Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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RESERVOIR SYSTEMS FOR HAND-HELD SPRAY GUNS
Back2round
The present disclosure relates to liquid spraying apparatuses, such as spray
guns. More
particularly, it relates to reservoir systems used to contain and supply
liquid to a spray gun.
Liquid spray guns are commonly used to spray coating such as stains, primers,
paints,
sealers and the like onto surfaces. For example, 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 or cup attached to the gun from
where it is fed to a spray
nozzle. The liquid may be gravity fed or suction fed or, more recently,
pressure fed by an air bleed
line to the reservoir from the compressed air line to the spray gun, or from
the spray gun itself.
Summary
Traditionally, the liquid is contained in a rigid reservoir or pot removably
mounted on the
spray gun. In this way, the pot can be removed for cleaning or replacement.
Previously, the pot
was secured to the gun empty and provided with a removable lid by which the
desired liquid could
be added to the pot while attached to the gun. On completion of spraying, the
pot can be removed
and the gun and pot cleaned for re-use.
More recently, reservoir systems have been developed that enables painters to
mix less
paint and drastically reduce the amount of technician time required for gun
cleaning. The PPSTM
Paint Preparation System available from 3M Company of St. Paul, MN provides a
reservoir that
eliminates the need for traditional mixing cups and paint strainers. The 5TM
Paint Preparation
System reservoir includes a reusable outer container or cup, an open-topped
liner, a collar and a
lid. The liner is a close fit in the outer container, and paint (or other
liquid) that is to be sprayed is
contained within the liner. The lid is assembled to the liner and provides a
spout or conduit through
which the contained paint is conveyed. In use, the liner collapses as paint is
withdrawn and, after
spraying, the liner and lid can be removed allowing a new, clean liner and lid
to be employed for
the next use of the spray gun. As a result, the amount of cleaning required is
considerably reduced
and the spray gun can be readily adapted to apply different paints (or other
sprayable coatings) in a
simple manner.
The 5TM Paint Preparation System is one example of a reservoir
system used to contain
and supply liquid to a spray gun. In addition to the reservoir or cup,
reservoir systems can include
one, two or more components that may or may not be directly employed for a
particular
application. For example, regardless of exact format, the reservoir or pot
incorporates one or more
connection features that facilitate removable assembly or attachment to the
spray gun. In many
instances, the spray gun and reservoir are designed in tandem, providing
complementary
connection formats that promote direct assembly of the reservoir to the spray
gun. In other
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instances, the corresponding reservoir system will include an adaptor that is
employed between the
reservoir and spray gun. The adaptor has a first connection format at one end
compatible with the
spray gun inlet and a second connection format at an opposite end compatible
with the reservoir
outlet. With either approach, releasable connection between the spray gun and
reservoir was
conventionally achieved via a standard screw thread connection format.
Any improvements to the adaptor or connector formats are desirable. In
addition, users
desire improvements to other components of the reservoir system, either alone
or in combination
with one another. For example, the cup receptacle, the lid, connection between
the lid and cup
receptacle, along with auxiliary components intended to be used apart from the
spray gun are all
subject to potential improvement.
The inventors of the present disclosure recognized that a need exists for
spray gun
reservoir systems that overcome one or more of the above-mentioned problems.
Some aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a lid for a spray
gun reservoir
system. The lid includes a lid body comprising a spout, a platform and a wall.
The platform at
least partially surrounds the spout, and defines a major plane and a partial
helical shape. The
partial helical shape declines with respect to the major plane and revolves
about a central axis of
the spout. The wall includes an outer face adjoining the platform and
including a portion that
declines with respect to the major plane of the platform. In this regard, the
partial helical shape
interrupts the declining portion of the outer face of the wall. In some
embodiments the outer face
of the wall comprises a dome shape or a conical shape. In other embodiments, a
first end of the
partial helical shape is proximate a transition zone to the major plane and a
second end of the
partial helical shape interrupts the declining portion of the outer face of
the wall.
Other aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a lid for a spray
gun reservoir
system. The lid includes a lid body and a collar. The lid body provides a
spout and a platform
surrounding the spout. At least a portion of the platform forms a partial
helical shape revolving
about a central axis of the spout. The collar is rotatably connected to the
lid body. Further, the
collar includes a lid connector structure configured to connect the lid to the
cup receptacle.
Other aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a reservoir system
for use with
a spray gun. The system includes a cup receptacle and a lid. The lid includes
a lid body and a
collar. The lid body provides a spout and a platform surrounding the spout. At
least a portion of
the platform forms a partial helical shape revolving about a central axis of
the spout. The collar is
rotatably connected to the lid body. Further, the collar includes a lid
connector structure
configured to connect the lid to the cup receptacle. In some embodiments, the
cup receptacle
includes a side wall forming an aperture for viewing contents of an inner
cavity, and the aperture
has a non-uniform circumferential width. In some embodiments, the lid body
includes an outer
face defining a continuous dome shape, and the platform defines a ramp surface
projecting into the
dome shape. In some embodiments, the reservoir system further includes an
adaptor configured to
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connect the reservoir with a spray gun inlet port. In related embodiments, the
lid and the adaptor
provide complementary connection formats. In some embodiments, the reservoir
system further
includes a plug for sealing the spout. In related embodiments, the plug can
include a plug side
wall with a stepped outer diameter. In some embodiments, the reservoir system
further includes a
shaker core useful, for example, in mounting the reservoir to a shaker
machine. In related
embodiments, the shaker core can define opposing, first and second ends, with
an inner diameter
of the shaker core at the first end being less than a diameter of the shaker
core at the second end.
Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure also include, but
are not
limited to, the embodiments listed below, which may or may not be numbered for
convenience.
Several additional embodiments, not specifically enumerated in this section,
are disclosed within
the accompanying detailed description.
Embodiments:
1. A lid for a spray gun reservoir system comprising:
a lid body comprising:
a spout;
a platform at least partially surrounding the spout, wherein the platform
defines a
major plane and a partial helical shape declining with respect to the major
plane and revolving about a central axis of the spout; and
a wall comprising an outer face adjoining the platform and comprising a
portion
that is declining with respect to the major plane of the platform;
wherein the partial helical shape interrupts the declining portion of the
outer face of the
wall.
2. The lid of Embodiment 1, wherein the declining portion of the outer face
of the wall
comprises a dome shape.
3. The lid of Embodiment 1, wherein the declining portion of the outer face
of the wall
comprises a conical shape.
4. The lid of any of Embodiments 1-3, wherein a first end of the
partial helical shape is
proximate a transition zone to the major plane and a second end of the partial
helical shape
interrupts the declining portion of the outer face of the wall.
5. The lid of Embodiment 4, wherein the second end of the partial helical
shape terminates at
a retention feature.
6. The lid of any of Embodiments 1-5, further comprising a collar rotatably
connected to the
lid body.
7. The lid of Embodiment 6, wherein the collar includes a lid connector
structure configured
to connect the lid to a compatible cup receptacle.
8. A lid for a spray gun reservoir system comprising:
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a lid body comprising a spout and a platform at least partially surrounding
the spout,
wherein at least a portion of the platform forms a partial helical shape
revolving
about a central axis of the spout, and
a collar rotatably connected to the lid body;
wherein the collar includes a lid connector structure configured to connect
the lid to a
compatible cup receptacle.
9. The lid of Embodiment 8, wherein the platform defines a major plane and
the partial
helical shape declines with respect to the major plane, and further wherein
the lid body includes a
wall comprising an outer face adjoining the platform and comprising a portion
that is declining
with respect to the major plane of the platform, and even further wherein the
partial helical shape
interrupts the declining portion of the outer face of the wall.
10. The lid of Embodiment 9, wherein the declining portion of the outer
face of the wall
comprises a dome shape.
11. The lid of Embodiment 9, wherein the declining portion of the outer
face of the wall
comprises a conical shape.
12. The lid of any of Embodiments 9-11, wherein a first end of the partial
helical shape is
proximate a transition zone to the major plane and a second end of the partial
helical shape
interrupts the declining portion of the outer face of the wall.
13. The lid of Embodiment 12, wherein the second end of the partial helical
shape terminates
at a retention feature.
14. A reservoir system for use with a spray gun, the system comprising:
a cup receptacle; and
a lid including:
a lid body providing a spout and a platform surrounding the spout, wherein at
least
a portion of the platform forms a partial helical shape revolving about a
central axis of the spout, and
a collar rotatably connected to the lid body;
wherein the collar includes a lid connector structure configured to connect
the lid to the
cup receptacle.
15. The reservoir system of Embodiment 14, wherein the cup receptacle
includes a cylindrical
side wall extending from a base end to an open end and defining an inner
cavity, and further
wherein an aperture is defined in the side wall that is open to the inner
cavity for viewing contents
of the inner cavity from an exterior of the cup receptacle, and even further
wherein the aperture has
a non-uniform circumferential width.
16. The reservoir system of Embodiment 15, wherein the aperture extends
from a first side
proximate the base end to an opposing, second side proximate the open end, and
further wherein a
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circumferential width of the aperture at the first side is greater than a
circumferential width of the
aperture at the second side.
17. The reservoir system any of Embodiments 14-16, wherein lid body
includes an outer face
defining a continuous dome shape, and further wherein the platform defines a
ramp surface having
a first ramp segment extending from a first end to a second end, the first end
being longitudinally
above the second end relative to an upright orientation of the lid, and even
further wherein the
ramp surface segment projects into the dome shape of the outer face.
18. The reservoir system of Embodiment 17, wherein the ramp surface further
includes a
second ramp segment extending from a first end to a second end, the first end
of the second ramp
segment being adjacent and longitudinally above the second end of the first
ramp segment, and
further wherein the lid body forms an undercut at an intersection of the first
and second ramp
segments, the undercut projecting into the dome shape of the outer face.
