WO2005087616A1

WO2005087616A1 - Dispenser for co-dispensing two or more materials

Info

Publication number: WO2005087616A1
Application number: PCT/IE2005/000026
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ciaran Bernard Mcardle; Peter Rushe; Rory Barnes
Original assignee: Loctite (R & D) Limited
Priority date: 2004-03-16
Filing date: 2005-03-16
Publication date: 2005-09-22

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for co-dispensing a two or more (dispensable) materials to be dispensed. In particular the invention is related to a device for simultaneously dispensing two or more materials which are required for use at the same time, for example, materials which are mixed together prior to use or otherwise used in conjunction with each other.

Description

ICC-301

DISPENSER FOR CO-DISPENSING TWO OR MORE MATERIALS

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for co-dispensing two or more (dispensable) materials to be dispensed. In particular the invention is related to a device for simultaneously dispensing two or more materials which are required for use at the same time, for example materials which are mixed together prior to use or otherwise used in conjunction with each other. In particular there are two aspects to the invention - the first aspect relates to simultaneously dispensing two or more non-reactive products and the second aspect relates to dispensing two or more reactive products such as those which cure or otherwise react when mixed, for example the two parts of a two-part curable composition. Of particular interest in relation to the first aspect and second aspects of the invention is a dispenser for dispensing materials used in the fields of personal products such as hair care and cosmetic and/or hygiene or medical products. Of particular interest in relation to the second aspect of the invention is a dispenser for dispensing materials used in the fields of adhesives, sealants and coatings.

Brief Description of Related Technology

There are a multitude of dispensers for simultaneously dispensing two or more products. These include dispensers which comprise two separate containers with a common dispensing path or separate dispensing paths. ICC-301 2

There are a number of mechanisms for dispensing materials. One main method is mechanical force where a user actuates a mechanical dispensing mechanism such as a plunger, gun or pump mechanism to force material held in a container from the container through a dispensing outlet. A second main mechanism is to package the material to be dispensed in a pressurised container e.g. under gas pressure so that operation of a valve controls release of dispense material under pressure from the gas. Generally gas pressure can be applied by externally pressurising a collapsible container with a volume of pressurised gas or by internally pressurising a container which holds the materials to be dispensed. For the latter method it is usual to employ propellants and the like to ensure adequate dispensing of the material.

Many different dispensing packs which operate on the dispensing principles described above have been devised.

For example U.S. Patent Nos. 3,181,737 (Chaucer) and 4,988,017 (Schrader et al); International Patent Publication Nos. WO 00/24649 (Cooper et al) and WO 98/24566 (Claude-Georges) all describe dispensers with two separate product reservoirs that are arranged in series. Chaucer, Cooper et al and Schrader et al utilise a double can with propellant (aerosol) arrangement. These systems can be considered gas carrying, or out-gassing, systems to the extent that the gas expelling the product is a carrier for the dispensed product and thus is expelled itself. Claude- Georges utilises a double container/pump arrangement.

U.S. Patent Nos. 6,196,275, and 6,098,846, (both to Yazawa et al) describe a bag-in-can arrangement which is described as a double chamber aerosol container with a single dispensing valve arrangement. U.S. Patent No. 4,308,973 (Irland) relates to a bag-in-can arrangement which is a compartmented aerosol can with an inner pouch. A barrier bag assembly for aerosol containers is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,032,064 (Giggard). A similar system in which a double aerosol can arrangement arranged in parallel within an outer container which has a mixing chamber between the double can and the dispense outlet is described in U.S. Patent No. 3,236,418 (Dalle et al). A similar arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,451,593 (Dillarstone). ICC-301

Co-dispensing double valve arrangements in aerosol containers are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,767,086 (Steiman et al) and 3,674,186 (Ewald).

U.S. Patent Nos. 3,730,437 (Rousselot) and US 4,220,261 (White) both illustrate use of double nozzle arrangements for dispensers.

U.S. Patent Nos. 4,735,509 (Rausch), 4,676,657 (Botrie), 4,799,801 (Bruning), 4,826,047 (Heflin) and 5,310,091 (Dunning et al) each describe piston/cartridge plunger arrangements for dispensing materials. A pack with a piston dispensing arrangement is also described in U.S. Patent No. 6,581,806 (Lilienthal). Other dispensing gun/ cartridge or plunger/cartridge arrangements are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,390,814 (Creighton), 4,366,919 (Anderson), 4,014,463 (Hermann - in this document, one container slides within another for the dispensing action), 6,047,861 (Vidal et al) and 5,076,298 (Busch et al). In U.S. Patent No. US 4,014,463 (Hermann) one container slides within another for the dispensing action. A pressurised dispensing apparatus utilising an external pressurised gas source is also disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,893,486 (Wasmire).

Dutch Patent Publication No. 6804767 (van Biers et al) describes a partitioned container. Pressurised can systems with internal cans (can-in-can systems) are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,469,252 (Obrist), 3,720,376 (Morane et al) and 3,730,437 (Rousseiot) the latter of which is also mentioned above. A similar system incorporated in a hair brush is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,505,983 (Seo) - the dispensed material is forced through hollow combing blades of the brush. U.S. Patent No. 6,168,335 (Mears et al) also discloses a dispensing device which dispenses the material through the hollow tines of a brush. The system again utilises two individual pressurised containers which are held in a common housing. The individual pressurised containers generally employ aerosol type dispensing but Mears et al also state that the containers employed may be bag-in-can containers such as those incorporating a bag-on- valve arrangement. ICC-301 4

A problem with the use of two cans in the dispenser is that the pressure within each can may be different. This leads to the possibility of the two constituents being released at different rates. Thus, an undesired resultant mixture ratio may be obtained.

The fluid constituents are conveyed from the containers to the inlet ports of the mixing chamber through passageways which may be constructed to provide an identical path length for the two flows from the containers to the mixing chamber, or, may be shaped so as to provide different length parts for the two flows, depending upon the characteristics and viscosity of the respective fluid constituents.

A problem with this arrangement is that the constituents of the mixture are brought into contact with each other prior to being dispensed. When using chemically reactive fluids such as adhesives, the mixture could partially or substantially cure before exiting the dispenser and block the dispenser rendering it useless. This is especially the case when fast setting relatively low viscosity 2-part adhesives are used.

A further problem with this arrangement is that the separation of the individual canisters dictates a dead volume in the mixing head. When using fast reacting chemicals the mixing head must be discharged frequently to prevent internal curing of the mixture and subsequent blocking of the mixing head.

International patent application WO0234636 (Green) describes a multi-valve delivery system for the simultaneous dispensing of viscous materials. Green acknowledges the problem that many compositions comprise viscous components which must be kept separate until they are used, and that known methods of application of separate components do not guarantee proper ratios. The system aims to solve this problem by presenting a single aerosol container having a multi-valve body wherein the valves are activated by a single actuator and the viscous materials are kept separate until used. The system contains an aerosol container with a standard top opening and a multi-valve body fitted into a cup which inserts into the top opening. The system may use multiple collapsible bags, a barrier liner, a dip tube, and a spray-any-direct ion valve. A female omnidirectional valve is disclosed, which comprises a valve body having an omnidirectional ICC-301 5 attachment which contains a check valve container made up of a constricted lower end, a top surface, a lateral opening, and a check ball for opening and closing passageways.

This system experiences the afore-mentioned problems associated with curable constituents of a mixture. Between each activation of the system, there exists a dead volume of each constituent in the actuator, and internal curing of the constituents may occur. This curing may cause subsequent blocking of the actuator. This is particularly true in the case where fast setting two part adhesives are intended for use, especially for interrupted multiple use. Furthermore, streams of reactive products in the Green system are routed to an intermediate position on the actuator, which remains permanently on the canister even when the mixing element is discarded. This approach therefore increases the possibility of reactive materials interacting on, or within, a permanent feature of the canister, especially when the materials are of a viscous nature.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention thus provides a dispensing device for dispensing of two constituents wherein the two constituents are kept separate until dispensed.

The invention also provides a dispensing device for dispensing of two constituents where the device may enjoy repeated and interruptible use without valve clogging.

The invention further provides a dispensing device for dispensing of two constituents which is cheap to produce, compact, attractive, and can be used to dispense a variety of constituents in a variety of mixture ratios.

