Handheld applicator suitable for gun valve containers

Abstract

An improved handheld applicator is provided, fitted into an assembly onto a pressure container which is equipped with a gun valve and containing a viscous compound suitable for forming a silicone paste, a polyurethane (PU) foam, or a glue, the applicator being producible in one single injection molding step and providing in handheld use the ergonomics, the aiming and the dosing accuracy comparable to the use of the pressure container with a dispensing gun. Further provided is a process for the production of the applicator and of the assembly, as well as the use of the assembly for applying a compound from the pressure container with a handheld method.

Claims

1. An assembly of a pressure container containing a curable composition suitable for forming a product selected from a silicone paste, a polyurethane (PU) foam, a glue, and combinations thereof, the container being closed with a container valve which is a gun valve comprising a valve cup supporting a central rubber grommet through which sticks a valve stem having an axis of symmetry, and a handheld applicator, suitable for applying the content present in the pressure container, characterised in that the handheld applicator consists of a fixed part for attachment to the pressure container and which fixed part further provides a grip surface for contact with the palm of the hand, the fixed part providing a pistol grip to the user during use of the assembly, during which use the assembly should be turned upside down with the container above the applicator, the handheld applicator further consisting of an integrated moveable part which provides a handle surface for an action by at least one finger of the same hand and the moveable part having a conveying tube for the container content to be discharged, a resilient part having a pivot joint along an axis of rotation for connecting the moveable part to the fixed part and allowing for relative movement of the moveable part, and which moveable part further provides movement, for engaging the conveying tube with the valve stem of the container valve and for opening the container valve under the action by pushing the valve stem of the container valve down into the container contents, by a substantially linear movement of the valve stem along the axis of symmetry of the valve stem straight into the container, wherein the moveable part pivots around the axis of rotation located in a plane running through a point of engagement between the conveying tube and the valve stem and running perpendicular to the direction of linear movement of the valve stem, wherein the fixed part of the applicator is further provided with a hollow cylinder as a receiving device which is engaging with the side of the grommet of the container valve, thereby forming a seal around the grommet of the gun valve, and the conveying tube, which is moveably arranged at the receiving device, is provided for, by the action, engaging with the valve stem, thereby compressing the grommet of the gun valve in the direction of the linear movement on the valve stem, the grommet expanding perpendicular to this direction and thereby being pressed against the hollow cylinder thereby tightening the seal between the side of the grommet of the gun valve and the receiving device of the applicator.

2. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the action is a squeezing action.

3. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the handle surface provides a trigger cooperating with the grip surface.

4. The assembly according to claim 1 whereby the fixed part of the applicator further comprises an additional grip surface part for contact with at least one finger.

5. The assembly according to claim 1 whereby the grip surface for contact with the palm of the hand has a surface area of at least 10 cm.sup.2.

6. The assembly according to claim 1 whereby the handle surface has a surface area of at least 4 cm.sup.2.

7. The assembly according to claim 1 whereby the resilient part is connected to the moveable part above the pivot joint and is connected to the fixed part at and below the pivot joint, whereby a reversible deformation of the resilient part allows the pivoting of the moveable part with respect to the fixed part.

8. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the container comprises a head which is flanged to the container by a head flange, wherein the container valve is flanged to the container head by a valve flange, wherein the fixed part of the applicator is provided with a first cylindrical portion comprising a protruding rim for an operation selected from snapping the applicator onto the head flange of the container and sliding the applicator over the valve flange of the container, and combinations thereof, thereby attaching the applicator to the container.

9. The assembly according to claim 8 wherein the fixed part of the applicator is provided with a second cylindrical portion comprising a protruding rim for an operation selected from snapping the applicator onto the head flange of the container, sliding the applicator over the head flange of the container, and combinations thereof, thereby attaching the applicator to the container.

10. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the container comprises a head which is flanged to the container by a head flange and wherein the fixed part of the applicator is provided with a second cylindrical portion comprising a protruding rim for an operation selected from snapping the applicator onto the head flange of the container, sliding the applicator over the head flange of the container, and combinations thereof, thereby attaching the applicator to the container.

11. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the applicator is further comprising a safety seal for securing the relative position of the moveable part to the fixed part, and a hinge which is attached to the safety seal and allows for relative rotational movement of the safety seal between a closed position and an open position such that the safety seal is provided for reversible movement.

12. The assembly according to claim 11 wherein the moveable part of the applicator is provided with a first means and the safety seal is provided with a second means for engaging with the first means and by this engagement securing the moveable part from moving relative to the fixed part.

13. The assembly according to claim 11 wherein the safety seal is further provided with a first means for engagement with a second means provided as part of the fixed part for cooperation with the first means and by their engagement further securing the position of the safety seal relative to the fixed part.

14. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the applicator is further comprising a cavity for providing an accessory object.

15. The assembly according to claim 14 wherein a safety seal is present and the safety seal is provided as the cover for closing off the cavity for the accessory object.

16. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the applicator is further provided with a closure element suitable for closing the open end of an element selected from a trunk and a hose.

17. The assembly according to claim 1 further comprising an element selected from a trunk and a hose which is provided together with the applicator, and is accommodated for enabling the container content to be discharged in a well-aimed manner.

18. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the applicator is further provided with an external flat surface.

19. The assembly according to claim 18 wherein the flat surface is provided on a location selected from on top of the applicator, on top of the safety seal, on top of the cover of the cavity for the accessory object, or a combination thereof.

20. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the applicator is made from a material selected from nylon 6, polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene rubber (ABS), and mixtures thereof.

21. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the container valve is a so called feststof valve, i.e. a valve comprising in contact with the container contents only materials having little to no permeability for a compound selected from water and propellant gasses.

22. The assembly according to claim 21, wherein the valve comprises in contact with the container contents materials selected from rigid plastic, metal, and combinations thereof, but no rubber parts, in particular no parts made of carbon black filled rubber.

23. The assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a hose which is suitable for enabling the container content to be discharged in a well-aimed manner.

24. The assembly according to claim 1 further comprising an accessory object.

25. The assembly according to claim 24 wherein the accessory object is at least one glove suitable for protecting human skin against contact with the content of the container.

26. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the container contains a composition suitable for forming a polyurethane (PU) foam.

27. A process for the production of the assembly according to claim 1 comprising a step of injection moulding for producing the handheld applicator, further comprising the step of assembling the applicator with the container.

28. The process according to claim 27 wherein the mould of the injection moulding comprises at least 4 parts which are able to move relative to each other, for closing and opening the mould.

29. The process according to claim 28 wherein the mould further comprises at least one core for shaping at least one opening internal to the handheld applicator, such as the conveying tube or the hollow cylinder.

30. The process according to claim 27 whereby in assembling the applicator with the container the applicator is picked up by means of a vacuum applied through a suction cup engaged on the external flat surface provided on the applicator, and whereby the applicator is released by breaking the vacuum after the applicator having been brought into a position on the container which position is suitable for the applicator being snapped onto the container.

31. A method for applying a compound from a pressure container employing the assembly according to claim 1 for applying the compound from the pressure container of the assembly with a handheld method.

32. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the receiving device is flexibly connected with the conveying tube such that by the action on the applicator the conveying tube is vertically displaced relative to the receiving device.

33. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the seal between the hollow cylinder and the grommet is further improved by slats provided on at least one of the outer surface of the valve and the inner surface of the hollow cylinder.

34. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the hollow cylinder that forms the receiving device has a shoulder at one end of the cylinder, and the applicator includes a membrane disposed on the shoulder for flexibly connecting to the conveying tube.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the handheld applicator as part of the assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 1A shows a side view, FIG. 1B shows a bottom view and FIG. 1C shows a top view of the same applicator. FIG. 1D shows a cross sectional view according to the I.sub.D arrows in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1E shows a cross sectional view according to arrows I.sub.E in FIG. 1A.

(2) FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view through the centre axis of the applicator and perpendicular to the cross-sectional views in FIGS. 1D and 1E, with the safety seal in the same open position as in FIG. 1A.

(3) FIG. 3 shows the same cross sectional view as in FIG. 2, now with the safety seal in an almost closed position.

(4) FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view, as in FIGS. 2 and 3, of the assembly of the same handheld applicator and the pressure container, with the safety seal of the applicator in the closed position and with a hose connected to the applicator, the hose being bent into its position clicked-into its clips and extending alongside the container wall.

(5) FIG. 5 shows the assembly as after a first use, with the safety seal broken off and the hose extending in its position ready for use and closed off with the closing element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(6) The containers for compounds under pressure are typically designed as cylinders. The bottom is usually closed off by flanging a concave bottom plate onto the cylinder. The top of the cylinder is typically closed off by flanging on a convex head plate, with therein a central opening through which the container may be filled with its content. This opening is then typically closed off with a valve through which the container content may be released using the pressure which is built up inside the container. This container valve is typically also flanged onto the container head. This valve flange connection is formed by shrinking the container valve onto the container head, thereby typically at the same time closing off the container after it has been filled.

(7) At room temperature, the pressure inside a filled and ready-to-use container is typically about 5 bar gauge. The containers are typically able to remain intact up to a pressure of 18 bar gauge, and are designed to not burst open with a pressure below 21.6 bar gauge. The valve is typically designed to resist a pressure up to at least 22 bar gauge. Other containers exist, which are only able to remain intact up to a pressure of 12 or 15 bar gauge. The container valve usually comprises a valve cup, i.e. a round metal cup which is flanged or shrunk at its perimeter into the central filling opening of the container, optionally in addition using a rubber seal, usually an O-ring, for preventing leakage of any content through this valve flange.

