Nozzle fixture

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nozzle clamp. The nozzle clamp includes a body defining a first surface and an opposite second surface. The nozzle includes an arm pivotally connected to the body and configured to move between a first position and a second position. The arm includes a hole therethrough and a protrusion configured to contact the nozzle. The nozzle includes a fastener capable of moving within the hole in the arm and configured to contact the second surface of the body. The clamp is capable of moving between a first configuration and a second configuration. When the clamp is in the first configuration, the fastener contacts the second surface of the body and prevents the arm from rotating relative to the body. When the clamp is in the second configuration, the fastener does not contact the second surface and allows the arm to pivot relative to the body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixture for a nozzle of an applicator assembly configured to apply a liquid material. Background Art

[0002] An applicator device or system is used to apply a liquid material (e.g., a hot melt adhesive) to one or more substrates. Such an applicator system comprises a body or housing, a nozzle assembly for dispensing the liquid material, and a dispensing assembly having a valve system for controlling the dispensing of the material. The nozzle can be removed from the housing and cleaned, repaired, and / or replaced. The nozzle is held in place by a clamping device.

[0003] The clamping device is typically attached to the housing and engages with the housing, while the clamping device holds the nozzle in place. This engagement of the clamping device with the nozzle can damage the housing, resulting in reduced clamping characteristics, clamping failure, and / or the like. This can alter the positioning of the nozzle relative to the housing, which can adversely affect material distribution, material dispensing, nozzle alignment, and / or the like. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The shortcomings of existing nozzle retaining fixtures and systems are overcome by one or more embodiments of the fixtures disclosed herein. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a nozzle fixture configured to secure a nozzle to a housing of an applicator assembly includes a body defining a first surface configured to contact the housing and a second surface opposite the first surface. The nozzle further includes an arm pivotally connected to the body, the arm being configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to the body. The arm includes a hole extending therethrough and a protrusion extending therefrom, the protrusion being configured to contact the nozzle. The nozzle further includes a fastener capable of moving within the hole in the arm, the fastener being configured to contact the second surface of the body. The nozzle fixture is capable of moving between a first configuration and a second configuration. When the nozzle fixture is in the first configuration, the fastener contacts the second surface of the body and prevents the arm from pivotally rotating relative to the body. When the nozzle fixture is in the second configuration, the fastener does not contact the second surface of the body and allows the arm to pivotally rotate relative to the body.

[0005] According to another aspect, an applicator assembly for applying a material to a substrate includes: a housing; a dispensing assembly configured to receive material from a material source and cause the material to be discharged from the dispensing assembly; and a nozzle configured to be fixed to the housing, the nozzle being further configured to receive material from the dispensing assembly and discharge the material from the nozzle. The applicator assembly further includes a nozzle fixture configured to fix the nozzle to the housing. The nozzle fixture includes a body defining a first surface configured to contact the housing and a second surface opposite the first surface. The nozzle fixture further includes an arm pivotally connected to the body, the arm being configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to the body. The arm includes a hole extending therethrough and a protrusion extending therefrom, the protrusion being configured to contact the nozzle. The nozzle further includes a fastener capable of moving within the hole in the arm, the fastener being configured to contact the second surface of the body. The nozzle fixture is capable of moving between the first configuration and the second configuration. When the nozzle clamp is in the first configuration, the fastener contacts the second surface of the body and prevents the arm from pivotally rotating relative to the body. When the nozzle clamp is in the second configuration, the fastener does not contact the second surface of the body and allows the arm to pivotally rotate relative to the body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The present application may be further understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the subject matter, exemplary aspects of the subject matter are shown in the accompanying drawings; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods, devices, and systems disclosed. In the accompanying drawings:

[0007] Figure 1 depicts an isometric view of a nozzle fixture according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2 Depicts Figure 1 Another perspective view of the nozzle fixture;

[0009] Figure 3 Depicts Figure 1 A cutaway perspective view of a nozzle fixture, wherein associated fasteners are not shown;

[0010] Figure 4 A fastener according to an aspect of the present disclosure is depicted;

[0011] Figure 5 Depicted is a first configuration according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 1 A cutaway perspective view of a nozzle fixture;

[0012] Figure 6 Depicts a diagram showing a transition between a first configuration and a second configuration. Figure 1 A sectional perspective view of a nozzle fixture;

