[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator for receiving a collapsible liquid
container and for applying liquid from the container to a surface. The present invention
furthermore relates to a method for applying liquid from a collapsible liquid container
to a surface by using the applicator according to the present invention.
[0002] Liquids such as viscous liquids like glue or adhesives often need to be applied to
surfaces that are not easily and/or conveniently accessible. This includes activities
like gluing together laminate floor panels or wooden boards. Panels or boards of this
kind are often provided with grooves and tongues by means of which two or more panels
are fixed to each other. Glue is usually dispensed near or within the grooves, where
after the panels are forced together by pressing action.
[0003] When laying a laminate floor usually many, sometimes hundreds of, laminate floor
panels need to be glued together in this fashion. Commonly, the craftsperson will
kneel or crouch on the floor to perform the above-described work with a hand-held
tube of glue. Also, the craftsperson will usually have to shift position when applying
glue to the entire length of a panel.
[0004] Glue that is suitable for the above-discussed purpose usually comes in collapsible
plastic containers which comprise a nozzle for application of the glue. A typical
container may be bottle-shaped and may contain a volume of 750 mL. An example of such
a product is "Laminate Floor 433" as distributed by Dana Lim A/S, Københavnsvej 220,
DK-4600 Køge, Denmark.
[0005] As described above, a craftsperson will typically hold such a container in his hand,
which is cumbersome and time-consuming, especially if glue has to be applied to many
surfaces of large spatial extent. In this case it would be expedient to use the glue
container in combination with an applicator which allows for a precise glue dosage,
and which also helps to increase the region of accessibility. Furthermore, it would
be useful to employ an applicator which allows the craftsperson or the operator to
apply glue while standing, rather than kneeling on the floor or climbing on a ladder.
[0006] U.S. Patent No. 3,974,943 discloses a dispensing device with a housing that can be attached to a wall or a
support. A collapsible tube is placed into the housing, such that the neck of the
tube protrudes through an aperture in the housing. The tube is squeezed by means of
a press member with a handle, where the press member is located within the housing
and the handle extends to the outside of the housing via a slot in the same. The handle
is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing. For dispensing
liquid, the handle must be moved sideways, which makes it necessary that the operator's
hand be at the same level as the press member, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis of the housing. Also, the collapsible tube needs to be fitted within the housing
which implies time-consuming changing of tubes as well as the fact that the tube in
use is not visible and inspectable.
[0007] The main disadvantage with this and other so-far known application or dispensing
devices is that they are not suitable for applying liquid to surfaces that are remote,
inaccessible, and/or not-conveniently accessible by the operator.
[0008] Thus, it is a first aspect of the present invention to provide an applicator that
facilitates the application of liquids to surfaces that are out of reach or not easily
accessible for the person operating the applicator.
[0009] It is a second aspect of the present invention to provide an applicator that allows
the application of liquid in a precise and controllable manner.
[0010] It is a third aspect of the present invention to provide an applicator that has a
simple and cost-effective construction.
[0011] It is a fourth aspect of the present invention to provide an applicator which enables
an easy and quick changing of the collapsible container used in connection with the
applicator.
[0012] It is a fifth aspect of the present invention to provide an expedient method for
applying liquid from a collapsible liquid container to a surface by using the applicator
according to the present invention.
[0013] The new and unique way in which the present invention fulfils the above-mentioned
aspects is to provide an applicator which comprises at least one elongated guide member
with a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal guide member axis, fastening
means for releasably fastening a collapsible container to the guide member, at least
one sliding element with a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal sliding element
axis and a press member, which sliding element is arranged to slide axially relative
to the guide member, and handling means for axially sliding the sliding element relative
to the guide member for squeezing the fastened collapsible container by means of the
press member. Due to the elongated guide member it is possible to access surfaces
that are inaccessible or only inconveniently accessible when holding the container
in the hand, or when using so-far known liquid applicators. The sliding element, which
is axially movable relative to the elongated guide member conveniently allows liquid
to be applied by simple, space-efficient axial movement. Since the collapsible container
is fastened to the guide member the applicator of the present invention constitutes
a compact, stable and easily operated unit.
[0014] As used herein, the terms "proximal end" and "distal end" refer to the end that is
closer to the operator and the end that is further from the operator, respectively,
when the applicator of the present invention is in use.
[0015] The collapsible container may be any liquid container from which liquid can be expelled
by squeezing the container. Typically, such containers will comprise a bottle-shaped
or cylindrical housing made of one or more polymers. Such containers are often used
for adhesives, glues, impregnating agents or other liquids that are used in handcraft.