More specifically, as set out in the appended claims, the present invention provides a dispensing device for co-dispensing two separately held materials, comprising: an outer gas-tight container with an internal chamber (or space) for containing a single volume of pressurised gas and being sufficiently rigid to withstand internal gas pressurisation (without deformation); ICC-301 6 a volume of pressurised gas located in the internal chamber; first and second inner containers arranged within the chamber for respectively holding internally, a first discrete amount of material to be dispensed, and a second discrete amount of material to be dispensed, the inner containers being: constructed of a collapsible material so as to collapse under pressure from pressurised gas in the internal chamber so as to dispense material held internally upon collapsing; each arranged within the chamber so as to experience substantially equal collapsing pressure from the volume of gas; the device further comprising: a first communication path for communicating dispensed material from the first container to a first product outlet; a second communication path for communicating dispensed material from the second container to a second product outlet; a first valve located along the first communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the first container to the first product outlet; a second valve located along the second communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the second container to the second product outlet; and a valve control member for simultaneously controlling opening and closing of each valve whereupon opening of the valves the inner containers are simultaneously collapsed by the pressurised gas causing each inner container to expel a portion of its contents along the respective paths through the respective valves to the respective product outlets.

A device according to the present invention is suitable for dispensing a wide range of materials. The device is inexpensive to produce and effective in use. It has a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. As stated above, a large range of materials may be dispensed utilising such a device. In particular the device of the invention may be employed in two distinct aspects - curable and non-curable materials. ICC-301 7

In general the device of the invention is particularly suitable for dispensing reactive materials - such as each of two parts of a two-part curable composition. Where reactive materials are dispensed they are not combined prior to exiting the device (via the product outlets) and thus there is no possibility of premature reaction clogging the device.

Preferably, the dispensing device comprises a disposable actuator having defined therein two independent product paths for respectively taking up material from the first and second product outlets, the actuator comprising two legs arranged to engage the valves and actuate the valves, wherein each leg defines part of one of said independent product paths, whereupon opening of the valves, the inner containers are simultaneously collapsed by the pressurised gas causing each inner container to expel a portion of its contents along the respective paths to respective dispensing outlets in said actuator.

The actuator may comprise a nozzle attachment portion for attachment of a nozzle to the actuator.

The distance between the product paths may be reduced through the actuator.

The legs of the actuator may activate the valves by depressing valve stem and spring arrangements within each of said valves.

The internal containers may be of the collapsible bag type (they may be bags or bag-like containers). Each internal container may be a bag. Alternatively each internal container may be a separate compartment within a single bag. In particular a bag which has separate compartments may be employed. In the latter case the first and second containers are formed by a single compartmentalised bag. In all cases therefore, there is no possibility of cross contamination between the inner containers. Product held in one inner container cannot find its way into the other. The materials are thus held in discrete amounts. The bags may be made of any suitable plastics or foil materials or combination of same. In particular the bags may be ICC-301 8 constructed of laminated materials. Of particular interest are tri-ply materials. Standard bags for use in standard "bag-on-valve" arrangements can be employed in the present invention.

Desirably the outer container is a can. Of particular interest within the present invention are outer containers which are sized so as to be held in one hand by a user thus allowing for ease of dispense of the materials being utilised. The outer container may be constructed of any suitable material such as aluminium, steel and other metals/alloys. Typically the outer container will have sidewalls, a base, and a top end. Generally on the top end of the container there will be provided an opening. Of particular interest in the present invention are cans on which the opening is defined by a so-called "can-curl" - a rim formed on the can by turning the walls of the can outwardly so as to fold back upon itself. As applies to the inner containers also, the outer container may be of any selected size. Generally the size of the outer container will be determined by the amount of material/size of internal containers to be held within it.

It is desirable that the outer container is not compartmentalised. In this respect it is desirable that the internal chamber occupies a substantial part of the internal volume of the outer container. In general it is desired that only a single volume of pressurised gas is utilised. The requirement of the present invention is that that volume of pressurised gas exerts pressure to an equal extent on the internal containers even if there are other internal chambers within the outer container. There is no necessity therefore for multiple fills of pressurised gas within a single outer container. An outer container is considered not be compartmentalised to the extent that a contiguous volume of gas exerts a substantially equal pressure in the internal space which holds the internal containers. The product outlets for the material to be dispensed are generally located on the exterior of the dispensing device.

In general where an opening is provided in the outer container it is desirable to employ a mounting cup as a closure for the opening. The mounting cup fulfils a number of functions. Firstly it allows for filling of a pressurised gas into the container through the (can) opening and subsequent closure of the container by fixing of the mounting cup to the container and in particular where a standard dispensing can is employed, the can-curl thereof. Apart from acting ICC-301 9 as a closure the mounting cup also acts as a mounting structure. It is desirable that it does so for the valve control means.

Furthermore it is desirable that the mounting cup has provided therein at least two (non-joined) apertures which act as the respective product outlets for the respective materials to be dispensed. Generally the apertures will be sufficiently far apart (for example from about 9 to about 11 mm) to ensure that there is no cross-contamination of materials between the (dispensing) communication paths. On the other hand it is often times desirable to employ a mixer for ensuring thorough mixing of the dispensed materials before the end-use application thereof. For example one can employ a static mixer which takes the form of a dispensing nozzle and internally in which is located one or more mixing elements such as mixing blades, baffles etc. In general the mixer causes a turbulent flow of the material dispensed so that good mixing is achieved.

In general therefore the product outlets of the device are arranged in sufficient proximity to discharge the separately dispensed materials into a dispensing nozzle in particular a dispensing nozzle of a static mixer type described above. The type of nozzles which are desirable for use with a dispenser of the present invention generally will have a nozzle inlet having a diameter of from about 7 to about 9 mm. By arranging the product outlets as described above it is possible to also have the materials dispensed utilising the dispensing force of the pressurised gas which will force the materials also through the dispensing nozzle if desired. This in turn allows for ease of mixing of the materials to be dispensed. The material from the dispenser outlets may move immediately into the dispensing nozzle or alternatively be taken up by a further component of the device (such as the actuator - see below) for communication to the dispensing nozzle.

Generally a number of components of the dispensing device will be carried on the mounting cup. In particular it is desirable that the first and second inner containers and the first and second valves are each carried by the mounting cup. In this respect it is desirable that provided on the mounting cup is a mounting cup pedestal which takes the form of an upraised (central) surface in the mounting cup. Generally the mounting cup will have a peripheral rim for mounting (by ICC-301 10 crimping) to the rim of the container about the opening. Generally both the rim and the pedestal will-have a circular profile. In general an annular space will be provided between the rim and the pedestal.

The space is provided to allow for insertion of a tool (between the rim and the pedestal) for fixing (e.g. crimping) the pedestal to the valve housing.

The pedestal generally will provide on one side (generally the inner side) thereof a receptacle into which a valve assembly can be fitted. The valve assembly can be fixed in any desired way to the pedestal and crimping can again be utilised if desired.

The internal containers may hold different amounts of material. For example, if the desired mixing ratio of the materials held in the respective inner containers is other than 1 :1, providing flow paths of different diameters is one way to allow for dispensing of the materials in the desired ratio. .

Desirably the inner containers will be of such a size so as to be suspendable within the internal chamber of the outer container.

Where a bag or bags are utilised as the inner containers within the outer can structure, the bags or bags may be attached to a mounting cup as described above.

In particular in the present invention it is of importance that the products dispensed are not mixed prior to exiting the dispensing device. In this respect therefore an important aspect of the invention is the first and second communication paths which communicate the product from the internal containers to the respective product outlets and which maintain the two products separate from each other at all times.

It will be appreciated that the communication paths may be provided by a number of components. ICC-301

It is desirable that a coupling component is provided which couples the inner containers to the mounting cup described above. In general, the inner containers are provided internally to the outer container (and within the internal chamber).

The coupling component generally includes a number of features and achieve a number of desired objectives. In particular it is desirable that the coupling component forms a part of the first and second communication paths. In particular it is desirable that the coupling component comprises first and second conduits each having an intake end for communication respectively with the first and second inner containers and for respectively receiving dispensed material from the first and second containers. Desirably the coupling component communicates the first and second materials to the respective first and second product outlets in the dispensing device.