[0013] Figure 7 Depicted is a second configuration shown Figure 1 A sectional perspective view of a nozzle fixture;

[0014] Figure 8 depicts an isometric view of an applicator assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 9 Depicts Figure 8 a side view of the applicator assembly of wherein the nozzle fixture is in a first configuration;

[0016] Figure 10 Depicts Figure 8 a side cross-sectional view of the applicator assembly of , wherein the nozzle fixture is in the second configuration; and

[0017] Figure 11 Depicts Figure 8 A side cross-sectional view of an applicator assembly of , wherein the nozzle fixture is in a second configuration.

[0018] Various aspects of the disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout unless otherwise specified. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the clamp 100 is depicted as having a body 104 and an arm 150 that is configured to pivotally move relative to the body 104. The clamp 100 can be configured to releasably secure the nozzle to the applicator assembly, as will be described below in conjunction with Figures 9 to 11 The body 104 may include a rear wall 116 configured to contact the Figure 2Applicator assembly shown. For the purposes of this disclosure, reference will be made to various axes and directions with respect to the described components. It should be understood that the coordinates described are for reference purposes only, and that this disclosure is not limited to the specific axes, directions, or planes described. A first axis A is defined as extending substantially orthogonally to the rear wall 116 of the body 104. A second axis B extends orthogonally to the first axis A. A third axis C extends orthogonally to the first axis A and the second axis B. Thus, the plane defined by the first axis A and the second axis B will be orthogonal to the third axis C; the plane defined by the first axis A and the third axis C will be orthogonal to the second axis B; and the plane defined by the second axis B and the third axis C will be orthogonal to the first axis A. For the purposes of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, reference to one or more directions along the first axis A, the second axis B, and / or the third axis C will include both opposing directions. That is, for example, a reference to a direction along the first axis A will include both directions along the first axis A from the first point toward the second point and from the second point toward the first point. Furthermore, references to directions along one or more of the first axis A, the second axis B, and / or the third axis C may include directions that overlap with the reference axis and directions that deviate from the reference axis but are substantially parallel to the reference axis. For example, references to directions along the first axis A may include directions that overlap with the first axis A or directions that deviate from the first axis A but are substantially parallel to the first axis A.

[0020] A front wall 124 is defined on the body 104, opposite the rear wall 116. The front wall 124 is spaced apart from the rear wall 116 along a first axis A. A surface of the front wall 124 can be parallel to a surface of the rear wall 116. Furthermore, the body 104 can include a side surface extending between the front wall 124 and the rear wall 116. An arm 150 can be movably attached to the body 104. At least a portion of the arm 150 can be disposed opposite the front wall 124 along the first axis A. In some aspects, the arm 150 can be pivotally connected to the body 104 such that the arm 150 can move toward and / or away from the front wall 124. The body 104 and / or the arm 150 can include a pin 122 extending therefrom or therethrough. The arm 150 can include an aperture 152 configured to receive the pin 122 therein. In particular, the aperture 152 can be defined by a surface disposed within the arm 150 configured to receive the pin 122. The pin 122 may have a press-fit configuration relative to the aperture 152. Furthermore, the body 104 may include an aperture 172 configured to receive the pin 122 therein. Specifically, the aperture 172 may be defined by a surface disposed within the body 104 configured to receive the pin 122. The pin 122 may have a press-fit configuration relative to the aperture 172. The arm 150 may be rotatable about a pivot axis D defined by the pin 122 and the aperture 152. The pivot axis D may be parallel to the second direction B. The arm 150 may be configured to pivot about the pivot axis D in a first direction D1 and / or a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1. When the arm 150 pivots in the first direction D1, at least a portion of the arm 150 moves toward the front wall 124. When the arm 150 pivots in the second direction D2, at least a portion of the arm 150 moves away from the front wall 124.

[0021] In some aspects, the body 104 can include two pins 122 on either side of the arm 150, wherein one pin 122 is spaced apart from the other pin 122 along the second axis B. The arm 150 can include two apertures 152, wherein one aperture 152 is spaced apart from the other aperture 152 along the second axis B, such that each embodiment of the aperture 152 can be configured to receive one pin 122 therein. Similarly, the body 104 can include two apertures 172, wherein one aperture 172 is spaced apart from the other aperture 172 along the second axis B, such that each embodiment of the aperture 172 can be configured to receive one pin 122 therein. It should be understood that other pin and aperture arrangements are contemplated, such as, for example, one or more pins 122 disposed on the arm 150 and one or more corresponding apertures 152 disposed on the body 104.