Typically, such containers will also comprise a nozzle. As used herein, the term "liquid"
should be understood as any flowable substance including emulsions, colloidal compositions,
or gels.
[0016] The fastening means for releasably fastening a collapsible container to the guide
member may include any conventional fastening means well known in the art, for example
frames, straps, screws, adhesives or the like. The press member of the applicator
according to the present invention may be an integral part of the distal end of the
sliding element. The handling means for axially sliding the sliding element relative
to the guide member may comprise a simple handle or a knob which may conveniently
be fastened to the proximal end of the sliding element. The term "axially sliding
the sliding element relative to the guide member" implies that the movement of the
sliding element occurs substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide
member.
[0017] In one embodiment the applicator according to the present invention further comprises
at least one spring for spring-biasing the distal end of the sliding element towards
the proximal end of the guide member. The operator handling the applicator of the
present invention will axially displace the sliding element from its starting position
towards the distal end of the guide member, thereby squeezing the fastened container.
By means of the spring-bias the sliding element will be displaced towards its starting
position as soon as the operator lets go of the handling means attached to the sliding
element. The container will then no longer be squeezed, but may elastically revert
to its original, non-collapsed form. It is thereby achieved that accidental spillage
and waste of liquid is avoided as soon as the operator stops pushing the sliding element
forward, that is, in a distal direction. The spring may be arranged at any position
along the applicator. Also, the person skilled in the art will readily recognize that
two or more springs may be provided, depending on the task to be achieved by using
the applicator.
[0018] Advantageously, the applicator further comprises means for compressing the spring
without moving the sliding element. Since the spring biases the sliding element towards
the proximal end of the guide member, the sliding element can obviously be used to
compress the spring by sliding it towards the distal end of the guide member. However,
this embodiment provides for additional spring compression means, the spring compression
means being independent of moving the sliding element. The spring compression means
may include any mechanism that compresses the spring from its other end, that is,
the end that is not engaged by the sliding element. This may comprise a screw mechanism,
a sliding mechanism or any other technique well known in the art.
[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the compression means
comprises a slider which is movable parallel to the longitudinal sliding element axis.
The slider may engage the spring at its end that is not engaged by the sliding element.
The slider may be axially displaced to compress the spring, where after the slider
may be fastened to the guide member, for example by means of a screw and a screw nut.
By implementing these additional compression means, the force needed to displace the
sliding element axially towards the distal end of the guide member may be adjusted.
Thereby, a more precise dosing of the applied liquid may be achieved. A more compressed
spring will necessitate a greater force per distance displacement of the sliding element
than a less compressed spring.
[0020] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention the fastening
means comprise a bottle cage that is arranged at the distal end of the guide member.
A bottle cage is a device for holding or fastening containers, such as water bottles,
which is known, for example, from bicycles. A bottle cage may comprise a frame consisting
of one or more elements made of one or more polymers, metals and/or carbon fiber.
According to the present embodiment, the bottle cage is arranged at, or fastened to,
the distal of the guide member. Thereby, the entire length of the guide member is
taken advantage of.
[0021] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention the bottle cage comprises
at least one foot for resting the applicator onto a surface in a stable position.
[0022] According to a particularly useful embodiment of the present invention the bottle
cage comprises two feet which, together with the proximal end of the sliding element
or with the handling means, form a triangle upon which the applicator can be rested
in a stable position. This triangle may also involve the handling means, for example
a knob, if the latter is mounted directly to the proximal end of the sliding element.
In this case, it is rather a triangle consisting of the two feet of the bottle cage
and the knob mounted to the proximal end of the sliding element.
[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the fastening means
are arranged in such a way that an angle is formed between the longitudinal guide
member axis and the longitudinal container axis when the container is fastened to
the guide member. The magnitude of this angle will be determined by the fastening
means, for example by the bottle cage, and its inclination with respect to the longitudinal
guide member axis. One of skill will appreciate that the fastening means may also
be arranged such, that said angle might vary. This could be achieved by a bottle cage
which is adjustable with respect to its inclination.
[0024] Preferably, the distal end of the sliding element comprises the press member, where
said press member is bar-shaped and perpendicular to the longitudinal guide member
axis. In this embodiment, the press member is an integral part of the distal end of
the sliding element. The press member may advantageously be normal to the plane in
which the longitudinal axis of the container and the longitudinal axis of the guide
member lie. This arrangement allows for a smooth and steady expulsion of liquid from
the container.
[0025] Advantageously, the guide member and the sliding element have a relative arrangement
which, in at least one position, allows for both axial movement of the sliding element
and rotational movement of the sliding element around its longitudinal axis relative
to the guide member.
