Patent Description:
In the industrial sector, in the construction industry, for example of buildings, and also in the dental sector, cartridges are frequently used to store liquid flowable, frequently pasty or viscous to highly viscous substances and to dispense them for the respective application as required. Examples for such substances are joint sealing compounds, compounds for chemical dowels or chemical anchors, adhesives, pastes or impression materials in the dental sector. These cartridges are usually produced from plastic and are manufactured in an injection molding process.

A distinction is made between single-component systems in which the material to be dispensed is only made of one component and two-component or multicomponent systems in which at least two different components are stored in separate chambers of the same cartridge or in separate cartridges, wherein the components are intimately mixed on dispensing by means of a dynamic or static mixing apparatus. Examples for this are two-component adhesives or chemical dowels which only harden after the mixing of the two components. Two-component systems are in particular also used in the industrial sector for paints which are often used to generate functional protective layers such as for corrosion protection.

For reasons of environmental protection, film cartridges are increasingly being used. In contrast to regular cartridges which are completely produced from plastic in an injection molding process, at least parts of film cartridges are designed as a film. Usually the cartridge wall(s) bounding the cartridge chamber(s) is/are made of a film which is connected to a head part made of rigid material, e.g. plastic, comprising the dispensing outlet. This has several advantages. On the one hand, the unfilled film cartridges can be stored and transported in a collapsed state from the cartridge manufacturers to the manufacturers of the filling materials (media) who then take care of the filling of the empty cartridges. Only after being filled the film cartridge is in its expanded state which is comparable in size to a regular non-collapsible cartridge. This means that the necessary space for storage and for transportation can be reduced, since the collapsed cartridges have a reduced size in comparison to regular non-collapsible cartridges.

On the other hand, once the cartridges have been used, i.e. reduced to the collapsed state by dispensing the filling material, the cartridges are significantly reduced in size and weight in comparison to regular cartridges so that the cost of disposal is also reduced. In any case the carbon footprint associated with the film cartridges is reduced in comparison to plastic cartridges that are completely formed in an injection molding process.

<CIT> discloses film cartridges in which the film is attached to the head part of the cartridges. During the manufacture of such a film cartridge with an injection molded head, one has to place a cylindrical film over a core that is part of a mold. The attachment of the film at the head part can be problematic and if not carried out correctly leads to a detachment of the film from the head part.

During the manufacture of a film cartridge with an injection molded head, one has to sealingly attach a film to the rigid head part. For this, a required length or size of the film has to be cut from a larger film piece or film roll. If this cut or trimmed film is attached to the head part, a cutting area of the film where the film was cut could pose a problem: as a result of the cut, individual fiber-like or hair-like film parts of the film could become loose or detached from the main surface of the film in the cutting area of the film. The connection of the head part with a section of the film which includes such a cutting area could thus lead to a leak or faulty attachment in the region of the parts of the film comprising such a cutting area. Further prior art is known from <CIT>.

For this reason it is an object of the invention to enhance the connection between the film and the cartridge so that a cartridge can be produced in a more reliable manner. It is a further object of the invention to reduce the number of rejected cartridges due to detached injection molded heads. It is yet a further object of the present invention to propose a cartridge of the initially named kind and a method of manufacturing such a cartridge by which the total manufacturing costs can be reduced.

This object is satisfied by a cartridge having the features of claim <NUM>.

Such a cartridge for a material to be dispensed comprises a rigid head part having a dispensing outlet and a flexible film forming a cartridge wall, with the film bounding a cartridge chamber for the material to be dispensed, extending at least partially in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge and having a front end that is connected to the head part, wherein the head part has an outer circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface comprising formations, wherein an inner surface the front end of the film is sealingly and non-releasably connected to the outer circumferential surface of the head part and to the formations present at the outer circumferential surface of the head part.

Sealingly and non-releasably connected in the present invention means that there will be no leakage of the cartridge contents during storage or use and that the cartridge will not detach from the head piece during normal storage and use conditions.

The present inventors have found that better sealing and non-releasable connections may generally be obtained between materials having similar or compatible compositional properties, such as polyolefins with polyolefins, particularly PE with PE or PP with PP, or polyamides with polyamides, such as Nylon <NUM> or Nylon <NUM> with themselves or with each other, and/or through the use of surface roughening, surface modification treatments such as corona discharge to increase the surface energy and/or to introduce polar groups, primers and/or adhesives into the respective composition.

In addition to application testing, other test methods include measurements of sealing via qualitative means such as pressing air-filled cartridges under water and inspecting for bubbles or more quantitative methods such as leak gas detectors, vacuum burst or creep tests and seal strength measurements, and measurements of bond strength include measurements of tensile, peel or stripping strength.

Furthermore, it is desirable that the connection does not release during storage and especially use and, for example, is capable of withstanding pressures of at least <NUM> Bar and preferably of up to <NUM> bar, i.e. the pressures that may arise on dispensing material from the cartridge chamber.

By injection molding the head part to an inner surface of the film, the mechanical properties of the bond can be improved. It has, for example, been found that on use with a multi-layer film, the innermost layer of the film should be the thickest layer of the film for reasons of stability and hence in the region where the bond is formed between the innermost surface and the head part, the most material is present leading to an improved bond in comparison to films that attach to an inner surface of a head part.

Such formations typically form additional fixation means and, in particular comprise protrusions, ribs, pins, hooks, webs, notches, recesses and/or grooves, and are provided at the outer circumferential surface of the head part in order to enhance the bond between the film and the head part.

