Dispensing devices

Abstract

A dispenser comprising a cap (10) configured to receive one or more elongated packages (60a, 60b) containing one or more components for dispensing wherein the cap is configured to: sealingly receive the one or more packages and receive and / or carry a piercing device.

Description

DISPENSING DEVICESCLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of United States Provisional Application No. 63 / 540,642, filed September 26, 2023. The contents of that application is incorporated by reference herein in their entirety and for all purposes.

[0002] This application is related to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63 / 441 ,225, filed January 26, 2023, and 63 / 468,908, filed May 25, 2023, the contents of these applications being incorporated by reference herein in their entirety and for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The teachings herein relates generally to the application of viscous or semi-viscous (e.g., flowable) materials to a surface, and to an assembly for a single or multi-component product, where components of the product are stored in separate packages for subsequent mixing and application via a cap and nozzle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Caulking guns have been used for a long period of time to apply a wide variety of materials, to a host of different surfaces, for many different applications. One of the more common uses of caulking guns is to apply viscous or semi-viscous material to a surface. Traditionally, the material to be applied is received or stored within cylindrical sleeves comprised of a variety of materials. The cylindrical sleeve includes a nozzle and / or applicator at one end. The sleeve may be inserted into the body of a caulking gun, which may be a manual caulking gun, an electric caulking gun, or pneumatic caulking gun. Once inserted into the caulking gun a plunger is inserted into the end of the cylindrical sleeve, opposite to the nozzle and / or applicator. Pressure can then be applied to the plunger to force the material stored within the sleeve longitudinally within the sleeve and through the nozzle and onto a desired surface.

[0005] More recently, others have begun to use caulking guns that accommodate two or more sleeves where the contents of the sleeves are expelled generally simultaneously through a common nozzle or mixing port so as to apply a mixture of the materials for a particular application. For example, in some cases it may be desired to apply a two- component epoxy for a particular purpose. In such cases each of the two components of theepoxy can be stored in separate cylindrical sleeves that are fixed at one end to a common nozzle or applicator, and wherein a pair of plungers drive the contents from the sleeves through the applicator, which both mixes the components and applies them in a desired manner.

[0006] Even more recently, others have begun to replace the traditional cylindrical sleeves used in a caulking gun with thin-walled, flexible, elongate cylindrical packages filled with the desired material. Such packages are at times referred to as packages or sausages as they tend to generally resemble a sausage, having contents received within a thin flexible sleeve with both ends crimped or otherwise sealed. Packages or sausages of this nature can be advantageous from the perspective of potentially being less expensive to manufacture in that they typically involve the use of less material. The use of less material can also make the packages or sausages more environmentally friendly than traditional cylindrical sleeves as they can represent a lower volume of waste to be disposed of.

[0007] While such packages have presented certain advantages, they have also presented challenges for manufacturers and end-users. For example, where two or more packages are secured to a common end cap and then inserted into a caulking gun or are inserted into a rigid cylindrical sleeve, pressure applied to the “free” ends of the packages by a plunger can cause one or more of the packages (often the package containing the less viscous material) to “buckle”, be displaced, or otherwise behave in a manner that causes the plunger to apply greater pressure against one package, potentially resulting in an undesired ratio of material expelled from the respective packages and a mixing of components in an undesired ratio. This phenomenon can be more significant where the individual packages are of different diameters, as is often the case where the mixing ratios of the component parts is other than 1:1. Some of these issues may be exacerbated by the use of traditional caulking guns.

[0008] There thus continues to be a need for further improvements in mixing and dispensing mechanisms for single part and multi-part flowable material products.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The paragraphs set forth below include aspects of the present teachings that may be present on their own or may be combined with teachings of other paragraphs set forth below. Any number of the paragraphs set forth below may be combined but should not be viewed as requiring combination with others despite addressing similar aspects of the teachings.

[0010] The teachings herein provide for a dispenser comprising a plunger having a peripheral surface, a cap configured to receive one or more elongated packages containing one or more components for dispensing, an elongated mounting sleeve having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis and configured to carry the plunger and cap with the one or more elongated packages positioned between the cap and plunger and a variable internal volume defined between the plunger and the cap.

[0011] The plunger is configured to: (i) bear against an inside surface of the sleeve; (ii) be translated by an external force in a fore and / or aft direction along the longitudinal axis; (iii) remain aligned with the longitudinal axis; (iv) remain generally orthogonally oriented during fore and / or aft translation; (v) avoid pressure build-up within the sleeve as it translates; (vi) apply a dispensing pressure to the one or more packages; (vii) maintain the package within the variable internal volume throughout a dispensing operation.

[0012] The cap is configured to: (i) sealingly receive the one or more packages; (ii) allow and direct package component to flow at least partially therethrough; (iii) maintain separation between the one or more components; (iv) optionally meter the one or more components; (v) maintain orthogonally oriented alignment; (vi) remain arranged adjacent to the sleeve in a manner that enables the assembly to be transported and loaded into an applicator and to be disassembled manually; (vii) receive and / or carry a piercing device.

[0013] The sealingly receiving of the one or more packages may be performed by a side wall that at least partially circumscribes the package about which an adhesive is applied for bonding to a wall of the one or more packages.

[0014] The side wall may adjoin an annular end portion and the annular end portion optionally includes an annular groove for receiving excess adhesive, bonding to the wall, and maintaining the location of the one or more packages within the sleeve.

[0015] The side wall may extend to cover at least 2mm, at least 6mm, or even at least 10mm of a top portion of the one or more packages.

[0016] The assembly may include a piercing device configured to penetrate through a wall of the one or more packages so that upon receipt of external pressure the one or more packages ruptures.

[0017] During shipping and handling the piercing device may be carried on the cap.

[0018] After rupture the piercing device may remain in place without disruption to dispensing or causing any leaking.

[0019] The plunger may have a diameter, a width, and outer edges.

[0020] The cap may gather empty packaging within.

[0021] The dispensing pressure may be substantially equally divided among the one or more packages.

[0022] In response to radial compression, the plunger may have a complimentary fit with an anti-rotation structure of the sleeve that facilitates flexing and venting.

[0023] The plunger may include an opening for receiving one or more components of the assembly.

[0024] The dispenser may include a cone-like feature that engages in a snap fit with an opening in the cap upon emptying of the contents the one or more packages.

[0025] The sleeve may include an internal wall surface having one or more structures for stability and / or control over the plunger and / or cap.

[0026] The dispenser may include at least one longitudinal rib on an inner wall of the sleeve.

[0027] At least a portion of the sleeve may comprise a transparent material.

[0028] At least a portion of the sleeve may comprise an opaque material.

[0029] The cap may have one or more discrete flow paths that are physically separated from one another.

[0030] The cap may include an opening surrounded by an annular groove so that material progresses from an outer portion to an inner portion converging toward the longitudinal axis.

[0031] The opening may be threaded.

[0032] The opening may serve as a mount for a nozzle. The opening may include an internal wall structure that partitions two or more flow paths.

[0033] The dispenser may include a nozzle in direct connection with the opening and a plurality of channels leading into to an intermix portion of the nozzle, the plurality of channels preventing mixing of contents of the one or more packages.

[0034] The opening may be shaped to engage a variety of different nozzle sizes and shapes.

[0035] The dispenser may include an adapter for connecting to the opening to facilitate the attachment of a variety of different nozzle sizes and shapes.

[0036] The nozzle may also include an internal wall structure that substantially aligns with internal wall structure of the opening so that two or more flow paths continue to be partitioned in the nozzle.

[0037] The internal wall structure of the nozzle may penetrate through a plane that is defined within the nozzle.

[0038] The nozzle may include a tapered portion.

[0039] The plane may be located at one end of the tapered portion.

[0040] The cap may receive a piercing device.

[0041] The cap may receive a piercing device that is adapted to enter into each of the two or more flow chambers.

[0042] The cap may receive a piercing device that is adapted to enter into each of the two or more flow chambers via a plurality of pierced openings.

