Abstract:
An apparatus for dispensing material is provided having a body portion and housing for supporting cartridges filled with materials for dispensing. The housing includes a dispensing end, an attachment end, and an elongated opening for receiving the cartridges. The apparatus further comprises an attachment assembly located at an end of the body portion for attaching the housing to the body portion. The attachment assembly includes a first set of threads located about the perimeter of the attachment assembly. A second set of threads are located about the perimeter of the attachment end of the housing for engaging the first set of threads, forming a threaded connection and attaching the housing to the body portion.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/902,443 entitled “DISPENSING TOOL”, filed Feb. 21, 2007. The entirety of the aforementioned patent application is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a dispensing tool, and is particularly directed to a power dispensing tool have a quick connect cartridge support assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is common practice for a user to own several different sizes of manual dispensing guns for dispensing materials, such as adhesives, lubricants, and sealants, for example silicone and caulk. One reason for owning several different sizes of manual dispensing guns is to accommodate different sizes of cartridges. It is impractical because of the cost associated with power dispensing guns to own or purchase several different sizes in order to accommodate the different sizes of cartridges. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for dispensing materials having a body portion and housing for supporting cartridges filled with materials for dispensing. The housing includes a dispensing end, an attachment end and an elongated opening for receiving the cartridges. The apparatus further comprises an attachment assembly located at an end of the body portion for attaching the housing to the body portion. The attachment assembly includes a first set of threads located about the perimeter of the attachment assembly. A second set of threads are located about the perimeter of the attachment end of the housing for engaging the first set of threads, forming a threaded connection and attaching the housing to the body portion. A locking assembly secures the threaded connection between the first set of threads and the second set of threads to a locked position. 
     In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a dispensing tool for dispensing materials comprising a housing for supporting cartridges filled with materials for dispensing. The housing has a dispensing end and an attachment end. The dispensing tool further includes a body portion having an attachment assembly comprising a cap, washer, and connector for attaching the housing to the body portion. The cap has a first set of threads and the connector comprises a threaded portion that extends through openings in the washer and the cap into a corresponding threaded area of the body portion for attaching the washer and cap to the body portion. A second set of threads are located about the perimeter of the attachment end of the housing for engaging the first set of threads, forming a threaded connection and attaching the housing to the body portion. A locking assembly is provided for securing the threaded connection between the first set of threads and the second set of threads to a locked position. 
     In accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a power dispensing tool for dispensing materials comprising a body portion having a handle, trigger, engagement member, and elongated rod connected to a piston such that advancement of the trigger advances the elongated rod through the body portion for the dispensing of material from the power dispensing tool. The dispensing tool further comprises a cartridge support tube for housing materials for dispensing. The cartridge support tube has a dispensing end and an attachment end. An attachment assembly comprising a cap, washer, and connector is provided for attaching the cartridge support tube to the body portion. The cap has a first set of threads about its internal perimeter. The connector has a threaded portion that extends through openings in the washer and the cap into a corresponding threaded area of the body portion engagement member for attaching the washer and cap to the body portion. A second set of threads are located about the external perimeter of the attachment end of the cartridge support tube for engaging the first set of threads, forming a threaded connection and attaching the cartridge support tube to the body portion. The power dispensing tool further includes a locking assembly for securing the threaded connection between the first set of threads and the second set of threads to a locked position. The locking assembly comprising a projection fixedly attached to the cartridge support tube and an opening located in the attachment assembly such that the projection penetrates the opening when in the locked position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon consideration of the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an elevation view of a dispensing tool, the tool being equipped with a cartridge support assembly in accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial-sectional elevation view of a cartridge support assembly attached to the body of the dispensing tool of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a partial isometric view of a dispensing tool body end depicting a locking assembly in accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a partial isometric view of a dispensing tool body end depicting a locking assembly in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded isometric assembly view of the dispensing tool of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial isometric view of the dispensing tool of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial-sectional elevation view of a cartridge support assembly attached to the body of the dispensing tool in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of two cartridge support tubes in a nested storage position; and 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  are isometric views of different sized cartridge support tubes. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a dispensing tool  10  having a body  12  and a cartridge support assembly  14 . The cartridge support assembly  14  is attached to the body  12  through its locking assembly  16 . The body  12  includes first and second ends  13   a ,  13   b , respectively, a handle portion  18 , and a trigger  20  projecting from the handle portion for engagement by an operator of the dispensing tool  10 . The cartridge support assembly  14  further includes a cartridge support tube  22  for supporting a cartridge  24  (shown in phantom) having a dispensing nozzle  26  (also shown in phantom) for dispensing any number of materials, including, but not limited to, adhesives, lubricants, and sealants. The cartridge support tube  22  in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1  is molded from a polymeric material, but could also be made from metal and from any other process without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. 
