Patent Application
20060188319
The present invention relates to liquid applicators. More specifically, the present invention relates to a liquid dispensing apparatus for applying primers and cleaners to roofing membranes and surfaces.
Primers and cleaners for use on roofing membranes are currently supplied in pails or cans. The pails or cans are usually opened on the roof and applied by hand using a rag, pad or brush. This technique usually requires the roofer to be on his hands and knees, and almost always results in an uneven application of the primer or cleaner on the roofing membrane. Additionally, application of the primer or cleaner using a rag, pad or brush very often results in contact of the skin with the primer or cleaner. Depending on the type and concentration of the material being applied, many primers and cleaners are strong solvents or are caustic and can irritate or burn the roofer's hands and skin.
The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing apparatus in the form of a container fitted with an applicator element that can meter the flow of a liquid from the container on to a roofing membrane. The applicator element facilitates the uniform application of the primer, cleaner or other material upon a roofing surface, and in a manner that avoids contact with the roofer's hands and skin.
In one embodiment, the liquid dispensing apparatus is provided with a pad or sponge-like applicator element to distribute and spread the liquid onto the roofing membrane or surface. The sponge-like applicator does not, however, absorb or dissolve the liquid within itself Typically, a user applies the liquid by inverting and squeezing a flexible container attached to the applicator element.
In another embodiment, the liquid dispensing apparatus is provided with a squeeze implement in place of the pad or sponge-like applicator.
In another embodiment, the liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a container housing positioned on a handle that extends from a user's hand to a surface, such as a roofing surface, when the user is in an upright, standing position. The container inserted in the housing is generally filled with cleaner or primer for dissemination on a roofing membrane or surface. A lever positioned near the grip portion of the handle is connected to a plunger or impingement element in or on the housing. When a user is holding the grip portion and applies pressure to the lever, the impingement element or plunger acts on the container in the housing and forces the extrusion of the liquid in the container. An applicator element or squeegee implement attached at the bottom end of the handle opposite the grip portion is then used to uniformly spread the liquid on the roofing membrane or surface.
In still another embodiment, the liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a container housing positioned on a handle that extends from a user's hand to a surface, such as a roofing surface, when the user is in an upright, standing position. The container inserted in the housing is generally filled with cleaner or primer for dissemination on a roofing membrane or surface. A lever positioned near the grip portion of the handle is connected to a spray element or nozzle located at the end of the handle near the roofing surface. When a user is holding the grip portion and applies pressure to the lever, the spray nozzle is activated, which in turn, emits a stream or mist of cleaner or primer on to the roofing surface. An applicator element or squeegee implement attached at the bottom end of the handle opposite the grip portion is then used to uniformly spread the liquid on the roofing membrane or surface.
In a modification of the immediately preceding embodiment, the housing is provided with wheels to support the weight of a larger and heavier container, and such that the container can be rolled on the roof surface.
The present invention is directed to a liquid dispensing apparatus which facilitates the application of liquid materials, such as primers and cleaners, to roofing membranes. As used herein, roofing membranes includes roofing materials and other surfaces. The liquid dispensing apparatus of the present application is uniquely suited for cleaning and priming roofing membranes and for applying roofing accessories and seams thereto. A non-limiting list of accessories for application on a roof includes T-joint patches, cover tape, seam tape, molded corners and pipe boots.
In one embodiment illustrated in
Applicator element 14 facilitates the application of liquid 11 to a roofing membrane or surface. Applicator element 14 may be a cloth, a woven or non-woven synthetic or natural fiber, a felt pad, a brush, a sponge-type spreader, or other known material that which provides a coat of liquid 11 to be distributed on the desired surface. Additionally, applicator element 14 may regulate or meter the application of liquid 11 to the desired surface. The invention is not limited to the type of applicator element and other materials are contemplated by the present invention to apply the liquid to the surface or roofing membrane. In addition to the applicator element, conduit 16 may play a role in the metering of liquid on to applicator element, which is then applied to the desired surface. In one embodiment, liquid dispensing apparatus 10 is intended to cover an area in the range of approximately 50-100 square inches. The invention is not, however, limited in this regard, and liquid dispensing apparatus 10 may cover areas larger and smaller than the aforementioned range.
Container 12 is not limited in its size or shape, nor in the volume of liquid that it may hold. In a preferred embodiment, container 12 holds a volume in the range of approximately 1 oz to 25 gallons of a desired liquid. More preferably, container 12 holds a volume of approximately 3 oz to 1 gallon of a desired liquid.
As recited, liquid dispensing apparatus 10 may be used for application of primers and cleaners to a roofing surface. Preferred liquids, include, but are not limited to: Heptanes, Toluene, Methyl Alcohol, Hexane, Xylene, Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate, Polymethylene Polyphenol Isocyanate, Ethylbenzene, Naphtha, Hydrocarbon Resins and Halogenated Butyl, as well as mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, ethanol, acetone, paint, adhesives and other similar materials. These liquids can be used individually or in various mixtures with each other or with additional ingredients.
In another embodiment illustrated in
In an alternative embodiment, container 12 may be configured with a chamber (not shown) within which an ampule is received and which contains a fixed or “one-time use” amount of primer or cleaning liquid. In use, the liquid containing ampule is broken or ruptured causing the primer or cleaning liquid to be expelled therefrom on to the roofing membrane. The liquid is then spread on the roofing membrane by applicator element 14 or squeegee implement 24 on container 12.
In another embodiment illustrated in
Alternatively, when lever 40 is squeezed, impingement element may displace a cap or cover from the opening of container 12 to allow the liquid in container 12 to be ejected on to the surface.
In still another embodiment, illustrated in
In the embodiments illustrated in
Accordingly, it should be readily appreciated that the article of manufacture and method of the present invention has many practical applications. Additionally, although the preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims.