(8) The present invention is directed to pressure containers containing a composition which is suitable for forming a silicone paste, a polyurethane (PU) foam, or a glue. These compositions have in common that they have a relatively high viscosity which may generally be as high as at least 40.000 mPa.Math.s at 20 C., preferably even at least 60.000 mPa.Math.s, and possibly even much higher. In addition these compounds are reactive when in contact with the environment. It is therefore important for a long shelf life of the container that the valves for use with such compositions offer a good sealing of the container from the environment. As stated in the foreword of A. De Schrijver, Foam manual, the development of a suitable container valve, suitable for closing of containers with such reactive contents and for appropriately releasing the contents having such high viscosities, has been key to the development of substantially problem free containers for the application of PU foams, which was a major factor in the commercial success thereof. As a result of such good sealing requirement, the valves used with such compounds, and in particular the gun valves amongst them, are rather difficult to operate, and thus to open.

(9) The present invention differentiates thus significantly from pressure containers containing a much less viscous, non reactive and often highly volatile content, such as aerosol containers, for which a very simple ball valve, or bullet valve is suitable, also possibly called a dip tube valve. Such aerosol containers, and applicators for those types of valves, are for instance disclosed in US 2009/0321381, in JP 8 169480 A, in WO 2007/149459 A2, and in JP 2000 142847 A. The applicators disclosed in these documents may be suitable for operating the easy-going ball or bullet valves which are generally used on aerosol containers. They are unable to handle and incompatible with the much better closing but thereby more difficult to operate gun valves which have especially been developed for the high viscosity and reactive fluids offered in pressure containers, such as silicone pastes, polyurethane (PU) foam compositions, and glues.

(10) In the conventional valve design of the containers as part of the assembly of the present invention, the valve cup is supporting a central rubber grommet through which a usually plastic valve stem sticks. The stem is rigid and typically has a central duct which turns, just before the stem ends at its lower end in a blind flange, sideways into one or more, typically four, side openings. In a state at rest, the rubber grommet pulls the blind flange up against the bottom of the grommet and seals off the openings. The valve is designed for being opened by pushing the stem down relative to the grommet or cup, whereby typically the grommet deforms elastically and whereby at least one of the side openings in the valve stem becomes available for the container content.

(11) Because the rubber of the grommet of the conventional valve, particularly when carbon black has been used as a filler in the rubber, allows diffusion of water, which then may react with certain compounds in the container to form a sticky solid, the conventional valve has the disadvantage that the valve stem may become blocked over time, or when the container has been for some time in a horizontal position. This may already occur when the container has been lying on its side for a period of only 3 to 6 weeks. A further disadvantage is that the rubber of the grommet also allows diffusion of propellant gasses out of the container, such that the container may lose most or all of its pressure after a while. For these reasons, other types of valves have been developed, which may not comprise the rubber grommet as described for the conventional valve. Such container valves may also be known as feststof valves, and suitable variants thereof are for instance described in WO 2009/004097, U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,887, WO 03/062092, or U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,215,225, 5,549,226 and 6,058,960. These valves have no rubber grommet, or only have a rubber grommet on the outside of the valve which is not in contact with the contents of the container. These feststof valves may thus be characterised in that the materials of the valve parts coming in contact with the container contents are substantially impermeable for water and/or propellant gasses. The valves may for instance be provided with one or even more than one metal spring, being a spiral spring or a leaf spring or a combination thereof. The spring or springs may be provided and tailored such that the valve may be easier to open than a conventional valve, and thus offer further improved ergonomics to the user, as well as improved aiming and dosing capabilities. The springs may also assure a faster closing of the valve as compared to the conventional valve. A valve with an internal spiral spring is for instance disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,887. Valves with external spiral springs may be found as part of the family of valves MIKAVent PU-RF, available from Mikropakk. Valves with a blade spring may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,960, WO 03/062092 and WO 2009/004097.

(12) Like conventional valves, these feststof valves typically also have a valve cup and a stem. The valve cup of such valves may still be susceptible to deformation under internal pressure inside the container. These valves are typically provided with at least one sealing section at the outside of the valve stem, suitable for forming a seal when brought in contact with a gun adaptor, a dispensing gun, or a handheld applicator. These sealing sections may comprise slats for improving the sealing function, and these slats may be provided at suitable locations on the outer surface of the valve. Examples of such slats are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,887, U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,960 and in WO 2009/004097.

(13) In an embodiment of the handheld applicator as part of the assembly according to the present invention, the applicator is suitable for use with all types of gun valves. These types may thus include the conventional gun valve comprising the rubber grommet, the gun valve comprising the external grommet, the gun valve comprising an internal spiral spring, the gun valve comprising an external spiral spring, and the gun valve comprising a blade spring. The handheld applicator may therefore be provided with a plurality of sealing sections, optionally extra provided with slats. These sealing sections may be provided at the various internal surfaces which may make contact with external surfaces of any of the valves, such as for instance on the inside surfaces of the strictly cylindrical part of the receiving device, or on conical sections provided as part of the receiving device, or at the bottom of the hollow cylinder or of a receiving device having a different shape. We prefer to have at least a sealing section on the inside surface of the strictly cylindrical part of the receiving device, but we prefer even more to also provide a sealing section as part of at least one of the other internal surfaces named, and most preferably at all of the named surfaces.