     An elongated rod  28  extends from the body  12  and is axially advanced through the body into the cartridge support assembly  14  and cartridge  24  upon activation of the trigger  20 . A piston  30  is connected to a forward end of the rod  28 , such that axial movement of the rod will cause comparable axial movement of the piston, resulting in the dispensing of material from dispensing nozzle  26  of the cartridge  24  upon advancement. 
     Motion enabling mechanisms of the rod  28  and piston  30 , such as an electric motor, controls and gearing are located within the body for advancement and retraction the rod and piston. In the illustrated embodiment the rod  28  includes a rack or tooth portion for engagement by a pinion of a gear assembly (not shown). Upon engagement of the trigger  20  an internal motor (not shown) would provide movement in the gear assembly, engaging the rod  28  for either advancement or retraction of the rod through the body  12 . The motion enabling mechanisms for advancing and retracting the rod  28  and piston  30  through the body  12  could alternatively be achieved by other constructions known by those skilled in the art, such as a screw-gear assembly without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2  is a partial sectional elevation view of the cartridge support assembly  14  attached to the body  12  of the dispensing tool  10  of  FIG. 1 . Integrally connected to the body  12  at the first end  13   a  is an engagement member  32  that includes internally tapped threads  34 . The locking assembly  16  includes a rotatable cap  36 , connector  38 , and a step washer  40 . The step washer  40  can be made from a metal or polymeric material and is coated with an anti-friction coating to allow for rotation of the cartridge  24 , cartridge support tube  22 , and rotatable cap  36  during operation. It is desirable to allow the operator of the dispensing tool  10  to rotate the cartridge support assembly  14  and cartridge  24  relative to the body  12  in order to achieve various angles of the dispensing nozzle  26  during application of the dispensing material. Examples of suitable anti-frictional coatings include silicone and Teflon plating. In addition, such construction requires only the cap  36  to rotate in order to attach the cartridge support assembly  14  to the body  12 . 
     The connector  38  includes a threaded member  42  for engaging the engagement member  32  through the mating thread  34  connection. The connector  38  further includes an annular flange  44  that holds the step washer  40  in a secured position. The step washer  40  includes a circular flange  46  for retaining the rotatable cap  36  to the body  12 . The anti-friction coating applied to the step washer  40 , particularly on the surface of the circular flange  46  facing the rotatable cap  36  enables the desired rotation of the cap  36 , cartridge support tube  22 , and cartridge  24 . The rotatable cap  36  includes receiving threads  48  located about the cap&#39;s internal perimeter and a circular opening  49  in which the connector  38  and at least a portion of the step washer  40  passes, permitting attachment of the connector and step washer to the body  12 . 
     The cartridge support tube  22  includes attachment threads  50  located at an attachment end  52  of the cartridge support assembly  14 . The cartridge support assembly  14  is attached to the body  12  through a threaded assembly  54  that includes the connection between attachment threads  50  and corresponding receiving threads  48  located in the rotating cap  36  as best illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 6 . The connector  38  provides a clearance opening  55  for the passing of the elongated rod  28 . 
