Patent Publication Number: US-11654453-B1

Title: Roof coating applicator

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/872,209, filed on Jul. 9, 2019, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a roofing applicator, and more particularly, to a disposable roof coating applicator that can be used to dispense material of high viscosity, such as elastomeric, to roof seams in membrane or to metal roof finishes neatly, quickly and accurately. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As long as man has been around there has been a need for shelter and protection from the elements, leading to the development of the roof system, which is typically made out of available resource. In developing countries, roofs are usually built with dry vegetation such as straw, sedge, reed, or palm branches, that have been layered so as to shed water away from the inner roof (or ceiling). This form of craft building is commonly known as thatching. By contrast, in developed countries, such as Europe and the United Kingdom, and in some areas of the United States, slate is used. Slate is a type of rock that can be broken into tile shapes easily because of its fine grain. In the United States, however, the type of roofing material that most Americans are familiar with is shingles. While shingles encompass a variety of materials, the term is generally used to describe overlapping rectangular material. Shingles can be made from wood (i.e., shakes), asphalt, ceramics, or composite. Tile is another common type of roofing material. Although tile is functional and aesthetically pleasing, it is made from a ceramic that over time can become brittle. Metals are also popular materials used around the entire world. Metal roofs can range from cheap for developing countries to very expensive for wealthy home/business owners. Metal roofs have a lot of advantages over other types of roofing material. For instance, metal is resistant to almost all types of natural elements and is very energy efficient. 
     Regardless of the roofing material that is chosen to be used, roofers, engineers, and the like have spent years looking for ways on how to optimize and perfect the practice of roofing. For instance, in 1896 Barrett Manufacturing Co. developed a method on roofing construction, which comprised of alternating layers of asphalt, impregnated fabric and bituminous coatings, that changed the shape of buildings. The steep-slope roof was no longer required necessary for rain protection, and the flat roof opened the way for a new era in roofing appearances. 
     Over the decades&#39; innovations in the roofing industry continue to surface. However, despite the many advancements in the roofing industry, no roof has an indefinite life expectancy. Over time exposure to the elements causes damage to the roof, resulting in leakages that penetrate and damage the structure&#39;s interior. For instance, metal roof systems are prone to expansion and contraction. This is a result of the metal panels moving because of temperature changes. The movement creates stress points at points of attachments (i.e., seams), and are often the catalyst of roof problems. 
     As a metal roof ages the frequency of leaks will normally increase. Eventually, the rate of leaks and the overall condition of the roof system will require a significant scope of work. The roof will continue to age unless it is replaced or restored. Restoration is an excellent approach if one is striving to rejuvenate and extend the life of their roof, and a great alternative to a roof replacement. Metal roof restoration typically consists of a few steps that generally includes repairing any deficiencies (e.g., opening in seams, cracks, etc.), including fastener replacements. After the repairs have been completed it is recommended that a coating be applied to the surface of the roof system. Coating materials may include, an acrylic coating, silicone coating and urethane coating, both of which are materials of high viscosity. Although roof restoration provides additional benefits in lieu of roof replacement, working with materials of high viscosity can be difficult and expensive. Machinery that is meant to be used with such materials of high viscosity tend to clog, break, and are overall unreliable making it an uncomfortable and inconvenient solution for roof repairs. 
     Accordingly, there is an established need for a time-saving, cost effective roof coating applicator that is disposable and that can be used to dispense material of high viscosity, such as elastomeric, to roof seams in membrane or to metal roof finishes neatly, quickly and accurately. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a disposable roof coating applicator. The disposable roof coating applicator, or roof tube, is a lightweight, low-cost tool to manufacture that can be used by a user to dispense material, including material of high viscosity, such as, elastomeric, to roof seams and joints quickly, neatly, and accurately with minimal waste. It also allows the user to apply a necessary amount of material to properly seal a seam, or joint, while the user remains in an upright position (i.e., standing up). The roof coating applicator is designed to reduce the possibility of clogging when in use, which means that the roof coating applicator can be used in lower temperatures that would otherwise cause other elastomeric (or high viscous material) application systems to clog and fail. 
