Abstract:
Disclosed is a metering device for metering, in a manually-controlled manner, a light-curing material present in said metering device, the device comprising at least one reservoir which can be deformed at least in some sections thereof and in which said light-curing material is contained, as well as a metering arrangement for applying the light-curing material.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/355,624, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein, which is a National Stage of International Patent Application PCT/EP2012/004551, filed Oct. 31, 2012, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German patent application 10 2011 117 405.6, filed Nov. 2, 2011. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a metering device for metering, in a manually controlled manner, a light-curing material. The invention relates further to a kit comprising the metering device as well as to a method employing the device. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of Background Information 
         [0005]    By means of a metering device, materials of different viscosities are metered or dosed for various purposes. The materials may be fluid, semi-fluid, in a form of a paste and so on. The metering device, depending on application and purpose of use, may be operated in fully-automated, partly-automated or manual manner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides a metering device for manually controlled metering—or for metering by means of pressure using the finger—a light-curing material contained in the metering device. The metering device comprises at least one reservoir which can be deformed in sections thereof, in particular in a manual manner. This reservoir contains the light-curing material. The metering device comprises further a metering arrangement which is flown through by the light-curing-material upon its application. 
         [0007]    The kit according to the invention comprises at least a metering device according to the invention and at least one housing. The housing is prepared, for example by providing a suitable device, for receiving the metering device on the housing in a detachable manner. 
         [0008]    The method according to the invention serves for applying and/or curing of light-curing material by using the metering device. 
         [0009]    In all of the following embodiments, the use of the expression “may” or “may have”, etc. is to be understood as a synonym to “is preferably” or “preferably has”, etc. and it is to explain an exemplary embodiment according to the invention. 
         [0010]    Developments of the present invention are each the subject-matter of dependent claims and embodiments. 
         [0011]    Embodiments according to the present invention may comprise one or more of the following features in any arbitrary combination. In certain embodiments according to the invention, the metering arrangement comprises a metering channel, through which the light-curing material is extracted or applied. Thereby, the metering arrangement, in particular or preferably entirely or essentially, is made of a first material or comprises a first material, while the metering channel, in particular or preferably entirely or essentially, is made of a second material, or comprises such material. The second material differs from the first material. 
         [0012]    The reservoir is, in certain embodiments according to the invention, a container or cartridge. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments according to the invention, the metering channel is made of a metallic material or an alloy, or comprises either of such material. 
         [0014]    In certain embodiments according to the invention, the metering arrangement is connected to the metering device in a detachable manner. 
         [0015]    In particular embodiments according to the invention, the metering arrangement is connected to the metering device by means of a thread, wherein the metering arrangement and the metering device carry a portion of the thread or a portion of the joint thread each. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments according to the invention, the metering device comprises a sealing arrangement, such as a sealing ring for example in the form of an O-ring. By means of the sealing arrangement, it is advantageously possible to achieve a seal between the metering device or the reservoir on the one hand and the sealing arrangement on the other hand, relative to an exterior or the environment or an outside. 
         [0017]    In certain embodiments according to the invention, the metering arrangement is made of, with respect to the metering device, a harder material or at least comprises a harder material. This design may advantageously help or guarantee in some embodiments that the seal is sustained between the metering arrangement and the metering device also upon elastic deformation of the metering arrangement, for example, by applying pressure thereto. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments according to the invention, the housing of the kit is made of the same material (e.g., polyethylene (PE)) as the reservoir itself, or it comprises such material. 
         [0019]    In certain embodiments according to the invention, the reservoir is filled or provided to be filled with a substance other than a light-curing material, for instance with oil, food, color or a color mixture, paint or a paint mixture or pasty materials of any kind. In these embodiments the term “light-curing material” as used anywhere herein, is to be extended on the above-mentioned substances. In these embodiments, the term “light-curing material”, as it is at any point used herein shall be understood as synonymous with the aforementioned substances. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments according to the invention, the reservoir is transparent or at least has a transparent section. This advantageously allows a visual control of the filling level of the reservoir. 
         [0021]    In certain embodiments according to the invention, the light emitting device is solidly integrated in the housing. In other embodiments according to the invention, the kit comprises at least one optical fiber (glass fiber, etc . . . ) which guides the light from the light emitting device (which is arranged in a rear section of the kit) to the metering arrangement or near an outlet opening thereof (arranged in the front of the kit). 
