Patent Grant
6896205
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to very high solid content aerosols, and, more particularly, to very high solid content aerosol adhesives and aerosol adhesive application devices.
2. Background of the Invention
In general, aerosol spray cans for a variety of aerosol products include a substance to be sprayed, an optional carrier fluid and a propellant. Typically, the propellant is a composition that pressurizes the can and assists in atomization of the substance being sprayed. In the past chlorofluorcarbons (CFC's) were widely used as propellants but, due to environmental concerns, these propellants are now banned by international agreement. The optional “carrier” may also, in some instances, pose an environmental or health hazard. For example, in the case of paints and adhesives, a solvent is included in the composition that is sprayed. The solvent, often a “volatile organic compound” (VOC), ultimately vaporizes, when the paint or adhesive “dries”, to leave behind the sprayed composition. The vaporization of these solvents into the environment has now raised both health and environmental issues: do they pose a risk of adversely affecting human health and air quality? In response, industry has been seeking ways to reduce the amounts of organic solvents present in adhesive and other aerosol sprays that may pose a risk.
A reduction in solvent would also produce other benefits: as the proportion of solvent present in aerosol adhesive decreases, more of the adhesive composition itself is present in the aerosol. This results in reduction of waste to dispose of in the form of the packaging for the adhesive mixture (e.g., empty spray cans).
Thus, for example, spray can-applied adhesive/solvent mixtures containing 20-25% by weight adhesive compound, also known as very high solid content (VHS) adhesives, have become increasingly desirable in the field of contact adhesives because of their use of smaller proportions of organic solvents, and their potential for reduction of health and environmental hazards. Our copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/126,383, entitled “Very High Solids Adhesive” filed Jul. 30, 1998, which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses such a composition for a VHS adhesive and a method for making the VHS adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive is comprised of a resin/rubber/solvent mixture. The resins used typically include polyterpene resins, phenolic resins, phenolic modified terpene resins, aliphatic petroleum hydrocarbon resins, and the like. The rubbers used in the adhesive mixtures generally use a blend of polychloroprene synthetic rubbers. A wide range of solvents may be used depending on the composition of the adhesive with which it must be compatible to form a solution. Thus, the solvents used may include, among others, various chlorinated solvents, ketones, aliphatics, aromatics, alcohols, and esters, or even inorganic solvents such as water.
However, it has been found that in practice using VHS adhesives can be quite difficult. For example, in general, as the solid content of the adhesive increases, the viscosity of the adhesive/solvent mixture increases. When using standard nozzles and buttons on typical aerosol spray cans, the increased viscosity causes the spray pattern of adhesive mixture from the can to be uneven. For example, if a standard can, valve, and button (such as variable valve Model #V8-10-118, with a 906 collar and button Model #166-197-1620-white, both provided by Newman-Green of Addison, Ill.) are used to spray a VHS adhesive/solvent mixture having 30 wt % adhesive, such as neoprene, the spray tends to be uneven. That is, the spray pattern will have varying concentrations across the area of application. It is believed that this generally occurs because the button contains a substantially circular shaped exit port through which the VHS adhesive mixture stream passes so that there is limited or no “fanning” of the spray; the stream exits in a substantially straight line. Additionally, even if some outward “fanning” should occur, the fanning is not controlled and the concentration of the sprayed fluid is not uniform and tends to vary throughout the application area.
Various nozzles for attachment to the spray buttons have been designed to try to overcome the nonuniformity of spray problem. U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,272, issued to Merton et al., on Aug. 30, 1983, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,271, issued to Hansen, on Aug. 30, 1983, each disclose nozzles which attach to aerosol spray can buttons. These nozzles do not appear to resolve the issue. For example, the '272 patent discloses that the nozzle is only capable of spraying mixtures with solid content levels up to 11.1%, well below typical VHS levels. When such nozzles are used, the spray tends to be more concentrated at the top and bottom of the spray area and less concentrated near the center of the spray area. The '271 patent provides another attempt at a solution to the “nonuniformity of spray” issue.
As explained above, there is a need for a VHS adhesive/solvent mixture with higher workable solids contents than heretofore known and a device for applying such a mixture substantially uniformly.
The present invention provides a very high solid content contact adhesive (VHS) which has a higher solid content than previously attainable in the prior art without increasing the viscosity beyond operable levels. Additionally, the present invention provides a VHS application device which allows substantially more uniform application of the VHS than was previously attainable.