     Introducing a first embodiment of the invention, the present invention comprises, 
     a nozzle; 
     a collar having a first end and a second end, the front end of the collar being selectively attachable to the nozzle; 
     a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior space, the distal end of the body selectively attachable to the second end of the collar; and 
     a plunger assembly movably disposed within the interior space of the body. 
     In a second aspect, the plunger can comprise a head subassembly, a first shaft, and a handle. 
     In another aspect, the first shaft may include a hollow interior, and an aperture. 
     In yet another aspect, the first shaft and handle are rectangularly-shaped with rounded edges. 
     In another aspect, the head subassembly of the plunger further can comprise a head having at least one ribbed protrusion about its exterior and is attached to a second shaft having at least one aperture. 
     In yet another aspect, the second shaft of the head subassembly is rectangularly-shaped with rounded edges. 
     In another aspect, the plunger can further comprise a locking pin. 
     In another aspect, the first shaft may be selectively coupled to the second shaft with the locking pin. 
     In another aspect, the body may include a stop cap affixed to the proximal end of the body to confine the plunger inside of the body. 
     In another aspect, the collar of the disposable roof coating applicator may include a locking mechanism. 
     In another aspect, the locking mechanism can comprise a J-shaped or L-shaped cutout. 
     In another aspect, the body of the disposable roof coating applicator can comprise at least one side wall having an exterior side and an interior side. 
     In yet another aspect, the body may include a stud disposed about its exterior side that selectively engages the collar&#39;s locking mechanism to lock and unlock the collar to the body. 
     In yet another aspect, wherein the head of the head subassembly may be made out of a rubber compound. 
     In yet another aspect, wherein the nozzle of the disposable roof coating applicator may include an irregular cone-shaped nose and a flanged opposite end. 
     In another aspect, the hollow interior of the body may be able to store approximately 2 a gallon of viscous material therein. 
     In another aspect, the hollow interior of the body may be able to store approximately a gallon of viscous material therein. 
     In another aspect, the hollow interior of the body may be able to store approximately at least 2 gallons of viscous material therein. 
     In yet another aspect, a method of operating a disposable roof coating applicator comprises the steps of: 
     providing a roof coating applicator, the roof coating applicator comprising,
         a nozzle,   a collar having a first end and a second end,   a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior space,
           wherein the first end of the collar is selectively attachable to the nozzle, and the second end of the collar is selectively attachable to the front end of the body, and   
           a plunger assembly movably disposed within the interior space of the body, the plunger assembly comprising,
           an elongated member having a first end and a second end;   a head subassembly attached to the elongated member at the first end, the head subassembly comprising a head having at least one ribbed protrusion about an exterior surface, and a second elongated member extending outwardly from an end of the head; and   a handle attached to the elongated member at the second end, opposite the first end, and   a stop cap affixed to the proximal end of the body to confine a portion of the plunger assembly inside of the interior space of the body;   
               

     removing the collar and nozzle from the body; 
     inserting the distal end of the body into a receptacle that contains viscous material; 
     pulling on the handle of the plunger assembly to create suction and introduce material into the interior space of the body; 
     attaching the collar and nozzle to the body; and 
     pushing the handle to move the head of the head subassembly of the plunger assembly to selectively push the viscous material inside of the interior space of the body out through the nozzle to apply the viscous material to a seam. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    presents a top perspective view showing a first embodiment of the disposable roof coating applicator of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    presents a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment of the disposable roof coating applicator of the disposable roof coating apparatus of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    presents a bottom perspective, exploded view showing the disposable roof coating applicator of the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    presents a bottom perspective view of the disposable roof coating applicator that includes a partial cut-out showing the internal workings of the invention; 