         [0022]    In specific embodiments according to the invention, the operation of the light-emitting device is initiated by means of a push button. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments according to the invention, the housing of the kit is manufactured of a metal (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, etc.) or comprises such a material. 
         [0024]    In certain embodiments according to the invention, an internal gas cartridge and/or other arrangement is provided to build up pressure in order to increase the pressure within the reservoir. This may be advantageous for a more comprehensive emptying of the reservoir. Furthermore, this may allow also an overhead working with the kit according to the invention. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments according to the invention, the reservoir comprises in at least a section thereof and/or in its lateral surface or in a main area thereof, respectively, a wall thickness in a range of 0.75 to 1.25 mm, preferably from 0.9 to 1.1 mm, again preferably in a range from 0.95 to 1.05 mm. These ranges have been found to be particularly suitable with regard to the desired ductility and the required stability and capacity. 
         [0026]    In certain embodiments according to the invention, the metering device comprises light-curing material which cures by means of radiation in a range of 380 to 500 nanometers (nm), in particular in the range of 450 to 480 nm, particularly at 470 nm, and in particular in a range of 390 to 410 nm, particularly at 405 nm. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments according to the invention, the reservoir is made of a light impermeable material. The light impermeable material is preferably, at least, or particularly impermeable to a radiation range of 380 to 500 nanometers (nm), in particular in the range of 450 to 480 nm, particularly at 470 nm, and in particular in a range of 390 to 410 nm, particularly at 405 nm. 
         [0028]    In certain embodiments according to the invention, the metering arrangement and/or the metering channel comprise a detachable closure against an exterior (i.e. the environment). In some embodiments according to the invention, the closure is a cap. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments according to the invention, the closure is impermeable to light, preferably for a radiation range of 380 to 500 nanometers (nm), in particular in the range of 450 to 480 nm, particularly at 470 nm, and in particular in a range of 390 to 410 nm, particularly at 405 nm. 
         [0030]    In certain embodiments according to the invention, the metering channel and the light emitting device are embodied or provided on two opposite end sections of the kit or of the metering device. By simply turning the kit or the metering device it is possible without changing hands, with only one hand, to extract the light-curing material as well as to cure them by means of the light emitting device. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments according to the invention, the light emitting device for the curing of the light-curing material is a LED lamp and/or a flash means or comprises the like. 
         [0032]    In certain embodiments according to the invention, the housing is embodied to receive the light emitting arrangement in a detachable manner. This can be done for example by inserting, clicking, seizing, clamping or the like. The housing may be prepared accordingly. 
         [0033]    In specific embodiments according to the invention, the housing and the metering device, in particular the metering arrangement of the metering device comprise a bayonet closure or corresponding parts of a bayonet closure for receiving the metering device in or on the housing in a detachable manner. 
         [0034]    In certain embodiments according to the invention, the housing comprises at least one opening for the manually controlled metering of the light-curing material where, by means of the user&#39;s finger by means of the one or more openings through the housing or the wall thereof, the reservoir may be contacted from outside of the housing and suitable pressure may be applied thereto. 
         [0035]    For this purpose, the housing comprises, in specific embodiments according to the invention, two, preferably opposite, openings. In other embodiments according to this invention, there are more than two openings. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments according to the invention, the at least one opening is located in a lateral surface or shell surface of the housing. In certain embodiments according to the invention, the at least one opening is not located in an end face thereof. 
         [0037]    What is herein being set forth to one opening, applies to two, three or more or all of the available openings in certain embodiments according to the invention. 
         [0038]    In specific embodiments according to the present invention, at least one of the openings comprises a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction perpendicular thereto, wherein the opening extends longitudinally through a further distance in the wall of the housing than in the transverse direction, or vice versa. 
         [0039]    In certain embodiments according to the invention, the opening in the circumferential direction comprises at least two sections of different widths. Such an opening is thus at a point or section wider (in the circumferential direction of the housing) than in another point or section. 
         [0040]    In some embodiments according to the invention, the metering device or the housing, comprise a device for receiving the light-emitting device in a detachable manner. This device is embodied in particular embodiments according to the invention as a snap-on device. In other embodiments according to the invention, this device is embodied as a plug device and the like. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments according to the invention, the light-emitting device comprises a switch, by means of which it can be placed in a continuous emitting operation. 
         [0042]    In certain embodiments according to the invention, the light-emitting device comprises an arrangement, by means of which it can be placed in an emitting operation by a pressure thereon, which lasts only for the time period in which the pressure thereon exists. This can be effected by means of a pressure switch with a return means. 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, the method according to the invention encompasses turning or rotating of the metering device after application of light-curing material through the metering arrangement about a transverse axis of the metering device for the curing of the applied material by means of the light-emitting device which is arranged on the metering arrangement. 
