Method and applicator for applying primer/cleaner for single ply roofing systems

Abstract

An apparatus for dispensing liquids on roofing membranes and surfaces for cleaning and priming areas for the application of roofing accessories and seams. Also disclosed is a method of applying primers and cleaners to roofing membranes using the liquid dispensing apparatus.

1 . An apparatus for dispensing liquids on a roofing membrane, comprising: 
 a. a container of a primer, cleaning liquid, paint, adhesive or similar material; and    b. an applicator element for applying the fluid from the container to the roofing membrane.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a conduit portion extending between the container and applicator element.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the applicator element is a pad for spreading the liquid on the roofing membrane.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the pad is selected from the group consisting of felt, brush, sponge, cloth, or a woven or non-woven synthetic or natural fiber.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the applicator element is a squeegee implement.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the container has a volume capable of holding from approximately 1 oz to 25 gallons of liquid.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the container has a volume capable of holding from approximately 3 oz to 1 gallon of liquid.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the primer or cleaning liquid is selected from the group consisting of heptanes, toluene, methyl alcohol, hexane, xylene, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polymethylene polyphenol isocyanate, ethylbenzene, naphtha, hydrocarbon resins, halogenated butyl, mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, ethanol, acetone, or paint or similar materials.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the container further comprises a chamber for receiving an ampule containing the primer or cleaning fluid.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the container further comprises an impingement element for breaking the ampule, such that the breaking of the ampule causes the liquid to flow out from the container on to the applicator for application on the roofing membrane.  
     
     
         11 . An apparatus for dispensing liquids on a roofing membrane, comprising: 
 a. a container of a primer or cleaning liquid; and    b. a squeegee implement for spreading the primer or cleaning liquid on the roofing membrane.    
     
     
         12 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising a conduit portion extending between the container and squeegee implement.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the container has a volume capable of holding from approximately 1 oz to 25 gallons of liquid.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the container has a volume capable of holding from approximately 3 oz to 1 gallon of liquid.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the primer or cleaning liquid is selected from the group consisting of heptanes, toluene, methyl alcohol, hexane, xylene, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polymethylene polyphenol isocyanate, ethylbenzene, naphtha, hydrocarbon resins or halogenated butyl, mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, ethanol, acetone, or paint or similar materials.  
     
     
         16 . An apparatus for dispensing liquids on a roofing membrane, comprising: 
 a. a handle having a first end and second end;    b. a grip portion at the first end of the handle;    c. an applicator element positioned on the second end of the handle;    d. a housing positioned on a portion of the handle extending between the first end and the second end.    
     
     
         17 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 16 , further comprising a container configured to be inserted in the housing.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the container is removably secured in the housing.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the container is fixed in the housing.  
     
     
         20 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the container fixed in the housing is further provided with a lid and/or opening to permit liquid to be poured into the container.  
     
     
         21 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the housing is positioned on the handle to permit insertion of the container and wherein the container permits ejection of its contents.  
     
     
         22 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the housing is provided with wheels to support a large and/or heavy container.  
     
     
         23 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the container has a volume capable of holding from approximately 1 oz to 25 gallons of liquid.  
     
     
         24 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 23 , wherein the container has a volume capable of holding from approximately 3 oz to 1 gallon of liquid.  
     
     
         25 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the liquid comprises primer or cleaner for application to roofing membranes.  
     
     
         26 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 25 , wherein the liquid is selected from the group consisting of heptanes, toluene, methyl alcohol, hexane, xylene, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polymethylene polyphenol isocyanate, ethylbenzene, naphtha, hydrocarbon resins or halogenated butyl, mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, ethanol, acetone, or paint or similar materials.  
     
     
         27 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the grip portion further comprises a lever attached via a cable to an impingement element positioned on the housing.  
     
     
         28 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 27 , wherein the application of pressure to the lever constricts the cable such that the impingement element impinges on at least a portion of the container inserted in the housing to cause the liquid in the container to be ejected.  
     
