U.S. patent application number 09/753425 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-06 for sleeve-type closures for dispenser nozzles.
Invention is credited to Dulin, Jacques M..
Application Number | 20010048198 09/753425 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26875454 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010048198 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dulin, Jacques M. |
December 6, 2001 |
Sleeve-type closures for dispenser nozzles
Abstract
Reusable sleeve closures comprising a flexible thin sleeve of
film grade plastic which seals the nozzle of a partially used
sealant, mastic or caulk-dispensing cartridge or squeeze tube to
substantially retard the hardening of the remaining tube contents.
The plastic film provides a vapor barrier against exit of water or
organic solvent from the sealant composition, and/or retards
diffusion of oxygen that could cause the composition to set. The
film is preferably somewhat stretchable and without creep over
time, so that the sleeve provides an extremely tight seal for a
substantial distance along the nozzle, e.g. film grade polyolefin
or polyvinylidene chloride copolymer plastic film. The sleeve
length is preferably long enough to provide a head space for a
visual and tactile indicator of content condition. Sleeves may be
packaged with the cartridge, or provided after-market. A 4-mil film
polyolefin sleeve preserves water-based acrylic caulk over 9
months.
Inventors: |
Dulin, Jacques M.; (Morgan
Hill, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jacques M. Dulin, Esq.
Innovation Law Group, Ltd.
851 Fremont Ave., Suite 101
Los Altos
CA
94024
US
|
Family ID: |
26875454 |
Appl. No.: |
09/753425 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60179585 |
Feb 1, 2000 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
277/316 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 35/44 20130101;
B65D 41/22 20130101; Y02W 30/80 20150501; Y02W 30/807 20150501 |
Class at
Publication: |
277/316 |
International
Class: |
E04B 001/682 |
Claims
1. A sleeve-type seal device for post-use sealing of sealant and
mastic composition-containing dispenser cartridges and squeeze
tubes, comprising in operative combination: a) a sleeve of flexible
film grade plastic film having a composition and thickness selected
to provide a vapor barrier to retard solvent evaporation from the
composition in said cartridge or tube, and retard permeation there
through of such quantities of oxygen as would cause the residual
composition to set; b) said sleeve includes a nozzle-receiving
pocket having margins selected from an open lower end, a closed
upper end and an encircling side wall; c) said sleeve pocket has a
width smaller than a medial diameter of said nozzle, and said
sleeve has a length ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.25 times the
length of said nozzle; and d) said sleeve, upon mounting on said
nozzle, stretches sufficiently to create a substantially hermetic
seal along a substantial length of said nozzle to assist in
retaining said residual composition in useful condition.
2. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 1 wherein said sleeve
plastic film has a thickness of from about 1 to about 10 mils, and
said hermetic seal is formed along from about 25% to 100% the
length of said nozzle.
3. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 1 wherein said pocket
margins include at least one margin defined by a seam.
4. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 3 wherein said at least
one margin is said top end.
5. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 1 wherein a plurality of
said sleeve-type sealing devices are included in a strip, each
device being separable from said strip along at least one line of
perforations.
6. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 3 wherein a plurality of
said sleeve-type sealing devices are included in a strip, each
device being separable from said strip along at least one line of
perforations.
7. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 3 wherein said sleeve is
formed from at least two overlying plastic sheets.
8. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 7 which includes at least
two seams defining margins of said pocket, including at least one
side margin.
9. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 8 wherein said at least
two seams are side margins.
10. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 8 wherein said seams are
one side seam and one top seam.
11. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 8 wherein said seams are
two side seams and one top seam.
12. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 9 wherein at least one
sheet of said plastic sheet extends outwardly beyond at least one
of said pocket side margins to provide a flap for handling said
sleeve to assist in seating the pocket on a nozzle and in removing
said sleeve therefrom.
13. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 1 wherein said pocket is
formed of tubular material, and said upper end is formed by a seam
extending transversely across said tube.
14. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 13 wherein a plurality of
said sleeve-type sealing devices are included in a strip, the
transverse seams being spaced apart along said strip an amount
ranging from about 0.5 to 1.5 times the length of a nozzle, each
sleeve device is separable from said strip along at least one line
of perforations, said perforations defining an open end margin of
said pouch.
15. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 1 wherein a plurality of
said sleeve-type sealing devices are packaged in association with a
cartridge or squeeze tube.
16. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 15 wherein said
associated packaging includes a pouch adhesively removably attached
to said cartridge or tube.
17. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 15 wherein said plurality
of sleeve-type sealing devices is packaged in a bag removably
secured to a header card.
18. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 15 wherein said plurality
of sleeve-type sealing devices is packaged in a roll wrapped around
a nozzle.
19. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 1 wherein the pocket
length ranges from about 2" to about 3" (from about 5 to about 8
cm), and the width of the pocket (diameter when opened) is such as
to ensure that the pocket can be slipped over substantially the
length of the nozzle, while forming a tight seal area on said
nozzle on the order of at least about 1" in length.
20. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 1 wherein the pocket
width is substantially the width of the nozzle at the shoulder
where the nozzle tip taper meets the shank of the nozzle.
21. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 1 wherein the pocket
width, for a conventional dispenser cartridge having a cut nozzle
length on the order of 23/4" (7-7.3 cm), ranges from about
{fraction (12/32)}" to about 3/4" (from about 1 to about 2 cm).
22. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 1 wherein the pocket
width ranges from about {fraction (14/32)}" to about {fraction
(16/32)}" (from about 1.1 to about 1.3 cm).
23. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 14 wherein said
perforations are spaced from said transverse seam an amount of up
to about 3/4".
24. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 6 wherein said pocket
side margins are tapered.
25. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 24 wherein said devices
are oriented in opposing, alternating configuration in said
strip.
26. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 2 wherein said plastic is
selected from a polyolefin plastic or a polyvinylidene
chloride-containing polymer film.
27. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 26 wherein said
polyolefin film contains at least one of polyethylene and
polypropylene.
28. A sleeve-type seal device as in claim 27 wherein said
polyolefin film has a thickness in the range of from about 2 to
about 7 mils.
29. A method of retarding setting of residual sealing and mastic
composition left over after use in dispenser cartridges and squeeze
tubes having nozzles for dispensing compositions from cut-open tips
thereof, comprising the steps of: a) inserting said nozzle in a
sleeve-type seal device of thin flexible somewhat stretchable
plastic sheet having a nozzle-receiving pocket, said plastic
providing a vapor barrier to retard solvent evaporation from the
composition in said cartridge or tube, and retard permeation there
through of such quantities of oxygen as would cause the residual
composition to set; and b) seating said pocket on the shank of said
nozzle to form a tight, elongated substantially hermetic seal area
around said nozzle, said elongated seal area extending from about
25% to about 100% of the length of said nozzle shank.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The benefit is claimed under 35 USC .sctn. 119 (e) of the
filing date of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/179,585 filed
Feb. 1, 2000 under the same title by the same inventor.
FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to closures for nozzles of dispensing
cartridges and squeeze tubes, more particularly to a flexible
sleeve of plastic film that hermetically seals the nozzle of a
fresh or partially-used sealant, mastic, adhesive, glazing or
caulk-dispensing cartridge or squeeze tube so that the remaining
unused contents do not set. The sleeve(s) may be packaged with the
cartridge, or may be provided as an after-market replacement used
alone or in combination with ordinary nozzle caps.
BACKGROUND
[0003] It is common practice to package sealant, mastic, adhesive,
glazing, caulk and glue compositions in plastic or metal squeeze
tubes, or plastic or plastic coated or impregnated paper cartridges
which are adapted to be loaded into extrusion devices, ordinarily
called caulking guns, in order to dispense the sealant
compositions. Conventional sealant cartridges comprise an elongated
cylindrical body or tube and nozzle with an exit orifice. The
nozzle is typically mounted to a top end piece, or is molded
integrally therewith or is part of a 1-piece, all plastic dispenser
or squeeze tube construction. A movable diaphragm or piston is
disposed within the cylindrical body at the end opposite the
nozzle. The cavity defined between the piston and top end contains
the sealant composition. The nozzles are typically round or, in the
case of window glazing compound, square in cross-section. The
nozzle length varies; for typical caulk tubes, the nozzles vary
from about 11/2" to about 3"-4" in length, for commercial
construction and deep injection (e.g., urethane marine adhesive
sealants or dry rot fillers), the nozzles typically exceed 5" in
length.
[0004] In use, the tip of the plastic nozzle is ordinarily trimmed
off diagonally, and a thin sealing membrane is then burst or
punctured, e.g., with a nail, rod, or the like, inserted in the
open nozzle. In the case of window glazing tubes, the square nozzle
is usually formed with a diagonal opening and a trailing smoothing
lip, so no cutting is required. Thereafter the cartridge is placed
in the caulking gun, actuated with the ratcheting lever-type handle
and the sealant dispensed as needed.
[0005] It is ordinarily the case that the quantity of sealant or
mastic composition that comes in the dispensing tube does not match
the amount required for a particular given job. After dispensing
the required amount, there is usually some portion of the contents
that is unused. Where there is no foreseeable immediate future use
for additional quantities, the dispensing cartridge with its unused
portion is often discarded. In addition to being uneconomic,
disposal of excess composition represents a considerable waste of
resources and is highly undesirable for environmental reasons. At
present, there is no known recycling available for the wide variety
of sealant and mastic compositions being distributed today.
[0006] Where there is a possible or intended future use of residual
composition, a variety of solutions have been tried to prevent the
setting of unused composition in the cartridges. Cartridges often
come with plastic caps, some of which have nozzle-engaging snap-fit
bead(s) and groove(s), or screw threads, so that the cap does not
easily come off. However, since the plastic of which the caps and
nozzles are made has very low tensile strength, it is easy to
over-tighten the screw caps, causing them to split. Likewise, a
bead and groove does not provide a hermetic seal for any
substantial length of time. Other solutions involve placing a large
nail down into the tube opening, to effect a plug type seal. In
this latter class of approaches is included a flat-ended plastic
cap with a male plug member located axially in the cap. The cap
slips over the outside of the nozzle while the plug fits internally
in the nozzle bore. These solutions are temporary at best and
typically do not prevent drying out of the contents for more than a
few weeks, especially when there is residual pressure on the
contents, which results in pushing off the cap.
