Dispensing devices

Abstract

A dispensing assembly comprising a cap configured to receive one or more elongated packages containing one or more components for dispensing, the cap comprising a platform portion, a connector integrally formed with and extending outward from the platform portion capable of connecting to a nozzle and a plurality of chambers formed within the connector, a piercing device comprising, a plurality of longitudinally projecting lances and a plurality of openings adjacent the plurality of lances, and a crown portion opposite the plurality of lances and adjacent the plurality of openings, wherein the plurality of lances are capable of being received within the plurality of chambers of the connector so that the components for dispensing travel through the plurality of chambers into and through the plurality of openings adjacent the lances.

Description

DISPENSING DEVICESCLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the priority dates of United States Provisional Application Serial Nos. 63 / 741,171 (filed January 2, 2025), 63 / 787,260 (filed April 11, 2025), and 63 / 850,736 (filed on July 25, 2025). The contents of these applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety and for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 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

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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 the epoxy 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 sleevesthrough the applicator, which both mixes the components and applies them in a desired manner.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] Challenges also exist with the piercing process, which generally does not occur until just prior to use. If the packages are pierced in the wrong location or the sizes of the piercings differ, it can cause mixing of components in an undesired ratio or even a missing component altogether. The lances of the piercing device can also be sharp, which could cause unintentional damage to the packages or elsewhere. The end user may also have no prior experience with package piercing, such that complex piercing systems would not be preferred.

[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 dispensing assembly comprising a cap configured to receive one or more elongated packages containing one or more components for dispensing, the cap comprising a platform portion a connector integrally formed with and extending outward from the platform portion capable of connecting to a nozzle, a plurality of chambers formed within the connector, and a piercing device comprising a plurality of longitudinally projecting lances and a plurality of openings adjacent the plurality of lances and a crown portion opposite the plurality of lances and adjacent the plurality of openings. The plurality of lances are capable of being received within the plurality of chambers of the connector so that the components for dispensing travel through the plurality of chambers into and through the plurality of openings adjacent the lances.

[0011] The one or more elongated packages may be located into a sleeve having a longitudinal axis.

[0012] The sleeve may include a first end and a second end and one or more of the first and second end are flared.

[0013] The sleeve may include one or more lobes running parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0014] The plurality of openings may be in direct contact with the crown portion.

[0015] During shipping and handling the piercing device may be separately formed from the cap but remains in contact with the cap during dispensing of the components for dispensing.

[0016] After the plurality of lances are received within the plurality of chambers of the connector, the piercing device may remain in place without disruption to dispensing or causing any leaking.

[0017] The plurality of openings may have a length and width and the width decreases along the length.

[0018] The width of the plurality of openings may be smallest adjacent the crown portion.

[0019] The one or more lances may extend away from the one or more openings and taper to a terminal end that is sufficiently sharp to pierce the one or more elongated packages.

[0020] The one or more lances may each include a rib that extends to a terminal end of the lance.

[0021] The piercing device may include at least three lances.

[0022] A dispensing pressure may be substantially equally divided among the one or more elongated packages.

[0023] The platform portion may be substantially circular.

[0024] An upper portion of the one or more lances may have a width extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the piercing device that is larger than any other portion of the one or more lances.

[0025] A space may be formed in between each of the plurality of lances.

[0026] The plurality of lances may be free of direct contact with one another, but each lance may be in direct contact with a portion of the crown portion.

[0027] The sleeve may include an internal wall surface having one or more structures for stability and / or control over the plunger and / or cap.

[0028] The connector portion may be integrally molded with the platform portion but separately molded from the piercing device.

[0029] At least a portion of the sleeve may comprise a transparent material.

[0030] At least a portion of the sleeve may comprise an opaque material.

[0031] The plurality of chambers may be discrete flow paths that are physically separated from one another.

[0032] The one or more openings may be substantially triangular or trapezoidal in shape.

[0033] The connector may be threaded.

[0034] The piercing device may be engaged with the connector prior to use but does not pierce the one or more packages until pressure is applied to force the piercing device further into the connector.

[0035] The plurality of chambers may include an internal wall structure that partitions two or more flow paths to form at least two chambers.

[0036] The dispensing assembly may include a nozzle in direct connection with the connector and the plurality of openings lead into to an intermix portion of the nozzle.

