Applicator for a pressure container containing a composition for forming sealing paste, polyurethane foam or adhesive

Abstract

The object of the invention is an applicator (1) for attaching to a pressure container (20) containing a composition for forming a sealing paste, polyurethane foam, adhesive or another composition, comprising a body (2) adapted for being connected to a pressure container (20) equipped with a valve (21), wherein the body comprises a gripping surface (4) for contacting the user's hand, and the said applicator (1) contains a movable part (5) located in the body (2), adapted for coupling with the valve (21) of the pressure container (20) and for pushing the stem of the valve (21) into the interior of the pressure container (20) to open the valve (21) of the pressure container (20), wherein the movable part (5) comprises a first contact surface (6) for at least one finger of the same hand of the user, located substantially opposite the gripping surface (4) of the body (2). The application characterised in that the movable part (5) is a rotational and tiltable element mounted in the body (2), which comprises a second contact surface (7) for at least one finger of the same hand of the user, preferably the thumb, wherein the second contact surface (7) is located at the opposite end of the movable part (5) relative to the first contact surface (6) for at least one finger of the same hand of the user and is inclined relative to the gripping surface (4) of the body (2) at an angle ranging from 45o, to 135o,, wherein the applicator (1) is configured such that rotational movement of the movable part (5), caused by the user pressing on the first contact surface (6) and / or the second contact surface (7), pushes the stem of the valve (21) into the interior of the pressure container (20), causing the valve (21) of the pressure container (20) to open to dispense the composition from the pressure container (20).

Description

[0001] Applicator for a pressure container containing a composition for forming sealing paste, polyurethane foam or adhesive

[0002] Field of technology

[0003] The object of the invention is an applicator for a pressure container containing a composition for forming sealing paste, polyurethane foam or adhesive. The applicator is particularly useful for dosing / dispensing high-viscosity compositions suitable for forming sealing paste, polyurethane foam (PU), especially mounting foam, adhesive or other compositions. The applicator is designed to be used with pressure containers, especially those with a maletype valve.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Compositions for forming sealing paste, polyurethane (PU) foam or adhesive are typically reactive or curable. They usually contain at least one active ingredient and are intended for forming, for example, a sealant (e.g., sealing paste), a filler (e.g., polyurethane foam) or an adhesive (e.g., single- or two-component adhesive). Such compositions are usually cured through contact with moisture or its evaporation.

[0006] Such compositions are typically dispensed using various types of applicators.

[0007] Hand-held applicators, usually disposable, spinable onto the stem of the valve of a pressure container, containing a tube / straw through which the composition is delivered to the target location are known in the state of art. Such applicators also typically comprise a tiltable lever to activate the flow of the composition. The container valves for such hand-held applicators feature a threaded stem onto which the applicator is spined and are referred to as 'straw valves.' Such applicators operate on a valve mounted in the pressure container containing the composition, opening the flow of the composition through the straw valve as a result of tilting the lever.

[0008] Document EP2977333B1 discloses a foam dispensing applicator placed in a pressurised container. The applicator is adapted to connect to the stem of the valve of the pressurecontainer. The applicator comprises a tubular main body, a connecting part joining the stem with the body of the applicator, a straw extending from the connecting part, and a two-part lever consisting of a stationary element attached to the connecting part and a movable element movably connected to the stationary part. The movable part is adapted to connect with the straw and close it after the first use of the applicator to protect the applicator from the foam hardening inside the straw. The applicator can be operated with one hand. However, the disadvantage of this solution is the lack of ergonomics in dispensing mounting foam.

[0009] Document EP4405274A1 discloses a hand-held applicator for dispensing a composition contained in a pressure container, consisting of a tiltable body for attaching to the stem of a tiltable valve, wherein the said body has a lever surface for activation with the fingertip and is adapted to open the valve of the container by pressing the stem of the container valve into the container through a tilting motion relative to the axis of symmetry of the stem of the valve as a result of activation.

[0010] Specialised dispensing guns are also known for dispensing the aforementioned compositions. Such guns are usually connected to the pressure container either by snapping into place or by spinning the gun onto the thread of an adapter attached to the valve of the pressure container. Pressure containers designed for use with dispensing guns are equipped with gun valves. Dispensing guns typically comprise a needle valve located at the end of the gun barrel, allowing precise dispensing of the composition. The use of a needle valve also enables the composition flow to be sealed, limiting its exposure to the external environment (external atmosphere), ensuring that the composition in the gun barrel remains liquid, thereby extending the usability of the composition after first use. In the case of a solution using a dispensing gun, opening the valve of the pressure container occurs as a result of connecting the gun to the container. Dispensing the composition itself is done by regulating its flow with the needle valve of the dispensing gun. The desire to use this solution requires users who perform finishing work on their own, such as 'do-it-yourself,' to purchase the gun itself, which involves additional costs. There is also a risk that the purchased gun may not fit the pressure containers with the composition, preventing their proper connection and, consequently, the opening of the pressure container valve.Applicators mounted directly on valves placed in pressure containers, which are equipped with a tube or straw similar to the aforementioned hand-held applicators, are also known. Such products are ready for use without the need to screw the applicator onto the valve or connect it in any other way.

