Nozzle

Abstract

There is disclosed a device for application of a flowable paste-like material such as mastic, e.g. between two surfaces such as tiles or onto a surface. Mastic applicators typically having a frusto-conical shaped nozzle are known. However, such have a number of disadvantages. For example, "keying" of the mastic is necessary to achieve a flat surface and a further wiping operation is required to achieve a reasonable finish. Accordingly, the invention provides a nozzle (10) having an outlet end including a first side (16b) and a second side (16a) which extends from a third side (16d), which first and second sides (16b,16a) taper towards one another in a direction away from the third side (16d). Beneficially first respective ends of the first and second sides (16b,16a) are connected by the third side (16d) and second respective ends of the first and second sides (16b,16a) are connected by a fourth side (16c) of the outlet end.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a device or nozzle for application of a non-solid material, in particular, though not exclusively, this invention relates to a device for application of mastic or the like, e.g. between two surfaces such as tiles or onto a surface.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

[0002] The traditional method of applying mastic is via a frusto-conical shaped nozzle. However, this method has a number of disadvantages. For example, keying (i.e. dragging a flat edge along a top surface) of the mastic is necessary to achieve a flat surface, and a further wiping operation is required to achieve a reasonable finish. Furthermore, to increase the width of the applied mastic requires cutting a more shallow angle along the length of the cone. This produces a long narrow elliptical shaped outlet which increases the degree of difficulty in applying the mastic as the working angle, e.g. around adjacent surfaces is significantly reduced and in some places the angle is unworkable.

[0003] Moreover, during application, with a frusto-conical nozzle, a convex finish is generally created and bulging/slumping of the mastic often occurs. This results in small areas of dirt/water accumulating which encourages mould growth.

[0004] Additionally, in an attempt to produce a satisfactory smooth finish, people often wet their fingers and draw their fingers across the mastic. This is not recommended due to health risks.

[0005] People also find it difficult to apply mastic, and often during application the mastic goes outwith the intended area. This can be attributed to a lack of control at the nozzle because of the small area and angle of contact between the nozzle and the surfaces to which the mastic is being applied.

[0006] It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate or at least mitigate at least one or more of the aforementioned problems.

[0007] It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present intention to provide a method of applying mastic which creates a substantially even, flat and straight mastic joint.

[0008] It is an object of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a method for or of applying mastic of substantially even spread.

[0009] It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a method of applying mastic wherein there is no need for keying.

[0010] An object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention is to provide increased control in the application of mastic by increasing an area of contact between the nozzle and adjacent surfaces.

[0011] An object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a method of applying mastic which substantially eliminates or at least reduces sagging and bulging of mastic during application.

[0012] It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a method of applying mastic which enables better angle variations to be achieved such as around corners.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a nozzle having an outlet or output end including a first side and a second side which extend from a third side, which first and second sides taper towards one another in a direction away from the third side.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment the nozzle is adapted for supply of a flowable paste-like material such as a sealing/sealant material or mastic. Herein, "mastic" includes materials substantially comprising or including silicone, e.g. for sealing round sinks, baths, tiles, windows and the like.

[0015] Preferably first respective ends of the first and second sides are connected by the third side and second respective ends of the first and second sides are connected by a fourth side of the outlet end.

[0016] Preferably, the third and fourth sides are spaced in substantially parallel relation.

[0017] Preferably, the outlet end is substantially a bi-lateral symmetrical trapezoid in shape.

[0018] Preferably, an inlet or input end of the nozzle is substantially circular in shape.

[0019] Preferably, a portion of the nozzle between the outlet end and the inlet end is of a substantially bi-lateral symmetrical trapezoid shape which has a larger cross-sectional area than the bi-lateral symmetrical trapezoid of the outlet end.

[0020] Alternatively, the inlet end is also substantially bilateral symmetrically trapezoidal in shape.

[0021] The nozzle may taper outwardly from or between the outlet end to the inlet end at any angle between 0 to 180.degree.. Preferably, the nozzle tapers at an angle of around 30.degree. to 50.degree. and more preferably at about 40.degree. to 45.degree..

[0022] Preferably, on an inner surface of the nozzle at or in the region of the inlet end there is provided a screw thread.

[0023] Preferably, the nozzle is constructed from a plastics material.

[0024] Preferably at least one and preferably both of the first and second sides are substantially linear. Preferably at least one and preferably both of the third and fourth sides are substantially linear.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of applying a paste-like material to a surface(s) or between surfaces including the steps of:

[0026] providing a nozzle according to the first aspect of the present invention; and

[0027] causing the paste-like material to pass through the nozzle, e.g. from an inlet end, and to be extruded through and out of an outlet end of the nozzle and onto the surface(s) of between the surfaces.