(14) The applicants have found that the handheld applicator as part of the assembly according to the present invention may also be made suitable for operating with a straw valve container. The applicator may be provided for engaging also with the stem of a straw valve, in such a way that the movement of the moveable part of the applicator results in a pushing down of the stem of the straw valve into the container contents, preferably by a movement along the axis of symmetry of the valve stem.

(15) In an embodiment of the applicator as part of the assembly according to the present invention, the action by the hand on the applicator is a squeezing action, i.e. thereby squeezing the hand around the body of the handheld applicator. Squeezing is by far the most natural and the easiest action to be performed by one hand, and provides a strong force and the best control of the force exerted by the single hand on the applicator. This provides further improved ergonomics, aiming and dosing capabilities to the user.

(16) In an embodiment of the applicator as part of the assembly according to the present invention, the handle surface provides a trigger cooperating with the grip surface, preferably complementing the pistol grip. This brings the advantage that the use of the assembly comprising the handheld applicator more closely resembles the use of the more sophisticated dispensing device or dispensing gun, with all its associated advantages in terms of ergonomics, aiming and dosing capabilities.

(17) In an embodiment of the applicator as part of the assembly according to the present invention, the fixed part of the applicator further comprises an additional grip surface for contact with at least one finger, preferably for the index finger, more preferably for closing the hand around the applicator in cooperation with the thumb of the hand. This brings the resemblance with the use of a dispensing gun even closer.

(18) In an embodiment of the applicator as part of the assembly according to the present invention, the grip surface for contact with the palm of the hand has a surface area of at least 10 cm.sup.2, preferably at least 20 cm.sup.2, more preferably at least 30 cm.sup.2, even more preferably at least 40 cm.sup.2 and most preferably at least 45 cm.sup.2, typically about 50 cm.sup.2, and/or the handle surface has a surface area of at least 4 cm.sup.2, preferably at least 5 cm.sup.2, more preferably at least 6 cm.sup.2, even more preferably in the range of 7-9 cm.sup.2 and typically 9 cm.sup.2, preferably the grip surface for contact with the palm of the hand and/or the handle surface, more preferably at least the grip surface for contact with the palm of the hand, being provided as an at least partially rough-textured surface.

(19) In an embodiment of the present invention, the applicator is further provided with a conveying tube for the container content to be discharged, preferably this conveying tube being provided with a connection to accommodate a trunk or hose for enabling the container content to be discharged in a well-aimed manner, whereby preferably the conveying tube and/or the trunk or hose, when connected to the connection is provided for passing in between two fingers of the hand, preferably between the index finger and the middle finger when the hand is gripping around the applicator, preferably around the pistol grip, for exerting the action. The applicants have found that this brings the advantage that the compound may be applied with a higher precision, which allows to further reduce the amount of excess compound which is typically applied and which needs to be removed later and ends up as waste. This thus further reduces the amount of aftercare work required and brings an even higher efficiency in material use.

(20) In an embodiment of the applicator as part of the assembly according to the present invention, the moveable part is connected to the fixed part by a resilient part suitable for allowing by its reversible deformation a pivoting of the moveable part with respect to the fixed part, preferably the pivoting being around a virtual rotational axis, more preferably the virtual rotational axis being located approximately in an imaginary plane running through the point of engagement between the moveable part and the container valve and running perpendicular to the direction of movement of the stem of the valve, preferably the resilient part being provided as an integral part of the applicator. The applicants have found that this location of the resilient part relative to the stem of the valve brings the advantage that the action on the applicator, which causes the moveable part to pivot or rotate over at least a small angle relative to the fixed part, translates into a substantially linear movement of the stem of the valve straight into the container, and this with a minimum of friction between the applicator and the stem of the valve. This brings the advantage of minimizing the force to be exerted on the applicator for achieving a given opening of the valve, which further improves the ergonomics, the aiming and the dosing capabilities. We have found that this resilient part may be provided as an integrated part of the applicator, such as by a portion suitably designed to allow bending the portion which, when produced from a material having some resilience such as a plastic, may act as a resilient part by bending, thereby providing a virtual rotational axis.

