WO2008047143A1

WO2008047143A1 - Aerosol device for restoring suspended ceilings

Info

Publication number: WO2008047143A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/004011
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Beighton
Original assignee: The Suspended Ceiling Restoration Company Limited
Priority date: 2006-10-19
Filing date: 2007-10-19
Publication date: 2008-04-24
Also published as: WO2008047143B1; GB0620714D0

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol device comprising an airtight compartment for containing at least two substances, a first substance configured to act as a propellant, and an outlet through which said at least one substance is ejected from said airtight compartment. The aerosol device is characterised in that a second substance comprises a polymerised resin coating configured to restore a suspended ceiling and said polymerised resin coating is a non-bridging coating.

Description

AEROSOL DEVICE FOR RESTORING SUSPENDED CEILINGS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to improvements to the restoration of suspended ceilings. In particular, the invention relates to an aerosol apparatus and method of manufacturing such an apparatus, configured to restore a suspended ceiling.

Background to the Invention A suspended ceiling is an artificial ceiling comprising a plurality of ceiling tiles arranged in an ordered fashion and held in place by a metal grid system. The metal grid system is suspended from the existing ceiling via a number of metal wires connected a series of hangers fixed to the existing ceiling. Such a ceiling may also comprise one or more light fittings and an air conditioning unit.

The problems associated with suspended ceilings are that they often become discoloured as a result of water damage, soiling from the air conditioning unit, smoke damage, use of equipment in the area which causes the tiles to become soiled or dirty generally as they age. Therefore, it is necessary to treat a suspended ceiling in order to restore it to a 'new' or clean condition.

A first prior art solution is large scale re-spraying of the entire suspended ceiling using an airless spraying machine. The disadvantages of this method is that it is expensive because it requires professionals trained in using such machines to re-coat the suspended ceiling. An average price for such professionals to re-coat a suspended ceiling may be £1 ,000.00 per visit depending on the size of the ceiling. Furthermore, it is a time consuming method as it requires the professional to mask all the surrounding areas including the walls and light fittings which should not sprayed during the process and so the operation must be carried out during a time when the area containing the suspended ceiling is not in use. Therefore, it is usual that the entire ceiling is re- coated at one time in order to keep costs and time which the area is not in use to a minimum.

A second prior art solution is to buy and fit a new ceiling tile. However, this method also has disadvantages as it is not generally possible to buy a single tile and so a pack of at least 12 tiles must be bought. Furthermore, ceiling tiles may often go out of production and so it would be extremely difficult to get hold of the correct tile to replace the soiled tile. Therefore, this method is expensive when there are only a few tiles in need of replacing. Identifying the correct type of tile and then finding a supplier which stocks the tile can also be time consuming.

The applicants have provided a novel solution to the above problem which is a cheaper, time efficient method of restoring a suspended ceiling which allows a specific tile or area to be treated.

Summary of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a means of restoring a specific tile or small area of a suspended ceiling to its original condition which overcomes the problems associated with the prior art methods. Furthermore, the present invention seeks to provide a means of restoring such a suspended ceiling utilising a coating composition which retains the removability of individual tiles such that after coating the space between the suspended ceiling and the existing ceiling can be accessed with ease.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol device comprising:

an airtight compartment for containing at least two substances;

a first substance configured to act as a propellant; and an outlet through which said at least one substance is ejected from said airtight compartment;

wherein said aerosol device is characterised in that a second substance comprises a polymerised resin coating configured to restore a suspended ceiling; and

said polymerised resin coating is a non-bridging coating.

By non-bridging it is meant that after the polymerised resin coating has been applied to the suspended ceiling, the ceiling tiles do not stick to the tracks which hold the ceiling tiles in place. Furthermore, if the ceiling tiles have a surface pattern comprising fissures, the polymerised resin coating will not clog the fissures. The non-bridging nature of the polymerised resin coating allows the space between the suspended ceiling and the existing ceiling to be accessed with ease and without the need to apply copious amounts of pressure to unstick the ceiling tiles from the metal grid system, in order to perform maintenance operations.

Preferably, the polymerised resin coating comprises a silicon-based additive which imparts the non-bridging nature of the polymerised resin coating.