The coupling component is generally formed as a unitary piece single moulded component. Generally the coupling component included a coupling component body comprising: a first product inlet for communication with a first inner container; a second product inlet for communication with a second inner container; a first product outlet for communicating product to the first product outlet of the dispensing device; a second product outlet for communicating product to the second product outlet of the dispensing device; a first internal conduit for communicating material to be dispensed from the first product intake to the first product outlet; and a second internal conduit for communicating material to be dispensed from the second product intake to the second product outlet. Providing the coupling component allows for ease of connection of the inner containers to the outer container with the desired product flow paths. As above the materials to be dispensed are communicated separately and do not mix prior to exiting the dispensing device. It is desirable that the coupling component is formed for ease of attachment to the inner containers and suitably also to the outer container. It is desirable that the coupling component ICC-301 12 comprises (at one end thereof) at least two legs arranged on the coupling component body thereof each for sealing attachment to one of the inner containers. In such an arrangement the legs respectively comprise the first and second product inlets and the internal conduits of the coupling component run internally in the legs. Generally the legs will project downwardly in the upright position of the inner/outer container assembly.

Further in one particular simple construction the coupling component forms a valve housing for housing the first and second valves. The first and second valves are desirably located in the coupling component. In this respect the valves desirably are respectively arranged along the first and second conduits. For example a valve seat may be formed in the coupling component body against which a valve stem is arranged to abut. The legs may be arranged in a substantially parallel configuration or may alternatively be arranged in a splayed arrangement (such as in a v- shaped arrangement).

Sealingly attaching the inner containers to a coupling component which comprises a valve housing provides a double bag-on-valve arrangement.

While the present invention is described in relation to two inner containers each with an independent dispense path, a third or indeed any desired number of materials to be dispensed could be dispensed by employing a dispense mechanism/pathway as described above. Generally the coupling component should be adapted for connection to the closure for an aperture in the outer container. For example the coupling component may have defined thereon a head portion which is a sliding fit in the receptacle on the mounting cup which is described above. The coupling component thus may be crimped in place by crimping the mounting cup to the coupling component. The pedestal may be shaped appropriately for a mating fit with the head portion for example of a dual valve shape.

Desirably the head portion has defined therein, the first and second product, outlets. In one arrangement the outlets are defined by exit ports in the head thereof. If the valves are of the female type they may sit entirely within the coupling component. ICC-301 13

This is in particular is desirable where the mounting CUD has provided therein first and second product outlets, which may be in the form of apertures. In particular the mounting cup pedestal may have defined therein the first and second product outlets of the dispensing device again for example in the form of apertures. In this respect the outlets of the coupling component and the apertures of the mounting cup should be aligned (in register) so as to allow for dispensing.

In one arrangement the pedestal may have defined therein at least a part of the first and second conduits which communicate the products from their respective inner containers to their respective outlets. In this arrangement it is desirable that the pedestal is provided with valve gaskets in each of the conduits. The legs of the actuator that engage valve members may be disposed on an axis that coincides with the long axis connecting the extremities of the actuator or finger pull members, or, the legs of the actuator may be disposed on an axis orthogonal to the aforementioned long axis.

It is desirable that the mounting cup is a unitary piece. Alternatively the mounting cup could be provided in two pieces such as described below.

The invention also relates to a kit comprising a dispensing device according to the present invention and a dispensing nozzle for attachment to the dispensing device. The dispensing nozzle is provided for ease of application of the materials dispensed. Where mixing of the products is desired the dispensing nozzle may incorporate a static mixer, such as described above so as to thoroughly mix the materials exiting the dispensing device.

A further component of the dispense system is the device actuator. It is desirable that in all embodiments of the invention that the device actuator accommodates the independent dispensing of the dispense materials. The actuator desirably has an actuator body which is arranged for control of the valves. In general the valves will be biased toward a closed position and actuation (by manual pressure) of the actuator will move the valves simultaneously to the open position. Release of the actuator will allow the valves to close. The actuator (in its working position) may be located entirely exterior to the dispensing device (for example where the valves are male ICC-301 14 valves and the male part of the valve protrudes through the respective product outlets of the dispense device). Alternatively the actuator may have at least a part thereof located within the dispensing device. For example, where the valves are female valves the actuator may comprise two (equal length) legs which are arranged to engage the valves and actuate the valves as required.

To the extent that the materials to be dispensed are to be dispensed past the actuator they may be dispensed through the actuator. It is desirable therefore that the actuator has defined therein two independent product paths for taking up material either from within the first and second communication paths of the dispense device or from the product outlets thereof.

The actuator provides a convenient vehicle for the reduction in separation between the communication paths and/or first and second product outlets of the dispensing device. For example, a dispensing nozzle of the type described above is provided on one side of the actuator and the other side of the actuator is adapted for actuation of the valves. In such an arrangement the materials to be dispensed are desirably communicated through the actuator through respective material paths. Desirably within the actuator the distance between the product paths is reduced through the actuator. For example on one side thereof the product paths may be a distance apart equivalent to the valve separation distance. The valve separation distance may be too great for dispensing of the material into a dispensing nozzle. The actuator desirably incorporates a suitable reduction in product path separation. This may be achieved by suitable adjustment of the separation distance. Where the actuator comprises legs as described above for operation of the valves the legs may each define part of the product path. To the extent that the legs are internal to the outer container they form part of the first and second dispense paths of the dispensing device. Material dispensed is taken into the actuator in this way and dispensed therefrom through product outlets on the other side thereof. For ease of fitting to a nozzle the product outlets may be located in a nose provided on the actuator which incorporates the outlets from the actuator. The nose formation is a snug fit with the end of the nozzle to which it is fitted and the independently dispensed materials exit the outlet apertures therein in close proximity to each other. ICC-301 15

In one arrangement it is desirable that the actuator comprises a nozzle attachment portion for attachment of the nozzle to the actuator. It is also desirable to provide on the actuator manual (press) actuation members such as finger pull members.

The dispensing nozzle and the actuator may be formed in a unitary piece.

The invention further provides a dispensing device for co-dispensing two separately held materials, comprising: an outer gas-tight container with an internal chamber for containing a single volume of pressurised gas and being sufficiently rigid to withstand internal gas pressurisation; a volume of pressurised gas located in the internal chamber; a compartmentalised bag arranged within the chamber comprising first and second compartments for respectively holding internally, a first discrete amount of material to be dispensed, and a second discrete amount of material to be dispensed, the bag being constructed of a collapsible material so as to collapse under pressure from pressurised gas in the internal chamber so as to dispense material held internally upon collapsing; wherein the bag is arranged within the chamber so that each compartment experiences substantially equal collapsing pressure from the volume of gas; the device further comprising: a first communication path for communicating dispensed material from the first container to a first product outlet; a second communication path for communicating dispensed material from the second container to a second product outlet; a first valve located along the first communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the first container to the first product outlet; a second valve located along the second communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the second container to the second product outlet; and a valve control member for simultaneously controlling opening and closing of each valve whereupon opening of the valves the inner containers are simultaneously collapsed by the ICC-301 16 pressurised gas causing each inner container to expel a portion of its contents along the respective paths through the respective valves to the respective product outlets.

The invention further provides a dispensing device for co-dispensing two separately held materials, comprising: an outer gas-tight container with an internal chamber for containing a single volume of pressurised gas and being sufficiently rigid to withstand internal gas pressurisation; a volume of pressurised gas located in the internal chamber; first and second inner containers arranged within the chamber for respectively holding internally, a first discreet amount of material to be dispensed, and a second discreet amount of material to be dispensed, the inner containers being: constructed of a collapsible material so as to collapse under pressure from pressurised gas in the internal chamber so as to dispense material held internally upon collapsing; each arranged within the chamber so as to experience substantially equal collapsing pressure from the volume of gas; the device further comprising: a first communication path for communicating dispensed material from the first container to a first product outlet; a second communication path for communicating dispensed material from the second container to a second product outlet; a first valve located along the first communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the first container to the first product outlet; a second valve located along the second communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the second container to the second product outlet; and a valve control member for simultaneously controlling opening and closing of each valve whereupon opening of the valves the inner containers are simultaneously collapsed by the pressurised gas causing each inner container to expel a portion of its contents along the respective paths through the respective valves to the respective product outlets, wherein said valve control member comprises finger pull members. ICC-301 17

The- invention further provides a dispensing device for co-dispensing two separately held materials, comprising: an outer gas-tight container with an internal chamber for containing a single volume of pressurised gas and being sufficiently rigid to withstand internal gas pressurisation; a volume of pressurised gas located in the internal chamber; first and second inner containers arranged within the chamber for respectively holding internally, a first discreet amount of material to be dispensed, and a second discreet amount of material to be dispensed, the inner containers being: constructed of a collapsible material so as to collapse under pressure from pressurised gas in the internal chamber so as to dispense material held internally upon collapsing; each arranged within the chamber so as to experience substantially equal collapsing pressure from the volume of gas; the device further comprising: a first communication path for communicating dispensed material from the first container to a first product outlet; a second communication path for communicating dispensed material from the second container to a second product outlet; a first valve located along the first communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the first container to the first product outlet; a second valve located along the second communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the second container to the second product outlet; and a disposable actuator having defined therein two independent product paths for respectively taking up material from the first and second product outlets, the actuator comprising on one side thereof two legs arranged to engage the valves and actuate the valves, wherein each leg defines part of one of said independent product paths, whereupon opening of the valves, the inner containers are simultaneously collapsed by the pressurised gas causing each inner container to expel a portion of its contents ICC-301 18 along the respective paths to respective dispensing outlets in said actuator, the dispensing outlets being on the other (opposing) side of the actuator to the two legs.