[0028] Preferably, the paste-like material is a sealing/sealant material or mastic.

[0029] Preferably, the paste-like material is mastic which is applied as grout or sealant between two surfaces to be sealed between such as one or more of tiles, window frames, sanitary ware, work surfaces, walls or the like.

[0030] Preferably, a cartridge and cartridge gun may be used to supply the past-like material.

[0031] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a paste-like material applicator comprising:

[0032] a nozzle according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0033] a cartridge or paste-like material capable of being connected to the nozzle; and

[0034] means for causing the paste-like material to flow from the cartridge to the nozzle and then out of the outlet end of the nozzle.

[0035] Preferably, the flow causing means comprises a cartridge gun.

[0036] Preferably, the applicator may also comprise a substantially frusto-conical nozzle.

[0037] Preferably, the frusto-conical nozzle may be provided with a screw thread on an outer surface thereof engageable with mateable screw thread provided on an inner surface of the nozzle.

[0038] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a nozzle having an outlet or output end having a first side and a second side of dissimilar length.

[0039] Preferably, the first side is shorter than the second side.

[0040] Preferably, the first and second respective ends of the first and second sides are connected by respective third and fourth sides of the outlet end.

[0041] Preferably, the first and second sides are spaced in substantially parallel relation.

[0042] Preferably, the outlet end is substantially a bi-lateral symmetrical trapezoid in shape.

[0043] Preferably, an inlet or input end of the nozzle is substantially cylindrical or conical in shape. Alternatively, the inlet end is also substantially bi-lateral symmetrically trapezoidal in shape.

[0044] Preferably, at least one portion of the nozzle between the outlet end and the inlet end is of a substantially bi-lateral symmetrical trapezoid shape having a larger cross-sectional area than the bi-lateral symmetrical trapezoid of the outlet end. The at least one portion(s) may be weakened/cuttable/tearable or frangible such that one may select a particular outlet and size.

[0045] The nozzle may taper outwardly from or between the outlet end and the inlet end.

[0046] Preferably, on an outer surface of the nozzle at or in the region of the input end there is provided a screw thread.

[0047] Preferably, the nozzle is constructed from a plastics material.

[0048] Preferably at least one and preferably both of the first and second sides are substantially linear. Preferably at least one and preferably both of the third and fourth sides are substantially linear.

[0049] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of applying a paste-like material to a surface(s) or between surfaces including the steps of:

[0050] providing a nozzle according to the first aspect of the present invention; and

[0051] causing the paste-like material to pass through the nozzle and to be extruded through and out of an outlet end of the nozzle and onto the surface(s) or between the surfaces.

[0052] Preferably, the paste-like material is mastic.

[0053] Preferably, the paste-like material is mastic which is applied as grout between two surfaces to be sealed between such as one or more of tiles, window frames, sanitary ware, work surfaces, walls or the like.

[0054] Preferably, a cartridge and cartridge gun may be used to supply the paste-like material.

[0055] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a paste-like material applicator comprising:

[0056] a nozzle according to the fourth aspect of the present invention;

[0057] a cartridge or paste-like material capable of being connected to the nozzle; and

[0058] means for causing the paste-like material to flow from the cartridge to the nozzle and then out of the outlet end of the nozzle.

[0059] Preferably, the flow causing means comprises a cartridge gun.

[0060] Preferably, the applicator may also comprise a substantially frusto-conical nozzle.

[0061] Preferably, the frusto-conical nozzle may be provided with a screw thread on its outer surface engageable with a mateable screw thread provided on an inner surface of the nozzle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0062] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing which are:

[0063] FIG. 1 an isometric view of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] FIG. 2 a top view of the nozzle shown in FIG. 1;

[0065] FIG. 3 a sectional side view of the nozzle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0066] FIG. 4 an end view of the nozzle shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3;

[0067] FIG. 5 an isometric view of a frusto-conical nozzle adapted for use with the nozzle of FIG. 1;

[0068] FIG. 6 a side view of the nozzle shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, fitted onto the frusto-conical nozzle of FIG. 5;

[0069] FIG. 7 a side sectional view of the nozzle shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 fitted onto threaded end of the frusto-conical nozzle of FIG. 5; and

[0070] FIG. 8 a side view of the nozzle shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 fitted together with a frusto-conical nozzle, a cartridge and a cartridge gun.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 there is shown a nozzle, generally designated 10, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The nozzle 10 comprises a circular shaped inlet 12 and a bi-lateral symmetrical trapezoid shaped portion 14 which tapers to a bi-lateral symmetrical trapezoidal shaped outlet 16. The bi-lateral symmetrical trapezoid shaped outlet 16 has two non-parallel sides 16a,16b and two parallel sides 16c,16d, wherein side 16d is longer than side 16c.