19. The reservoir system of any of Embodiments 17-18, wherein a radial
width of the first
ramp segment at the first end is less than a radial width of the first ramp
segment at the second
end.
20. The reservoir system of any of Embodiments 14-19, wherein the collar
includes a ring and
a plurality of tabs projecting from an underside of the ring, a portion of the
lid connector structure
being carried by at least one of the tabs, and further wherein the ring has a
variable radial width.
21. The reservoir system of Embodiment 20, wherein circumferentially
adjacent ones of the
tabs are separated by a circumferential opening, and further wherein a radial
width of the ring
decreases at a location longitudinally aligned with at least one of the
circumferential openings.
22. The reservoir system of any of Embodiments 20-21, wherein the ring
defines at least one
slot that is aligned with a corresponding one of the tabs.
23. The reservoir system of any of Embodiments 14-22, further comprising an
adaptor
configured to selectively connect the spout with a spray gun inlet.
24. The reservoir system of Embodiment 23, wherein the lid and the adaptor
include
complementary connector features for selectively mounting the adaptor to the
lid.
25. The reservoir system of any of Embodiments 23-24, wherein the adaptor
includes a tubular
member and a base projecting from the tubular member, and further wherein the
tubular member
terminates at an end and the base defines a tracking face opposite the end,
and even further
wherein at least a portion of the tracking face forms a partial helical shape
corresponding with the
partial helical shape of the platform.
26. The reservoir system of any of Embodiments 23-25, wherein the adaptor
further includes
at least one lock structure projecting from an outer face of the base.
27. The
reservoir system of Embodiment 26, wherein the at least one lock structure
extends
from a first end to an opposing second end, and defines an abutment face, an
upper face opposite
the abutment face, and a guide face opposite the base, and further wherein a
geometry of the
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abutment face in extension from the first end to the second end differs from a
geometry of the
upper face in extension from the first end to the second end.
28. The reservoir system of Embodiment 27, wherein the upper face defines
an insertion
section extending from the first end and a locking section extending from the
insertion section in a
direction of the second end, and further wherein a major plane defined by the
insertion section
segment is non-coplanar with a major planed defined by the locking section.
29. The reservoir system of Embodiment 28, wherein the upper face further
defines a tail
section extending from the locking section in a direction of the second end,
and further wherein a
major plane defined by the tail section is non-coplanar with the major plane
defined by the locking
section.
30. The reservoir system of Embodiment 29, wherein a shape of the tail
section is a partial
helix.
31. The reservoir system of any of Embodiments 27-30, wherein the guide
face defines a first
region extending from the first end and a second region extending from the
first region in a
direction of the second end, and further wherein the first region defines a
uniform radius relative to
a centerline of the tubular member, and even further wherein the second region
defines a tapering
radius relative to the centerline in extension from the first region toward
the second end.
32. The reservoir system of any of Embodiments 26-31, wherein the lid
further includes at
least one retention structure configured to engage the at least one locking
structure upon rotation of
the adaptor relative to the lid.
33. The reservoir system of any of Embodiments 14-32, further comprising a
plug for
selectively sealing the spout, the plug including a plug body and a lip,
wherein the plug body
defines a closed end opposite a leading end, and further wherein the lip
projects radially from the
leading end, and even further wherein the lip defines a plurality of grasping
tabs.
34. The reservoir system of Embodiment 33, wherein the plurality of
grasping tabs are
equidistantly spaced from one another.
35. The reservoir system of any of Embodiments 33-34, wherein the plurality
of grasping tabs
includes exactly three grasping tabs.
36. The reservoir system of any of Embodiments 33-35, wherein the plug body
defines a
stepped outer diameter in extension from the closed end to the leading end.
37. The reservoir system of any of Embodiments 14-36, further comprising a
shaker core
configured for selective mounting to the lid, the shaker core having a
longitudinal length such that
upon mounting to the collar, the shaker core extends beyond the spout.
38. The reservoir system of Embodiment 37, wherein shaker core defines
opposing, first and
second ends, and further wherein an inner dimeter of the shaker core at the
first end is greater than
an inner diameter of the shaker core at the second end.
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39. The reservoir system of Embodiment 38, wherein the shaker core further
include an
annular shoulder projecting radially inwardly from the hub adjacent the first
end, the annular
shoulder defining a ledge for abutting a corresponding surface of the collar.
40. The reservoir system of Embodiment 39, wherein the shaker core further
includes at least
one key body projecting from the ledge in a direction of the first end,
wherein the key body is
configured to be received within a corresponding notch defined by the collar.
It should furthermore be understood that, although several Embodiments of
reservoir
systems described above include components of such system (e.g., a lid, a
collar, a cup receptacle,
a plug, and/or a shaker core, etc.) in combination, the features of such
components in combination
are not inextricably linked, such that components may additionally, or in the
alternative, be
considered as stand-alone embodiments or in other combinations not expressly
set forth.
As used herein, the term "liquid" refers to all forms of flowable material
that can be
applied to a surface using a spray gun (whether or not they are intended to
color the surface)
including (without limitation) paints, primers, base coats, lacquers,
varnishes and similar paint-like
materials as well as other materials, such as adhesives, sealer, fillers,
putties, powder coatings,
blasting powders, abrasive slurries, mold release agents and foundry dressings
which may be
applied in atomized or non-atomized form depending on the properties and/or
the intended
application of the material and the term "liquid" is to be construed
accordingly.
Brief Description of the Drawin2s
FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a spray gun assembly including a
spray gun and
a reservoir;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a reservoir system in accordance with principles
of the
present disclosure, including a reservoir and an adaptor;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a receptacle cup useful with the reservoir of
FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the receptacle cup of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a collar useful with the reservoir of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6A is atop plan view of the collar of FIG. 5;
FIG. 6B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the collar of FIG. 6A, taken
along the
line 6B-6B;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of lid body useful with the reservoir of FIG. 2;
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a lid useful with the reservoir of FIG. 2,
including the
collar of FIG. 5 assembled to the lid body of FIG. 7;
FIG. 8B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 8A, taken
along the line
8B-8B;
FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate connecting of the lid of FIG. 8A to the cup receptacle
of FIG. 3;
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FIG. 10A is atop plan view of the lid body of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10B is a side view of the lid body of FIG. 10A;
FIG. 10C is an end view of the lid body of FIG. 10A;
FIG. 11 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the lid body of FIG. 10B,
taken along the
line 11-11;
FIG. 12 is an enlarged side perspective view of a portion of the lid body of
FIG. 10A;
FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lid body of FIG. 10A,
taken along the
line 13-13;
FIG. 14A is an enlarged, top plan view of a portion of the lid body of FIG.
10A;
FIG. 14B is an enlarged, longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the
lid body of
FIG. 14A, taken along the line 14B-14B;
FIG. 14C is an enlarged, longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the
lid body of
FIG. 14B, taken along the line 14C-14C;
FIG. 15A is a top perspective view of the adaptor of FIG. 2;
FIG. 15B is atop plan view of the adaptor of FIG. 15A;
FIG. 15C is a side view of the adaptor of FIG. 15A;
FIG. 15D is an end view of the adaptor of FIG. 15A;
FIG. 15E is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the adaptor of FIG. 15A;
FIG. 15F is a bottom perspective view of the adaptor of FIG. 15A;
FIGS. 16-19D illustrate connecting of the adaptor of FIG. 15A to the lid of
FIG. 8A;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another adaptor in accordance with principles
of the
present disclosure and useful with the reservoir systems of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 21A and 21B illustrate connecting of the adaptor of FIG. 20 to a spray
gun inlet port;
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the adaptor of FIG. 20 connected to the
reservoir of FIG.
2;
FIGS. 23A and 23B are perspective views of a spray gun nozzle unit including
an inlet
port in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 24A and 24B are perspective views of another spray gun nozzle unit
including an
inlet port in accordance with principles of the present disclosure
FIG. 25A is a perspective view of a plug in accordance with principles of the
present
disclosure and useful with the reservoir systems of the present disclosure;
FIG. 25B is atop plan view of the plug of FIG. 25A;
FIG. 26 is a side view of the plug of FIG. 25A connected to the reservoir of
FIG. 2 and
supporting the reservoir on a surface;
FIG. 27A is a top perspective view of a shaker core in accordance with
principles of the
present disclosure and useful with the reservoir systems of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 27B is a bottom perspective view of the shaker core of FIG. 27A;
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FIG. 28 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the shaker core of FIG. 27A;
FIG. 29A is an exploded view illustrating connection of the shaker core of
FIG. 27A with
the reservoir of FIG. 2;
FIG. 29B is a perspective view of the shaker core and reservoir of FIG. 29A
upon final
assembly;
FIG. 29C is a perspective view of the connected shaker core and reservoir of
FIG. 29B
along with the plug of FIG. 25A connected to the reservoir;
FIG. 30A is an exploded view illustrating connection of the shaker core of
FIG. 27A with
another reservoir in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;
FIG. 30B is a perspective view of the shaker core and reservoir of FIG. 30A
upon final
assembly;
FIG. 31A is a perspective view of the adaptor of FIG. 15A connected to the
reservoir of
FIG. 30A; and
FIG. 31B is a perspective view of the adaptor of FIG. 20 connected to the
reservoir of FIG.
30A.
