U.S. patent application number 12/303308 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-04 for applicator for floor coatings, and methods.
Invention is credited to Mitchell T. Johnson.
Application Number | 20100275401 12/303308 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38564448 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100275401 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; Mitchell T. |
November 4, 2010 |
APPLICATOR FOR FLOOR COATINGS, AND METHODS
Abstract
An applicator system, including an application head, for
applying a coating composition onto a surface, such as a floor. The
head is particularly suited for applying a consistent thin coating,
such as coating less than 5 mil thick, on the surface, following
the gross contours of the surface. The coating can be a
two-component or two-part system, and can have a high solids level.
The head is suited for applying a coating composition with an
applicator system that includes a multi-compartment plastic bag or
pouch, to separate individual components of the coating composition
prior to reacting the individual components together to form the
coating composition, the pouch having internal seals that are
readily and controllably rupturable.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Mitchell T.; (Gig
Harbor, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
PO BOX 33427
ST. PAUL
MN
55133-3427
US
|
Family ID: |
38564448 |
Appl. No.: |
12/303308 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
June 4, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US07/70310 |
371 Date: |
December 3, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60804233 |
Jun 8, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/236.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05C 17/00 20130101;
B05C 17/002 20130101; B05C 17/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/236.01 |
International
Class: |
A47L 17/06 20060101
A47L017/06 |
Claims
1. A tool for spreading a liquid evenly over a surface, the tool
comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle, the head
including a convex end profile with a grooved contact surface;
wherein the handle and head are configured so that about the same
amount of the grooved contact surface is in contact with a
horizontal surface while the handle is inclined between about 30 to
about 60 degrees relative to the horizontal surface.
2. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the handle and head are
configured so that about the same amount of the grooved contact
surface is in contact with a horizontal surface while the handle is
inclined between about 10 to about 80 degrees relative to the
horizontal surface.
3. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the handle and head are
configured so that about the same amount of the grooved contact
surface is in contact with a horizontal surface while the handle is
inclined between about 0 to about 90 degrees relative to the
horizontal surface.
4. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the convex end profile is
curved at about a constant curvature.
5. The tool according to claim 4, wherein the radius of curvature
is between about 0.1875-5.0 inches.
6. The tool according to claim 1, wherein grooved contact surface
includes at least grooves that are about 0.02-0.070 inches apart
from center to center.
7. The tool according to claim 1, wherein grooved contact surface
includes at least grooves that are about 0.02-0.03 inches high.
8. The tool according to claim 1, wherein grooved contact surface
includes at least grooves with rectangular profiles.
9. The tool according to claim 1, wherein grooved contact surface
includes at least grooves with triangular profiles.
10. The tool according to claim 1, wherein grooved contact surface
includes at least grooves with domed profiles.
11. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the liquid the grooved
contact surface is configured to apply has a dynamic viscosity of
less or equal to about 25,000 centipoise.
12. A tool for spreading a liquid evenly over a surface, the tool
comprising: a head configured to be attached to a handle, the head
including a convex end profile with a grooved contact surface;
wherein grooved contact surface includes at least grooves that are
about 0.02-0.07 inches apart from center to center and grooves that
are about 0.02-0.03 inches high.
13. The tool according to claim 12, wherein grooved contact surface
includes at least grooves with rectangular profiles.
14. The tool according to claim 12, wherein grooved contact surface
includes at least grooves with triangular profiles.
15. The tool according to claim 12, wherein grooved contact surface
includes at least grooves with domed profiles.
16. The tool according to claim 12, wherein the head is configured
so that about the same amount of the grooved contact surface is in
contact with a horizontal surface while the head is rotated through
at least about 30 degrees relative to the horizontal surface.
17. The tool according to claim 12, wherein the head is configured
so that about the same amount of the grooved contact surface is in
contact with a horizontal surface while the head is rotated through
at least about 70 degrees relative to the horizontal surface.
18. The tool according to claim 12, wherein the head is configured
so that about the same amount of the grooved contact surface is in
contact with a horizontal surface while the head is rotated through
at least about 90 degrees relative to the horizontal surface.