[0037] The connector may be shaped to engage a variety of different nozzle sizes and shapes.

[0038] The dispensing assembly may include an adapter for connecting to the connector to facilitate the attachment of a variety of different nozzle sizes and shapes.

[0039] The nozzle may also include an internal wall structure that substantially aligns with internal wall structure of the connector so that two or more flow paths continue to be partitioned in the nozzle.

[0040] The cap may be a single integrally formed piece.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The one or more lances may be positioned about a periphery of the piercing device or toward a central portion of the piercing device.

[0043] The one or more lances may be sufficiently rigid so that they do not buckle under pressure.

[0044] The one or more chambers may have dimensions that are larger than those of the plurality of lances so that the components for dispensing have sufficient space to travel into the plurality of openings.

[0045] The piercing device may remain connected to the connector after use.

[0046] The piercing device may be capable of piercing the one or more packages at more than one location substantially simultaneously.

[0047] The dispensing assembly 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.

[0048] The one or more packages may be wrapped together to minimize movement of the one or more packages.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The dispensing assembly may include a lobed sleeve and a correspondingly lobed plunger wherein the lobed sleeve engages with the cap and is adapted to surround the one or more elongated packages.

[0052] At least one chamber may be threaded to receive a threaded adapter that is connected to at least one of the one or more elongated packages.

[0053] Exactly one chamber may be threaded to receive a threaded adapter that is connected to one of the one or more elongated packages.

[0054] At least one chamber may be threaded to receive a threaded adapter and the threaded adapter is bonded to one of the one or more elongated packages.

[0055] The teachings herein are also directed to a dispensing assembly comprising a cap configured to receive one or more elongated packages containing one or more components for dispensing, the cap comprising, a platform portion, a connector integrally formed with and extending outward from the platform portion capable of connecting to a nozzle, and a plurality of chambers formed within the connector, wherein a portion of one of the chambers is threaded and the remaining chambers are substantially free of threading.

[0056] The dispensing assembly may include a threaded adapter adapted to be received by the threaded chamber.

[0057] The threaded adapter may be bonded to one of the one or more elongated packages.

[0058] One or more of the one or more elongated packages may be bonded to the cap.

[0059] The dispensing assembly may include three elongated packages and two of the elongated packages are bonded to the cap and one of the elongated packages is not bonded to the cap.

[0060] The elongated package that is not bonded to the cap may be bonded to a threaded adapter adapted to be received by the threaded chamber.

[0061] The elongated package that is not bonded to the cap may be interchanged with other elongated packages to modify a property of the components for dispensing.

[0062] The piercing device may be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process.

[0063] The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the crown portion includes a plurality of crown openings.

[0064] The crown portion may include a plurality of crown openings so that the piercing device can remain engaged with the cap during dispensing to allow movement of components for dispensing through the plurality of crown openings.

[0065] The piercing device may include an opening formed within each lance, wherein the opening extends upward toward the crown portion and is formed by two integrally formed curved walls.

[0066] The piercing device may include an opening formed within each lance, wherein the opening extends upward toward the crown portion and is formed by two integrally formed curved walls and at least one of the integrally formed curved walls includes a tab structure for locking the lance into the cap.

[0067] The crown portion may include a plurality of crown openings and the plurality of crown openings include a central opening surrounded by one or more peripheral openings.

[0068] The piercing device may include three openings adjacent three lances wherein the three openings are formed by arch walls each arch wall has a wall width (Arch w) that is less than 1 / 8ththe length or width of the three openings.

[0069] The teachings herein are further directed to piercing device comprising a plurality of longitudinally projecting lances and a plurality of openings adjacent the plurality of lances, and a crown portion opposite the plurality of lances and adjacent the plurality of openings, the crown portion including a plurality of crown openings including at least one central opening and at least two peripheral openings, wherein each lance includes an opening formed within each lance, wherein the opening extends upward toward the crown portion and is formed by two integrally formed curved walls.

[0070] The teachings herein are also directed to a dispensing assembly comprising a cap adapted for connecting with a nozzle and configured to receive one or more elongated packages containing one or more components for dispensing, and a piercing device engaged with the cap, wherein the components for dispensing travel through at least one chamber in the cap and the piercing device.