[0007] Among other common approaches used by workmen include
wrapping the tip with aluminum foil or plastic kitchen wrap, secure
that with a rubber band, and/or optionally place the entire tube in
a recloseable type plastic bag, such as a Ziploc.RTM. brand
sandwich or food bag. However, most tubes do not fit in Ziploc.RTM.
bags, the plastic is thin (on the order of 1 mil or less), and the
bags with the cartridge in them contain so much air as to defeat
the purpose. Plastic kitchen wrap is very thin, on the order of 0.4
mil or less, and does not cling to plastic nozzles. Neither the
foil or wrap can be tightly wrapped around the nozzle without some
air/vapor gaps. Further, some types of kitchen wrap are designed to
be breathable, that is, they permit permeation of oxygen
therethrough for food freshness purposes. The wrapping approach
simply does not provide an adequate seal.
[0008] Another class of packaging for sealants and other types of
caulks are squeezable or collapsible tubes, which typically contain
about one-tenth to one-quarter the amount of material as is
contained in dispensing cartridges. These sealant tubes are
ordinarily provided with screw-on or multi-bead/groove caps.
However, they also suffer from the problem of the caps splitting
when they are screwed down too tightly, or not providing a good
hermetic seal when the threads, beads or grooves become clogged
with partially set or dried sealant material. Finally, this class
of packaging also suffers from the same types of poor cap fit
problems as the more common caulk tube type dispensing
cartridges.
[0009] Thus, in both classes of sealant and mastic packaging
(cartridges and squeeze tubes), where the contents of the cartridge
or tube are not entirely dispensed during a particular caulking or
gluing operation, if precautions are not taken to carefully and
redundantly reseal the nozzle, the remaining caulking compound will
harden, due to exposure to the atmosphere. This arises in two ways:
first, some of the sealing or mastic compositions have volatile
components that upon evaporation will harden. Others are primarily
or entirely water-based, and harden upon evaporation of the water.
Still others are settable by exposure to oxygen of the atmosphere,
which enters by a poor seating of the cap, via gaps in foil
wrapping, or permeates through thin, hand-wrapped plastic wrap.
[0010] The term sealant as used herein includes the entire variety
of caulk, adhesive or mastic-type materials currently offered in
dispensing cartridges and squeeze tubes, such as but not limited
to: stucco, concrete and cementitious-material patching and crack
filling compounds; gasketing compounds; latex or acrylic caulk or
filler compounds; gutter, flashing, skylight, or fish tank seam or
sealant compounds; butyl or rubber sealants, cements and caulk;
roof cements; panel and construction adhesives; glazing compounds
and caulks; gutter and lap sealants; silica gel-based firebrick,
masonry and ceramic crack fillers, caulk and cements;
silicone-based glues, adhesives and caulks; urethane caulks and
adhesive sealants; ethylene glycol-containing latex glazing
compounds; and the like. Well known sealant manufacturers include:
Dow Coming; DAP, Inc.; GE Silicones; 3M; Red Devil; Sashco
Sealants, Inc.; Maaco (Liquid Nails) division of ICI, Int'l;
ChemRex, Inc.; and OSI Sealants, Inc., a subsidiary of Sovereign
Specialty Chemicals, Inc.
[0011] Thus, there is a well-recognized but long unmet need to
provide a truly hermetic nozzle seal to retard setting of the
remaining contents of partially-used dispensing cartridges and
squeeze tubes. The invention provides a simple, cost-effective and
unexpectedly superior solution to the problem, as shown in actual
tests.
THE INVENTION
[0012] Summary, Objects and Advantages:
[0013] The invention comprises a flexible sleeve of plastic film
which tightly fits over the open nozzle of sealant dispenser
cartridges and squeeze tubes to provide a hermetic seal to prevent
or substantially retard, on a long term basis, the hardening of the
remaining contents of the cartridge or tube after its initial use.
The plastic film may range widely in composition and thickness
including multi-layer and copolymer film, so long as it has the
functionality of providing a vapor barrier against exit of water or
organic solvent from the sealant composition, and prevent or retard
diffusion thereinto of such quantities of oxygen as would cause the
composition to set in the case of air-settable compositions. The
plastic film is preferably heat sealable, somewhat stretchable and
not subject to substantial relaxation or creep over time, so that
when the sleeve is inserted over the open nozzle and pulled or
pushed downwardly thereon, it provides an extremely tight seal for
a substantial distance along its length.