[0043] The plurality of pierced openings may adjoin the annular groove of the cap.

[0044] The cap may comprise at least two separately formed portions.

[0045] The cap may be a single integrally formed piece.

[0046] The nozzle may prevent the contents of the two or more packages from contacting one another within the nozzle to prevent foaming or curing of the contents prior to being expelled from the nozzle.

[0047] The piercing device may be an annular ring.

[0048] The piercing device may include one or more reinforcing structures.

[0049] The piercing device may include one or more longitudinally projecting lances.

[0050] The piercing device may include one or more longitudinally projecting lances, the one or more lances positioned about a periphery of the piercing device or toward a central portion of the piercing device.

[0051] The piercing device may include one or more longitudinally projecting lances, the one or more lances being elongated and terminating at a tapered distal tip.

[0052] The piercing device may include one or more longitudinally projecting lances that are sufficiently rigid so that they do not buckle under pressure.

[0053] The distal tips may be adapted for piercing the one or more packages.

[0054] The cap may include one or more openings for receiving the one or more projecting lances.

[0055] The cap may include one or more openings for receiving the one or more projecting lances and the openings are shaped to correspond with a shape of the one or more projecting lances.

[0056] The cap may include one or more openings for receiving the one or more projecting lances and the openings are shaped to correspond with a shape of the one or more projecting lances so that the openings are substantially sealed.

[0057] The cap may include one or more openings for receiving the one or more projecting lances and the openings matingly engage the one or more projecting lances to form a seal.

[0058] The piercing device may be an annular ring having a diameter that is sufficient for allowing attachment of the nozzle.

[0059] The dispenser may include a clearance between a bottom edge of piercing device and the top edge of the mount for receiving the nozzle of at least 5 mm prior to piercing and at least 8 mm after piercing.

[0060] The piercing device may be formed with the nozzle and pierces the one or more packages when the nozzle is engaged with the nozzle mount.

[0061] The piercing device may be removable from the cap and removed from the cap after use.

[0062] The piercing device may remain connected to the cap after use.

[0063] The piercing device may be adapted to pierce the one or more packages at more than one location substantially simultaneously.

[0064] The piercing device may be adapted to pierce the one or more packages by engaging different portions of the piercing device separately.

[0065] The dispenser may include more than one plunger.

[0066] The piercing device may directly contact a caulking gun structure and the caulking gun structure provides pressure to the piercing device during use of the caulking gun to cause the piercing device to pierce the one or more packages.

[0067] The dispenser may include exactly two packages, exactly three packages, exactly four packages, exactly five packages, exactly six packages, exactly seven packages, exactly eight packages, exactly nine packages, or exactly ten packages.

[0068] The one or more packages may be substantially identical in size.

[0069] The one or more packages may vary in size compared to one another.

[0070] One of the one or more packages may be exactly twice as large as another of the one or more packages.

[0071] The one or more packages may be wrapped together to minimize movement of the one or more packages.

[0072] The one or more packages may be mechanically, adhesively, or otherwise connected with one another.

[0073] The one or more packages may be separately formed.

[0074] The one or more packages may be integrally formed.

[0075] The piercing ring may be circular, elliptical, rectangular, or triangular.

[0076] The piercing device may include one or more longitudinally projecting lances and each lance includes a rib that extends to a terminal end of the lance.

[0077] The rib may extend at an angle of about 45° relative to an upper portion of the one or more lances.

[0078] The upper portion of the one or more lances may connect the terminal end of the one or more lances with a base portion of the piercing device.

[0079] The upper portion of the one or more lances may have a diameter that is larger than any other portion of the one or more lances.

[0080] The one or more lances may include a rib that is arranged at a 45° angle relative to the one or more packages so that upon engaging the piercing device the rib forms a tear in the one or more packages as opposed to a hole.

[0081] The piercing device may include a platform portion from which the one or more lances extend.

[0082] The piercing device may include a platform portion from which the one or more lances extend.

[0083] The cap or the piercing device may include a moveable extension that prevents premature piercing of the one or more packages.

[0084] The diameter of the one or more lances may increase along the length of the one or more lances so that the size of a tear formed by the one or more lances in the one or more packages increases as the lances extend further into the one or more packages.

[0085] The piercing device may be adapted to prevent piercing until the cap and one or more packages are loaded into a caulking gun.

[0086] The opening of the cap may receive an adapter that modifies the rate of flow of flowable material being dispensed from at least one of the one or more packages.

[0087] The adapter may be shaped to block at least a portion of an opening in the cap.

[0088] The adapter may block a portion of an opening in the cap that receives a lower viscosity flowable material and does not block any portion of an opening that receives a higher viscosity flowable material.

[0089] The flowable material may be dispensed in a ratio of 1:1 :1:1 from four equal size packages.

[0090] Two of the four packages may include a first material and two of the four packages may include a second material.

[0091] The dispenser may include at least two packages, at least three packages, at least four packages, at least five packages, or at least six packages.

[0092] The dispenser may include an adhesive for attaching the cap to the one or more packages.

[0093] The adhesive for attaching the cap may be a hot melt adhesive.

[0094] The cap may include at least one chamber adapted to receive the flowable materials and the at least one chamber includes a raised ring.

[0095] The raised ring may be adapted to receive an adhesive to connect the cap to the one or more packages.

[0096] The one or packages may be connected to one another prior to joining the cap to the one or more packages.

[0097] The one or packages may be wrapped together via a film that is adapted to avoid stretching.

[0098] The film may have a thickness of at least about 0.001 inches and less than about 0.01 inches.

[0099] The one or packages when arranged as two or more packages may be substantially free of any devices located in-between the two or more packages.

[0100] The cap may be formed from a polyamide or an aluminum.

[0101] The plunger, cap, and sleeve may each be formed from polymeric materials selected from polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, or combinations thereof.

[0102] Each of the plunger, cap, and sleeve may be formed of different polymeric materials.

[0103] After dispensing the entirety of the contents of the one or more packages, the plunger and sleeve may be re-used with a new cap and one or more packages.

[0104] A central void area may be included between the radially arranged packages that contains a gas filled expandable ballon which assists in maintaining the packages’ alignment as they are expelled.

[0105] The one or more lances may have a free end forming a blade with an angle of at least 25° relative to the remainder of the lance.

[0106] The one or more lances may have a free end forming a blade with an angle of less than 65° relative to the remainder of the lance.

[0107] The one or more lances may have a diameter that decreases as it moves to a free end of the lance.

[0108] The one or more lances may have a diameter at a top end of the lance that is substantially similar to the diameter of an opening for receiving the lance.

[0109] The one or more packages may be wrapped along at least 60%, at least 70%, or even along at least 90% of their length with an adhesive film. A single layer of adhesive film may be used. Multiple layers of adhesive film may be used.

[0110] The adhesive film has a thickness of at least 0.05 mm.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0111] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show exemplary embodiments of the present invention in which:

[0112] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary cap and piercing device in accordance with the present teachings prior to depressing the piercing device.

[0113] Figure 2 is a side profile view of the cap of Figure 1 prior to depressing the piercing device.

[0114] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the cap of Figure 1 after depressing the piercing device.

[0115] Figure 4 is an upper perspective view of the bottom of the cap of Figure 1 after depressing the piercing device.

[0116] Figure 5 is a side profile view of the cap of Figure 1 after depressing the piercing device.

[0117] Figure 6 is an upper perspective view of the top of the cap of Figure 1 after depressing the piercing device.

[0118] Figure 7 is a side perspective view of an exemplary piercing device in accordance with the present teachings.

[0119] Figure 8 is a side profile view of an exemplary projecting lance in accordance with the present teachings.

[0120] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the bottom of the piercing device of Figure 7.

[0121] Figure 10 is a top view of the cap of Figure 1 without the piercing device.

[0122] Figure 11 is an upper perspective view of the cap of Figure 10.

[0123] Figure 12 is an upper perspective view of the bottom of the cap of Figure 10.

