Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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RESERVOIR WITH REFILL INLET FOR HAND-HELD SPRAY GUNS
Field
This invention concerns improvements in or relating to liquid spraying
apparatus.
The invention has particular, but not exclusive, application to hand held
spray
guns provided with a liquid reservoir for spraying a substrate.
Background
Spray guns are widely used in vehicle body repair shops when re-spraying a
vehicle that has been repaired following an accident. In the known spray guns,
the liquid is contained in a reservoir attached to the gun from where it is
fed to a
spray nozzle. On emerging from the spray nozzle, the liquid is atomised and
forms a spray with compressed air supplied to the nozzle. The liquid may be
gravity fed, suction fed or, more recently, pressure fed by an air bleed from
the
compressed air source to the reservoir.
A typical paint finish may require application of a primer, base coat and top
coat.
The spray gun and reservoir have to be thoroughly cleaned when changing the
liquid in the paint pot to avoid cross-contamination which may adversely
affect
the finish. This is especially important when spraying part of a vehicle to
match
exactly the colour of the existing colour of the adjacent bodywork.
Cleaning the spray gun and reservoir is time consuming and often requires the
use
of solvents that are costly and may present a health hazard to the operator.
In
order to reduce the amount of cleaning and to facilitate changeover from one
liquid to another, we have previously proposed in WO 98/32539 an arrangement
in which the liquid is contained in a collapsible reservoir that functions as
a
disposable lining for a paint pot.
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In one construction, the reservoir comprises an open-ended container that is a
close fit in the paint pot, and a separate lid that closes the open end of the
container and has an outlet connectable to the spray gun. In use, the
container
collapses as the liquid is withdrawn and, after spraying, the container can be
removed from the paint pot with the lid attached and thrown away. The paint
pot
can then be provided with a new, clean container for a different liquid to be
applied as the next coat. As a result, the amount of cleaning required is
considerably reduced and the spray gun can be readily adapted to apply
different
liquids in a simple manner.
With this arrangement, the reservoir has to be detached from the spray gun and
the lid removed if it is desired to top-up the reservoir with more liquid. For
example when painting a large area or applying several coats of the same
liquid to
the same or different vehicles such as when using a primer or lacquer finish.
This
is time consuming and can be messy if the liquid is spilt. Also, detaching the
reservoir from the spray gun and removing the lid to add more liquid to the
reservoir increases the risk of contamination from other sources, e.g. dust or
dirt.
Unwanted solid particles can be removed by the inclusion of a filter but this
may
become blocked and does not prevent the colour of the finish being adversely
affected by any contaminants being absorbed into the liquid.
Another arrangement for lining a paint pot to reduce the amount of cleaning is
disclosed in US-A-5582350. In this arrangement, the paint is contained in a
collapsible bag within the paint pot and is connectable via an outlet at one
end of
the pot to a spray gun. The other end of the pot is closed by a lid that is
removable to provide access to the bag within the pot. The bag has a re-
sealable
zipper closure by means of which paint can be added to the bag. The bag is
initially connected to the outlet while empty. Paint is then poured into the
bag
and the bag sealed before securing the lid to close the pot. On completion of
spraying, the bag can be removed for disposal and replaced by a new clean bag.
With this arrangement there is a risk of spillage if the bag is overfilled
before
fastening the zipper closure. Furthermore, if it is desired to add paint to
the bag in
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use, access to the zipper closure is only possible if the lid is removed to
open the
pot. Moreover, a collapsed or partially collapsed bag may have to be extended
before opening the zipper closure to add paint and the bag may be disconnected
from the outlet. As a result, paint may leak from the bag necessitating
cleaning of
the pot when the bag is removed on completion of spraying. This arrangement is
therefore generally only suitable for single use in which the bag is filled
once on
initial set-up of the spray gun and is not intended for re-filling the bag.
Summary
Aspects of the present invention are intended to improve further our
existing system and provide additional benefits and advantages for the
manufacturer and/or user.
More specifically, an aspect of the present invention provides an
apparatus for spraying a liquid contained in a reservoir wherein the liquid
can be
added to the reservoir without detaching the reservoir from the apparatus.
In addition an aspect of the present invention provides a collapsible
reservoir for connecting to spraying apparatus wherein the reservoir can be
supplied empty or pre-filled with liquid.
An aspect of the present invention also provides a collapsible
reservoir for use with spraying apparatus which can be refilled in a simple
manner
while attached to the apparatus and is disposable after use to reduce the
amount
of cleaning required.
Other objects, benefits and advantages of aspects of the invention
are referred to later herein.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
apparatus such as a spray gun for spraying a liquid comprising a collapsible
reservoir
for a liquid to be sprayed, a spray nozzle for dispensing liquid supplied from
the
reservoir, the reservoir having a fluid outlet connectable to the apparatus
and a
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fluid inlet for adding liquid to the reservoir, and the fluid inlet having a
removable closure for opening and closing the fluid inlet, wherein the closure
is
directly accessible when the reservoir is connected to the apparatus.
By the provision of a separate fluid inlet with a removable closure that is
directly
accessible when the reservoir is connected to the apparatus, liquid can be
added to
the reservoir without removing the reservoir from the apparatus. This is of
particular benefit if the capacity of the reservoir is less than the volume of
paint
required to paint a given area. Thus, when painting a large area, the user can
simply top-up the reservoir with additional paint as required with the
reservoir
still attached to the apparatus. As a result, the risk of spillage and/or
contamination of the paint is reduced. It is also of benefit when applying a
finishing clearcoat such as lacquer where the addition of solvent to the
reservoir
to reduce the viscosity of the clearcoat for `fading-out or blending' is made
considerably easier.
Advantageously, the reservoir is adapted for releasable connection to the
apparatus. For example, the reservoir and apparatus may be provided with co-
operating formations for releasably securing the reservoir. The co-operating
formations may be engageable with a push/twist action such as bayonet type
formations. In this way, the reservoir can be connected to and released from
the
apparatus gun in a simple manner requiring minimum effort or manual dexterity
by the user.
The reservoir may comprise a collapsible portion for the liquid to be supplied
to
the apparatus and an attachment portion provided with the fluid outlet for
connecting the reservoir to the apparatus. For example, the collapsible
portion
may comprise a flexible container for the liquid and the attachment portion
may
comprise a lid arranged to close an opening in the container. Preferably, the
container and lid are disposable and can be thrown away after use.
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In one arrangement, the fluid outlet and fluid inlet are provided in the lid
at one
end of the reservoir, and the fluid inlet is constructed and arranged to be
accessible when the reservoir is connected to the apparatus via the fluid
outlet. In
this way, the provision of the fluid inlet does not interfere with collapsing
of the
reservoir as the liquid is being withdrawn. Furthermore, by providing the
fluid
inlet and fluid outlet at the end of the reservoir, the apparatus can be
arranged to
position the fluid inlet to allow the reservoir to be substantially completely
filled.