[0026] According to a particularly expedient embodiment of the present invention the elongated
guide member is a hollow casing, which comprises a first opening and a second opening
in the casing, where the sliding element is arranged to slide within the casing, where
the proximal end and the distal end of the sliding element extend to the outside of
the casing through the first and the second opening, respectively. Advantageously,
the first opening and the second opening will be placed at, or close to, the proximal
end and the distal end of the guide member, respectively. In this context, the term
"close to" may comprise placing the openings at a distance of up to 5 or 10 cm from
the distal end and the proximal end, respectively. The first opening may, for example,
be a circular hole in the proximal end of the casing. The second opening may, for
example be a slot arranged close to the distal end of the casing. The casing may advantageously
be of cylindrical shape. The casing and the sliding element may, for example, be made
of a metal, such as aluminum.
[0027] Advantageously, the second opening is an L-shaped slot. Forming the slot in such
a way may allow for both axial movement of the sliding element and rotational movement
of the sliding element around its longitudinal axis relative to the guide member,
the latter of which may be a hollow casing.
[0028] Preferably, the guide member has a length of at least 50 cm. By implementing the
guide member with a length of at least 50 cm it may be ensured that the applicator
provides a satisfactory range.
[0029] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention the handling means are
attached to the proximal end of the sliding element. The handling means may, for example,
comprise a knob, or any other type of handle or grip. By attaching the handling means
to the proximal end of the sliding element a particularly convenient operation of
the applicator is enabled.
[0030] The present invention also concerns a method for applying liquid from a collapsible
liquid container to a surface by using the applicator according to the present invention,
the method comprising the steps of fastening the collapsible container to the guide
member, axially displacing the sliding element by means of the handling means, thereby
squeezing the fastened collapsible container by means of the press member.
[0031] The invention will be explained in greater detail below where further advantageous
properties and example embodiments are described with reference to the drawing, in
which
Fig. 1 shows a side elevational view of an applicator according to the present invention,
where the sliding element is in a first position,
Fig. 2 shows a side elevational view of an applicator according to the present invention,
where the sliding element is in a second position,
Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view of an applicator according to the present invention,
where the sliding element is in a first position and the slider is in a first position,
Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view of an applicator according to the present invention,
where the sliding element is in a first position and the slider is in a second position,
Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view of an applicator according to the present invention,
where the sliding element is in a second position and the slider is in a second position,
Fig. 6 shows a first perspective view of an applicator according to the present invention,
Fig. 7 shows a second perspective view of an applicator according to the present invention,
Fig. 8 shows a third perspective view of an applicator according to the present invention,
and
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of parts of an applicator according to the present invention.
[0032] The applicator 1 shown in Fig. 1 comprises an elongated guide member 2 with a proximal
end 2a and a distal end 2b. The guide member 2 of this embodiment is implemented as
a hollow casing.
[0033] At the proximal end 2a of the guide member 2 there is provided a collar 10, which
facilitates the handling of the applicator 1. A bottle cage 3 is arranged at the distal
end 2b of the guide member 2 for receiving a collapsible liquid container 4. The bottle
cage 3 is arranged on the guide member 2 in such a way that when the container 4 is
placed into the bottle cage an angle α, is formed between the longitudinal axis Lg
of the guide member 2 and the longitudinal axis Lc of the container 4.
[0034] A sliding element 5, only part of which is visible in Fig. 1, is arranged to slide
axially within the hollow guide member 2. The sliding element 5 comprises a proximal
end 5a and a distal end 5b, the latter being formed as a bar-shaped press member 18.
The latter is shown in Fig. 6-9. The proximal end 5a and the distal end 5b of the
sliding element 5 extend to the outside of the guide member 2 through a first opening
6 and a second opening 7, respectively, in the guide member 2, as is best seen in
Fig. 8. The sliding element 5 may be slid by using the knob 8 attached to the proximal
end 5a of the sliding element 5.
[0035] The applicator 1 shown in Fig. 1 also comprises a slider 9, which is axially movable
relative to the guide member 2. The function of the slider 9 will be explained below.