[0124] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary cap and piercing device in accordance with the present teachings prior to depressing the piercing device.

[0125] Figure 14 is an upper perspective view of the cap of Figure 13.

[0126] Figure 15 is an upper perspective view of the cap of Figure 13 after depressing the piercing device.

[0127] Figure 16A is a side profile view of the piercing device of Figure 13.

[0128] Figure 16B is a side profile view of the piercing device of Figure 13.

[0129] Figure 17 is a top view of the piercing device of Figure 13.

[0130] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the piercing device of Figure 13.

[0131] Figure 19 is a top view of the top of the cap of Figure 13.

[0132] Figure 20 is a top view of the bottom of the cap of Figure 13.

[0133] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the cap of Figure 13 without the piercing device.

[0134] Figure 22 is a side profile view of an exemplary cap and packages connected thereto.

[0135] Figure 23 is a side profile view of an exemplary device in accordance with the present teachings showing the device located in a caulk gun.

[0136] Figure 24 is a perspective view of an exemplary piercing ring in accordance with the present teachings.

[0137] Figure 25 is a side profile view of the piercing ring of Figure 24.

[0138] Figure 26 is a top-down view of the piercing ring of Figure 24.

[0139] Figure 27 is a side profile view of the piercing ring of Figure 24.

[0140] Figure 28 is a bottom view of the piercing ring of Figure 24.

[0141] Figure 29 is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary cap in accordance with the present teachings.

[0142] Figure 30 is a cross-section side profile view of the device of Figure 27.

[0143] Figure 31 is a top cross-section view of the device of Figure 27.

[0144] Figure 32 is a perspective view of the top of an alternative exemplary cap in accordance with the current teachings.

[0145] Figure 33 is a perspective view of the bottom of the cap of Figure 32.

[0146] Figure 34 is a side profile view of an alternative exemplary device in accordance with the present teachings.

[0147] Figure 35 is a perspective view of an exemplary cap in accordance with the present teachings.

[0148] Figure 36 is a top-down view of the cap of Figure 35.

[0149] Figure 37 is a cross section view of the cap along line A of Figure 36.

[0150] Figure 38 is a cross section view of the cap along line B of Figure 36.

[0151] Figure 39 is a bottom view of the cap of Figure 35.

[0152] Figure 40 is a cross section view of the cap along line C of Figure 39.

[0153] Figure 41 is a side profile view of the cap of Figure 35.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0154] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the present teachings, its principles, and its practical application. The specific embodiments of the present teachings as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the present teachings. The scope of the present teachings should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description. Percentages herein refer to weight percent, unless otherwise indicated.

[0155] The devices described herein may include one or more structures for facilitating the dispensing of a flowable material from one or more packages. The devices may be particularly useful dispensing 2-part (e.g., 2k) flowable materials that activate (e.g., adhere, cure, foam, or some combination thereof) when a part A and a part B come into contact with one another. It is also possible that the devices herein may lend themselves to the mixing and dispensing of 1-part (e.g., 1k) materials. It is also possible that the devices herein may lend themselves to the mixing and dispensing of 3-part, 4-part, 5-part, 6-part or more type materials. The devices may further be useful for minimizing waste associated with the devices. The devices herein may include a cap structure that is designed to facilitate initial separation and eventual mixing of multiple flowable materials. The devices may include a plunger. The devices may include a nozzle. The devices may include a sleeve.

[0156] The devices of the present teachings may be employed in any of a number of different applicators. The applicators may be manually operated and / or operated by a motoror compressed air to drive the plunger to compress one or more containers (referred to herein as “packages”) that contain flowable material and cause each resulting compressed package to expel its contents through a nozzle via a cap. The contents of the dispensing assembly may be flowable. For example, they may have a liquid, paste or gel consistency at an ambient temperature for a particular application (e.g., room temperature for an indoor environment). The one or more packages may generally be elongated, extending along a longitudinal axis. They may be generally cylindrical. They may have a diameter (D) measured in a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a length (L) measured from one end to an opposite end along the longitudinal axis. The ratio of L:D may range from 1 .5:1 to 20:1 , preferably 2:1 to 15:1 , and still more preferably 3:1 to 10:1 (e.g., about 4:1 , about 5:1 , about 6:1 , or about 7:1 ).

[0157] The one or more packages may also be formed in other shapes (e.g., oblong, triangular, rectangular) and may be formed to correspond to the shape of a sleeve that circumscribes the packages. It is possible that the packages may be formed to correspond to at least one dimension of the sleeve. For example, the packages may be formed so that they extend to fill a first portion of the sleeve while a second portion of the sleeve remains unfilled by the one or more packages. The one or more packages may substantially fill the entirety of the sleeve.

[0158] The manner in which the packages are arranged in the sleeve may be selected to improve consistency of dispensing. For example, the packages may be arranged in the sleeve so that depression of the plunger provides pressure equally to the one or more packages. Further, the packages may be arranged so that undesired movement of the packages is avoided. For example, a package may shift within the sleeve, become twisted, or become pinched between the sleeve and the plunger or another package.

[0159] The dispensing assemblies of the present teachings may include only a single sleeve. For example, the device described herein may have a single sleeve within which a plurality of packages are contained. They may be contained within the single sleeve side by side with each other (e.g., each aligned parallel with the longitudinal axis). The devices may include a plurality of packages that are not coaxially aligned. The devices may have no coaxially aligned packages.

[0160] The devices of the present teachings may be adapted for use with dispensing guns or other secondary devices capable of putting sufficient pressure on the one or more packages so that the flowable materials within the one or more packages are suitablydispensed. The devices have particularly attractive suitability for use with a conventional basic caulking or adhesive hand-held gun (manual or automatic). Such a gun may be a conventional type marketed for consumer use.

[0161] Dispensing guns that may be useful or use with the devices described herein may include a main carriage having a holding portion having a longitudinal axis (along its longest dimension) and being adapted to receive a device of contents to be dispensed, a driving portion to apply pressure to the plunger to expel a portion of the contents (e.g., through a cap and thereafter a nozzle), and an operator handling portion that allows an operator to support (e.g., grippingly support) the gun and actuate the driving portion. The holding portion may be configured to receive and carry a dispensing assembly that has a diameter (at its largest diameter) of less than 20 centimeters (cm), less than 10 cm or even less than 5 cm.

[0162] The teachings herein envision an assembly that includes a hollow elongated sleeve portion configured to receive one, two, three or more packages. The hollow elongated sleeve portion may include a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion may be configured to receive the packages and / or a plunger (e.g., from the plunger rod assembly or its own plunger). It Is possible that when the sleeve portion carries its own plunger that the plunger is configured to: (i) bear against an inside surface of the sleeve; (ii) be translated by an external force in a fore and / or aft direction along the longitudinal axis; (iii) remain aligned with the longitudinal axis; (iv) remain generally orthogonally oriented during fore and / or aft translation; (v) avoid pressure build-up within the sleeve as it translates; (vi) apply a dispensing pressure to the one or more packages; and / or (vii) maintain the packages within the variable internal volume throughout a dispensing operation.

[0163] For example, to achieve the above, the plunger may include a disc having a diameter (or other largest dimension in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion) of an outer periphery.

[0164] The distal end portion of the sleeve may be configured to receive an end cap. The hollow elongated portion may be defined as an elongated sleeve. The sleeve portion may be cylindrical or otherwise have a prismatic exterior and / or interior surface. It may have a multi-lobed exterior and / or interior surface that corresponds generally with individual packages. It may have a plurality of individual bores parallel with the longitudinal axis, with one or more bores corresponding with an individual package. The end cap may beconfigured to have one or more packages attached to it, and preferably sealingly attached to it.