The invention further provides a dispensing device for co-dispensing two separately held materials, comprising: an outer gas-tight container with an internal chamber for containing a single volume of pressurised gas and being sufficiently rigid to withstand internal gas pressurisation; a volume of pressurised gas located in the internal chamber; first and second inner containers arranged within the chamber for respectively holding internally, a first discreet amount of material to be dispensed, and a second discreet amount of material to be dispensed, the inner containers being: constructed of a collapsible material so as to collapse under pressure from pressurised gas in the internal chamber so as to dispense material held internally upon collapsing; each arranged within the chamber so as to experience substantially equal collapsing pressure from the volume of gas; the device further comprising: a first communication path for communicating dispensed material from the first container to a first product outlet; a second communication path for communicating dispensed material from the second container to a second product outlet; a first valve located along the first communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the first container to the first product outlet; a second valve located along the second communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the second container to the second product outlet; and a disposable actuator having defined therein two independent product paths for respectively taking up material from the first and second product outlets, the actuator comprising two legs arranged to engage the valves and actuate the valves, wherein each leg defines part of one of said independent product paths, ICC-301 19 whereupon opening of the valves, the inner containers are simultaneously collapsed by the pressurised gas causing each inner container to expel a portion of its contents along the respective paths to respective dispensing outlets in said actuator, wherein the material is dispensed from said dispensing outlets in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the outer gas-tight container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an actuator and mixing device suitable for use with the dispensing device of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of dispensing device.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing device according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is a cut-away view of the mounting cup of the dispensing device of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device actuator of the dispensing device of Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the partitioned pouch or bag of the dispensing device of

Figure 4.

Figure 8 is a cut-away view of a valve expulsion system for use in a dispensing device of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment of a valve expulsion system suited to the invention and how this is encased and disposed relative to a mounting cup.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of an integrated device actuator mixer suited for use with a dispensing device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of dispensing device in accordance with the present invention will now be described. ICC-301 20

Figure 1 shows a dispensing device according to a first embodiment of the invention. The outer container is a can or canister body (10) containing two bag-on-valve systems (6, 7, 8, 9) and a canister lid (1) with two orifices. The canister lid incorporates a first and second communication paths and a first and second product outlet. The device of Figure 1 was made as a laboratory demonstrator in order to illustrate the functionality of a single canister containing two bag on valve ("BOV") systems. Because multiple use is intended, the device was designed so that the main vessel could be opened and re-closed. A convenient means to pressurise the vessel once closed and to seal the main opening to the vessel with suitable gaskets, or seals is provided.

In alternative embodiments, the dispensing device may not be opened and re-closed. In alternative embodiments, also the main vessel may not require a valve system in its base to enable pressurisation.

The lid assembly 1 is machined from solid polyacetal. A rubber gasket, 2 is attached to a flange on lid 1. The lid has two apertures, 3 drilled in its top face and extending through rubber gaskets, 4 into counter bored chambers, 5. The lid assembly is designed to be inserted into the main canister body by a threaded joint not shown for clarity. The counter bored chambers in the lid assembly are designed to give a tight fit for standard valve housings 6, such as those found on commercially available BOVs, for example 6002/A3:05, supplied by EPSPRAYSYSTEM (Neuchatel, Switzerland). The rubber gaskets 4, the valve stem 7, and the valve spring 8, are all standard parts of commercially available BOV systems. The diameter of the valve stem 7 is greater than the orifice in the gasket 4 (and the aperture 3) so that the stem seats against the rubber gasket when sprung closed. The lid assembly 1 serves as prototype for a single mounting cup with two orifices. To access the valve housing, valve stem and valve spring on commercially available BOV samples, it was necessary to cut away the standard single aperture metal mounting cup supplied with standard BOV product. The aforementioned commercial BOV sample has a 30 ml volume pouch, 9 that is attached to the valve housing via a short and narrow neck. ICC-301 21

In assembly, the valve housings of BOV samples are pushed up into the counter bored chambers, and-lid 1 is screwed down into a canister body 10, also machined from solid polyacetal. The assembled system is gas tight due to gaskets 2 and 4. Where 12 mm o.d. valve housings of standard, commercially available BOV samples (EPSRAYSYSTEM, Neuchatel, Switzerland) were used, the centre-to-centre aperture distance of orifices, 3 in lid assembly 1, Figure 1 is 14.0 mm.

For functional purposes, non-return valve, 1 1 is fixed into the base of the canister so that the canister may be pressurised.

In order to demonstrate functionality of a means of combining exuded materials from the two pouches in the canister described with reference to Figure 1, an actuating static mixer for use with the dispensing device of Figure 1 was designed as illustrated in Figure 2. The actuating static mixer comprises an actuating portion and a mixer portion. The mixer portion is a standard static mixer 12, available as an article of commerce (TAH Europe Inc., Rushden UK). This is essentially a disposable nozzle with a helical plastic insert (not shown) that provides a convoluted path for product streams extruded from its base to its tip, so that effective mixing takes place. The static mixer has a basal rectangular flange with rounded short ends that is designed to engage under, and be secured by, plastic brackets with under-cuts on the actuating portion.

Mounting of the static mixer 12 requires first aligning the long axis of the flange parallel to the short axis of the plastic brackets, then twisting the mixer 12 to lock the flange into the under-cut 15. The actuating portion comprises a solid polyacetal disc, 13 which is machined to give a central pedestal, 14 with drilled through holes 14a, and brackets with under-cuts 15, suited to the engagement of the flange on standard static mixer part, 12. Disc 13 is bolted onto a lower disc, 16 that is machined to have two discrete chambers, 17 physically separated from one another. Bolts and screw holes in the upper and lower discs have been omitted from Figure 2 for clarity. Into the base of chambers 17 are located two discrete hollow tubes, 18. The latter are press fitted into place giving a leak proof seal. ICC-301 22

The centre-to-centre distance of the tubes 18 corresponds to the centre-to-centre separation of the orifices, 3 in lid assembly, 1 of Figure 1. The outside diameters of tubes 18 are equal to the internal diameters of the orifices, 3 and rubber gaskets, 4 in Figure 1, so that when tubes 18 are inserted into orifices, 3 in lid assembly, 1 of Figure 1, a seal is formed between the rubber gasket, 4 and the wall of tubes 18. Tubes 18 are sufficiently long to pass through the thickness of bulk polyacetal in the lid assembly and fully depress the stroke of valve springs, 8 in Figure 1. When valve springs 8 are depressed, product contained in the pouches, 9 of Figure 1, may flow around and down into the partially hollow valve stem, 7, then up into the tubes, 18, in the actuating static mixer device in Figure 2. This means of expelling product from a pressurised pouch via an actuated valve is standard practice in regular BOV systems.

Discs 13 and 16 are bolted together in this laboratory prototype for convenience, but this does not imply that there is a necessity to assemble the actuating device in this way. The item illustrated in Figure 2 is re-useable for convenience of laboratory evaluations. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the invention, single use actuating static mixers may be used. The double disc arrangement of this item enables products to be flushed out after disassembly in readiness for re-use. The standard static mixer part, 12 is a disposable item. The device illustrated in Figure 2 is a prototype for a convenient means of combining two inputted product streams, ultimately into a single mixed product. It may be thought of as a physical adapter that reduces the separation of inputted product streams to a much smaller separation that conveniently falls within the base aperture of standard static mixer parts. The closer the valve housings come together, or the smaller the diameter of the valve housings, the smaller will be the centre-to-centre separation of the tubes 18 in Figure 2. This distance is at a minimum when the smallest valve-housing diameter is considered and two valves, for example, occupy a common housing.

