HAND-HELD DISPENSER FOR APPLYING A FLOWABLE CORRECTION MEDIUM ON A SUBSTRATE SURFACE

Abstract: In a hand-held dispenser (1) for applying a flowable correction medium on a substrate surface the correction medium (gas, liquid or flowable solid) is provided in a reservoir (3) of the dispenser (1) being in communication with an application member (11, 24, 27) at least in the operating state of the dispenser (1), in which the dispenser (1) is pressed against a substrate surface, such that the correction medium can flow from the reservoir (3) to the application member (11, 24, 27) in this operating state. The application member is designed such that the application width of the application member can be selected by adjusting the dimensions of the contact region of the application member and the substrate surface. This can be particularly done by adjusting the force and/or the direction by which the application member is pressed against the substrate surface.

Description: Hand-held dispenser for applying a flowable correction medium on a substrate surface The present invention relates to a hand-held dispenser for applying a flowable correction medium on a substrate surface. Typically such a correction medium is a liquid or a gel having particles dispersed therein. Alternatively the correction medium can be a gas charged with particles or droplets (aerosol) or a flowable solid such as powder. The application of a correction fluid by means of a pencil or brush is well-known from the state of the an. According to this technique a small brush is dipped into a correction liquid in a small container and then the fluid is applied by „ painting" the region to be corrected with the small brush. The present invention, however, does not relate to brush or pencil dispensers as set forth above. It does relate to dispensers in which the correction medium is automatically supplied from a reservoir or container to an application member during the use of the dispenser. Such dispensers are therefore characterized by a flow of the correction medium towards the application member during the use of the dispenser. Pen like dispensers for correction fluids are well-known from the state of the art. For example from US-A-4,685,820 an applicator device is known for applying a liquid or a flowable solid to a surface. The device comprises a material container and a surface applicator for applying the applicator material to the surface. A valve having a valve element is interposed between the material container and the surface applicator to permit the flow of applicator material to the surface applicator when the valve element is in an open position and to inhibit the flow of applicator material to the surface applicator when the valve element is in a closed position. The surface applicator comprises the distal end portion of the valve element co-operating with the applicator opening when the distal end portion of the valve element is pressed against the surface thereby forming an annular opening for the flow of the applicator material to apply and disperse the applicator material on the surface. Such an applicator device is suitable for applying liquids such as type writer correction fluids, oils, pains and coatings as well as semi-solids or solids such as glues, gels and powders. From US-A-4.813,463 an instantly applicable correction fluid container structure is known. The device comprises a threaded cap which can semi-automatically dispense the contents via a port on the top of the cap by pressing down the upper conical portion of a spring-biased mounted control portion therein. From US- A-5, 123,766 a correction fluid dispensing pen is known including a cylindrical body formed with a conically tapered forward end, with the forward end including a spherical or brush applicator. The cylindrical body includes an end cap threadedly mounted thereon, with the end cap housing a piston, with the piston biased within the cylindrical body to effect pressurising of a fluid reservoir contained within the cylindrical body to direct such fluid through the applicator brush or spherical member of the applicator. From US-A-5,261 ,755 a fluid dispenser for depositing a liquid correction fluid onto a print medium is known, wherein the dispenser is formed of an elongated tubular body having a valve means at one end and closed at the opposite end for retaining the fluid therein. The tubular body is substantially circular in cross-section at either end and comprises an enlarged body portion of larger cross-section for squeezing the material from the body when the valve is in the open position. From US-A-5,499,881 a writing implement with correction supply is known. From US-A-5,516,223 a correction fluid is known including a suspending agent, a binding recin, water and an opacifying pigment. From US-A-4, 511,273 a correction fluid dispenser having a retractable and lockable sealing tip is known. From US-A-4,917,521 a pen type container for correction fluid with daubing function is known. Thereby a manually-squeezable lever is mounted on the container for rotating the cover. A wedge surface on the cover interior surface is slidably engaged with the wedge surface on the spiral liner wall, such that rotation of the cover causes the spiral