[0014] The present best mode of the invention comprises providing a
tightly fitting sleeve made of slightly to moderately stretchable
thin plastic sheet or film material. In the case of water-based
compositions, e.g., acrylic caulk, and hydrocarbon
solvent-containing mastics, and silicones (which give off acetic
acid) a suitable film or sheet plastic is a film grade polyolefin
plastic such as low density polyethylene or polypropylene, or
copolymers thereof or with other alpha olefins. For urethanes, such
as 3M brand marine adhesive sealants and Lexcel brand copolymer
rubber-based sealants (which contains polyurethane prepolymer,
heptane, acetone and toluene diisocyanate), the preferred plastic
material is Saran.RTM. (an S. C. Johnson brand) monolayer film, or
Saran.RTM./polyethylene multi-layer film. Saran.RTM. films are
copolymers of vinylidene chloride and methyl acrylate or vinyl
chloride, or copolymers of vinylidene chloride and one or more of
methacrylonitrile and methyl methacrylate, and useful films include
"Saran.RTM. 100 HB" film or "Saran.RTM. 560 Industrial" film, both
of which are biaxially oriented monolayer films having very high
moisture and air barrier properties. The plastic sleeve film is
selected to have a typical thickness on the order of from about 1
to about 10 mils, preferably about 3 to about 7 mils. Typically,
the polyvinylidene chloride films can be thinner, about 1/2 to 1/4
the thickness of the polyolefin films.
[0015] It is preferred that the film have good heat sealing
properties, such as is obtained with a film grade low density
polyethylene or a vinylidene chloride copolymer. Film grade
polyethylenes are understood in the art to include copolymers or
blends to reduce the density from pure polyethylene. HDPE is not
recommended, and oriented plastic film is not required but may be
employed. The polyolefin films included in this invention are
excellent without modification for water-based, and acetic
acid-containing sealants and mastics, such as acrylic-containing
caulking compounds and silicone cements and caulks. In the case of
mastics having organic solvents, most now are low VOC compounds and
a polyolefin film at the thicker end of the above range is
preferred to resist vapor permeation. However, where the
hydrocarbon solvent content is high and/or the polyolefin swells on
exposure to the mastic, a multi-layer film which includes a barrier
layer that is low or non-permeable to organics and/or oils is
preferably employed. While not intending to be bound by specific
examples, barrier layers which may be considered include film PVA,
PVC, PETE, and vinylidene chloride polymers or copolymers. It is a
straight-forward matter for one skilled in the art to select an
appropriate film and/or barrier layer based on the required
properties outlined above from amongst various commercial films,
and may include any somewhat stretchable, preferably heat sealable
film grade, single layer or multi-layer film of homogeneous or
heterogeneous composition.
[0016] In a first embodiment, a strip of film grade plastic film is
folded over on itself, typically in half parallel to its long axis,
and the resulting two sheets sealed together along two spaced lines
to provide a straight or slightly tapered pocket there between. The
seal lines may be formed by use of glue, solvent, RF, heat,
radiation or the like, with heat sealing being the presently
preferred embodiment. However, it should be understood that
reference to heat sealing herein is merely by way of example and
any convenient seam sealing technique may be used. The lines of
heat seals may be disposed inwardly from the marginal edges of the
superimposed plastic sheets to form handling "wings" or flaps
between the seal lines and the side marginal edges. These wings can
be used to push or pull the sleeve down over the nozzle and for
removal. The folded end forms the top or tip of the sleeve, and the
unsealed opposite end of each sleeve provides an opening for access
of the nozzle into the sleeve pocket formed between the top, the
side seams and the bottom marginal open edge. Alternately, the
pocket may be a tube with no side seams, or with a single side
seam, and a top seam.
[0017] The pocket at its open end is dimensioned to provide a tight
fit around the base of the nozzle as it joins the top end face of
the dispenser cartridge or squeeze tube. Nozzles for squeeze tubes
are on the order of 11/2".+-.3/8" (3.5-4.5 cm) long, while consumer
(homeowner) cartridge nozzles are typically 25/8".+-.1/4" (6.5-8
cm) in length, and commercial, marine, special type, and large
commercial construction cartridge nozzles are on the order of twice
as long. The length of the pocket is long enough to provide a good
hermetic seal of from about 25% to about 100% of the nozzle length.
Typically the pocket will range from about 0.5 to about 1.25 times
the length of the nozzle, preferably longer than the length of the
nozzle. For the above consumer cartridge nozzle dimension, the
pocket will typically be about 2"-3" (5-8 cm) in length,
proportionally shorter for squeeze tube and proportionally longer
for commercial, marine, etc., nozzles.
[0018] The width A (see FIG. 2) of the pocket is such as to ensure
that it can be slipped substantially down the length of the nozzle,
while forming a tight seal area of from about 25% to about 100% the
length of the nozzle. For a consumer cartridges, that provides a
minimum seal area on the order of about 1" in length, preferably
about 2" inches in length (2.5-5.2 cm), and for other cartridges,
such other length as is feasible for however long the nozzle may be
to its diagonal or transverse cut or opening. Since nozzles are
tapered, the width between pocket side seams should be no more than
the diameter of the nozzle where the seal is selected to be started
(position below the cut tip end). Typically the minimum width is
preferred to be the width of the nozzle at the shoulder where the
nozzle tip taper meets the shank of the nozzle, and for a
conventional consumer type dispenser cartridge having a cut nozzle
length on the order of 23/4" (7-7.3 cm), this width is suitably on
the order of {fraction (12/32)}" to 3/4" (1-2 cm), preferably about
{fraction (14/32)}" to {fraction (16/32)}" (1.1-1.3 cm). The nozzle
tip ordinarily carries a series of diagonal grooves, beads or
stepped shoulders as guides for diagonal cut-off of the nozzle tip.
