GB2552164A

GB2552164A - A dispenser for leak detection fluid

Info

Publication number: GB2552164A
Application number: GB1611999.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Pullinger Mark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-07-11
Filing date: 2016-07-11
Publication date: 2018-01-17
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-11
Also published as: GB2552164B; GB201611999D0

Abstract

A dispenser for leak detection fluid (LDF) comprising: a housing 10 comprising a tubular reservoir 12, an outlet valve 24 between the interior and exterior of the reservoir, the outlet valve adapted to be opened by applying pressure to a compressible portion 36 of the wall of the reservoir, thereby allowing LDF to exit the reservoir, a cap 22, the cap being attachable to the housing such that the cap defines a flow channel between the outlet valve and an outlet at the end of the cap, a non-return inlet valve 26 between the exterior and the interior of the reservoir, the inlet valve allowing filling of the reservoir while retaining LDF within the reservoir.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Mark Pullinger

Lodsworth, Farnborough, Hants, GU14 ORT, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Mark Pullinger

(51) INT CL:
A45D 34/00 (2006.01) A46B 11/00 (2006.01)	A45D 34/04 (2006.01)
(56) Documents Cited: WO 2013/069840 A1	WO 2008/000480 A2
DE 019727485A1	US 5259682 A
US 20060140708 A1	US 20050184102 A1
(58) Field of Search: INT CLA45D, A47B, B05C Other: WPI & EPODOC

(74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

ipconsult

21A Commercial Road, SWANAGE, Dorset, BH19 1DF, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: A dispenser for leak detection fluid

Abstract Title: A dispenser/applicator for gas leak detection fluid (57) A dispenser for leak detection fluid (LDF) comprising: a housing 10 comprising a tubular reservoir 12, an outlet valve 24 between the interior and exterior of the reservoir, the outlet valve adapted to be opened by applying pressure to a compressible portion 36 of the wall of the reservoir, thereby allowing LDF to exit the reservoir, a cap 22, the cap being attachable to the housing such that the cap defines a flow channel between the outlet valve and an outlet at the end of the cap, a non-return inlet valve 26 between the exterior and the interior of the reservoir, the inlet valve allowing filling of the reservoir while retaining LDF within the reservoir.

1/2

2/2

Figure 2

A dispenser for leak detection fluid

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to dispensers for liquids, in particular to a dispenser for leak detection fluid; more particularly but not exclusively a dispenser for use in detecting leaks in pipe fittings.

Background

Following work on gas pipework or appliances it is necessary to test for leaks by applying leak detection fluid (LDF), which is a liquid containing detergent, to the joints in the pipework. Leaks are shown by bubbles formed in the liquid film on the joint. Presently LDF is applied by a brush dipped in a pot of LDF, which leads to spills, unnecessarily large amounts of LDF being applied that then need to be wiped up, and contamination of unused LDF by debris from the brush when it is placed back into the pot. There is a need for a dispenser to store and apply LDF in more controlled quantities.

Prior Art

No dispensers specifically adapted for use in gas leak detection are known. Prior art dispensers for other liquids, such as inks, paints and cosmetics are not suitable for the present purpose, as shown by the following examples.

US20130243514 discloses a precision liquid applicator for dispensing an applicator liquid from a container onto a surface. The precision liquid applicator comprises a closure defining a terminal orifice and a valve seat. A valve comprises a precision applicator tip extending through the terminal orifice and comprises a valve seal for sealing with the valve seat. A depression of the precision applicator tip onto the surface displaces the valve seal from the sealing surface for providing an annular passageway between the precision applicator tip and the terminal orifice to enable the flow of the applicator liquid onto the surface.

A valve stop cooperates with a stop wall for limiting movement of the valve to control a cross-sectional area of the passageway between the precision applicator tip and the terminal orifice and for ensuring the precision applicator tip extends beyond the second end of the closure. The precision liquid applicator is suitable for applying paint into a scratch within a painted surface without excessive application of paint outside of the scratch.

W0200216146 discloses a pen-shaped applicator for applying liquids, comprising a liquid reservoir, an applicating tip for controlling the application of liquid, a liquid conductor between the applicating tip and the liquid reservoir, and a valve arrangement between the liquid reservoir and the applicating tip for controlling the transportation of the liquid to the applicating tip. A spring coiled around a block is used as a control element in the valve arrangement and can be placed between an open and a closed position when the applicating tip is actuated whereby the spring coils move apart from each other in the open position and lie tightly close to each other in the closed position.

