Adhesive dispenser system

#This application is directed to a packaging system for moisture-sensitive materials, and more particularly, to a dispensing system for moisture-sensitive adhesive materials used in the construction industry.

#In the construction industry, most moisture-sensitive materials, such as adhesive components, are packaged in a variety of sealable containers to prevent the contents from absorbing water from the atmosphere or moisture that collects on the surfaces of dispensing systems. Moisture commonly migrates into the fittings, nozzles and conduits of such dispensing systems. The dispensing system becomes clogged and the dispensing qualities are degraded to the extent that the system must be disassembled and cleaned. Significant costs and inefficiencies result from having to remove moisture which collects in the components of the dispensing system.

#If the moisture-sensitive material is to remain viable over time, the user has to make sure that the packaging is tightly closed during periods of non-use. However, moisture-sensitive materials are inherently difficult to store after opening the original packaging, so in many cases, the unused portion is discarded after a construction job is completed. If moisture-sensitive materials are not discarded after opening the primary container, the material begins to chemically degrade, which can negatively affect the performance and physical properties of the remaining material. Additionally, the necessity of routinely discarding the unused portions of moisture-sensitive materials is costly, inconvenient, and environmentally unsound.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adhesive dispenser system with portions of the system being removed;

#FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of the adhesive dispenser system of FIG. 1;

#FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the adhesive dispenser system of FIG. 1, viewed generally from the rear;

#An adhesive dispenser system is adapted for use with for moisture sensitive materials, such as two-part polyurethane adhesives used in the construction trades. For example, one commonly used chemical component for adhesive for which the system has particular applicability is methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI)-which is moisture sensitive. The adhesive dispenser system, designated generally as 10, employs at least one packaging module 11 which protects the pre-mixed components from moisture in the atmosphere, prevents the escape of volatile materials and ultimately substantially prevents, if not eliminates, crystallization in the pump, mixing components, conduits, delivery hoses and fixtures. The adhesive dispenser system 10 is used to facilitate the mixing and dispensing of moisture sensitive materials, as well as to ensure material integrity during shipping, pre-use storage and post-use storage.

#With reference to FIGS. 6-8, in one preferred embodiment, a packaging module unit 11 comprises an outer container body or carton 12 and an inner bag member or bladder 20 (only partially illustrated). The inner bladder 20 is made of a water-impermeable flexible sheet material and has a spout 22 which is closed by a threaded cap 24. As described below, the cap 24 is valved and adapted for efficient connection with a conduit. The spout 20 may be truncated and have a reinforced ridged neck portion. The bladder is filled with one part of the adhesive (not illustrated) and, upon filling, substantially occupies the interior volume of the carton 12 and preferably closely conforms to the interior sides of the carton. The carton 12 is preferably a corrugated rigid or semi-rigid, box-like structure manufactured from a die cut panel 13 such as illustrated in FIG. 8. The carton supports and protects the bladder 20 and its contents and also facilitates transportation and handling.

#For storage and transportation purposes, the carton 12 includes a top side 14 to which a handle 16 is affixed. The carton also has an opening 16 in side 14 to provide access to the spout 22 and cap 24 of the bladder. Another side of the carton includes an elongated window 18 which extends to a short distance from the top surface to allow inspection of the contents of the bladder and, in particular, the amount of remaining material.