The provision of such formations also enables the film forming the cartridge wall to be actively deformed at the respective formation to collect any slack present in the film to ensure that those parts of the inner surface of the film that should be attached to the outer circumferential surface of the head part are attached to the head part. By attaching the inner surface in this way no air pockets arise between the film and the head part. Such air pockets lead to faulty connections and hence to the rejected cartridges.

Moreover, through the use of such formations variances in a diameter of the film can be compensated by the film's property to elongate to a certain degree under strain.

The dimensions of the formations should namely be chosen such that all the slack can be collected even at the largest possible film diameter and such that the strain on films having the smallest possible diameter does not lead to a damage of the film.

It should be noted that the above cartridge can be filled both using front filling and back filling techniques.

It should further be noted that due to the injection molding of the head part such that the film is connected at the outer circumferential surface in contrast to the inner circumferential surface also avoids problems of connecting a film which arise as a result of cutting the film, such as individual fiber-like or hair-like film parts of the film, as these are no longer present in the direct vicinity of a material stored within the cartridge, but at an outer surface of the head part and so do not come into direct contact with the material.

It should be noted in this connection that <CIT> does not disclose the use of such formations nor the problems leading to the requirement of use of such formations.

In this connection it should further be noted that a flexible film bag is a film bag that can be folded together in the empty state, e.g. in the manner of a concertina, and that after filling and a possible dispensing of the components present therein can be unfolded and refolded without the film bag being damaged or becoming limited in its function.

Further benefits and advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, from the description and from the accompanying drawings.

The formations may comprise grooves formed in the outer circumferential surface of the head part. Grooves can be formed in a comparatively simple manner through the use of inserts and enable the film forming the cartridge wall to be stretched during the manufacturing process so that as little as possible slack is present in the film in order to attach the film to the head part.

The grooves may extend in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge. Such grooves have found to be beneficial for the attachment of the film to the head part.

The grooves may have a triangular-like shape in a cross-section thereof, i.e. in a side view of the cartridge, in particular with a base of the triangle forming the groove being spaced apart furthest from the dispensing outlet and optionally forming a bottom end of the head part. By forming the grooves in a triangular manner both stresses and strains can be introduced into the film ensuring an improved attachment of the film at the head part. Film bags attached at these grooves appear to have diamond shaped grooves in the outer surface of the film due to the possible interaction between the mold in which the head part is formed and the materials used.

The formations may comprise a ring recess that is formed in the outer circumferential surface and that circumferentially extends around the outer circumferential surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge. Like the grooves the recess can ensure that stresses and strains are introduced into the film to ensure an improved attachment of the film at the head part. By arranging the recess perpendicular to the grooves the stresses and strains introduced into the film act in a direction perpendicular to the grooves, so that the film is stressed and strained in two dimensions further enhancing the connection between the film and the head part.

The ring recess may extend through the grooves, especially wherein the ring recess extends through the base of the grooves, with the recess respectively the base forming the bottom end of the head part and a middle part of the grooves present in the film forming the cartridge wall. By arranging the recess about a geometric center of the grooves the film can be stressed and strained in an ideal manner in two dimensions. It should be noted in this connection that the middle part of the grooves comprises the geometric center and at most <NUM>% of a length of the diamond-shaped groove in a direction in parallel to the longitudinal direction centered about the geometric center.

The ring recess may have an L-shaped cross-section in the longitudinal direction, with a short limb of the L in particular being arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge and/or the long limb of the L being arranged inclined to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge and optionally also to the short limb of the L. Such a ring recess is found to be beneficial for a correct attachment and alignment of the film at the head part. In this connection it should be noted that the short limb of the L may coincide with the base respectively the bottom end of the head part.

The formations may comprise one or more wave-like structures formed in the outer circumferential surface, optionally wherein the wave-like structures may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge. Such wave like structures can be used to introduce stresses and strains into the film in two-dimensions which is found to be beneficial for a correct attachment and alignment of the film at the head part.

The wave-like structures may comprise between <NUM> and <NUM> valleys and/or between <NUM> and <NUM> peaks. This number of peaks and valleys is found to be beneficial for the attachment of the film to the head part. Including fewer or more peaks and valleys can hinder the process of attaching the film to the head part.

Some of the valleys may have a greater depth than other ones of the valleys of the wave-like structure. Additionally or alternatively, some of the peaks may have a greater height than other ones of the peaks of the wave-like structure. In this way variations in the stresses and strains introduced into the film can be varied to ensure that as little as possible slack remains in the film while not stressing film bags of smaller diameter.

One wave-like structure may be formed between directly adjacent grooves. This arrangement has been found to be beneficial during the attachment of the film to the head part.

The formations may comprise one or more ribs projecting from the outer circumferential surface, with each rib, preferably extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge and in particular being arranged between directly adjacent grooves. The ribs can introduce point like stresses and strains into the film as desired.

The cartridge wall may be received in a support sleeve, with the outer circumferential surface having the formations being arranged within the sleeve and the one or more ribs forming a press-fit and/or interference fit type of connection with an inner surface of the sleeve. Thus, the ribs can fulfill two functions, namely the correct attachment of the film at the head part and also the correct attachment of the cartridge in a sleeve which is required for a correct placement of the cartridge in a dispenser.