The above two devices are typical of a range of dispensers that apply liquid when the nozzle is pressed in, which is not a suitable operational mode for dispensing LDF, in which liquid needs to flow and spread from the outlet of the dispenser to cover the area of the joint.

US20120128402 discloses a click pen applicator device that provides predetermined dosing of the formulation for precise application, and rapidly primes the formulation using the dosing click mechanism to prepare the applicator for use.

This is a complex design suitable for dispensing small amounts of liquid in a precision fashion, but not for dispensing a variable amount of LDF around a joint.

EP2478863 discloses: an applicator that has a handle present at an end of the applicator for pressing a container in a cavity. A cylindrical displacing piston remains at a same position relative to a line during insertion of side walls of the container in the cavity such that a dental fluid is compressed from interior of the container by the line. A drive mechanism expels the fluid from the container for slashing or driving a film with a pin. The container is opened using force with which the fluid is discharged. The container is coated using polymer i.e. parylene.

This device is suitable for dispensing a variable amount of liquid, but is designed for dispensing using two hands to guide precision location of the dispensed liquid, which is a disadvantage for use in leak detection.

In contrast the present invention provides a simple dispenser for variable amounts of LDF, which may be operated by one hand, for example while the other hand is free to hold a light to observe leaks.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a dispenser for leak detection fluid (LDF) comprising: a housing comprising a tubular reservoir, an outlet valve between the interior and exterior of the reservoir, the outlet valve adapted to be opened by applying pressure to a compressible portion of the wall of the reservoir, thereby allowing LDF to exit the reservoir, a cap, the cap being attachable to the housing such that the cap defines a flow channel between the outlet valve and an outlet at the end of the cap, a non-return inlet valve between the exterior and the interior of the reservoir, the inlet valve allowing filling of the reservoir while retaining LDF within the reservoir.

In preferred embodiments the outlet valve is at a first end of the tubular housing and the inlet valve is at an opposing second end of the tubular housing.

In some embodiments the cap comprises a plurality of bristles disposed adjacent to the outlet.

The cap may be replaceably attachable to the housing.

The dispenser may comprise a plurality of different caps attachable to the housing, each cap defining a flow channel between the outlet valve and an outlet at the end of the cap when the cap is attached to the housing. The dispenser may be provided with a variety of differently shaped caps for different purpose. For examples the cap or caps may be or include: a cap where LDF exiting the outlet valve passes through a nozzle, a cap where LDF exiting the outlet valve passes through a nib, a cap where LDF exiting the valve is delivered to a plurality of bristles, a cap where LDF exiting the valve is delivered to a sponge, or a cap where the flow passage passes through flexible tubular extension, thereby allowing the LDF to be dispensed remotely from the housing.

In this way the dispenser may provide a portable means of detecting leaks in pipes or similar or punctures in inflatable objects such as tyres airbeds or similar.

In some embodiments the dispenser comprises a quantity of LDF within the reservoir.

In some embodiments the compressible portion of the reservoir wall comprises one or more locations adapted to be compressed in use. For example the compressible portion may comprise one or more regions of the wall of the reservoir where the wall is thinner than in other regions. The said thinned region may project from the profile of the adjacent portions of the wall, for example the thinner regions may be convex domes which project from the reservoir wall.

A pair of compressible regions may be provided on opposite sides of the reservoir. The compressible regions of the reservoir wall may be formed of a different material than the remainder of the reservoir wall, for example the compressible portions may be formed from a viscoelastic material such as an elastomer, and the remainder of the reservoir wall may be formed of a rigid material such as a metal or rigid plastic.

In preferred embodiments the compressible portion of the wall comprises two compressible portions on opposite sides of the reservoir.

In some embodiments the compressible portion of the tubular reservoir wall is located adjacent to or comprises the outlet valve. Alternatively, or additionally the compressible portion of the tubular reservoir wall may by connected to the cap when it is attached to the housing. For example, screw threading may be formed on the compressible portions of the reservoir wall onto which the cap may be screwed. This may enable LDF to be dispensed by pressing the outlet of cap against a surface

The inlet valve may comprise an inlet port on the exterior of the reservoir and an outlet opening into the interior of the reservoir. The dispenser may be provided with a filling adapter dimensioned to link the neck of a container for LDF to the inlet valve.