[0072] Typical dimensions for the nozzle 10 are shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. In this embodiment, the circular shaped inlet 12 has an inlet diameter A of 12 mm; the bi-lateral shaped section 14 has a length B of 25 mm and a starting height C of 10 mm; one side of the bi-lateral shaped section starts with a width D of 24 mm tapering to a width E of 4 mm; another side of the bi-lateral shaped section starts with a width of 18 mm.

[0073] FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of the nozzle 10 which shows that the inside surface of the annular shaped input 12 has a screw thread 18.

[0074] The nozzle 10 is formed from a suitable plastics material. The plastics material may typically be approximately 1 mm in thickness. The nozzle 10 can be formed by standard extrusion techniques or can be formed from two separate parts which are seam welded together.

[0075] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a frusto-conical nozzle 22 having an external screw thread 23.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the nozzle 10 is screwed onto the frusto-conical nozzle 22. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that the nozzle 10 may be merely pushed onto the frusto-conical nozzle 20 and retained thereon by an interference fit. Alternatively the nozzle 10 and frusto-conical nozzle 22 may be formed in one piece.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 8, the nozzle 10 and frusto-conical nozzle 22 are attached to a cartridge 24 of, for example, mastic which is held in a standard cartridge gun 26. An end of the frusto-conical nozzle 22 distal nozzle 10 carries an internal tread (not shown) which attaches to an external thread (not shown) provided on an outlet portion of the cartridge 24.

[0078] In use, the nozzle 10 is placed in a gap between, for example, tiles or surfaces to which mastic is to be applied. The nozzle 10 is normally placed so that the narrow end of the bi-lateral shaped end 16, i.e. side 16c, is against or adjacent the surface to which mastic is to be applied. This is important as it prevents overfill of mastic in the gap and allows a flat outer surface of the mastic to be obtained normally without the need of a keying step. The application of mastic may therefore be a one-step procedure.

[0079] The nozzle 10 is dragged along or adjacent the gap with mastic being extruded from the bi-lateral shaped outlet end 16. At the end of the extension process the nozzle 10 is lifted out of the gap, whereby a neat "cut-off" is obtained due to the shape of the bi-lateral shaped end 16.

[0080] To adjust the width of the extruded mastic the nozzle 10 may be cut to select the width and size of the output end 16. To assist in such cutting weakening operating lines 15 across and/or around the nozzle 10 may be formed during its initial moulding process as shown in FIG. 1.

[0081] It should be noted that, due to the shape of the nozzle 10, mastic can be efficiently applied around a corner due to the larger surface contact obtained with a standard frusto-conical nozzle.

[0082] After use, the nozzle 10 can be unscrewed, cleaned and stored for further use.

[0083] It will be appreciated that the embodiment of the present invention hereinbefore described is given by way of example only, and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0084] In particular it will be appreciated that in a modification the nozzle may be directly attached to, or integrally formed with, the cartridge without need for an intervening frusto-conical nozzle.

Claims

1. A nozzle having an outlet end including a first side and a second side which extend from a third side, which first and second sides taper towards one another in a direction away from the third side.

2. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nozzle is adapted for supply of a flowable paste-like material such as a sealing/sealant material or mastic.

3. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein first respective ends of the first and second sides are connected by the third side and second respective ends of the first and second sides are connected by a fourth side of the outlet end.

4. A nozzle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the third and fourth sides are spaced in substantially parallel relation.

5. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet end is substantially a bi-lateral symmetrical trapezoid in shape.

6. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein an inlet end of the nozzle is substantially circular in shape.

7. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein a portion of the nozzle between the outlet end and the inlet end is of a substantially bi-lateral symmetrical trapezoid shape which has a larger cross-section area than the bi-lateral symmetrical trapezoid of the outlet end.

8. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet end is substantially bi-lateral symmetrically trapezoidal in shape.

9. A nozzle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nozzle tapers outwardly from or between the outlet end to the inlet end at an angle between 0.degree. to 180.degree..

10. A nozzle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the nozzle tapers at an angle selected from one of around 30.degree. to 50.degree. and about 40.degree. to 45.degree..