     The threaded assembly  54  in one example embodiment includes a single-lead threaded connection, as depicted by the receiving threads  48 ′ in  FIG. 3A . The single-lead thread requires approximately 360 degrees of rotation for complete engagement. In a separate example embodiment the threaded assembly  54  includes a double-lead threaded connection, as depicted by the receiving threads  48 ″ in  FIG. 3B  requiring half of the rotation necessary for a single-lead thread, that is, approximately 180 degrees of rotation for complete engagement. The threaded assembly  54  connection allows the cartridge support tubes  22  to be interchanged with different support tube sizes rapidly without the use or need for additional tools. 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded isometric assembly view of the dispensing tool  10  of  FIG. 1 . The cartridge support tube  22  provides an opening  56  at the attachment end  52  for receiving the piston  30 , allowing the piston to remain attached to the elongated rod  28  for quick interchanging between support tubes  22 . Located at the end opposite the attachment end  52  of the support tube  22  is a slot  58  for receiving the cartridge nozzle  26  upon insertion of the cartridge  24  to the support tube as depicted in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5  illustrates the cartridge support tube  22  in an attached position with the body  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2  is one example embodiment of the locking assembly  16  that additionally includes two projections  60 , substantially diametrically opposed about the perimeter of the attachment end  52  of the cartridge support tube  22 . In the illustrated embodiment the projections  60  are integrally molded with the cartridge support tube  22 . The projections  60  contact one side of a respective double inclined latch  62  upon concomitant rotation of the cartridge support tube  22  and/or rotating cap  36  in forming the threaded assembly  54  until engagement is complete. In the illustrated embodiment the double inclined latches  62  are integrally molded with, and extending from the polymeric cap  36 . Upon completion of engagement of the threaded assembly  54 , the projections  60  are received in a respective arcuate detents  64  (as best seen in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) located between the inclines of the latches  62 , arriving in a locking position as best seen in  FIG. 5 . The locking position prevents the disengagement of the threaded assembly  54  and more specifically, the disengagement of the cartridge support tube  22  from the rotating cap  36 , unless intentionally acted upon by the user. In order to release the locking assembly  16  from the locking position illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the projections  60  and/or latches  62  have an elastic composition that allows for displacement from the locking position with the application of force by the user while simultaneously rotating the support tube  22  from the rotating cap  36 . In the illustrated example embodiment, the projections  60  and inclined latches  62  are made from a polymeric material, but could also be made from metal or any other material without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a second example embodiment of the locking assembly  16  that includes a spring assembly  70  having a first end attached to the cartridge support tube  22  by a fastener  72 , such as a rivet or screw or other fasteners recognized by those skilled in the art. At an end of the spring assembly  70  opposite the fastener  72  is a locking protrusile  74 , which is attached to, and projects from a spring  76  of the spring assembly. The spring assembly  70  assumes a non-locking position “A” (shown in phantom) prior to engagement of the threaded assembly  54  and during rotation of the support tube  22  and/or rotating cap  36  in the forming of the threaded assembly. Upon completion of the engagement of the threaded assembly  54 , the protrusile  74  extends through an aperture  78  of the cap  36  assuming a locking position “B”. The spring assembly  70  is made from a polymeric material in the illustrated embodiment, but could equally be made from a metal, including for example spring steel. 
     The locking position B prevents the cartridge support tube  22  from disengaging the cap  36  unless intentionally acted upon by the user. In order to release the locking assembly  16  of  FIG. 6 , the user depresses the protrusile  74  from position B to position A while simultaneously rotating the cap  36  from the support tube  22 . The protrusile  74  and spring  76  are made from plastic, but could also be made from metal or any other material without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. 
     FIGS.  7  and  8 A- 8 C illustrate a variety of cartridge support tubes  80 ,  82 , and  84  of varying sizes, materials and configurations. Cartridge support tube  80  is the smallest of the tubes and is used for approximately 300 milliliter sized cartridges. Cartridge support tube  82  is relatively greater in size and is used for approximately 29 ounce sized cartridges. The cartridge support tube  84  is a sausage type configuration and is used for approximately 300 milliliter and 600 milliliter sized cartridges. All three cartridges include the attachment assembly  54  described above and are capable of being equipped with the different locking assembly  16  embodiments previously discussed. In particular, the support tubes  80 - 82  are shown having a projection  60  type locking assembly. As illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8C , varying size cartridge support tubes  22  maintain equally sized attachment ends  52  for accommodating uniform threaded assembly  54  attachments. Such construction allows any size cartridge support tube  22  to be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. In the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 8A and 8B  the cartridge support tubes are single-piece molded from a polymeric material and support tube  84  is made from a metal. However, the cartridge support tubes  14 ,  80 - 84  can be made from any type of material without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a nesting feature between two different sized cartridge support tubes that allows for efficient storage achieved by the design of the claimed invention. Molded features can be added to lock the smaller cartridge tube  80  to the larger tube  82 . For example, clips or other locking attachments could be molded such that the larger cartridge tube  82  would have a mating structure for engaging or receiving a corresponding structure in the smaller cartridge support tube  80 . The smaller cartridge tube  80  can also be used while in the nested position of  FIG. 7 . In particular, the smaller cartridge tube  80  can contain a cartridge  24  and be simultaneously secured to the larger cartridge tube  82  in a manner described above, allowing the piston  30  to pass through both the larger and smaller tubes and dispense material from a cartridge  26  positioned in the smaller cartridge tube  80 . 
     From the description of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. In addition to the dispensing tool  10  having a cartridge support tube  22  and locking assembly  16  fabricated from molded polymeric material, one skilled in the art will appreciate that support tube and locking assembly are equally suited for being made from other integrally molded or separate materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. For example, the support tubes  22  and locking assemblies  16  could be made from various metals. Such improvements, changes, and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.