In addition, the fluid outlet may be positioned above the level of the liquid
in the
reservoir. Moreover by having the fluid inlet in the lid, it may be possible
to
insert a rod or other tool for stirring the liquid in the reservoir thereby
ensuring
thorough mixing of the added liquid with any liquid remaining in the reservoir
for
continued spraying. Shaking is also possible to ensure thorough mixing.
The fluid outlet may be arranged on a central longitudinal axis of the
reservoir but
more preferably, the fluid outlet is offset to one side of the central
longitudinal
axis. The offset arrangement provides more room to accommodate the fluid inlet
and allows the fluid inlet to be enlarged. In this way, filling the reservoir
through
the fluid inlet is facilitated with less risk of spillage and a removable
filter can be
positioned in the fluid inlet to filter the liquid as it is being introduced.
As a
result, it may not be necessary to provide a filter within the reservoir to
filter the
liquid as it is withdrawn from the reservoir through the fluid outlet thereby
reducing the risk of the flow of liquid being restricted by blockages during
spraying. The fluid inlet may be accommodated inwardly of the marginal edge of
the lid or it may extend outwardly beyond the marginal edge.
The fluid outlet may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reservoir
but
more preferably the fluid outlet is inclined relative to the longitudinal
axis.
Inclining the fluid outlet provides greater clearance between the apparatus
and the
fluid inlet so that access to the fluid inlet is improved when the reservoir
is
attached to the apparatus.
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The lid may be separate from the flexible container and means provided for
securing the lid to close the opening in the container. In one arrangement,
the
flexible container is a close fit in and provides a lining for an outer pot
and the lid
is releasably secured to the container by a engagement of a locking collar
with the
outer pot. In this way, the outer pot supports the flexible container and
enhances
stability of the reservoir when connected to the apparatus. Moreover, after
use,
the flexible container and lid may be thrown away and the outer pot retained
for
assembly with a new, clean flexible container and lid. As a result, the amount
of
cleaning required is reduced.
In another arrangement, the lid and flexible container may be bonded together
by
adhesive, welding or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the lid and
flexible
container may be mechanically secured together via engagement of interlocking
formations or the like. In this way, the reservoir may be supplied empty for
filling by the user via the fluid inlet or it may be pre-filled with a liquid
ready for
the user to attach to the apparatus. A cage or other form of external support
may
be provided for the flexible container to improve stability of the reservoir
when
attached to the apparatus.
Where the reservoir is supplied empty, it may be collapsed to a compact form
for
storage and transportation. Pre-filling may be employed for liquids that can
be
packaged and stored until required without degrading. Thus, pre-filling may be
especially useful for liquids that can be supplied ready to use (i.e. without
requiring modification to match the colour to an existing colour). For
example,
base coats in standard colours of a specified shade and/or primers or lacquers
that
can be supplied in a non-activated form and activated (if necessary) by
suitable
means such as by exposure to a source of light (ultraviolet) or electrical
energy
when required. Whichever arrangement is employed, the reservoir can be re-
filled in use without detaching from the apparatus by the use of the fluid
inlet.
In yet another arrangement, the lid has an end wall and a sidewall extending
from
the end wall, the sidewall being arranged to connect the lid to the flexible
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container either releasably or permanently as described above. With this
arrangement, the fluid outlet may be provided in the end wall with the fluid
inlet
being provided in the sidewall. In this way, access to the fluid inlet may be
enhanced and the inlet does not interfere with the collapse of the flexible
container in use of the reservoir. A set of lids with sidewalls of different
length
may be provided for assembly with a common flexible container whereby
reservoirs of different volume may be produced by selection of the appropriate
lid.
In a still further arrangement, the reservoir includes a sleeve extending
between
and connecting the lid and flexible container. With this arrangement, the
fluid
outlet may be provided in the lid at the end of the reservoir with the fluid
inlet
being provided in the sleeve. A set of sleeves of different length may be
provided
for assembly with a common flexible container and lid such that the volume of
the
reservoir may be altered by selection of the appropriate sleeve. Also, the
reservoir
may be assembled without the sleeve if a fluid inlet is not required.
Alternatively, the lid may be provided with a fluid inlet as described
previously.
The liquid may be filtered to remove unwanted solid particles when filling the
reservoir. Alternatively, the reservoir may include a filter for removing
unwanted
solid particles from the liquid supplied to the apparatus via the fluid
outlet.
Where a filter is provided in the reservoir, the fluid inlet is arranged to
introduce
liquid into the reservoir on the opposite side of the filter to the fluid
outlet. In
this way, fluid added to the reservoir via the fluid inlet must pass through
the
filter before reaching the fluid outlet. As a result, unwanted solid
particles, i.e.
contaminants, introduced with the liquid added to the reservoir are retained
within
the reservoir and thrown away with the container and lid.
Preferably, the fluid inlet comprises an opening closed by a removable closure
such as a screw cap. The opening may be provided in a tubular spout portion
projecting from the reservoir with the screw cap releasably secured thereto.
In
this way, the cap can be unscrewed to open the fluid inlet so that liquid can
be
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added to the reservoir when required and the cap re-attached to close the
inlet to
continue spraying without removing the reservoir from the apparatus.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
spray
gun for spraying paint-like materials comprising a spray nozzle for spraying a
liquid, a collapsible reservoir for the liquid, the reservoir having a fluid
outlet
releasably connected to the spray gun whereby, after use, the reservoir can be
detached and discarded, and the reservoir further having a fluid inlet
arranged to
be directly accessible when the reservoir is attached to the gun for adding
liquid
to the reservoir.
The spray gun may be of the gravity fed or pressure fed type.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
reservoir for supplying a liquid to a spray gun or the like, the reservoir
having a
fluid outlet and a separate fluid inlet, the reservoir being adapted for
releasable
connection of the fluid outlet to the spray gun such that the fluid inlet is
directly
accessible for introducing liquid to the reservoir while attached to the spray
gun,
wherein the reservoir is collapsible when liquid is withdrawn therefrom in use
of
the spray gun.
The reservoir may be pre-filled with liquid to be sprayed with the fluid inlet
permitting liquid to be added to the reservoir in use without detaching the
reservoir from the spray gun. Alternatively, the reservoir may be supplied
empty
for the user to fill with the liquid of their choice.
According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a
reservoir for attaching to a spray gun, the reservoir having a fluid outlet
for
supplying liquid to the spray gun and a separate fluid inlet for introducing
liquid
to the reservoir, the fluid outlet being formed in an end wall of the
reservoir and
the fluid inlet being formed in a sidewall of the reservoir so as to be
accessible
when the fluid outlet is attached to the spray gun.