Detailed Description
Some aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward reservoir systems
or kits for
supplying liquid to a spray gun. Additional aspects of the present disclosure
are directed toward
various components useful with reservoir systems or kits, such as a reservoir
lid. By way of
background, FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a spray gun assembly 20 including
a reservoir
system 30 in accordance with principles of the present disclosure assembled to
a spray gun 32 of a
gravity-feed type. The gun 32 can assume a wide variety of forms, and
generally includes a body
34, a handle 36, and a spray nozzle 38 at a front end of the body 34. The gun
32 is manually
operated by a trigger 40 that is pivotally mounted on the sides of the body
34. An inlet port 42
(referenced generally) is formed in or carried by the body 34, and is
configured to establish a fluid
connection between an interior spray conduit (hidden) of the spray gun 32 and
a reservoir 44
(referenced generally) of the reservoir system 30. The reservoir 44 contains
liquid (e.g., paint) to
be sprayed, and is connected to the inlet port 42 (it being understood that
the connection
implicated by the drawing of FIG. 1 does not necessarily reflect the
connections of the present
disclosure). In use, the spray gun 32 is connected via a connector 46 at a
lower end of the handle
36 to a source of compressed air (not shown). Compressed air is delivered
through the gun 32
when the user pulls on the trigger 40 and paint is delivered under gravity
from the reservoir 44
through the spray gun 32 to the nozzle 38. As a result, the paint (or other
liquid) is atomized on
leaving the nozzle 38 to form a spray with the compressed air leaving the
nozzle 38.
With the above background in mind, FIG. 2 illustrates one non-limiting example
of a
reservoir system 50 in accordance with principles of the present disclosure.
The reservoir system
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50 includes a reservoir 52 and an optional adaptor 54. One or more additional,
optional
components can be included with reservoir systems of the present disclosure as
described below.
With the system 50 of FIG. 2, the reservoir 52 includes a cup receptacle 60
and a lid 62. In some
embodiments, the reservoir 52 can further include a liner 64. In general
terms, the liner 64
corresponds in shape to (and is a close fit in) an interior of the cup
receptacle 60 and can have a
narrow rim 66 at the open end which sits on the top edge of the cup receptacle
60. The lid 62
includes a flange or collar 68 and a lid body 70. The lid body 70 is
configured to push-fit in the
open end of the liner 64 to locate the peripheral edge of the lid body 70 over
the rim 66 of the liner
64. The lid/liner assembly is secured in place by the collar 68 that
releasably engages the cup
receptacle 60 as described below.
The lid 62 forms a liquid outlet or spout 72 (referenced generally) through
which liquid
contained by the liner 64 can flow. In use, the liner 64 collapses in an axial
direction toward the
lid 62 as paint is withdrawn from the reservoir 52. Air may enter the cup
receptacle 60 as the liner
64 collapses (e.g., via an optional vent hole (hidden) in a base of the cup
receptacle 60, one or
more openings in a side wall of the cup receptacle 60, etc.). On completion of
spraying, the
reservoir 52 can be detached from the spray gun 32 (FIG. 1), the collar 68
released and the lid/liner
assembly removed from the cup receptacle 60. The cup receptacle 60 is left
clean and ready for
re-use with a fresh lid 62 and liner 64. In this way, excessive cleaning of
the reservoir 52 can be
avoided.
The adaptor 54 facilitates connection of the reservoir 52 to the spray gun
inlet port 42
(FIG. 1) as described in greater detail below. In general terms, the lid 62
provides a first
connection format 74 (referenced generally) configured to releasably connect
with a
complementary second connection format 76 (referenced generally) provided with
the adaptor 54,
with the adaptor 54 further including a spray gun interface feature configured
for connection to the
spray gun inlet port 42. Upon final assembly, components of the reservoir
system 50 are aligned
along a central axis A.
The cup receptacle 60 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3. The cup receptacle
60 includes
an annular sidewall 80 defining an inner cavity 82. The sidewall 80 terminates
at an open end 84
providing access to the inner cavity 82. Opposite the open end 84 is a base
end 86. A floor 88
extends radially inwardly from the sidewall 80 proximate the base end 86, and
has a ring-like
shape defining an opening 90. The opening 90 can serve as a vent hole for the
reservoir 52 (FIG.
2) during use. Regardless, the floor 88 serves as or provides a support for
the liner 64 (FIG. 2).
The floor 88 can be slightly off-set from the base end 86 as shown, with the
base end 86 enabling
the cup receptacle 60 to be stably rested directly on a flat working surface.
In some embodiments,
one or more notches 92 can be defined in the sidewall 80 and open at the base
end 86, effectively
forming the based end 86 as a plurality of circumferentially separated feet
that promote stable
placement on a flat working surface.
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At least one aperture or window 100 is formed through a thickness of the
sidewall 80 to
permit the contents of the cavity 82 to be viewed therethrough. In some
embodiments, the aperture
100 can have a non-uniform or varying circumferential width. For example, a
perimeter of the
aperture 100 can be described as defining a first side 102 opposite a second
side 104. As more
clearly shown in FIG. 4, the first side 102 is proximate, but longitudinally
spaced from, the base
end 86; the second side 104 is proximate, but longitudinally spaced from, the
open end 84.
Longitudinal extension of the aperture 100 can be viewed as defining a first
section 106 extending
from the first side 102, and a second section 108 extending from the first
section 106 to the second
side 104. A width (or circumferential width) aperture 100 along the first
section 106 is greater
than a width of the aperture 100 along the second section 108. With this
construction, the
relatively larger area of the aperture 100 at the first section 106 affords a
user the ability to more
easily discern a level of liquid within the cavity 82. The larger area first
section 106 can also be
appropriately sized for passage of a user's finger(s), such as to grasp the
liner 64 (FIG. 2) when
attempting to disassemble the lid 62 (FIG. 2) from the liner 64 (the liner 64
may also be grasped
through the opening 90 (FIG. 3). The smaller area second section 108 also
affords a user the
ability to discern a level of liquid is in the cavity 82 when the cup
receptacle 60 is inverted (e.g.,
such as when connected to a spray gun) but with minimal impact on a structural
integrity of the
cup receptacle 60. Stated otherwise, the second side 104 is spaced from the
open end 84, such that
the sidewall 80 is circumferentially continuous and uninterrupted between the
open end 84 and the
aperture 100. This continuous ring of material provides elevated hoop strength
to the cup
receptacle 60 at a region where a user is more likely to grasp or handle the
cup receptacle 60.
Similarly, by minimizing a width or size of the aperture 100 along the second
section 108 that is
otherwise more proximate the open end 84 (as compared to the first section
106), desired hoop
strength of cup receptacle 60 at likely user handling regions is maintained
while still affording an
understanding of liquid level.
With cross-reference between FIGS. 3 and 4, tactile feedback members 110a,
110b (e.g.,
outwardly projecting ribs) can be formed or provided at opposite sides of the
aperture 100. The
tactile feedback members 110a, 110b allow a user to know, without looking at
the cup receptacle
60, that they are gripping an area adjacent the aperture 100, such that they
can properly locate their
hand(s) and avoid inadvertently applying excess pressure (such as by
squeezing) to the liner 64
(FIG. 2) through the aperture 100. It has been found that squeezing the liner
64 when it is filled
with paint can cause spilling of paint (by forcing it upward and out of the
open end of the liner 64
or accidental disconnection of the lid 62 (FIG. 2) from the liner 64 through
excess deformation of
the open end of the liner 64).
It can further be seen in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 that the cup
receptacle 60
comprises receptacle rim 118 and a receptacle connection structure 120
proximate the open end
84. As described in greater detail below, the receptacle connection structure
120 enables the lid 62
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(FIG. 2) to be secured to the cup receptacle 60 via the collar 68 (FIG. 2).
The receptacle
connection structure 120 can include a plurality of receptacle engagement
members 122 that are
akin to partial threads. Each of the receptacle engagement members 122 extends
between
opposing, leading and trailing ends 124, 126. The leading end 124 is more
proximate the open end
84 as compared to the trailing end 126, such that the leading end 124 can be
considered as being
"above" the trailing end (relative to the upright orientation of FIGS. 3 and
4). A camming surface
128 is defined between the leading and trailing ends 124, 126, and can be
linearly inclined as
shown, or may be flat (not inclined), curved, or may comprise any combination
of inclined, flat,
and/or curved portions. In some embodiments, a shape of the receptacle
engagement members 122
is uniform from the leading end 124 to the trailing end 126 (i.e., the
receptacle engagement
member 122, as a whole, is a continuous partial thread). Regardless of the
particular
configuration, the camming surface 128 is adapted to interact with
complementary structure on the
collar 68 to permit the collar 68 (and thus the lid 62) to be securely
attached to the cup receptacle
60 such that the liner 64 (FIG. 2) is retained in sealing relation between the
lid 62 and the cup
receptacle 60. In this regard, and for reasons made clear below, adjacent ones
of the receptacle
engagement members 122 are circumferentially spaced from one another,
establishing a gap 130
(one of which is identified in FIG. 4).
In some embodiments, the cup receptacle 60 can be formed of a polymeric
material or
plastic material, and can be a molded component. In one non-limiting example,
the cup receptacle
60 is or includes polypropylene, although any other polymer, co-polymer,
combination of
polymers, etc., is equally acceptable. In yet other embodiments, the cup
receptacle 60 is metal.
Further, the cup receptacle 60 can be formed to be transparent, semi-
transparent or translucent to
promote viewing of contents within the cup receptacle 60. In other
embodiments, a material used
to form (e.g., mold) the cup receptacle 60 can include a tint or pigment
selected to provide a
desired color.
Returning to FIG. 2, the collar 68 can initially be formed independently of
the lid body 70
and subsequently attached to form the completed lid 62. With this in mind, the
collar 68 is shown
in greater detail in FIG. 5 and includes or defines a ring 140 and a lid
connection structure 142
(referenced generally). In general terms, the ring 140 is configured to be
rotatably received by the
lid body 70 (FIG. 3). The lid connection structure 142 is configured to
selectively interface with
the receptacle connection structure 120 (FIG. 3) of the cup receptacle 60
(FIG. 3), and can be
formed or carried by one or more tabs 144 projecting from the ring 140.