[0071] The dispensing assembly may include a lobed sleeve and a correspondingly lobed plunger wherein the lobed sleeve engages with the cap and is adapted to surround the one or more elongated packages.

[0072] At least one chamber may be threaded to receive a threaded adapter that is connected to at least one of the one or more elongated packages.

[0073] Exactly one chamber may be threaded to receive a threaded adapter that is connected to one of the one or more elongated packages.

[0074] At least one chamber may be threaded to receive a threaded adapter and the threaded adapter is bonded to one of the one or more elongated packages.

[0075] The teachings herein are further directed to a dispensing assembly comprising a cap configured to receive one or more elongated packages containing one or more components for dispensing, the cap comprising: a platform portion, a connector integrally formed with and extending outward from the platform portion capable of connecting to a nozzle, and a plurality of chambers formed within the connector; wherein a portion of one of the chambers is threaded and the remaining chambers are substantially free of threading.

[0076] The dispensing assembly may include a threaded adapter adapted to be received by the threaded chamber.

[0077] The threaded adapter may be bonded to one of the one or more elongated packages.

[0078] One or more of the one or more elongated packages may be bonded to the cap.

[0079] The dispensing assembly may include three elongated packages and two of the elongated packages are bonded to the cap and one of the elongated packages is not bonded to the cap.

[0080] The elongated package that is not bonded to the cap may be bonded to a threaded adapter adapted to be received by the threaded chamber.

[0081] The elongated package that is not bonded to the cap may be interchanged with other elongated packages to modify a property of the components for dispensing.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] 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:

[0083] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary cap in accordance with the present teachings.

[0084] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cap of Figure 1 and an exemplary piercing device prior to locating the piercing device into the cap.

[0085] Figure 3 is top down bottom view of the cap of Figure 1 and piercing device of Figure 2 before depressing the piercing device.

[0086] Figure 4 is a cross-section view of the cap of Figure 1 and piercing device of Figure 2 before depressing the piercing device

[0087] Figure 5 is a cross-section view of the cap of Figure 1 and piercing device of Figure 2 during depression of the piercing device.

[0088] Figure 6 is a cross-section view of the cap of Figure 1 and piercing device of Figure 2 after depressing the piercing device.

[0089] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a caulking gun including an exemplary dispensing assembly.

[0090] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a threaded adapter in accordance with the present teachings.

[0091] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a cap and a threaded adapter in accordance with the present teachings.

[0092] Figure 10 is perspective view of a dispensing assembly in accordance with the present teachings.

[0093] Figure 11 is a profile view of a dispensing assembly in accordance with the present teachings.

[0094] Figure 12 is a profile view of a dispensing assembly in accordance with the present teachings.

[0095] Figure 13 is an exploded view of a dispensing assembly in accordance with the present teachings.

[0096] Figure 14 is a top down view of a lobed sleeve in accordance with the present teachings.

[0097] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the lobed sleeve of Figure 14.

[0098] Figure 16 is a cutaway view of the lobed sleeve of Figure 14.

[0099] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a lobed plunger in accordance with the present teachings.

[0100] Figure 18 is a perspective view of an exemplary piercing device in accordance with the present teachings.

[0101] Figure 19 is a bottom view of the piercing device of Figure 18.

[0102] Figure 20 is a front elevational view of a portion of the piercing device of Figure 18.

[0103] Figure 21 is a cut-away view of the portion of the piercing device of Figure 20.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0104] 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.

[0105] The devices for forming the dispensing assemblies 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 cap structure may include a connector having a plurality of channels formed therein. The devices may include a piercing device including a plurality of lances and a crown portion. The devices may include a plunger. The devices may include a nozzle. The devices may include a sleeve.

[0106] Related devices are described in PCT Application No. PCT / US2024 / 013206. However, in an effort to minimize potential failure in piercing the packages and also help avoid user error, certain aspects of the dispensing assembly may be modified. Specifically, it has been found that entrance of a piercing device directly into the connector improves reliability of piercing. Surprisingly, the design of the piercing device of the present teachings further is capable of remaining in place within the connector while the contents of the package can still effectively travel through and beyond the piercing device. This improves ease of use by the user by eliminating any step of removing the piercing device from its piercing position in the connector.

[0107] 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 motor or 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 endto 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).