         FIG.  5    presents a side elevation view of the plunger head of the disposable roof coating applicator; 
         FIG.  6    presents a cross-sectional side elevation view of the disposable roof coating applicator, the section taken along section plane  6 - 6  indicated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  7    presents a magnified view of the collar and tip assembly of the disposable roof coating applicator; 
         FIG.  8    presents how the disposable roof coating applicator may be loaded with material of high viscosity; 
         FIG.  9    presents how the disposable roof coating applicator may be utilized to seal a roof seam; 
         FIG.  10    presents a perspective view of a plurality of nozzles that connect to the disposable roof coating applicator&#39;s collar; 
         FIG.  11    presents a flow control valve attachable to a collar and nozzle of the disposable roof coating applicator of the present invention; 
         FIG.  12    presents a cross-sectional side elevation view of the flow control valve coupled to the collar and nozzle of the disposable roof coating applicator; 
         FIG.  13    presents a top elevation view of a handle that may be used in conjunction with the disposable roof coating applicator; and 
         FIG.  14    presents an exemplar, alternative embodiment illustrating how an electrical drill may be used to control the translational movement of the plunger assembly. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG.  1   . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Referring initially to  FIGS.  1 - 3  and  6   , an exemplary embodiment of a disposable roof coating applicator  100  is generally shown. The roof coating applicator  100  generally comprises a body  102 , a collar  200 , a nozzle  300 , and a plunger assembly  400  that are subsequently organized together to form the roof coating applicator  100 . The roof applicator&#39;s body  102  includes a distal end  104  and a proximal end  106 , and may be formed by at least one side wall  103  that extends longitudinally about a centralized axis A. The at least one side wall  103  includes an exterior side  110  and an interior side  112 , and forms an interior space  118 . The body  102  includes a stop cap  114  that includes a first opening  115 , a back wall  116 , and a second opening  117  that is smaller than the first opening  115 . The interior diameter D 1  of the first opening  115  of the stop cap  114  is larger than the exterior diameter D 2  of the body  102 , allowing the stop cap  114  to be selectively coupled to the proximal end  106  of the body  102 . As one example, the stop cap  114  may be coupled to the body  102  by lining the interior side wall of the interior diameter D 1  of the stop cap  114  with an adhesive before sliding the first opening  115  of the stop cap  114  over the proximal end  106  of the body until the back wall  116  of the stop cap  114  is adjacent and in contact with the outer edge  113  of the body&#39;s proximal end  106 . Alternative coupling means may also include the stop cap  114  and proximal end  106  of the body  102  having threads that threadably engage. Of course, one will appreciate that alternative attaching means may be utilized without departing from the intended scope of the invention. It is also contemplated that a stud  120  be affixed to the body&#39;s exterior side  110  near its distal end  104  of the body  102 . 
     Attention is now directed to  FIGS.  3  and  5   , which show details of the plunger assembly  400  comprised in the roof coating applicator  100 . The plunger assembly  400  generally includes a handle  402  that is attached to a first shaft  404  that may have a hollow interior  406 . The shaft  404  may also include an aperture  418  on a side of the shaft  404  and on the opposite end of the shaft&#39;s handle  402 . Included in the plunger assembly  400  is a plunger head subassembly  408 . The head subassembly  408  includes a head  410  that may include ribbed protrusions  412 , giving the head a honey-comb appearance, and may be made out of a rubber material. However, alternative head-shaped configurations and material may be utilized. For example, the head  410  may be made out of a specialized plastic that increases the suction force effect provided by the plunger assembly  400 . Another example of a plunger head not presently shown may include the combination of a pair of metal washers in between O-rings and followed by rubber washer at one end. A screw that traverses the O-rings and washers can hold the combination of metal washers, O-rings, and rubber washers together with a nut fastened to its end to compress the washers and O-rings together. This configuration also gives the head a honey-comb appearance. 