[0011] Document EP3173151B1 discloses a hand-held applicator suitable for containers with a gun valve. The hand-held applicator is adapted for applying the contents of a pressure container and comprises a stationary part intended for attaching to the pressure container containing a composition suitable for forming silicone paste, polyurethane (PU) foam or adhesive. The stationary part comprises a gripping surface designed for contacting the hand and provides a handle for the applicator. The hand-held applicator also comprises an integrated movable part that provides an operating surface enabling actions to be performed by at least one finger of the same hand. The movable part, through its movement, ensures engagement with the valve of the container and opens the container valve under the action of pushing the stem of the valve down into the container's contents. Additionally, the hand-held applicator contains a cavity for placing an accessory item and a security seal in the form of a cover to close the cavity for the accessory item. The security seal is broken before the first use of the applicator. Document EP3173151B1 also discloses that the hand-held applicator comprises a straw for dispensing foam, which can be equipped with a closing element for sealing the open end of the conduit or straw. The securing element can be placed on the straw after the first use of the applicator, allowing the applicator to be reused up to 48 hours after its initial use. The drawback of this solution is the inability to change the orientation of the dispensing container, which can be inconvenient when applying the composition in hard-to-reach areas, as well as the regulation of flow by adjusting the pressure applied to the button.

[0012] Similarly, document EP4015411A1 discloses an applicator for a pressure container equipped with a gun valve. The applicator comprises a cap for mounting onto the pressure container above the container valve, wherein the cap features an opening for inserting a nozzle and a body positioned around the opening on the first side of the cap. The applicator also comprises a handle for the user, which comprises a first and a second handle part connected to the cap and extending from the opening to the other side of the cap. The handle parts arespaced apart and located on opposite sides of the opening on the other side of the cap. The first handle part is movably connected to the cap for operating the container valve, while the second handle part has a substantially fixed position relative to the cap. Between the first and second handle parts, there is a lock connected to at least one handle part and extending through the space between the handle parts to prevent the first handle part from moving towards the second handle part. The lock is detachable from the first handle part and / or the second handle part to enable movement of the first handle part for operating the container valve during use.

[0013] The described solutions address the issue of providing ergonomic application of compositions from a pressure container containing a composition for forming sealing paste, polyurethane foam or adhesive, however, they do not offer a comprehensive solution ensuring ergonomic operation both when the applicator is used with the valve facing downward and upward. Consequently, there is a need for an applicator for pressure containers with a valve that provides improved ergonomics.

[0014] The objective of the invention is to solve the technical problem of providing an ergonomic and ready-to-use applicatorfor pressure containers, particularly those containing mounting foams or silicone pastes, enabling the dispensing of compressed liquids at any angle and in any position.

[0015] Essence of the invention

[0016] An object of the invention is an applicator for attaching to a pressure container containing a composition for forming a sealing paste, polyurethane foam, adhesive or another composition, comprising a body adapted for being connected to the pressure container equipped with a valve, where the body comprises a gripping surface for contacting the user's hand, wherein the said applicator comprises a movable part located within the body, adapted for coupling with the valve of the pressure container and for pushing a stem of the valve into the interior of the pressure container to open the valve of the pressure container, wherein the movable part comprises a first contact surface for at least one finger of the same hand of the user, located substantially opposite the gripping surface of the body.The essence of the invention lies in the fact that the movable part is a rotational and tiltable element mounted in the body, which comprises a second contact surface for at least one finger of the same hand of the user, preferably the thumb, wherein the second contact surface is located at the opposite end of the movable part relative to the first contact surface for at least one finger of the same hand of the user and is inclined relative to the gripping surface of the body at an angle ranging from 45° to 135°, wherein the applicator is configured such that rotational movement of the movable part, caused by the user pressing on the first contact surface and / or the second contact surface, pushes the stem of the valve into the interior of the pressure container, causing opening the valve of the pressure container to dispense the composition from the pressure container.

[0017] Preferably, the movable part comprises a nozzle for dispensing the composition from the pressure container.

[0018] Preferably, the second contact surface is inclined relative to the gripping surface of the body at an angle ranging from 70° to 110°, the most preferably at an angle ranging from 80° to 90°.

[0019] Preferably, the movable part is connected to the body by means of a rotational and tiltable joint.

[0020] Preferably, the applicator comprises a straw for dispensing the composition from the pressure container.