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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 suitably dispensed. 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.

[0112] 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 anoperator 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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 be configured to have one or more packages attached to it, and preferably sealingly attached to it.

[0116] 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 possiblethat 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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 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. The mixing nozzle may be connected to the cap with the separately formed device for piercing still located within the chambers of the cap.

[0120] 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 one another 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. Theone 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. The chambers may be shaped to receive the one or more lances within the chamber (e.g., each chamber may receive a corresponding lance). The chambers may be shaped so that a portion of the chamber interlocks with a portion of the lance so that once the lances enter the chambers they remain in the chambers unless and / or until a pull force is applied to the lances to disengage the interlock. Alternatively or in addition, the one or more lances may include a structure that interlocks with a structure of the chamber. As one example, each lance may include a tab on an outer surface of the lance and that tab may engage with a ledge within the chamber to maintain each lance in a piercing position. 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 re-usable.

[0121] The chambers of the cap may each have a length that extends from the top of the cap that receives the piercing device and nozzle to the bottom of the cap where the flow materials first enter each chamber. This length may be less than 15 cm, less than 10 cm, or even less than 5 cm. 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 5 cm, less than 1cm, or even less than 0.1 cm. 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 2 cm, less than 1 cm, or even less than 0.1 cm. 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

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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 be separately formed from the cap. Any piercing device may be joined with the cap but locked in a ready position so that undesired pre-piercing is avoided until significant pressure is placed on the piercing device to move the device into a piercing position. 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 longer than a second diameter.

[0124] For example, the structures for piercing may comprise one or more longitudinally aligned lances. The piercing device 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 so that the piercing device lies above the one or more packages and chambers prior to use and are pressed downward to pierce the one or more packages during use. The piercing device may only moveable into a piercing position and thereafter no longer movable once it has pierced the one or more packages.

[0125] The piercing device may be removable and 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. Theremovable 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.

[0126] 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 less than 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.

[0127] It is also possible that the piercing device may include shapes and openings that present challenges for typical injection molding manufacturing methods. As a result, alternative methods such as additive manufacturing methods (e.g., three dimensional printing) may be utilized. For example, a printing process could be used to produce a crown portion of the piercing device that has a central opening surrounded by a series of equally spaced circumferential openings. In a molding process, the crown portion would likely need to be solid, serving as a drop location for removing the piercing device from the mold. Further, the inclusion of openings between the crown and lance portions may require mold actions to create the openings. The size of the openings may be limited by where the mold actions can be located in the old cavity. Printing these openings expands the options for dimensions of the openings. Larger openings facilitate more space for the flowable contentsto flow through and out of the openings in both the crown and adjacent the crown. Certain features of the piercing device may also require particularly thin steel portions of the mold which can present a variety of issues including deformation and bending during molding, machining difficulties, flow marks in the surface of the article, warping, and uneven cooling. None of these issues are present with a printing manufacturing process. Lastly, required draft angles will limit the shape of the molded piercing device and such angles would not be necessary using an additive manufacturing process. Examples of piercing devices that may be facilitated by additive manufacturing processes can be seen in Figs. 18-21.

[0128] 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. The nozzle may be applied onto the piercing device, whereby the flowable material flows through the cap chambers, into and through openings on the piercing device and into and through the nozzle.

[0129] 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 anypoint 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 the interface 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.

[0130] 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 1cm, 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.

[0131] The cap may also be formed to connect to the sleeve. It is possible that this connectivity will 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.

[0132] The channels may be adapted to connect with the packages. The means for connecting the packages to the cap may be the same with all packages or may differ among the packages. As one example, one or more of the packages may be directly bonded to the channel and / or cap. As another example, one or more packages may include a threadedadapter. The threaded adapter may be directly bonded to a package. In this case, one of the chambers may be correspondingly threaded in order to receive the threaded adapter. This assembly creates an opportunity to modify a particular attribute of the components for dispensing. For example, one of the packages connected via the threaded adapter could be un-screwed from the cap and replaced with a different package including a threaded adapter. This change could modify the color, viscosity, cure profile, expansion, toughness, or any other attribute of the components for dispensing.