Where the nozzle has no shoulder, the width between side seams is
typically selected to be the nozzle diameter at from about 1/2" to
about 1" from the tip toward the cartridge tube body.
[0019] By virtue of the fact that the selected plastic of the
sleeve is somewhat stretchable, the side seams need not be tapered,
but may be parallel, since as the sleeve is pulled down over the
nozzle, it configures tightly and completely around the nozzle from
just below the tapered tip to the base of the shank adjoining the
cartridge or squeeze tube top thus providing an excellent hermetic
seal. Thus, the preferred minimum stretchability of the film is the
ratio of the nozzle base width to the width of the nozzle at the
top of the seal area, typically at the tip taper; for a consumer
caulk cartridge this is about 1.25 to about 1.5, and can range up
to about 3.5 to about 5 for commercial cartridges. The greater the
area of contact, the better the seal. The pocket length is
preferably longer than the cut nozzle to provide a small head space
at the top of the pocket for any excess sealant or mastic, which
may be extruded from the open tube end. This also provides a visual
indicator of the condition of the tube contents. As long as the
composition within that head space remains soft and pliable, it
indicates that the contents of the tube have not dried out or set
from the nozzle end. It should be understood that the tube could
dry out from the plunger end in the event of a defective piston
seal.
[0020] The side seams should be of sufficient strength and/or
width, and the film of sufficient thickness, strength and
stretchability to ensure that the sleeve does not split open when
it is pulled down over the nozzle of the dispenser cartridge and
retain its integrity over the life of the sealing sleeve, up to a
year or more. Typically, a seam width on the order of {fraction
(1/16)}"-{fraction (3/16)}" (2-6 mm) is adequate, but it may be any
suitable width depending on its integrity and strength. Additional
plastic material may be provided outwardly of one or more of the
seams, preferably both sides, to permit ease of handling, and may
be configured to provide graspable wings or flanges for mounting
and removing the sleeve. Further, a V-shaped or semi-circular
shaped notch (presently preferred) or depending flap may be
provided at the opening end of the sleeve in one or both sheets of
plastic to permit ease of opening the sleeve pouch to permit
insertion of the nozzle. A plurality of sleeves may be provided in
a strip, preferably with each separable from the other by a line of
perforations so that each sleeve can be torn from the strip as
needed.
[0021] As to packaging, the sleeves may be packaged in a plastic
bag with a header card for sale as sealing sleeves, or an
individual one or plurality of sleeves may be packaged with each
dispenser cartridge or squeeze tube. In this latter embodiment, a
pressure-sensitive glue may be applied to one face of the side
wings or flanges of the sleeve, and the sleeve simply adhered to
the side wall of the dispenser cartridge or tube. In another
packaging embodiment, one or more sleeves can be packaged in a
small bag or pouch along with instructions, which pouch is then
adhered to the dispenser cartridge or squeeze tube. In still
another embodiment, at least one sleeve can be slipped over the
uncut nozzle of each fresh tube, and secured thereto by
pressure-sensitive glue, a tether, rubber band, paper or plastic
cuff, or a conventional cap. As an alternate of this embodiment, a
roll of sleeves is wrapped around the nozzle and secured by rubber
band or cuff.
[0022] In actual testing, a polyolefin plastic sleeve having a
thickness on the order of 4 mils maintains the freshness and
prevents drying out of water-based acrylic caulk in excess of nine
months. The sleeve is easily removed by hand by simply slipping it
off the nozzle. The sleeve may be reused, and due to its
conformable nature, on reuse, provides an excellent seal along its
length. Any sealant or mastic in the headspace of a removed sleeve
can be prevented from drying out by partly flattening the sleeve,
beginning at the open end. That is not possible with a rigid cap,
and thus the inventive seal provides still another significant and
unexpected advantage over conventional cap-type closures.
[0023] In still another embodiment, a rigid cap can be provided
with an internal sleeve of this invention, the cap providing some
additional ease of fitting the sleeve over the cut nozzle and
removal. Also, caps are familiar to caulk tube users.