liner to move the internal shaft away from the liquid discharge opening at the tip end of the cover. From US-A-5,971 ,648 a pen for applying a colour or correction liquid is known. From US-A-5,482,393 a dispenser for applying correction liquid to writing errors is known. The dispenser includes a valving rotary ball which controls the dispensing, with the rotary ball normally being biased against a spring member via an elongated biasing element, to shut-off dispensing of the correction liquid. To insure integrity of shut-off and dispensing of correction liquid, the biasing member is a cylindrical member which has been integrally been formed at the end distant from the rotary ball to provide an outwardly extending stepped portion which firmly engages with the biasing spring. From US- A-5, 056, 949 a correction fluid dispenser with ball valve is known comprising a body member adapted to retain a correction fluid and a barrel disposed at one end thereof for delivery of the fluid to a surface. The barrel terminates in a orifice formed by a circular rim with a spherical ball of greater diameter disposed at the orifice. The ball is supported by a socket member, the ball and socket means being spring biased toward the orifice. A stop means is provided to prevent the ball from extending entirely within the rim of the orifice. From US- A-5, 716, 151 a coating tool is known. From US-A-4, 572, 691 a pen-like instrument for applying correction fluid is known comprising elongate housing, a bag of thin flexible polymeric film material containing correction fluid within a cavity in the housing, and an applicator tip assembly comprising a body secured to the housing and the bag and having a through opening through which the correction fluid is dispensed when an applicator member positioned within the through opening separated from a lip on the body against the bias of a spring. From US-A-4, 812, 071 a correction fluid pen for applying a correction fluid is known, the correction fluid being of the type containing an opaque covering pigment and a volatile solvent. From US-A-4, 923, 317 a brushless white-out correcting fluid applicator is known for use in applying white-out fluid to paper without using a brush. The white-out fluid is a suspension including a substantial proportion of white or substantially white particles, such as titanium dioxide, or other colour particles. The applicator includes a wear- resistant, porous tip and a regulator between the tip and the reservoir. The regulator may be formed of foam material, and the tip may be of sturdy porous plastic. The size of the pores in the tip and regulator are large enough so that they do not become clogged with particles in the white-out fluid. The regulator prevents the tip from dripping by regulating the rate at which fluid can leave the reservoir. The size of the pores adjacent the reservoir may be different than the size of the pores and passageways adjacent the tip. The applicator may be provided with an air-tight cap to avoid drying out between uses. Alternative embodiments of the applicator include a foam tip with a nylon mesh outer covering for wear resistance, and an internal, pressure actuated valve may be include to regulate the flow of the white-out suspension to the tip. In view of the above prior art it is the object of the present invention to further develop a hand-held dispenser for applying a flowable correction medium on a substrate surface in a more user-friendly manner. Said object is achieved in that for the first time a hand-held dispenser for applying a flowable correction medium on a substrate surface, is proposed in the use of which the user can select the application width of the dispenser as the user is used from other penlike devices. This can be done by selecting the dimensions of the contact region of the application member and the substrate surface. Particularly this object is achieved by means of the features of the independent claim. The dependent claims develop further the central idea of the present invention. According to the present invention therefore a hand-held dispenser for applying a flowable correction medium on a substrate surface is proposed. The correction medium is provided in a reservoir of the dispenser being in communication with an application member at least in the operating state of the dispenser, in which the dispenser is pressed against the substrate surface, such that the correction medium can flow from the reservoir to the application member in the operating state of the dispenser. The application member is designed such that the application width of the application member can be selected by the user by adjusting the force and/or by adjusting the direction in/by which the application member is pressed against the substrate surface. By adjusting the force and/or the direction/angle between the application member the dimensions of the contact region between the application member and the substrate surface can be selected. At least the tip of the application member can be elastically deformable such that the width of at least the tip of the application member increases when the application member is pressed against the substrate surface. At least the tip of the application member can be elastically