With additional reference to FIG. 6A the ring 140 defines a central opening
150 bounded
by an inner edge 152. The inner edge 152 can define a circle or substantially
circular shape (i.e.,
within 5% of a true circle). An outer edge 154 of the ring 140 is opposite the
inner edge 152, with
a radial width of the ring 140 being defined as a radial distance (relative to
the central axis A)
between the inner and outer edges 152, 154. In some embodiments, the ring 140
has a variable
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radial width. Stated otherwise, in a plane perpendicular to the central axis A
(i.e., the plane of the
view of the FIG. 6A), the ring 140 has a non-uniform radial width. For
example, the ring 140
forms or defines tab portions 156. The tab portions 156 can be symmetrically
disposed about a
circumference of the ring 140, with each tab portion 156 corresponding with a
respective one of
the tabs 144. Circumferentially adjacent ones of the tab portions 156 are
separated by a notch 158.
In some embodiments each of the notches 158 is sized and shaped to receive a
user's finger to
facilitate handling and ease in manipulating the collar 68. In related
embodiments, the notches 158
can be sized, shaped and located to interface with one or more other
components of the
corresponding reservoir system. Regardless, a radial width of the ring 140 is
reduced in a region
of the notches 158 (as compared to the radial width at the tab portions 156).
A slot 160 (one of
which is identified in each of FIGS. 5 and 6A) can be formed through a
thickness of each of the
tab portions 156. Where provided, the slots 160 can each be configured to
interface with one or
more other components of the corresponding reservoir system. In addition, a
design of the slots
160 can facilitate injection molding of certain features of the collar 68
(e.g., by providing access
by slides in injection-molding tooling to enable formation of details on the
inside surface of the
tabs 144).
As best shown in FIG. 5, flange rotation limiting features 162 can be provided
with the
collar 68, formed as nubs or projections from an upper face of the ring 140.
The flange rotation
limiting features 162 can located opposite one another relative to a
circumference of the inner edge
152, and are configured to selectively interface with corresponding features
of the lid body 70
(FIG. 2) as described in greater detail below.
The tabs 144 can have an identical construction in some embodiments, each
projecting
from an underside of the ring 140. In other embodiments, the tabs 144 need not
be identical (e.g.,
two pairs of two differently-configured tab designs). Circumferentially
adjacent ones of the tabs
144 are separated by a flange opening 166 (one of which is identified in FIG.
5) that is otherwise
commensurate with a corresponding one of the notches 158. The flange openings
166 can provide
for access for the fingers of an end user to assist in gripping the lid 62
(FIG. 2) for installation and
removal. Such additional gripping functionality may be particularly desirable
where end users
may be likely to be wearing gloves, and where the end user's hands (gloved or
otherwise) may be
slippery with wet paint or other residue. In some embodiments, one or more
ribs 168 can be
formed as exterior projections on each of the tabs 144.
As mentioned above, the lid connection structure 142 can be associated with
the tabs 144,
and in some embodiments comprises a lid engagement member 170 carried by each
of the tabs
144. The lid engagement members 170 are akin to partial threads. As shown in
FIG. 6B, each of
the lid engagement members 122 extends between opposing, leading and trailing
ends 172, 174.
The trailing end 174 is more proximate the ring 140 as compared to the leading
end 172, such that
the leading end 172 can be considered as being "below" the trailing end
(relative to the upright
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orientation of FIG. 6B). A camming surface 176 is defined between the leading
and trailing ends
172, 174, and can be linearly inclined as shown, or may be flat (not
inclined), curved, or may
comprise any combination of inclined, flat, and/or curved portions. Regardless
of the particular
configuration, the camming surface 176 is adapted to interact with
complementary structure on the
cup receptacle 60 (FIG. 3) as described below.
In some embodiments, the collar 68 can be formed of a polymeric material or
plastic
material, and can be a molded component. In one non-limiting example, the
collar 68 is or
includes 30% glass filled polypropylene, although any other polymer, co-
polymer, combination of
polymers, etc., is equally acceptable. In yet other embodiments, the collar 68
is metal. Further,
the collar 68 can be formed to be transparent, semi-transparent or translucent
to promote viewing
of contents within the cup receptacle 60 (FIG. 3). In other embodiments, a
material used to form
(e.g., mold) the collar 68 can include a tint or pigment selected to provide a
desired color.
Returning to FIG. 2, the lid body 70 generally includes features that promote
assembly
with the collar 68 to form the completed lid 62; features that, in concert
with the collar 68, promote
fluid tight mounting of the completed lid 62 to the cup receptacle 60 and the
liner 64; and features
that promote connection with the adaptor 54 (e.g., the first connection format
74). So as to provide
a more complete understanding of a relationship between the completed lid 62
and the cup
receptacle 60 in light of the collar 68 as described above, the corresponding
features of the lid
body 70 are described in detail below, followed by a detailed explanation of
the first connection
format 74 and the adaptor 54.
The lid body 70 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 7 and includes the spout 72
and the first
connection format 74 (referenced generally). In addition, the lid body 70
includes a wall 200, a
rim 202, a skirt 204, one or more liner sealing members 206, and flange
retention features 208.
The wall 200 defines an outer face 210 and an inner face (hidden in FIG. 7,
but shown at 212 in
FIG. 9D) opposite the outer face 210. The outer face 210 can a curved or dome-
like shape as
shown, although other shapes and geometries are also acceptable (e.g.,
conical). The outer face
210 extends from the rim 202 to the first connection format 74 and the spout
72. The rim 202
projects radially outwardly from a perimeter of the wall 200. The skirt 204
projects longitudinally
from the rim 202. The liner sealing members 206 are one or more ribs
projecting radially
outwardly from the skirt 204 for reasons made clear below.
The flange retention features 208 can each be akin to a finger or latch
projecting from and
over the outer face 210, and collectively serve to retain the collar 68 (FIG.
2). For example, FIGS.
8A and 8B illustrate final assembly of the collar 68 to the lid body 70 in
forming the completed lid
62. The ring 140 is slidably located over the wall 200 and the rim 202, with
the flange retention
features 208 collectively serving to capture the collar 68 relative to the lid
body 70. In the
embodiment shown, a rotational or sliding interface is established between the
collar ring 140 and
the flange retention features 208, allowing the collar 68 to rotate relative
to the lid body 70 (and
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vice-versa). Rotation of the collar 68 relative to the lid body 70 is limited
by selective abutment or
interface between the flange rotation limiting features 162 provided with the
collar 68
corresponding ones of the flange retention features 208. With this
construction, the collar 68 can
freely rotate relative to the lid body 70 (and vice-versa) in a first
rotational direction until the
flange rotation limiting features 162 are brought into abutting contact with a
corresponding one of
the flange retention features 208; with attempted further rotation of the
collar 68 in the first
direction, the lid body 70 will rotate with the collar 68.
The cross-sectional illustration of the lid 62 of FIG. 8B reveals that upon
final assembly of
the collar 68 to the lid body 70, the tabs 144 extend away from the rim 202,
and are radially spaced
from the hub 204. A clearance zone or gap 220 is established between each of
the lid engagement
members 170 and the skirt 204. Provision of the clearance zone 220 facilitates
mounting of the lid
62 to the cup receptacle 60 (FIG. 2).
More particularly, FIG. 9A reflects arrangement of the lid 62 prior to
mounting to the cup
receptacle 60. As a point of reference, the liner 64 is disposed within the
cup receptacle 60 and
thus is primarily hidden in the view; the rim 66 of the liner 64 is partially
visible and identified in
FIG. 9A. The collar 68 is rotationally arranged relative to the cup receptacle
60 such that each of
the tabs 144 are generally aligned with a corresponding one of the gaps 130
(two of which are
generally identified in FIG. 9A) between the receptacle engagement members 122
of the cup
receptacle 60. The lid 62 can then be lowered on to the cup receptacle 60 as
in FIG. 9B. In this
regard, because the tabs 144 are aligned with respective ones of the gaps 130
(FIG. 9A), the lid
engagement member 170 (FIG. 5) carried by each of the tabs 144 freely passes
between the
receptacle engagement members 122. The lid 62 is essentially fully seated
against the cup
receptacle 60 (and/or the liner 64) ¨ although not yet fully seated and
tightened ¨ prior to
engagement of camming surfaces on either part. The "snapping" sensation and/or
sound derives
from a combination of: (i) the liner sealing members 206 (FIG. 9A) being
quickly advanced into
an open end of the liner 64 such that a portion of the liner 64 rapidly
stretches over the liner
sealing members 206 and then relaxes; and (ii) the lid body rim 202 (FIG. 7)
accordingly
impacting the liner rim 66 / receptacle rim 118 as the lid 62 quickly drops
into contact. The
µ`snapping" sensation or sound is further facilitated by the segmented
construction of the collar 68
(i.e., the notches 158 and corresponding flange openings 166). If the collar
68 were not
segmented, the snapping sensation is unlikely to occur, allowing the user to
undesirably "over
tighten" or thread the lid 62 into the liner 64 and possibly folding the liner
64 in while doing so.
This brief snapping sensation can provide tactile and/or audible reassurance
to the end user that the
lid 62 and the liner 64 are securely attached, although the lid 62 has yet to
be secured to the cup
receptacle 60.
The collar 68 can then be rotated relative to the cup receptacle 60 (and/or
vice-versa) to
effectuate engagement between the lid engagement members 170 and corresponding
ones of the
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receptacle engagement members 122. For example, the partial cross-sectional
view of FIG. 9C
illustrates initial interface between one of the receptacle engagement members
122 and one of the
lid engagement members 170 with rotation of the collar 68 relative to the cup
receptacle 60. With
initial rotation, the leading end 172 of the lid engagement member 170 is
directed toward the
leading end 124 of the receptacle engagement member 122. In the seated
arrangement in which
the lid 62 is seated atop the cup receptacle 60 and installed to the liner 64
(FIG. 2) as described in
the preceding paragraph, the leading end 172 of the lid engagement member 170
is located at a
vertical position along the central axis A that is off-set or "below" the
leading end 124 of the
receptacle engagement member 122. Thus, with further rotation of the collar
68, the lid
engagement member 170 readily passes "below" the receptacle engagement member
122.