[0024] The invention thus solves the long felt need of
substantially retarding or preventing hardening of residual sealant
and mastic composition in dispenser cartridges and tubes, while
conserving materials and being environmentally friendly. It also
results in economies for the users, and adds both real and
perceived value for the consumer to those caulk, sealant and mastic
cartridge and squeeze tube products which offer the inventive
sleeves as a solution to the well-known wastage as occurs by use of
conventional caps.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The invention as described in more detail with reference to
the drawings in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an inventive sleeve seal
fitted on dispenser nozzles to preserve the remaining
composition,
[0027] FIG. 1A showing the inventive sleeve mounted on the cut
nozzle of a tubular dispenser cartridge, and
[0028] FIG. 1B showing in exploded view how a sleeve of the
invention may be packaged for delivery with a squeeze tube having a
conventional cap;
[0029] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a strip of sleeves of the
invention showing them separable from each other along transverse
perforations;
[0030] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of
a strip of tubular sleeves of the invention separable along
transverse perforation lines;
[0031] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a plurality of the inventive
sleeve seals removably adhered to the sidewall of a dispenser
cartridge in its ready-for-sale condition;
[0032] FIG. 5 is an isometric view showing a packet of inventive
sleeves packaged in a pouch adhesively secured to the outside wall
of a dispenser cartridge (lower half of the figure), and also
showing a sleeve mounted on an uncut nozzle in place of a cap, in
the cartridge's ready for sale condition (upper half of the
figure);
[0033] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of
an inventive sleeve seal having a tether, which fits over the
cylindrical body of a dispenser cartridge;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a side elevation, in part broken away, showing an
inventive sleeve seal secured in a rigid plastic cap;
[0035] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a strip of inventive sleeve
seals packaged for after-market sale in a bag/header card
package;
[0036] FIG. 9 is a plan view of another embodiment of a strip of
inventive sleeve seals in which the seal lines are tapered;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a plan view of still another embodiment of a
strip of inventive sleeve seals in which the plastic strip is
folded parallel to its long axis, and the two seams are oriented
normal to each other, and the sleeves are separable along perfed
lines;
[0038] FIG. 11 is an isometric view showing a plurality of sleeves
mounted on and wrapped around the nozzle of a dispenser cartridge
and secured thereto with a paper sleeve or shrink-wrap-type collar;
and
[0039] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a window glazing type
cartridge having a nozzle that is generally square in cross-section
and employs a sleeve seal of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION INCLUDING THE BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE
INVENTION
[0040] The following detailed description illustrates the invention
by way of example, not by way of limitation of the principles of
the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in
the art to make and use the invention, and describes several
embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the
invention, including what is presently believed to be the best
modes of carrying out the invention.
[0041] In this regard, the invention is illustrated in the several
figures, and is of sufficient complexity that the many parts,
interrelationships, and sub-combinations thereof simply cannot be
fully illustrated in a single patent-type drawing. For clarity and
conciseness, several of the drawings show in schematic, or omit,
parts that are not essential in that drawing to a description of a
particular feature, aspect or principle of the invention being
disclosed. Thus, the best mode embodiment of one feature may be
shown in one drawing, and the best mode of another feature will be
called out in another drawing.
[0042] All publications, patents and applications cited in this
specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each
individual publication, patent or application had been expressly
stated to be incorporated by reference.
[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates two principal variations of the closure
sleeve device 10 of this invention, FIG. 1A illustrating a first
embodiment of the sleeve mounted on a nozzle 12 of a conventional
dispenser cartridge 14, and FIG. 1B illustrating a second
embodiment of the sleeve shown in an exploded view in position
being mounted on or removed from the nozzle 12 of a conventional
manually squeezable tube, and the optional use thereover of a
conventional cap.
[0044] In FIG. 1A, the tip of nozzle 12 has been cut diagonally 13,
as is usual. The dispenser cartridge 14 is shown as having been
partially used, the slidable internal diaphragm 16 shown in dashed
lines as having been advanced well up the cylindrical cartridge
body by the plunger of a caulk gun (not shown), with the residual
composition 20 occupying the volume between the diaphragm and the
nozzle. As is usual in use, the nozzle bore is filled with the
composition and some portion of extruded composition 22 is shown in
the head space 58 in the sleeve between the sleeve top end 24 and
the nozzle cut end 13. Note the length of the sleeve L (see FIG. 2)
is preferably selected to be somewhat longer than the nozzle to
provide the head space. The bottom end 48 of the sleeve may be
notched 24a or scalloped to provide a flap 24b (see FIG. 2) to
permit ease of opening the sleeve pocket 32 into which the nozzle
fits through pocket opening 28 (FIGS. 1B, 3). One portion of the
wall of the sleeve may have one or more flaps, 24b, adjacent the
opening, and another portion may be straight cut or notched to
provide means to open the sleeve pocket (see FIG. 2, right
end).
[0045] In this embodiment, the sleeve is formed of two sheets of
plastic 42, 44, preferably clear, transparent or translucent
plastic film, e.g., polyolefin of suitable thickness, which sheets
have been sealed together along two spaced, substantially parallel
lines 34a, 34b, with the nozzle pocket 32 being formed there
between. Outboard of the seal lines are extensions, flanges or
wings of plastic 50, 52, that may be grasped to pull or push the
sleeve onto the nozzle.
[0046] It is an important feature of the invention that the seal
lines are spaced apart a distance A (see FIG. 2) approximately the
width of the nozzle (cross-section diameter) at the point along its
length where the seal is to begin, i.e., at point S.sub.1 down the
nozzle 12 from the cut end 13. The maximum is that the pouch seams
should not be spaced apart substantially wider than the nozzle at
its juncture with the cartridge or tube delivery end 56, i.e.,
point S.sub.2. It is preferred that seal spacing be less than the
midpoint diameter S.sub.3, so that when the sleeve is opened, the
inner circumference of the sleeve plastic forming the pocket 32 is
slightly less than the circumference of the nozzle medial of its
ends, preferably the sleeve side seam spacing is substantially
equal to or slightly more than the diameter of the nozzle adjacent
the juncture of the tip taper 60 to the nozzle body (at
approximately S.sub.1), and no more than the circumference at
approximately the nozzle midpoint (point S.sub.3). This
dimensioning insures a relatively long sealing contact area S (see
FIG. 1A) between the sleeve and the nozzle. This provides the
necessary hermetic seal of the inventive sealing sleeve to retain
the remaining unused sealant or mastic composition in a nearly
original condition for extended periods of storage, in excess of 9
months in actual tests of a water-based acrylic latex caulk
containing silicone.