     Affixed to the proximal end of the head  410  is a second shaft  414 , which includes aperture  416  located on a side thereof. As is best seen in  FIG.  3   , the second shaft  414  of the subassembly  408  and first shaft  404  may be selectively coupled to each other. This can be done, as an example, by inserting the subassembly&#39;s  408  second shaft  414  inside of the first shaft&#39;s hollow interior  406 . Once shaft  414  and shaft  404  are engaged, the first shaft&#39;s aperture  418 , and the subassembly&#39;s second shaft aperture  416  may be properly aligned. After the apertures  414 ,  416  are aligned a locking pin  420  may be selectively inserted through each aperture  414 ,  416  to lock the subassembly  408  to the shaft  404  and handle  402  so that they do not move axially relative to one another. Alternative embodiments are contemplated to those shown in the drawings. For instance, while the shaft  404  and shaft  414  have been illustrated to be rectangular with rounded edges, alternative shapes can be included, such as round, oval, elliptical, or the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3  and  5   , show details of the nozzle  300  and collar  200  of the roofing coating applicator  100 . The nozzle  300  of the roof coating applicator  100  may generally include a tip  302  that has a material application hole  304 , a material receiving hole  308 , and a collar or flange  306 . It should be readily understood that the nozzle  300  may be provided in different shapes and sizes, or a plurality of nozzles may be provided, in order to satisfy different material application needs. For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  10   , a plurality of nozzles are generally shown that work with the roof coating applicator  100 . As shown, at least one nozzle  300   a  may be shaped to include a proximal receiving hole  308   a , a flange  306   a , and a distal end tip  302   a  having a material application hole  304   a . The material application hole  304   a  of the present nozzle  300   a  being larger than the receiving hole  308   a  of the nozzle  300   a . In another exemplary embodiment, another nozzle  300   b  may be provided and shaped to include a proximal receiving hole  308   b , a flange  306   b , and a distal end tip  302   b  having a material application hole  304   b . This particular nozzle  300   b  may include a distal end tip  302  that extends at an angle (e.g., about 20 to about 25 degrees) from the proximal end of the nozzle  300   b . In yet another embodiment, a separate nozzle  300   c  may be provided and shaped to include a proximal receiving hole  308   c , a flange  306   c , and a distal elongated narrow, flat tip  302   c  having an application hole  304   c . Each tip may include threads that directly engage threads disposed on the collar or body. Moreover, each tip is designed to supply viscous material  118  ( FIG.  8   ) to seams, cracks, or the like. Alternatively, the nozzle may be provided as is shown in the exemplary embodiment ( FIGS.  1 - 4   ), and include an irregular, cone-shaped head. It is also contemplated that the nozzle(s)—as well as the housing, collar, and certain elements of the plunger—be constructed of a high grade plastic that is durable under extreme conditions. This allows a user to use the roof applicator under low temperatures without having to worry about clogging. 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  3   , the roof coating applicator&#39;s collar  200  may generally include a first end  202  and a second end  204 , and at least one side wall extending between the first end  202  and the second end  204  that provides a centralized opening  212  which extends through the collar  200 . The at least one side wall includes an external side  206 , and an internal side  208 , and a flange  201 . The collar  200  may also include a locking mechanism  210  that selectively engages the stud  120 —that was described herein above—to lock the collar  200  and nozzle  300  to body  102 . For instance, the stud  120  and locking mechanism  210  of the present embodiment are configured to engage with one another in a bayonet-type connection. As is shown in the accompanying figures, the locking mechanism  210  disposed about the collar  200  may include an L-shaped cutout groove. However, alternative locking mechanisms may be utilized to lock the nozzle  300  and collar  200  to body  102 . For example, the collar  200  may include a latching mechanism, or internal threads that are threadably attached to the body  102 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  11  and  12   , at least one nozzle  300   a  of the plurality of nozzles that can be used with the roof coating applicator  100  is shown attached to a collar  200 . A control valve housing  500  is also shown, where the control valve includes a first end  502 , a second end  504 , and at least one side wall extending between the first end and the second end providing a centralized opening  512  that extends through the entire collar  500 . The at least one sidewall  505  includes an external side  506 , and an internal side  508 . The control valve housing includes a valve  514 , such as a ball valve, that is designed to control the flow rate of material being applied by the roof coating applicator  100 . In this exemplary embodiment, the control valve  500 , instead of the collar  200 , may include a locking mechanism  510  that engages the stud  120  on the body  102  ( FIG.  3   ) of the roof coating applicator  100  in a bayonet-type connection. To connect the collar  200  to the control valve, the second end  204 , which has a small diameter outer diameter than the inner diameter the valve  500 , is coupled to the second end  504  of the control valve. Subsequently, the first end  502  of the control valve  500  may be coupled to the distal end  104  of the roof coating applicator  100 . One will appreciate that the control valve housing  500  in an alternative exemplary embodiment may include threads that engage a set of threads on the body to attach the control valve housing to the body. As shown in  FIG.  12   , the control valve  514  can be in a closed position, which prevents any material from escaping the interior space of the body of the roofing applicator. By turning the dial of the control valve  514 , to an open or partially open position, one will be able to regulate the amount of material that comes out of the roof coating applicator. 