Figure 3 shows a dispensing device according to a second embodiment of the invention, which is a variant on the prototype illustrated in Figure 1. The overall principles are the same in both cases and the same reference numerals are used for common features. The device shown in ICC-301 23

Figure 3, comprises an alternative lid assembly. The device in Figure 3 has been designed to facilitate hand filling of messy products and also to functionally demonstrate the operation of co- joined valves. This example serves to illustrate, therefore the principle of a plurality of valves, effectively in a single housing within the spirit of experimentation.

With reference to Figure 3, lid assembly 1 has a rubber gasket 2 attached to the lower flange of the lid. It has two apertures, 3 as before (cf Figure 1). An additional rubber gasket 4 is attached to the upper, inside surface of the lid to seal the valves of the BOVs.

To facilitate laboratory operations only, an additional system has been included. This comprises a threaded cylindrical insert 19, that is screwed into the inside diameter of canister, 10 to a depth set by the length of the threads on the lower section of 19 (threads not shown for clarity). The lid assembly, 1 also threads onto this cylindrical insert from above, such that the gasket 2 seats onto the upper flange of the canister body. The length of the thread on the upper section of the inserted part 19 is such that the valve housings seat firmly against rubber gasket, 4 when the device is assembled. In the top part of insert 19 is a disc, 20. This disc is held into the cylindrical insert 19 by grub screws. Disc 20 is split across its diameter and comprises a central elongated aperture of a width suited to secure the narrow neck of the BOV valve housing (visible in Figure 1, but hidden by disc 20 in Figure 3). In assembly, standard BOV housings may be united by heat welding or by hot melt gluing the housings together to simulate a co-joined valve system. This is next latched into the aperture of the split disc, such that the wide bore body of the valve housing sits above the re-assembled split disc 20, as shown in Figure 3. Disc 20 holding the united valves is next aligned on cylindrical insert 18 with an index mark before grub screwing in place, so that the axis of the double valve system will coincide with the axis of the orifices in lid assembly 1 whenever the latter is screwed onto the canister body. The need for aligning or indexing the position of one double apertured system relative to a second set of apertures above the first is recognised. Indexing of valve systems to automated filling systems would be similarly considered. ICC-301 24

Whereas united valve housings illustrate the principle of co-joined valves, the actual pouches 9, are still independent in this example.

It is not necessary for the disc 20 with its central aperture, nor the cylindrical insert 19 to form gas tight seals against the canister body or lid, since gas tight sealing is provided by gaskets 2 and 4.

The objective of the cylindrical insert 19 is to enable a convenient means of holding BOVs in place during hand filling. Prior to filling, the bags are inflated to blow the security tapes apart that confine the pouches on the, as supplied empty BOVs, into tightly wound 'cigar shaped' configurations. In final operation hand filling is not intended and the correct orientation of two orifices for subsequent filling purposes is recognised.

An actuating static mixer of the type shown in Figure 2 may be used in conjunction with the dispensing device of Figure 3.

The centre-to-centre distance of tubes 18, in Figure 2 has been compressed due to unification of valve housings 6 (cf. Figure 1). Whenever 12 mm o.d. diameter valve housings are used, the centre-to-centre distance of the apertures in lid assembly 1 is now 12.0 mm. BOVs with smaller o.d. valve housings are commercially available from The Lindal Group, Bedfordshire, UK. These may be co-joined in the fashion described above to give a united valve housing with a reduced centre-to-centre distance for example. The standard opening of commercially available canisters used for common aerosols is 25.4 mm, which accommodates standard 25.1 mm diameter single orificed mounting cups such as those found on conventional BOV embodiments.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 3 individual BOV samples were used in tandem to reduce the concept of multiple bags in one canister to practice. It will be appreciated that the pouches of the individual BOV samples may be co-joined to create, in effect, a single pouch that has been partitioned to create a plurality of pouches, the number of which correspond to the number of input tubes in the valve expulsion system for which they are intended. ICC-301 25

The following are examples of test use of the prototype device of Figure 1:

Example 1 - Dispensing and mixing of two-part epoxy adhesive:

Loctite^® Hysol^® five-minute setting two-part epoxy adhesive 9455A&B was obtained in a 200ml traditional twin-cartridge pack (Henkel Loctite Adhesives Ltd, Watchmead, UK). The contents of cartridge A and cartridge B were carefully dispensed into separate beakers. A blue dye was added to clear part A and a yellow dye was added to clear part B. Equal volume samples of each part were hand mixed on a substrate to give a green product. The green product cured to a rigid resin after about five minutes at room temperature.

Standard BOV samples 6002/A3.-05 were supplied by EPSPRAYSYSTEM (Neuchatel, Switzerland). The standard metal mounting cups were cut off two samples leaving the valve housings intact with their component stems and springs. The stems and springs were removed. The pouches were inflated first with dry air to break tape seals confining the virgin samples, then dyed part A adhesive component was filled into one such pouch through the empty valve housing, by hand using disposable pipettes. The operation was repeated for part B adhesive component in a separate pouch. The valve springs and stems were replaced into their respective valve housings that were subsequently located into the lid assembly of the embodiment described in Figure 1. The lid assembly with valves and pouches located thereon was united with the canister body, 10, in Figure 1 and securely tightened. The assembled device was next pressurised to approximately 5 bar through the non-return valve, 11 located in the base of the canister (Figure 1).

Actuating static mixer was assembled, as shown in Figure 2. The tubes 18, of this device were engaged into the orifices 3, in lid assembly 1 shown in Figure 1. When the actuating device was depressed, blue and yellow product streams could be seen to issue into the base of the static mixer nozzle and combine to form a green mixture, which issued out of the nozzle tip into a receiving vessel. When the actuator device was released, flow stopped from the nozzle tip. When depressed again, green product flowed again. The dispensed green product cured to form a rigid resin within five minutes in the same fashion as in the initial test. When the actuating device was ICC-301 26 removed from the top of the assembled canister, no product flowed. When the actuating device was cleaned and reassembled and reapplied in the aforementioned fashion to the pressurised container, green product again flowed from the nozzle tip and again cured to a rigid resin. No dispensing (e.g. ratchet) gun or auxiliary dispensing aid was used to effect dispensing of the two part adhesive system.

Example 2 - Dispensing and mixing of two-part acrylic adhesive:

Loctite^® general-purpose structural two-part acrylic adhesive 3295A&B was obtained in a 200ml traditional twin-cartridge pack (Henkel Loctite Ireland Ltd, Dublin, Ireland). The contents of cartridge A and cartridge B were carefully dispensed into separate beakers. These adhesive components are already dyed blue and yellow by the manufacturer. Equal volume samples of each part were hand mixed on a substrate to give a green product. The green product cured to a rigid resin after short time (5-10 minutes) at room temperature.

The procedure outlined in Example 1 was repeated using the acrylic formulations in place of the epoxy formulation components and the same overall results were obtained. Thus the actuating device enabled interruptible access to the contents of the pouches which mixed thoroughly to form a cured durable resinous adhesive without the aide of auxiliary dispensing aides, such as ratchet guns and the like.

Example 3 - Dispensing and mixing of two-part epoxy adhesive:

Loctite^® Hysol^® five-minute setting two-part epoxy adhesive 3430A&B was obtained in several 24ml twin syringe packs (Henkel Loctite Adhesives Ltd, Watchmead, UK). The 24ml double syringe pack of Loctite^® Hysol^® 3430 uses twin, or co-joined plungers to expel components from each syringe so that a ratchet gun is not necessary with this pack. However it also has a twin nozzle and no provision for a static mixer, so that hand mixing of the two components is required after dispensing.

The contents of each syringe was carefully dispensed into separate beakers. A blue dye was added to clear part A and a yellow dye was added to clear part B. Equal volume samples of each ICC-301 27 part were hand mixed on a substrate to give a green product. The green product cured to a rigid resin after about five minutes at room temperature.

The procedure outlined in Example 1 was repeated substituting the components of adhesive 3430 for those of 9455. The same result was achieved, i.e., the embodiment enabled interruptible access to the contents of pouches containing the components of adhesive 3430 that were dispensed and mixed to produce a rigid green solid after five minutes at room temperature. No additional ratchet guns or dispense aides, such as twin plungers were used in this example.

Example 4

Loctite^® Hysol^® epoxy adhesives 3421A&B and 3450A&B (Henkel Loctite Adhesives Ltd, Watchmead, UK) and Loctite^® acrylic adhesive 3257A&B (Henkel Loctite Ireland Ltd, Dublin, Ireland) were also tested in the system described in previous examples and were found to dispense and mix and cure to solids. No auxiliary dispense aides were necessary to dispense curable product using the embodiments cited in previous examples.

