved across the surfaces to which the viscous liquid is to be applied, with the operative part 17 generally at an interface #9or joint) between the two surfaces and each wing member 16 adjacent a respective one of those surfaces. The viscous liquid is, as such, smoothed by the head portion 12 of the applicator nozzle 1.

The integrated nature of the applicator nozzle 1 of the embodiments resolves the significant problems associated with the two-part devices of the prior art.

Embodiments include the applicator nozzle 1, an applicator nozzle 1 and cartridge 2, and a kit of parts including a plurality of applicator heads and nozzles. Embodiments also include a method of use of the aforementioned.

In some embodiments (see figure 8), the connecting portion 11 is configured to engage the connecting element 24 of the cartridge 2 indirectly. Accordingly, in embodiments, there may be a separate connecting member 22 which provides an interface between the connecting element 24 and connecting portion 11.

The connecting member 22 may, in some embodiments comprise a plurality of sub-members 22a, wherein each sub-member 22a is moveable with respect to at least one of the sub-member 22a with which it is engaged, such that a flexible connecting member 22 is provided. For example, each sub-member 22a may comprise a frusto-spherical male part and a frusto-spherical female part -the male part being engageable with the female part of an identical sub-member. As such, the connecting part 11 may comprise a frusto-spherical female part (i.e. socket). A first sub-member 22b of the connecting member 22 may include an arrangement for connection to the connection element 24 of the cartridge 2. The connecting member 22 may, therefore, define a preliminary passageway which is connectable in liquid communication with the first passageway (and viscous liquid can pass along the preliminary passageway to the first passageway from the liquid delivery aperture 23).

As will be appreciated, therefore, embodiments of the present invention include a flexible connecting member and applicator nozzle 1, wherein the applicator nozzle 1 is carried by the flexible connecting member (the flexible connecting member may include at least two flexible joints). This combination is particularly advantageous because the use of a smoothing tool and flexible shaft had previously not been thought possible. Indeed, embodiments take this one step further and provide not only a smoothing tool (i.e. the head portion 12) but an entire applicator nozzle 1 which is connectable to a flexible shaft (in the form of the connection member).

As will be appreciated, references to smoothing' and the like herein are references to the shaping or moving (which may or may not include the removal of a substantive amount of material, such as viscous liquid).

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An applicator nozzle for delivering a viscous liquid dispensed from a cartridge and for shaping that viscous liquid, comprising: a head portion including a channel member, an operative part, and a pair of wing portions, wherein: the channel member defines a dispensing aperture, the channel member being configured to receive viscous liquid from the cartridge and to dispense the viscous liquid through the dispensing aperture; the operative part is configured to shape viscous liquid dispensed through the dispensing aperture; and the pair of wing portions have angled side edges extending away from the operative part and carrying respective side walls at least partially defining a removal volume, wherein the removal volume is at least partially open towards a rear of the wing portions such that viscous liquid moving over the wing portions can leave the removal volume at the rear thereof.
2. An applicator nozzle according to claim 1, further comprising a connection portion and a tubular shaft portion, wherein the connection portion is configured to be connected to a connecting element of the cartridge and the connection portion is coupled to the head portion by the tubular shaft portion.
3. An applicator nozzle according to claim 1, further comprising a connection portion and a tubular shaft portion, wherein the connection portion is configured to be connected to a flexible connecting member and the connection portion is coupled to the head portion by the tubular shaft portion.
4. An applicator nozzle according to claim 3, wherein the flexible connecting member includes at least two flexible joints.
5. An applicator nozzle according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the connection portion, tubular shaft portion, and head portion are integrally formed.
6. An applicator nozzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the side walls taper towards the operative portion.
7. An applicator nozzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the head portion further includes a base and the side walls extend substantially perpendicular to the base.
8. An applicator nozzle according to claim 7, wherein the base has a first side at least partially defining the removal volume and a second side which is substantially flat.
9. An applicator nozzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the head portion further includes rear walls defining release cut-outs.
10. An applicator nozzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the wing portions taper towards the operative portion.
11. An applicator nozzle and cartridge, wherein the applicator nozzle is in accordance with any preceding claim and the cartridge stores a volume of viscous liquid.
12. A kit comprising applicator nozzle according to any of claims 1 to 10 and flexible connecting member.
13. An applicator nozzle substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
14. An applicator nozzle and cartridge substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
15. A kit substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
16. Any novel feature or novel combination of features disclosed herein.