[0036] In Fig. 1 the sliding element 5 is shown in a first position relative to the guide
member 2. In this position the distal end 5a of the sliding element touches the collapsible
container 4, but does not squeeze it. In Fig. 2 the sliding element 5 is shown in
a second position relative to the guide member 2. Same parts are indicated with the
same reference numerals in all figures. In this second position, the sliding element
5 is axially displaced towards the distal end 2b of the guide member 2. This results
in the container 4 being squeezed by the bar-shaped press member 18 of the distal
end 5b of the sliding element 5. Thereby, liquid is squeezed out of the container
4 through an opening or a nozzle 11 in the container 4. The sliding element 5 is continuously
slidable relative to the guide member 2. As becomes apparent from the drawing different
positions of the sliding element 5 relative to the guide member 2 will result in different
degrees of squeezing, which results in different amounts of liquid squeezed out of
the container 4 and applied to a surface. Parameters that influence the degree of
squeezing and the amount of liquid squeezed out of the container 4 per distance of
displacement of the sliding element relative to the guide member 2 include the shape
of the press member 18, the distance between the bottle cage 3 and the guide member
2, and the value of the angle α.
[0037] Referring now to Fig. 3-5, there is shown a sectional view of the applicator 1 of
the present invention where the guide member 2 is longitudinally cut while the remaining
features are shown in a side elevational view. Features that are not visible in Fig.
1-2 include a spring 12 which is slidably wound around the sliding element 5, a first
and a second guide element 13,14 and the lower part 9a of the slider 9 which extends
into the hollow guide member 2. The proximal end 12a of the spring 12 engages with
an anchoring point 15, the latter of which is fastened to the sliding element 5. The
anchoring point 15 can, for example, be a ring that is welded around the sliding element.
In any case should the anchoring point have a sufficiently large diameter to prevent
the spring 12 from being displaced beyond this point towards the proximal end 5a of
the sliding element. Similarly, the distal end 12b of the spring 12 engages with the
lower part 9a of the slider 9, preventing the spring 12 from being displaced beyond
the lower part 9a of the slider 9.
[0038] The slider 9 is releasably fixed to the guide member 2, for example by means of a
screw centrally placed within the upper part 9b of the slider 9 engaging with a screw
nut placed within the lower part 9a of the slider 9 (not shown). The slider 9 is axially
slidable relative to the sliding element 5 in that the lower part 9a of the slider
9 comprises a through hole with a longitudinal axis that corresponds to the longitudinal
sliding elment axis Ls. The latter is shown in Fig. 9. The sliding element 5 slides
axially within the through hole of the slider 9. Accordingly, the diameter of the
through hole is large enough to allow free axial movement of the sliding element 5.
The diameter of the through hole is however smaller than the diameter of the spring
12, preventing the spring 12 from being displaced beyond the lower part 9a of the
slider 9, as mentioned above. The spring 12 consequently spring-biases the distal
end 5b of the sliding element 5 towards the proximal end 2a of the guide member 2.
This direction is indicated by the arrow in Fig. 3. Displacing the sliding element
5 towards the distal end 2b of the guide member 2 will compress the spring 12 as can
be seen when comparing Fig. 4 and 5.
[0039] As described above, the slider 9 is releasably fixed to the guide member 2. When
released, the slider 9 may be axially displaced parallel to the longitudinal axis
Lg of the guide member 2, for example along a third opening 16 in the surface of the
hollow casing. The third opening 16 is best seen in Fig. 8. By axially displacing
the slider 9 towards the proximal end 2a of the guide member 2 the spring 12 will
be compressed, as is evident when comparing Fig. 3 and 4.
[0040] The function of the guide elements 13,14 is to ensure that the part of the sliding
element 5, which is placed within the guide member 2, is placed in a substantially
centered fashion with respect to the surrounding inner surface of the hollow guide
member 2. Preferably, the guide elements 13,14 symmetrically surround the sliding
element 5. The sliding element 5, the guide elements 14,15, and the guide member 2
are accordingly arranged in a co-axial fashion.
[0041] Referring now to Fig. 6 and 7, it can be seen that the bottle cage 3 comprises two
feet 3a, 3b. By means of these feet 3a, 3b, the applicator 1 may be placed onto a
surface, for example the floor, in a stable position. As shown in Fig. 7 the two feet
3a, 3b may form a triangle together with the proximal end 5a of the sliding element
5, which in this embodiment comprises a knob 8, upon which the applicator 1 can be
rested. Due to the angle α which is formed between the longitudinal guide member axis
Lg and the longitudinal container axis Lc, as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the resting position,
as shown in Fig. 7, implicates an upward inclination of the container 4 that prevents
gravitational discharge of liquid from the container 4.
