ADHESIVE PACKAGE

Abstract

An apparatus for dispensing a two-part adhesive includes a first collapsible bag containing a first part of the two-part adhesive, a second collapsible bag containing a second part of the two-part adhesive, and a manifold that communicates with the first collapsible bag and the second collapsible bag. The manifold includes a first projection device that pierces the first collapsible bag and a second projection device that pierces the second collapsible bag. Each part flows from its respective collapsible bag into the manifold after the bag is pierced. The manifold directs each part of the two-part adhesive separately through the manifold and out of an exit of the manifold.

Description

FIELD

The present invention relates to packages for holding adhesives. More specifically, the present invention relates to collapsible packages for holding adhesives.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may or may not constitute prior art.

In many roofing applications, for example in large, flat commercial roof decks, a roofing membrane is used to seal and protect the roof deck from environmental weather conditions. The roofing membrane may be made of various materials, such as polymeric materials including EPDM (ethylene propylene diene M-rubber) or TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin). The roofing membrane is adhered overtop insulation boards or panels. The insulation boards are typically secured to the roofing substrate or roof deck via an adhesive composition. A conventional adhesive composition used to adhere the insulation boards to the roof deck includes polyurethane. The polyurethane adhesives are oftentimes applied directly onto the roof deck via an applicator system and the insulation boards are then laid onto the roof deck surface. Conventional polyurethane adhesives oftentimes include two separate parts that are mixed by an applicator just prior to being applied onto the surface of the roof deck. The two parts include an isocyanate blend and a simple polyol blend. Upon mixing, the isocyanate blend reacts or crosslinks with the simple polyol blend to form the polyurethane adhesive.

However, these conventional two-part polyurethane adhesives are sensitive to weather conditions due to the effects of temperature on the viscosity, and therefore the reaction speed, of the adhesive. Accordingly, conventional two-part polyurethane adhesives are packaged and formulated into various grades, such as Summer, Winter, and Regular, that vary the composition of the adhesive in order to account for temperature.

Therefore, there is room in the art for adhesive packages for a pump driven applicator system that reliably pumps adhesives of different viscosities.

SUMMARY

An apparatus for dispensing a two-part adhesive includes a first collapsible bag containing a first part of the two-part adhesive, a second collapsible bag containing a second part of the two-part adhesive, and a manifold that communicates with the first collapsible bag and the second collapsible bag. The manifold includes a first projection device that pierces the first collapsible bag and a second projection device that pierces the second collapsible bag. Each part flows from its respective collapsible bag into the manifold after the bag is pierced. The manifold directs each part of the two-part adhesive separately through the manifold and out of an exit of the manifold.

Further features, advantages, and areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWING DESCRIPTION

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the views. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a device for applying a two-part adhesive in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the device in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a particular arrangement for the pumps and adhesive package for the device;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a manifold for applying a two part adhesive in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a top view of the manifold shown in FIG. 3A; and

FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the manifold shown in FIG. 3B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

Referring to FIG. 1A, a device for applying a two-part fluid to a substrate is generally indicated by reference number 100. The device 100 may include a carrier or frame 112 to support the various components of the device 100 and may take many forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the carrier 112 may include a rectangular base with an upwardly extending portions or support columns. The rectangular portion includes two rotatable front wheels and two spindle mounted back wheels. Back wheels are pivotable and rotatable allowing the device 100 to move forward as well as turn and rotate. The portion supports an upper frame that is sized to receive two parts of a two-part compound. These two parts are packaged separately and include an “A” side package 122A and a “B” side package 122B. Each of the packages preferably contain one part of a two part all weather polyurethane adhesive for use on roofing substrates. The upper frame is designed to accommodate a particular package configuration of the “A” side 122A and the “B” side 122B. Each of the packages 122A and 122B may be a bag with one or more hoses 124A and 124B, respectively, extending from each bag. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, seven hoses 124A extend from bag 122A and seven hoses 124B extend from bag 122B, and a shut-off valve 126 is associated with each hose to enable the operator of the device 100 to selectively open or close each of the hoses 124A, 124B.

Each of the hoses 124A, 124B connects to respective pumps 128A, 128B. Specifically, the seven hoses 124A extending from package 122A connect to pump 128A, and the seven hoses 124B extending from package 122B connect to pump 128B. In another arrangement, all of the hoses 124A and 124B from the packages 122A and 122B connect to a single pump. In a particular arrangement, each of the hoses 124A and 124B connects to a separate pump; that is, the number of pumps is the same as the number of hoses 124A and 124B.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a set of seven outlet hoses 130A extends from the pump 128A and another set of outlet hoses 130B extends from the pump 128B. Each of the outlet hoses 130A is paired with a respective outlet hose 130B, and each of the paired outlet hoses 130A and 130B connects to respective inlet ports 131A and 131B of a manifold 132. Accordingly, there are seven manifolds, each associated with a pair of outlet hoses 130A and 130B, and associated with each manifold 132 is a mixer nozzle 134. The manifolds 132 may be made from aluminum or from a disposable plastic. Each of the manifolds 132 may include two inlet ports that communicate with separate channels or bores which in turn communicate with respective outlet ports.