The head part may comprise a collar, with the collar surrounding the dispensing outlet in a radially outer region of the head part, extending in the longitudinal direction and defining at least regionally the outer circumferential surface of the head part to which the film is connected, optionally wherein the collar is received in the sleeve. Such a collar improves the amount of surface area available at the head part for connecting the film to the head part.

The collar may be formed radially inwardly of an outermost part of the head part, with a ledge being formed between the outermost part of the head part and the outer circumferential surface of the head part present at the collar. This design has found to be practical in use of the cartridge with a sleeve.

The inner surface of the film may be attached to the outer circumferential surface of the head part, wherein a front end of the film may extend beyond the outer circumferential surface of the head part, optionally such that it is connected to the ledge and possibly also to the outermost part of the head part. In this way the attachment of the film at the head part can be further improved.

The cartridge chamber may be filled with a material, for example, with a material selected from the group of members consisting of topical medications, medical fluids, wound care fluids, cosmetic and/or skin care preparations, dental fluids, veterinary fluids, adhesive fluids, disinfectant fluids, protective fluids, paints and combinations of the foregoing.

Such fluids and hence the cartridge can therefore be expediently used in the treatment of target areas such as the nose (e.g. anti-histaminic creams etc.), ears, teeth (e.g. molds for implants or buccal applications (e.g. aphtas, gum treatment, mouth sores etc.), eyes (e.g. the precise deposition of drugs on eyelids (e.g. chalazion, infection, anti-inflammatory, antibiotics etc.), lips (e.g. herpes), mouth, skin (e.g. anti-fungal, dark spot, acne, warts, psoriasis, skin cancer treatment, tattoo removal drugs, wound healing, scar treatment, stain removal, anti-itch applications etc.), other dermatological applications (e.g. skin nails (for example anti-fungal applications, or strengthening formulas etc.) or cytological applications.

Alternatively the fluids and hence the cartridge can also be used in an industrial sector both for the production of products as well as for the repair and maintenance of existing products, e.g. in the building industry, the automotive industry, the aerospace industry, in the energy sector, e.g. for windturbines, etc. The dispensing assembly can, for example, be used for the dispensing of construction material, sealants, bonding material, adhesives, paints, coatings and/or protective coatings.

In this connection it should be noted that the cartridge may be a one-component cartridge comprising one cartridge chamber. Alternatively the cartridge may be a two-component cartridge comprising two cartridge chambers, with a respective chamber being provided e.g. for a hardener and the other one for a corresponding binder material. In this way the design presented herein can be used for a plethora of types of cartridges and applications.

Optionally each cartridge chamber of a two-component cartridge may be bounded by an own head part comprising a chamber outlet for the respective cartridge chamber, in particular with the head parts either being integrally formed or separately formed, with the separately formed head parts preferably being connectable to one another and/or connected to one another, e.g. via the chamber outlets; and/or with the chamber outlets together forming the dispensing outlet. This further illustrates the applicability of the current design for use with film cartridges.

The dispensing outlet may project from the rigid head part in a direction opposed to the direction of extent of the flexible film forming the at least one cartridge wall. In this way e.g. a mixing tip can be attached to the dispensing outlet in a facile manner.

The film may be a multi-layer film comprising at least two, three, four, five or more layers. Such films enable a longer storage life of the components stored in the cartridge in comparison to films made of only one material.

In this connection it should be noted that if the film bag comprises a fin seal rather than an overlap seal, the number of components of a multi-component film can be reduced, since the outer layer does not have to have a material common to the inner layer. The same is true for an extruded film bag.

Bulges may be present in an internal end face of the head part comprising the dispensing outlet. These bulges form channels through which a material of the head part may flow during the injection molding process and aid in the attachment of the film forming the cartridge wall.

In this connection the head part may have a Shore D hardness selected in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. Preferably the Shore D hardness of the head part lies in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The head part may comprise polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylenterephthalate or polybutylenterephthalate. The head part may for example comprise polyamide in the form of PA-<NUM> (perlon) or PA-<NUM> (nylon). Polyamide has the advantage that it has a good mechanical stability and is thus suitable for the head part.

Polyethylenterephthalats (PET) may also be used for the head part. PET can namely be processed in a facile manner and has a good chemical resistance.

In accordance with an embodiment the head part is made of a high density PE (HDPE). High density polyethylene (HDPE) has a density in the range of <NUM>/m<NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM> auf.

One can also consider forming the head part and/or the film bag of a material that has been recycled, for example recycled by <NUM>%, such as HDPE, green PE (e.g. made of sugar cane) and PP.

Alternatively, the material of the head part and/or of the film bag may comprise a compound which is formed by a mixture of green PE with normal PE, a mixture of green PE and recycled PE, or a mixture of normal PE with green PE and recycled PE. Also compounds comprising recycled PP, partially recycled PP and/or normal PP can be used in injection molding processes of the head part and/or as the material of the cartridge wall. The use of such recycled materials leads to a more environmentally friendly cartridge.

The head part and/or the film bag may additionally be reinforced with further material such as through the use of fibers, such as natural fibers, wood fibers, cellulose fibers, hemp fibers, cork fibers, fibers from sun flower seeds, grass fibers, bamboo fibers, flax or carbon fibers.

By way of example, PP, TPE, TPS can each be injection molded together with cork fibers. PE, PP, PLA, PBS, and/or PBAT can be used in injection molding processes together with wood or natural fibers. PA, PE and/or PP can be injection molded together with a wide range of natural fibers. PP and/or PE can be injection molded together with fibers from sun flower seeds. PE, PP, and/or PLA can be injection molded together with fibers grass fibers, flax. It is also possible to injection mold thermoplastic materials not only with one kind of fiber but a mixture of types of fibers.