[0165] The sleeve may include one or more structures formed on the inner surface of the sleeve. These structures may assist in guiding the plunger while preventing any twisting or other undesirable movement of the plunger. The structures may include one or more ribs that extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. The structures may include one rib, two ribs, three ribs, or even four or more ribs. The cap may also include one or more slots that correspond with and / or receive the one or more ribs when the plunger disc completes expelling the flowable contents. It is also possible that the cap may include one or more features for preventing engagement between the plunger disc and the cap so that the cap may be discarded after use while the plunger and sleeve are adapted to be re-used with a different cap and flowable package.

[0166] In addition to being adapted for multiple uses, the sleeve may also be adapted to fit in an existing traditional residential and / or commercial caulking gun. The sleeve may fit in between structures of the caulking gun for maintaining the sleeve in place while a pressuring structure of the caulking gun is able to be moved into contact with the plunger disc to apply pressure to the plunger disc.

[0167] It is also possible that the sleeve is utilized with a device for applying pressure other than a typical caulking gun. The device could simply be handheld device where a user engages with the plunger to apply pressure and thereby expel the flowable contents of the packages. It is further possible that no sleeve is necessary to expel the flowable contents. A device could be used to engage the packages directly and place pressure on the flowable contents to cause them to be expelled.

[0168] The cap described herein may be adapted to achieve a variety of improvements. The cap may be adapted to maintain two parts of 2k flowable materials as separate until required to mix. The cap may be adapted to mix and expel the 2k flowable materials. The cap may be adapted to either have integrally formed or receive a separately formed device or removable device for piercing the one or more packages. The cap may be adapted to prevent and / or mitigate spill-over of the flowable contents during dispensing. The cap may be adapted to receive one or more mixing nozzles.

[0169] The cap may be adapted to separate, mix, and expel the flowable materials. In the event that multiple packages are utilized in the device, the cap may be connected to the multiple packages and formed to maintain the multiple flowable materials separate from oneanother until a time when contact and activation of the materials is desired. Undesirable premature contact may cause activation which could cause the flowable materials to begin curing and thus block additional material from flowing and being dispensed. Thus, the cap may include a plurality of wall structures for forming chambers. Each chamber may then receive flowable material from one or the one or more packages. For example, if there are three packages, three chambers are formed in the cap so that each chamber receives contents of one package. The one or more chambers may include one or more walls that extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. The one or more chambers may be any suitable shape to facilitate movement of the flowable materials therethrough. The one or more chambers may be substantially circular or oval in shape or may have more defined corners and be substantially rectangular or triangular in shape. The one or more chambers may act as a funnel, with each chamber becoming smaller while the flowable materials travel through the chamber and into a nozzle where they are mixed. The one or more chambers may include one or more walls that are angled with reference to the longitudinal axis of the device. The angled walls may be angled toward one another to guide the flowable materials into a nozzle. At some point between the chambers and the nozzle (but while still within the confines of the cap), the flowable materials may contact one another to begin mixing. Alternatively, the flowable materials may not contact and mix until they enter the nozzle. It is further possible that after use of a cap, the cap may not be re-usable given the potential for remining flowable material located in the chambers. Alternatively, the cap may have means to expel any remaining material and could be reusable.

[0170] The chambers of the cap may each have a length that extends from the top of the cap that receives the nozzle to the bottom of the cap where the flow materials first enter each chamber. This length may be less than 15cm, less than 10cm, or even less than 5cm. Each chamber may also have a largest width or diameter depending upon the shape of the chamber. The largest diameter or width may be less than 5cm, less than 1cm, or even less than 0.1cm. Each chamber may also have a smallest width or diameter depending upon the shape of the chamber and given that the chambers may become smaller as they move toward the opening in the cap for receiving the nozzle. The smallest diameter or width may be less than 2cm, less than 1cm, or even less than 0.1cm. The chambers may be sufficiently deep to receive the one or more packages once all package contents have been expelled.However, the chambers may not be so deep that the amount of cap waste increases without need

[0171] The chambers may include an internal ring. The internal ring may receive an adhesive for adhesive connection between the chamber walls and a portion of the one or more packages. The adhesive may be a hot melt adhesive. The hot melt adhesive may be applied to internal chamber ring and then the one or more packages may be located into contact with the chamber ring so that the one or more packages can be shipped already adhered to the cap.

[0172] The cap may be adapted to pierce the one or more packages. Any piercing device may be engaged with the cap so that undesired pre-piercing is avoided. Any piercing device may also be located on the cap so that pressure can be placed on the cap without placing pressure on the piercing device and thus avoiding undesired pre-piercing of the one or more packages. For example, a space may be formed in between the piercing device and a top portion of the cap. The piercing device may also initiate a tear in each of the one or more packages. The tear may be oblong in shape to maximize material exiting the one or more packages while not overwhelming the chambers in the cap. As a result, the piercing device should include lances having a shape and size sufficient to initiate a tear. In other words, a lance that comes to a fine point and only pokes a small hole in the package may not be sufficient to initiate a tear. The shape of the head of the lance may be arrow-shaped, spear shaped, or any shape causing an opening having a first diameter (D ) longer than a second diameter (DLT).

[0173] The cap may have a ring that may be separately or integrally formed with the cap (e.g., a piercing ring) that is adapted to be depressed to cause one or more openings to be formed in the one or more packages. The structures on the piercing ring may be sufficiently sharp to puncture the one or more packages, but also arranged on the ring prior to use so as not to come into contact with a user. For example, the structures for piercing may comprise one or more longitudinally aligned lances. The piercing ring may include one lance, two lances, three lances, four lances, or more than four lances. The number of lances may correspond with the number of packages. The one or more lances may be arranged within the confines of the piercing ring so that the piercing rings lie above the one or more packages prior to use and are pressed downward to pierce the one or more packages during use. Upon pressing the ring downward, the cap may include one or more openings that receive the one or more lances during use to avoid any user contact with the one or morelances. The piecing ring may further include one or more reinforcing structures such as one or more ribs to support the ring prior to and during use. The one or more ribs may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the device or may be formed as laterally aligned ribs that follow a circumference of the cap. The piercing ring may only moveable into a piercing position and thereafter no longer movable once it has pierced the one or more packages. While referred to herein as a piercing ring, it is entirely possible that the device for piercing be of any shape, including but not limited to square, rectangle, triangle, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other polygonal shape.

[0174] Alternatively, a removable piercing device may be utilized to contact the cap and pierce the one or more packages. The removable piercing device may also include one or more lances for piercing the one or more packages. The one or more lances may correspond with the number of packages. For example, the removable piercing device may include exactly three lances if the device includes exactly three packages. The removable piercing device may be re-usable and thus able to pierce multiple packages in multiple devices. The removable piercing device may be shaped so that a portion of the piercing device enters into one or more openings on the cap. For example, if the cap has a plurality of chambers, the removable piercing device may be shaped so that at least one lance enters through each chamber to pierce the package located adjacent that particular chamber. The removable piercing device may be shaped to interlock with the cap (e.g., in a ready position) so that it is able to remain in contact with the cap for ease of packaging and storage, but without piercing the one or more packages until desired (e.g., pressed downward into a piercing position). The removable piercing device may also no longer be moved once it has pierced the one or more packages. Alternatively, the removable piercing device may be removable after piercing the one or more packages. The one or more lances may not be connected to one another and may be individually separate above each package. Such lances may be activated by hand pressure or by using a dispensing gun to apply pressure.

[0175] The one or more lances in any integrated or removable piercing devices may include a portion that is shaped so as to cause a sufficient tear in the one or more packages as opposed to simply poking a hole. The end of the lance that initially contacts the one or more packages may be formed at an angle, so that the lance enters at a sharper point but continues to tear a larger opening in the one or more packages. The angle at which the end of the lance is formed at may be at least 25°, at least 35°, or even at least 45°. The angle at which the end of the lance is formed at may be less than 75°, less than 60°, or even lessthan 50°. The one or more lances may be formed to have a diameter that increases as it moves from the end of the lance that contacts the one or more packages to the end of the lance in contact with the cap. The one or more lances may have a diameter at the end that contact the cap that is sufficiently large to fill substantially the entirety of the opening that receives the lance when the lances are moved into the piercing position. This helps to further enlarge the tear in the one or more packages . It also assists in preventing unwanted shifting of the piercing ring when in piercing position.