However, with even further rotation of the collar 68 relative to the cup
receptacle 60, the camming
surface 128 of the receptacle engagement member 122 directly interfaces with
the camming
surface 176 of the lid engagement member 170. In particular, with continued
rotation of the collar
68, the cam-like interface between the receptacle engagement member 122 and
the lid engagement
member 170 effectuates a clamping force to be applied along the central axis
A. Thus, a clamping
motion of the lid 62 and the cup receptacle 60 along the central axis A is
achieved with rotation of
the collar 68 to better ensure a robust connection. Moreover, optional
provision of the receptacle
engagement members 122 and the lid engagement members 170 as easy-start
partial threads as
shown can not only make installation of the lid 62 faster, but can prevent
possible cross-threading,
reduce the number of areas where excess paint can collect and foul the
assembly, and ease cleanup.
FIG. 9D reflects that upon final connection of the lid 62 to the cup
receptacle 60 in
forming the completed reservoir 52, the liner rim 66 is clamped between the
receptacle rim 118
and the lid rim 202, providing a liquid seal. The liner 64 is further
stretched or clamped between
the liner sealing members 206 and the cup receptacle 60, further promoting a
liquid-tight sealing
relation between the lid 62 and the liner 64. With this sealed arrangement,
liquid (e.g., paint)
disposed in the liner 64 will flow (e.g., when the reservoir 52 is inverted
from the orientation of
FIG. 9D) from the liner 64 along the inner face 212 of the lid wall 200 to the
spout 72. The
separate collar 68 can be movably connected to the lid body 70 without worry
of creating a leak
path for paint.
In some embodiments, the lid body 70 can be formed of a polymeric material or
plastic
material, and can be a molded component. In one non-limiting example, the lid
body 70 is or
includes polypropylene, although any other polymer, co-polymer, combination of
polymers, etc., is
equally acceptable. In yet other embodiments, the lid body 70 is metal.
Further, the lid body 70
can be formed to be transparent, semi-transparent or translucent to promote
viewing of contents
within the cup receptacle 60. In other embodiments, a material used to form
(e.g., mold) the lid
body 70 can include a tint or pigment selected to provide a desired color.
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Returning to FIG. 7, the first connection format 74 (referenced generally in
FIG. 7)
includes a platform 250, a first retention structure 252a, and a second
retention structure 252b. In
general terms, the platform 250 and the retention structures 252a, 252b are
formed at or project
from the outer face 210 of the lid wall 200 at a location external the spout
72, and are collectively
configured to facilitate selective connection or mounting with the
complementary second
connection format 76 (FIG. 2) of the adaptor 54 (FIG. 2).
The platform 250 terminates at or defines a guide surface 260 that revolves
about the spout
72. As best shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, geometry of the guide surface 260 can be
viewed as
providing first and second guide segments 262a, 262b separated by first and
second undercuts or
trapping regions 264a, 264b. Relative to a rotational direction defined by
revolution of the guide
surface 260 about the spout 72 (clockwise or counterclockwise), the first
guide segment 262a
extends circumferentially in the clockwise direction from the first undercut
264a to the second
undercut 264b and has a geometry generating a lead-in region 266 and a ramp
region 268.
Relative to the clockwise direction, then, the lead-in region 266 is "ahead"
or "upstream" of the
ramp region 268. Similarly, the second guide segment 262b can be viewed as
extending
circumferentially in the clockwise direction from the second undercut 264b to
the first undercut
264a, and has a geometry generating a lead-in region 266 and a ramp region
268.
The guide segments 262a, 262b can be substantially identical in some
embodiments such
that the following description of the first guide segment 262a applies equally
to the second guide
segment 262b. The first guide segment 262a is located to correspond with the
first retention
structure 252a. A major plane of the lead-in region 266 can be substantially
flat (i.e., within 5% of
a truly flat shape) and substantially perpendicular (i.e., within 5% of a
truly perpendicular
relationship) to the central axis A. The ramp region 268 tapers longitudinally
downward (relative
to the upright orientation of FIGS. 10B and 10C) in extension from the lead-in
region 266 to the
second undercut 264b, creating a partial helical shape. Thus, the lead-in
region 266 is
longitudinally or vertically "above" the ramp region 268 (relative to the
upright orientation of
FIGS. 10A and 10B), and a major plane of the ramp region 268 is oblique to the
major plane of the
lead-in region 266 (and is not substantially perpendicular to the central axis
A). A transition line
or zone 270 is defined at an intersection of the lead-in and ramp regions 266,
268 and is generally
aligned with the first retention structure 252a. The transition line 270 (as
well as the transition line
270 associated with the second guide segment 262b) is more clearly evident in
the cross-sectional
view of FIG. 11.
With continued reference to FIG. 11, the guide surface 260 can have a varying
or non-
uniform radial width relative to the central axis A. The non-uniform radial
width can be
effectuated by an inner edge 280 of the guide surface 260 being circular
(following the cylindrical
shape of the spout 72), whereas an opposing, outer edge 282 of the guide
surface 260 has a non-
uniform shape. For example, a shape of the outer edge 282 (relative to the top
plan view of FIG.
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11) along the lead-in region 266 of the first guide segment 262a can have an
increasing radius in
extension from the first undercut 264a toward the ramp region 268. Further, at
least a segment of
the shape of the outer edge 282 along the ramp region 268 can have an
increasing radius in
extension to the second undercut 264b. With this optional configuration, at
the second undercut
264b, a radial width of the first guide segment ramp region 268 is greater
than the radial width of
the second guide segment lead-in region 266; similarly, at the first undercut
264a, a radial width of
the second guide segment ramp region 268 is greater than the radial width of
the first guide
segment lead-in region 266.
The first and second undercuts 264a, 264b can be substantially identical, and
can be
equidistantly spaced about the spout 72. Geometry features generated by the
first undercut 264a
are provided by the enlarged view of FIG. 12. Commensurate with the
descriptions above, the first
undercut 264a is formed at, or defines, a transition between the ramp region
268 of the second
guide segment 262b and the lead-in region 266 of the first guide segment 262a.
A shoulder or
retention feature 290 is defined by the undercut 264a, extending between a
leading end 292 of the
first guide segment 262a and a trailing end 294 of the second guide segment
262b. A major plane
of the shoulder 290 is non-parallel relative to the major plane of the lead-in
region 266 and relative
to the major pane of the ramp region 268, with the shoulder 290 projecting
outwardly above
(relative to upright orientation of FIG. 12) the second segment ramp region
268.
FIGS. 7 and 12 generally illustrate that in some embodiments, portions of the
guide
surface 260 project into, or otherwise reflect a deviation in the continuous
shape (e.g., dome-like
shape) of the outer face 210 of the wall 200. A plane of the cross-sectional
view of FIG. 13 is
taken through the first undercut 264a and better reflects this optional
feature. As shown, the outer
face 210 has the continuous, declining shape (e.g., dome-like shape, conical
shape, etc.) in
extension from the platform 250 toward the rim 202. The ramp region 268 of the
second guide
segment 262b interrupts this continuous shape, with the trailing end 294 being
interiorly located
relative to a shape of the outer face 210. Stated otherwise, in some
embodiments, the platform 250
can be considered as projecting from the outer face 210 of the wall 200, with
the guide surface 260
being primarily defined by the platform 250 and partially by the outer face
210. Alternatively, and
with reference between FIGS. 10B and 13, the lid body 70 can be viewed as
including the platform
250 that at least partially surrounds the spout 72. The platform 250 includes
or forms at least one
region (e.g., the lead-in region(s) 266) that serves as an uppermost face of
the platform 250
(relative to the upright orientation of FIGS. 10B and 13) and is substantially
flat so as to define a
major plane M of the platform 250. The platform 250 further includes or forms
at least one region
(e.g., the ramp region(s) 268) having a partial helical shape declining with
respect to the major
plane M and revolving about a central axis C of the spout 72. The outer face
210 of the wall 200 is
adjoined to the platform 250 and includes a portion (identified generally at
296 in FIGS. 10B and
13) that is declining with respect to the major plane M of the platform 250.
The partial helical
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shape of the platform 250 interrupts the declining portion 296 of the outer
face 210 of the wall
200. The declining portion 296 can define or comprise a domed shape, a conical
shape, etc. A
first end of the partial helical shape is proximate a transition zone to the
major plane M (e.g., the
transition line 270 in FIG. 10A), and an opposing, second end of the partial
helical shape (e.g., the
trailing end 294) interrupts the declining portion 296 of the outer face 210
of the wall 200. In
some embodiments, the second end (e.g., the trailing end 294) of the partial
helical shape
terminates at a retention feature, for example one of the undercuts 264a,
264b. With these
constructions, an overall height of the lid body 70 (and thus of the lid 62
(FIG. 2) is reduced (as
compared to conventional spray gun connector formats), thereby ergonomically
locating the cup
receptacle 60 (FIG. 2) closer to the spray gun 32 (FIG. 1) during use.
Returning to FIG. 7, the retention structures 252a, 252b can be identical such
that the
following description of the first retention structure 252a applies equally to
the second retention
structure 252b. The first retention structure 252a is associated with the
first segment 262a of the
guide surface 260, and includes an arm 300 and a tab 302. The arm 300 is
radially spaced from the
spout 72, and projects axially upwardly from the wall 200. A reinforcement rib
304 is optionally
provided between the arm 300a and the wall 200, serving to control deflection
of the arm 300
away from the spout 72 during use. The tab 302 projects radially inwardly from
the arm 300
opposite the wall 200.