Example 5

To a standard aerosol canister of some 300ml volume, with a one inch opening, was attached an assembly comprising a one inch aluminium mounting cup that, in turn, comprised a pedestal with double orifices crimped to contain beneath an internal double orificed gasket and a plastic dual valve system to which a single partitioned tri-ply pouch was heat sealed and suspended therefrom. The pouch- valve assembly was assembled into the empty aerosol canister. An outer rubber gasket was included around the inner circumference of the mounting cup before the final crimping. The mounting cup was crimped against the can curl with special tools to ensure a gastight seal. The assembled canister was then gassed to a pressure of about 3 bar with compressed air, by injecting the gas through a rubber bung in the base of the canister. The canister was shown to be gastight by immersion tests in water baths and extended storage in the pressurised state. ICC-301 28

The coloured resin systems from product 9455 A&B from Example 1 were backfilled into independent compartments of the partition pouch within the canister through the individual valves in the dual valve assembly. This was achieved by applying a pressure of approximately 4- 5 bar. Approximately 15-20 mis of each resin component was filled into each compartment of the partitioned pouch. Further leak tests were conducted over extended periods and the pressure in the canister and on the product filled pouches was sustained without leakage.

A disposable actuator of similar design to that shown in Figure 6 was injection moulded in plastic and a standard commercial static mixer suited to 1 : 1 resin systems was locked onto the moulded actuator. This device was used to issue independent streams of resinous substances from the independent compartments in the pouch within the 2BOV canister. Independent blue and yellow streams of part A and part B resin were seen to occupy the lower flights of the mixing element in the static mixer before the combined to give a uniform green combined resin. After use in this way, the actuating static mixer was discarded. Examination of the discarded part confirmed that individual coloured streams of resin occupied the hollow legs of the actuator and these individual component streams were still uncured.

To re-use product from the canister, a new disposable actuating static mixer was reassembled. This could be interruptedly used without discarding the actuator every time, depending on the set or cure time of the product and the length of time over which the sample was used. Again the canister could be stored without the actuator present and subsequently re-used at a later time with a new actuator mixer system.

Tests were conducted on several such canisters until the inner pouches were fully discharged. Product issued at a convenient rate even when the pouch was nearly empty and mixing was thorough.

Figure 4 shows a dispensing device 103 according to a third embodiment of the invention. ICC-301 29

The outer container of the dispensing device is an aluminium canister 37 with an industry standard 25.4mm (1 inch) diameter opening. The opening is defined by a "can-curl" - a rim 37a formed on the canister 37 by turning the walls of the can outwardly so as to fold back upon itself.

To a standard aerosol canister of some 300 ml volume, with a one inch opening, was attached an assembly comprising a one inch aluminium mounting cup that, in turn, comprised a pedestal with double orifices crimped to contain beneath an internal double orifice gasket and a plastic dual- valve system to which a single partitioned tri-ply pouch was heat sealed and suspended therefrom. The pouch-valve assembly was assembled into the empty aerosol canister. An outer rubber gasket was included around the inner circumference of the mounting cup before the final crimping. The mounting cup was crimped against the can curl with special tools to ensure a gas tight seal. The assembled canister was then gassed to a pressure of about 3 bar with compressed air, by injecting the gas through a rubber bung in the base of the canister. The canister was shown to be gastight by immersion tests in water baths and extended storage in the pressurised state.

The coloured resin systems from product 9455 A&B from example 1 were backfilled into independent compartments of the partitioned pouch within the canister through the individual valves in the dual valve assembly. This was achieved by applying a pressure of approximately 4-5 bar. Approximately 15-20 mis of each resin component was filled into each compartment of the partitioned pouch. Further leak tests were conducted over extended periods and the pressure in the canister and on the product filled pouches was sustained without leakage.

A disposable actuator of similar design to that shown in Fig. 6 was injection moulded in plastic and a standard commercial static mixer suited to 1:1 resin systems was locked onto the moulded actuator. This device was used to issue independent streams of resinous substances from the independent compartments in the pouch within the 2BOV canister. Independent blue and yellow streams of part A and B resin was seemed to occupy the lower flights of the mixing element in the static mixer before they combined to give a uniform green combined resin. After using this way, the actuating static mixer was discarded. Examination of the discarded part confirmed that individual coloured streams of resin occupied the hollow legs of the actuator and these individual component streams were still uncured.

To re-use products from the canister, a new disposable actuating static mixer was reassembled. This could be interruptedly used without discarding the actuator every time, depending on the set or cure time of the product and the length of time over which the sample was used. Again the canister could be stored without the actuator present and subsequently reused at a late time with a new actuator mixing system.

In the internal chamber 39 of the canister is a bag on valve (BOV) arrangement 106. The BOV arrangement 106 comprises a partitioned pouch or bag 34 on a coupling component or valve housing 21. Included in the coupling component 21 is a multiple valve expulsion system. The bag 34 has two separate inner containment spaces or compartments 34a, 34b. The material used for the bag is a tri-ply laminate of plastic, aluminium foil, plastic. The plastic interior provides an inert surface for most product components, but also enables a heat-sealing function to be invoked. In this embodiment, a conventional BOV bag has been heat sealed down its centre by heat seal 35 (see figure 7) to create the two discrete compartments within the original single bag. Conventional (standard) bags are available in a range of sizes to accommodate volumes of material from 30 mis to 400mls (EPSPRAYSYSTEM), Neuchatel, Switzerland, The Lindal Group, Bedfordshire, UK).

The aforementioned heat seal 35 need not divide a single bag equally into two compartments or chambers, nor that one chamber need necessarily run the entire length of the bag 34.

As best seen from Figure 7, the bag 34 is heat sealed onto input tubes 24 provided in the valve housing 21 with seal 36, as is standard practice in single valve BOV items of commerce. It will ICC-301 31 be appreciated that the bag 34 may alternatively be coupled to the valve housing 21 by sealing means other than heat sealing.

Alternative BOV arrangements may be used in the device shown in Figure 4. For example, a BOV arrangement comprising two or more individual bags sealed respectively to each of the input tubes of the valve housing may be used.

The coupling component 21 is shown in detail in Figure 8. The moulded plastic housing is formed in polyolefin or nylon for example. The housing contains two valves. In each valve is a valve stem 22 and a valve spring 23, such as those commonly found in conventional BOV systems. The valve stems 22 are preferably formed in a chemically resistance material. The two valves are isolated from one another. In the base of the valve housing 21, two input tubes 24 are provided. The functions of tubes 24 are twofold, thus (i) they provide a rigid point to connect and seal the pouch or pouches containing product component to be dispensed as described above, and (ii) they act as product inlets, providing a pathway for product component to flow, under pressure, through the valves.

Features 122 and 123 are moulded ridges that provide grip for manipulation and subsequent heat sealing of the bag(s) onto the coupling component 21.

The centre-to-centre distance between adjacent valve outlets is approximately 1 1.0mm. These dimensions allow the coupling component 21 to fit within the confines of an industry standard 25.4 mm (1 inch) mounting cup 104.

The mounting cup 104 is shown in detail in Figure 5. The mounting cup 104 may be formed in lacquered aluminium or plated tin. The mounting cup 104 comprises an outer peripheral skirt or rim 25 and a central pedestal, 26 which takes the form of an upraised (central) surface in the mounting cup 104. Both the rim 25 and the pedestal 26 have a circular profile. An annular space 25a is provided between the rim 25 and the pedestal 26. ICC-301 32

The space 25a is provided to allow for insertion of a tool (between the rim and the pedestal) for fixing (e.g., crimping) the pedestal 26 to the valve housing. Two orifices 27 are defined in the upper surface of the central pedestal 26.

Referring again to Figure 4, the coupling component or valve housing 21 is received into a recess 26a formed within the underside of the central pedestal 26 of the mounting cup 104. On assembly, the outlets of the valve housing 21 are aligned with the orifices 27 in the pedestal 26 and the outer walls of the central pedestal 26 are crimped about the valve housing 21. Crimping of valve housings in mounting cup pedestal arrangements is standard procedure to those knowledgeable in the art. Gaskets 38 are provided between the top of the valve housing and the inner surface of the pedestal. A variety of gasket materials are available in standard formats for BOV such as buna, neoprene and chlorobutyl rubbers and Viton® (Precision Valve UK Ltd, Cambridgeshire, UK).