[0022] The arm 150 may define a hole 154 therethrough configured to receive a fastening element therein. At least a portion of the hole 154 may be disposed opposite the front wall 124 along a first axis A. The hole 154 may be defined between a first end 155 and a second end 157 spaced apart from the first end 155. The first end 155 and the second end 157 may define surfaces parallel to the surfaces of the front wall 124 and the rear wall 116. A hole axis E may be defined through the hole 154 and extend between the first end 155 and the second end 157. In some positions of the arm 150, the hole axis E may be substantially parallel to the first axis A. When the arm 150 pivotally moves about the pin 122, the hole axis E may be angularly offset from the first axis A. The hole axis E may be orthogonal to the pivot axis D.

[0023] In some aspects, the fastening element can include a screw, fastener, bolt, and / or the like, hereinafter referred to as a bolt 200. The bolt 200 can be capable of translationally moving through the hole 154 along the hole axis E. The bolt 200 can be movable in directions toward and away from the front wall 124. The bolt 200 can be rotatable within the hole 154 about the hole axis E in two rotational directions about the axis to move toward and away from the front wall 124.

[0024] Continue to refer Figure 1 and Figure 2 And further reference Figure 4 The bolt 200 may have a first end 208 and a second end 212 opposite the first end 208. The bolt 200 may include a tool interface 220 thereon, which is configured to engage with a tool (not shown). The tool interface 220 may be adjacent to the second end 212. The tool interface 220 may be configured to engage with a tool to enable the bolt 200 to translate along the hole 154, rotate within the hole 154, translate and rotate relative to the hole 154, and / or the like. In some aspects, the tool interface 220 may define a geometry corresponding to the geometry of a suitable tool, such as a triangle, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, or other suitable shape. The bolt 200 may be configured to be actuated using a driver, wrench, or other suitable tool, and the present disclosure is not limited to any particular tool or corresponding shape of the tool interface 220. In some aspects, the tool interface 220 may be directly contacted and / or manipulated by a user without the need for a separate tool. For example, in some aspects, a user may use his or her hands to translate and / or rotate the bolt 200 relative to the hole 154. In this regard, the tool interface 220 may include a handle or other surface for direct user manipulation.

[0025] The bolt 200 can include a head 216 adjacent the first end 208. The head 216 can define a contact surface 228 at one end thereof. The contact surface 228 can be at or adjacent the first end 208. The contact surface 228 can be configured to selectively move into and / or out of contact with the front wall 124 of the body 104 of the clamp 100 as the bolt 200 moves toward or away from the front wall 124.

[0026] A retaining surface 232 can be defined on the head 216 opposite the contact surface 228. The retaining surface 232 can be configured to contact the arm 150 when the bolt 200 moves through the hole 154 away from the body 104. The contact between the retaining surface 232 and the arm 150 can prevent the bolt 200 from moving beyond a desired distance relative to the hole 154 and can prevent the bolt 200 from being completely removed from the hole 154.

[0027] The bolt 200 may include an intermediate section 204 disposed between the first end 208 and the second end 212. The intermediate section 204 may be disposed between the head 216 and the tool interface 220. In some aspects, the intermediate section 204 may include threads 224 thereon. The threads 224 may be configured to engage with the thread defined in the hole 154 (in the Figure 3 154 ). In one or more aspects, the bolt 200 can be configured as a male component and the hole 154 can be configured as a female component. The intermediate section 204 can have a cross-sectional dimension D3. In some aspects, the cross-sectional dimension D3 can be a diameter D3.

[0028] The head 216 can have a cross-sectional dimension D4. In some aspects, the cross-sectional dimension D4 can be a diameter D4. The diameter D4 of the head 216 can be greater than the diameter D3 of the intermediate section 204. The bolt 200 can be able to translate through the hole 154 between the retaining surface 232 on the head 216 and the second end 212 of the bolt 200. In this manner, the head 216 can be prevented from entering the hole 154. This can help prevent the bolt 200 from accidentally and completely separating from the clamp 100.