The nozzle 134 is an extended member that mixes the “A” side fluid with the “B” side fluid. The nozzle 134 is coupled to manifold 132 and communicates with the outlet ports of the manifold 132. The nozzle 134 is disposable and is preferably a 36 element mixing nozzle, though it should be appreciated that other types and grades of nozzles may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Once the fluids from the “A” and “B” sides are mixed, the combined fluid exits in the nozzle 134 and is dispensed in the form of elongated beads on the roofing substrate. A restriction orifice may be disposed between the manifold 132 and the nozzle 134. The orifice may be integrated into the nozzle. The nozzle 134 may be threaded into the manifold 132 or it may be a quick release nozzle for faster change-outs. The mixer nozzle 134 may be configured to be quickly releasable from the manifold 132 by eliminating the threads and attaching the nozzle to the manifold 132 with or similar device.

When the device 100 is in use, an operator activates the device 100 to drive the pumps 128A and 128B. The pumps 128A and 128B draw fluid from the “A” and “B” side packages 122A and 122B through the hoses 124A and 124B, respectively, that have not been closed with shut-off valves 126. In turn, the pumps 128A and 128B pump the “A” and “B” fluids through the outlet hoses 130A and 130B to the manifolds 132. Accordingly, each manifold 132 receives “A” and “B” fluids and directs the fluids to respective nozzles 134 for mixing. The pumping action of the pumps 128A and 128B ejects the mixture through the outlet of the nozzle 134 as a foam adhesive that is applied to a substrate such as a roof. By widening or narrowing the distance between adjacent nozzles 134, the operator can adjust the width of the area covered with the device 100.

In some arrangements, the adhesive package may be combined or integrated into a portion of the pump. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 B, the “A” component 122A is inserted or contained directly in the pump 128A, thus eliminating the hoses 124A. Although FIG. 1B shows the “B” component 122B connected to the pump 128B with hoses 124B, the “B” component could be contained in the pump 128B as well.

Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown a particular arrangement of the device shown in FIG. 1B and is generally indicated by the reference number 200. Note that like components are indicated by like reference numbers shown in the previous figures. The primary components of the device 200 include a motor 202 connected to a gear box 204. In turn, the gear box 204 is connected to the pump 128B that draws “B” fluid from “B” package 122B via hoses 124B and pumps “B” fluid through the hoses 130B to the manifolds 132. Other adhesive applicators that can be employed to pump components of the adhesive from the packages 122A or 122B described above as well as those below include the applicator described in U.S. Patent No. 7,056,556, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The gear box is also connected to a jack and ball screw mechanism 208 via a mechanism 210. The mechanism 210 can be, for example, a ring and pinion mechanism or a chain and sprocket mechanism. A disk member 211 is attached to one end of the jack and ball screw mechanism 208. Also associated with each jack and ball screw mechanism 208 is a cylinder or tube 212.

Typically, the operator of the device 200 drops a sausage package 122A of “A” fluid into the tube 212. A sharp projection 216, for example, at the bottom of the tube 212, pierces the package 122A. Accordingly, as an operator, such as a roofer, operates the device 200, the motor 202 turns the gears in the gear box 204 that in turn causes the jack and ball screw mechanism 208 via the mechanism 210 to push the disk 211 against the package 122A. This causes the “A” fluid to be pushed out of the package 122A. The “A” fluid flows through respective hoses 130A to each manifold 132, and, as described previously, the “A” and “B” fluids are mixed together in the nozzle 134, and the mixture is ejected as an adhesive foam onto a substrate such as a roof. FIG. 2 shows device 200 arranged with one nozzle merely for illustrative purposes. Depending upon the application, there may as many as seven or more nozzles 134 associated with the device 200.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, there is shown another arrangement 300 with a manifold 332 and a pair of cylinders 322A and 322B, which are similar to the cylinder 212 described previously. The cylinders 322A and 322B are attached to the manifold 332 with respective connectors 324A and 324B as shown in FIG. 3B. Disposed within each connector is a projection device 328A and 328B. Accordingly, when an “A” and “B” package is inserted into the cylinders 322A and 322B and then compressed for example with mechanism 210, the “A” and “B” packages are pushed against the projections 328A and 328B to pierce the packages contained within the cylinders 322A and 322B.