The cartridge may be a single component cartridge having only one cartridge chamber bound by the flexible film forming the cartridge wall. Such a cartridge can expediently store single component mastic materials, sealants and the like.

A second film may be attached to the head part to cover an internal end face of the head part, optionally with the second film bridging an outlet passage leading from the cartridge chamber to an end of the dispensing outlet. Such a second film can prevent diffusion of components present in the material stored in the cartridge via the end face.

Such cartridges can be filled both using front filling techniques and back filling techniques, with the cartridge having a second film that also extends so as to cover the passage of the dispensing outlet generally only being able to be used in backfilling applications.

In this connection it has been noted that at least one of the head part, the second film and the cartridge wall, such as the first film or a solid cartridge wall, may also be a 3D printed component.

In this connection it should further be noted that 3D printing refers to a process in which material is joined or solidified under computer control to create a three-dimensional object, with material being complied to form the desired object. In some embodiments, a computer can refer to a smart phone, a tablet, a printer motherboard, a processor/computer in the printer, or any other device with a processor or an electronic controller. The material for the at least one of the head part, the second film and the cartridge wall can be any material, such as liquid molecules or powder grains that are capable of being fused together to form the respective component having the desired properties. In some embodiments, the at least one of the head part, the second film and the cartridge wall can be printed from one or more materials such as PA12, polypropylene, and/or glass filled polyamide. However, the material can be any suitable material or materials.

The film forming the film bag may be a multilayer film having at least two layers formed from different materials. In the preferred choice the film is a five-layer film comprising a sandwich structure in which the outer layer is formed of PE (<NUM> to <NUM> thickness) which is connected to a layer of PA (<NUM> to <NUM>) via a tie layer (<NUM> to <NUM>). The PA layer in turn is connected via a further tie layer (<NUM> to <NUM>) to an aluminum or aluminum alloy layer (<NUM> to <NUM>). The aluminum or aluminum alloy layer is in turn connected to a further PA layer (<NUM> to <NUM>) via a further tie layer (<NUM> to <NUM>) which is then connected to an inner layer corresponding to the inner surface <NUM>, via a via a further tie layer (<NUM> to <NUM>) with the inner layer having a thickness selected in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The film forming the film bag may be a three-layer film comprising a sandwich structure in which the first layer is formed of polyethylene (PE) (<NUM> to <NUM> thickness), which is connected to a second layer of aluminum (Al) or of an aluminum alloy (Al alloy) (<NUM> to <NUM> thickness) via a tie layer (<NUM> to <NUM> thickness). The Al or AL alloy layer is in turn connected to a third PET layer (<NUM> to <NUM> thickness) via a further tie layer (<NUM> to <NUM> thickness).

The film forming the film bag may be a four-layer film comprising a sandwich structure in which the first layer is formed of PE (<NUM> to <NUM> thickness), which is connected to a second layer of aluminum (Al) or of an aluminum alloy (Al alloy) (<NUM> to <NUM> thickness) via a tie layer (<NUM> to <NUM> thickness). The Al or AL alloy layer is in turn connected to a third layer of PA (<NUM> to <NUM> thickness) via a tie layer (<NUM> to <NUM> thickness). The third layer of PA is in turn connected to a fourth layer of PE (<NUM> to <NUM> thickness) via a further tie layer (<NUM> to <NUM> thickness).

It should be noted that the respective tie layers are not considered to be individual layers of a multi-layered film, they are merely present to ensure a bond is formed between the individual layers.

The materials of the film can differ from the above mentioned materials as can their respective thicknesses. It should be noted in this connection that the films typically have a thickness selected in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, in particular of <NUM> to <NUM>, in particular of <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to a further aspect the present invention relates to a cartridge for a material to be dispensed comprising a rigid head part having a dispensing outlet and a flexible film forming a cartridge wall, with the film bounding a cartridge chamber for the material to be dispensed, extending at least partially in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge and having a front end that is connected to the head part, wherein the head part has an outer circumferential surface, wherein an inner surface of the front end of the film is sealingly and non-releasably connected to the outer circumferential surface of the head part, wherein bulges are present in an internal end face of the head part comprising the dispensing outlet.

According to a further aspect the present invention relates to a dispensing assembly having a cartridge comprising one or more cartridge chambers, the one or more cartridge chambers being filled with a respective material and having the sleeve into which the respective cartridge chamber is inserted, the dispensing assembly optionally further comprising a dispenser and/or a mixing tip. Using such a dispensing assembly one can dispense the desired materials in a facile manner.

According to a further aspect the present invention relates to a method of assembling a dispensing assembly having a cartridge comprising one or more cartridge chambers, a sleeve and optionally a dispenser, the method comprising the steps of:.

The advantages associated with the cartridge can beneficially be exploited in such a method.

According to a further aspect the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of:.

In this way a cartridge having the advantages discussed in the foregoing can be produced in a facile, cost-effective and reproducible manner.

Further embodiments of the invention are described in the following description of the Figures. The invention will be explained in the following in detail by means of embodiments and with reference to the drawing in which is shown:.

In the following, the same reference numerals will be used for parts having the same or equivalent function. Any statements made having regard to the direction of a component are made relative to the position shown in the drawing and can naturally vary in the actual position of application.