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The end wall may be a lid of the reservoir and the sidewall may be a skirt
integral
with the lid or a separate sleeve connected to the lid so that the fluid inlet
is
directly accessible when the reservoir is connected to the spray gun.
Preferably,
the sidewall extends between and connects.the end wall to a flexible container
for
the liquid that is collapsible as the liquid is withdrawn from the reservoir
in use.
In this way, the fluid inlet does not interfere with collapsing of the
container in
use.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
reservoir for attaching to a spray gun, the reservoir having a fluid outlet
for
supplying liquid to the spray gun and a separate fluid inlet for introducing
liquid
to the reservoir, the fluid outlet being formed in an end wall of the
reservoir and
the fluid inlet being formed in the end wall offset from the fluid outlet so
as to be
accessible when the fluid outlet is attached to the spray gun.
The fluid outlet may be arranged on the central longitudinal axis of the
reservoir
but more preferably the fluid outlet is offset to one side of the longitudinal
axis.
The offset arrangement provides more room to accommodate the fluid inlet which
can be made larger to facilitate filling the reservoir through the fluid
inlet.
The fluid outlet may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reservoir
but
more preferably the fluid outlet is inclined relative to the longitudinal
axis. The
angled arrangement increases the clearance between the spray gun and the fluid
inlet thereby improving access to the fluid inlet when the reservoir is
attached to
the spray gun so that filling the reservoir through the inlet is easier.
Preferably, the fluid inlet is directly accessible when the reservoir is
connected to
the spray gun. Preferably, the reservoir includes a collapsible container for
the
liquid and the end wall is provided by a lid arranged to close an open end of
the
container.
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According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a reservoir for attaching to a spray gun, the reservoir having a
container
for a liquid, a lid for closing the container, the lid having a fluid outlet
connectable
to a spray gun, and a volume adaptor between the container and the lid.
The volume adaptor may be an integral part of the lid, for example a
dependent skirt, or it may be separate from the lid and container, for example
a
sleeve insertable between the lid and container. In this way, the same
container
can be adapted to provide the reservoir with any desired volume by selection
and
fitment of the appropriate adaptor.
The adaptor may include a fluid inlet for adding liquid to the reservoir
while attached to the spray gun. For example, the adaptor may be provided with
a
removable closure for the fluid inlet.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided
apparatus comprising a spray gun for spraying a liquid and a collapsible
reservoir
for the liquid to be sprayed, the spray gun including a spray nozzle for
dispensing
the liquid supplied from the reservoir, the reservoir having a fluid outlet
connectable to the spray gun and a fluid inlet for adding the liquid to the
reservoir,
and the fluid inlet having a removable closure for opening and closing the
fluid
inlet, wherein the closure is directly accessible when the reservoir is
connected to
the spray gun, and wherein the reservoir comprises a lid provided with the
fluid
outlet for connecting the reservoir to the spray gun.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a reservoir for a spray gun for spraying a liquid, the reservoir
having a
fluid outlet adapted for releasable connection to the spray gun and a fluid
inlet
having a removable closure for opening and closing the fluid inlet, wherein
the
closure is directly accessible when the reservoir is attached to the spray gun
for
introducing the liquid to the reservoir, wherein the reservoir is collapsible
when the
liquid is withdrawn therefrom in use of the spray gun, wherein the reservoir
comprises a lid provided with the fluid outlet for connecting the reservoir to
the
spray gun.
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The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only,
with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Brief Description of Drawings
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art spray gun;
Figure 2 is an exploded isometric view of the component parts of the paint
reservoir shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the assembled paint reservoir shown in
Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a longitudinal section through the paint reservoir shown in
Figure 3;
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Figure 5 shows separation of the component parts of the paint reservoir of
Figure 3 after use.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of an adapter for connecting the paint
reservoir to the spray gun;
Figure 7 is a longitudinal section through the adapter shown in Figure 6;
Figure 8 is an exploded isometric view similar to Figure 2 showing the
component parts of a paint reservoir according to a first embodiment of the
invention;
Figure 9 is a perspective view similar to Figure 3 showing the assembled
paint reservoir of Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a longitudinal section through the paint reservoir of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the reservoir of Figures 8 to 10
attached to the spray gun of Figure 1 with the spray gun shown inverted
and the closure cap removed for adding paint to the reservoir;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of the spray gun shown in Figure 11 re-
inverted and ready for use;
Figure 13 is a longitudinal section of an alternative lid and filter for the
reservoir shown in Figures 8 to 12;
Figure 14 is a longitudinal section showing an alternative location of the
fluid inlet and closure cap for the reservoir shown in Figures 8 to 12;
Figure 15 is a longitudinal section showing yet another location of the
fluid inlet and closure cap for the reservoir shown in Figures 8 to 12;
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Figure 16 is a perspective view of a paint reservoir according to a second
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 17 shows the paint reservoir of Figure 16 in a collapsed condition;
Figure 18 shows a modification to the paint reservoir shown in Figure 16
to include a support cage;
Figure 19 shows an alternative support cage for the paint reservoir shown
in Figure 16;
Figure 20 shows a modification of the paint reservoir shown in Figure 16;
Figure 21 is a longitudinal section of a paint reservoir according to a third
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 22 is a perspective view of the paint reservoir of Figure 21 with the
closure cap removed;
Figure 23 is a plan view of the paint reservoir of Figure 21;
Figure 24 is a perspective view showing the paint reservoir of Figures 21
to 23 connected to the spray gun of Figure 1 with the spray gun shown
inverted and the closure cap removed for adding paint to the reservoir;
Figure 25 is a longitudinal section of an alternative lid for the paint
reservoir shown in Figure 21;
Figure 26 is a perspective view of the lid shown in Figure 25 with the
closure cap removed;
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Figure 27 is a plan view of the lid shown in Figure 25;
Figure 28 is a longitudinal section of a paint reservoir according to a
fourth embodiment of the invention;
Figure 29 is a longitudinal section of the lid of the paint reservoir shown
in Figure 28;
Figure 30 is a perspective view of the paint reservoir shown in Figure 28;
Figure 31 is a perspective view showing the lid of Figure 29 attached to a
spray gun to form a reservoir for paint;
Figure 32 is a longitudinal section showing a modification to the paint
reservoir of Figure 28;
Figure 33 is a perspective view of the paint reservoir shown in Figure 32;
and
Figure 34 is a perspective view, similar to Figure 33, showing an
alternative arrangement for the fluid inlet.