[0176] The cap may be adapted to receive one or more mixing nozzles. Mixing nozzles may be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes depending upon the type of dispensing of flowable materials desired for a particular application. Thus, the cap may be formed so that it is adapted to be connectable to different mixing nozzles. Alternatively, the cap may be formed to receive one or more adapting devices to enable connection to different mixing nozzles. The cap may engage with the one or more mixing nozzles in a friction fit, a threaded screw engagement, a snap fit, a bayonet connector, or any other connection arrangement that provides secure connection and minimizes space through which flowable material could leak out through the connection between the cap and the nozzle. It is possible that once a nozzle is attached, the entirety of the cap / nozzle / package assembly must be discarded and is not reusable. Alternatively, it is possible that a first nozzle could be used for applying the flowable materials to a substrate, and then a second nozzle could replace the first nozzle and be used to apply flowable materials to a substrate. The nozzle itself may be any length, width, shape, or diameter so long as sufficient mixing occurs within the nozzle so that a substantially homogenous material is dispensed. It is possible that standard nozzles used for dispensing caulk, adhesive, or other flowable materials may be used with the caps described herein.

[0177] It is also important that the mixing nozzle receives amounts of flowable materials in the appropriate ratio. In other words, if for example the device includes three equal size packages, it is desirable that the nozzle receive a substantially equal amount of each package at all times during dispensing. It is also possible that one package may be larger than the other package, suggesting that the contents of the larger package may enter the cap and nozzle in an amount that is greater than that of any smaller package. If at any point during dispensing the nozzle receives a greater amount of flowable material from one package as compared to others, the resulting material that is dispensed may not cure, foam, flow, etc. as desired. As a result, the structure of the one or more cap chambers and theinterface between the cap and the nozzle may be adapted to facilitate this consistent ratio. It is also possible that the flowable materials are selected and / or formulated to have similar viscosities in an effort to dispense the flowable materials in amounts that are desirable for the intended ratio.

[0178] The cap may be formed to receive and engage the one or more packages. As one example, the cap may be formed of a polymeric moldable material that may be molded (potentially overmolded) onto the one or more packages. The one or more packages may include a structure to facilitate connection to the cap. For example, the one or more packages may include a structure that facilitates a friction fit, snap fit, threaded screw fit, bayonet connection, or the like with the cap. It is desirable that the connection between the cap and one or more packages is extremely secure to prevent any leaking of any flowable material from the interface between the cap and the one or more packages. A cover portion of the cap may extend downward along the sides of the one or more packages. The cover portion may extend at least 0.2cm, at least 1 cm, at least 3cm or even at least 4cm along the side of the one or more packages. This may improve the sealing connection between the cap and the one or more packages. As another example, the one or more packages and the cap may be packaged and sold already in connection with one another to prevent any user error in connecting the two.

[0179] The cap may also be formed to connect to the sleeve. It is possible that this connectivity allow for easy disconnection so that the sleeve may be re-used while the cap and one or more packages are discarded. This connection may be a threaded arrangement where the sleeve can be twisted onto an engagement with the cap. The connection may include a snap or friction fit between the cap and sleeve. The cap may include a channel matching the shape of an edge of the sleeve so that the sleeve edge is engaged in the channel during use of the sleeve and the sleeve can thereafter be easily removed from engagement with the cap.

[0180] The one or more packages may comprise a flexible packaging that is sealed along the packaging. For ease of accessing the flowable material (e.g., potentially via a piercing device), it is possible that the one or more packages may be sealed along the side of the flexible packaging. Though, sealing along a top or bottom of the flexible packages is also possible.

[0181] The flowable materials may include multiple parts such that a base resin material may be in a package that is separate from a curative material. Any suitablepackaging arrangement that allows for dispensing of the appropriate ratio of materials may be utilized. For example, if a desired dispensed formulation is 2 parts resin to 1 part curative, the device may include two resin packages and only one curative package, all of which may be equal in size. Alternatively, the same ratio may be dispensed where the device includes only two packages, a resin package and a curative package where the resin package is twice the size of (and dispenses at twice the rate of) the curative package. As yet another example, a 1 :1 formulation may be located into two equal size packages. Alternatively, that same 1 :1 formulation may be located into four equal size packages. It is possible that the circumference around the combined packages should be as close to the circumference of the sleeve as possible to assist in stability of the packages during use. Example formulations that may dispensed in this manner can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 10,550,220; and 11 ,535,698, and also in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2022 / 0089859, 2021 / 0395478, and 2022 / 0025172. Each of these documents are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety and for all purposes.

[0182] While the ratio of resin to curative is an important consideration in cap form, the viscosity of the package contents must also be considered. Unequal viscosities can cause buckling or other undesirable movement of the one or more packages relative to the cap. In order to account and adjust for this issue, an adapter may be utilized to regulate the flow of one or more of the package contents so that the rate at which the contents exit the nozzle is substantially similar. This adapter could be located onto any location on the cap where the adapter can have the effect of slowing the rate of flow of the contents of one or more packages. The adapter could be located into one or more chambers from a position above the nozzle mount. The adapter may act to fill or block a portion of a chamber so that less material exits the chamber than would if the adapter were not present. The adapter may be formed to lie in a friction fit or other mechanical interlock with the cap so that the adapter remains in place during use and avoids being forced out of position by the force of the expelling package contents. It is also possible that the adapter could be located into or adjacent the portion of the chambers that receives the one or more packages. This would modify the flow of the package contents prior to or concurrent with flowing into the chambers.

[0183] The construction of the one or more packages can be in accordance with any one of a variety of different known package construction techniques. For example, the packages may be those described in U.S. Application Serial No. 63 / 441 ,225, filed January 26, 2023, and U.S. Application Serial No. 63 / 468,908, filed May 25, 2023, both of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety and for all purposes. The one or more packages can be formed from a variety of different materials and can be used to house a variety of different products. The package walls may be formed from a thin, pliable, flexible, material, which in most cases is expected to be a plastic or other similar synthetic material. The packages may have a metallic layer. The packages may have a first end and an opposing second end. The ends of the packages may be closed or sealed. The side walls of the packages may be closed or sealed.

[0184] The cap described herein may sealingly receive the one or more packages. The cap may allow and direct package contents to flow at least partially therethrough. The cap may maintain separation between the one or more packages. The cap may selectively meter the one or more contents from the packages. The cap may maintain orthogonally oriented alignment of the end cap throughout dispensing. The cap may be arranged adjacent to the sleeve portion in a manner that enables the assembly to be transported and loaded into an applicator (e.g., a caulking gun) and to be disassembled manually (lightly attached).

[0185] It is possible each of the plurality of packages are kept generally aligned with each other over at least a portion of their lengths as their contents are compressed for dispensing. For example, the packages may be assembled together and kept in place by a sheath or other band that wraps around two or more packages. The sheath may take the form of a continuous band of material or, alternately, it may be a length of material wound or wrapped around the exterior of the adjacent packages. The sheath may be constructed from a variety of different materials including, but not limited to, rubber-like materials, polyolefin, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, or any one of a variety of other synthetic or natural products. It is contemplated that the sheath will typically extend fully around the exterior of the one or more packages.

[0186] Two or more packages may be secured or otherwise held together at one or more points along their length through use of a fastener or fastening means. This may assist in providing stability and preventing undesired buckling or other movement of one or more of the packages. It is possible that some more traditional means for connecting the packages may not work as expected and / or may exacerbate a buckling problem. For example, it is found that a single point of adhesive did little to prevent movement. The same was true for multiple points of adhesive along the packages. Even a continuous line of adhesive connecting two packages continued to result in buckling or other problematic movement during use. Mechanical fasters that were shaped to receive two or more packages also failedto minimize movement. Objects located in the center and in between the packages also failed to prevent undesired package movement. A flexible wrap is found to allow longitudinal movement while minimizing and preventing unwanted lateral movement and buckling of the packages.