The at least two substances may be maintained at a pressure substantially greater than O.δatm. Preferably the substances are maintained at a pressure substantially higher than 1 atm which is the standard atmospheric pressure at mean sea level.

The polymerised resin coating may comprise a non-organic solvent. Preferably the non-organic solvent is water. Alternatively, the polymerised resin coating may further comprise an organic solvent, preferably the organic solvent is an oil-based solvent such as a vegetable oil, in particular soy protein. An oil-based polymerised resin coating is preferable when the suspended ceiling requiring restoration is heavily-soiled.

The polymerised resin coating may be configured to dampen the acoustic echo properties of the substrate to which it is applied.

The polymerised resin coating may be fire retardant. Preferably, the polymerised resin coating is configured to maintain the fire safety rating of the substrate to which it is applied. The fire rating of ceiling tiles used in suspended ceilings is either class 0 or class 1 which is retained when the ceiling is re- coated.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polymerised resin coating further comprises an antimicrobial additive preferably incorporating active silver ion technology. Incorporation of such an antimicrobial additive is preferable when the aerosol system of the present invention is required for use in sterile environments such as within hospitals, care homes, hospices and the like. The antimicrobial additive kills existing microbes such as MRSA, E-coli, Salmonella and Clostridium difficile present on the suspended ceiling and prevents reformation of microbial colonies for up to 25 years.

Accordingly, an aerosol system incorporating such an antimicrobial additive may be used to touch up a suspended ceiling previously treated with a coating comprising an antimicrobial additive, returning the ceiling to its original sterile condition whenever maintenance work is carried out on the ceiling or damage to the ceiling tiles occurs. The polymerised resin coating may further comprise a diluent which reduces the viscosity of the polymerised resin coating thereby making it easier to atomise and dispense through the aerosol.

5 The propellant may comprise a compressed gas such as compressed air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide or a mixture thereof. Alternatively, the propellant may comprise a liquified gas such as liquified petroleum gas (LPG), dimethyl ether, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or a mixture thereof. o It is preferred that the propellant used with the polymerised resin coating in an aerosol device of the present invention comprises dimethyl ether which exists as a gas when under pressure. However due to the limited header space within the aerosol device before first use, the majority of the dimethyl ether propellant will be in the form of a "liquid" and so is dispersed within the polymerised resin5 coating. A small amount of the propellant resides in the header space of the aerosol device as a vapour. As the polymerised resin coating is used and hence the volume of the liquid within the aerosol device decreases, the liquified propellant turns to vapour and fills the increasingly larger header space of the aerosol device. The benefit of use of a liquified gas such as dimethyl ether is o that it ensures even pressure and a constant spray of the product throughout the life of the aerosol device.

Preferably, the aerosol device of the present invention comprises a valve system, said valve system comprising a channel, a channel inlet and a ball5 bearing wherein said ball bearing is configured to seal said channel inlet when said aerosol device is not in use.

Furthermore, the aerosol device of the present invention may comprise a vertical spray-through cap. This enables vertical spraying of the polymerised o resin coating from the aerosol device of the present invention onto a tile in situ. Thθ combination of the 360° ball valve system and spray-through cap enhances the ease of the delivery of the polymerised resin coating at any angle.

By any angle, it is meant that the aerosol device of the present invention need not be in an upright position for successful ejection of the polymerised resin coating.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the airtight compartment comprises a first portion and a second portion;

wherein said first portion is configured to contain said propellant and said second portion is configured to contain said polymerised resin coating;

such that said propellant is contained separately to said polymerised resin coating.

The benefit of containing the propellant substance separately to the polymerised resin coating is that it prevents them from mixing. This can be a significant problem when the polymerised resin coating is water-based as over time the propellant substance may react with the water-based polymerised resin coating thereby reducing the effectiveness of the polymerised resin coating to restore a suspended ceiling.

Preferably the polymerised resin coating is configured to provide one or more applications.

The airtight compartment of the aerosol device may have an internal volume of from 100 ml to 2000 ml. Preferably the internal volume of the airtight container is from 330 ml to 400 ml.