Detailed Description
Figure 1 of the drawings illustrates a prior art paint spray gun 1 of the
gravity-
feed type disclosed in our co-pending patent application published under No:
WO
98/32539.
The gun I comprises a body 2, a handle 3 which extends downwards from the rear
end of the body, and a spray nozzle 4 at the front end of the body. The gun 1
is
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manually-operated by a trigger 5 which is pivotally-mounted on the sides of
the
gun.
A paint reservoir 6, which contains paint (or similar material) to be
discharged by
the gun, is located on the top of the body 2 and communicates with an internal
passageway (not visible) which extends through the gun to the nozzle 4.
In use, the gun 1 is connected via a connector 7 at the lower end of the
handle 3 to
a source of compressed air (not shown) so that, when the user pulls on the
trigger
5, compressed air is delivered through the gun to the nozzle 4. As a result,
paint
delivered under gravity from the paint pot 6 to the nozzle 4 is atomised on
leaving
the nozzle 4 and forms a spray with the compressed air emerging from the
nozzle
4.
Referring now to Figures 2 to 4 of the drawings, the paint pot 6 includes an
outer
container 8, a disposable inner container 9, a disposable lid 10, and a collar
11.
The inner container 9 corresponds in shape to (and is a close fit in) the
interior of
the outer container 8 and has a narrow rim 12 at the open end which sits on
the
top edge of the container 8.
The lid 10 has a dependent skirt 13 which is a push-fit in the open end of the
inner container 9 and a central aperture 14 from which extends a connector
tube
15 forming a fluid outlet. The tube 15 is provided at its free end with
outward
extensions 16 forming one part of a bayonet connection. The aperture 14 is
covered by a filter mesh 17 which may be a push fit into the aperture 14 or
may
be an integral part of the lid 10.
The skirt 13 is inset from the outer edge of the lid 10 and the rim 12 of the
inner
container 9 is trapped between the end of the outer container 8 and the outer
edge
of the lid 10. The lid 10 is held firmly in place on the container 8 by the
annular
collar 11 that screws onto the container 8 on top of the lid 10. In the
assembled
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condition, the inner container 9 and lid 10 form a reservoir for containing
the
paint or other liquid to be delivered to the nozzle 4 via the connector tube
15.
The paint pot 6 is attached to the spray gun 1 through use of an adapter 18
shown
separated from the paint pot 6 in Figure 6. The adapter 18 is a tubular
component
which is formed internally at one end 19 with the other part of the bayonet
connection for attachment to the connector tube 15 of the lid 10. At the other
end
20, the adapter 18 is shaped to match the standard attachment of the spray gun
paint pot (typically a screw thread).
The container 8 of the paint pot 6 is formed from a plastic material, for
example
polyethylene or polypropylene, and may be translucent (as shown in Figure 2)
or
opaque, and of any suitable size. For use with a paint spray gun, containers 8
having a capacity of 250, 500 or 800 ml could typically be used, although
other
sizes could be used if required.
In this embodiment, the container 8 is of generally cylindrical shape closed
at one
end 8A. The other end is open and side wall 8B is formed with an external
screw
thread 8C. Base 8A is flat so that the container 8 can stand unsupported on a
flat
surface and is formed with a central air hole 8D. Internally, the side wall 8B
tapers inwardly slightly from the open end to the base 8A.
The inner container 9 is preferably transparent and is thermo-formed from a
single
piece of plastics material, preferably polyethylene or polypropylene. The
shape
of the inner container 9 is dictated by and matches the internal shape of the
container 8. The inner container 9, like the inside of the container 8, is of
generally cylindrical shape closed at one end 9A and side wall 9B tapers
inwardly
slightly from the mouth towards the closed end 9A.
The rim portion 12 and base or closed end 9A are comparatively rigid but the
side
walls 9B are flexible and can be made to collapse. Nevertheless, the inner
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container 9 is capable of standing, unsupported, on the base 9A with side
walls 9B
extended and upright as shown in Figures 2 to 4.
When the inner container 9 collapses, the comparatively rigid base 9A retains
its
form but moves towards the rim portion 12 as a consequence of the collapse of
the
side walls 9B, as illustrated in Figure 5. The side walls 9B collapse in a
similar
fashion to a plastic bag without being ruptured (e.g. by splitting, tearing or
cracking).
In one form, the inner container 9 has a height of about 110 mm, a diameter at
its
base 9A of about 78 mm and a diameter at its mouth (excluding the rim portion
12) of about 86 mm. The base 9A has a thickness of about 400 gm, the rim
portion 12 has a thickness of about 900 gm, and the side walls 9B have a
thickness of about 150 gm.
In another form, the inner container 9 has the same height and the same
diameters
at its base 9A and mouth but the base 9A has a thickness of about 300 gm, the
rim
portion 12 has a thickness of about 200 gm and the side walls 9B have a
thickness
in the range of from 50 to 250 gm.
The lid 10 is also formed from a plastic material, for example, polyethylene
or
polypropylene, and may be formed by an injection moulding process. The lid 10
may be translucent or opaque and may be coloured. The collar 11 may be a
moulded plastic component, or it may be a machined metal (for example,
aluminium) component. The adapter 18 may be a metal or plastic component and
may, for example, be formed from aluminium and anodised or plated.
To use the paint pot 6, the adapter 18 is attached at the end 20 to the spray
gun
and is left in position. Then, with the paint pot 6 disassembled as shown in
Figure 2, the inner container 9 is pushed inside the outer container 8. Paint
is
then put into the inner container 9 and, if necessary, mixed with other
tinters,
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hardeners and thinners (solvents). The lid 10 is then pushed into place and
the
collar 11 is screwed down tightly to hold the lid 10 in position.
The top portion of the inner container 9 is then trapped between the skirt 13
of the
lid 10 and the sidewall 8B of the container 8, and the rim 12 of the inner
container
9 is trapped between the top edge of the container 8 and the collar 11 as
shown in
Figure 4.
The spray gun 1 is then inverted from its normal operating position
illustrated in
Figure 1. The end of the connector tube 15 can then be attached to the adapter
18
without spilling the paint contained in the reservoir by a simple push/twist
action
to engage the co-operating bayonet formations. The spray gun 1 can then be
returned to its normal operating position for use in the usual way.
As paint is removed from within the inner container 9, the sides 9B of the
inner
container 9 collapse as a result of the decreased pressure within the inner
container 9. The base 9A of the inner container 9, being more rigid, retains
its
shape so that the inner container 9 tends to collapse in the longitudinal
rather than
the transverse direction thereby reducing the possibility of pockets of paint
being
trapped in the inner container 9.