[0187] In the event that a band or wrap is used, it may compress the packages to a slight degree to help ensure that the band or wrap does not become accidentally removed or detached from the packages when they are in transit, or before they are inserted within a sleeve. It is also possible that the band or wrap could be constructed from a material that creates sufficient friction between band or wrap and the exterior surface of the two or more packages to discourage the band from being unintentionally displaced from its position about the exterior of the packages. Two or more packages may be secured or otherwise held together along substantially the entirety of the surfaces where the packages contact one another.

[0188] Multiple packages may be connected to one another and stabilized using a film adhesive. The film adhesive may be a non-flexible film. The film adhesive may be a flexible film. The film adhesive may have a thickness of from about 0.02 mm to about 0.8 mm. The film adhesive may have a thickness of from about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm. The film adhesive may have a thickness of less than 0.2mm. The film adhesive may have a thickness of greater than 0.05mm.

[0189] A wrap such as a “shrink wrap” could be wound about the packages in a relatively narrow band. Alternately, a thin layer, or a relatively few thin layers, of “shrink wrap” could extend about a longer portion of the packages. In this later scenario, it will be appreciated that, provided that the “shrink wrap” is relatively thin or that a relatively few layers are used, the “shrink wrap” is unlikely to have an appreciable negative effect on the ability of the materials within the packages to be expelled at their desired ratios. That is, the thin, flexible, and pliable nature of “shrink wrap” is such that it will generally not tend to interfere with the compression of the packages through an advancement of the plunger of a caulking gun. Adhesive shrink wrap may be used as can a shrink wrap tube or sheath made of adhesive shrink wrap or non-adhesive shrink wrap.

[0190] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more packages are secured together prior to adhering the cap to the one or more packages. This way, undesired movement of the one or more packages and potential disengagement between the one or more packages and cap is substantially avoided.

[0191] With reference to the attached drawings, there will now be described preferred embodiments of the invention. Individual features depicted for one embodiment may be employed in a combination with a different embodiment. For example, without limitation, the cap of one embodiment may be substituted for a respective cap of another embodiment.

[0192] As shown for example in Figures 1 and 2, the cap 10 including an upper surface 11 and opening 12 for connecting to a nozzle (not shown). The opening 12 includes a plurality of chambers 14a, 14b, 14c. Each chamber has a smallest diameter d1 located at the end of the chamber closest to the opening 10. The cap 10 is shown having a substantially circular piercing ring 16. The piercing ring 16 is shown in the ready position prior to being depressed into piercing position. The piercing ring 16 includes a plurality of lances 18a, 18b and retaining openings 20a, 20b in the cap for engaging the lances and preventing contact with lances while in the ready position. The piercing ring 16 includes an annular rib 22 along the upper surface 24 of the piercing ring. The cap 10 includes a plurality of longitudinal ribs 26 located between an upper plate 28 and lower plate 30 of the cap.

[0193] Figures 3 and 4 show the lower surface 32 of the cap 10 including chambers 14a, 14b, and 14c. In Figure 3, the lances 34a, 34b, 34c can be seen in the ready position within the retaining openings 20a, 20b, 20c in the cap. In Figure 4, the lances 34a, 34b, 34c are shown in piercing position traveling through the retaining openings 20a, 20b, 20c. In Figure 3 specifically, the largest diameter of the chamber d2 is shown where the smallest diameter d1 is also visible. In Figure 4, the piercing ring 16 is shown in piercing position and is in substantially planar contact with the upper plate 28 of the cap. Figures 5 and 6 show the upper surface 11 of the cap 10 when the piercing ring 16 is in piercing position. The opening 12 for connecting to the nozzle is shown having a threaded structure so that a nozzle of choice can be twisted onto the opening 12.

[0194] Figure 7 shows a piercing ring 16 and lances 34a, 34b, 34c. Each lance includes a terminating end 36a, 36b, 36c and angled walls 38a, 38b, 38c leading to each terminating end. The annular rib 22 is shown extending in a direction upward and opposing the direction in which the lances extend. Figure 8 shows a singular lance 34a. The lance includes a triangular support rib 40 that extends from the lower surface 42 of the piercing ring to a point roughly mid-way along the lance 34a. An upper portion of the lance 42 is substantially circular in shape, while a lower portion 44 of the lance includes the angled wall 38a and terminating end 36a. Figure 9 shows an alternative view of the piercing ring 16showing each lance 34a, 34b, 34c, the upper portion 42 and lower portion 44 of each lance and the supporting rib 40 of each lance.

[0195] Figures 10, 11 and 12 show the cap 10 without the piercing ring. Figure 10 is a view of the cap 10 from directly above the cap. The opening for connecting 12 is shown with three chambers 14a, 14b, 14c. The cap is shown without the piercing ring so that the retaining openings 20a, 20b, 20c are shown without the lances located therethrough. Figure 11 shows the complete structure of a retaining opening 20a, including an open portion 46 of the retaining opening where a partial wall 48 guides a lance (not shown) shielding the lance from contact with a user. The closed portion 50 of the retaining opening 20a receives the terminating end 36a of the lance when in ready position and then receives the upper portion 42 of the lance when in piercing position. Figure 12 shows the cap 10 from the bottom where each chamber 14a, 14b, 14c is shown and a stepwise narrowing wall forming a raised ring 52 is present in each chamber. The retaining openings 20a, 20b, and 20c without the lances are also shown.

[0196] Figures 13, 14 and 15 show a removable piercing device 54 engaged with a cap 10. The removable piercing device 54 is located into the opening 12 for connecting to a nozzle. The chambers 14a, 14b, and 14c each receive a portion of the removable piercing device 54. The removable piercing device includes a handle 56 for a user to depress to pierce the one or more packages (not shown).

[0197] Figures 16a, 16b, 17 and 18 each show various perspectives of the removable piercing device 54 without the cap. The removable piercing device 54 includes a plurality of lances 34a, 34b, 34c. each lance includes slits 58a, 58b, 58c adjacent the lances for receiving a portion of the cap when the piercing device is in the piercing position. Figures 19 and 20 show the cap 10 without the removable piercing devices so that the retaining openings 20a, 20b, 20c are visible. In this case the retaining openings are located within the chambers 14a, 14b, 14c. Figure 21 shows the cap 10 without the removable piercing device. While the cap 10 includes the upper plate 28 and lower plate 30 of the cap, the retaining openings along the perimeter of the cap are no longer necessary and thus are absent.

[0198] Figure 22 shows the cap 10 in a mated arrangement with two packages 60a. 60b. The package 60b is twice the size of the package 60a and thus will be dispensed in a ratio of 2:1 package 60b:60a. A cover portion 62 of the cap 10 extends downward along the sides of the packages 60a, 60b.

[0199] Figure 23 shows the cap and packages of Figure 22 installed along with a sleeve 64 and plunger 66 in a traditional caulking gun 68. A nozzle 70 is shown attached to the cap opening 12 for connecting to the nozzle. A rod 72 of the caulking gun is adapted to receive pressure via a user depressing the caulk gun trigger 74. The rod contacts the plunger 66 which places pressure on the packages 60a, 60b.

[0200] Figures 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 show a schematic drawing of an exemplary piercing device in accordance with the present teachings. The piercing device 16 includes a rib 22 on the platform portion of the device. The lances 18a, 18b, 18c are shown having a rib at the terminating end 36c of the lance. The lances 34a, 34b, 34c have a diameter DLon an upper portion of each lance that is larger than the diameter DLi at the terminating end of each lance. The piercing device is shown including a plurality of indents 96 at locations adjacent each lance. Each lance has a height HL that extends from the top rib 22 of the piercing device to the terminating end 36a, 36b, 36c of each lance.

[0201] Figure 29 shows an alternative embodiment of a cap 10 including two separate openings 12a, 12b. It is possible that the embodiment may be utilized without a mixing nozzle so that separate materials do not mix and contact one another until after being dispensed through the two openings 12a, 12b. It is also possible that a nozzle could be connected to the two openings 12a, 12b.