Specifically, the operator of the device drops a sausage package of an “A” fluid into the tube 322A and a sausage package of “B” fluid into the cylinder 322B. The sharp projections 324A and 324B of the manifold 322 pierce the “A” and “B” packages. Accordingly, as an operator, such as a roofer, operates the device employing one or more of the manifolds 300, the “A” and “B” fluids are pushed out of their respective packages. Instead of flowing through the hoses 130A and 130B as described earlier, the “A” and “B fluids flow directly and separately through the manifold 332. A nozzle such as the nozzle 134 is attached to the manifolds spout 330, for example, by threading the spout to the threads 331 of the spout 330 (FIG. 3C). Hence, as the “A” and “B” fluids flow separately out of the manifold 332, they flow into the nozzle 134 where the fluids are mixed together. Accordingly, the manifold 332 is a two-part manifold that directs each part of a two-part adhesive separately through the manifold. The “A” and “B” are ejected from the manifold 332 in about a 1:1 ratio. However, other ratios are contemplated as well. The mixture is then ejected as an adhesive foam onto a substrate such as a roof.

The manifold 332 and the nozzle 134 may be produced as a singled unit. For example, the manifold and the nozzle 134 may be machined or molded as a single unit and then shipped to the customer. Or, in other arrangements, the nozzle 134 and the manifold 332 are shipped as a single unit, but the nozzle 134 may be detachable from the manifold 332.

In some arrangements, the sausage packages are adhered and sealed to the connectors 324A and 324B and then shipped to the customer as a single unit. This unit would then be placed in a container such as the container 212 described above and a mechanism 210 would be employed to apply pressure to both sausage packages to eject the “A” and “B” parts out of the respective sausage packages. In particular arrangements, each sausage package can be provided with a valve mechanism to ensure that the respective part of the two-part adhesive flows in just one direction. Specifically, after the sausage package has been punctured, the fluid in the package could only flow out of the package since the valve would prevent any backflow back into the package.

Each of the packages for the “A” and “B” fluids generally include a flexible and collapsible bag made from, for example, biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate, which is a polyester film made from stretched polyethylene terephthalate and is generally available under the trade name Mylar®. Mylar® has a high tensile strength, chemical and dimensional stability, and gas barrier properties that are desirable for use as containers for adhesives. The manifold 332 may be useable and made from any suitable metal such as, for example, aluminum. Or the manifold may be made from any suitable plastic, such that they can be disposed after one or more uses. As shown in FIG. 3A, the cylinders 322A and 322B are of a generally cylindrical shape to accommodate cylindrically shaped packages. However, other shapes are contemplated as well, including but not limited to cubic or rectangular shapes.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for dispensing a two-part adhesive comprising: a first collapsible bag containing a first part of the two-part adhesive;a second collapsible bag containing a second part of the two-part adhesive; anda manifold that communicates with the first collapsible bag and the second collapsible bag, the manifold including a first projection device that pierces the first collapsible bag and a second projection device that pierces the second collapsible bag,wherein each part flows from its respective collapsible bag into the manifold after the bag is pierced and wherein the manifold directs each part of the two-part adhesive separately through the manifold and out of an exit of the manifold.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the two parts of the two-part adhesive exits the manifold in about a 1:1 ratio.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the two parts of the two-part adhesive exits the manifold in a ratio where one part exceeds the other part.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a nozzle that is coupled to the exit of the manifold.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the nozzle mixes the two parts together into a mixture that is ejected from the nozzle as the adhesive.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the nozzle 36 element mixing nozzle.

7. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the manifold and the nozzle are a single unit.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each bag is made of a polyester film.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the polyester film is a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the manifold is made of plastic.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the manifold is made of aluminum.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first member in which the first bag is positioned and a second member in which the second bag is positioned, each of the first and second members being coupled to the manifold.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a first connector that couples the first member to the manifold and a second connector that couples the second member to the manifold, wherein the first projection device is located in the first connector and the second projection device is located in the second connector.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein each of the first and second members are cylinders.

15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein each of the first and second bags are compressed with a respective mechanism that applies a pressure to the bag to eject the first and second parts out of the respective bags.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the mechanism is a rack and pinion mechanism or a chain a sprocket mechanism.

17. An apparatus for dispensing a two-part adhesive comprising: a first member that holds a first collapsible bag containing a first part of the two-part adhesive;a second member that holds a second collapsible bag containing a second part of the two-part adhesive;a manifold that is coupled to the first member and the second member and that communicates with the first collapsible bag and the second collapsible bag, the manifold including a first projection device that pierces the first collapsible bag and a second projection device that pierces the second collapsible bag,wherein each part flows from its respective collapsible bag into the manifold after the bag is pierced and wherein the manifold directs each part of the two-part adhesive separately through the manifold and out of an exit of the manifold.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a nozzle that is coupled to the exit of the manifold.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the nozzle mixes the two parts together into a mixture that is ejected from the nozzle as the adhesive.

20. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein each bag is made of a polyester film.

21. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a first connector that couples the first member to the manifold and a second connector that couples the second member to the manifold, wherein the first projection device is located in the first connector and the second projection device is located in the second connector.

22. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein each of the first and second members are cylinders.

23. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein each of the first and second bags are compressed with a respective mechanism that applies a pressure to the bag to eject the first and second parts out of the respective bags into the manifold.

24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the mechanism is a rack and pinion mechanism or a chain a sprocket mechanism.