<FIG> shows a two-component cartridge <NUM> configured to store and dispense two materials M, M' from respective cartridge chambers <NUM>, <NUM>'. The two-component cartridge <NUM> comprises a rigid head part <NUM> having a dispensing outlet <NUM> and a flexible film <NUM>, <NUM>' forming a respective cartridge wall <NUM>, <NUM>' for each cartridge chamber <NUM>, <NUM>'. The film <NUM>, <NUM>' bounds the cartridge chamber <NUM>, <NUM>' and extends at least partially in a longitudinal direction A of the cartridge <NUM>. The film <NUM>, <NUM>' having a front end <NUM>, <NUM>' that is connected to the head part <NUM>.

The head part <NUM> has an outer circumferential surface <NUM> (see e.g. <FIG>). The outer circumferential surface comprises formations <NUM>. The front end <NUM>, <NUM>' of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' is sealingly and non-releasably connected to the outer circumferential surface <NUM> of the head part and to the formations <NUM> present at the outer circumferential surface <NUM> of the head part <NUM>.

The formations <NUM> comprise grooves <NUM> formed in the outer circumferential surface <NUM> of the head part <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> extend in parallel to the longitudinal direction A of the cartridge <NUM>. In a side view of the cartridge <NUM>, see e.g. <FIG>, or in the perspective view of <FIG>, the grooves <NUM> have a triangular-like shape (see <FIG>) in a cross-section thereof. During the process of attaching the film <NUM>, <NUM>' to the grooves <NUM> this results in diamond-shaped grooves <NUM>' being visible in an outer surface <NUM> of the film <NUM>, <NUM>'. Depending on the shape of the grooves <NUM>' also other shapes can be visible in the outer surface <NUM> of the film18, <NUM>'.

A base <NUM>" of a triangle forming the groove <NUM> forms a bottom end <NUM> of the head part <NUM> (see <FIG>).

A further type of formation <NUM> formed at the cartridge <NUM> is a ring recess <NUM> that is formed in the outer circumferential surface <NUM> and that circumferentially extends around the outer circumferential surface <NUM> perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A of the cartridge <NUM>.

A further type of formation <NUM> formed at the cartridge <NUM> is a wave-like structure <NUM> formed in the outer circumferential surface <NUM>. The respective wave-like structure <NUM> extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A of the cartridge <NUM>.

A further type of formation <NUM> formed at the cartridge <NUM> is a rib <NUM> projecting from the outer circumferential surface <NUM>. In the examples shown the ribs <NUM>, each extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A of the cartridge <NUM> and are arranged between directly adjacent grooves <NUM>. Other arrangements of the ribs <NUM>, for example grooves <NUM> arranged in parallel to the longitudinal direction A or more than one per pair of ribs <NUM> arranged between adjacent grooves <NUM> are possible.

It should be noted that the ribs <NUM> project further from the outer circumferential surface <NUM> than the respective wave-like structure <NUM>.

It should further be noted that the respective groove <NUM> projects further into the outer circumferential surface <NUM> than most of the recess <NUM>, and that the grooves <NUM> and the recess <NUM> optionally project further into the outer circumferential surface <NUM> than the ribs <NUM> or wave-like structures <NUM> project from the outer circumferential surface <NUM>.

Reinforcement ribs <NUM> are provided at the side of the head part <NUM> remote from the cartridge wall <NUM>, <NUM>'. The reinforcement ribs <NUM> serve the purpose of reinforcing the head part <NUM> so that this can easily withstand the pressures applied thereon during a dispensing process.

The dispensing outlet <NUM> is a common outlet which combines a respective chamber outlet <NUM>. Two outlet passages <NUM>, <NUM>' lead from the respective cartridge chamber <NUM>, <NUM>' to an end <NUM> of the dispensing outlet <NUM>.

The dispensing outlet <NUM> is, on the one hand, configured to be sealed off by a cap cooperating with a plunger (not shown) in a storage state of the cartridge <NUM>. The dispensing outlet <NUM> is further configured to cooperate with a mixing tip (not shown) that is typically used to dispense the materials M, M' stored in the cartridge <NUM> in a dispensing state of the cartridge <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a side view of the cartridge of <FIG>. The dispensing outlet <NUM> projects from a pedestal <NUM> that is arranged on the head part <NUM> and which forms a connection between the two cartridge chambers <NUM>, <NUM>' of the cartridge <NUM> of <FIG>. The pedestal <NUM> serves the purpose of reinforcing the head part <NUM> in the region of the dispensing outlet <NUM> so that the dispensing outlet <NUM> and the head part <NUM> can easily withstand the pressures applied thereon during a dispensing process.

shown herein respectively show a two-component side by side cartridge <NUM>. It should be noted that the head part <NUM> and the features and methods of attachment of the head part <NUM> to the respective film <NUM>, <NUM>' can naturally be employed at a one-component cartridge (not shown) comprising only one cartridge chamber <NUM>, or at a coaxial cartridge comprising two cartridge chambers <NUM>, <NUM>' that are coaxially arranged with respect to one another about the longitudinal direction A.