The user can choose to evacuate the air from within the inner container 9
before
operating the spray gun 1 although that is not essential. It does, however,
increase the range of angles at which the spray gun 1 will function
satisfactorily
since there is no risk of air entering the spray gun 1 from the paint pot 6.
To
evacuate the air from within the inner container 9, the trigger 5 of the spray
gun 1
should be actuated while the spray gun 1 is still in the inverted position.
After use, when the spray gun 1 is to be cleaned, the spray gun 1 can be re-
inverted from its operating position shown in Figure 1. The airline is
disconnected and the trigger 5 actuated briefly to allow paint within the
spray gun
1 to drain back into the inner container 9 in the pot 6. The pot 6 is then
removed
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from the spray gun 1 by disengaging the bayonet formations and detaching the
connector tube 15 from the adapter 18 which remains on the spray gun 1.
As will be appreciated, the bayonet formations provide a connector system that
enables the pot 6 to be quickly connected to and removed from the spray gun 1
with a simple push-twist action requiring less manual dexterity than a
threaded
connection. It will be understood, however, that any other type of connector
system may be employed to releasably connect the pot 6 to the spray gun 1.
The collar 11 is removed from the outer container 8, and the lid 10 is then
pulled
out, bringing with it the collapsed inner container 9 as shown in Figure 5.
The lid
10 (including the filter 17) and inner container 9 are discarded, leaving the
outer
container 8 and collar 11 clean and ready for re-use with a fresh inner
container 9
and lid 10. Only the spray gun 1 itself needs to be cleaned, resulting in a
substantial reduction in the amount of solvent used.
The risk of unused paint spilling from the pot 6 is also substantially reduced
because the inner container 9 is removed and discarded in a somewhat collapsed
condition with the lid 10 in place. Moreover, because the inner container 9 is
discarded in a collapsed condition, the amount of space required for
collection of
used inner containers 9 is minimised.
Because the inner container 9, as described above, is an accurate fit inside
the
outer container 8 and has a smooth internal surface, it is possible to mix
paint in
the inner container 9 within the outer container 8 rather than in a separate
receptacle. In that way, cleaning of a separate mixing receptacle can also be
eliminated to achieve a further reduction in the amount of solvent used.
The general shape of the outer container 8 and, in particular the fact that it
is flat-
bottomed and stable when in the orientation shown in Figure 2, makes it
particularly suitable for mixing paint in the inner container 9 supported
within the
container 8.
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The possibility of the inner container 9 being punctured or damaged by the
mixing
implement is minimised. First because the inner container 9 fits inside the
outer
container 8 exactly and, second, because the self-supporting nature of the
inner
container 9 means that it is less likely to be dragged around inside the outer
container 8 during the mixing process.
To facilitate the use of the inner container 9 as a mixing receptacle, the
outer
container 8 is translucent and the sidewall 8B provided with markings 21
(Figure
2) for indicating the volume of the contents of the inner container 9.
Alternatively, if the outer container 8 is opaque, it could be formed with
slots in
the sidewall 8B through which the inner container 9 could be viewed to enable
the
user of the spray gun 1 to assess the amount of paint in the pot 6 at any
time.
When paint is mixed in the inner container 9, the inclusion of the filter mesh
17 in
the lid 10 prevents unwanted particles in the paint from entering the spray
gun 1.
The mesh 17 can be omitted, however, if the paint is textured, or if it is
mixed in
a separate receptacle and strained when it is transferred to the inner
container 9 or
if the presence of contaminants in the paint is unimportant.
As will be apparent from the foregoing description, the arrangement of the
disposable inner container 9 and lid 10 to form a reservoir containing the
paint or
other liquid to be sprayed, considerably reduces the amount of cleaning
required
when changing the liquid to be sprayed or when putting the spray gun 1 away at
the end of the working day.
It can happen, however, that the area to be painted requires a larger volume
of
paint than the reservoir can hold. In these circumstances, the user has to
remove
the pot 6 from the spray gun 1, release the collar 11 and remove the lid 10 to
allow the reservoir to be topped up. The lid 10 then has to be relocated on
the
open end of the inner container 9, the collar 11 refitted and the pot 6
reattached to
the spray gun 1 to enable the user to continue spraying. This is time
consuming
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and there is a risk of paint being spilt and/or contaminated when the lid 10
is
removed.
As an alternative to re-filling the reservoir, some users fill two or more
reservoirs
with the same liquid that can be fitted to the spray gun in turn when spraying
large areas. Although, the user can change over the reservoirs and continue
spraying with the same liquid, filling and assembling several reservoirs is
time
consuming and adds to operating costs. Thus, each reservoir has a disposable
inner container and lid which is discarded after spraying and using several
reservoirs for the same liquid is wasteful of such disposable items and
requires
the user to have available a sufficient number of pots and collars for
assembly of
the reservoirs.
Referring now to Figures 8 to 12 of the drawings, there is shown a first
embodiment of the present invention that enables the user to add paint to the
reservoir while attached to the spray gun. For convenience, like reference
numerals in the series 100 are used throughout to indicate parts corresponding
to
Figures 1 to 7 and the construction and operation of similar parts will be
understood from the description above and will not be further described in
detail.
As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the paint pot 106 comprises outer container 108,
inner container 109, lid 110 and collar 111. In accordance with the present
invention, the lid 110 is provided with an opening 130 offset from the central
connector tube 115. The opening 130 is bounded by an external tubular spout
portion 131 providing a fluid inlet that is closed by a removable cap 132
screwed
onto the tubular spout portion 131.
The tubular spout portion 131 is formed integrally with the lid 110 and has an
external screw thread 133 for engagement by an internal screw thread 134 of
the
cap 132. In this way, the cap 132 can be removed to allow access to the
reservoir
through the opening 130 in the lid 110 and re-secured to close the opening
130.
The screw cap 132 provides a simple method of opening and closing the fluid
CA 02445183 2003-10-22
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inlet to allow liquid to be introduced into the reservoir. It will be
understood,
however, that any arrangement for introducing liquid to the reservoir may be
employed which enables the fluid inlet to be opened and closed when required.
With reference now to Figures 11 and 12, the tubular spout portion 131 is
arranged so that, when the pot 106 is secured to the spray gun 101 and the
spray
gun 101 is inverted from its normal operating position, the fluid inlet is at
the
upper end of the reservoir (Figure 11). In this way, the cap 132 can be
removed
and paint or other liquid added to the reservoir through the fluid inlet
without
removing the pot 106 from the spray gun 101. The cap 132 can then be re-
attached and the spray gun 101 re-inverted to its normal operating position to
allow the user to continue spraying (Figure 12). The addition of liquid to the
reservoir may be facilitated by the use of a funnel to reduce the risk of
spillage,
for example when pouring paint from another container. Alternatively, the
spout
portion 131 may be extended by attaching a flexible tube to facilitate
addition of
liquid to the reservoir via the fluid inlet.
