Abstract:
A cartridge ( 120 ) secured to either a nozzle ( 110 ) and/or adaptor unit wherein the nozzle or adaptor unit comprises a substantially annular portion ( 135 ) adapted to fit snugly around an end of the cartridge ( 120 ) wherein the substantially annular portion ( 135 ) acts as a seal against any leakage from the cartridge ( 120 ).

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under the provisions of 35 USC §371 of International Application No. PCT/GB07/00439 filed Feb. 7, 2007, which in turn claims priority of United Kingdom Patent Application No. 0602340.2 filed Feb. 7, 2006. The disclosures of such international application and United Kingdom priority application are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties, for all purposes. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a cartridge unit suitable for storing and dispensing of products. In particular, the present invention relates to a cartridge containing an integral nozzle and/or adaptor unit. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Dispensing apparatus in the form of cartridges is well-known in the art. In many instances, it is necessary to mix at least two different compounds together. On mixing, the compounds may react and usually harden. This type of technology is commonly used in chemical anchors, adhesives, sealants, food processing and medical applications. WO 2004/076078, which is incorporated herein by reference, relates to the use of apparatus comprising cartridges with a single rupturable sealing means. The single rupturable sealing means is formed from a weakened area in the cartridge. The cartridge partially expands into an expansion chamber and eventually bursts due to hydrostatic pressure. 
     However, it is found that cartridges during storage may sometimes have some form of leakage. A user therefore removing the cartridge from any form of packaging or inserting the cartridge into a dispensing gun may contaminate their fingers with the leaked contents of the cartridge. The contents of the cartridge may also contaminate clothing of a user. 
     It is an object of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one or more of the aforementioned problems. 
     It is a further object of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a cartridge which helps to contain any form of leakage and prevent the leakage contaminating a user&#39;s fingers and/or clothing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided: 
     a cartridge; 
     wherein said cartridge is substantially secured to either a nozzle and/or adaptor unit. 
     The cartridge may be ‘sausage-like’ in shape and may be formed in any suitable extrusion apparatus such as an adapted edible sausage making apparatus. 
     The cartridge may be made from thin, flexible film with a high tear strength. The cartridge may be made from any suitable plastics materials such as polyethylene. Alternatively, the cartridge may be made from a metal/alloy foil. 
     Typically, on a front portion of the cartridge, there may be substantially secured either a nozzle and/or adaptor unit. The nozzle or adaptor unit may have a substantially annular portion adapted to fit snugly around an end of the cartridge. 
     The nozzle or adaptor unit may therefore be adapted to fit around an end of the cartridge. On an inside surface of the annular portion in either the nozzle or adaptor unit, adhesive means such as any suitable type of glue may be used to securely adhere the nozzle or adaptor unit to the end of the cartridge. Alternatively, any suitable form of heat sealing means may be used to attach the nozzle or adaptor unit to the end of the cartridge. In alternative embodiments, any form of mechanical attachment means may be used. 
     The annular portion of the nozzle or adaptor unit may have a length of about 1 to 50 mm or preferably about 10 to 20 mm. The length of the annular portion which is attached on to the cartridge may be about 1 to 10 mm and preferably about 5 mm. The length of the annular portion may be adapted to provide a suitable surface for attaching to the end of the cartridge. The length of the annular portion may also be adapted so as not to prevent efficient utilisation and dispensing of the cartridge. 
     By securely attaching the nozzle or adaptor unit to the cartridge may have the function of containing any leakage from the cartridge. The leakage may come from sealing means on the cartridge. 
     In the embodiment when the adaptor unit is securely attached to the cartridge, a nozzle may be screwed onto the adaptor unit. To provide further securing of the nozzle to the dispensing apparatus, a restraining clip may be used to securely attach the nozzle to the main body of the dispensing apparatus. 
     Typically, the material forming the cartridge is not too elastic. If the material is too elastic, the apparatus will not function properly. 
     The material forming the cartridge may also be chosen so that it does not react and/or deteriorate on contact with the contained compounds. 
     Typically, the cartridge may comprise a plurality of separate chambers and, in particular, at least two chambers. The chambers may extend longitudinally from one of the cartridge to the other end of the cartridge. Different chambers may therefore form longitudinal segments along the length of the cartridge. The different chambers may contain different compounds which are intended to be mixed. The chambers may be of different volumes and may therefore contain different amounts of the different compounds. 
     Conveniently, on initial formation, the cartridge may have two open ends. Once the compound or compounds are extruded into the chamber or separate chambers of the cartridge, the ends of the cartridge may be sealed with any suitable sealing means. The seal for the end of the cartridge which is intended to rupture may be made weaker than a seal at the other end of the cartridge. The sealing means may comprise a sealing clip which may be releasable under pressure. Alternatively, any other suitable sealing means such as crimping, gluing, heat sealing or any other form of cap or tie may also be used. 
     Preferably, on release of the sealing means different contents of the cartridge may mix substantially simultaneously together. This occurs as the single sealing means, seals all of the contents of the cartridge. The mixing may occur immediately meaning that an efficient mix may be obtained. 