The cartridge <NUM> shown in the foregoing has a common head part <NUM> for both chambers <NUM>, <NUM>'. However, it is naturally also possible to form each cartridge chamber <NUM>, <NUM>' of a two-component cartridge <NUM> with separate head parts that are then connected to another e.g. in a permanent or releasable manner (both not shown), for example in the region of the outlet chambers <NUM>, <NUM>', with the combined chamber outlets <NUM>, <NUM>' then forming the dispensing outlet <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an enlarged sectional view of section A of the cartridge <NUM> of <FIG>. The head part <NUM> comprises a collar <NUM>. The collar <NUM> surrounds the dispensing outlet <NUM> in a radially outer region of the head part <NUM> and extends in the longitudinal direction A and defines the outer circumferential surface <NUM> of the head part <NUM> to which the film <NUM>, <NUM>' is connected.

The collar <NUM> is formed radially inwardly of an outermost part <NUM> of the head part <NUM>. A ledge <NUM> is formed between the outermost part <NUM> of the head part <NUM> and the outer circumferential surface <NUM> of the head part <NUM> present at the collar <NUM>.

It should be noted in this connection that a length of the collar <NUM> in the longitudinal direction A is typically selected in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

It should further be noted that a length of the ledge <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A is typically selected in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

An inner surface <NUM> of the film <NUM> is attached to the outer circumferential surface <NUM> of the head part <NUM>, to the ledge <NUM> and also to the outermost part <NUM> of the head part <NUM>.

In this connection it should be noted that the film <NUM>, <NUM>' may be connected to the outer circumferential surface <NUM> of the head part <NUM> by one of injection molding, by glueing, by welding, in particular ultrasonic welding, by shrinking, by clamping and by mounting.

<FIG> further shows that the ring recess <NUM> has an L-shaped cross-section in the longitudinal direction A. A short limb <NUM>' of the L is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A of the cartridge <NUM> and the long limb <NUM>" of the L is arranged inclined to the longitudinal direction A of the cartridge <NUM> and also to the short limb <NUM>' of the L.

It should be noted in this connection that a length of the short limb <NUM>' perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A is typically selected in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. It should further be noted that the short limb <NUM>' may form the bottom end <NUM> (see <FIG>).

It should further be noted that a length of the long limb <NUM>" is typically selected in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

It should further be noted that a height of the rib <NUM> projecting from the outermost surface <NUM> is typically selected in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. A length of the rib <NUM> perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A is typically selected in the range <NUM> to <NUM>, in particular <NUM> to <NUM>.

The respective wave-like structure <NUM> may comprise between <NUM> and <NUM> valleys <NUM>" and between <NUM> and <NUM> peaks <NUM>', with a respective peak having a height typically selected in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. The respective valley <NUM>" is either formed in a plane coinciding with the outer circumferential surface <NUM> or has a depth of up to <NUM>, preferably of up to <NUM>.

It should be noted in this connection that some of the valleys <NUM>' may have a greater depth than other ones of the valleys <NUM>" of the wave-like structure <NUM>. It should further be noted that some of the peaks <NUM>' may have a greater height than other ones of the peaks <NUM>' of the wave-like structure <NUM>. The wave-like structure <NUM> is generally formed between directly adjacent grooves <NUM>.

The ring recess <NUM> intersects the grooves <NUM>' present in the film <NUM>, <NUM>', but has a lesser depth than that of the grooves <NUM>. ' In this connection it should be noted that the grooves <NUM> may extend over a height of the collar <NUM>, with the diamond-like grooves <NUM>' extending further beyond the bottom end <NUM>. The ring recess <NUM> is arranged to extend through a middle part of the grooves <NUM>.

The grooves <NUM> typically have a length selected in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>; and/or has a depth a depth from the outer circumferential surface <NUM> typically selected in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

The diamond-like grooves <NUM>' typically have a length selected in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>;.

<FIG> shows an enlarged sectional view of section B of the cartridge <NUM> of <FIG>. The film <NUM>, <NUM>' also at this side of the cartridge chamber <NUM>, <NUM>' extends beyond an internal end face <NUM> of the head part <NUM> comprising the respective chamber outlet <NUM>, <NUM>'. It should be noted in this connection that a respective second film <NUM>, <NUM>' is attached to the head part <NUM> to cover the end face <NUM>. The second film <NUM>, <NUM>' is arranged to at least partially, in particular almost completely or completely cover the end face <NUM>.

The second film <NUM>, <NUM>' is arranged to prevent a diffusion of the material M, M' stored in the cartridge chamber <NUM>, <NUM>' through the end face <NUM> of the head part <NUM>.

The properties of the second film <NUM>, <NUM>' can be selected identical to the properties of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' forming the cartridge wall <NUM>, <NUM>', the film <NUM>, <NUM>' may be selected from a material which bonds to the material of a rear surface <NUM>' forming the end face <NUM> of the head <NUM> part, preferably the material of the second film <NUM>, <NUM>' and the material of the rear surface <NUM>' of the head part <NUM> are identical.

<FIG> shows a schematic sectional view of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' taken perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A. The cartridge wall <NUM>, <NUM>' comprises a connection seam <NUM> extending in the longitudinal direction A over a length of the cartridge wall <NUM>, <NUM>'. The connection seam <NUM> comprising overlapping regions of the film. <FIG> shows a first type of seam <NUM>. The connection seam <NUM> comprises a part of the inner surface <NUM> of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' adjacent to a first longitudinal edge of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' which is connected, in particular bonded, to a part of the outer surface <NUM> of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' adjacent to an opposite second longitudinal edge of the film <NUM>, <NUM>'. Such a seam <NUM> is commonly known as an overlap seam <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic sectional view of a further type of film <NUM>, <NUM>' taken perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A similar to the drawing shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a second type of seam <NUM>'. The connection seam <NUM>' comprises a part of the inner surface <NUM> of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' adjacent to a first longitudinal edge of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' which is connected, in particular bonded, to a part of the inner surface <NUM> of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' adjacent to an opposite second longitudinal edge of the film <NUM>, <NUM>'. Such a seam <NUM>' is commonly known as a fin seal <NUM>'.