[0202] Figure 31 shows a cross section view of an embodiment with two packages 60a, 60b where package 60b is approximately twice the size of package 60a. The packages 60a, 60b include an adhesive 88 for connecting the packages along package walls 90a, 90b.

[0203] Figures 32, 33 and 34 show a variation on the embodiment of Figure 29 where the cap 10 includes a secondary cap 92 for connecting to and covering the two separate openings 12a, 12b. As a result, mixing of the flowable materials would occur within the secondary cap 92. Figure 33 shows the chambers 14a, 14b in the cap. Figure 34 shows the secondary cap 92, cap 10, packages 60a and 60b and a band 94 (which may be a wrap or shrink wrap) for connecting the packages.

[0204] Figures 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, and 41 show schematic versions of an exemplary cap in accordance with the teachings herein. The cap is shown without the piercing device connected thereto. The cap is shown having an opening 12 and retaining openings 20a, 20b for receiving the lances (not shown). The chambers 14a, 14b, 14c through which the flowable materials flow are visible below the retaining openings. Cross sectional view of cut lines A, B, and C show the interior structure of the opening 12 andportions of the chambers 14a, 14b, 14c. The raised ring 52 is shown in each chamber for potentially receiving an adhesive to adhere the cap to one or more packages (not shown). The cap has a height Hcthat is about 1.8 times the height Hoof the opening 12 (e.g., 2.5 times, 2 times, 1.8 times, 1.5 times, 1.2 times).

[0205] In addition to the above, the following teachings apply to each of the embodiments. As seen from the drawings, there are a number of other structural features that may be selected to help improve performance and / or facilitate manufacturing, and / or achieve some other technical benefit (e.g., reduced land fill material at end of life). Among the many variations, without limitation, the cap may have a circular cross-sectional geometry in a plan transverse to the longitudinal axis. An opening of the cap through which the contents of the packages exit the assembly may be radially offset relative to the center of the cap. The cap may have a length Lc from its most proximal location to its most distal location. The cap may have a diameter De or other largest dimension. The ratio of Lc to De may range from 0.5:1 to 3:1 , preferably about 0.8:1 to 2:1.

[0206] It is to be understood that what has been described are the preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth above but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

[0207] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the teachings envision that any member of a genus (list) may be excluded from the genus; and / or any member of a Markush grouping may be excluded from the grouping.

[0208] Unless otherwise stated, any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component, a property, or a value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that intermediate range values such as (for example, 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51 , 30 to 32 etc.) are within the teachings of this specification. Likewise, individual intermediate values are also within the present teachings. For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001 , 0.001 , 0.01 , or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in thisapplication in a similar manner. As can be seen, the teaching of amounts expressed as "parts by weight" herein also contemplates the same ranges expressed in terms of percent by weight. Thus, an expression in the of a range in terms of at "'x' parts by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition" also contemplates a teaching of ranges of same recited amount of "x" in percent by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition."

[0209] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of "about" or "approximately" in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is intended to cover "about 20 to about 30", inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.

[0210] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term "consisting essentially of to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist of, or consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components or steps.

[0211] Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "one" to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or steps.