[0133] The threaded adapter may have a diameter and the threaded channel that receives the threaded adapter may each have a diameter. The diameter of the threaded adapter may be just slightly less than that of the threaded chamber to allow for fitting of the adapter within the chamber. The height of the threaded adapter may be similar to or slightly less than a height of a threaded portion of the chamber to allow for fitting the adapter within the chamber.

[0134] The sleeve itself may include one or more lobes (e.g., a lobed sleeve). The lobes may serve to guide the elongated packages during dispensing. The lobes may serve to substantially prevent buckling of the elongated packages during dispensing. The lobes may be formed at equal intervals around the sleeve. The lobes may be formed at different intervals around the sleeve. The lobes may have identical height and curvature or different height and curvature.

[0135] The dispensing device may also include a lobed plunger. The lobed plunger may include lobes having a location and size to correspond with the lobes of the sleeve. This will allow the plunger to slide along in close contact with the lobes on the sleeve. The lobed plunger may include one or more structures to help with avoiding buckling of the elongated packages during dispensing. These structures may include openings and or projections to provide proper contact with and support of the elongated packages.

[0136] The cap may also be bonded directly to one or more of the elongated packages. As opposed to the cap being attached just prior to use by a user, the cap may come already bonded to the one or more elongated packages and thus ready for insertion into a sleeve and deposition of the components for dispensing via a traditional caulk gun or other similar device. Direct bonding of the cap to the elongated packages will also facilitate re-use of the packages after partial dispensing to avoid the waste of partially utilized packages. The direct bonding may also minimize the unintended spilling of package contents associated with assemblies where the cap is attached to the packages by the user. Thedirect bonded cap can be utilized with the opening and piercing device described herein or could be used with a simplified opening and pierced by any sufficiently sharp structure.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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 suitable packaging 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.

[0139] 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 maybe 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.

[0140] 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 PCT Publication No. WO2024 / 159072 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein in its 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.

[0141] 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).

[0142] It is possible that 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 or at least covering all but the top and / or bottom of the packages.

[0143] 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 failed to 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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 0.05 mm.

[0146] 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 theability 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] As shown for example in Figure 1, the cap 10 includes 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 12. The cap 10 includes a plurality of longitudinal ribs 26 located between an upper plate 28 and lower plate 30 of the cap.

[0150] Figure 2 shows the piercing device 16, including the lances 34a, 34b, 34c shown above the chambers 14a, 14b, 14c in the cap that will receive the lances. The piercing device includes a crown portion 13 and a plurality of openings 15a, 15b, 15c (not visible) adjacent each lance. Once the piercing device is located into the cap to pierce the packages (not shown), the flowable material is able to pass through the plurality of openings 15a, 15b, 15c. Each of the lances 34a, 34b, 34c includes a tab 17a, 17b, 17c (not shown) to assist in maintaining the piercing device within the chambers after piercing.

[0151] Figures 3 and 4 show a top down and cross section view of the cap 10 as the piercing device enters into the chambers of the cap. the lances 34a, 34b, 34c are shown approaching piercing position traveling through the retaining openings 20a, 20b, 20c. The tabs 17a, 17c on each lance are shown prior to engaging a ledge 19a, 19c within the chambers 14a, 14c.

[0152] In Figures 5 and 6, the piercing device is shown as it enters all the way into the chambers in piercing position. The tabs 17a, 17c are shown engaging the ledges 19a, 19c within the chambers (Figure 5) to prevent easy removal of the piercing device from withinthe chambers. The tabs 17a, 17c are shown moving beyond the ledges 19a, 19c into piercing position.

[0153] Figure 7 shows the cap and piercing device installed along with packages, 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.

[0154] Figure 8 shows a threaded adapter 100. The threaded adapter 100 may be bonded to an elongated package (not shown). The threaded adapter may be received by a correspondingly threaded chamber (not shown). The threaded adapter may have a diameter that is just slightly less than that of the threaded chamber to allow for fitting of the adapter within the chamber. The height of the threaded adapter may be similar to or slightly less than a height of a threaded portion of the chamber to allow for fitting the adapter within the chamber.

[0155] Figure 9 shows the threaded fastener 100 with the cap 10. The cap 10 includes chambers 14a, 14b, 14c, wherein one chamber 14a is threaded to receive the threaded adapter 10.