     Turning quickly now to  FIGS.  13  and  14   , there is shown a number of external devices that can be used in connection with the roof coating applicator  100 . For instance, as shown in  FIG.  13    an attachable handle  600  may be used with the roof coating applicator to provide the user with an option for a secondary handle. The handle  600  may include a clamp like configuration where it includes a set of arms  602  opposite one another, and a central clamp mount  304 . The central clamp mount  304 , which is adjustable, can be disposed anywhere along the length the body  102  of the roof coating applicator and tightened into place using a fastener mechanism  606 . Once the arms  600  are clamped into place, the user can grab the one arm  602  of the handle  600  with one hand, and grab the handle  402  of the plunger assembly with the other hand to operate the roof coating applicator  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  14   , an electronic device  700  is shown engaging the plunger assembly  400  of the roof coating applicator  100 . The electronic device  700  may include a motor  714 , an internal power supply  702 , such as a battery, or be connected to a power supply (not shown), such as an electricity outlet. The electronic device  700  may also include a trigger  704 , a rotational head  708 , and a directional switch  706  that controls the direction of rotation of the rotational head  708 . The rotational head  708  may be attached to a beveled or crown gear  710  that engages a secondary gear  712  on one end that is normal to the crown gear  710 . The secondary gear, on an opposite end, can be configured to engage the shaft  404  of the plunger assembly  400 . In this configuration, the shaft may include  404  gear teeth that engage the secondary gear  712  in a worm gear type configuration to provide translational motion of the shaft  404  and plunger head  410 . Of course, one will appreciate that alternative means may be employed to provide translational motion of the shaft and head of the plunger assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the electronic device  700  may be used to push material out of the body of the roof coating applicator by engaging the directional switch that engages the rotational head of the device  712  to rotate and thereby cause the plunger head to move in the direction of the nozzle of the roof coating applicator, which in turn causes material to spill out of the nozzle of the applicator. Alternatively, by engaging the directional switch  706  on the electronic device to rotate the rotational head in the opposite direction, the user can retract the plunger head  410  away from the nozzle. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1  and  3 - 6   , an illustrative assembly process of the disposable roof coating applicator  100  is described. 