retractable. The correction medium can consist of an aerosol, a liquid or a gel having particles dispersed therein, or a flowable solid. Particularly in case of a liquid or gel it can comprise an opaque covering pigment in the volatile solvent. Further examples for a liquid or a gel having particles dispersed therein can be taken from US-A-5.516,223. A valve mechanism can be provided by means of which the container can be selectively brought in communication with the application member. The valve mechamsm comprises an elastic member such that the valve mechanism is in a closed state as long as there is no inwardly directed thrust force acting on the application member and the valve mechanism opens as soon as the inwardly directed thrust force exceeds a predetermined level. The cross-section of the front region of the application member can taper towards the tip of the application member. The application can be made of a porous or pervious material. The application element can comprise at least one channel in parallel to its length direction. The application member can be a rotatable element such as a torus or a roller. The application member can be held by a transverse bearing axis. The cross-section of the outer region of the torus can have an asymmetrically pointed shape. The application member in this case can also be made from a rigid material. An intermediate rotatable element can be provided essentially in contact with the application member to transport the correction medium to the application member. The intermediate rotatable element can be part of the displaceable element of the valve mechanism. The correction medium in the reservoir can be pressurised. Further advantages, features and objects of the present invention will become evident for the man skilled in the art when reading the following detailed description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the figures of the enclosed drawings Figure 1 and 2 show different views of the first embodiment of the present invention, Figures 3 and 4 show different views of a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 and 7 show different views of a fourth embodiment of the present invention With reference to figures 1 and 2 a first embodiment of the present invention will be explained As shown in the figures, a dispenser 1 essentially comprises a housing 2 for a container or reservoir 3 for the correction medium connected, for example, by means of a screw thread 23 to a mam portion 22, wherein the main portion 22 comprises an application mechanism for applying the correction medium contained in the reservoir 3 on a substrate surface, such as paper The housing 2 and its screw thread 23 form a cartridge 21 When the dispenser 1 is not in use, a air tight cap 4 can be clamped or screwed on the mam portion 22 to prevent correction medium still present on the applicator from drying The correction medium can be an aerosol, I e a gas with solid particles or droplets Alternatively, the correction medium can be a liquid or a gel having particles dispersed therein Further alternative, the correction medium can be a flowable solid such as powder To further promote the flowing of the correction medium m the reservoir 3 to the applicator the correction medium m the reservoir 3 can be pressurised According to the embodiment of figures 1 and 2 the correction medium in the reservoir 3 can be brought into communication with the applicator when using the dispenser 1 , i.e. when the applicator is pressed with a predetermined force against a substrate surface. The communication between the reservoir 3 and the applicator, which is an applicator roller 11 according to this first embodiment, can be established by means of a tapered passage 6, a further passage 5 with reduced diameter and a spring compartment. Within the spring compartment 8 a spiral spring 7 is provided. When the applicator roller 11 is pressed against a substrate surface, due to a displaceable bearing axis 19 of the application roller 11 the application roller 11 is slightly displaced backwardly and displaces an intermediate roller 9 against the spring-biasing force of the spiral spring 8. The intermediate roller 9 having a tapered cross-section forms a valve mechanism together with conical seat 18 having a matching diameter to the cross- section of the intermediate roller 9. Therefore, when the intermediate roller 9 is displaced backwardly against the spring- biasing force of the spring 8, the valve formed by the intermediate roller 9 and the conical seat 18 formed within the main portion 22 opens and the correction medium can thus freely flow from the reservoir 3 to the intermediate roller 9 by means of which it is applied on the outer circumference 20 of the application roller 11. Note that the cross- section of the outer region 20 of the application roller 11 is tapered. Due to this fact and furthermore that at least the circumference portion of the application roller 11 is made of an elastic material, the contact region between the application element (application roller) 11 and a substrate surface can be adjusted by the force and/or the angle by which the dispenser 1 and particularly the application roller 11 is pressed against the substrate surface. Note that