     
         29 . An apparatus for dispensing liquids on a roofing membrane, comprising: 
 a. a handle having a first end and second end;    b. a grip portion at the first end of the handle;    c. a lever connected to the handle and extending from the grip portion;    d. an applicator element positioned on the second end of the handle;    e. a housing positioned on a portion of the handle extending between the first end and the second end; and    f. a spraying element connected to the housing at the second end of the handle.    
     
     
         30 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 29 , further comprising a container configured to be inserted in the housing.  
     
     
         31 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 30 , wherein the container is removably secured in the housing.  
     
     
         32 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 30 , wherein the container is fixed in the housing.  
     
     
         33 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 32 , wherein the container fixed in the housing is further provided with a lid or opening to permit liquid to be poured into the container.  
     
     
         34 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 29 , wherein the application of pressure to the lever activates the spraying element and causes the liquid to be expelled from the housing in a mist or stream on to the roofing membrane.  
     
     
         35 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 29 , wherein the container has a volume capable of holding from approximately 1 oz to 25 gallons of liquid.  
     
     
         36 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 35 , wherein the container has a volume capable of holding from approximately 3 oz to 1 gallon of liquid.  
     
     
         37 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 29 , wherein the liquid comprises primer or cleaner for application to roofing membranes.  
     
     
         38 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 37 , wherein the liquid is selected from the group consisting of heptanes, toluene, methyl alcohol, hexane, xylene, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polymethylene polyphenol isocyanate, ethylbenzene, naphtha, hydrocarbon resins or halogenated butyl, mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, ethanol, acetone, or paint or similar materials.  
     
     
         39 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 29 , wherein the housing is provided with wheels to support a large and/or heavy container.  
     
     
         40 . An apparatus for dispensing liquids on a roofing membrane, comprising: 
 a. a container having a chamber to receive an ampule containing a primer or cleaning liquid; and    b. an applicator element for applying the fluid from the container to the roofing membrane.    
     
     
         41 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 40 , wherein the applicator element is a pad for spreading the liquid on the roofing membrane.  
     
     
         42 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 41 , wherein the pad is selected from the group consisting of felt, brush, sponge, cloth, or a woven or non-woven synthetic or natural fiber.  
     
     
         43 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 40 , wherein the applicator element is a squeegee implement.  
     
     
         44 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 40 , further comprising an impingement element for breaking the ampule, such that the breaking of the ampule causes the liquid to flow out from the container on to the roofing membrane.  
     
     
         45 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 40 , wherein the liquid in the ampule is selected from the group consisting of heptanes, toluene, methyl alcohol, hexane, xylene, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polymethylene polyphenol isocyanate, ethylbenzene, naphtha, hydrocarbon resins or halogenated butyl, mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, ethanol, acetone, or paint or similar materials.  
     
     
         46 . A method of applying liquid to a roofing membrane, comprising the steps of: 
 a. filling a container having an applicator element with a primer or cleaning liquid;    b. flipping the container such that the applicator element contacts the roofing membrane causing the liquid to flow out of the container onto the roofing membrane;    c. spreading the liquid on the roofing membrane using the applicator element.    
     
     
         47 . The method as recited in  claim 46 , wherein the liquid is selected from the group consisting of heptanes, toluene, methyl alcohol, hexane, xylene, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polymethylene polyphenol isocyanate, ethylbenzene, naphtha, hydrocarbon resins or halogenated butyl, mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, ethanol, acetone, or paint or similar materials.  
     
     
         48 . The method as recited in  claim 46 , further comprising the step of: 
 d. installing a roofing accessory on the area of the roofing membrane to which the liquid was spread.    
     
     
         49 . An apparatus for dispensing liquids on a roofing membrane, comprising: 
 a. a handle having a first end and second end;    b. a grip portion at the first end of the handle;    c. a lever connected to the handle and extending from the grip portion;    d. an applicator element positioned on the second end of the handle;    e. a housing positioned on a portion of the handle extending between the first end and the second end;    f. wheels connected to the housing;    g. a container configured to be positioned in the housing;    h. a spraying element connected to the housing at the second end of the handle.    
     
     
         50 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 49 , wherein the wheels connected to the housing support the weight of a larger and/or heavier container.  
     
     
         51 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 49 , wherein the wheels facilitate rolling of the apparatus on the roofing membrane.