(21) In an embodiment of the applicator as part of the assembly according to the present invention, the fixed part is provided with a first cylindrical portion comprising a protruding rim for snapping the applicator onto or sliding the applicator over the valve flange of the container, as defined above being the flange connecting the valve plate to the container head, and/or a second cylindrical portion comprising a protruding rim for snapping the applicator onto or sliding the applicator over the head flange of the container, preferably onto and/or over both flanges, thereby attaching the applicator to the container. The applicants have found that by having a substantially full circular contact of the applicator with the container where it is snapped onto one of the flanges, this brings the advantage of an improved attachment of the applicator to the container, stronger as compared to an only partial contact and fully reliable in terms of fixing the relative positions of the container and the applicator. The applicants prefer to snap the applicator onto the valve flange of the container, because that flange is the smaller flange, and this attachment may thus be easiest to achieve with a minimum of construction material for the applicator, and was found to be sufficient for the purpose. However, the applicator may alternatively or in addition also be snapped onto the head flange of the container for achieving and/or improving the attachment of the two elements of the assembly.

(22) In an embodiment of the present invention, the applicator further comprises a hollow cylinder as a receiving device for engagement with the container valve, a conveying tube for the container content to be discharged which is moveably arranged at the receiving device, whereby the conveying tube is provided for, under the action by the hand on the applicator, engaging with the stem of the valve and whereby the grommet of the valve, if present, is compressed in the direction of the engagement action on the stem and expands perpendicular to this direction and is thereby pressed against the hollow cylinder of the applicator thereby providing or tightening the seal which may preferably already exist between the valve and the receiving device of the applicator, and which seal preferably is further improved by slats provided on the outer surface of the valve and/or on the inner surface of the hollow cylinder, more preferably on both surfaces. The applicants have found that this engagement between the hollow cylinder of the applicator and the outside of the gun valve provides a seal which on the one hand protects the compound leaving the container from contact with the environment and on the other hand prohibits the compound leaving the container from unintentionally escaping or leaking sideways instead of flowing through the conveying tube which is intended for guiding the compound flow. Any slats provided as part of these seals are found to further improve the sealing function of the sealing sections.

(23) In an embodiment of the applicator as part of the assembly according to the present invention, the receiving device is flexibly connected with the conveying tube such that by the action on the applicator the conveying tube is vertically displaced relative to the receiving device, preferably the flexible connection being with a shoulder on the conveying tube and/or the flexible connection being by means of a membrane, thereby facilitating the movement of the conveying tube in the direction of the valve and closing off one end of the hollow cylinder, most preferably the flexible connection and/or the membrane being provided as an integral part of the applicator. The applicants have found that, in particular when the membrane is made of a material which is impermeable for fluids and gasses such as air, this provides the advantage of further sealing the compound leaving the container from contact with the environment, and of further prohibiting unintentional leakage of compound.

(24) In an embodiment of the present invention, the applicator further comprises a safety seal for securing the relative position of the moveable part relative to the fixed part, wherein preferably the safety seal is provided for being moved and for requiring its move for enabling the action on the handle surface to open the valve, preferably the safety seal being provided as an integral part of the applicator and/or the seal being provided as a rigid part fixing in a closed position of the safety seal the position of the moveable part relative to the fixed part of the applicator. This brings the advantage that any unintended action on the applicator prior to moving the safety seal from its safe or closed position does not cause any premature or unintended release of compound from the container. The applicants have found that such a safety seal may be provided as an integral part of the applicator, such that the applicator including its safety seal may be produced by a single injection moulding production step.

(25) In an embodiment of the present invention, the safety seal is provided for reversible movement, preferably being movable around a hinge joint connecting the safety seal to the fixed part, more preferably the safety seal and/or the hinge joint, and most preferably both, being provided as an integral part of the applicator, preferably an integral part of the fixed part of the applicator. This brings the advantage that the safe or closed position of the safety seal may be restored after a use of compound, such that the assembly becomes again protected from any premature or unintended release of compound from the container. The applicants have found that such a safety seal and if present also its hinge joint may be provided as integral parts of the applicator, such that the applicator including its safety seal and the hinge joint thereof may still be produced by a single injection moulding production step.

(26) In an embodiment of the present invention, the moveable part of the applicator is provided with a first means and the safety seal is provided with a second means for engaging with the first means and by this engagement securing the moveable part from moving relative to the fixed part. This brings the advantage that the safety seal is well connected to the moveable part, and thus is more effective in securing the relative position of the moveable part relative to the fixed part of the applicator. The applicants prefer the first means to be a leg or circular protrusion and the second means to be a slot or hollow cylindrical protrusion, suitable for receiving and preferably clicking in the leg or circular protrusion. This provides for a strong connection, which also may be opened and closed more than once, preferably several times.

(27) In an embodiment of the present invention, the safety seal is further provided with a first means, preferably a protrusion, more preferably at least part of a protruding rim, for engagement with a second means provided as part of the fixed part for cooperation with the first means, preferably the second means being a receiving surface on the fixed part fitting the part of the protruding rim on the safety seal, and by their engagement further securing the position of the safety seal relative to the fixed part. The hinge joint of the safety seal, when provided as an integral part of the applicator made of a resilient plastic material, is a relatively weak part of the applicator, and is more prone to breaking. The advantage of this embodiment is that the function of the safety seal is not anymore dependent on the integrity of the hinge joint, but may still perfectly function when the hinge joint has been broken. This is of particular interest when the same container is used several times with intervals between applications of small amounts of compound.