[0047] The above generally refers to nozzles that are round in
cross-section. For square cross-section nozzles, the sleeve tube
can be constructed to have a square cross-section, or appropriately
dimensioned so that the plastic stretches to conform tightly to the
nozzle cross-section, as shown in FIG. 12.
[0048] The flexible and slightly stretchable property of the
plastic, e.g., polyolefin polyvinylidene chloride copolymer, or
equivalent plastic film or sheeting, provides the necessary
conformational property to provide the hermetic seal. That is, the
sleeve film stretches sufficiently to fit tightly on the nozzle
without relaxing or slipping off by creep. Likewise, the film does
not thin so much that it becomes easily permeable by oxygen
(inwardly) or by solvent (outwardly from the composition).
Non-thinning is maintained at the critical location, the head
space, by the seam lines being spaced at the upper, tapering end of
the nozzle substantially equal to or wider than the juncture of the
taper 60 to the nozzle, so that there is little stress on the
sleeve plastic in the head space area 58, being defined between the
upper end of the sleeve 24 and the nozzle opening 13.
[0049] Of course, one skilled in this art, following the principles
taught herein, can adjust the length of the sleeve to suit a
particular nozzle length, and by doing so control the amount of
head space. While a substantial head space serves the useful
purpose of providing a visual indicator of the condition of the
residual contents (and its color), the sleeve plastic being
preferably clear, transparent or translucent in that area, the head
space can be reduced to no more than a "window" over the opening of
the nozzle in order to reduce the potential surface area for vapor
and oxygen permeation. That is the preferred embodiment for the
square cross-section nozzles of window glazing cartridges.
[0050] FIG. 1B shows in exploded view an inventive sealing sleeve
10 insertable on the nozzle 12 of a squeeze tube 15. As shown, the
nozzle has not been cut, so the illustration represents one mode of
packaging and delivery of the sleeve to the consumer as an OEM
component. An optional standard cap can be provided with one or
more internal ridges or grooves (not shown), which snap fit over
complementary grooves or ridges 66 on the nozzle 12. The sleeve
plastic is sufficiently thin that it does not interfere with the
snap fit action of presently-dimensioned caps and nozzles, or the
grooves and ribs can be easily re-dimensioned to permit good
retention of the cap on the nozzle while trapping the sleeve for
delivery to the consumer. The sleeve can be used with or without a
cap. The sleeve can be entirely separable from the cap or sealed or
glued to it (FIG. 7) or tethered to the caulk tube (FIG. 6).
[0051] FIG. 2 shows a strip 30 of a plurality of inventive sealing
sleeves 10a, 10b, . . . 10n of the type shown in FIG. 1A. The
inventive sleeve seals are formed from a single sheet of plastic
folded in half parallel to its long axis to form a double-layered
strip that is alternately heat sealed and perfed to form a
plurality of individual separable sleeves in the strip. The seam
lines 34a, 34b are spaced apart and generally parallel (although
they may be tapered inwardly from bottom to top) to form
nozzle-receiving pouches 32a, 32b, . . . 32n. The perf lines 36a,
36b, . . . 36n cut through both sheets so the individual sleeves
are easily torn off the strip. As shown, the perf lines 36 are
spaced from the adjacent seam lines 34b to form opposed wings or
flaps 50, 52. Sleeve 10a includes a notch 24d, while sleeve 10b
includes one or more depending flaps, which function to assist in
opening the pocket for insertion of the nozzle therein. Sleeve 10n
is strait cut on one side and has a flap 24b on the other. The
length L is as described above, being on the order of the length of
the nozzle 12 (FIG. 1), is sufficiently longer than the nozzle to
provide a suitable head space. The width between the seams 34a, 34b
are also as described above, typically the diameter of the nozzle
at the shoulder juncture of the tapered tip 60 with the nozzle
shank 12 (see FIG. 1).
[0052] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of
the invention comprising a strip 30 of thin plastic tubing 74 which
has a series of transverse seams 34a, 34b, . . .34n, and perf lines
36a, 36b . . . 36n adjacent to, or spaced from the seams, to define
individual sleeves 10a, 10b . . . 10n. The tube width is
essentially the diameter A as defined above (see FIG. 2). The
distance between the seam 34 and the perf line 36 may range from 0
to about 3/4" to provide a flange to assist in handling.