Additional aspects of the present invention will become evident upon reviewing the non-limiting embodiments described in the specification and the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals designate like elements, and:
The following descriptions are of preferred embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing a preferred embodiment of the invention. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in the preferred embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. In addition, while the following detailed description is generally described with respect to certain VHS adhesive mixtures, the invention is also applicable to other higher viscosity mixtures that are propelled or applied through an aerosol spray can. Moreover, the nozzles of the invention are not limited to those described specifically herein, but encompass those that are equivalent to the ones described.
In the specification and claims, the term VHS refers to “very high solids content”. While the following description relates mainly to VHS adhesives, it is clear that the principles discussed and devices described are also applicable to other VHS substances that are supplied and propelled through aerosol cans, for instance, paints, lacquers, polishes, waxes and the like.
The term “very high solids content” in the context of an adhesive/solvent mixture relates to the viscosity of the mixture. As the solids content increases, generally so does the viscosity of the mixture, but the “shearing” mixing method of our prior application, described below, minimizes viscosity increase with increase in adhesive content. In this context, “very high solids content” refers to a shear mixed mixture that has a viscosity that is in the range of at least about 50 cps, preferably about 200 to about 400, and up to about to 600 cps. Thus, VHS, although related to adhesive concentration in an adhesive/solvent solution, may also be appreciated in the context of viscosity. For specific adhesives, such as neoprene, an adhesive commonly used for adhering decorative laminates to substrates, a VHS adhesive/solvent mixture contains at least about 28 wt. % neoprene, preferably about 28 to about 30 wt % neoprene, and most preferably about 29 to about 31 wt. % neoprene based on the weight of the mixture of neoprene and solvent.
With respect to VHS adhesive/solvent mixtures, the adhesives include neoprene, styrene butydiene (SBR), styrene isoprene styrene (SIS), nitrile, and the like. Solvents may be selected from those compositions compatible with the adhesive and include, among others, various chlorinated solvents, ketones, aliphatics, aromatics, alcohols, esters, water, and the like.
The VHS adhesive itself may be selected from any of those that are commercially useful. VHS adhesives useful in the decorative laminate arts may be formed using any one of many useful processes, including for example the shearing mixing process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,961 to Purvis II, et al., issued Mar. 31, 1998, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The shearing is generally done using a Microfluidizer® processor (made by Microfluidics International Corp. of Newton, Mass.) utilizing an electrically driven, dual plunger or piston, hydraulic intensifier pump which pressurizes the fluid product. The neoprene and solvent are mixed in the kettle process and the Microfluidizer® suitably moves a stream of the mixture at extremely large pressures and speeds. The stream is then suitably split in two parts, its direction changed and cause to collide with itself in rapid succession. The process creates shearing, impact and cavitation effects within the mixture. These effects dramatically reduce the size of particles within the mixture, thereby lowering the viscosity of the mixture and enabling additional neoprene to be introduced to the mixture. Accordingly, the weight percentage of the neoprene solvent mixture may be increased into even higher solid content ranges than previously thought possible without unduly increasing the viscosity of the mixture.
The invention also provides a delivery system for the VHS adhesive/solvent mixture. The delivery system requires an aerosol can, and includes the use of a propellant. With reference to
With reference now to
In accordance with the present preferred embodiment of the present invention, nozzle 18 is adapted for use with button 16. For example, according to one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, the substantially cylindrical or tapered shape of nozzle 18 has an insertion end 22 and an adhesive spray exit end 30. In the present embodiment, nozzle 18 has a diameter of approximately 0.120 in. (3.05 mm). Insertion end 22 is suitably sized for mounting to a button exit port 20 for fluid communication between the port and the throughbore 26 of the nozzle 18 when valve 14 is open. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, nozzle 18 is either releasably or permanently press fit into button exit 20 of button 16. However, alternatively, insertion end 22 may be mounted to button exit port 20 by other means, including helical threading, adhesives and the like. Also, the nozzle 18 may be integrally formed on button 16 to produce a one-piece button with nozzle 18. Additionally, with momentary reference to
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, and with reference now to
Beyond restrictor 28 the tip of nozzle 18 assumes a substantially rectangular shaped exit port and has at least one pair of opposed sidewalls that flare outwardly towards the exit end 30 as described below.