(28) In an embodiment of the present invention, the applicator further comprises a cavity for providing an accessory object, the cavity preferably being closed with a cover, the accessory object preferably comprising one glove, more preferably a pair of gloves, suitable for protecting one or both hands of the user of the pressure container against contact with the component from the container, the glove or gloves optionally being folded and/or individually or collectively wrapped. This brings the advantage that together with the assembly of the container and the applicator according to the present invention, an accessory object may be supplied which may be of possible interest to the user or the consumer. This accessory object may for instance be an information carrier, e.g. containing more information than for which there is room available on the external surfaces of the container or of the applicator. Such information may for instance be safety information related to appropriate use of the container and/or its contents, and may e.g. be in a different language than similar information provided on the container. The accessory object may for instance be one or a pair of plastic gloves suitable for allowing the user to protect his hands against contact with the container contents. These gloves are preferably folded and wrapped. The accessory object may also be a toy.

(29) In an embodiment of the present invention wherein a safety seal is present, the safety seal is provided as the cover for closing off the cavity for the accessory object. The applicants have found this to be a very convenient way to combine preferred features of the applicator according to the present invention. It brings the advantage that the accessory object becomes available immediately before use of the container, which is particularly suitable for protecting gloves. If the safety seal can be reclosed such as in some of the preferred embodiments, the gloves may be restored into the cavity, such that they are stored together with the used container and remain readily available to the user for during his next use.

(30) In an embodiment of the present invention, the applicator is further provided with a closure element suitable for closing the open end of a trunk or hose which is optionally provided together with the applicator and which is preferably connectable or connected to connection, if present, and be accommodated for enabling the container content to be discharged in a well-aimed manner, the closure element preferably being provided as an integral part of the applicator, more preferably as an integral part of the safety seal, the closure element preferably being provided for being broken off, more preferably further comprising at least one suitable handling surface for easy handling of the closure element. This brings the advantage that the compound which after use remains inside the applicator may be sealed from influence from the environment, and may remain in a fresh and fluid condition. This is particularly advantageous when the compound is moisture sensitive and may harden in a reaction with water, such as with one component PU-foam. The applicants have found that correct use of such closure element allows a PU foam compound to flow again out of the can or container and through the handheld applicator, which is air tight apart from the trunk tip, as much as 48 hours after a previous use.

(31) In an embodiment of the present invention, the applicator comprises an external flat surface, preferably this surface being located on top of the applicator or on top of the safety seal or on top of the cover of the cavity for the accessory object. This brings the advantage that the applicator may readily be picked up by means of a vacuum applied through a suction cup engaged with this external flat surface during assembly of the applicator with the container, and be released by breaking the vacuum.

(32) In an embodiment of the present invention, the applicator is made from nylon 6, polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene rubber (ABS), or mixtures thereof. The applicants have found that such plastic materials provide sufficient strength together with sufficient resilience in order to provide all essential and desirable parts of the applicator as integral or integrated parts thereof, and that by a suitable mould design, the applicator may be produced as a single product in a single step of injection moulding. The applicants have found that with these materials of construction, by adapting design and material thicknesses of the various parts, those parts of the handheld applicator which need to be flexible and/or resilient may be formed as flexible and/or resilient parts, and those parts which need to be rigid may be formed as rigid parts.

(33) In an embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention, the container valve is a so called feststof valve, i.e. a valve comprising in contact with the container contents only materials having little to no permeability for water and/or propellant gasses, such as rigid plastic and/or metal but no rubber parts, in particular no parts made of carbon black filled rubber, and preferably the assembly provides a seal between the valve and the receiving device of the applicator, which seal preferably is further improved by slats provided on the outer surface of the valve and/or on the inner surface of the hollow cylinder, more preferably on both surfaces. These feststof valves may also be characterised in that the materials of the valve parts coming in contact with the container contents are substantially impermeable for water and/or propellant gasses. The valves may for instance be provided with at least one metal spring, and may thus be easier to open and faster closing, and a.o. offer further improved ergonomics to the user and improved aiming and dosing capabilities. Their other advantages have already been discussed above. A further advantage is that these valves are less prone to deformation from internal pressure inside the container, in particular when the container is closed off and internal pressure and temperature builds due for instance to chemical reactions inside the container. This means that there is less risk for the valve stem being moved from its initial position, thereby reducing the risk that the valve stem is not anymore in the optimum position suitable for the handheld applicator of the present invention.

(34) In another embodiment, the assembly according to the present invention further comprises a trunk or hose which is preferably connectable or connected to the connection, if present, and suitable for enabling the container content to be discharged in a well-aimed manner, preferably wherein the trunk or hose is clicked into a clips which is provided as part of the applicator and/or the container, optionally the trunk or hose being made from resilient material and being bent or folded in the clicked-in position, preferably such that by releasing the trunk or hose from the clips, the trunk or hose extends into its unbent or unfolded position, which preferably is the position of the trunk or hose ready for use. This trunk further complements the assembly with the elements which the user expects to need for applying the compound in the container. The preferred embodiments are very convenient for storage and transportation of the assembly from its production location through the distribution chain and to the consumer.