     The assembly process generally comprises the handle  402  being selectively attached to a rear end of the first shaft  404 . Although there are many ways on how to attach the handle  404  to the first shaft  404 , it is preferred that the shaft  404  and handle  402  be permanently adhered to one another. This could be done through the use of a high grade adhesive, or through the use of a plurality of fasteners. Once the first shaft  404  and handle  402  have been attached at one end, the end of the shaft  404  not attached to the handle  402  (i.e., the opposite or front end of the shaft), is inserted through the second opening  117  ( FIG.  1   ) provided on the back wall  116  of the stop cap  114  that is affixed to the body  102 . In the event the stop cap  114  is not already affixed to the body  102 , before inserting shaft  404  through the second opening  117  of the stop cap  114 , the interior side wall of the interior diameter D 1  of the stop cap  114  is lined with an adhesive. Once the adhesive is applied, the first opening  115  of the stop cap  114  is slid over the proximal end  106  of the body  102  until the back wall  116  of the stop cap  114  is adjacent and in contact with the outer edge  113  ( FIG.  6   ) of the body&#39;s proximal end  106 . After the stop cap  114  has been affixed to the proximal end  106  of the body  102 , shaft  404  is inserted through the second opening  117  on the back wall  116  of the stop cap  114 , and may be pushed until the front end of the shaft  404  protrudes out of the unit&#39;s  102  hollow interior  108 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  4 - 6   , the plunger head subassembly  408 , which includes the aforementioned head  410  with ribbed protrusions  412  about its outer periphery and the aforementioned second shaft  414  having a secondary shaft having aperture  416 , can be then coupled to the front end of shaft  404 . The coupling may be done by inserting the second shaft  414  of the plunger head subassembly  408  into the hollow interior  406  of the first shaft  404 . Aperture  418  on the first shaft  404  is then aligned with aperture  416  on the second shaft  414 , and a locking pin  420  is inserted there through to lock the plunger head subassembly  408  and first shaft  404  together to provide a unique, specialized plunger  400 . As can be best seen in  FIG.  6   , the stop cap  114  at the proximal end  106  of the body  102  is used to confine the plunger  400  within the body&#39;s interior space  108  while a rear end of the plunger  400 , including the handle  402 , extends rearwardly and outwardly of the body  102 . However, it should be readily understood that the stop cap  114  does not impede the plunger&#39;s longitudinal translation about the body&#39;s interior space  118 . Instead, the stop cap  114  simply prevents decoupling of plunger  400  from body  102 . 
     Returning to  FIGS.  3 ,  6  and  7   , after the front portion of the plunger  400  is confined to the interior space  108  of the body  102 , the tip  302  of the nozzle  300  is pushed past the second end  204  of the collar  200 , and through the opening  212  until the collar  306  of the nozzle  300  abuts, is stopped, or makes contact with the flange  201  of the collar  200 . When the collar  306  of the nozzle and flange  201  of the collar  200  are in contact, the tip  302  of the nozzle  300  projects a distance beyond the first end  202  of the collar  200 . The locking mechanism  210  on the collar  200  is then aligned with the stud  120  that is affixed to the exterior side  110  of the body  102 . After the stud  120  and opening on the locking mechanism  210  are aligned, the collar  200  may then be slid over the external side  110  of the body  102 , until the collar  306  of the nozzle  300  is parallel, abutting, and in contact with the front edge  111  of the distal end  104  of the body  102 , and the stud  120  has engaged the locking mechanism  210  on the collar. Once engaged, the collar  200  and nozzle  300  are rotated clock-wise to lock the nozzle  300  and collar  200  in place. The assembly of the roof coating applicator  100  is airtight and thus allows for a pressure gradient within the interior space  108  of the body  102  that in turn allows the intake and application of viscous material  118  into the interior space  108 . It should be readily understood that the steps provided to assemble the roof coating applicator  100  may be changed around with the end result being the same. For example, the collar  200  may include threads disposed about the collar&#39;s external side that engage a set of threads on the external side  110  of the body  102 . This is yet another example of how the collar and tip can be attached to the body  102 . Therefore, one of ordinary skill should not limit the assembly process to only the assembly description that has been provided herein above. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  3 ,  7  and  8   , an illustrative process of loading and unloading the disposable roof applicator  100  is now described. 