[0021] Preferably, the second surface for contacting at least one finger of the same hand of the user is essentially located at the upper part of the applicator.

[0022] Preferably, the applicator comprises a lock preventing accidental opening of the valve, wherein preferably, the lock preferably takes the form of a breakable element connected to the movable part and the body.

[0023] Preferably, the body comprises a centring sleeve for seating on the rim of the pressure container.The invention also relates to a pressure container containing a composition for forming a sealing paste, polyurethane foam, adhesive or other composition, comprising a valve and an applicator according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0024] Preferably, the pressure container is equipped with a male-type valve.

[0025] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of an applicator according to the first aspect of the invention or a pressure container according to the second aspect of the invention for manually dispensing a composition for forming sealing paste, polyurethane foam, adhesive or other composition from a pressure container. The applicator is suitable for manually dispensing the composition, for example, to fill cavities and cracks, bond materials, create seals, provide thermal and / or acoustic insulation, and / or assemble objects or similar tasks.

[0026] Advantages of the solution

[0027] The applicator according to the invention ensures high and previously unattained ergonomics during use in various positions, particularly when the applicator operates with the valve positioned downwards or upwards. Depending on the user's preference, it is possible to dispense foam, sealing paste or adhesive by using the thumb and / or the other fingers of the same hand, while simultaneously ensuring a secure grip on the applicator.

[0028] The placement of the second surface for contacting at least one finger of the same hand of the user at the upper portion of the applicator is especially important when the applicator operates with the valve positioned upwards, which enables easy and precise application of foams, pastes, adhesives or other compositions, for example, under ceilings.

[0029] When the applicator is permanently connected to the valve and the pressure container, the product is ready for use without the need to spin on the applicator or connect it to the valve in any other way. At the same time, the permanent connection of the applicator to the valve further enhances the sealing effect of the product.

[0030] The invention is presented in embodiments and in the drawing, in which:

[0031] Fig. 1 - illustrates the applicator according to the invention in a side view;Fig. 2 - illustrates the applicator according to the invention in a cross-sectional view along the axis of symmetry;

[0032] Fig. 3 - illustrates the applicator according to the invention in a cross-sectional view with the movable part in a side view;

[0033] Fig.4 - illustrates the pressure container with the applicator according to the invention in a side view;

[0034] Fig. 5 - illustrates the pressure container with the applicator according to the invention in a cross-sectional view.

[0035] Detailed description of the invention

[0036] First embodiment

[0037] The applicator 1 is intended for attaching to a pressure container 20 containing a composition for forming sealing pastes, polyurethane foams, adhesives or other compositions.

[0038] The applicator 1 comprises a body 2, which is adapted for being connected to a pressure container 20 equipped with a gun valve 21, wherein the body 2 preferably comprises a centring sleeve 3 for seating on the rim of the pressure container 21. The body 2 comprises a gripping surface 4 for contacting the user's palm, in particular with the inner part of the palm.

[0039] The said applicator 1 contains a movable part 5 located in the body 2, designed to couple with the valve 21 of the pressure container 20 and to push the stem of the valve 21 into the interior of the pressure container 20 to open the valve 21 of the pressure container 20. The movable part 5, in the form of a rotational and tilting element mounted in the body 2, comprises a first contact surface 6 for contacting at least one finger of the same hand of the user, situated generally opposite the gripping surface 4 of the body 2.

[0040] The movable part 5 further comprises a second contact surface 7 for contacting at least one finger of the same hand of the user, preferably with their thumb. The second contact surface 7 is located at the opposite end of the movable part 5 relative to the first contact surface 6and is inclined relative to the gripping surface 4 of the body 2 at an angle close to 90°. It is possible to incline the second contact surface 7 relative to the gripping surface 4 of the body 2 at various angles within the range from 45° to 135°. And preferably, this angle is within the range from 70° to 110°, and the most preferably within the range from 80° to 100°.

[0041] In this embodiment, the second contact surface 7 is located on the upper part of the applicator 1. In other embodiments, the second contact surface 7 may be positioned in another part of the applicator 1 provided that the functionality of the movable part 5 is maintained.

[0042] The moving part 5 contains a nozzle 8 for dispensing the composition from the pressure container 20.

[0043] The rotational and tilting movable part 5 is connected to the body 2 via a rotational and tilting joint. For example, such a connection can be implemented via two coaxial pins 9 on the movable part 5, mounted in holes in the body 2. In yet other embodiments, there may be a perforation, ribbed structure, thinned structure or flexible material between the movable part 5 and the body 2.

[0044] After attaching the applicator 1 to the pressure container 20 containing a composition for forming sealing paste, polyurethane foam, adhesive or another composition, equipped with a valve 21, preferably a male-type valve, the movable part 5 is coupled with the stem of the valve 21.