In this way the reservoir may be filled with LDF through the inlet valve, by means of pressure from the supply container of LDF, optionally using a filling adapter; LDF is then retained within the reservoir by the inlet and outlet valves until it is needed. It may then be dispensed through the outlet in the cap by applying pressure to the compressible portion(s) of the reservoir. The cap may comprise bristles in order to allow the LDF to be applied in a thin uniform layer to the region to be tested. The cap may be replaceable, to allow (i) a new cap to be used if the present one becomes contaminated with residue from the LDF or from sealant material from the seal to be tested or (ii) a different cap to be used to allow LDF to be applied in a different way, for example a nozzle to apply a larger quantity of LDF or an extension to allow LDF to be applied at a hard to reach locations.

The outlet valve may be any valve suitable to retain liquid against a pressure difference of 1 atmosphere or less. For example, the valve may be a flap valve; a slit valve, such as a double slit valve comprising intersecting first and second slits at right angles to each other, a duckbill valve, or a sprung valve comprising a seal held closed by a spring.

The inlet valve may be any valve suitable to retain liquid against a pressure difference of 1 atmosphere or less, such as a flap valve or a duckbill valve. In use, the inlet valve may allow air into the reservoir when LDF has been expelled.

The housing may be entirely or partially transparent, allowing the contents of the reservoir to be seen.

The dispenser may comprise an outer casing and an inner reservoir component within the housing. The outer casing and inner reservoir may both by tubular and may both be cylindrical. The inner reservoir component may be compressible or may have compressible portions. The outer housing may comprise a rigid material and an opening or openings to allow a user to access the compressible portion of the wall of the reservoir, such as the compressible portions of the inner reservoir component.

In some embodiments the entirety of the reservoir wall may be formed from a flexible material, and the compressible portion of the wall of the reservoir may be the regions of the wall of the reservoir which are accessible through apertures in the outer casing.

The cap may be adapted to attach to the outer casing. In some embodiments the cap may enclose an end of the housing such that the cap surrounds the outlet valve and/or LDF which exits can must pass through the flow channel of the cap in order to exit the housing. The cap may have a female screw thread which screws onto a male screw thread on the housing. The male screw thread on the housing may be on the exterior of the outer casing of the housing. The inner reservoir component may be transparent or may have a transparent portion. This may allow the level of the LDF to be seen. The casing may have an opening along its length, or a transparent window along its length, through which the level of LDF may be seen.

The dispenser may further comprise a cover which may enclose the cap. to the cover may protect the outlet, for example to cover and protect bristles adjacent to the outlet.

In some embodiments the outlet valve opens when the compression of the compressible portions of the wall of the reservoir increases the pressure of LDF within the reservoir. In some embodiments the outlet valve is flap valve, duckbill valve or a cross slit valve. In some embodiments the outlet valve is formed from an elastomer material.

In some embodiments the inlet valve is closed unless an appropriately dimensioned adaptor or outlet or spout of a LDF container bottle is inserted into the inlet valve, thereby opening the inlet valve.

In some embodiments the reservoir is closed at its second end and the cap may be removed to allow the reservoir to be filled from its first end. In such embodiments the valve may be a spring-sealing valve, configured to be opened by pressure on the cap. In such embodiments, LDF may be dispensed by pressing the outlet of the cap against the surface to be covered, and squeezing the reservoir.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit comprising a dispenser as described above and a filling adapter dimensioned to link the neck of a container for LDF to the inlet valve. In some embodiments the kit comprises a container to contain LDF, the container being dimensioned to fit the filling adaptor. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a dispenser as described above and a container to contain LDF which comprises a nozzle dimensioned to fit the inlet valve so as to deliver LDF into the reservoir.

The containers of the kits may contain an amount of LDF.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a top three-quarter view of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a bottom three-quarter view of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a top exploded view of an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 4 shows a bottom exploded view of an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 to 4, there is shown an embodiment of a dispenser according to the invention comprising: a housing comprising a tubular reservoir 12 with a first end 14 and an opposing second end 16, an outlet valve 18 at the first end of the reservoir, the outlet valve being adapted to be opened by applying pressure to a compressible portion 20, 34, 36 of the wall of the reservoir thereby allowing LDF to exit the reservoir, a cap 22 attachable to the housing such that the cap defines a flow channel leading from the outlet valve 18 to an outlet 24 at the end of the cap, and a non-return inlet valve 26 at the second end of the reservoir configured to allow filling of the reservoir while retaining LDF within the reservoir.