11. A nozzle as claimed in claim 10, wherein on an inner surface of the nozzle at or in the region of the inlet end there is provided a screw thread.

12. A nozzle as claimed in claim 11, wherein the nozzle is constructed from a plastics material.

13. A method of applying a paste-like material to a surface(s) or between surfaces including the steps of: providing a nozzle according to claim 1; and causing the paste-like material to pass through the nozzle and to be extruded through and out of an outlet end of the nozzle and onto the surface(s) or between the surfaces.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the paste-like material is a sealing/sealant material or mastic.

15. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the paste-like material is mastic which is applied as grout or sealant between two surfaces to be sealed between, the two surfaces being optionally selected from one or more of tiles, window frames, sanitary ware, work surfaces or walls.

16. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein a cartridge and cartridge gun is used to supply the paste-like material.

17. A paste-like material applicator comprising: a nozzle according to claim 1; a cartridge or paste-like material capable of being connected to the nozzle; and means for causing the paste-like material to flow from the cartridge to the nozzle and then out of the outlet end of the nozzle.

18. An applicator as claimed in claim 17, wherein the flow causing means comprises a cartridge gun.

19. An applicator as claimed in claim 17, wherein the applicator also comprises a substantially frusto-conical nozzle.

20. An applicator as claimed in claim 19, wherein the frusto-conical nozzle is provided with a screw thread on an outer surface thereof engageable with a mateable screw thread provided on an inner surface of the nozzle.

21. A nozzle having an outlet end having a first side and a second side of dissimilar length.

22. A nozzle as claimed in claim 21, wherein the first side is shorter than the second side.

23. A nozzle as claimed in claim 21, wherein the first and second respective ends of the first and second sides are connected by respective third and fourth sides of the outlet end.

24. A nozzle as claimed in claim 21, wherein the first and second sides are spaced in substantially parallel relation.

25. A nozzle as claimed in claim 21, wherein the outlet end is substantially a bi-lateral symmetrical trapezoid in shape.

26. A nozzle as claimed in claim 21, wherein an inlet end of the nozzle is substantially cylindrical or conical in shape.

27. A nozzle as claimed in claim 21, wherein the inlet end is also substantially bi-lateral symmetrically trapezoidal in shape.

28. A nozzle as claimed in claim 27, wherein at least one portion of the nozzle between the outlet end and the inlet end is of a substantially bi-lateral symmetrical trapezoid shape having a larger cross-sectional area than the bi-lateral symmetrical trapezoid of the outlet end.

29. A nozzle as claimed in claim 28, wherein the at least one portion(s) is weakened/cuttable/tearable or frangible such that one may select a particular outlet and size.

30. A nozzle as claimed in claim 21, wherein the nozzle tapers outwardly from or between the outlet end and the inlet end.

31. A nozzle as claimed in claim 21, wherein on an outer surface of the nozzle at or in the region of a or the input end there is provided a screw thread.

32. A nozzle as claimed in claim 21, wherein the nozzle is constructed from a plastics material.

33. A method of applying a paste-like material to a surface(s) or between surfaces including the steps of: providing a nozzle according to claim 21; and causing the paste-like material to pass through the nozzle and to be extruded through and out of an outlet end of the nozzle and onto the surface(s) or between the surfaces.

34. A method as claimed in claim 33, wherein the paste-like material is mastic which is applied as grout between two surfaces to be sealed between, the two surfaces being optionally selected from tiles, window frames, sanitary ware, work surfaces, walls, or work surfaces.

35. A method as claimed in claim 33, wherein a cartridge and cartridge gun is used to supply the paste-like material.

36. A paste-like material applicator comprising: a nozzle according to claim 21; a cartridge or paste-like material capable of being connected to the nozzle; and means for causing the paste-like material to flow from the cartridge to the nozzle and then out of the outlet end of the nozzle.

37. An applicator as claimed in claim 36, wherein the flow causing means comprises a cartridge gun.

38. An applicator as claimed in claim 36, wherein the applicator may also comprises a substantially frusto-conical nozzle.

39. An applicator as claimed in claim 38, wherein the frusto-conical nozzle is provided with a screw thread on an outer surface thereof, the screw thread being engageable with a mateable screw thread provided on an inner surface of the nozzle.

40-42. (canceled)

43. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first, second and third sides is linear.

44. A nozzle as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of the first, second, third and fourth sides are linear.

45. A nozzle as claimed in claim 21, wherein at least one of the first and second sides is linear.

46. A nozzle as claimed in claim 23, wherein at least one of the first, second, third and fourth sides is linear.