In this connection it should be noted that a closure seam (not shown) may be provided at a rear end of the film <NUM>, <NUM>'. The closure seam then runs traverse to the longitudinal direction A and connects two regions of the inner surface <NUM> of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' to close the rear end of the cartridge chamber <NUM>, <NUM>' in a seal tight manner.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a dispensing assembly <NUM>. The dispensing assembly <NUM> comprising the two-component cartridge <NUM>, with the one or more cartridges <NUM> being filled with a respective material M, M' and a respective <NUM> sleeve into which the respective cartridge chamber <NUM>, <NUM>' is inserted. The cartridge walls <NUM>, <NUM>' are received in the support sleeves <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an enlarged sectional view of section C of the dispensing assembly <NUM>. The collar <NUM> is received in the sleeve <NUM> as is the outer circumferential surface <NUM> having the formations <NUM> arranged within the sleeve <NUM> and the one or more ribs <NUM> forming a press-fit and/or interference fit type of connection with an inner surface <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the sleeve <NUM>.

On assembling the dispensing assembly <NUM>, the cartridge <NUM>, respectively the cartridge chambers <NUM>, <NUM>' are inserted into the respective sleeve <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> is fixed to the respective sleeve <NUM> by means of at least one of a press fit and an interference fit between some of the formations <NUM> present at the respective cartridge <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the respective sleeve <NUM>.

In this connection it should be noted that the sleeve may be made from plastic, e.g. PE or PA or from a metal, e.g. aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for example in an extrusion process or an injection molding process.

<FIG> shows a side view of a further cartridge <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> of <FIG> is also a two-component cartridge <NUM>. The difference between the cartridge <NUM> of <FIG> and the one shown e.g. in <FIG> lies in the attachment of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' to the head part <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an enlarged sectional view of section D of the cartridge <NUM> of <FIG>. The inner surface of the film <NUM> is attached to the outer circumferential surface <NUM> of the head part <NUM>. The front end <NUM> of the film <NUM> extends beyond the outer circumferential surface <NUM> of the head part <NUM> and such that it projects partly along the ledge <NUM>. The front end <NUM> of the film <NUM> does not project over the complete length of the ledge <NUM> or over the outermost part <NUM> of the head part <NUM> as is the case for the cartridge <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an enlarged sectional view of section E of <FIG> which is similar to the drawing shown in <FIG>. Like in <FIG> the front end <NUM>, <NUM>' of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' does not project over the complete length of the ledge <NUM> or over the outermost part <NUM> of the head part <NUM> as is the case for the cartridge <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view from below of the head part <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> are seen which taper from a bottom end <NUM> of the head part towards the ledge <NUM> in the manner of a triangle. On injection molding the head part <NUM> to the film <NUM>, <NUM>' this structure aids in the formation of the diamond shaped grooves <NUM>' that are visible e.g. in <FIG> in the outer surface <NUM> of the film <NUM>, <NUM>'.

<FIG> further shows the presence of a plurality of bulges <NUM> that are present in the internal end face <NUM> of the head part <NUM> comprising the chamber outlets <NUM>, <NUM>'. The respective bulges <NUM> connect with two of the grooves <NUM>. The bulges <NUM> are formed by passages present in the core (not shown) of the injection mold and are the passages via which the material of the head part <NUM> is injected into the injection mold. Through the provision of such passages and the presence of the bulges <NUM>, the attachment of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' to the head part can be improved as the flow of material in the mold can be positively influenced thereby.

In this connection it should be noted that it is preferred if there is one bulge <NUM> per pair of grooves <NUM>. It is further preferred if the plurality of grooves intersect at one point of intersection <NUM>, with the point of intersection <NUM> forming the inlet position of the flow of material into the injection mold.

<FIG> shows a schematic sectional view through the film <NUM>, <NUM>' of a further type of cartridge <NUM>. The film <NUM>, <NUM>' is a blown extruded film <NUM>, <NUM>' that does not comprise a longitudinal seam in contrast to the examples shown in <FIG>.

On forming the cartridges <NUM> discussed in the foregoing a film <NUM>, <NUM>' is placed on a core of a mold (not shown). Not shown inserts are then introduced into the mold. The inserts comprises structures which correspond to a shape of the formations <NUM> directly adjacent to the film <NUM>, <NUM>'. Once the mold is closed the head part <NUM> is injection molding in a head space of the mold to form the head part <NUM> with its outer circumferential surface <NUM> having the formations <NUM> to sealingly and non-releasably bond the front end <NUM>, <NUM>' of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' to at least the the outer circumferential surface <NUM> of the head part <NUM>.

In this connection it should be noted that the films <NUM>, <NUM>' discussed in the foregoing may comprise the inner surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM>. It is the inner surface <NUM> that is connected to the outer circumferential surface <NUM> of the head part <NUM>. The connection preferably being formed by a bond produced in an injection molding process to form an integral connection structure.