It will be appreciated that the mounting cup-valve housing-pouch system may be a previously assembled, integrated unit that is inserted into the empty can before the canister is pressurised and sealed.

The canister 37 is preferably pressurised using a typical 'under-the-cup' (UTC) gassing operation, such as is standard practice in conventional BOV technology. During the UTC gassing, the rim 25 of the mounting cup 104 is crimped onto the canister body 37. The mounting cup 25 is further provided with a gasket 28 underneath its main outer rim to provide a gas tight seal once the mounting cup 104 has been crimped onto the canister 37.

The dispensing device of Figure 4 further comprises an actuator portion 105. The actuator 105 is shown in detail in Figure 6. The actuator enables product components to be conveyed from the product source through the valves to be dispensed.

The actuator 105 comprises two input hollow tubes or legs 29 of sufficient length to pass through the mounting cup 104 and fully depress valves springs 23. The centre-to-centre distance of said ICC-301 33 tubes correspond to the centre-to-centre distance of the orifices 27 in the mounting cup 104, and, to the centre-to-centre distance of the valves in the coupling component 21. The outside diameter of the tubes, 29, is marginally smaller than the inside diameter of the orifices 27 in the mounting cup 104. The outside diameter of tubes 29 form a seal against orifices in rubber gasket 38 that sit atop the valve housing 21.

The tubes 29 convey the product component into separate chambers, 30 in the device actuator. Product components from separate chambers, each labelled 30, exit the device actuator through a pedestal 31 with a plurality of co-joined orifices in such a configuration that the outside diameter of said pedestal mates into the inside of standard static mixing devices commonly used in the industry. Standard static mixing devices with standard flanges may be locked in place on the device actuator by way of the activator's integrated brackets with under-cuts, 32. Several other means of locking static mixing devices on twin cartridge systems are known and it will be obvious that these can be adapted to the device actuator described herein.

The actuator 102 is moulded in an inexpensive yet robust plastic such as a polyolefin, acrylic, nylon, etc. The actuator has finger pulls, 33, configured on its long axis to provide an ergonomic function to facilitate the valve actuation that dispenses product. The simple design and inexpensive nature of the component, combined with one of its intended uses in the transport of curable adhesive components, means that this component may be of a disposable nature, even if the adhesive components, for example, do not mix within the device actuator pe se.

In use, the action of pulling downward on the finger pulls, 33 of the actuator device depresses the valve stem 22 and spring 23 arrangement, so that product component streams from discrete sources (e.g., partitioned or separate pouches) are forced under the internal pressure of (propellant) gas confined in region 39 between the inner wall of the canister and the outer surfaces of the pouch or pouches (and therefore not in contact with product components within) through the valve expulsion system and routed through the device actuator and optionally into the static mixer. When a mixer is used, the individual product component streams then combine in the mixing device where they are thoroughly mixed and dispensed through the tip of the ICC-301 34 standard static mixer nozzle (not shown). When the device actuator is released, the valve stems, 22 seat against rubber gaskets, 38, to cut-off supply of product components to the static mixer. Re-activating the device actuator in the way previously described will again initiate product flow, etc. The device actuator may be discarded along the static mixer after use.

It will be appreciated that the dispensing device of figure 4 may be used in any orientation, including an upright position, a partially inverted position, or a totally inverted position. Each chamber 30 in the partitioned pouch is continually under external pressure from the gas confined in region 39, whether the actuator is depressed or not. When the actuator depresses the valve stems 22, the product held in each chamber 30 is squeezed from the chamber, through the open valve arrangement and into the legs 29 of the actuator. The orientation or position of the dispensing device canister at the time when the actuator is depressed has no effect on expulsion of the product from the chambers (and subsequently through the valves and into the actuator). The gas confined in region 39, exerts pressure on the chambers 30 regardless of the orientation of the canister.

The actuator in Figure 6 may be considered as an adapter that reduces the distance between a plurality of product component streams to a distance that conveniently falls within the diameter of standard mixing devices, such as static mixing devices that are articles of commerce.

The actuator illustrated in Figure 6 is an assembled version of the device actuator. For simplicity of moulding and to eliminate the cost of assembly, this device may be produced in two parts united with an integrated hinge, for example. In this case, the end user snaps the part together before use. Figure 10 shows such an actuator in its pre-assembled state.

Figure 9 shows the valve expulsion system of Figures 4 and 7 in combination with an alternative embodiment of a mounting cup 40. The cross-section is taken from the centre of one of the valves in the valve housing 21 of Figure 8. ICC-301 35

In this arrangement, an upper portion of the valve housing 21 forms a central pedestal of the mounting cup 40.

The mounting cup 40 is designed for 25.4mm (1 inch) openings in standard canisters. The mounting cup 40 is provided with a central hole of sufficient size to accommodate a robust rubber casing, 41 with integrated base flange 46. The rubber casing 41 has a plurality of orifices, 42 that correspond to the number of valves to be used within it. The rubber casing 41 has a further barbed feature, 43 that enables the casing to be pushed through the central hole in the mounting cup 40 and to seal tightly against the bulkhead created by the mounting cup itself, as is known in the art for so-called PU valves (The Lindal Group, Bedfordshire, UK). On the inside of the rubber casing is disposed a further barbed feature, 44 with the narrow end of the barb facing in the direction opposite to that of the aforementioned barb. Barbed feature, 44 creates a rim within the rubber casing to secure the valve housing. An additional ridge feature, 45, is moulded on the inside of the rubber casing, 41 to locate under the top rim of the valve housing, 21. The flange, 46 on the rubber casing forms a secure seal on the lower side of the mounting cup surface.

In assembly, the valve housing 21 is pushed up inside the rubber casing so that the centre of the valves in the multiple valve system are coincident with the orifices 42 in the rubber casing 41. There is no need for additional rubber gaskets as the valve housing 21 seals tightly against the rubber casing, however additional gaskets may be used, e.g., chemically resistant materials, such as Viton^®. The valve housing 21 containing the valve expulsion system may then be pushed through the central hole of the mounting cup, 40. Alternatively the rubber casing is first pushed through the central hole in the mounting cup and the valve system is inserted afterwards. Appended to the valve system is a BOV pouch system such as that shown in Figure 7.

In alternative embodiments of mounting cups, the central pedestal may reside above the rim of the mounting cup proper. This arrangement facilitates valve-crimping operations because greater access to the pedestal is provided for the crimping tool. The aforementioned valve forms a gas tight seal because its design includes a tough rubber skirt around the valve body that provides a ICC-301 36 seal against the internal pressure in the canister. PU-valves are of the tilting valve type and have a wide single orifice designed to accommodate pasty or highly viscous products such as sealants and PU ("push up") foams. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art, that a multiple chambered version of a PU valve could be made, for example, the open stem of a conventional PU tilt valve could be divided into two semicircular chambers running the entire length of the valve to create, in effect, a double tilt valve that could subsequently be linked to discrete chambers or pouches.

In a further embodiment of the device actuator, the device actuator per se may be integrated into the static mixer itself as shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 shows an integrated device actuator mixer 108 having a plurality of inlets in the form of two input hollow tubes 29 and a single outlet in the form of a nozzle 50. Thus the static mixer nozzle 50 comprises moulded finger pulls 47 by analogy to those illustrated in Figure 6 (item 33), in place of a flange system or other locking system. The lower part of the device 48 of Figure 10, also depicted in Figure 6 bearing the plurality of tubes 29 is, in this case, attached to the ergonomically designed, static mixing actuator via an integrated hinge 49 as alluded to earlier. In this embodiment, the separate chambers 30 (cf. Figure 6) are now contained within the lower part 48 of the device to simplify moulding. In assembly, a standard helical mixing element, such as those found in conventional static mixers, is inserted into the nozzle 50 of the static mixer, then the lower part of the device is snapped in place. The entire item is intended to be disposable.

The words "comprises/comprising" and the words "having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, claimed and/or described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, ICC-301 37 described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination.