[0042] Fig. 8 shows the applicator 1 from yet another perspective. In this view the shapes
of the second opening 7 and of the third opening 16 can be observed. The second opening
7 is in this embodiment implemented as an L-shaped slot. The long portion 7a of the
L-shaped slot allows for axial movement of the sliding element 5, whereas the short
portion 7b of the L-shaped slot allows for rotational movement of the sliding element
5 around its longitudinal axis Ls (the latter is shown in Fig. 9). At the intersection
of the long portion 7a and the short portion 7b of the L-shaped slot, both axial and
rotational movement of the sliding element 5 around its longitudinal axis Ls are possible
relative to the guide member 2. With this arrangement it is possible to arrange the
sliding element 5 in a position where axial movement of the same is prevented. Such
a lock position may be expedient when the applicator is not in use and is to be placed
in a stable position as shown in Fig. 7. Furthermore, the ability for rotational movement
of the sliding element 5 may be taken advantage of when removing and/or inserting
a collapsible container 4 into the bottle cage 3. It is convenient to remove or insert
a container 4 when having rotated the distal end 5b of the sliding element 5 away
from the bottle cage 3, as shown in Fig. 8. Another slot-shape that allows both for
axial and rotational movement of the sliding element 5 is an E-formed slot (not shown).
[0043] The third opening 16 is formed as a slot 16 which allows movement of the slider 9
in the axial direction of the guide member 2.
[0044] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of parts of the applicator, where the guide member 2,
which is shown in all the remaining figures, has been removed except for the collar
10. The sliding element 5 is shown with its proximal end 5a, its distal end 5b, and
its longitudinal axis Ls. The tubular guide elements 13, 14 surround the sliding element
5.
[0045] The embodiments shown in the drawing are examples and should not be understood as
limiting the scope of the present invention.
1. An applicator (1) for receiving a collapsible liquid container (4) with a longitudinal
container axis (Lc) and for applying liquid from the container (4) to a surface,
characterized in that the liquid applicator (1) comprises
- at least one elongated guide member (2) with a proximal end (2a), a distal end (2b)
and a longitudinal guide member axis (Lg),
- fastening means (3) for releasably fastening the collapsible container (4) to the
guide member (2),
- at least one sliding element (5) with a proximal end (5a), a distal end (5b), a
longitudinal sliding element axis (Ls) and a press member (18), which sliding element
(5) is arranged to slide axially relative to the guide member (2), and
- handling means (8) for axially sliding the sliding element (5) relative to the guide
member (2) for squeezing the fastened collapsible container (4) by means of the press
member (18).
2. The applicator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one spring (12) for spring-biasing the distal end (5b)
of the sliding element (5) towards the proximal end (2a) of the guide member (2).
3. The applicator (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises means (9) for compressing the spring (12) without moving the
sliding element (5).
4. The applicator (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the compression means (9) comprises a slider (9) which is movable parallel to the
longitudinal sliding element axis (Ls).
5. The applicator (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the fastening means comprise a bottle cage (3) that is arranged at the distal end
(2b) of the guide member (2).
6. The applicator (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the bottle cage (3) comprises at least one foot (3a) for resting the applicator (1)
onto a surface (17) in a stable position.
7. The applicator (1) according to claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the bottle cage (3) comprises two feet (3a, 3b) which, together with the proximal
end (5a) of the sliding element (5) or with the handling means (8), form a triangle
upon which the applicator (1) can be rested in a stable position.
8. The applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-7, characterized in that the fastening means (3) are arranged in such a way that an angle (α) is formed between
the longitudinal guide member axis (Lg) and the longitudinal container axis (Lc) when
the container (4) is fastened to the guide member (2).
9. The applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-8, characterized in that the distal end (5b) of the sliding element (5) comprises the press member (18), where
said press member (18) is bar-shaped and perpendicular to the longitudinal guide member
axis (Lg).
10. The applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-9, characterized in that the guide member (2) and the sliding element (5) have a relative arrangement which,
in at least one position, allows for both axial movement of the sliding element (5)
and rotational movement of the sliding element (5) around its longitudinal sliding
element axis (Ls) relative to the guide member (2).
11. The applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-10, characterized in that the elongated guide member (2) is a hollow casing (2), which comprises a first opening
(6) and a second opening (7) in the casing (2), where the sliding element (5) is arranged
to slide within the casing (2), where the proximal end (5a) and the distal end (5b)
of the sliding element (5) extend to the outside of the casing through the first opening
(6) and the second opening (7), respectively.
12. The applicator (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the second opening (6) is an L-shaped slot.
13. The applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-12, characterized in that the guide member (2) has a length of at least 50 cm.
14. The applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-13, characterized in that the handling means (8) are attached to the proximal end of the sliding element (5).
15. A method for applying liquid from a collapsible liquid container (4) to a surface
by using the applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-14,
characterized in that the method comprises the steps of
- fastening the collapsible container (4) to the guide member (2),
- axially displacing the sliding element (5) by means of the handling means (8), thereby
squeezing the fastened collapsible container (4) by means of the press member (18).