In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an aerosol device wherein said method comprises the steps of: forming an airtight compartment for containing at least two substances;

forming an outlet through which at least one substance is ejected from said airtight compartment; and

inserting a first substance configured to act as a propellant into said airtight compartment;

wherein said method is characterised in that a second substance is inserted into said airtight compartment, said second substance comprising a polymerised resin coating configured to restore a suspended ceiling; and

said polymerised resin coating is a non-bridging coating.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for an aerosol device, said kit of parts comprising:

an airtight compartment for containing at least two substances;

a first substance configured to act as a propellant; and

an outlet through which said at least one substance is ejected from said airtight compartment;

wherein said kit of parts is characterised in that a second substance comprises a polymerised resin coating configured to restore a suspended ceiling; and

said polymerised resin coating is a non-bridging coating.

Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows an aerosol device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a cross section view of the aerosol device in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows an aerosol device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows an aerosol can in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a cross section view of the aerosol device of Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows the cap member of the aerosol device of Figure 4;

Figure 7 shows a cross section view of the cap member of Figure 4; and

Figure 8 shows a cross section view of a suspended ceiling which an aerosol device of the present invention is configured to restore.

Detailed Description

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

With reference to Fig. 1 herein there is provided in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention an aerosol device 101. The aerosol device 101 comprises a body 103 having a substantially cylindrical portion 105, a substantially conical portion 107, a base portion 109 and an upper portion 111. The aerosol device 101 further comprises a depressible head member 113 having a nozzle 115 which comprises an outlet 117.

The body 103 of the aerosol device 101 is configured such that the base portion 109 is located at one end of the substantially cylindrical portion 105 and the substantially conical portion 107 is located at the opposite end of the substantially cylindrical member 105. The upper portion 111 is located at an opposite end of the substantially conical portion 107 to the substantially cylindrical portion 105. The depressible head member 113 lies over an outlet (not shown) in the upper portion 111. The depressible head member 113 is substantially cylindrical and the nozzle 115 having the outlet 117 is located on the main length of the depressible head member 113.

In this embodiment of the invention all the components of the body 103 are made of tin plated steel, in particular low carbon mild steel coated with tin applied by electro deposition is considered suitable by the inventors. The base portion 109 is joined to the substantially cylindrical portion 105 by deformation of one or both of the components to hold the other, for example, by crimping. The substantially conical portion 107 is also joined to the substantially cylindrical portion 105 and the upper portion 111 is joined to the substantially conical portion 107 by the same method. In an alternative embodiment the components of the body 103 of the aerosol device 101 may be formed from a single piece of aluminum metal. The depressible head member 113 and the nozzle 115 are made from a plastic material.

The aerosol device 101 is configured to store 400 ml of a substance in an airtight manner within its body 103. In this embodiment the substances stored within the body 103 are a polymerised resin coating in accordance with the present invention, comprising soy protein, a silicon-based additive, a diluent and an antimicrobial additive, and liquified dimethyl ether which acts as a propellant.

These substances are stored under a higher pressure than the atmospheric pressure outside of the aerosol device 101.

Referring to Figure 2 herein a cross section of the aerosol device 101 according to the first embodiment of the invention is shown.

A polymerised resin coating 201 is stored within the body 103 of the aerosol device 101. In this embodiment the polymerised resin coating 201 comprises soy protein, a silicon-based additive, a diluent and an antimicrobial additive. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the polymerised resin coating may be any coating suitable to restore a suspended ceiling to its original, untarnished state. The remaining volume of the body 103 is filled with a substance 203 which is configured to act as a propellant. In this embodiment the substance which is configured to act as a propellant is liquified dimethyl ether. Due to the high pressure environment within the aerosol device 101 , the majority of the liquified dimethyl ether is in the form of a liquid and so is dispersed within the polymerised resin coating before first use of the aerosol device 101 of the present invention. The remaining amount of liquified dimethyl ether resides in the head space of the can (as shown at 203) as a vapour.

The outlet 117 of the nozzle on the depressible head member 113 is attached to a valve system 205. The valve system 205 comprises a channel 207 through which the substances stored within the body 103 of the aerosol device 101 can be ejected via the outlet 117. At the opposite end of the channel 207 of the valve system 205 there is a channel inlet 209 which is blocked by a tight seal 211 when the aerosol device 101 is not in use. The valve system 205 further comprises a resilient member 213 contained with a cup member 214 which forces the depressible head member 113 upwards thereby blocking the channel inlet 209 by the tight seal 211 when the aerosol device 101 is not in use.