19. The tool according to claim 12, wherein the width of the head
is between about 2 to 24 inches.
20. The tool according to claim 12, wherein the radius of curvature
of the grooves on the grooved contact surface is less than about 4
inches.
21. The tool according to claim 12, wherein the grooved contact
surface comprises a polymeric construction.
22. The tool according to claim 12, wherein the liquid the grooved
contact surface is configured to apply has a dynamic viscosity of
less or equal to about 25,000 centipoise.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator system,
particularly an application head, configured for applying a coating
or film to a substrate surface such as a floor.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Long have coatings been applied to horizontal surfaces to
protect the surfaces and/or prolong their finish. Floors, in
particular, which are abused by foot traffic, wheeled carts, and
other objects, are especially difficult to protect. Generally, a
coating composition is applied to the floor to protect it from
scuff marks, scratches, dirt, grease, and other contaminants. The
coating is preferably applied as a smooth, uniform layer over the
floor.
[0003] To facilitate leveling the coating composition over the
floor, various applicator devices are known, both hand-held systems
and automatic systems (such as wheeled scrubbing and coating
machines). Various designs and configurations are known for the
applicator head used to spread and smooth the coating
composition.
[0004] There is always room for improved designs.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present disclosure provides an applicator system,
particularly an application head, useful for applying a chemical
coating composition onto a surface, such as a floor. The
application head of the present disclosure is particularly suited
for applying a consistent thin coating, such as less than 5 mil
thick, on the surface, following the gross contours of the surface.
Various embodiments of application heads are also provided, as are
methods of using the application heads.
[0006] The application heads of this disclosure are particularly
suited for applying two-component or two-part coating compositions,
such as a coating composition that includes a water dispersible
polyisocyanate component combined with a cyclic diol hard segment
component. For some compositions, cyclohexanedimethanol is the
preferred cyclic diol hard segment, and which could be
1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.
[0007] Further, some embodiments of the application heads are
particularly suited for applying coating compositions with high
solids levels, such as greater than 40 wt-%.
[0008] In addition, some embodiments of the application heads are,
additionally or alternatively, suited for applying a coating
composition with an applicator system that includes a
multi-compartment plastic bag or pouch, to separate individual
components of the coating composition prior to reacting the
individual components together to form the coating composition, the
pouch having internal seals that are readily and controllably
rupturable.
[0009] These and other embodiments and aspects are within the scope
of this disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a user using an applicator
system of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the applicator
system of FIG. 1, particularly, an applicator device;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the applicator
device of FIG. 2, particularly, an application head;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an end view of the application head of FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a front view of a second embodiment of an
application head suitable for use with the system of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an end view of the application head of FIG. 5;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the application
head of FIG. 5;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an
applicator of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a side view of the applicator of FIG. 8;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a front view of the applicator of FIG. 8;
[0020] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 10;
[0021] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of an alternative embodiment of
FIG. 11;
[0022] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of an alternative embodiment of
FIG. 11;
[0023] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of an alternative embodiment of
FIG. 11;
[0024] FIGS. 15A-E are end views of alternative embodiments of a
portion of the applicator; and
[0025] FIGS. 16A-C are diagrammatic views of the applicators in
various orientations relative to a horizontal surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The present disclosure provides an application head suitable
for spreading and smoothing a coating composition on a surface,
such as a floor. The application head can be part of an applicator
device, which typically includes a handle or other connection which
allows proper positioning of the application head in relation to
the surface being coated. The applicator device, with the
application head, can be part of a larger applicator system, which
includes a source of the coating composition.
[0027] Referring to the figures, a system for applying the coating
composition to a surface, such as a floor, is illustrated.
Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a user with an exemplary coating
applicator system 10 applying a liquid coating composition onto
floor 15. Applicator system 10 includes a liquid retainer 20 for
storing the liquid coating composition prior to application to
floor 15 and an applicator device 30 that applies the liquid
coating to floor 15. Liquid retainer 20 may have two separate
compartments (not seen) for separating the two components of the
coating composition until ready to be dispensed and applied. A hose
or other connecting passage 25 provides liquid coating composition
from retainer 20 to applicator device 30. Applicator device 30,
also seen in FIG. 2, has a handle 32 connected to an application
head 35, which is shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4.