[0156] Figure 10 shows the dispensing assembly including the cap 10, the piercing device 16 including the crown 13, the lobed sleeve 102, the lobed plunger 104, and the collar 106 for connecting the sleeve 102 to the cap 10.

[0157] Figure 11 shows the dispensing assembly including the loaded sleeve, 102, the collar 106, the opening 12, and the piercing device 16.

[0158] Figure 12 shows an exploded view of the dispensing assembly including the lobed sleeve 102, the lobed plunger 104, the collar 106, the piercing device 16, and the crown 13 of the piercing device.

[0159] Figure 13 shows another exploded view of the dispensing assembly depicting more detail of the lobed plunger 104, including a plurality of openings 108 in the lobbed plunger 104. The lobed plunger 104 is shown prior to insertion in the lobed sleeve 102. The collar 106 is bonded to the lobed sleeve 102 and adapted to receive the cap including the opening 12. The piercing device 16 is shown prior to insertion into the opening 12.

[0160] Figure 14 depicts a view looking through the lobed sleeve 102 when the lobed plunger is not engaged with the lobed sleeve 102. Figure 15 shows an end of the load sleeve 102 prior to receiving the lobed plunger.

[0161] Figure 16 shows the lobed sleeve 102 and collar 106 where a portion of each has been cut away. The collar 106 is shown having a larger diameter than the lobed sleeve 102 so that the collar 106 is sufficiently shaped to receive the cap.

[0162] Figure 17 shows the lobed plunger 104 and three openings 108 equally spaced apart in the floor of the lobed plunger.

[0163] Figs. 18-21 depict aspects of the piercing device 16 that may not be possible with traditional molding but could be produced with an additive manufacturing printing procedure. The piercing device 16 is shown including a crown portion 13 having a plurality of crown openings 110. The crown openings include a central opening 116 surrounded by a plurality of peripheral openings 118. Adjacent the piercing device is a plurality of openings 15a, 15b, 15c integrally formed with the lances 34a, 34b, 34c, where the lances include an upward opening 112a, 112b, 112c that is formed by two opposing integrally formed curved walls 114a, 114b. The plurality of openings are formed by arch walls 120a, 120b, 120c, and each arch wall has a wall width (Arch w) that is less than 1 / 8ththe length or width of the opening. Each lance includes a tab structure 17a, 17b, 17c, formed on one of the opposing walls (114b, for example). A variety of the features of Figures 18-21 may not be possible using traditional molding processes. However, the use of additive manufacturing methods may provide the opportunity for additional openings, larger openings, thin wall sections, and other features where injection molding is challenging or not possible.

[0164] 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 landfill 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 Lcfrom 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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 this application 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."