A dip tube 215 is connected to the valve system 205 at the cup member 214 and extends downwards to the base portion 109 of the body 103 of the aerosol device 101 such that the dip tube 215 feeds the polymerised resin coating 201 into the valve system 205 so that it can be ejected via the outlet 117 of the depressible head member 113. The polymerised resin coating 201 fills the dip tube 215 and the cup member 214 at all times as a result of the contents of the aerosol device 101 being stored at a higher pressure than the atmospheric pressure outside the aerosol device 101. This pressure causes the substance configured to act as a propellant 203 to exert pressure on the surface of the polymerised resin coating 201. Therefore, the polymerised resin coating 201 is forced up through the dip tube 215 and into the cup member 214. When the aerosol device 101 is not in use, the polymerised resin coating 201 cannot enter the channel 207 of the valve system 205 as the cup member 214 is closed off from the channel inlet 209.

The dip tube 215 may be made from a substantially rigid plastic material, however, in this embodiment the dip tube 215 is made from a substantially flexible plastic material such that when the aerosol device 101 is tipped during use the dip tube 215 can adapt so that its lower end is always in the polymerised resin coating 201.

During use, the user of the aerosol device 101 applies pressure to the depressible head member 113. The applied pressure forces the channel 207, channel inlet 209 and the resilient member 213 of the valve system 205 downwards into the body 103 of the aerosol can 101 and so the channel inlet 209 moves away from the tight seal 211 and enters the cup member 214. The channel 207 of the valve system 205 is now open with respect to receiving the polymerised resin coating 201. Therefore, the polymerised resin coating 201 travels through the channel inlet 209 into the channel 207 of the valve system 205 and out of the outlet 117 of the depressible head member 113 as a result of the pressure exerted on its surface by the propellant substance 203.

As the level of the polymerised resin coating 201 present in the aerosol can 101 reduces, as it is sprayed from the aerosol can, the liquified dimethyl ether propellant 203 dispersed in the polymerised resin coating 201 turns to vapour in order to fill the increasingly larger header space 203 of the aerosol device 101. The interchangeability of the dimethyl ether propellant 203 between liquified form and vapour form ensures that the polymerised resin coating 201 ejected from the outlet 117 of the depressable head member 113 remains at an even pressure throughout the lifetime of the aerosol device 101.

With reference to Figure 3 herein there is provided a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol device 301 comprises a body 303 having a substantially cylindrical portion 305, a substantially conical portion 307, a base portion 309 and an upper portion 310 arranged in an identical fashion to the aerosol device 101 in Figure 1. The aerosol device 301 further comprises a depressible head member 311 having an outlet 313 positioned on the main length of the depressible head member 311. These features of the aerosol can 301 are identical to those described with reference to the first embodiment of the invention (as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2).

Within the body 303 of the aerosol device 301 there is a valve system 315 in cooperation with the depressible head member 311 and the outlet 313. The valve system 315 comprises a channel 317, a channel inlet 319, at an opposite end to the outlet 313, having a tight seal 320 and a resilient member 321 contained within a cup member 322. The valve system 315 is identical to the valve system 205 of the first embodiment of the invention. As in the first embodiment of the invention, there is a dip tube 323 attached to the valve system 315 at the cup member 322.

The aerosol device 301 of the second embodiment of the invention further comprises a resilient reservoir 327 located within the central area of the body 303 of the aerosol device 301 and in fluid communication with the valve system 315.A polymerised resin coating 325 comprising a water-based solvent, a silicon-based additive, a diluent and an antimicrobial additive, is contained within the resilient reservoir 327. The resilient reservoir 327 is attached in at least one region to a portion of the body 303 of the aerosol device 301. The resilient reservoir 327 is formed of a rubber material, for example, latex.

A substance configured to act as a propellant 329 is contained within the vacant space of the body 303 of the aerosol device 301 , surrounding the resilient reservoir 327. In this embodiment, the propellant substance 329 is a mixture of acetone, butanone and dimethyl ether in a gasious form.