according to the prior art generally ball like applicators made of a hard material such as steal are used, such that the contact region between the ball and the substrate surface can not be changed by changing the force and/or the application angle. According to the present invention the application width of the dispenser 1 can be changed by changing the contact region of the tip of the applicator with the substrate surface either by means of changing the application force (pressure) or the application angle. In case at least the tip portion of the applicator (which is the outer circumferencial portion in case of a rotatable applicator) is made of an elastically deformable material, the width of at least the tip of the application member increases when the application member is pressed against the substrate surface. In case the tip (or the circumferencial portion in cross-section) is tapered, by changing the application angle selectively the pointed tip 33 or the bevelled edges 34 can be brought into contact with the substrate surface. In case only the pointed tip 33 is brought into contact, the application width will be quite small. In case one of the bevelled edges 34 of the applicator is brought into contact with the substrate surface, the application width will be larger due to the enlarged contact region between the applicator and the substrate surface. Note that the intermediate roller 9 is provided with a congruent notch 35 being engaged with the tapered circumferencial portion of the applicator roller 11. With reference to figures 3 and 4 now a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained. In comparison of the first embodiment as shown in figures 1 and 2 according to the second embodiment the single applicator roller 11 is replaced by an application conveyer 12 comprising a front roller 13, a rear roller 14 and a conveyer belt 15. The bearing axis 16 of the front roller 13 and the bearing axis 17 of the rear roller 14 fixed in position relatively to each other such that in case the front roller 13 is pressed against a substrate surface and thus displaced slightly rearwardly (due to the fact that the bearing axis 16 is also slightly displaceable), similarly the bearing axis 17 and thus the rear roller 14 of the conveyer applicator 12 will be displaced rearwardly and will activate valve mechanism formed by the conical seat 18 and the intermediate roller 9 with its displaceable bearing axis 10. Note that also in this case at least the outer circumference of the front roller 13 is tapered or round and the conveyer belt 15 is made to be in close contact with the tapered or round outer circumference of the front roller 13. With reference to figure 5 now a third embodiment of the present invention will be explained. Coming from the first embodiment as shown in figures 1 and 2 it can be seen that there is no valve mechanism and no intermediate roller 9 in the third embodiment as shown in figure 5. The cross-section 31 of the outer region of the torus like applicator has an asymmetrically pointed shape as it is known for example from marker pens. In this case, for example, the whole torus applicator 30 can be made of an inelastic and rigid material. According to this embodiment the application width is only changed by changing the application angle, i.e. selectively contacting the substrate surface only with the asymmetric pointed tip 33 or the bevelled edge 34 of the torus applicator 30. Though it is not shown in figure 5, a valve mechanism and/or an intermediate rotating element can also be provided in the case of the inelastic torus applicator 30 according to figure 5. Note that the embodiments as shown in figures 1 to 5 have all in common that the applicator is a rotating element with a displaceable bearing axis 16, 19 or a non- displaceable bearing axis 36 (in the third embodiment of figure 5). According to the fourth embodiment shown in figure 6 and 7 the applicator is a non- rotatable element 37 made for example of furred material. The non-rotatable applicator 37 is either made as a porous applicator 27 or a pervious applicator 24 (figure 6). In the case of the pervious applicator member 24 as shown in figure 6, longitudinal channels 25 can be provided in the length direction of the applicator 24. Note that also the pervious channel applicator 24 is provided with a tapered tip 26. Note that also according to the embodiments of figures 6 and 7 a valve mechanism for example similarly to figures 1 to 4 can be provided. Figure 7 shows a slight modification of the embodiment of figure 6 in that the pervious channel applicator 24 is replaced by a porous applicator 27. Note that the size of the pores is set such that the pores are not clogged by the correction medium and particularly by any solid particles dispersed in the correction medium provided in the reservoir 3. The rear end of the porous applicator 27 is provided with a valve element 28 co-operating with a conical seat 29 to form a valve mechanism. When the porous applicator 27 is pressed against a substrate surface, the applicator is slightly displaced rearwardly to open the valve mechanism formed by the conical seat 29 and the valve element 28 attached to the applicator 27 and furthermore due to the elastic nature