The outlet and inlet valves 18, 26 are between the interior and exterior of the reservoir 12.

The cap has a female screw thread on the inside of the cap which is used to attach the cap to the housing, which has a corresponding male screw thread.

In this embodiment the cap 22 comprises a plurality of bristles 32 disposed adjacent to the outlet.

The cap is replaceably attachable to the housing, such that it may be replaced by a different cap, for example a cap comprising a nozzle or a cap having a flexible tubular extension to allow the LDF to be dispensed remotely from the housing.

The tubular reservoir 12 is a hollow, substantially cylindrical container with a first aperture at a first end 14 which corresponds to the outlet valve 18, and a second smaller aperture at the opposite second end 16 which corresponds to the inlet valve

26. The compressible portion 20 of the wall of the reservoir comprises to compressible regions 34, 36 of the reservoir wall. These portions 34, 36 project from the cylindrical reservoir wall and are thinner than other regions of the wall. The two regions are substantially dome shaped and project such that they may be compressed back towards the centre of the reservoir 12.

The tubular reservoir 12 is transparent so as to allow the amount of LDF within the reservoir 12 to be monitored by the user.

The housing additionally comprises an outer casing 46 formed of a rigid material. The outer casing 46 is substantially cylindrical and surrounds the tubular reservoir 12 when the device is assembled. The outer casing is dimensioned such that the tubular reservoir 12 substantially fills the interior cavity of the outer casing 46. The cylindrical tubular casing 46 may have an interior surface radius equal to the exterior surface radius of the tubular reservoir 12.

A first end of the casing 46 which corresponds to a first end of the tubular reservoir 12 has a large aperture for the outlet valve 18, and male screw threading formed on the exterior of the casing 46 for the attachment of the cap 22. The opposing end of the casing, which corresponds to the second end of the tubular reservoir has a small aperture for the inlet valve 26 and an indent for an inlet valve cover 56.

Two apertures 50 are formed through the wall of the casing 46 for the compressible portions 34, 36 to project through, thereby enabling a user to access the compressible portions of the tubular reservoir when it is contained within the casing.

The casing has an additional slit shaped opening 52 along its length through which a user may monitor the level of LDF within the tubular reservoir 12.

The inlet valve 26 comprises an inlet port 28 located on the exterior of the casing 46 and the reservoir 12, and an outlet 30 opening into interior of the reservoir 12.

In this way the reservoir 12 may be filled with LDF through the inlet valve 26, by means of pressure from a supply container of LDF, optionally using a filling adapter which fits the inlet port 28 of the inlet valve 26; LDF is then retained within the reservoir 12 by the inlet and outlet valves 26, 18 until it is needed. LDF may then be dispensed through the outlet in the cap by means of pressure applied to the compressible regions 34, 36 of the reservoir.

The outlet valve 18 is a double slit valve comprising a first and a second slits 38, 40 which intersect at right angles to each other. The outlet valve is formed as an elastomeric component 42.

The inlet valve 26 is a duckbill valve formed as an elastomeric component 44.

Valve component 42 seats against a flat portion of the first end 14 of the inner reservoir component as seen in figure 3.

The dispenser further comprises a cover 54 configured to surround the cap when the dispenser is not in use. The cover 54 protects the outlet, for example to cover and protect bristles adjacent to the outlet. A displaceable inlet valve cover 56 covers the inlet port 28 of the inlet valve 26 when it is not in use.

The outer casing 46, cap 22 and cover 54 may be formed from moulded rigid or semi-rigid moulded polymer. The inner reservoir component 12, 48 may be formed from a semi-rigid moulded polymer, an elastomer, or a rigid or semi-rigid moulded polymer having first and second elastomeric portions forming the compressible locations 34, 36. The outlet and inlet valve components 42, 44 may be formed from moulded elastomer. The bristles 32 may be formed from rigid moulded polymer.