(35) In an embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention, the assembly further comprises an accessory object, which preferably is provided in the cavity for providing the accessory object, if present. Such accessory object may for instance be at least one and preferably a pair of gloves suitable for protecting human skin against contact with the content of the container. This is of particular interest in case the container comprises methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) in a reactive form.

(36) In another embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention, the gun valve container contains a composition suitable for forming a polyurethane (PU) foam.

(37) The invention further provides for the process for producing the applicator as part of the assembly according to the present invention comprising the step of injection moulding. In an embodiment thereof, the process further employs a mould comprising at least 4 parts which are able to move relative to each other, preferably perpendicularly and/or parallel to each other, for closing and opening the mould, preferably only 4 parts.

(38) In another embodiment of the process according to the present invention, the mould further comprises one or two cores for shaping at least one opening internal to the handheld applicator, such as the conveying tube or the hollow cylinder. This process enables the applicator to be produced as one single product with all essential and desired elements as integral parts thereof, and in one single production step.

(39) In another embodiment, the process according to the present invention further comprises the step of assembling the applicator with the container. We thereby prefer to provide means for assuring that the applicator does not tilt with respect to the container, or means for assuring the alignment of the applicator with respect to the container. This may for instance be achieved by specific guides or by the insertion of a leading head into the applicator during the assembly step, such that its alignment remains secured and tilting is avoided.

(40) In another embodiment of the process according to the present invention, the applicator is picked up by means of a vacuum applied through a suction cup engaged on the external flat surface provided on the applicator, preferably on top of the cover closing off the cavity for the accessory object, and whereby the applicator is released by breaking the vacuum after the applicator having been brought into a position on the container which position is suitable for the applicator being snapped onto the container.

(41) The present invention is further illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

(42) FIG. 1 shows different views of a preferred embodiment of the handheld applicator 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 1A shows a side view, FIG. 1B shows the bottom view and FIG. 10 shows a top view of the same applicator. FIG. 1D shows a cross sectional view according to the I.sub.D arrows indicated in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1E shows a cross sectional view according to arrows I.sub.E indicated in FIG. 1A. Handheld applicator 1 is intended for snapping on top of a container (not shown) to form an assembly, which during use is turned upside down with the container above the applicator. The applicator comprises a fixed part 4, with grip surface 5 for contact with the palm of the hand of the user. The applicator further comprises integrated moveable part 6, with handle surface 7, thereby offering a trigger cooperating with the grip surface 5 to form a pistol grip, suitable for a squeezing action by one hand, i.e. by closing one or two fingers towards the palm of the hand which is in contact with grip surface 5. Fixed part 4 further comprises grip surface 8 for contact with the index finger, such that the index finger in cooperation with the thumb of the hand may close a firm grip around the fixed part 4 of the applicator.

(43) Further shown on FIG. 1A is connection 22 for connecting the hose for aiming the container compound. Also shown is safety seal 26, integrated with the fixed part of the applicator via hinge joint 27 and provided for reversible movement, the safety seal being provided with second means 29 for engaging with first means 28 provided on the moveable part 6, and thereby securing the moveable part 6 from moving relative to the fixed part 4. Preferably, the second means 29 is provided with an internal conical shape and/or the first means 28 is provided with an external conical shape, such that when closing the safety seal 26, the first and the second means more readily find each other for engaging with each other and securing the moveable part 6 relative to the fixed part 4. The inventors have found that it is beneficial that safety seal 26 is provided with a lip or an ear, such as extending sideways from the perimeter of the seal 26, preferably at a location substantially opposite of the hinge joint 27. This provides an extra handling point which facilitates the opening or reopening of the safety seal 26 when secured into position of safety. Further shown is protrusion 30 on the safety seal 26 for additional security as explained later. Integrated with safety seal 26 is also closure element 32, provided for being broken off, and provided with suitable handling surface 33 for easy handling. Also indicated is flat surface 34, as part of the safety seal, which may be helpful in assembling the handheld applicator with a container.

(44) In the bottom view of FIG. 1B, protruding rim 9 is shown for snapping the fixed part 4 of the applicator onto the valve flange of a container. Also clearly shown is safety seal 26 connected to fixed part 4 via hinge joint 27, as well as clips 36 for receiving a trunk or hose. Also again indicated is flat surface 34 as part of the safety seal. In addition, the inventors prefer to provide the words OPEN on the flat surface 34, preferably close to second means 29, clearly indicating to the user how he should open the safety seal, have access to the accessory object, and be able to operate the handheld applicator.