[0212] It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as many applications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it beregarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:Claim 1 : A dispenser comprising: a) a plunger having a peripheral surface; b) a cap configured to receive one or more elongated packages containing one or more components for dispensing; c) an elongated mounting sleeve having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis and configured to carry the plunger and cap with the one or more elongated packages positioned between the cap and plunger and a variable internal volume defined between the plunger and the cap; wherein the plunger is configured to: (i) bear against an inside surface of the sleeve; (ii) be translated by an external force in a fore and / or aft direction along the longitudinal axis; (iii) remain aligned with the longitudinal axis; (iv) remain generally orthogonally oriented during fore and / or aft translation; (v) avoid pressure build-up within the sleeve as it translates; (vi) apply a dispensing pressure to the one or more packages; (vii) maintain the package within the variable internal volume throughout a dispensing operation; wherein the cap is configured to: (i) sealingly receive the one or more packages; (ii) allow and direct package components to flow at least partially therethrough; (iii) maintain separation between the one or more components; (iv) optionally meter the one or more components; (v) maintain orthogonally oriented alignment; (vi) remain arranged adjacent to the sleeve in a manner that enables the assembly to be transported and loaded into an applicator and to be disassembled manually; (vii) receive and / or carry a piercing device.Claim 2: The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the sealingly receiving of the one or more packages is performed by a side wall that at least partially circumscribes the package about which an adhesive is applied for bonding to a wall of the one or more packages.Claim 3: The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the side wall adjoins an annular end portion, and the annular end portion optionally includes an annular groove for receiving excess adhesive,bonding to the wall, and maintaining the location of the one or more packages within the sleeve.Claim 4: The dispenser of any of claims 2 or 3, wherein the side wall extends to cover at least 2mm, at least 6mm, or even at least 10mm of a top portion of the one or more packages.Claim 5: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly includes a piercing device configured to penetrate through a wall of the one or more packages so that upon receipt of external pressure the one or more packages ruptures.Claim 6: The dispenser of claim 5, wherein during shipping and handling the piercing device is carried on the cap.Claim 7: The dispenser of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein after rupture the piercing device remains in place without disruption to dispensing or causing any leaking.Claim 8: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plunger has a diameter, a width, and outer edges.Claim 9: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cap gathers empty packaging within.Claim 10: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the piercing device is circular, elliptical, rectangular, or triangular.Claim 11 : The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the piercing device includes one or more longitudinally projecting lances, and each lance includes a rib that extends to a terminal end of the lance.Claim 12: The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the rib extends at an angle of about 45' relative to an upper portion of the one or more lances.Claim 13: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing pressure is substantially equally divided among the one or more packages.Claim 13: The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the upper portion of the one or more lances connects the terminal end of the one or more lances with a platform portion of the piercing device.Claim 14: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper portion of the one or more lances has a diameter that is larger than any other portion of the one or more lances.Claim 15: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plunger includes an opening for receiving one or more components of the assembly.Claim 16: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, including a cone-like feature that engages in a snap fit with an opening in the cap upon emptying of the contents the one or more packages.Claim 17: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve includes an internal wall surface having one or more structures for stability and / or control over the plunger and / or cap.Claim 18: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, including at least one longitudinal rib on an inner wall of the sleeve.Claim 19: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the sleeve comprises a transparent material.Claim 20: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the sleeve comprises an opaque material.Claim 21 : The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cap has one or more discrete flow paths that are physically separated from one another.Claim 22: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cap includes an opening surrounded by an annular groove so that material progresses from an outer portion to an inner portion converging toward the longitudinal axis.Claim 23: The dispenser of claim 22, wherein the opening is threaded.Claim 24: The dispenser of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the opening serves as a mount for a nozzle.Claim 25: The dispenser of any of claims 22 through 24, wherein the opening includes an internal wall structure that partitions two or more flow paths to form at least two chambers.Claim 26: The dispenser of any of claims 22 through 25, including a nozzle in direct connection with the opening and a plurality of channels leading into to an intermix portion of the nozzle, the plurality of channels preventing mixing of contents of the one or more packages.Claim 27: The dispenser of any of claims 22 through 26, wherein the opening is shaped to engage a variety of different nozzle sizes and shapes.Claim 28: The dispenser of any of claims 22 through 27, including an adapter for connecting to the opening to facilitate the attachment of a variety of different nozzle sizes and shapes.Claim 29: The dispenser of any of claims 25 through 28, wherein the nozzle also includes an internal wall structure that substantially aligns with internal wall structure of the opening so that two or more flow paths continue to be partitioned in the nozzle.Claim 30: The dispenser of claim 29, wherein the internal wall structure of the nozzle penetrates through a plane that is defined within the nozzle.Claim 31 : The dispenser of any of claims 24 through 30, wherein the nozzle includes a tapered portion.Claim 32: The dispenser of claim 31 , wherein the plane is located at one end of the tapered portion.Claim 33: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cap receives a piercing device.Claim 34: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cap receives a piercing device that is adapted to enter into each of the two or more flow chambers.Claim 35: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cap receives a piercing device that is adapted to enter into each of the two or more flow chambers via a plurality of pierced openings.Claim 36: The dispenser of claim 35, wherein the plurality of pierced openings adjoin the annular groove of the cap.Claim 37: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cap comprises at least two separately formed portions.Claim 38: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cap is a single integrally formed piece.Claim 39: The dispenser of any of claims 24 through 38 wherein the nozzle prevents the contents of the two or more packages from contacting one another within the nozzle to prevent foaming or curing of the contents prior to being expelled from the nozzle.Claim 40: The dispenser of any of the previous claims, wherein the piercing device includes an annular ring.Claim 41 : The dispenser of any of the previous claims, wherein the piercing device includes one or more reinforcing structures.Claim 42: The dispenser of any of the previous claims, wherein the piercing device includes one or more longitudinally projecting lances.Claim 43: The dispenser of any of the previous claims, wherein the piercing device includes one or more longitudinally projecting lances, the one or more lances positioned about a periphery of the piercing device or toward a central portion of the piercing device.Claim 44: The dispenser of any of the previous claims, wherein the piercing device includes one or more longitudinally projecting lances, the one or more lances being elongated and terminating at a tapered distal tip.Claim 45: The dispenser of any of the previous claims, wherein the piercing device includes one or more longitudinally projecting lances that are sufficiently rigid so that they do not buckle under pressure.Claim 46: The dispenser of claim 44, wherein the distal tips are adapted for piercing the one or more packages.Claim 47: The dispenser of any of claims 42 through 46, wherein the cap includes one or more openings for receiving the one or more projecting lances.Claim 48: The dispenser of any of claims 42 through 47, wherein the cap includes one or more openings for receiving the one or more projecting lances and the openings are shaped to correspond with a shape of the one or more projecting lances.Claim 49: The dispenser of any of claims 42 through 48, wherein the cap includes one or more openings for receiving the one or more projecting lances and the openings are shaped to correspond with a shape of the one or more projecting lances so that the openings are substantially sealed.Claim 50: The dispenser of any of claims 42 through 49, wherein the cap includes one or more openings for receiving the one or more projecting lances and the openings matingly engage the one or more projecting lances to form a seal.Claim 51 : The dispenser of any of claims 24 through 50, wherein the piercing device is an annular ring having a diameter that is sufficient for allowing attachment of the nozzle.Claim 52: The dispenser of any of claims 24 through 51 , including a clearance between a bottom edge of piercing device and the top edge of the mount for receiving the nozzle of at least 5 mm prior to piercing and at least 8 mm after piercing.Claim 53: The dispenser of any of claims 24 through 52, wherein the piercing device is formed with the nozzle and pierces the one or more packages when the nozzle is engaged with the nozzle mount.Claim 54: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the piercing device is removable from the cap and removed from the cap after use.Claim 55: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the piercing device remains connected to the cap after use.Claim 56: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the piercing device is adapted to pierce the one or more packages at more than one location substantially simultaneously.Claim 57: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the piercing device is adapted to pierce the one or more packages by engaging different portions of the piercing device separately.Claim 58: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, including more than one plunger.Claim 59: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the piercing device directly contacts a caulking gun structure, and the caulking gun structure provides pressure to the piercing device during use of the caulking gun to cause the piercing device to pierce the one or more packages.Claim 60: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, including exactly two packages, exactly three packages, exactly four packages, exactly five packages, exactly six packages, exactly seven packages, exactly eight packages, exactly nine packages, or exactly ten packages.Claim 61 : The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more packages are substantially identical in size.Claim 62: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more packages vary in size compared to one another.Claim 63: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein one of the one or more packages is exactly twice as large as another of the one or more packages.Claim 64: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more packages are wrapped together to minimize movement of the one or more packages.Claim 65: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more packages are mechanically, adhesively, or otherwise connected with one another.Claim 66: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more packages are separately formed.Claim 67: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more packages are integrally formed.Claim 68: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plunger, cap, and sleeve are each formed from polymeric materials selected from polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, or combinations thereof.Claim 69: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plunger, cap, and sleeve are formed of different polymeric materials.Claim 70: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein after dispensing the entirety of the contents of the one or more packages, the plunger and sleeve can be re-used with a new cap and one or more packages.Claim 71 : The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more lances include a rib that is arranged at a 45° angle relative to the one or more packages so that upon engaging the piercing device the rib forms a tear in the one or more packages as opposed to a hole.Claim 72: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the piercing device includes a platform portion from which the one or more lances extend.Claim 73: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cap or the piercing device includes a movable extension that prevents premature piercing of the one or more packages.Claim 74: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the one or more lances increases along the length of the one or more lances so that the size of a tear formed by the one or more lances in the one or more packages increases as the lances extend further into the one or more packages.Claim 75: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the piercing device is adapted to prevent piercing until the cap and one or more packages are loaded into a caulking gun.Claim 76: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening of the cap receive an adapter that modifies the rate of flow of flowable material being dispensed from at least one of the one or more packages.Claim 77: The dispenser of claim 76, wherein the adapter is shaped to block at least a portion of an opening in the cap.Claim 78: The dispenser of claim 76 or claim 77, wherein the adapter blocks a portion of an opening in the cap that receives a lower viscosity flowable material and does not block any portion of an opening that receives a higher viscosity flowable material.Claim 79: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the flowable material is dispensed in a ratio of 1 :1 :1 :1 from four equal size packages.Claim 80: The dispenser of claim 79, wherein two of the four packages include a first material, and two of the four packages include a second material.Claim 81 : The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, including at least two packages, at least three packages, at least four packages, at least five packages, or at least six packages.Claim 82: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, including an adhesive for attaching the cap to the one or more packages.Claim 83: The dispenser of claim 82, wherein the adhesive is a hot melt adhesive.Claim 84: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cap includes at least one chamber adapted to receive the flowable materials and the at least one chamber includes a raised ring.Claim 85: The dispenser of claim 84, wherein the raised ring is adapted to receive an adhesive to connect the cap to the one or more packages.Claim 86: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or packages are connected to one another prior to joining the cap to the one or more packages.Claim 87: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or packages are wrapped together via a film that is adapted to avoid stretching.Claim 88: The dispenser of claim 87, wherein the film has a thickness of at least about 0.001 inches and less than about 0.01 inches.Claim 89: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or packages when arranged as two or more packages are substantially free of any devices located in-between the two or more packages.Claim 90: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cap is formed from a polyamide or an aluminum.Claim 91 : The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plunger, cap, and sleeve are each formed from thermoplastic or thermoset polymeric materials.Claim 92: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plunger, cap, and sleeve are each formed from aluminum, polyimide, talc filled polypropylene, polycarbonate, or combinations thereof.Claim 93: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, including a central void area between the radially arranged packages that contains a gas filled expandable ballon which assists in maintaining the packages’ alignment as they are expelled.Claim 94: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, including a lance having a free end forming a blade with an angle of at least 25° relative to the remainder of the lance.Claim 95: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, including a lance having a free end forming a blade with an angle of less than 65° relative to the remainder of the lance.Claim 96: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, including a lance having a diameter that decreases as it moves to a free end of the lance.Claim 97: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, including a lance having a diameter at a top end of the lance that is substantially similar to the diameter of an opening for receiving the lance.Claim 98: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more packages are wrapped along at least 60%, at least 70%, or even along at least 90% of their length with an adhesive film.Claim 99: The dispenser of claim 98, including a single layer of adhesive film.Claim 100: The dispenser of claim 98 or claim 99, including multiple layers of adhesive film.Claim 101: The dispenser of any of claims 98 through 100, wherein the adhesive film has a thickness of at least 0.05 mm.

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