[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates one manner of packaging the inventive
seal sleeves. In this embodiment a plurality of the sleeves of
FIGS. 1 and 2 are removably secured to the outer face of a
dispenser cartridge by means of suitable pressure-sensitive glue 64
applied to the cartridge, the cartridge-facing side of wings 50, 52
or the entire backside of the sleeve to secure the sleeves to the
cartridge during manufacture, distribution and sale handling. The
sleeves are peeled off the side of the cartridge one at a time and
separated along the perf lines 36 as before. As seen, a set of
three sleeves is packaged on the tube, and the third, 10c, is shown
as peeled off, ready for separation from the strip. This figure
also shows the tip taper 60 at the upper end of the nozzle shank,
and a series of angled grooves or shoulders 62 as tip cutting
guides.
[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in
which a strip 30 of inventive sleeve seals, such as strip 30 of
FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 9 or 10 are packaged in pouch 78, which is
adhesively, but removably secured to the outer wall of the
cartridge 14. the pouch 78 may be recloseable, such as by a press
fit rib and groove closure strip. This figure also illustrates
another embodiment of the sleeve seal of FIGS. 1-4 in which the
wings 50, 52 are lobed 68a, 68b adjacent the bottom 46 of the
sleeve to assist in handling. The lobes may be cut out of both
sheets of plastic 42, 44. The wings may be sealed together, or the
wings may be replaced by a thicker sheet of plastic, such as a 5-10
mil thickness piece of plastic, or such a thick sheet of plastic
may be laminated between the wing sheets.
[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment in which the two side seams
34a, 34b are tapered, generally with a taper corresponding to the
taper of the nozzle, and having a transverse seam 34c across the
top, instead of a fold. From one wing 50 extends a tether 70
terminating in a loop 72 that fits over the cartridge or squeeze
tube body. Alternately, the loop may be omitted and a portion 79 of
the tether may have pressure sensitive glue on one side to attach
the tether to the cartridge tube body or end face.
[0056] FIG. 7 illustrates a conventional plastic cap 90 in which is
fitted a tubular type sleeve of FIG. 3, which is secured to the
open end of the cap by tabs 92a, 92b which are glued or heat sealed
to the cap rim. The tabs may be the flaps 24b (see FIG. 2). The
sleeve is shown open at 28.
[0057] FIG. 8 shows an alternative after-market packaging
embodiment 80 in which a strip of sleeves 30 is packaged in bag 82
stapled at 84 to a header card 86, which may include the standard
rod hanger aperture 88.
[0058] FIG. 9 shows a strip of tapered sleeves of FIG. 6 that are
oriented in opposed, alternating (dove-tailed) configuration. The
seams 34 and perfs are as described above. In this embodiment, the
sleeves are preferably prepared from a large tube having a diameter
L, and the alternating opposed side margins 46, 46' of the tube are
die cut to form the respective pocket openings 28a, 28b.
[0059] FIG. 10 shows still another embodiment in which the strip of
plastic 30 is folded down the longitudinal axis, and seams 34 and
98 are oriented normally to form the pockets 32a, 32b, 32c . . .
32n. As before, spaced perf lines 36a, 36b . . .36n permit
separation of individual sleeves 10a, 10b, 10c . . . 10n from the
strip 30. The pockets 32 are formed between side fold 54 and
longitudinal seam 34, the top is formed by seam 98 which intersects
seam 34. In this embodiment, only one wing 50a, b, c is formed, but
by providing another seam 34 (not shown) spaced inwardly from edge
54, an opposed wing can be provided. As noted, the longitudinal
seam 34 may be continuous, as shown at 34b, 34c, or discontinuous,
as shown by the gap in what becomes top tab 100b of pocket 32b. The
perfs 56 may be adjacent the transverse seams 98, or spaced
therefrom to provide top tabs 100a, b, c which assist in handling.
The perf lines 36a, 36b need not be strait; they may be curved to
provide flaps similar to 24a, b in FIG. 2.
[0060] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of still another embodiment of
the inventive sleeve seals packaged as a strip 3 rolled around the
nozzle 12 of a cartridge 14, and secured with a collar or cuff 94,
which alternately may be a rubber band, shrink-wrap band, tape or
twist-tie.
[0061] FIG. 12 shows a larger diameter sleeve 10 sized and adapted
to fit over a window glazing nozzle 12 which is square in
cross-section. Note the enlarged head space 58 to accommodate the
smoothing tab 17. Note the wings 50, 52 are oriented at the corners
of the nozzle.
[0062] Industrial Applicability:
[0063] It is clear that the sealing sleeve of the invention has
important applicability to a wide variety of sealant and mastic
compositions for both dispensing cartridges and squeezable tubes.
The economic advantages of the invention to the consumer, and the
ultimate reduction in disposal of hundreds of millions of
cartridges and squeeze tubes annually, many of which retain
substantial quantities of sealant and mastic, represent a very
substantial reduction in the wastage of valuable resources, and
result in reduction in the cost of environmental remediation.
Accordingly, it is evident that the sealing sleeve of the invention
will have wide industrial applicability.
[0064] It should be understood that various modifications within
the scope of this invention can be made by one of ordinary skill in
the art without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the
sealing sleeves of the invention can be color coded by use of
colored plastic or overprinting. I therefore wish this invention to
be defined by the scope of the appended claims as broadly as the
prior art will permit, and in view of the specification if need be,
including equivalents thereof.
* * * * *