When it is desired to change the liquid in the reservoir, the pot 106 is
detached
from the spray gun 101, and the inner container 109 and lid 110 removed as a
complete assembly and thrown away as described above. A new, clean, inner
container 109 can then be fitted in the pot 106 and filled with the new liquid
either before or after fitting the lid 110 and securing the collar 111. The
pot 106
can then be attached to the spray gun 101 and, in use, if the reservoir needs
to be
topped up, this can be done via the fluid inlet by removing the cap 132 as
described above.
Referring now to Figure 13, this shows an alternative form of lid 110' and
filter
117' for use with the inner container 109 of the previous embodiment. The lid
110' is of conical shape and the filter 117' comprises a flat mesh screen that
is
push-fit within the skirt 113' and is held in place by compression so as to
extend
across the open end of the inner container 109 when the skirt 113' is inserted
into
the inner container 109. This arrangement increases the surface area of the
filter
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117' compared to the previous embodiment in which the filter 117 fits over the
end of the connector tube 115. As a result, flow of paint is improved. In a
modification (not shown), the mesh screen is mechanically held in place by
engagement of the marginal edge of the screen with a rib, groove or similar
locating formation on the inside of the skirt 113'.
In accordance with the present invention, the lid 110' is provided with an
opening
130' in the conical wall offset from the connector tube 115'. The opening 130'
is
bounded by external tubular spout portion 131' on which closure cap 132' is
releasably secured. The tubular portion 131' extends at an angle away from the
connector tube 115' towards the peripheral edge of the lid 110'. As a result,
access for adding paint is enhanced.
In this modification, the opening 130' is above the filter 117' and the lid
110' is
formed with an integral internal tubular spout portion 135' extending from the
opening 130' to an aligned opening 136' in the filter 117'. In this way, paint
added to the reservoir via the opening 130' passes directly into the reservoir
without having to pass through filter 117'. As a result, if the paint contains
any
particles or the like, these are removed by the filter 117' and cannot pass
through
the connector tube 115' in use of the spray gun 101.
Referring now to Figure 14, this shows an alternative location for the opening
130" for adding paint to the reservoir with the pot 106" attached to the spray
gun
101. The opening 130" is provided in the sidewall 109B" of the inner container
109" and the outer container 108" is provided with an opening 137" through
which tubular spout portion 131" extends to attach the closure cap 132". The
inner container 109" can be collapsed to allow the tubular spout portion 131"
to
be inserted through the opening 137" from within the container 108". The cap
132" may then be attached or the opening may be large enough to allow the
spout
portion 131" to be inserted with the cap 132" already attached.
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This arrangement of the fluid inlet on the side of the pot 106" provides
relatively
free access to the cap 132" when it is desired to add paint to the reservoir.
Preferably, the fluid inlet is provided at the upper end of the inner
container 109"
as shown. In this way, it does not to interfere significantly with collapsing
of the
reservoir when paint is withdrawn during spraying. Furthermore, when it is
desired to add paint to the reservoir with the pot 106" attached the spray gun
101,
the reservoir can be filled up to the level of the opening 130" without
spilling.
With reference now to Figure 15, this shows yet another possible location for
the
opening 130"' for adding paint to the reservoir with the pot 106"' attached to
the
spray gun 101. The opening 130"' is provided in base 109A"' of the inner
container 109"' and the outer container 108"' is provided with an opening
138"'
in the base through which tubular spout portion 131"' can extend. In this
case,
the opening 138"' must be large enough for the cap 132"' to pass freely
through
so as not to interfere with collapsing of the inner container 109"' when paint
is
withdrawn from the reservoir.
With this arrangement, paint may be added to the reservoir with the pot 106"'
attached to the spray gun 101 and the spray gun 101 in its normal operating
position, i.e. the spray gun 101 does not have to be inverted. When re-filling
the
reservoir, the collapsed or partially collapsed inner container 109"' may have
to
be manually extended
The sidewalls 108B"' of the container 108"' may be extended below the base
108A"' to allow the pot 106"' to stand on a flat surface with the inner
container
109"' inserted and the tubular portion 131"' extending through the opening
138"' in the base 108A"'. Alternatively, the outer container 108"' may
comprise sidewalls 108B"' only with no base wall.
Referring now to Figures 16 and 17, a second embodiment of the present
invention is shown for adding paint or other liquid to the reservoir while
attached
to the spray gun. For convenience, like reference numerals in the series 200
are
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used throughout to indicate parts corresponding to the previous embodiment and
the construction and operation of similar parts will be understood from the
description above and will not be further described in detail.
In this embodiment, the inner container 209 is permanently attached to the lid
210
which has a fluid outlet connectable to the spray gun and a fluid inlet for
adding
paint to the reservoir. For example, the lid 210 may be bonded to the inner
container 209 by adhesive or by welding.
This arrangement enables the construction of the reservoir to be simplified
compared to the previous embodiment. In particular, the outer container for
receiving the inner container 209 and the collar for securing the lid 210 are
no
longer required for assembly of the reservoir and can be dispensed with.
In this embodiment, the materials employed for the container 209 and lid 210
are
similar to the previous embodiment. It will be understood, however, that this
is
not essential. Thus, the container 209 can be constructed from any material
that
is resistant to tearing, ripping or rupturing and which collapses as paint is
being
withdrawn. For example, the container 209 may be made of metal foil and/or
metal foil may be incorporated into a plastic laminate to provide the required
characteristics for the container 209.
The assembly of lid 210 and container 209 may be pre-filled with a liquid and
supplied to the user for attaching to the spray gun 1 via the connector tube
215 on
the lid 210. The reservoir can then be refilled while still attached to the
spray gun
1 via the fluid inlet by removing the cap 232. Pre-filling may be employed for
liquids that can be packaged and stored until required without degrading.
Thus,
pre-filling may be especially useful for liquids that can be supplied ready to
use
(i.e. without requiring modification to match the colour to an existing
colour).
For example, base coats in standard colours and/or primers or lacquers that
can be
supplied in a non-activated form and activated (if necessary) by suitable
means
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such as by exposure to a source of light (ultraviolet) or electrical energy
when
required.
Alternatively, the assembly of lid 210 and container 209 may be supplied empty
for the user to fill with liquid via the fluid inlet with the cap 232 removed.
This
enables the user to use either standard liquids or liquids that have been
specially
mixed to match a particular colour. Again, the reservoir can be refilled in
use
while attached to the spray gun 1.