The dispenser may be sized to hold a range of volumes of LDF. Typically, the reservoir may have a capacity in the range of 100-300ml.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly, it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A dispenser for leak detection fluid (LDF) comprising: a housing comprising a tubular reservoir, an outlet valve between the interior and exterior of the reservoir, the outlet valve adapted to be opened by applying pressure to a compressible portion of the wall of the reservoir, thereby allowing LDF to exit the reservoir, a cap, the cap being attachable to the housing such that the cap defines a flow channel between the outlet valve and an outlet at the end of the cap, and a non-return inlet valve between the exterior and the interior of the reservoir, the inlet valve allowing filling of the reservoir while retaining LDF within the reservoir.

2. A dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the outlet valve is at a first end of the tubular housing and the inlet valve is at an opposing second end of the tubular housing.

3. A dispenser according to claim 1 or claim 2 comprising an amount of LDF within the reservoir.

4. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the cap is replaceably attachable to the housing.

5. A dispenser according to claim 4 comprising a plurality of different caps attachable to the housing, each cap defining a flow channel between the outlet valve and an outlet at the end of the cap when the cap is attached to the housing.

6. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the cap comprises a plurality of bristles disposed adjacent to the outlet.

7. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the compressible portion of the wall of the reservoir comprises one or more locations adapted to be compressed in use.

8. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the compressible portion of the wall comprises two compressible projections on opposite sides of the reservoir.

9. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the outlet valve is a double slit valve comprising a first and second slits at right angles one to each other.

10. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein a portion of the reservoir wall is transparent, thereby allowing the contents of the reservoir to be seen.

11. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the housing comprises an outer casing within which the tubular reservoir is located.

12. A dispenser according to claim 11 wherein the outer casing comprises a rigid material and an opening which allows a user to access the compressible portion of the wall of the tubular reservoir.

13. A kit comprising a dispenser according to any preceding claim and a filling adapter dimensioned to link the neck of a container for LDF to the inlet valve.

14. A kit according to claim 13 comprising a container to contain LDF, the container being dimensioned to fit the filling adaptor.

15. A kit comprising a dispenser according to any preceding claim and a container to contain LDF which comprises a nozzle dimensioned to fit the inlet valve so as to deliver LDF into the reservoir.

16. A kit according to claim 13, 14 or claim 15 wherein the container contains an amount of LDF.

17. A dispenser substantially as herein described with reference to the figures.

35

18. A method of detecting punctures utilising a dispenser according to any of claims 1 to 12 or 17.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched:

GB 1611999.2 1-18

18. A method of detecting punctures utilising a dispenser according to any of the preceding claims.

AMENDMENTS TO CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS

27 01 17

Claims

1. A dispenser for fluid comprising:

a housing comprising a tubular reservoir,

5 an outlet valve between the interior and exterior of the reservoir, the outlet valve adapted to be opened by applying pressure to a compressible portion of the wall of the reservoir, thereby allowing fluid to exit the reservoir, a cap, the cap being attachable to the housing such that the cap defines a flow channel between the outlet valve and an outlet at the end of the cap, and

10 a non-return inlet valve between the exterior and the interior of the reservoir, the inlet valve allowing filling of the reservoir while retaining fluid within the reservoir.

2. A dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the outlet valve is at a first end of

15 the tubular housing and the inlet valve is at an opposing second end of the tubular housing.

3. A dispenser according to claim 1 or claim 2 comprising an amount of fluid within the reservoir.

5. A dispenser according to claim 4 comprising a plurality of different caps

25 attachable to the housing, each cap defining a flow channel between the outlet valve and an outlet at the end of the cap when the cap is attached to the housing.

6. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the cap comprises a

30 plurality of bristles disposed adjacent to the outlet.

5 9. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the outlet valve is a double slit valve comprising a first and second slits at right angles one to each other.

10. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein a portion of the 10 reservoir wall is transparent, thereby allowing the contents of the reservoir to be seen.

27 01 17

20 13. A kit comprising a dispenser according to any preceding claim and a filling adapter dimensioned to link the neck of a container to the inlet valve.

14. A kit according to claim 13 wherein the container isdimensioned to fit the filling adaptor.

15. A kit comprising a dispenser according to any of claims 1 to 12 thecontainer comprises a nozzle dimensioned to fit the inlet valve so as to deliver fluid into the reservoir.

30 16. A kit according to claim 13, 14 or claim 15 wherein the container contains an amount of leak detection fluid (LDF).