         [0044]    Any embodiments according to the invention may comprise or offer any one or more of the following advantages. 
         [0045]    Thus, there is an advantage in the interchangeability of used or emptied-through-use metering devices whose reservoir does not comprise enough light-curing material anymore. The kit, the housing and all other components may be preserved and may continue to be used. Only the reservoir or the metering device are to be replaced. This advantageously reduces the material costs, disposal costs, the need for storage space and the like. Here, even the metering arrangement may continue to be used due to the separability or detachability of reservoir and metering arrangement in some embodiments according to the invention. 
         [0046]    The herein proposed bayonet closure for some embodiments according to the invention, has proved its particular suitability to grant a quick, easy and reliable interchangeability. 
         [0047]    In a number of the embodiments according to the invention, different components are made of different materials or comprise such material. Hereby a further advantageous contribution to the tightness of the metering device against an exterior may be achieved. 
         [0048]    A tightness between the individual components with the proposed sealing device herein is obtained advantageously and according to the invention. 
         [0049]    The provision of different materials may also advantageously allow, the different components of the kit independent from each other and in terms of their respective function to be produced in the most cost-effective manner, respectively. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0050]    The present invention is exemplarily explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which identical reference numerals denote the same or similar components. In the drawings: 
           [0051]      FIG. 1  shows a metering device according to the invention in a longitudinal section; 
           [0052]      FIG. 2  shows a metering arrangement according to the invention and a closure in half-section view in the direction of the longitudinal axis and in the front view projection; and 
           [0053]      FIGS. 3   a, b  show a kit according to the invention with the metering device, a closure for a metering channel, an LED lamp and a housing. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0054]      FIG. 1  shows a metering device  100  according to the invention in a sectional view in the direction of the dash-dotted longitudinal axis having a reservoir  1 , a metering arrangement  3 , and a metering channel  5 . 
         [0055]    The reservoir  1  comprises light-curing material (not shown here). By applying pressure onto the reservoir  1 , for example by manual pressure with the finger from the outside of the deformable reservoir  1 , the light-curing material is advanced or pushed through the narrowing  7  of the reservoir  1  into the metering arrangement  3 . In the metering arrangement  3 , the material is further advanced through a cone-shaped section, in short, cone  9 , into the outlet opening  11  of the metering arrangement  3 . 
         [0056]    The metering channel  5  is inserted or advanced in the outlet opening  11  of the metering arrangement  3  until reaching a stop. The metering channel  5  may be fixed in a suitable manner. The fixation may be, for example, in form of press fitting, latching and/or bonding. 
         [0057]    The metering channel  5  may be made of metal or an alloy. It comprises, by way of example, the following dimensions: inner diameter 0.8 mm, outer diameter 1.2 mm, length, for example, 12 mm. 
         [0058]    The reservoir  1  is in this exemplary embodiment made of a first material, for example a soft polyethylene (for example LDPE—low density polyethylene) or comprises such material. The metering device is formed of a third material, for example, a harder polymer, with respect however to the first material a harder material, or comprises such material. 
         [0059]    Both the first and third materials are selected (or processed, for example by a black or other types of coating or coloring) such that they are impermeable to light, preferably, at least or in particular in a light-wavelength range of 380 to 500 nanometers (nm), in order to prevent the light-curing material of the reservoir  1  and the metering arrangement  3  from an inadvertent curing by exposure to light. 
         [0060]    The connection between the reservoir  1  and the metering arrangement  3  is exemplary embodied as a thread  13 , for example by a thread M10×1. Alternatively, the connection may also be effected, for example by means of gluing, clipping, etc. 
         [0061]    For further sealing, and possibly also in order to prevent deformation of the wall of the narrowing  7  due to the soft first material of the reservoir  1  when applying pressure onto the reservoir  1 , a sealing ring  15  (for example O-ring made of polymer) in the embodiment shown here is inserted in the metering arrangement  3  for sealing the reservoir  1  about the thread  13 . Through the—in particular complete—screwing of the metering arrangement  3  on the thread  13  of the reservoir  1 , the connection between these two components is sealed vis-à-vis an exterior or outside by means of the sealing ring 
         [0062]    Another, optionally provided, sealing ring  17  seals between the metering arrangement  3  and a closure  19  against the exterior or outside(see  FIG. 2 ). In addition, this further sealing ring  17  may be embodied to fix the closure  19  pushed on to the metering arrangement  3  on the metering arrangement  3 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 2  shows the metering arrangement  3  according to the invention, having the metering channel  5  and the closure  19  in half sectional view in the direction of the longitudinal axis or in a level, in which the longitudinal axis lies (right illustration in  FIG. 2 ) and in projection as front view (left illustration in  FIG. 2 , having closure  19 ). 
         [0064]    The material of the closure is optional or preferably also impermeable to light, in particular in a light-wavelength range of 380 to 500 nanometers (nm), in order to protect the light-curing material in the metering channel  5 , in particular at the outlet of the metering channel  5 . against inadvertent curing by exposure to light. 