Where the assembly of container 209 and lid 210 is supplied empty, the
container
209 may be collapsed thereby reducing the space required for packing and
transportation of the assembly by the manufacturer and the space required for
storing the assembly until required by the end user. Where the assembly is
supplied and stored in the collapsed condition, the container 209 can be
returned
to its original shape prior to adding the chosen liquid.
In this embodiment, the lid 210 and container 209 are permanently secured
together and the reservoir is sufficiently stable for attaching to the spray
gun
without any additional support. For some applications, however, it may be
desirable or necessary depending on the size and/or materials employed for the
container 209 to provide support for the container 209 when the reservoir is
attached to the spray gun.
Figures 18 and 19 show two support cages 280 and 281 that can be employed to
support the reservoir as the container 209 collapses. The cages 280,281 are
made
of plastics material that combine the necessary strength with lightness for
ease of
handling the spray gun to which the reservoir with the cage 280,281 is
attached. It
will be understood, however, that other materials may be employed.
In Figure 18, the cage 280 provides support over the whole length of the
container
209' and is in the form of an open mesh that allows visual inspection of the
reservoir as the container 209' collapses. In Figure 19, the cage 281 provides
CA 02445183 2003-10-22
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support over part of the length of the container 209' and is in the form of a
short
tube that may be transparent to allow visual inspection of the reservoir as
the
container collapses. It will be understood however that any suitable design of
cage may be employed that adequately supports the container 209'. For example,
the cage may comprise a plurality of downward extending leg portions for
guiding
the container to collapse in the longitudinal direction.
In Figures 18 and 19, the cage 280, 281 is separate from the lid 210' and
container 209' and is secured by an annular collar 282 that fits over the lid
210'.
It will be understood, however, that the cage could be formed as an integral
part
of the lid 210'.
It will also be understood that the cage 280,281 and collar 282 are not
limited to
arrangements in which the lid 210' and container 209' are permanently attached
together. Thus, the cage 280,281 and collar 282 may be used in any of the
arrangements according to the first embodiment in which lid and container are
separate components to secure the lid and container together and provide
support
for the reservoir as the container collapses.
Referring now to Figure 20, an alternative arrangement is shown for
permanently
uniting the lid 210" and container 209" in which an annular groove 240 is
provided in the underside of the lid 210" to receive the rim 212" of the
container
209". The rim 212" and groove 240 are provided with complementary
interlocking formations to seal the lid 210" on the container 209" and prevent
the container 209" separating from the lid 210". This assembly may be carried
out during manufacture for supply of the lid 210" and container 209" pre-
filled
with liquid or empty as described above. Alternatively, the lid 210" and
container 209" may be supplied separately for assembly by the user. This
arrangement may be provided with a support cage for the container as described
above. The cage may be a separate component or formed integrally with the lid
210". For example, the outer wall of the groove 240 may be extended axially to
surround the container 209" over all or part of the length of the container
209".
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CA 02445183 2009-09-30
60557-7015
Referring to Figures 21 to 24, there is shown a third embodiment of the
present
invention for adding paint to a reservoir while attached to a spray gun. For
convenience, like reference numerals in the series 300 are used throughout to
indicate parts corresponding to previous embodiments and the construction and
operation of similar parts will be understood from the description above and
will
not be further described in detail.
In this embodiment, the end wall of the lid 310 is of conical shape and the
connector tube 315 is offset from the centre of the lid 310 and extends at an
angle
to the central longitudinal axis of the lid 310. This offset arrangement
allows the
size of the opening 330 to be increased compared to the previous embodiments.
As shown, the opening 330 has a diameter of slightly less than half the
diameter
of the lid 310. It will be understood, however, that the size of the opening
330
may be altered from that shown.
As will be appreciated, increasing the size of the opening 330 allows faster
filling/refilling of the reservoir formed by attaching the lid 310 to the
container
309. Furthermore, a removable "drop in" sock filter can be used in conjunction
with the opening 330 to filter paint poured into the reservoir. As a result,
there is
no need to employ a filter over the aperture 314 of the connector tube 315
when
the reservoir is connected to a spray gun.
Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24, access to the opening 330 when the
reservoir
is attached to the spray gun 301 and the spray gun 301 is inverted for adding
paint
to the reservoir is enhanced by the offset arrangement of the connector tube
315
extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the opening 330. As
a
result, the opening 330 is clear of the spray gun 301 and paint can be
introduced
more easily to the reservoir through the opening 330 with the reservoir
attached to
the spray gun. This contributes further to faster filling of the reservoir
with
reduced risk of spillage.
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Depending on the starting/finishing positions of the bayonet formations 316
for
securing the reservoir to the spray gun 301, the offset arrangement of the
connector tube 315 may result in the reservoir overhanging to one side of the
spray gun 301. This could have an adverse effect on the handling of the spray
gun 301. In particular, the spray gun 301 may be unbalanced making it more
awkward to manoeuvre and making access for spraying more difficult where
available space is restricted.
Accordingly, the bayonet formations 316 are arranged so that, when the
reservoir
is connected to the spray gun 301, it is aligned along the spray axis of the
spray
gun 301. In this way, unbalance due to the reservoir overhanging to one side
is
avoided. Additionally, the inclination of the connector tube 315 to the
longitudinal axis of the reservoir may be chosen so that the reservoir is
arranged
at an optimum angle to the spray gun to best suit working requirements. In
this
way, any adverse effects resulting from the offset arrangement of the
connector
tube 315 on handling of the spray gun 301 are overcome or at least mitigated.
In this embodiment, the container 309 is permanently attached to the lid 310
by
adhesive, welding or any other suitable method as described previously in
connection with the second embodiment of the invention. It will be understood,
however, that the advantages from offsetting the connector tube 315 and
increasing the size of the filler opening 330 may be applied to any of the
other
lid/container combinations described herein. For example, the lid may be
separate from the container and secured by a collar as described in connection
with the first embodiment. Furthermore, it will be appreciated the offset
arrangement of the connector tube 315 and increased size of the filler opening
330
may be applied to any shape of lid. For example, the lid may have a flat end
wall
as shown in Figures 8 to 17 or a conical end wall as shown in Figures 18 to
24.
Referring now to Figures 25 to 27, an alternative arrangement for increasing
the
size of the filler opening 330' in the lid 310' to facilitate filling/re-
filling the
reservoir according to the third embodiment of the invention is shown. The
28
CA 02445183 2009-09-30
60557-7015
connector tube 315' is positioned at the apex of the conical end wall of the
lid
310' aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the lid 310'. As a result,
the
reservoir does not overhang to one side of the spray gun irrespective of the
start/finish position of the bayonet formations 316' for securing the
reservoir to
the spray gun. To accommodate the increased size of the filler opening 330'
without restricting access when the reservoir is attached to the spray gun,
the
spout 331' is arranged to overhang the rim of the lid 310' on one side. The
wall
of the spout 331' that overhangs the rim of the lid 310' is formed with an
angled
portion 361' that directs paint towards and through a substantially D-shaped
aperture 360' leading into the reservoir at the base of the opening 330'.