[0029] The fixture 100 can be configured to have a first configuration in which the nozzle is retained relative to the housing of the applicator assembly and a second configuration in which the nozzle is not retained relative to the housing. Figure 5, shows a cross-sectional view of the clamp 100 in a first configuration. In this configuration, the bolt 200 is translated along the bore axis E toward the body 104 of the clamp 100 until the bolt 200 contacts the front wall 124 to place the clamp 100 in the first configuration. In this figure, the bore axis E may be substantially parallel to the first axis A. Specifically, the contact surface 228 of the head 216 may be configured to contact the front wall 124 of the body 104. At this point, the bolt 200 is positioned at its furthest position relative to the arm 150 along the bore axis E. That is, when the bolt 200 is positioned within the bore 154, this is the maximum distance between the second end 157 of the bore 154 and the head 216 of the bolt 200. This can be referred to as the maximum insertion position of the bolt 200. In this arrangement, the bolt 200 can be secured to the arm 150 (e.g., via the threads 224 on the bolt 200 and the corresponding threads 156 within the bore 154). When the bolt 200 contacts the front wall 124 , the arm 150 is prevented from pivoting in at least one direction about the pivot axis D. For example, the arm 150 may be prevented from pivoting about the pivot axis D in the direction D1 toward the front wall 124 . This is because the bolt 200 contacts the front wall 124 and physically blocks movement in that direction.

[0030] refer to Figure 6 , the bolt 200 is shown as having moved through the hole 154 along the hole axis E away from the front wall 124. The head 216 can be configured to contact the arm 150 adjacent the hole 154. The retaining surface 232 can contact the arm 150 at the second end 157 of the hole 154 to prevent the head 216 from entering the hole 154. In this figure, the bolt 200 is shown in its furthest position within the hole 154 along the hole axis E in a direction toward the first end 155 of the hole 154. This can be referred to as the maximum withdrawal position of the bolt 200. The bolt 200 can be moved above Figure 5 The maximum insertion position shown here is Figure 6 Because the contact surface 228 of the head 216 is no longer in contact with the front wall 124 of the body 104, the arm 150 is not prevented from rotating in the direction D1 toward the front wall 124 about the pivot axis D. In this position, the user can actuate the rotation of the arm 150 in the direction D1 by applying a force to the arm 150 along the first axis A toward the front wall 124 of the placement fixture 100 and the second configuration.

[0031] refer to Figure 7, the clamp 100 is shown in a second configuration, in which the arm 150 has been pivoted in the first rotational direction D1 toward the front wall 124. The distance that the arm 150 can pivot from the first configuration to the second configuration can depend on the distance between the front wall 124 and the head 216 of the bolt 200, the distance between the front wall 124 and the arm 150 (e.g., the portion of the arm 150 that is adjacent to the second end 157 of the hole 154), or the distance between another portion of the body 104 and a portion of the arm 150 and / or the bolt 200. The arm 150 can pivot in the first rotational direction D1 until further movement is prevented by contact between one or more components of the body 104 and one or more components of the arm 150 and / or the bolt 200. In some aspects, the distance that the arm 150 can pivot in the first rotational direction D1 can be controlled by the distance that the bolt 200 moves along the hole axis E away from the front wall 124. For example, when the bolt 200 is moved along the hole 154 away from the front wall 124 to its maximum withdrawal position (see Figure 6 ), which may correspond to the maximum pivot distance of the arm 150 in the direction D1. The bolt 200 may be moved along the hole axis E to its maximum insertion position (eg Figure 5 as shown) and its maximum removal position (as shown Figure 6 and Figure 7 Therefore, when the bolt 200 is not in its maximum withdrawal position, the distance that the arm 150 can pivot in the direction D1 can be proportionally smaller than the distance when the bolt 200 is in its maximum withdrawal position.