of the porous applicator 27, the tapered tip 26 will increase in the width direction depending on the pressure exerted on the dispenser 1 and thus on the applicator 27. List of References I dispenser 2 housing 3 reservoir for correction particles dispersed in flowable medium cap 5 passage 6 tapered passage 7 spring 8 spring compartment 9 intermediate roller 10 bearing axis of 9 (displaceable against spring 7) I I application roller 12 application conveyer 14 front roller of 12 15 conveyer belt 16 bearing axis of 13 17 bearing axis of 14 18 conical seat 19 bearing axis of 11 20 tapered outer surface of 11 21 screwed cartridge portion 22 main portion 23 screw thread 24 pervious application member 25 longitudinal channels 26 tapered tip of 24 27 porous applicator 28 valve 29 conical seat 30 inelastic torus applicator pointed circumference of 30 sealing pointed tip bevelled edge congruent notch of 9 non-displaceable bearing axis of 30 non-rotatable applicator

Claims: Claims: 1. Hand-held dispenser for applying a flowable correction medium on a substrate surface, the correction medium being provided in a reservoir (3) of the dispenser (1) being in communication with an application member (11 ; 24; 27) at least in the operating state of the dispenser (1), in which the dispenser (1) is pressed against a substrate surface, such that the correction medium can flow from the reservoir (3) to the application member (11; 24; 27) in the operating state, wherein the application member (11; 24; 27) is designed such that the application width of the application member (11; 24; 27) can be selected by adjusting the force and/or the direction by which the application member (11 ; 24; 27) is pressed against the substrate surface. 2. Hand-held dispenser according to claim 1 , characterised in that at least the tip (20; 26) of the application member (11 ; 24; 27) is elastically deformable such that the width of at least the tip (20;26) of the application member (11 ; 24; 27) increases when the application member (11; 24; 27) is pressed against the substrate surface. 3. Hand-held dispenser according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least the tip (20; 26) of the application member (11 ; 24; 27) is elastically retractable. 4. Hand-held dispenser according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterised in that the correction medium consists of an aerosol, a liquid or gel having particles dispersed therein, or a flowable solid. 5. Hand-held dispenser according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterised by a valve mechanism (9; 28) by means of which the reservoir (3) can selectively be brought in communication with the application member (11; 24; 27). 6. Hand-held dispenser according to claim 5, characterised in that the valve mechanism comprises an elastic member (7) such that the valve mechanism is in a closed state as long there is no inwardly directed thrust force acting on the application member (11; 24; 27) and opens as soon as the inwardly directed thrust force exceeds a predetermined level. 7. Hand-held dispenser according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cross section of the front region (20; 26) of the application member (11; 24; 27) tapers towards the tip of the application member (11; 24; 27). 8. Hand-held dispenser according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterised in that the application member (24; 27) is made of a porous or pervious material. 9. Hand-held dispenser according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterised in that the application element (24) comprises at least one channel (25) in parallel to its length direction. 10. Hand-held dispenser according to anyone of claims 1 to 8. characterised in that the application member is a rotatable element (11). 11. Hand-held dispenser according to claim 10, characterised in that the application member a has torus shape. 12. Hand -held dispenser according to claim 10 or 11. characterised in that the application member is held by a transverse bearing axis (16, 17, 19). 13. Hand-held dispenser according to anyone of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that the cross section (31) of the outer region of the torus has an asymmetrically pointed shape. 14. Hand-held dispenser according to claim 13, characterised in that the application member (30) is made from a rigid material. 15. Hand-held dispenser according to anyone of claims 12 to 14, characterised in that an intermediate rotatable element (9; 15) is provided essentially in contact with the application member (11) to transport the correction medium to the application member (11). 16. Hand-held dispenser according to claim 15, characterised in that the intermediate rotatable element (9) is part of the displaceable element of a valve mechanism. 17. Hand-held dispenser according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterised in that the correction medium in the reservoir (3) is pressurised.

Inventors: BOUVERESSE JEANNE-ANTIDE, BOUVERESSE, JEANNE-ANTIDE
Applicants: BIC DEUTSCHLAND GMBH & CO, BIC SOC, BOUVERESSE JEANNE ANTIDE, BIC DEUTSCHLAND GMBH & CO., BOUVERESSE, JEANNE-ANTIDE, SOCIETE BIC
Application year: 2001
Main classification: B43K17
IPC codes: B43K17, B43L19, B43M11