With reference to FIG. 14A, the first retention structure 252a can be viewed
as defining
opposing, entrance and exit ends 310, 312. Relative to the rotational
directions described above,
the entrance end 310 is "ahead" or "upstream" of the exit end 312. The cross-
sectional views of
FIGS. 14B and 14C further illustrate that a capture region 314 is defined by
the first guide segment
262a, the arm 300 and the tab 302 for receiving a corresponding feature of the
second connection
format 76 (FIG. 2).
More particularly, projection of the arm 300 defines an enclosure surface 320.
The
enclosure surface 320 faces and is radially spaced from an exterior of the
spout 72. The tab 302
projects radially inwardly relative to the enclosure surface 320, and defines
an engagement surface
322 and an alignment surface 324. The engagement surface 322 faces and is
longitudinally spaced
from the first guide segment 262a. The alignment surface 324 faces, and is
radially spaced from
an exterior of, the spout 72. Dimensions of the radial spacing between the
spout 72 and the
engagement surface 322, and between the spout 72 and the alignment surface,
correspond with
geometry features of the adaptor 54 (FIG. 2).
Geometry of the first guide segment 262a and the engagement surface 322 is
configured to
facilitate a wedge-like, locked engagement with corresponding features of the
second connection
format 76 (FIG. 2). With specific reference to FIG. 14C, the tab 302a is in
general alignment with
the transition line 270 between the lead-in region 266 and the ramp region
268. A shape of the
engagement surface 322 defines a wedging section 330 and an optional clearance
section 332. The
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wedging section 330 extends from the entrance end 310, and is aligned with or
disposed over the
lead-in region 266. The clearance section 332 extends from the wedging section
330 to the exit
end 312, and is aligned with or disposed over the ramp region 268. An
intersection of the wedging
and clearance sections 330, 332 is generally aligned with the transition line
270. A major plane of
the engagement surface 322 along the wedging section 330 is non-coplanar with
a major plane
along the clearance section 332.
The wedging section 330 is substantially flat (i.e., within 5% of a truly flat
shape), and a
plane of the wedging section 330 is non-parallel with the plane of the lead-in
region 266. For
example, planes of the wedging section 330 and the lead-in region 266 combine
to define an
included angle on the order of 1 ¨ 70 degrees, for example in the range of 1 -
30 degrees. With
this construction, the longitudinal spacing or height of the capture region
314 tapers from the
entrance end 310 toward the exit end 312, for example tapering to a smallest
dimension at the
transition line 270. Due to this tapering or wedge-like shape, a rigid body
(provided with the
adaptor 54 (FIG. 2)) initially inserted into the capture region 314 at the
entrance end 310 and then
directed toward the exit end 312 can become frictionally wedged or engaged
within the capture
region 314 as described below.
The clearance section 332, where provided, can also be substantially flat, and
a plane of
the clearance section 332 is non-parallel with a major plane of the ramp
region 268. The planes of
the clearance section 332 and the ramp region 268 are arranged such that the
longitudinal spacing
or height of the capture region 314 expands in a direction of the exit end
312, for example
expanding or increasing from the transition line 270 to the exit end 312.
With additional reference to FIG. 14A, the retention structures 252a, 252b are
arranged
such that the tapering then expanding shapes of the capture region 314 of each
retention structure
252a, 252b is in the same rotational direction relative to the central axis A.
For example, relative
to the orientation of FIG. 14A, the entrance end 310 of the first retention
structure 252a is
rotationally "ahead" of the corresponding exit end 312 in the clockwise
direction; similarly, the
entrance end 310 of the second retention structure 252b is rotationally
"ahead" of the
corresponding exit end 312 in the clockwise direction. Thus, the capture
region 314 (hidden in
FIG. 14A) associated with each of the retention structures 252a, 252b tapers
in the clockwise
direction. FIG. 14A further reflects that the entrance end 310 of each
retention structure 252a,
252b can define a recess or chamfer to further promote initial directing of a
body into the
corresponding capture region 314. The alignment surface 324 of each retention
structure 252a,
252b can be substantially planar as shown, generally tangent to a
circumference of the spout 72; in
other embodiments, the alignment surface 324 can have an arcuate or irregular
shape.
With additional reference to FIG. 14B, the retention structures 252a, 252b
establish robust
engagement with the complementary second connection format 76 (FIG. 2), and
are apart from the
spout 72. With this construction, and unlike prior fluid connector designs
utilized with paint spray
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guns, the connection formats of the present disclosure permit the spout 72 to
present a relatively
large inner diameter. In some embodiments, an inner diameter of the spout 72
is not less than 20
mm, alternatively not less than 22 mm, and optionally on the order of 30 mm.
Further, by locating
the capture regions 314 in close proximity to the wall 200, a height of the
spout 72 can be reduced
as compared to conventional spray gun reservoir connector designs. In some non-
limiting
embodiments, for example, a height of the spout 72 is on the order of 5 ¨ 15
mm. Further, sealing
features can be provided on or with the spout 72 for effectuating a liquid
tight seal with a
component (e.g., the adaptor 54 (FIG. 2)) inserted over the spout, such as an
optional annular
sealing rib 340 and/or an optional spout sealing surface 342 (e.g., a
chamfered or sloped surface at
a leading end 344 of the spout 72).
Returning to FIG. 2, the second connection format 76 is configured to
selectively mate
with features of the first connection format 74 as described above, and in
some embodiments is
provided as part of the adaptor 54. With reference to FIGS. 15A-15D, in
addition to the second
connection format 76 (referenced generally in FIG. 15A), the adaptor 54
generally includes a
tubular member 350. The tubular member 350 can include or provide features
akin to
conventional spray gun reservoir adaptors, such as for establishing connection
to an inlet port of a
spray gun. With this in mind, the tubular member 350 can assume various forms,
and defines a
central passageway 352. The passageway 352 is open at a leading end 354 of the
tubular member
350. Further, the tubular member 350 forms or provides mounting features that
facilitate assembly
to a conventional (e.g., threaded) spray gun inlet port. For example, exterior
threads 356 can be
provided along an exterior of the tubular member 350 adjacent the leading end
354, configured to
threadably interface with threads provided with the spray gun inlet port. In
this regard, a pitch,
profile and spacing of the exterior threads 356 can be selected in accordance
with the specific
thread pattern associated with the make/model of the spray gun with which the
adaptor 54 is
intended for use. Other spray gun mounting features are equally acceptable
that may or may not
include or require the exterior threads 356. The tubular member 350 can
optionally further include
or define a grasping section 358. The grasping section 358 is configured to
facilitate user
manipulation of the adaptor 54 with a conventional tool, and in some
embodiments includes or
defines a hexagonal surface pattern adapted to be readily engaged by a wrench.
In other
embodiments, the grasping section 358 can be omitted.
The second connection format 76 includes a base 360, a first lock structure
362a, a second
lock structure 362b, and a tracking face 364. The base 360 projects from the
tubular member 350
and carries or forms the lock structures 362a, 362b and the tracking face 264.
The lock structures
362a, 362b, in turn, are configured to selectively interface with
corresponding ones of the retention
structures 252a, 252b (FIG. 7), and the tracking face 364 is configured to
interface with the guide
surface 260 (FIG. 7) as described below.
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The base 360 includes a shoulder 370 and a ring 372. As best shown in FIG.
15E, the
shoulder 370 and the ring 372 combine to define a chamber 374 that is open to
the passageway 352
of the tubular member 350 and that is configured to receive the spout 72 (FIG.
2). The shoulder
370 extends radially outwardly and downwardly from the tubular member 350. The
ring 372
projects longitudinally from an outer perimeter of the shoulder 370 in a
direction opposite the
tubular member 350 and terminates at the tracking face 364. Further, the ring
372 defines a
cylindrical inner face 380 opposite an outer face 382. An inner diameter of
the ring 372 (e.g., a
diameter defined by the cylindrical inner face 380) corresponds with (e.g.,
approximates or is
slightly greater than) an outer diameter of the spout 72. In some embodiments,
the ring 372 can
define or provide an adaptor sealing surface 284 along the inner face 380 that
corresponds with the
spout sealing surface 342 (FIG. 14B). An outer diameter of the ring 372 can
vary in extension to
the tracking face 364 as described below or can be uniform. Regardless, a
maximum outer
diameter of the ring 372 (e.g., a maximum diameter defined by the outer face
382) is selected to
nest within a clearance diameter collectively established by the retention
structures 252a, 252b
(FIG. 7) as described below.
Geometries of a shape of the tracking face 364 are commensurate with those
described
above with respect to the lid guide surface 260 (FIG. 7). In particular, and
with reference to FIG.
15F, the tracking face 364 can be viewed as providing or generating first and
second track
segments 390a, 390b separated by first and second undercuts or trapping
regions 392a, 392b. The
circumferential location and shape of the undercuts 392a, 392b correspond with
the undercuts
264a, 264b (FIG. 7) in the lid body 70 (FIG. 7) as described above. The shape
and geometry of the
track segments 390a, 390b corresponds with the guide segments 262a, 262b (FIG.
7) as described
above. Thus, for example, the track segments 390a, 390b can each be viewed as
generating a lead-
in region 394 and a ramp region 396 (identified for the first track segment
390a in FIG. 15F). A
shape of the undercuts 392a, 392b establishes a finger or retention feature
400 at the transition
between the track segments 390a, 390b. For example, as identified in FIG. 15F,
the finger 400
defined at the second undercut 392b extends between a leading end 402 of the
second track
segment 390b and a trailing end 404 of the first track segment 390a.