The propellant substance 329 exerts pressure on the resilient reservoir 327 as a result of the contents of the aerosol device 301 being maintained under pressure which causes the resilient reservoir to contract. This contraction exerts pressure upon the polymerised resin coating 325 contained therein, therefore, forcing the coating 325 up through the dip tube 323, which resides within the resilient reservoir 327, and into the cup member 322.

When the user of the aerosol device 301 applies pressure to the depressible head member 311 , the channel inlet 319 is forced downwards away from the tight seal 320 and into the cup member 322 thereby opening the channel 317 of the valve system 315 to receive the polymerised resin coating 325. Due to the high pressure containment of the contents of the aerosol device 301 and the contraction forces exerted on the resilient reservior 327 by the propellant substance 329, the polymerised resin coating 325 enters the channel inlet 319 via the cup member 322 and travel up the channel 317 and out of the aerosol device 301 via the outlet 313 of the depressible head member 314.

With reference to Figure 4 and 5 herein there is provided an aerosol device 401 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol device 401 comprises a body having a substantially cylindrical portion 402, a substantially conical portion 501 a base portion 403 and an upper portion 503 which are identical to the components described in the first embodiment of the invention.

The aerosol device 401 further comprises a cap member 404 having a depressible portion 405 located within a cutaway section thereof. Depressible portion 405 comprises a nozzle 407 having an outlet 409, located on its uppermost surface. Outlet 409 is in fluid communication with the valve system (not shown) of the aerosol device 401 such that when the contents of the aerosol device 401 are ejected, they pass through the outlet 409 of the nozzle 407.

Depressible portion 405 further comprises a flattened portion 411 about its uppermost and outer edge which directs the user of the aerosol device 401 to apply pressure to this flattened portion 411 in order to effect operation of the aerosol device 401.

As described with reference to the first embodiment of the invention, the body of the aerosol device 401 is made from tin plated steel and the components of the body are joined together by crimping. Furthermore, the cap member 404 and the depressible portion 405 are made from a plastic material.

Aerosol device 401 further comprises a valve system 505 having a channel 507, a channel inlet 509 and a resilient member 511 contained within a cup member 513. The channel inlet 509 is sealed when not in use by a ball bearing

515. A dip tube 517 is attached to the valve system 505 via an extended portion 519 (in fluid communication with the channel inlet 509) and extends through the header space of the body of the aerosol device 401 , comprising a propellant substance 523 and into a polymerised resin coating 521. As in the previous embodiments, the substances within the aerosol device 401 are maintained at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure outside if the device 401 and so the propellant substance 523 exerts pressure on the surface of the polymerised resin coating 521. Therefore, the dip tube 517 and the extended portion 519 are filled with the polymerised resin coating 521 at all times.

As with the first embodiment of the present invention, the polymerised resin coating 521 comprises soy protein, a silicon-based additive, a diluent and an antimicrobial additive. The propellant substance 523 comprises liquified dimethyl ether, of which the majority will be in liquid form dispersed with the polymerised resin coating 521 and the remaining amount will exist as a vapour in the header space of the body of the aerosol device 401.

When in use, the user of the aerosol device 401 applies pressure to the depressible portion 405 of the cap member 404. This forces the channel 507, and hence the valve system 505, downwards thereby disengaging the ball bearing 515 from the channel inlet 509. The channel inlet 509 is then open with respect to the extended portion 519 therebyallowing the polymerised resin coating 521 to enter the channel inlet 509 and hence the channel 507 of the valve system 505. The polymerised resin coating 521 travels up the channel 507 and is ejected from the aerosol device 401 via the outlet 409 of the depressible portion 405. As in the previous embodiments of the invention, the polymerised resin coating 521 is ejected from the aerosol device 401 as a result of the contents of the aerosol device 401 being maintained under pressure causing the propellant substance 523 to exert pressure onto the surface of the polymerised resin coating 521. The polymerised resin coating 521 may alternatively be held within a resilient reservoir as described in the second embodiment of the invention. The effect of the vertical-spray nozzle 407 is that it enables ease of spraying onto a suspended ceiling tile in situ. Furthermore, the presence of the ball bearing 515 within the valve system 505 further enhances vertical spraying of the aerosol device 401 and in fact allows successful spraying of the aerosol

5 device at most angles.