Application head 35, in some embodiments, is releasably connected
to handle 32.
[0028] In this embodiment, application head 35 has a body 40 with a
first end 40A and an opposite second end 40B, and a width
therebetween. In the depicted embodiment the width of application
head 35 typically is at least 9 inches (about 23 cm) and is usually
no more than about 36 inches (about 91 cm). In an alternative
embodiment, the width of application head 35 is about 12 inches
(about 30.5 cm) to about 24 inches (about 61 cm). It should be
appreciated that in other alternative embodiments the size of the
application head can vary even outside of dimensions provided
above.
[0029] Body 40, in this embodiment, can be described as having been
formed from a sheet of material that has been formed as desired;
body 40 can be generally described as having an open construction.
Body 40 includes a first portion 43 for connecting to handle 32 and
a second portion 45 which is configured for application of the
liquid composition onto floor 15. Present between first portion 43
and second portion 45 is a transition portion 44. Depending on the
thickness and material of body 40, body 40 is deformable or
flexible, as will be further discussed below.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 4, the second portion 45 is shown with an
outer surface 50 and an inner surface 52, and an arcuate shape
terminating at tip 55. The length of the arcuate shape may be
defined by one radius or may have a different definition. In one
particular embodiment, second portion 45 has a continuous arcuate
shape with a radius of 2.5 inches (about 6.25 cm). The overall
length of second portion 45, from tip 55 to where second portion 45
meets with transition portion 44, designated as "X", which could
also be referred to as the length of application head 35. In one
embodiment X is at least about 2 inches (about 5 cm) and is no more
than about 12 inches (about 30.5 cm). In other embodiments, length
X is about 4 inches (about 10 cm) to about 6 inches (about 15 cm),
and in one embodiment, is 4.45 inches (about 11 cm). It should be
appreciated that in other alternative embodiments the size of the
device can vary even outside of dimensions of the example
embodiments provided above.
[0031] The overall height of application head 35, in this
embodiment the distance between the farthest-most-point on first
portion 43 and second portion 45, designated as "Y", is at least
about 2 inches (about 5 cm) and is no more than about 12 inches
(about 30.5 cm). In some embodiments, height Y is about 3 inches
(about 7.5 cm) to about 6 inches (about 15 cm), and in one
embodiment, is 3.26 inches (about 8.3 cm).
[0032] Second portion 45 includes a contact area 60 on outer
surface 50. Contact area 60 extends from first end 40A to second
end 40B in the longitudinal direction of second portion 45, which
is the direction between tip 55 and where second portion 45 meets
with transition portion 44. Stated another way, in this embodiment,
the longitudinal direction is orthogonal to the width of
application head 35. In some embodiments, including the illustrated
application head 35, contact area 60 includes the area that is the
farthest-most-point from first portion 43.
[0033] In some embodiments, contact area 60 is fairly narrow in the
longitudinal direction, merely being a tangential line across body
from first end 40A to second end 40B. In some embodiments, however,
body 40 and particularly second portion 45, is deformable and/or
flexible when a force is applied to body 40 at first portion 43. As
second portion 45 flexes and/or deforms, contact area 60 increases,
due to the flattening of second portion 45 against floor 15 or
other surface.
[0034] In some embodiments, body 40 is sufficiently flexible so
that the length of contact area 60, in the longitudinal direction,
is at least about 0.25 inch (about 0.6 cm) and is no more than
about 2 inches (about 5 cm). In some designs of application head
35, contact area 60 has a length in the longitudinal direction of
about 0.75 inch (about 2 cm) to about 1.25 inches (about 3 cm),
with a contact area 60 length of about 1 inch (about 2.5 cm) being
particularly preferred for some embodiments.