     Preferably, the cartridge is used in combination with a substantially rigid outer casing that may be a hollow cylindrical member made from any suitable plastics, metal or alloy material. The outer casing may have an inner cylindrical section which may be of constant diameter from one end to the other. Alternatively, the cylindrical member at one end may have a reduced diameter. 
     Typically, the outer casing may be adapted to receive the cartridge and form a snug fit with the outer walls of the cartridge. The snug fit may help to prevent radial expansion (i.e. widening) on application of pressure to an end of the cartridge. 
     Conveniently, pressure may be applied to one of the flexible cartridge by any suitable means such as any type of dispensing gun. The pressure may be applied manually or via a pneumatic piston. Typically, the dispensing gun may be of a standard mastic gun as found in many DIY stores. Alternatively, any type of syringe-like plunger or screw-like plunger may be used. 
     Conveniently, the dispensing apparatus may comprise an expansion chamber into which the cartridge may partially expand into on application of pressure to an end of the cartridge. The expansion chamber may be substantially funnel-like in shape and contains no sharp edges which may cut the film forming the cartridge. The apparatus may be adapted so that on application of pressure to one end of the cartridge, expansion in the axial direction is prevented so that at the opposite end to which the pressure is applied, the cartridge deforms into an initial bulbous confirmation and may partially fill the expansion chamber. 
     Preferably, the outer casing comprises integral reaction shoulders with abut and prevent the cartridge from moving further along the longitudinal length of the outer casing as pressure is applied. The reaction shoulders may be adapted to the shape of the cartridge and may be substantially concave. The actual surface contact area between the reaction shoulder and the cartridge may be specifically chosen. If there is too much contact between the reaction shoulder and the cartridge, too much pressure will need to be applied to remove the sealing means from the cartridge and the material forming the cartridge may rupture at any specific point meaning that different compounds in the different chambers may not mix. Alternatively, if there is too little surface contact between the reaction shoulders and the cartridge, the cartridge will be pushed through the outer casing without the sealing means rupturing. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the reaction shoulder may be formed with a separate insert which may be inserted into the outer casing. In a yet further alternative, the cartridge may be glued to the side of the outer casing thereby preventing movement along the length of the outer casing. 
     Typically, the expansion chamber may be integrally formed in the outer casing during initial moulding. Alternatively, the expansion chamber may be formed by a separate adaptor unit which may be placed into the outer casing. In a further alternative, the expansion chamber may be contained within a separate nozzle member. 
     Conveniently, the dispensing apparatus comprises a nozzle member which may be fitted to an end of the outer casing via, for example, a screw thread. The nozzle may comprise an integral mixer unit which further aids the mixing of the different products in the flexible cartridge. Alternatively, the mixer unit may be a separate item and may be inserted into the nozzle. Preferably, the diameter of the nozzle is wide enough to prevent blockage on release of the sealing means. 
     The nozzle may also comprise means for catching the sealing means such as a cross-member. The cross-member may be attached to the mixer unit or may be integrally formed at the entrance to the nozzle. 
     Preferably, the sealing means may be formed from any metal or plastics material such as soft aluminium or steel wire which is wound round the ends of the cartridge. The sealing means is not attached too tightly or too strongly as this will prevent the release of the sealing means on application of pressure to the cartridge. It is also preferred that any sharp ends formed by the sealing means may be pointed away from the flexible cartridge thereby preventing any possible piercing of the cartridge. 
     Preferably, the film forming the cartridge may be adapted so that on expansion into the expansion chamber, the film extends part way into the expansion chamber. This may prevent mixing of different compounds and may therefore prevent any hardening of mixed materials within the apparatus. This may allow the apparatus to be used at a later date without completely emptying the contents of the cartridge. Typically, the apparatus may be used to provide dispensed products for use in chemical anchors, sealants, food processing and medical applications. Uses of chemical anchors includes securing bolts in concrete/masonry, forming a stud socket and post-installed rebar connections. 
     Compounds which are intended to be mixed may include any suitable resins, epoxies, polyesters and vinyl esters. 
     According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a dispensing apparatus comprising: 
     a cartridge according to the first aspect; 
     a substantially rigid outer casing which is adapted to receive the cartridge; and 
     a dispensing gun. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of dispensing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the dispensing apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a further view of the apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are views of the nozzle shown in the apparatus of  FIGS. 1 to 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an expanded sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of dispensing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7 to 9  are views of the adaptor unit as shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a representation of the dispensing apparatus shown in  FIG. 6  ready to be inserted into a casing; 
         FIG. 11  shows the apparatus shown in  FIG. 10  ready for use; 
         FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the dispensing apparatus shown in  FIG. 11 ; and 
         FIG. 13  is an expanded sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is dispensing apparatus, generally designated  100 . The dispensing apparatus  100  comprises a cartridge  120  which is attached to a nozzle  132 . Part of an annular portion  135  of the nozzle  132  is securely attached to the cartridge  120 . 
       FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the dispensing apparatus  100 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the nozzle  132  is attached using part of the annular portion  135  which extends around an end of the cartridge  120 . The nozzle  132  is attached to the cartridge  120  by applying adhesive to the inner surface of the annular portion  135  and is then slid onto the cartridge  120 . About 5 mm of the annular portion  135  is secured to the cartridge  120 . By attaching the nozzle  132  in this manner, helps to contain any leakage seeping from sealing means  126  on the cartridge  120 . 
     The cartridge  120  is a two-component cartridge containing a first component  122  and a second component  124 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the cartridge is abutting against shoulders  110  in the inner surface of the nozzle  132 . 
       FIG. 2  also shows that there is an expansion chamber  117  into which the cartridge  120  may partially expand in to on application of pressure to one end of the cartridge  120 . The cartridge  120  expands into a substantially bulbous form without touching the sides of the expansion chamber  117 . When the hydrostatic pressure reaches a certain point, the sealing means  126  on the cartridge  120  bursts thereby enabling the contents of the cartridge  120  to be dispensed and substantially simultaneously mixed. To enhance the mixing effect, a mixer element  138  is provided in the nozzle  132 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the dispensing apparatus  100  providing a further view of the annular portion  135 . 
       FIGS. 4 and 4   b  provide further views of the nozzle  132 . The nozzle  132  comprises at one end the annular portion  135  which is adapted to fit over an end of the cartridge  120 . The inner surface of the annular portion  135  contains strengthening ribs  133  which are not intended to engage and interact with the cartridge  120 . The strengthening ribs  133  help to maintain the configuration of the end of the annular portion  135  and may therefore help to prevent the formation of sink marks on the cartridge  120 . The strengthening ribs  133  are also relatively easy to manufacture. 
     The length of the annular area beyond the limit of the strengthening members  133  provides a substantially annular surface of application which is intended to be attached to the cartridge  120 . Usually, the length beyond the strengthening members  133  is about 5 mm. Adhesive means may be applied around this part of the inner area of the annular portion  135 . 
       FIG. 5  is an expanded view of the dispensing apparatus  100 . The annular portion  135  of the nozzle  132  is shown as being securely attached to the cartridge  120 . 
       FIG. 6  relates to a further embodiment of the invention and shows dispensing apparatus, generally designated  200 . In the dispensing apparatus  200 , an adaptor unit generally designated  225  is securely attached to the cartridge  220 . Part of the annular portion  235  of the adaptor unit  225  is securely attached to the cartridge  220  using adhesive means such as glue. About a 5 mm length of the annular portion  235  is secured to the surface of the cartridge  220 . 
     The adaptor unit  225  comprises an expansion chamber  217  into which the cartridge  220  may partially expand into prior to the sealing means  226  bursting and enabling the contents of the cartridge  220  to substantially simultaneously mix. 
     The adaptor unit  225  also comprises a thread  229  which may be attached to a thread  231  on the nozzle  232 . To aid mixing, the nozzle  232  comprises an integral mixer unit  238 . 
       FIGS. 7-9  represent the adaptor unit  225 . The adaptor unit  225  comprises an annular portion  235  part of which may be securely attached to the cartridge  220 . As shown in  FIGS. 7 to 9 , the adaptor unit  225  comprises an expansion chamber  217  and a thread  229 . Any suitable form of nozzle may be attached onto the thread  229  of the adaptor unit  225 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a further embodiment of the invention relating to dispensing apparatus, generally designated  300 . As shown in  FIG. 300 , there is a cartridge  320  which is attached onto an adaptor unit  325 . An inside portion of the annular portion  335  of the adaptor unit is attached using adhesive means to the cartridge  320 . About a 5 mm length of the annular portion  335  is attached to the cartridge  320 . The adaptor unit comprises a thread  320  which may be attached onto a corresponding thread on the nozzle  332 . 
     The cartridge  320  is ready to be inserted into a substantially rigid casing  302 . There is also shown a restraining clip  380 . The restraining clip  380  comprises an upper portion  382  and attachment means  384  which may be securely attached to a receiving member  386  on the top of the casing  302 . 
       FIG. 11  shows the restraining member  382  attached to the casing  302 . The apparatus  300  is therefore ready for use. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  are sectional views of the apparatus  300 . As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , part of the annular portion  335  of the adaptor unit  325  is attached to the casing  320 . The restraining clip  380  helps to retain the nozzle  332  on the casing  320  as the contents of the cartridge  320  are being dispensed. 
     Whilst specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that departures from the described embodiments may still fall within the scope of invention. For example, there may be any form of adaptor unit or nozzle unit secured and engaged onto a cartridge. Any suitable type of mechanical or chemical attachment means such as gluing or heat sealing may be used. The cartridge may also comprise any number of different chambers and may be of any suitable size. Furthermore, by securely engaging the cartridge onto an adaptor unit or nozzle member may help to partially pressurise the chamber and therefore prevent any under filling of the sausage which may compromise the effectiveness of the bursting chamber.