With reference to Figures 6 and 7 herein there is shown a cap member 601 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, suitable for placing over the substantially concial portion 501 and hence the valve system o 505 of the aerosol device 401 illustrated in figure 5.

Cap member 601 comprises a depressible portion 603 located within a recessed portion thereof and a lip portion 605. Depressible portion 603 extends throughout a substantial area of the recessed portion of the cap member 601 and5 is adjacent to the lip portion 605. Lip portion 605 extends along the outer length of the recessed portion and is an extension of the cap member 601.

Depressible portion 603 comprises a curved flattened portion 607 at the upper and outermost edge thereof. This curved flattened portion 607 guides the o user of the aerosol device of the present invention to apply pressure at this point of the depressible portion 603 in much the same way as the corresponding component in figure 4, to effect successful discharge of the substances contained within the aerosol device.

5 A nozzle 601 having an outlet 703 is located on the uppermost surface of the depressible portion 603. Outlet 703 is arranged so as to be in fluid communication with the valve system (not shown) of the aerosol device to which the cap member 601 is fitted and is in fact a component of a valve extension portion 705. Valve extension portion 705 comprises a channel 707, the lowermost o end of which is widened to allow the outlet of the channel of the valve system to fit securely therein. Accordingly, when the substance comprised within the aerosol device is ejected from the valve system, it enters the channel 707 of the valve extension portion 705 and is ejected from the valve extension portion 705 via the outlet 703.

Depressible portion 603 is fixed to the cap member 601 via a web of flexible 5 material 709 located at the inner, lowermost edge of the depressible portion 603. The web of flexible material 709 acts as a hinge and allows the depressible portion 603 to move there about. Accordingly, when pressure is applied to the depressible portion 603, it moves about the web of flexible material 709 and forces the valve system of the aerosol device downwards, hence effecting o ejection of the substance contained within the device.

Depressible portion 603 further comprises a flange 711 located at the outer, lowermost edge, opposite to the web of flexible material 709, which extended into a channel portion 713 of the cap member 601. When the depressible portion 6035 moves about the hinge of the web of flexible material 709, flange 711 moves throughout channel 713 thereby enhancing the flexibility of the depressible portion 603 and affecting successful ejecting of the substance comprised with the aerosol device.

o Cap member 601 further comprises supporting ribs 715 and a number of protrusions 717 positioned internally about the lowermost rim of the cap member 601. These protrusions 717 enable the cap member 601 to fit securely to the uppermost rim of the substantially cylindrical portion of an aerosol device. 5 In this embodiment, all of the components of the cap member 601 are formed from a plastic material such as polypropylene copolymer and are formed in a single moulding step. In order to impart flexibility on the web of flexible material 709, the polypropylene copolymer material is thinned in this region.

0 With reference to Figure 6 herein there is provided a suspended ceiling 601 which an aerosol device of the present invention is configured to restore. The suspended ceiling 601 comprises a plurality of ceiling tiles 603 held in place by a grid system 605. The suspended ceiling 601 further comprises lights 607 and an air conditioning vent 609.

The ceiling tiles 603 are made from a fibre material having fissures, for

5 example, Cortega or Prima Cirrus by Armstrong™. The grid system 605 is made from a metal material, as is the air conditioning vent 609. Alternatively, the ceiling tiles may be made from metal or plastic and may have different designs on their surfaces. Therefore, the polymerised resin coating is configured to be used on any type of suspended ceiling tile and can also re-coat the metal grid system 605o and the air conditioning vent 609 where neccessary.

The suspended ceiling 601 may require restoration due to water damage

611 or due to sections of the ceiling 613 around the air conditioning vent 609 becoming soiled. Instead of having to replace the dirty tiles 611 and 613 or re-5 coat the entire ceiling, an aerosol device according to the present invention can be used.

When the ceiling tiles 611 and 613 which require re-coating have been identified, the user of an aerosol device according to the present invention directs o the nozzle of the aerosol device at the tiles and apply pressure to the depressible head member/portion in order to eject the polymerised resin coating.