[0032] Reference again Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the clamp 100 may include a nozzle engagement interface that is configured to releasably contact the nozzle of the applicator assembly. The engagement interface may include a first protrusion 162 that may extend from the arm 150. The first protrusion 162 may be movable when the arm 150 moves about the pivot axis D. The first protrusion 162 may be of any suitable shape or size and should be configured to contact a portion of the nozzle, as will be described below. In some aspects, the engagement interface may include a second protrusion 166 that may extend from the arm 150. The second protrusion 166 may be at least partially parallel to the first protrusion 162. The second protrusion 166 may be configured to contact another portion of the nozzle, as will be described below. A recess 170 may be defined between the first protrusion 162 and the second protrusion 166 and configured to receive the nozzle therein.

[0033] Go to Figures 8 to 11, an exemplary embodiment of the applicator assembly 10 is shown having a housing 14. One or more dispensing assemblies 18 can be disposed on or in the housing 14. The one or more dispensing assemblies 18 can be configured to receive application material from a source (not shown) and direct the application material to one or more connected arrangements of nozzles 22. The application material can pass through the nozzles 22 and be dispensed onto a suitable substrate (not shown). Each nozzle 22 can be held relative to the housing 14 by a fixture 100, such as described above. In some aspects, the applicator assembly 10 can include a single embodiment of one of the dispensing assemblies 18 and a single embodiment of the nozzle 22 held by a single embodiment of the fixture 100. In other aspects, the applicator assembly 10 can include a plurality of dispensing assemblies 18, a plurality of fixtures 100, and a plurality of nozzles 22. The plurality of dispensing assemblies 18, fixtures 100, and nozzles 22 can be arranged side by side in a serial manner, for example along a plurality of fixtures 100. Figure 8 Each nozzle 22 may be secured to the housing 14 using a separate configuration of the clamp 100. Alternatively, multiple nozzles 22 may be held by a single embodiment of the clamp 100.

[0034] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The nozzle 22 is depicted being secured to the housing 14 via a clamp 100. The clamp 100 is in a first configuration. The nozzle 22 can be securely held on the housing 14 at a nozzle contact surface 15. The nozzle contact surface 15 can be disposed below the housing 14 of the applicator assembly 10. It is important that the nozzle 22 is securely secured to the nozzle contact surface 15 to ensure that the applied material is properly discharged from the dispenser assembly 18 into the nozzle 22. The clamp 100 can be secured to the housing 14 at a clamp surface 16. The clamp 100 can be secured to the housing 14 via one or more fasteners 101. The fasteners 101 can be any suitable fasteners, such as bolts, screws, clamps, and / or the like. The fasteners 101 can extend through the body 104 or otherwise secure the body 104 and be releasably connected to the housing 14. The rear wall 116 of the body 104 can be configured to securely contact the clamping surface 16 of the housing 14 when the clamp 100 is secured to the housing 14.

[0035] When the nozzle 22 is held against the nozzle contact surface 15 and the clamp 100 is in the first configuration, the nozzle 22 can be prevented from moving away from the nozzle contact surface 15. The first protrusion 162 on the clamp 100 can be configured to contact the nozzle 22 and apply a clamping force to the nozzle 22 toward the nozzle contact surface 15 along the third axis C. This secures the nozzle 22 to the nozzle contact surface 15 and prevents the nozzle 22 from moving away from the nozzle contact surface 15.

[0036] To release the nozzle 22 from the housing 14, the clamp 100 may be moved to the second configuration as described above. Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the clamp 100 is shown in the second configuration. When the arm 150 is pivoted to move the clamp 100 to the second configuration, the first protrusion 162 moves away from the nozzle 22. When the first protrusion 162 moves away from the nozzle 22, the first protrusion 162 no longer applies a clamping force to the nozzle 22 toward the nozzle contact surface 15. At this point, the nozzle 22 is no longer secured to the housing 14 and can be moved relative to the housing 14 or removed from the applicator assembly 10.

[0037] In some aspects, the clamp 100 may include a second protrusion 166 disposed on the arm 150. When the clamp 100 is moved to the second configuration, the second protrusion 166 contacts the nozzle 22 and applies a force to the nozzle 22 away from the nozzle contact surface 15. This applies force to the nozzle 22, releasing it from the nozzle contact surface 15 and facilitating disengagement and removal of the nozzle 22 from the housing 14. The nozzle 22 may be disposed in a recess 170 defined between the first protrusion 162 and the second protrusion 166. When the clamp 100 is in the second configuration, the nozzle 22 may remain in the recess 170 even if spaced from the nozzle contact surface 15. This may facilitate positioning and removal of the nozzle 22 and prevent the nozzle 22 from falling from the housing 14 due to gravity once the nozzle 22 is no longer clamped to the housing 14. This may also facilitate the introduction of a different or new job by providing space for the nozzle 22 to be placed before securing it to the housing 14.