[0045] The applicator 1 also comprises a straw 10 for dispensing the composition from the pressure container 20, attached to the nozzle 8 in the movable part 5.

[0046] To apply foam through the straw 10 connected to the nozzle 8, the user holds the applicator 1 with the pressure container 20 in such a way that the inner part of the hand contacts the gripping surface 4 of the body 2 of the applicator 1, the thumb rests on the second contact surface 7 of the movable part 5, and at least one of the other fingers of the same hand is positioned on the first contact surface 6. Next, to dispense the composition from the pressure container, the user presses the first contact surface 6 and / or the second contact surface 7, causing the movable part 5 to rotate relative to the body 2, as a result of which the stem ofthe valve 21 is pushed into the interior of the pressure container 20, opening the valve 21 of the pressure container 20 to dispense the composition contained within the pressure container 20.

[0047] After the foam dispensing is completed, the user releases the movable part, causing the stem of the valve 21 to return to its initial position, which results in the closing of the valve 21.

[0048] The described solution according to the invention increases the comfort and ergonomics of using the applicator and allows foam application with the valve positioned upwards and the valve positioned downwards.

[0049] Simultaneous pressure on both contact surfaces of the movable part 4 facilitates foam dispensing in situations where applying sufficient pressure on one of the contact surfaces of the movable part is difficult for the user, for example due to insufficient finger strength or a smaller hand.

[0050] Second embodiment

[0051] The applicator 1 is as in the previous embodiments, with the difference that it comprises a lock preventing accidental opening of the valve 21. The lock preventing accidental opening of the valve 21 takes the form of a breakable element 11 connected to the movable part 4 and the body 2. The breakable element 11 locks the movement of the moving part 4 relative to the body 2, thereby preventing the valve 21 from opening. The breakable element 11 is broken prior to the first use of the applicator 1.

[0052] Third embodiment

[0053] The pressure container 20, as exemplary shown in Fig. 4 and 5, contains a composition for forming sealing paste, polyurethane foam, adhesive or another composition and comprises a valve 21 and an applicator 1 according to any of the previous embodiments.

Claims

Patent claims1. A applicator (1) for attaching to a pressure container (20) containing a composition for forming a sealing paste, polyurethane foam, adhesive or another composition, comprising a body (2) adapted for being connected to a pressure container (20) equipped with a valve (21), wherein the body comprises a gripping surface (4) for contacting the user's hand, wherein said applicator (1) comprises a movable part (5) located in the body (2), adapted for coupling to the valve (21) of the pressure container (20) and for pushing a stem of the valve (21) into the interior of the pressure container (20) to open the valve (21) of the pressure container (20), wherein the movable part (5) comprises a first contact surface (6) for at least one finger of the same hand of the user, located substantially opposite the gripping surface (4) of the body (2),characterised in thatthe movable part (5) is a rotational and tiltable element mounted in the body (2), which comprises a second contact surface (7) for at least one finger of the same hand of the user, preferably the thumb, wherein the second contact surface (7) is located at the opposite end of the movable part (5) relative to the first contact surface (6) for at least one finger of the same hand of the user and is inclined relative to the gripping surface (4) of the body (2) at an angle ranging from 45° to 135°, wherein the applicator (1) is configured such that rotational movement of the movable part (5), caused by the user pressing on the first contact surface (6) and / or the second contact surface (7), pushes the stem of the valve (21) into the interior of the pressure container (20), causing the valve (21) of the pressure container (20) to open in order to dispense the composition from the pressure container (20).

2. The applicator according to claim 1, characterised in that the movable part (5) comprises a nozzle (8) for dispensing the composition from the pressure container (20).

3. The applicator according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the second contact surface (7) is inclined relative to the gripping surface (4) of the body (2) at an angle in the range from 70° to 110°, advantageously at an angle in the range from 80° to 100°.

4. The applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movable part (5) is connected to the body (2) by means of a rotational and tilting joint (9).

5. The applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a straw (10) for dispensing the composition from the pressure container (20).

6. The applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second contact surface (7) for contacting at least one finger of the same hand of the user is essentially located in the upper part of the applicator (1).

7. The applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a lock preventing accidental opening of the valve (21).

8. The applicator according to claim 7, characterised in that the lock preventing accidental opening of the valve (21) takes the form of a breakable element (11) connected to the movable part (7) and the body (2).

9. The applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the body (2) comprises a centring sleeve (3).

10. A pressure container (20) containing a composition for forming sealing paste, polyurethane foam, adhesive or another composition, comprising a valve (21) and the applicator (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9.

11. Use of the applicator (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9 or the pressure container (20) according to claim 10 for manually dispensing of a composition for forming sealing paste, polyurethane foam, adhesive or another composition from the pressure container (20).

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