The lid 310' may be permanently attached to the container 309 as described
previously or it may be separate from the container 309 and secured by a
suitably
shaped collar as described previously.
Referring now to Figures 28 to 30, a fourth embodiment of the present
invention
for adding paint to a reservoir while attached to a spray gun is shown. For
convenience, like reference numerals in the series 400 are used throughout to
indicate parts corresponding to previous embodiments and the construction and
operation of similar parts will be understood from the description above' and
will
not be further described in detail.
In this embodiment, the inner container 409 is received in outer container 408
to
locate the rim portion 412 over the outer end of the container 408. The lid
410
has an elongated skirt 413 of cylindrical shape integral with the end wall of
the
lid 410. The free end of the skirt 413 is a push fit in the open end of the
inner
container 409 to trap the rim portion 412 of the inner container 409 between
the
end of the container 408 and an external lip 413A integral with the skirt 413.
The end wall of the lid 410 is of conical shape and is provided with the
connector
tube 415 and filler opening 430 for filling/refilling the reservoir while
connected
to the spray gun as described for the previous embodiment. In this embodiment,
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CA 02445183 2009-09-30
60557-7015
the connector tube 415 is arranged on the central longitudinal axis of the lid
4-10
but it will be understood the lid 410 may be provided with any of the
connector
tube 415 and filler opening 430 arrangements previously described.
As will be appreciated, the elongated skirt 413 increases the volume of the
reservoir and allows the spray gun to be used for large paint jobs without
having
to repeatably refill the reservoir with paint. Furthermore, the same
combination
of outer container 408 and inner container 409 may be assembled with lids 410
having different lengths of skirt 413 to provide reservoirs having a range of
different volumes. In this way, the required volume reservoir for a particular
job
can be readily assembled by selecting the lid 410 having the appropriate size
of
skirt 413 and assembling the selected lid 410 with the same combination of
outer
container 408 and inner container 409. As a result, the number of components
required to produce a range of reservoirs of different volume is reduced. More
particularly, the use of different size inner containers 409 requiring
different size
outer containers 408 is avoided such that manufacture, supply, storing and
assembly of components for assembly of reservoirs of different volume is
facilitated.
In a modification (not shown), the filler opening 430 may be re-positioned
from
the end wall of the lid 410 and located in the skirt 413 where permitted by
the
length of the skirt 413. This may allow easier access to the filler opening
430
when the reservoir is connected to the spray gun.
Referring now to Figure 31, the lid 410 with elongated skirt 413 may be used
by
itself to provide a low volume reservoir for small repair jobs, for example
spot
repairs. This may result in cost savings by reducing the time taken to carry
out a
repair and by reducing the number of disposable components required for the
repair from two to one where the lid 410 can be used without the inner
container
409.
CA 02445183 2009-09-30
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A vented cover (not shown) can be used to close off the open end of lid 410
with
elongated skirt 413.
Referring now to Figures 32 and 33, an alternative arrangement is shown for
varying the volume of the reservoir in which a separate sleeve 450 of
cylindrical
shape is provided between the lid 410' and inner container 409'.
As shown, the short skirt 413' on the underside of the lid 410' is a push fit
in one
end of the sleeve 450 to locate the outer edge of the lid 410' on the end of
the
sleeve 450. The other end of the sleeve 450 is a push fit in the open end of
the
inner container 409' to trap rim portion 412' of the inner container 409'
between
the end of the container 408' and an external lip of the sleeve 450. Locking
collar 411' is threadably engageable with the outer container 408 to secure
the
sleeve 450 relative to the inner container 409'. The locking collar 411' is
connected via axially extending webs 451 to a retainer collar 452 that clamps
the
separate lid 410' to the sleeve 450 as the locking collar 411' is tightened.
As will be appreciated, the ends of the sleeve 450 are shaped to co-operate
with
the inner container 409' and lid 410' such that the inner container 410' and
lid
409' can be assembled either with or without the sleeve 450 therebetween. In
this
way, the same inner container 409' and lid 410' combination can be assembled
with or without sleeves 450 of different length to provide reservoirs having a
range of different volumes.
More particularly, the lid 410' can be assembled directly to the inner
container
409' where the reservoir only has to hold a small volume of paint. The same
lid
410' and inner container 409' can also be assembled with an appropriately
sized
sleeve 450 therebetween to provide a reservoir capable of holding a larger
volume
of paint if required.
As a result, one size of inner container 409', lid 410' and outer container
408' can
be employed for assembly with different sizes of sleeve 450 to produce any
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desired volume of reservoir. In this way, the volume of the reservoir can be
altered as desired using common components that simplifies manufacture,
supply,
storage and assembly of the paint reservoir for a variety of different uses.
In the arrangement shown in Figures 32 and 33, the lid 410' is provided with
the
connector tube 415' and filler opening 430'. A modification of this
arrangement
is shown in Figure 34 in which the filler opening 430" is re-positioned from
the
lid 410" to the wall of the extension sleeve 450". This may allow easier
access
to the filler opening 430" when it is desired to add paint to the reservoir.
Also,
manufacture of the lid 410" is simplified.
As will now be appreciated, the present invention provides apparatus for
spraying
a liquid having a collapsible reservoir connected to a spray gun wherein
liquid
can be added to the reservoir while it is attached to the spray gun. Other
arrangements of the fluid inlet for adding liquid to the reservoir while
attached to
the spray gun will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are deemed
within
the scope of this invention.
It will also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments described herein
are intended to illustrate the diverse range and application of the invention
and that features of the embodiments may be employed separately or in
combination with any other features of the same or different embodiments.
Moreover, while the exemplary embodiments described and illustrated are
believed to represent the best means currently known to the applicant, it will
be understood that the invention is not limited thereto and that various
modifications and improvements can be made within the spirit and scope of
the invention as generally described herein.
Finally, as used herein, the term "liquid" refers to all forms of flowable
materials
that can be applied to a surface using a spray gun (whether or not they are
intended to colour the surface) including (without limitation) paints,
primers, base
32
CA 02445183 2003-10-22
WO 02/085533 PCT/US02/13165
coats, lacquers, varnishes and similar paint-like materials as well as other
materials such as adhesives, sealers, fillers, putties, powder coatings,
blasting
powders, abrasive slurries, mould release agents and foundry dressings which
may
be applied in atomised or non-atomised form depending on the properties and/or
the intended application of the material and the term "liquid" is to be
construed
accordingly.
33