In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, the diameters (or cross-sectional area for fluid flow) of the major throughbore portion 26 and restrictor 28 suitably vary depending on factors such as the solid content of the VHS passing through nozzle 18, the viscosity of the VHS, the intended concentration of the sprayed adhesive, and the desired spray paffern. In the present exemplary embodiment, the major throughbore portion 26 suitably has a diameter of about 0.062 in. (1.57 mm) and a flow restrictor 28 has a substantially rectangular shape with a height 46 and a width 48 (FIG. 8). Flow restrictor 28 also has a length 29 (FIG. 7). In the present exemplary embodiment, height 46 (is preferably about 0.040 in. (1.02 mm) and width 48 is preferably about 0.016 in. (0.41 mm). Additionally, in accordance with the present exemplary embodiment, as the viscosity of the VHS increases, the cross-sectional area of restrictor 28 also may be decreased, while, as the viscosity of the VHS increases, the cross-sectional area of restrictor 28 desirably increases. For example, if the viscosity of the VHS decreases to 50 cps, the cross-sectional area for fluid flow of restrictor 28 may be decreased about 20% relative to the area based on the preferred dimensions described above. On the other hand, if the viscosity of the VHS increases to 400 cps, the cross-sectional area for fluid flow of restrictor 28 may be about 30% larger than the area based on the above described dimensions.
Support for the above amendments to the specification can be found throughout the specification as filed, for example at FIG. 7.
According to another aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, to facilitate fluid flow and maintain a uniform flow pattern, throughbore portion 26 transitions gradually to the narrower throat of restrictor 28. This is achieved by curving the terminal end of major portion 26 uniformly inward in a radius of curvature 34 to form the walls of the preferred substantially rectangular exit port. The radius is about 0.0302 in. (0.77 mm) with a center 36 that is located 0.0503 in. (1.28 mm) from exit end 30, along a centerline 38 of throughbore 26.
In accordance with another aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, and with reference to
Thus, while the principles of the invention have been described in illustrative embodiments, many combinations and modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, proportions, the elements, materials and components, used in the practice of the invention in addition to those not specifically described may be varied and particularly adapted for a specific environment and operating requirement without departing from those principles.
This application is a divisional of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/316,339, filed May 21, 1999, now abandoned.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2734774 | Manseau | Feb 1956 | A |
| 3101906 | Webber | Aug 1963 | A |
| 3198442 | Brenner | Aug 1965 | A |
| 3346195 | Groth | Oct 1967 | A |
| 3361693 | Geschwind | Jan 1968 | A |
| 3415426 | Kleveland | Dec 1968 | A |
| 3595821 | Spector et al. | Jul 1971 | A |
| 3754710 | Chimura | Aug 1973 | A |
| 3806028 | Coffey | Apr 1974 | A |
| 3951722 | Howson et al. | Apr 1976 | A |
| 3965061 | Bash et al. | Jun 1976 | A |
| 3970502 | Turner | Jul 1976 | A |
| 4074033 | Wolinski et al. | Feb 1978 | A |
| 4074861 | Magers | Feb 1978 | A |
| 4097000 | Derr | Jun 1978 | A |
| 4401271 | Hansen | Aug 1983 | A |
| 4401272 | Merton et al. | Aug 1983 | A |
| 4404243 | Terpay | Sep 1983 | A |
| 4477613 | Evans et al. | Oct 1984 | A |
| 4485200 | Perlinski et al. | Nov 1984 | A |
| 4532273 | Kadowaki et al. | Jul 1985 | A |
| 4533254 | Cook et al. | Aug 1985 | A |
| 4783389 | Trout et al. | Nov 1988 | A |
| 4897137 | Miller et al. | Jan 1990 | A |
| 5066522 | Cole et al. | Nov 1991 | A |
| 5194299 | Fry | Mar 1993 | A |
| 5213739 | Dickerson et al. | May 1993 | A |
| 5314097 | Smrt | May 1994 | A |
| 5409987 | Kalwara et al. | Apr 1995 | A |
| 5444112 | Carnahan | Aug 1995 | A |
| 5450983 | Stern et al. | Sep 1995 | A |
| 5464154 | Nielsen | Nov 1995 | A |
| 5639025 | Bush | Jun 1997 | A |
| 5715975 | Stern et al. | Feb 1998 | A |
| 5733961 | Purvis II et al. | Mar 1998 | A |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2063862 | Mar 2000 | CA |
| 3028693 | Feb 1982 | DE |
| 0814139 | Dec 1997 | EP |
| 1053791 | Nov 2000 | EP |
| 2 002 620 | Oct 1969 | FR |
| 1047732 | Nov 1966 | GB |
| 2 003 160 | Mar 1979 | GB |
| 1 211 662 | Nov 1997 | GB |
| 51-7042 | Jan 1976 | JP |
| 52-30838 | Aug 1977 | JP |
| 58-101173 | Jun 1983 | JP |
| 05-295336 | Nov 1993 | JP |
| 8-134419 | May 1996 | JP |
| 45-22239 | Jul 1997 | JP |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20010040191 A1 | Nov 2001 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 09316339 | May 1999 | US |
| Child | 09497844 | US |