     The roof coating applicator  100  is designed and otherwise configured to load and unload materials  118  with high viscosity, such as, an elastomeric. For example, during a loading sequence, and after the roof coating applicator  100  has been assembled as described heretofore in one exemplary form, a user may decouple the collar  200  and nozzle  300  from the body  102  by turning the collar  200  counter-clockwise to disengage the locking mechanism  210  from stud  120 . Once the collar  200  has been set to an unlock position, the nozzle  300  and collar  200  may be removed and set aside. The now open distal end  104  of the body  102  may be selectively inserted into a bucket of material B that is to be dispensed. Once the distal end  104  of body  102  is partially submerged in material  118 , a user may pull on the handle  402  in the opposite direction of the open front end of the body  102 , thereby creating a depression or vacuum within the interior space  108  and thus a suction force drawing material  118  into the body&#39;s interior space  108 . In a preferred embodiment the roof coating applicator may be able to intake, store, transport, and dispense anywhere between a ½ gallon to 2 gallons of material at a time. For those skilled in the art, however, this amount should not be construed as limiting, since the shape and size of the roof coating applicator may vary, allow the applicator to store, transport, or apply more or less material. Once the body  102  of the roof coating applicator  100  has been fully loaded with material  118 , or loaded to the desired amount of material  118  needed by the user, the user may then decide to remove any unwanted material  118  from the distal end  104  of the body  102  that was partially submerged in the bucket of material B. After the distal end  104  of the body  102  has been cleaned, the nozzle  300  and collar  200  are coupled to the body  102 , as previously described herein above. Although not shown, the roof coating applicator  100  may alternatively be used with a bucket of material B that includes a specialized lid (not shown), allowing the roof coating applicator to intake material from the bucket without having to partially submerge the distal end  104  of the body  102  into the bucket of material B. In another example, the roof coating applicator  100  may be loaded with a prepackaged material pack knowns as “sausage pack,” instead of loading the roof applicator with material from a bucket of material. When using a sausage pack, the user decouples the collar  200  and nozzle  300  from the body  102 , and inserts the sausage pack into the interior space of the body. The sausage pack is then punctured on the end that faces the nozzle before the nozzle and collar are recoupled to the body. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  6 ,  7  and  9   , once the roof coating applicator  100  has been loaded with enough material  118  as desired by the user, the user can travel either short or long distances with the roof applicator  100  in hand. When the user reaches a seam S on a roof R that requires application of material  118 , shown in  FIG.  9   , the tip  302  of the nozzle  300  is pointed in the direction of the seam S. The user then pushes on the plunger&#39;s  400  handle  402 , which causes the plunger head  410  to push material along the interior space  108  of the body  102 , through the nozzle&#39;s receiving hole  308  and out of the nozzle&#39;s application hole  304 . The nozzle&#39;s  300  configuration allows for the user to apply a necessary amount of material  118  to the seam S or joint being sealed. Although it is not shown in the accompanying figures, the roof coating applicator  100  is designed and otherwise configured to allow if so desired by a user to apply a necessary amount of material to a seam S or joint while in an upright position (i.e., standing position). The roof coating applicator  100  is also designed to be utilized by a user to apply material to a seam S or joint accurately and effectively without wasting material or making a mess. The amount of material  118  being applied to the joint or seam S can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the pressure applied with plunger  400 . In instances where the seam S is too large for the nozzle tip  302  to apply an effective amount of material  118 , the user may selectively decouple the collar  200  and nozzle  300  from the body  102  and directly apply material to the seam through the open end of the distal end  104  of the body  102 . After all of the material has been exhausted, or applied, the user may return to the material of bucket B, and follow the intake steps that have been described herein above (or load a new sausage pack). The user may use the roof coating applicator  100  to load and apply material as many times as needed to cover all seams, joints, or the like before choosing to dispose of the applicator  100 . Alternatively, the user may decide to clean the nozzle  300 , collar  200 , body  102 , and plunger assembly  400  with water and/or any chemical substances that removes traces of the material  118  that was being used. After the roof coating applicator  100  is clean, the user may then store the device and use it on another job. 
     In summary, the disposable roof coating applicator, or roof tube, is a light weight, low-cost tool to manufacture that can be used to dispense various materials of high viscosity, such as, elastomeric roof coating. The roof applicator allows a user to apply material to seams and joints quickly, neatly, and accurately with minimal waste. It also allows the user to apply a necessary amount of material to properly seal a seam, or joint, while the user remains in an upright position (i.e., standing up). The roof coating applicator is designed to reduce the possibility of clogging—which means that the roof coating applicator can be used in lower temperatures that would otherwise cause other elastomeric (or high viscous material) application systems to clog and fail. 
     Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it is understood that any of the features presented in the embodiments may be integrated into any of the other embodiments unless explicitly stated otherwise. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.