         [0065]    The further sealing ring  17  seals as stated above the metering arrangement  3  against the closure  19  and/or fixes the inserted closure  19  on the metering arrangement  3 . 
         [0066]    In the front view (illustration on the left in  FIG. 2 ) four notches  21  are presented on the outer ring of the metering arrangement  3 . These notches  21  are parts of a bayonet closure for optional potential fixation of the reservoir  1  to the metering arrangement  3  in a housing  23  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0067]      FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b  show a kit  200  according to the invention having the metering device  3 , the closure  19  for the metering channel  5 , an LED lamp  21  as a light emitting device and the housing  23 . 
         [0068]    In this representation, the reservoir  1  for the light-curing material is shown only partially within the housing  23 . 
         [0069]    For applying pressure to the reservoir  1  in order to advance or rather press the light-curing material out of the reservoir  1  into the metering arrangement  3  and for the discharging from the metering channel  5  (not shown in  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b ) with an open or detachable closure  19 , an opening  25  is introduced in the housing  23 . On the opposite rear side (not shown in  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b ) of the housing  23 , at least one further, (e.g. second) opening preferably identical or similar to the opening  25 , may be provided. Through this/these opening(s), a manual pressure, preferably applied by one finger each, is exerted on the reservoir  1  for applying the light-curing material. 
         [0070]    As shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , the opening  25  comprises an extension in the longitudinal direction thereof which extends in the longitudinal direction of the metering device  100 , and a perpendicular extension thereto in transverse direction which extends perpendicularly thereto or in circumferential direction of the metering device  100  along the transverse axis or along the circumference of the metering device  100 . Thereby, the opening  25  extends further in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction. The housing  23  or its wall is thus variably wide opened or broken through due to the relative to the longitudinal direction and the transverse or circumferential direction differently wide extensions. This allows an ergonomic reach-through to the reservoir for various sizes of the fingers of the user maintaining at the same time a sufficiently stable design of the housing  23 . 
         [0071]    After the application of the light-curing material, it may then be cured by light, in this embodiment by LED light in a wavelength range between 390 and 405 nanometers (nm). This LED light is provided by the LED lamp  21  which is received in a detachable or a non-detachable manner in an LED lamp socket  27 . 
         [0072]    The LED lamp socket  27  comprises in addition to the LED lamp a battery, a housing, a pressure switch for manually activating the LED lamp, and other mechanical and electronic elements. An activatable component for turning on a continuous operation of the LED lamp in the LED lamp socket  27  may also be obtained in the lamp socket  27 . 
         [0073]    The LED lamp socket  27  having the LED lamp  21  is a separate or singular/individual component which can be inserted into the housing  23 . This has the advantage that all components required for the operation of the use of the light-curing material are available together in a compact kit  200  and may, by way of example, be transported easily. 
         [0074]    LED lamp socket  27  is connected in a detachable manner, e.g. by plugging, to the housing  23  by means of a snap means having two spring elements  29  which may be bent apart or opened in the direction indicated by the arrows. The LED lamp socket  27  may be removed, for example by simply pulling it, out of this snap means. It is also possible to keep the LED lamp socket  27  inserted into the snap means and to activate the light-curing material by rotating the entire housing  23  (for example, about or around the transverse axis  31 ) and then to cure the material by means of the turned-on LED lamp  21 . 
         [0075]    By means of the opening  33  of the LED lamp socket, the LED lamp socket may be, for example, fixed or hung to facilitate the curing process if necessary. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0076]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Reference Numeral 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 100 
                 metering device 
               
               
                 200 
                 kit 
               
               
                 1 
                 reservoir 
               
               
                 3 
                 metering arrangement 
               
               
                 5 
                 metering channel 
               
               
                 7 
                 narrowing of the reservoir 
               
               
                 9 
                 cone of the metering arrangement 
               
               
                 11 
                 outlet opening of the metering 
               
               
                   
                 arrangement 
               
               
                 13 
                 thread 
               
               
                 15 
                 sealing ring between metering 
               
               
                   
                 arrangement and reservoir 
               
               
                 17 
                 sealing ring between metering 
               
               
                   
                 arrangement and closure 
               
               
                 19 
                 closure 
               
               
                 21 
                 LED lamp 
               
               
                 23 
                 housing 
               
               
                 25 
                 opening of the housing 
               
               
                 27 
                 LED lamp socket 
               
               
                 29 
                 spring element 
               
               
                 31 
                 transverse axis 
               
               
                 33 
                 opening of the LED lamp socket