In a test situation, an aerosol device according to the first embodiment of the invention was made. The base portion, the substantially cylindrical portion5 and the substantially conical portion were crimped in order to form a container compartment having an internal volume of 400ml. The upper portion and the valve system, previously connected to the dip tube and depressible head portion, were then crimped to the substantially conical portion such that the contents of the aerosol device would be stored in an airtight manner. 130 ml of a propellant, o consisting of 20 - 30% wt acetone, 20 - 25% wt butanone and 50 - 60% wt dimethyl ether, was then injected under pressure into the container compartment through the valve system. Finally, 270 ml Abix ™ New Ceil, a water-based polymerised resin coating, was inserted into the airtight container compartment via the outlet.

The water-based polymerised resin coating was sprayed onto a fissured fibre tile, namingly a Cortega tile from Armstrong ™. The aerosol device allows excellent precision when targeting a specific part of the tile (and therefore, the ceiling). After two hours the tile was dry to touch and after 12 hours it was completely dry and finished a brilliant white.

Claims

1. An aerosol device comprising:

5 an airtight compartment for containing at least two substances;

a first substance configured to act as a propellant; and

an outlet through which said at least one substance is ejected from saido airtight compartment;

wherein said aerosol device is characterised in that a second substance comprises a polymerised resin coating configured to restore a suspended ceiling; and 5 said polymerised resin coating is a non-bridging coating.

2. An aerosol device according to claim 1 wherein said polymerised resin coating comprises a silicon-based additive. 0

3. An aerosol device according to any one of claims 1 or 2 wherein said polymerised resin coating further comprises an antimicrobial additive.. 5

4. An aerosol device according to any one of claims 1 , 2 or 3 wherein at least two substances are maintained at a pressure substantially greater than 0.5 atm.

5. An aerosol device according to any preceding claim wherein said o polymerised resin coating comprises a non-organic solvent.

6. An aerosol device according to claim 5 wherein said non-organic solvent is water.

7. An aerosol device according to any preceding claim wherein said polymerised resin coating comprises an organic solvent.

8. An aerosol device according to claim 7 wherein said organic solvent is an oil-based solvent.

9. An aerosol device according to any preceding claim wherein said polymerised resin coating further comprises a diluent.

10. An aerosol device according to any preceding claim wherein said polymerised resin coating is configured to dampen the acoustic echo properties of the substrate to which it is applied.

11. An aerosol device according to any preceding claim wherein said polymerised resin coating is fire retardant.

12. An aerosol device according to any preceding claim wherein said polymerised resin coating is configured to maintain the fire safety rating of the substrate to which it is applied.

13. An aerosol device according to any preceding claim wherein said propellant comprises a compressed gas.

14. An aerosol device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein said propellant comprises a liquified gas.

15. An aerosol device according to any preceding claim wherein said aerosol device comprises a valve system comprising a channel, a channel inlet and a ball bearing wherein said ball bearing is configured to seal said channel inlet when said aerosol device is not in use.

16. An aerosol device according to any preceding claim wherein said 5 airtight compartment comprises a first portion and a second portion;

wherein said first portion is configured to contain said propellant and said second portion is configured to contain said polymerised resin coating; o such that said propellant is contained separately to said polymerised resin coating.

17. An aerosol device according to any preceding claim wherein said polymerised resin coating is configured to provide one or more applications.-5

18. An aerosol device according to any preceding claim wherein said airtight compartment has an internal volume of from 330ml to 400ml.

19. A method of manufacturing an aerosol device wherein said method o comprises the steps of:

forming an airtight compartment for containing at least two substances;

forming an outlet through which at least one substance is ejected from said5 airtight compartment; and

0 wherein said method is characterised in that a second substance is inserted into said airtight compartment, said second substance comprising a polymerised resin coating configured to restore a suspended ceiling; and said polymerised resin coating is a non-bridging coating.

20. A method of manufacturing an aerosol device according to claim 5 19 wherein said polymerised resin coating comprises a silicon-based additive.

21. A method of manufacturing an aerosol device according to any one of claims 19 and 20 wherein said polymerised resin coating further comprises an antimicrobial additive. 0

22. A method of manufacturing an aerosol device according to any one of claims 19, 20 and 21 wherein said at least two substances are maintained at a pressure substantially greater than from 0.5 atm. 5

23. A method of manufacturing an aerosol device according to any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein said polymerised resin coating comprises a nonorganic solvent.