In some embodiments, the lock structures 362a, 362b are identical, such that
the following
description of the first lock structure 362a applies equally to the second
lock structure 362b. The
lock structure 362a defines a first end 420 opposite a second end 422 in
circumferential extension
along the ring 372 as best seen in FIG. 15B. Further, projection of the lock
structure 362a from the
ring 372 defines or forms an abutment face 424 opposite an upper face 426,
along with a guide
face 428 as best identified in FIG. 15E. A shape of the abutment face 424
follows or is contiguous
with the corresponding portions of the tracking face 364. For example, and as
best seen in FIG.
15F, at the first end 420, the abutment face 424 intersects the first track
segment 390a intermediate
the ramp region 396. In extension from the first end 420, a shape of the
abutment face 424 mimics
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or follows the angled or partial helix orientation of the ramp region 396;
further, a shape of the
abutment face 424 mimics or follows the substantially flat or planar shape of
the lead-in region
394 to the second end 422.
With specific reference to FIG. 15C, the upper face 426 is formed
longitudinally opposite
the abutment face 424 to define a height of the lock structure 362a. In some
embodiments, a plane
or shape of the upper face 426 varies between the first and second ends 420,
422, forming the lock
structure 362a to provide an insertion section 440, a locking section 442 and
an optional tail
section 444. The insertion section 440 includes the major plane of the upper
face 426 being non-
parallel with the major plane of the corresponding region of the abutment face
424 such that lock
structure 362a has a reduced height at the first end 420. Stated otherwise,
the height of the lock
structure 362a increases along the insertion section 440 in extension from the
first end 420. In
some embodiments, a chamfer can be formed in the upper face 426 at the first
end 420, and a
remaining portion of the upper face 426 along the insertion section 440 is
substantially flat or
planar, arranged to be non-parallel with the abutment face 424. The upper face
426 is generally
parallel with corresponding region of the abutment face 424 along the locking
section 442, and
generates a shape or geometry relative to the ring 372 akin to a partial helix
(the locking section
442 associated with the second lock structure 362b is identified in FIG. 15A
that further illustrates
the partial helix shape). The tail section 444 can include the abutment and
upper faces 424, 426
being substantially parallel in extension to the second end 422 (FIG. 15B).
With this construction,
a vertical location of the lock structure 362a relative to the central axis A
changes as the lock
structure 362a revolves about the ring 372, with the first end 420 being
vertically "below" the
second end 422 relative to the upright orientation of the views.
As best seen in FIG. 15B, a radial width of the lock structure 362a is defined
by a radial
(relative to the central axis A) distance between the ring 372 and the guide
face 428. With this in
mind, the lock structure 362a can have a varying or non-uniform radial width
relative to the central
axis A. For example, a shape of the guide face 428 (relative to the top plan
view of FIG. 15D) can
define a uniform or slightly increasing radius in extension from the first end
420, and a tapering or
decreasing radius to the second end 422 creating a streamlined appearance.
In some embodiments, a shape of the lock structure 362a is further demarcated
from, and
more precisely formed relative to, the ring 372 by an inset or depression 450
can be formed in a
face of the ring 372 adjacent the lock structure 362a, as well as an optional
groove 452 as
identified in FIG. 15A. Regardless, the lock structures 362a, 362b are
arranged about the ring 372
such that the spatial features are in the same rotational direction relative
to the central axis A. For
example, relative to the orientation of FIG. 15B, the vertically lower first
end 420 of each lock
structure 362a, 362b is rotationally "ahead" of the corresponding, vertically
higher second end 422
in the clockwise direction.
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In some embodiments, the adaptor 54 is formed of a rigid material, such as
stainless steel
(303 S31). Other materials, such as plastic, are also envisioned. Composites
or other materials for
use with particular coating materials and/or applications are also acceptable.
Coupling of the reservoir 52 and the adaptor 54 begins with alignment of the
ring 372 with
the spout 72 as shown in FIG. 16. In the arrangement of FIG. 16, the adaptor
54 is rotationally
arranged such that the lock structures 362a, 362b are rotationally off-set
from the retention
structures 252a, 252b. The adaptor 54 is then directed on to the lid body 70
(and/or vice-versa),
with the spout 72 nesting within the base 360.
In the initial assembly state of FIGS. 17A and 17B, the adaptor 54 has been
placed on to
the lid body 70 as described above, with the lock structures 362a, 362b being
rotationally spaced
from the retention structures 252a, 252b. FIG. 17C further clarifies the
rotational arrangement of
the adaptor 54 relative to the lid body 70 upon initial placement. Relative to
a clockwise direction,
the first end 420 of the first lock structure 362a is "ahead" of the entrance
end 310 of the first
retention structure 252a, and the first end 420 of the second lock structure
362b is "ahead" of the
entrance end 310 of the second retention structure 252b. The enlarged radial
width of the lock
structures 362a, 362b encourages a user to initially place the adaptor 54 on
to the lid body 70 in the
rotational position shown. Returning to FIGS. 17A and 17B, sections of the
tracking face 364 of
the adaptor 54 bear against the guide surface 260 of the lid body 70. For
example, the cross-
section of FIG. 17D illustrates that a portion of the ramp region 396 of the
first track segment 390a
bears against the ramp region 268 of the first guide segment 262a. Due to the
partial helix shape
along the guide segments 262a, 262b of the lid body 70 and along the track
segments 390a, 390b
of the adaptor 54 as described above, in this initial state of contact between
the adaptor 54 and the
lid body 70, FIG. 17A reflects that the lock structures 362a, 362b are located
vertically "above"
the capture region 314 (hidden in FIG. 17A) of each of the retention
structures 252a, 252b (relative
to the orientation of FIG. 17A).
The adaptor 54 is then rotated relative to the lid body 70 (and/or vice-
versa), directing
each of the lock structures 362a, 362b into engagement with corresponding ones
of the retention
structures 252a, 252b. For example, and with reference to the first retention
structure 252a and the
first lock structure 362a identified in FIGS. 17A-17C, the adaptor 54 can be
rotated (e.g.,
clockwise) such that the first end 420 of the first lock structure 362a
approaches and then enters
the capture region 314 at the entrance end 310 of the first retention
structure 252a. Due to the
sliding interface between the tracking face 364 of the adaptor 54 and the
guide surface 260 of the
lid body 70 (e.g., between the ramp region 396 of the first track segment 390a
and the ramp region
268 of the first guide segment 262a as in FIG. 17D) and the corresponding
helical-like shapes, as
the adaptor 54 is rotated, the adaptor 54 vertically drops or lowers relative
to the retention
structures 252a, 252b such that as the first lock structure 362a nears the
entrance end 310 of the
first retention structure 252a, the first end 420 of the first lock structure
262a comes into alignment
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with the capture region 314 at the entrance end 310. For example, FIGS. 18A-
18C illustrate a later
stage of rotation of the adaptor 54 relative to the lid body 70. As shown in
the cross-section of
FIG. 18C, the first end 420 of the first lock structure 362a has entered the
capture region 314 of the
first retention structure 252a. In this regard, due to the reduced height of
the first end 420 of the
lock structure 362a and the increased height of the capture region 314 at the
entrance end 310 as
described above, the lock structure 362a readily directed into the capture
region 314 with minimal
interference between the upper face 426 of the lock structure 362a and the
engagement surface 322
of the retention structure tab 302.
With continued rotation of the adaptor 54 relative to the lid body 70 (and/or
vice-versa),
each lock structure 362a, 362b will become frictionally and mechanically
locked within the
capture region 314 of a respective one of the retention structures 252a, 252b.
FIGS. 19A-19C
illustrate a locked state of the reservoir 52 and the adaptor 54. The tracking
face 364 (referenced
generally) of the adapter 54 has further rotated relative to and along the
guide surface 260,
achieving more complete engagement of the lock structures 362a, 362b within a
corresponding one
of the retention structures 252a, 252b. Further, the undercuts 392a, 392b of
the adaptor 54 have
been brought into meshes engagement with the undercuts 264a, 264b of the lid
body 70. For
example, in the view of FIG. 19C, an abutting interface is achieved between
the finger 400 of the
adaptor second undercut 392b against the shoulder 290 of the lid body first
undercut 264a. This
interface prevents over rotation of the adaptor 54 relative to the lid body 70
(and/or vice-versa) and
serves to stabilize the connection assembly.
The cross-sectional view of FIG. 19D illustrates the first lock structure 362a
lodged within
the capture region 314 (reference generally) of the first retention structure
252a, and reflects that a
shape and spatial orientation of the locking section 442 mimics that of the
capture region 314
along the wedging section 330. In the locked state, the abutment face 424 of
the lock structure
362a bears against the lead-in region 266 of the lid body guide surface 260,
and the locking section
442 of the upper face 426 of the lock structure 362a bears against the wedging
section 330 of the
engagement surface 322 of the tab 302. The downward angular orientation of the
guide and
engagement surfaces 260, 322, and of the abutment and upper faces 424, 426
along the wedging
section 330, relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation
dictates that as the lock
structure 362a progressively advances through the capture region 314 (i.e.,
the first end 420 of the
lock structure 362a is progressively advanced from the entrance end 310 of the
retention structure
252a), the adaptor 54 is pulled or drawn downwardly (relative to the
orientation of FIG. 19D) on to
the lid body 70, promoting a liquid-tight seal between the components. For
example, in some non-
limiting embodiments, a seal can be established between the annular sealing
rib 340 (FIG. 14B) of
the spout 72 with inner face 380 (FIG. 15E) of the adaptor 54, between the
spout sealing surface
342 (FIG. 14B) and the adaptor sealing surface 384 (FIG. 15E), etc. The spout
sealing surface 342
and the adaptor sealing surface 384 have a complementary configuration,
designed to interfere and
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seal when the system is locked. The expanding height of the capture region 314
along the
clearance section 332 to the exit end 312 readily allows passage of the first
end 420 for ease of
assembly.