The film <NUM>, <NUM>' is preferably a multilayer film having at least two layers formed from different materials. In the preferred choice the film is a five layer film comprising a sandwich structure in which the outer layer is formed of PE (<NUM> to <NUM> thickness) which is connected to a layer of PA (<NUM> to <NUM>) via a tie layer (<NUM> to <NUM>). The PA layer in turn is connected via a further tie layer (<NUM> to <NUM>) to an aluminum or aluminum alloy layer (<NUM> to <NUM>). The aluminum or aluminum alloy layer is in turn connected to a further PA layer (<NUM> to <NUM>) via a further tie layer (<NUM> to <NUM>) which is then connected to an inner layer corresponding to the inner surface <NUM>, via a via a further tie layer (<NUM> to <NUM>) with the inner layer having a thickness selected in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The materials of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' can differ and from the above mentioned materials as can their respective thicknesses. It should be noted in this connection that the films <NUM>, <NUM>' typically have a thickness selected in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, in particular of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The head part <NUM> typically comprises plastic and in particular consists of plastic. with at least the part of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' that is connected to the head part <NUM> also comprising plastic and in particular consisting of plastic.

Generally speaking the plastic of the head part <NUM> and the plastic of the part of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' being connected to the head part <NUM> are selected from plastics which bond and are preferably the same so that the strongest possible bond is formed there between. The head part <NUM> is beneficially produced by injection molding as this permits a facile, reproducible, fast and cost-effective manufacture of the cartridges.

It should further be noted that the cartridge wall <NUM>, <NUM>' may be formed from a blown extruded film sleeve.

It should also be noted that the material of the inner layer <NUM> and the material of the outer layer <NUM> may be identical or that the material of the inner layer <NUM> and the material of the outer layer <NUM> may be different from one another.

It should also be noted that the thickness of the inner layer <NUM> and the thickness of the outer layer <NUM> may be identical or that the thickness of the inner layer <NUM> is greater than the thickness of the outer layer <NUM>.

It should be noted in this connection that the front end <NUM>, <NUM>' of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' may be clamped between the outer circumferential surface <NUM> of the head part <NUM> and an inner surface of a clamping member (not shown), in particular a clamping ring, surrounding the outer circumferential surface <NUM> of the head part <NUM>. Such a clamping ring is used to support the attachment of the film <NUM>, <NUM>' at the head part <NUM>.

<FIG> show schematic sectional views of various types of head parts <NUM> of single component cartridges <NUM>, with respective second films <NUM> being attached to the head part <NUM>. The connection of the first film <NUM> at the collar <NUM> can take place in the same manner as described in the foregoing.

<FIG> shows a first type of single component cartridge <NUM>, the dispensing outlet <NUM> of which has an outer thread <NUM> extending over a cylindrically shaped portion of the dispensing outlet <NUM> that extends from the head part <NUM> to the front end <NUM> of the dispensing outlet <NUM>. Mixing tips, outlets and caps can be connected to the single component cartridge <NUM> via the outer thread <NUM>.

The front end <NUM> comprises a sealed front end <NUM>' at its very end. Thus in the storage state of the cartridge <NUM>, the chamber outlet <NUM> is sealed off at the end <NUM> of the passage <NUM>. The sealed front end <NUM>' like the dispensing outlet <NUM> is made from the same material as the head part <NUM>. Such a sealed front end <NUM>' is expediently used in backfilling applications.

In order to use such a single component cartridge <NUM>, the front end <NUM> is typically separated from the dispensing outlet <NUM>, typically by cutting the sealed front end <NUM>' away from the front end <NUM>.

In order to prevent the outer thread <NUM> from becoming damaged on cutting away the sealed front end <NUM>', the sealed front end <NUM>' is presently formed at a V-shaped portion and is typically cut at the shanks of the V-shape. Naturally other shapes of the sealed front end <NUM>', such as a dome shaped end, a trapezoidal shaped end etc. are possible.

<FIG> shows a further type of single component cartridge <NUM> in which the second film <NUM> extends over the complete end face <NUM> of the head part <NUM> and thereby bridges the passage <NUM> of the chamber outlet <NUM>. Also this design is suited to backfilling operations, since the chamber outlet <NUM> is sealed off in this way. In contrast to the design shown in <FIG>, the chamber outlet <NUM> is open even in the storage state of the cartridge <NUM>.

In order to use the cartridge <NUM>, the second film <NUM> has to be pierced. The tool (not shown) used to pierce the second film <NUM> can either be a separate tool, or it can be arranged at a mixer or outlet (also not shown) that is connected to the cartridge <NUM> via the outer thread and that then comprises some form of piercing member that projections through the passage <NUM> and that is configured to engage the second film <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A cartridge (<NUM>) for a material (M, M') to be dispensed comprising a rigid head part (<NUM>) having a dispensing outlet (<NUM>) and a flexible film (<NUM>, <NUM>') forming a cartridge wall (<NUM>, <NUM>'), with the film (<NUM>, <NUM>') bounding a cartridge chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>') for the material (M, M') to be dispensed, extending at least partially in a longitudinal direction (A) of the cartridge (<NUM>) and having a front end (<NUM>, <NUM>') that is connected to the head part (<NUM>),
characterized in that the head part (<NUM>) has an outer circumferential surface (<NUM>), the outer circumferential surface (<NUM>) comprising formations (<NUM>), in that an inner surface (<NUM>) of the front end (<NUM>, <NUM>') of the film (<NUM>, <NUM>') is sealingly and non-releasably connected to the outer circumferential surface (<NUM>) of the head part (<NUM>) and to the formations (<NUM>) present at the outer circumferential surface (<NUM>) of the head part (<NUM>).