[0035] Preferably, second portion 45 has a smooth radius in the
longitudinal direction on outer surface 50. To facilitate using of
application head 35, it is preferred that the surface 50 along the
longitudinal length is uniform. Along its width, outer surface 50
of second portion 45, in this embodiment, has a smooth surface,
with no angles, ribs, grooves, or other surface features. It should
be appreciated that other embodiments may include angles, ribs,
grooves, flats, or other features.
[0036] In some embodiments, body 40 is additionally or alternately
sufficiently flexible along its width, from end 40A to end 40B, to
allow application head 35 to follow the gross contours of the
surface being coated. For example, head 35 is sufficiently flexible
along its width to follow undulations, dips, grooves, or other
features in the surface that remove the surface from being planar.
As a particular example, application head 35 could be used on a
surface that has a large dip, for example, a dip that is 0.5 inch
(about 1.25 cm) deep and 10 inches (about 25 cm) wide. A 12 inch
(about 30 cm) wide head 35 could be sufficiently flexible so that
second portion 45 maintains contact with that surface along the
width of head 35. Of course, the amount of flexibility and
deformation of application head 35 depends on the material of body
40, the configuration of body 40, and the shape and size of the
surface feature.
[0037] Application head 35 can be used in conjunction with an
applicator pad positioned on the second portion 45. Examples of
suitable pads, which are generally well known for applicator
systems, include microfiber pads, fleece, and foam. Preferably,
application head 35, with or without a pad, provides a smooth
surface appearance and avoids an `orange peel` look in the applied
coating.
[0038] In the depicted embodiment, the specific configuration of
first portion 43 and transition portion 44, other than their
ability to deform second portion 45, generally does not affect the
functioning of second portion 45. The specific configuration of the
regions of transition between the various portions, i.e., first
portion 43 to transition portion 44, transition portion 44 to
second portion 45, also does not affect the functioning of
application head 35. First portion 43 and transition portion 44 are
configured so that when in use, contact area 60 contacts the
surface being coated. In one particular example, first portion 43
has a length of about 0.73 inch (about 1.85 cm), and the transition
regions are arcuate with a radius of about 0.25 inch (about 0.6
cm).
[0039] A second embodiment of an application head for use with an
applicator device and optionally an applicator system is
illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 7 as application head 75. In this
embodiment, application head 75 has a body 80 with a first end 80A
and an opposite second end 80B, and a width therebetween. In this
embodiment the width of application head 75 is typically similar to
the width of application head 35, described above.
[0040] Body 80 includes a first portion 83, e.g., for connecting to
handle 32, and a second portion 85 which is configured for
application of the liquid composition onto floor 15. In this
embodiment of application head 75, first portion 83 meets second
portion 85 without a transition portion therebetween.
[0041] Body 80, at least from the end view of FIG. 6, is a solid
construction. Body 80 may, in some instances, be sufficiently
flexible in the longitudinal direction to follow contours of floor
15. In some embodiments, body 80 is solid throughout from end 80A
to end 80B.
[0042] Second portion 85 has an arcuate shape that terminates at
both ends at first portion 83. In this embodiment, second portion
85 is 180 degrees and is defined by a single radius. In one
particular embodiment, second portion 85 has a diameter of about
0.5 inch (about 1.25 cm), which also is the overall height of
application head 75.
[0043] Second portion 85, in the longitudinal direction, is smooth,
with no angles or flat portions. Along its width, however, second
portion 85, in this embodiment, is toothed or serrated in a regular
pattern by a plurality of spaced protrusions 90, to provide a row
of spaced gaps therebetween.
[0044] Protrusion 90 may be integral with second portion 85, or may
be attached thereto. For example, protrusion 90 could be molded
simultaneously with second portion 85. In an alternate example
protrusion 90 could be a wire or other filament that is applied
(e.g., wrapped) onto second portion 85. Each protrusion 90 has a
tip 95 that is furthest-most portion from the surface of second
portion 85. See FIG. 7, which is an enlargement of a portion of
FIG. 5. Tip 95 may be a rounded tip, be a point, or have a flat
surface. Protrusion 90 may be tapered from tip 95 to the surface of
second portion 85. Protrusions 90 are preferably spaced across
second portion 85 from end 80A to end 80B, preferably have a
uniform size, and are preferably uniformly spaced.