[0038] To secure the nozzle 22 to the housing 14, the nozzle 22 can be positioned in the recess 170 when the clamp 100 is in the second configuration. The clamp 100 can then be moved to the first configuration by rotating the arm 150 in a second rotational direction D2, opposite the first rotational direction D1, until the nozzle 22 fully contacts the nozzle contact surface 15 and the first protrusion 162 rigidly pushes against the nozzle 22 toward the nozzle contact surface 15 along the third axis C. To secure the clamp 100 in the first configuration, the bolt 200 can be moved to its maximum insertion position, as previously described.

[0039] When the bolt 200 is in its most inserted position, the head 216 of the bolt 200 contacts the front wall 124 at a contact surface 228 on the head 216 of the bolt 200. The front wall 124 can be comprised of a solid metal portion (such as steel) to prevent damage to the front wall from repeated contact by the head 216 of the bolt 200. The bolt 200 can be configured to contact only the front wall 124 of the clamp 100 and not directly contact the housing 14. This configuration avoids and / or reduces the possibility of damage to the surface of the housing 14. If the bolt 200 contacts the housing 14, repeated contact can cause structural damage to the housing 14 and can result in dents, notches, and / or similar damage to the housing 14. The formation of such dents or notches increases the necessary insertion distance of the bolt 200 to effectively retain the clamp 100 in the first configuration. Over time, such dents can cause the clamp 100 to move out of the first configuration earlier than desired, which can release the clamping force from the first protrusion 162 onto the nozzle 22 toward the nozzle contact surface 15. This may result in the nozzle 22 not being as rigidly secured to the nozzle contact surface 15 as desired, and may result in material leaking between the housing 14 and the nozzle 22 and / or undesirable pressure variations as the material moves toward and through the nozzle 22. This may result in undesirable discharge effects of the material on the substrate. Additionally, this may result in possible misalignment of the nozzle 22.

[0040] In the embodiment of the clamp 100 disclosed herein, the clamp 100 includes a front wall 124 that is configured to contact the bolt 200. The front wall 124 can include a harder material, such as steel, than the remainder of the housing 14. The steel of the front wall 124 is configured not to wear as quickly or easily as the material of the housing 14 and, therefore, substantially avoids dents and / or other damage due to repeated contact and force applied by the bolt 200 when the clamp 100 is in the first configuration.

[0041] In some aspects, the clamp 100 can include one or more seals 130 disposed on the rear wall 116. The one or more seals 130 can be configured to sealingly engage corresponding air inlet holes (not shown) on the housing 14. The body 104 of the clamp 100 can include one or more studs or pins 134 configured to be received in complementary apertures (not shown) on the housing 14 to facilitate alignment of the clamp 100 with the housing 14.

[0042] Although the system and method have been described in conjunction with various embodiments of the various drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It should be understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, and is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A nozzle clamp configured to secure a nozzle to a housing of an applicator assembly, the nozzle clamp comprising: a body defining a first surface configured to contact the housing and a second surface opposite the first surface; an arm pivotally connected to the body, the arm being configured to move relative to the body between a first position and a second position, the arm comprising: a hole extending through the arm; and a protrusion extending from the arm, the protrusion being configured to contact the nozzle; and a fastener movable within the aperture of the arm, the fastener including a head defining a contact surface at a first end thereof and a retaining surface opposite the contact surface, the contact surface being configured to contact the second surface of the body and the retaining surface being configured to contact the arm to prevent complete removal of the fastener from the aperture, wherein the nozzle fixture is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein, when the nozzle clamp is in the first configuration, the contact surface of the head of the fastener contacts the second surface of the body such that the arm is prevented from pivotally rotating relative to the body, and wherein, when the nozzle fixture is in the second configuration, the contact surface of the head of the fastener does not contact the second surface of the body, so that the arm is allowed to pivotally rotate relative to the body, and the retaining surface of the head contacts the arm to prevent the head from entering the hole.