Claims

ICC-301 38Claims

1. A dispensing device for co-dispensing two separately held materials, comprising: an outer gas-tight container with an internal chamber for containing a single volume of pressurised gas and being sufficiently rigid to withstand internal gas pressurisation; a volume of pressurised gas located in the internal chamber; first and second inner containers arranged within the chamber for respectively holding internally, a first discreet amount of material to be dispensed, and a second discreet amount of material to be dispensed, the inner containers being: constructed of a collapsible material so as to collapse under pressure from pressurised gas in the internal chamber so as to dispense material held internally upon collapsing; each arranged within the chamber so as to experience substantially equal collapsing pressure from the volume of gas; the device further comprising: a first communication path for communicating dispensed material from the first container to a first product outlet; a second communication path for communicating dispensed material from the second container to a second product outlet; a first female valve located along the first communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the first container to the first product outlet; a second female valve located along the second communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the second container to the second product outlet; and a disposable actuator having defined therein two independent product paths for respectively taking up material from the first and second product outlets, the actuator comprising two legs arranged to engage the valves and actuate the valves, wherein each leg defines part of one of said independent product paths, whereupon opening of the valves, the inner containers are simultaneously collapsed by the pressurised gas causing each inner container to expel a portion of its contents along the respective paths to respective dispensing outlets in said actuator. ICC-301 39

2. . A device according to claim 1 wherein the internal containers are of the collapsible bag type.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein each internal container is a bag.

4. A device according to claim 2 wherein each internal container is a separate compartment within a single bag.

5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the collapsible material is laminated.

6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the collapsible material is a try-ply laminate.

7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the outer container is a canister.

8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the outer container is a canister sized so as to be held in one hand.

9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the outer container comprises an opening.

10. A device according to claim 9 further comprising a mounting cup as a closure for the opening in the outer container.

11. A device according to claim 10 wherein the mounting cup comprises at least two apertures.

12. A device according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the mounting cup also acts as a mounting structure for the first and second valves.

13. A device according to any of claims 10 to 12 wherein the mounting cup comprises a mounting cup pedestal.

14. A device according to any of claims 10 to 13 wherein the mounting cup provides a receptacle into which a valve assembly can be fitted.

15. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second discrete amounts of materials are unequal in size.

16. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second flow paths are unequal in diameter.

17. A device according to claim 1 wherein the internal containers are suspended within the internal chamber of the outer container. ICC-301 40

18. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the materials to be dispensed are communicated separately and do not mix prior to exiting the dispensing device.

19. A device according to any preceding claim further comprising a coupling component body comprising: a first product inlet for communication with a first inner container; a second product inlet for communication with a second inner container; a first product outlet for communicating product to the first product outlet of the dispensing device; a second product outlet for communicating product to the second product outlet of the dispensing device; a first internal conduit for communicating material to be dispensed from the first product intake to the first product outlet; and a second internal conduit for communicating material to be dispensed from the second product intake to the second product outlet.

20. A device according to claim 19 wherein the coupling component comprises at least two legs arranged on the coupling component body thereof each for sealing attachment to one of the inner containers.

21. A device according to claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the coupling component forms a valve housing for housing the first and second valves.

22. A device according to any of claims 19 to 21 wherein the coupling component is adapted for connection to the closure for an aperture in the outer container.

23. A device according to any of claims 10 to 22 wherein the mounting cup is a unitary piece.

24. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator comprises a nozzle attachment portion for attachment of a nozzle to the actuator.

25. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the actuator comprises manual actuation members such as finger pull members.

26. The device of any preceding claim wherein the distance between the product paths is reduced through the actuator.

27. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the co-dispensed materials are chemically reactive adhesives, sealants or coatings compositions. ICC-301 41

28. A kit comprising a dispensing device according to any preceding claim and a dispensing nozzle for attachment to the dispensing device.

29. A kit according to claim 28 wherein the dispensing nozzle incorporates a static mixer so as to thoroughly mix the materials exiting the dispensing device.

30. A dispensing device for co-dispensing two separately held materials, comprising: an outer gas-tight container with an internal chamber for containing a single volume of pressurised gas and being sufficiently rigid to withstand internal gas pressurisation; a volume of pressurised gas located in the internal chamber; a compartmentalised bag arranged within the chamber comprising first and second compartments for respectively holding internally, a first discrete amount of material to be dispensed, and a second discrete amount of material to be dispensed, the bag being constructed of a collapsible material so as to collapse under pressure from pressurised gas in the internal chamber so as to dispense material held internally upon collapsing; wherein the bag is arranged within the chamber so that each compartment experiences substantially equal collapsing pressure from the volume of gas; the device further comprising: a first communication path for communicating dispensed material from the first container to a first product outlet; a second communication path for communicating dispensed material from the second container to a second product outlet; a first valve located along the first communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the first container to the first product outlet; a second valve located along the second communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the second container to the second product outlet; and a valve control member for simultaneously controlling opening and closing of each valve whereupon opening of the valves the inner containers are simultaneously collapsed by the pressurised gas causing each inner container to expel a portion of its contents along the respective paths through the respective valves to the respective product outlets. ICC-301 42

31. A dispensing device for co-dispensing two separately held materials, comprising: an outer gas-tight container with an internal chamber for containing a single volume of pressurised gas and being sufficiently rigid to withstand internal gas pressurisation; a volume of pressurised gas located in the internal chamber; first and second inner containers arranged within the chamber for respectively holding internally, a first discreet amount of material to be dispensed, and a second discreet amount of material to be dispensed, the inner containers being: constructed of a collapsible material so as to collapse under pressure from pressurised gas in the internal chamber so as to dispense material held internally upon collapsing; each arranged within the chamber so as to experience substantially equal collapsing pressure from the volume of gas; the device further comprising: a first communication path for communicating dispensed material from the first container to a first product outlet; a second communication path for communicating dispensed material from the second container to a second product outlet; a first valve located along the first communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the first container to the first product outlet; a second valve located along the second communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the second container to the second product outlet; and a valve control member for simultaneously controlling opening and closing of each valve whereupon opening of the valves the inner containers are simultaneously collapsed by the pressurised gas causing each inner container to expel a portion of its contents along the respective paths through the respective valves to the respective product outlets, wherein said valve control member comprises finger pull members.

32. A dispensing device for co-dispensing two separately held materials, comprising: an outer gas-tight container with an internal chamber for containing a single volume of pressurised gas and being sufficiently rigid to withstand internal gas pressurisation; ICC-301 43 a volume of pressurised gas located in the internal chamber; first and second inner containers arranged within the chamber for respectively holding internally, a first discreet amount of material to be dispensed, and a second discreet amount of material to be dispensed, the inner containers being: constructed of a collapsible material so as to collapse under pressure from pressurised gas in the internal chamber so as to dispense material held internally upon collapsing; each arranged within the chamber so as to experience substantially equal collapsing pressure from the volume of gas; the device further comprising: a first communication path for communicating dispensed material from the first container to a first product outlet; a second communication path for communicating dispensed material from the second container to a second product outlet; a first valve located along the first communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the first container to the first product outlet; a second valve located along the second communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the second container to the second product outlet; and a disposable actuator having defined therein two independent product paths for respectively taking up material from the first and second product outlets, the actuator comprising on one side thereof two legs arranged to engage the valves and actuate the valves, wherein each leg defines part of one of said independent product paths, whereupon opening of the valves, the inner containers are simultaneously collapsed by the pressurised gas causing each inner container to expel a portion of its contents along the respective paths to respective dispensing outlets in said actuator, the dispensing outlets being on the other side of the actuator to the two legs.

33. A dispensing device for co-dispensing two separately held materials, comprising: an outer gas-tight container with an internal chamber for containing a single volume of pressurised gas and being sufficiently rigid to withstand internal gas pressurisation; ICC-301 44 a volume of pressurised gas located in the internal chamber; first and second inner containers arranged within the chamber for respectively holding internally, a first discreet amount of material to be dispensed, and a second discreet amount of material to be dispensed, the inner containers being: constructed of a collapsible material so as to collapse under pressure from pressurised gas in the internal chamber so as to dispense material held internally upon collapsing; each arranged within the chamber so as to experience substantially equal collapsing pressure from the volume of gas; the device further comprising: a first communication path for communicating dispensed material from the first container to a first product outlet; a second communication path for communicating dispensed material from the second container to a second product outlet; a first valve located along the first communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the first container to the first product outlet; a second valve located along the second communication path for controlling dispensing of material from the second container to the second product outlet; and a disposable actuator having defined therein two independent product paths for respectively taking up material from the first and second product outlets, the actuator comprising two legs arranged to engage the valves and actuate the valves, wherein each leg defines part of one of said independent product paths, whereupon opening of the valves, the inner containers are simultaneously collapsed by the pressurised gas causing each inner container to expel a portion of its contents along the respective paths to respective dispensing outlets in said actuator, wherein the material is dispensed from said dispensing outlets in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the outer gas-tight container.