[0045] In the depicted embodiment, protrusion 90 is typically at
least 0.0004 inch (about 0.01 mm) tall and no more than 0.4 inch
(about 10 mm) tall. In some embodiments, protrusion 90 is at least
0.004 inch (about 0.1 mm) tall and no more than about 0.2 inch
(about 5 mm) tall, and in other embodiments, protrusion 90 is about
0.008 inch (about 0.2 mm) tall to about 0.08 inch (about 2 mm)
tall. It should be appreciated that in other alternative
embodiments the size of the protrusion can vary even outside of
dimensions provided above.
[0046] In one particular example, tip 95 extends from the surface
of second portion 85 about 0.004 inch (about 0.1 mm) and has a
radius of about 0.001 inch (about 0.02 mm). Adjacent protrusions 90
are spaced about 0.4 inch (about 10 mm) apart. In another
particular example, tip 95 extends from the surface of second
portion 85 about 0.025 inch (about 0.63 mm) and adjacent
protrusions 90 are spaced about 0.05 inch (about 1.27 mm)
apart.
[0047] Protrusions 90 facilitate in controlling the depth or
thickness of the coating being applied to a surface. In use,
protrusions 90 contact the surface being coated, thus preferably
allowing a coating thickness of no more than the distance between
tip 95 and the surface of second portion 85. In most embodiments,
the composition being coated is sufficiently flowable that it will
spread over and engulf any uncoated areas left by protrusions 90.
The resulting coating has a smooth surface, typically without the
`orange peel` appearance.
[0048] In some embodiments, body 80 is sufficiently flexible along
its width, from end 80A to end 80B, to allow application head 75 to
follow and mold to the gross contours of the surface being coated
and provide a constant thickness coating. For example, head 75 is
sufficiently flexible along its width to follow undulations, dips,
grooves, or other features in the surface that remove the surface
from being planar. In some embodiments, application head 75 is
sufficiently flexible within its width to accommodate uneven
surfaces, in some embodiments as much as 2-3 mm from level, such
as, for example, adjacent uneven tiles. Another way, body 80 is
sufficiently flexible along its width to bend at least 1 cm, from
end 80A to end 80B, often at least 2 cm, and provide a constant
thickness coating.
[0049] As a particular example, application head 75 could be used
on a surface that has a large dip, for example, 0.1 inch (about 2.5
mm) deep and 10 inches (about 25 cm) wide. A 12 inch (about 30 cm)
wide head 75 could be sufficiently flexible so that protrusions 90
maintain contact with that surface along the width of head 75. Of
course, the amount of flexibility and deformation of application
head 75 depends on the material of body 80, the configuration of
body 80, the height of protrusions 90, and the shape and size of
the surface feature.
[0050] Examples of suitable materials for application head 35, 75,
especially body 40, 80 include plastics, metals, and composite
materials. The plastic is typically thermoplastic, although
thermosetting materials could be used. Examples of suitable plastic
materials include polyethylene (both HDPE and LDPE), polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, and polystyrene. Materials such
as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane may also be used.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 8-10, an alternative embodiment of an
applicator device is shown. The applicator device 100 includes an
application head 102 connected to a handle 104. In the depicted
embodiment the application head 102 and handle 104 comprise a
one-piece construction. However, it should be appreciated that in
alternative embodiments of the device the head 102 can be removable
from the handle 104.
[0052] The application head 102 of the device 100 includes an
applicator 106 having a curved end profile and a support member
108. The support member 108 connects the application head 102 to
the handle 104. In the depicted embodiment, the support member 108
tapers from application head 102 towards the handle 104 and
includes a generally triangular webbed support structure. The
overall length L.sub.1 of the device is about 18-inches and the
overall width W.sub.1 of the head 102 is about 2-6 inches. In
should be appreciated that many other sizes and geometric
configurations are also possible.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 10-14, the surface features of the
application head 102 are shown and described in greater detail. In
the depicted embodiment the curved end profile of the applicator
106 is convex relative to a surface to be coated. The applicator
includes a grooved contact surface 110 that is configured to
contact the surface to be coated. The grooves in the depicted
embodiment are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the
width W.sub.1 of the applicator head 102. It should be appreciated
that other groove arrangements are also possible.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 11, a groove profile with triangular
shaped grooves is shown.