(45) In the top view of FIG. 10 are indicated fixed part 4 with grip surface 5 for the hand palm, and moveable part 6 with trigger surface 7 for the fingers. Further is indicated the resilient flat part which forms pivot joint 15, connecting fixed part 4 with moveable part 6 of the applicator, all provided as integrated parts of one single product. Further shown are safety seal 26 connected to fixed part 4 via hinge joint 27, all again as integral parts.

(46) In the cross sectional view of FIG. 1D is shown closure element 32 with handling surface 33. In the cross sectional view of FIG. 1E are shown moveable part 6 and fixed part 4 and the resilient flat part which forms pivot joint 15 connecting the two.

(47) FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view cut by a plane through the centre axis of the applicator and perpendicular to the cross-sectional views in FIGS. 1D and 1E, with the safety seal in the same open position as in FIG. 1A. Indicated is protruding rim 9 for snapping the applicator onto the container. The flat resilient part forming the pivot joint 15 between fixed part 4 and moveable part 6 is also shown. Further are indicated hollow cylinder 20 forming the receiving device of the applicator, which has a shoulder 24 which is connected by means of integrated membrane providing a flexible connection to conveying tube 21 ending up in connection 22 for accommodating a trunk or hose. Also shown is safety seal 26, connected via hinge joint 27 as an integral part to the fixed part 4 of the applicator and around which is able to rotate. The closure element 32 is still shown in its original position. Further indicated are leg 28 as first means provided on the moveable part 6, and hollow cylindrical protrusion 29 as second means provided on the safety seal, the leg suitable for clicking into cylinder 29. Further shown is protruding rim 30 on the safety seal 26, for engaging with receiving surface 31 on the fixed part of the applicator. Further indicated is clips 36 for receiving the trunk or hose during storage and transportation.

(48) In FIG. 3, the safety seal 26 is shown in an almost closed position, with cylindrical protrusion 29 approaching leg 28 on the moveable part 6 and protruding rim 30 approaching receiving surface 31 on the fixed part 4. By engagement between parts 28 and 29 on the side of the moveable part 4, in combination with hinge joint 27 connecting safety seal 26 to fixed part 4, the safety seal 26 connects and secures the relative positions of moveable part 6 and fixed part 4. In addition, by engagement of parts 30 and 31 on the side of the fixed part, the security remains provided even when hinge joint 27 would have been broken, e.g. by frequent use. The inventors preferably add more sections of a protruding rim, similar to protruding rim 30, for upon closing of the safety seal 26 engaging with corresponding sections of the inside rim of the cavity of the applicator. The inventors prefer to provide such extra rim sections on both sides of the closure element 32, close to the perimeter of the safety seal 26. By closing the safety seal 26, this seal acts as a cover closing the cavity provided between moveable part 6 and fixed part 4, the cavity 37 being available for providing an accessory object, as desired, such as a pair of protecting gloves for the user.

(49) FIG. 4 shows again a cross sectional view, as in FIGS. 2 and 3, but now of an assembly of the same handheld applicator 1 and a pressure container 2, with the safety seal of the applicator in the closed position, closing off the cavity 37 for the accessory object. Further is a hose 35 connected to the applicator, and bent into its position clicked-into its clips and extending alongside the container wall, most suitable for during storage and transportation. The applicator 1 is snapped onto valve flange 10 of the container and held in place by protruding rim 9. The bottom of the applicator 1 also grips around container head flange 12, but here without any extra snapping rim. In order to facilitate the assembly step of the applicator with the container, i.e. to stabilise the applicator on top of the container before it is snapped thereon, stabilising pins may be provided as part of the applicator at the cylindrical parts which snap on or grip around the valve flange and/or the container head flange. For further details about such stabilising pins, reference is made to co-pending patent application EP-A-10164927.5.

(50) Of the container in FIG. 4 is also shown conventional gun valve 3, with grommet 14 holding in place central stem 13 and providing already a seal 23 against the inner wall of hollow cylinder 20, which is further tightened when the conveying tube, under the squeezing action on the moveable part 6 presses down the valve stem 13 and compresses grommet 14 vertically such that it expands laterally against the receiving device 20. With the closed safety seal, the flat surface 34 thereof is brought externally on top of the handheld applicator, in a suitable position for being helpful in the assembly step of the handheld applicator with a container.

(51) FIG. 5 shows the assembly of handheld applicator 1 with container 2, as after a first use, with the safety seal broken off and the hose 35 released from clips 36 and extending in its position ready for use. The free tip of hose 35 is shown closed off with the closing element 32, which is easy to handle thanks to handling surface 33. The inventors further prefer to provide the closure element 32 with a screw thread tip for insertion into the hose 35, such that it is readily recognizable to the user what the purpose is of closure element 32, and facilitating its insertion into the hose 35.

(52) Having now fully described this invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention can be performed within a wide range of parameters within what is claimed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As understood by those of skill in the art, the overall invention, as defined by the claims, encompasses other preferred embodiments not specifically enumerated herein.