24. A method of manufacturing an aerosol device according to claim 23 o wherein said non-organic solvent is water.

25. A method of manufacturing an aerosol device according to any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein said polymerised resin coating comprises an organic solvent. 5

26. A method of manufacturing an aerosol device according claim 25 wherein said organic solvent is an oil-based solvent.

27. A method of manufacturing an aerosol device according to any one 0 of claims 19 to 26 wherein said polymerised resin coating further comprises a diluent.

28. A method of manufacturing an aerosol device according to any one of claims 19 to 27 wherein said polymerised resin is configured to dampen the acoustic echo properties of the substrate to which it is applied.

29. A method of manufacture according to any one of claims 19 to 28 wherein said polymerised resin coating is fire retardant.

30. A method of manufacture according to any one of claims 19 to 29 wherein said polymerised resin coating is configured to maintain the fire safety rating of the substrate to which it is applied.

31. A method of manufacture according to any one of claims 19 to 30 wherein said propellant comprises a compressed gas.

32. A method of manufacture according to any one of claims 19 to 30 wherein said propellant comprises a liquefied gas.

33. A method of manfacture according to any one of claims 19 to 33 wherein said aerosol device comprises a valve system comprising a channel, a channel inlet and a ball bearing wherein said ball bearing is configured to seal said channel inlet when said aerosol device is not in use.

34. A method of manufacturing an aerosol device according to any one of claims 19 to 34 wherein said airtight compartment comprises a first portion and a second portion;

35. A method of manufacture according to any one of claims 19 to 35 wherein said polymerised resin coating is configured to provide one or more applications.

36. A kit of parts for an aerosol device, said kit of parts comprising:

an airtight compartment for containing at least two substances;

a first substance configured to act as a propellant; and

an outlet through which said at least one substance is ejected from said compartment;

said polymerised resin coating is a non-bridging coating.

37. A kit of parts for an aerosol device according to claim 37 wherein said polymerised resin coating comprises a silicon-based additive.

38. A kit of parts for an aerosol device according to any one of claims 37 or 38 wherein said polymerised resin coating further comprises an antimicrobial additive.

A kit of parts for an aerosol device according to any one of claims 37, 38 or 39 wherein said at least two substances are maintained at a pressure substantially greater than 0.5 atm.

39. A kit of parts for an aerosol device according to any one of claims 37 to 40 wherein said polymerised resin coating comprises a non-organic solvent.

40. A kit of parts for an aerosol device according to claim 41 wherein said non-organic solvent is water.

41. A kit of parts for an aerosol device according to any one of claims 37 to 40 wherein said polymerised resin coating comprises an organic solvent.

42. A kit of parts for an aerosol device according to claim 43 wherein said organic solvent is an oil-based solvent.

43. A kit of parts for an aerosol device according to any one of claims 37 to 44 wherein said polymerised resin coating further comprises a diluent.

44. A kit of parts for an aerosol device according to any one of claims 37 to 45 wherein said polymerised resin is configured to dampen the acoustic echo properties of the substrate to which it is applied.

45. A kit of parts for an aerosol device according to any one of claims

37 to 46 wherein said polymerised resin coating is fire retardant.

46. A kit of parts for an aerosol device according to any one of claims 37 to 47 wherein said polymerised resin coating is configured to maintain the fire safety rating of the substrate to which it is applied.

47. A kit of parts for an aerosol device according to any one of claims 37 to 48 wherein said propellant comprises a compressed gas.

48. A kit of parts for an aerosol device according to any one of claims

371 to 48 wherein said propellant comprises a liquified gas.

49. A kit of parts for an aerosol device according to any one of claims 37 to 50 wherein said aerosol device comprises a valve system comprising a channel, a channel inlet and a ball bearing wherein said ball bearing is configured to seal said channel inlet when said aerosol device is not in use.

50. A kit of parts for an aerosol device according to any one of claims 371 to 51 wherein said airtight compartment comprises a first portion and a second portion;

51. A kit of parts for an aerosol device according to any one of claims 37 to 51 wherein said polymerised resin coating is configured to provide one or more applications.