[0055] The grooves have a height h.sub.1 of between about 0.0004 to
0.4 inches and the groove has a width of S.sub.1 of about 0.02-0.07
inches. FIG. 12 depicts an alternative groove arrangement where the
grooves have a rectangular profile and includes flats. It should be
appreciated that the raised portions between the grooves can also
includes flats and/or they can be discontinuous. The rectangular
grooves have a height h.sub.2 of between about 0.01-0.05 inches and
the groove has a width of t.sub.2 of between about 0.02-0.03
inches. The width t.sub.1 of the raised portion is between about
0.02-0.03 inches and the distance S.sub.2 from the center of one
raised portion to the next is about 0.01-0.1 inches. Referring to
FIG. 13, another embodiment of the grooved contact surface is
shown. In the depicted embodiment the grooves are U-shaped and the
raised portions are domed shaped. The U-shaped grooves have a
height h.sub.3 of between about 0.01-0.05 inches and the groove has
a width t.sub.6 of between about 0.02-0.03 inches. The width
t.sub.5 of the raised portion is between about 0.02-0.03 and the
distance S.sub.3 from the center of one raised portion to the next
is between about 0.01-0.1 inches. FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of
the grooved contact surface that is similar to the embodiment shown
in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. The grooves have a height h.sub.4 of
between about 0.01-0.05 inches and the groove has a width of
t.sub.4 of between about 0.02-0.03 inches. The width t.sub.3 of the
raised portion is between about 0.02-0.03 inches and the distance
S.sub.4 from the center of one raised portion to the next is
between about 0.01-0.1 inches. It should be appreciated that many
other alternative embodiments of the grooved contact surface are
possible including combinations of the above depicted groove
arrangements as well as non-depicted groove contact surface
arrangements.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 15A-15E, a number of end profiles are
shown. Each of the depicted end profiles are curved and are convex
when viewed from below. The embodiment shown in FIG. 15A includes a
generally consistent curve wherein the curve can be described as
having a radius of curvature R.sub.1 of about 0.1875 inches. The
embodiment shown in FIG. 15B includes end portions that have
similar curvatures, but a middle portion that is less curved than
either end portion. The embodiment shown in FIG. 15C includes end
portions and a middle portion that each have different curvatures.
In the depicted embodiment the portion of one of the ends and the
middle is almost straight, but the overall shape of the end profile
is convex. Referring to FIG. 15D, the middle and one of the end
portions have a similar curvature R.sub.2 which is less than the
curvature R.sub.3 of the other end portion. Referring to FIG. 15E,
the entire end profile has a similar curvature R.sub.4 which is
relatively large. In the depicted embodiment the curvature R.sub.4
is about 3-5 inches. It should be appreciated that in alternative
embodiments many other end profiles are possible.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 16A-16C, schematic views of the device
are shown to illustrate that the applicator head 102 is configured
such that the tool can be effectively used, even when the handle
104 is at a variety of different angles relative to the horizontal.
FIG. 16A discloses the handle 104 being at an angle .theta..sub.1
about 45 degrees from the horizontal. FIG. 16B discloses the handle
104 being at an angle .theta..sub.2 about 80 degrees from the
horizontal. FIG. 16C discloses the handle 104 being at an angle
.theta..sub.3 about -5 degrees from the horizontal. The device in
the depicted embodiment is configured such that about the same
portion of the grooved surface of the applicator head is in contact
with the horizontal surface, even when the angle of the handle
pivots through more than 90 degrees. In alternative embodiments the
embodiment can be configured such that about the same portion of
the grooved surface of the applicator head is in contact with the
horizontal surface, even when the angle of the handle pivots
through between about 30-60 degrees.