2. The nozzle fixture according to claim 1, wherein The body of the nozzle fixture defines a front wall having a portion formed from steel.

3. The nozzle fixture according to claim 1, wherein The fastener includes threads thereon, and the hole includes complementary threads therein, the threads on the fastener being configured to engage the threads on the hole.

4. The nozzle fixture according to claim 1, wherein The protrusion on the arm is a first protrusion, and the arm includes a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion, the second protrusion being configured to contact the nozzle.

5. The nozzle fixture according to claim 1, wherein The hole defines a first cross-sectional diameter, the fastener defines a second cross-sectional diameter, and the second cross-sectional diameter is smaller than the first cross-sectional diameter.

6. The nozzle fixture according to claim 5, wherein The head of the fastener defines a third cross-sectional diameter that is greater than the first cross-sectional diameter of the aperture.

7. The nozzle fixture according to claim 1, wherein The second surface of the body faces the hole of the arm.

8. The nozzle fixture according to claim 1, in, The nozzle fixture body defines a front wall having a portion formed from steel; wherein the fastener includes threads thereon and the hole includes complementary threads therein, the threads on the fastener being configured to engage with the threads on the hole; and The protrusion on the arm is a first protrusion, and the arm includes a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion, the second protrusion being configured to contact the nozzle.

9. The nozzle fixture according to claim 1, wherein The retaining surface of the head is disposed between the second surface of the body and the aperture of the arm.

10. An applicator assembly for applying a material to a substrate, the applicator assembly comprising: case; a dispensing assembly configured to receive the material from a material source and cause the material to be discharged from the dispensing assembly; a nozzle configured to be secured to the housing, the nozzle further configured to receive the material from the dispensing assembly and discharge the material from the nozzle; as well as a nozzle clamp configured to secure the nozzle to the housing, the nozzle clamp comprising: a body defining a first surface configured to contact the housing and a second surface opposite the first surface; an arm pivotally connected to the body, the arm being configured to move relative to the body between a first position and a second position, the arm comprising: a hole extending through the arm; and a protrusion extending from the arm, the protrusion being configured to contact the nozzle; and a fastener movable within the aperture of the arm, the fastener including a head defining a contact surface at a first end thereof and a retaining surface opposite the contact surface, the contact surface being configured to contact the second surface of the body and the retaining surface being configured to contact the arm, wherein the nozzle fixture is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein, when the nozzle clamp is in the first configuration, the contact surface of the head of the fastener contacts the second surface of the body such that the arm is prevented from pivotally rotating relative to the body, and wherein, when the nozzle fixture is in the second configuration, the contact surface of the head of the fastener does not contact the second surface of the body, such that the arm is permitted to pivotally rotate relative to the body, and the retaining surface of the head contacts the arm to prevent the head from entering the hole.

11. The applicator assembly of claim 10, further comprising a heater configured to heat the material moving through the applicator assembly.

12. The applicator assembly of claim 10, wherein: The body of the nozzle fixture defines a front wall having a portion formed from steel.

13. The applicator assembly of claim 10, wherein: The fastener includes threads thereon, and the hole includes complementary threads therein, the threads on the fastener being configured to engage the threads on the hole.

14. The applicator assembly of claim 10, wherein: The protrusion on the arm is a first protrusion, and the arm includes a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion, the second protrusion being configured to contact the nozzle.

15. The applicator assembly of claim 10, wherein: The hole defines a first cross-sectional diameter, the fastener defines a second cross-sectional diameter, and the second cross-sectional diameter is smaller than the first cross-sectional diameter.

16. The applicator assembly of claim 15, wherein: The head of the fastener defines a third cross-sectional diameter that is greater than the first cross-sectional diameter of the hole.

17. The applicator assembly of claim 10, wherein: The second surface of the body faces the hole of the arm.

18. The applicator assembly of claim 10, in, The nozzle fixture body defines a front wall having a portion formed from steel; wherein the fastener includes threads thereon and the hole includes complementary threads therein, the threads on the fastener being configured to engage with the threads on the hole; and The protrusion on the arm is a first protrusion, and the arm includes a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion, the second protrusion being configured to contact the nozzle.

19. The applicator assembly of claim 10, wherein: The retaining surface of the head is disposed between the second surface of the body and the aperture of the arm.

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