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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 be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMSreceived by the International Bureau on 04 June 2026 (04.06.2026)Claim 1 : A dispensing assembly comprising:a cap configured to receive one or more elongated packages containing one or more components for dispensing, the cap comprising:i) a platform portion;ii) a connector integrally formed with and extending outward from the platform portion capable of connecting to a nozzle;iii) a plurality of chambers formed within the connector;a piercing device comprising:i) a plurality of longitudinally projecting lances and a plurality of openings adjacent the plurality of lances;ii) a crown portion opposite the plurality of lances and adjacent the plurality of openings;wherein the plurality of lances are capable of being received within the plurality of chambers of the connector so that the components for dispensing travel through the plurality of chambers into and through the plurality of openings adjacent the lances.Claim 2: The dispensing assembly of claim 1 , wherein the one or more elongated packages are located into a sleeve having a longitudinal axis.Claim 3: The dispensing assembly of claim 2, wherein the sleeve includes a first end and a second end and one or more of the first and second end are flared.Claim 4: The dispensing assembly of any of claims 2 or 3, wherein the sleeve includes one or more lobes running parallel to the longitudinal axis.Claim 5: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of openings are in direct contact with the crown portion.Claim 6: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein during shipping and handling the piercing device is separately formed from the cap but remains in contact with the cap during dispensing of the components for dispensing.Claim 7: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein after the plurality of lances are received within the plurality of chambers of the connector, the piercing device remains in place without disruption to dispensing or causing any leaking.Claim 8: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of openings have a length and width and the width decreases along the length.Claim 9: The dispensing assembly of claim 8, wherein the width of the plurality of openings is smallest adjacent the crown portion.Claim 10: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more lances extend away from the one or more openings and taper to a terminal end that is sufficiently sharp to pierce the one or more elongated packages.Claim 11: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more lances each include a rib that extends to a terminal end of the lance.Claim 12: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the piercing device includes at least three lances.Claim 13: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein a dispensing pressure is substantially equally divided among the one or more elongated packages.Claim14: The dispensing assembly of claim 12, wherein the platform portion is substantially circular.Claim15: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein an upper portion of the one or more lances has a width extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the piercing device that is larger than any other portion of the one or more lances.Claim 16: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein a space is formed in between each of the plurality of lances.Claim 17: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of lances are free of direct contact with one another, but each lance is in direct contact with a portion of the crown portion.Claim 18: The dispensing assembly of any of claims 2 through 16, 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 19: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector portion is integrally molded with the platform portion but separately molded from the piercing device.Claim 20: The dispensing assembly of any of claims 2 through 18, wherein at least a portion of the sleeve comprises a transparent material.Claim 21: The dispensing assembly of any of claims 2 through 19, wherein at least a portion of the sleeve comprises an opaque material.Claim22: The dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of chambers are discrete flow paths that are physically separated from one another.Claim 23: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more openings are substantially triangular or trapezoidal in shape.Claim 24: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is threaded.Claim 25: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the piercing device is engaged with the connector prior to use, but does not pierce the one or more packages until pressure is applied to force the piercing device further into the connector.Claim 26: The dispensing assembly of any of claims 23 through 25, wherein the plurality of chambers include an internal wall structure that partitions two or more flow paths to form at least two chambers.Claim 27: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, including a nozzle in direct connection with the connector and the plurality of openings lead into to an intermix portion of the nozzle.Claim 28: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is shaped to engage a variety of different nozzle sizes and shapes.Claim 29: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, including an adapter for connecting to the connector to facilitate the attachment of a variety of different nozzle sizes and shapes.Claim 30: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle also includes an internal wall structure that substantially aligns with internal wall structure of the connector so that two or more flow paths continue to be partitioned in the nozzle.Claim 31: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cap is a single integrally formed piece.Claim 32: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims 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 33: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more lances positioned about a periphery of the piercing device or toward a central portion of the piercing device.Claim 34: The dispensing assembly of any of the previous claims, wherein the one or more lances that are sufficiently rigid so that they do not buckle under pressure.Claim 35: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more chambers have dimensions that are larger than those of the plurality of lances so that the components for dispensing have sufficient space to travel into the plurality of openings.Claim 36: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the piercing device remains connected to the connector after use.Claim 37: The dispensing assembly 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 38: The dispensing assembly 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 39: The dispensing assembly 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 40: The dispensing assembly 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 41: The dispensing assembly 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 42: The dispensing assembly of any of the proceeding claims, wherein the piercing device is manufactured using an additive manufacturing process.Claim 43: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the crown portion includes a plurality of crown openings.Claim 44: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the crown portion includes a plurality of crown openings so that the piercing device can remain engaged with thecap during dispensing to allow movement of components for dispensing through the plurality of crown openings.Claim 45: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, including an opening formed within each lance, wherein the opening extends upward toward the crown portion and is formed by two integrally formed curved walls.Claim 46: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, including an opening formed within each lance, wherein the opening extends upward toward the crown portion and is formed by two integrally formed curved walls and at least one of the integrally formed curved walls includes a tab structure for locking the lance into the cap.Claim 47: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the crown portion includes a plurality of crown openings and the plurality of crown openings include a central opening surrounded by one or more peripheral openings.Claim 48: The dispensing assembly of any of the preceding claims, including three openings adjacent three lances wherein the three openings are formed by arch walls each arch wall has a wall width (Arch w) that is less than 1 / 8ththe length or width of the three openings.Claim 49: A piercing device comprising:i) a plurality of longitudinally projecting lances and a plurality of openings adjacent the plurality of lances;ii) a crown portion opposite the plurality of lances and adjacent the plurality of openings, the crown portion including a plurality of crown openings including at least one central opening and at least two peripheral openings;wherein each lance includes an opening formed within each lance, wherein the opening extends upward toward the crown portion and is formed by two integrally formed curved walls.

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