[0058] It should be understood that although only several specific
embodiments have been illustrated in the figures, variations of
each of these embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure.
Additionally, it is understood that elements or features described
in respect to one embodiment could be incorporated into or with
other embodiments and variations thereof.
[0059] The application head of some embodiments is suited for
applying a composition, such as a reactive composition, onto a
surface, such as floor 15 of FIG. 1. Some embodiments of the
application head are suited for application of compositions having
high solids levels, such as at least 40 wt-% solids. Some
embodiments of the application head are suited for application of
compositions having a dynamic viscosity of less or equal to about
25,000 centipoise. Application head 35, 75, 106 can be used in
system 10, which includes composition retainer 20 and applicator
device 30. It should be appreciated that in other alternative
embodiments, the application heads can be configured to be suited
for compositions having less solid by weight and/or greater dynamic
viscosity.
[0060] A preferred coating applicator system 10 for use with heads
35, 75, 106 includes a multi-compartment plastic bag or pouch, to
separate individual components, which has internal seals that are
readily and controllably rupturable. To mix the individual
components, the internal divider between the pouches is ruptured
and the individual components are mixed, for example, by kneading.
The mixed components are dispensed from the pouch as a reactive
composition.
[0061] One preferred retainer 20, which also functions as a
dispensing unit, is described in PCT publication WO 2004/108404,
the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. This
publication discloses various embodiments of multi-compartment
plastic bags or pouches.
[0062] Upon dispensing from retainer 20, the composition is easy to
apply to a surface, such as a floor. The surface can be generally
any material, such as vinyl, linoleum, ceramic, wood, marble, and
the like. Application head 35, 75, 106 provides suitable coatings
on smooth surfaces as well as porous or other surfaces having a
texture.
[0063] With application head 35, 75, 106, the reactive coating is
easy to apply and forms a thin, easily managed coating with minimal
streaks, grooves, or other surface imperfections. In some
situations only one pass with application head 35, 75, 106 is
needed to obtain a smooth and even coating. Application head 35,
75, 106 is especially suited for applying a coating at a thickness
of usually no more than about 5 mil (about 127 micrometers). In
some embodiments, depending on the composition and the surface
being coating, the applied coating is about 2 mil (about 51
micrometers), or even about 1 mil (about 25 micrometers) thick.
Compositions having high solids levels, such as greater than 40
wt-%, or even greater than 50 wt-%, can be readily applied with
application head 35, 75, 106. Application head 35, 75, 106 is able
to provide a thin, consistent coating, with high solids levels,
over uneven surfaces.
[0064] In some instances the surface to be coated must be prepared,
for example, by cleaning, stripping to remove previous coatings,
and/or priming.
[0065] Although the discussion has been directed to using
application head 35, 75, 106 on a floor, a variety of other
surfaces such as, for example, walls, counter tops and shelving,
furniture, and bathroom surfaces, could be coated.
[0066] An example of a reactive coating composition for spreading
and/or coating with application head 35, 75, 106 is a waterbased
two-part polyurethane finish composition formed from a two-part or
two-component system. Such a reactive composition can include a
water dispersible polyisocyanate component combined with a cyclic
diol hard segment component, such as cyclohexanedimethanol. A
preferred cyclohexanedimethanol, for some compositions, is
1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. Additional details regarding such
composition formed from a water dispersible polyisocyanate
component and a cyclic diol hard segment are disclosed in
co-pending patent application having attorney docket no. 62026US002
(application Ser. No. 11/423,061) the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference.
[0067] It should be understood that the waterbased two-part
polyurethane finish composition and the various features thereof
that have been described herein and in co-pending patent
application having attorney docket no. 62026US002 (application Ser.
No. 11/423,061) are only examples of suitable compositions for
application by the application head, applicator devices and
applicator systems of the present disclosure. Other compositions
can also be applied.
[0068] The invention has been described with reference to various
embodiments and techniques. However, it will be apparent to one of
ordinarily skill in the art that many variations and modifications
may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
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