Returning to FIG. 2, the complementary second connection format 76 can be
incorporated
into other adaptor configurations that can be optionally be provided with
reservoir systems and kits
of the present disclosure, such as the reservoir system 50, either in addition
to, or in place of, the
adaptor 54. For example, another embodiment of an adaptor 500 useful with the
reservoir systems
and kits of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 20. The adaptor 500
includes a second
connection format 76' (referenced generally), a tubular member 502, and
opposing, first and
second clips 504a, 504b.
The second connection format 76' can be highly akin to the second connection
format 76
(FIG. 15A), and includes a base 360', the first lock structure 362a, the
second lock structure
(hidden in FIG. 20, but shown at 362b in FIG. 15A), and the tracking face 364
(referenced
generally). The lock structures 362a, 362b and the tracking face 364 can be
identical to the
descriptions above. The base 360' can be highly similar to the descriptions
above with respect to
the base 360 (FIG. 15A). The base 360' has a differing exterior profile or
shape as compared to
the base 360, and need not necessarily form the insets or depressions 450
(FIG. 15A). Further, the
base 360' defines a sealing surface 508 about the tubular member 502.
The tubular member 502 can include or provide features akin to conventional
spray gun
reservoir adaptors, such as for establishing connection to an inlet port of a
spray gun. With this in
mind, the tubular member 502 can assume various forms, and defines a central
passageway 510.
The passageway 510 is open at a leading end 512 of the tubular member 502.
Further, the tubular
member 502 optionally forms or provides features that facilitate sealed
connection to a spray gun
inlet port. For example, ribs 514 can be provided along an exterior of the
tubular member 502
adjacent the leading end 512, configured to sealingly interface with an
interior surface of the spray
gun inlet port.
The clips 504a, 504b can be identical, each projecting from the base 360' at
opposite sides
of the tubular member 502. Each clip 504a, 504b terminates at a head 520 and
defines an
engagement surface 522 that is radially spaced from the tubular member 502. A
latch surface 524
is defined at an intersection of the head 520 and the engagement surface 522.
A longitudinal
distance between the latch surface 524 and the sealing surface 508 corresponds
with geometry
features of the spray gun inlet port, as does a transverse distance between
the opposing
engagement surfaces 522. For example, FIG. 21A illustrates the adaptor 500
along with an inlet
port 530 and a spray nozzle assembly 532 (referenced generally) of a spray
gun. The inlet port
530 includes an inlet tube 534 and a connector assembly 536. The inlet tube
534 is fluidly
connected to an outlet 538 of the spray nozzle assembly 532. An outer diameter
of the tubular
member 502 of the adaptor 500 corresponds with an inner diameter of the inlet
tube 534. The
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connector assembly 536 can assume various forms, and in some embodiments
includes first and
second flanges 540, 542 radially projecting from the inlet tube 534. The
flanges 540, 542 can have
a varying perimeter shape or outer diameter as shown. The transverse distance
between the
engagement surfaces 522 of the clips 504a, 504b is selected to be greater than
a minimum outer
diameter of the flange varying perimeter shape, and less than a maximum outer
diameter. Further,
the longitudinal distance between the sealing surface 508 and the latch
surface 524 of each of the
clips 504a, 504b is selected to approximate a longitudinal spacing between
opposing faces of the
flanges 540, 542.
With the above construction, the adaptor 500 can be connected to the inlet
port 530 by first
spatially arranging the adaptor 500 such that the tubular member 502 is
aligned with the inlet tube
534, and the clips 504a, 504b are aligned with a reduced diameter portion of
the perimeter shape of
the flanges 540, 542. The tubular member 502 can then be inserted into the
inlet tube 534, with
the clips 504a, 504b passing "through" the flanges 540, 542. The adaptor 500
is then rotated
relative to the inlet port 530 causing the clips 504a, 504b to engage the
flanges 540, 542 as in FIG.
21B. In the mounted arrangement of FIG. 21B, the tubular member 502 (FIG. 21A)
is fluidly
sealed within the inlet tube 534, and the flanges 540, 542 are robustly
captured by the clips 504a,
504b, including the first flange 540 abutting the sealing surface 508 (FIG.
20) and the second
flange abutting the latch surface 524 (FIG. 20) of the each of the clips 504a,
504b. Further, the
perimeter of the flanges 540, 542 bears against the engagement surface 522
(FIG. 21A) of the clips
504a, 504b, better ensuring as secured connection.
Other spray gun inlet port connection formats can be incorporated into the
adaptor 500.
Regardless, the reservoir connection features (e.g., the second connection
format 76') of the
adaptor 500 provides for secured assembly to the reservoir 52 in accordance
with the descriptions
above, and as generally reflected in FIG. 22.
One or more of the connection formats described above (e.g., the second
connection
format 76, 76') can be incorporated into other spray gun reservoir system
components in
accordance with principles of the present disclosure. For example, a nozzle
unit 550 in accordance
with principles of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, and
can be provided as
part of a spray gun (e.g., the spray gun 32 (FIG. 1) described above). The
nozzle unit 550 includes
an inlet port 552 and a spray nozzle assembly 554 (referenced generally). The
inlet port 552
includes an inlet tube 556 and the second connection format 76' (referenced
generally). The inlet
tube 556 is fluidly connected to an outlet 558 of the spray nozzle assembly
554. The second
connection format 76' can have the constructions as described above, including
the base 360', the
first lock structure 362a, the second lock structure 362b, and the tracking
face 364. The second
connection format 76' as provided with the nozzle unit 550 is thus configured
for direct connection
to a reservoir (such as the reservoir 52 (FIG. 2)) of the present disclosure.
With these
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embodiments, the spray gun inlet port 552 can be considered to be a component
or part of the
spray gun reservoir system.
Another embodiment of a spray gun nozzle unit 570 in accordance with
principles of the
present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, and can be provided as part
of a spray gun
(e.g., the spray gun 32 (FIG. 1) described above). The nozzle unit 570
includes an inlet port 572
and a spray nozzle assembly 574 (referenced generally). The inlet port 572
includes an inlet tube
576 and the second connection format 76' (referenced generally). The inlet
tube 576 is fluidly
connected to an outlet 578 of the spray nozzle assembly 574. The second
connection format 76'
can have the constructions as described above, including the base 360', the
first lock structure
362a, the second lock structure 362b, and the tracking face 364. The second
connection format
76' as provided with the nozzle unit 570 is thus configured for direct
connection to a reservoir
(such as the reservoir 52 (FIG. 2)) of the present disclosure. With these
embodiments, the spray
gun inlet port 572 can be considered to be a component or part of the spray
gun reservoir system.
The reservoir systems (e.g., the reservoir system 50 of FIG. 2) can include
one or more
additional auxiliary components, and can be provided as a reservoir system
kit. For example, an
optional plug 600 useful with the reservoir systems and kits of the present
disclosure is shown in
FIGS. 25A and 25B. The plug 600 includes or defines a plug body 602 and a lip
604. The plug
body 602 has a closed end 606 and a side wall 608. A side wall 608 projects
from the closed end
606 and defines a diameter of the plug body 602 that is selected in accordance
with features of the
corresponding reservoir, for example in accordance with an diameter of the
reservoir spout (e.g.,
the lid body spout 72 (FIG. 7)) appropriate for effectuating a seal with the
spout upon insertion. In
some embodiments, the side wall 608 can have a stepped outer diameter, for
example a first
diameter along a first diameter along a first region 610 and a second diameter
along a second
region 612. The diameter along the second region 612 can be greater than that
of the first region
610, for example selected to provide a sealed interface with the reservoir
spout. With this
construction, the plug 600 can be inserted into and sealed against the
reservoir spout in a manner
that permits temporary seal and protect for the reservoir (including paint or
other liquid stored
therein), including an upside down storage orientation. The diameter along the
first region 610 or
the second region 612 can be selected to interface with other components of
the corresponding
reservoir system or kit, for example to provide a sealed interface with a
component of the adaptor
provided with the system (e.g., with the adaptor tubular member 350 (FIG.
15A)). Other geometry
features are also acceptable.
The lip 604 projects radially outwardly from the plug body 602 opposite the
closed end
606, and provides a surface for grasping by a user. In some embodiments, the
lip 604 is sized and
shaped to define one or more tabs 614. In one embodiment, the lip 604 forms
exactly three,
identically shaped and equidistantly spaced tabs 614 as best shown in FIG.
25B. The tabs 614
facilitate user grasping of the plug 600 when inserted into a reservoir system
component. Further,
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when the plug 600 is secured to the reservoir 52 and the reservoir 52 is
stored in an upside down
orientation as in FIG. 26, with embodiment which the three, equidistantly
spaced tabs 614 are
provided, the tabs 614 readily support the reservoir 52 relative to a storage
surface 616 in the
upside down position.
The plug 600 can be formed of various materials appropriate (in combination
with
geometry features of the plug 600) for achieving a tight seal with the
reservoir 52, the adaptor 54
(FIG. 2), etc. For example, in some non-limiting embodiments, the plug 600 is
or includes low
density polyethylene.
Another optional auxiliary component that can be included with the reservoir
systems
(e.g., the reservoir system 50 of FIG. 2) and kits of the present disclosure
is a shaker core 700
shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B. As a point of reference, users may desire to mix
paint stored within
a reservoir (such as the reservoir 52 of FIG. 2) with an industrial-type
"shaker" machine. Most
shaker machines employ a clamping system or device to hold the reservoir in
place during
operation. In this regard, the shaker core 700 is temporarily assembled to the
reservoir, serving to
distribute the clamping forces applied by the shaker machine. With this in
mind, the shaker core
700 is a generally cylindrical body, extending between a first end surface 702
(best seen in FIG.
27B) opposite a second end surface 704 (best seen in FIG. 27A) and including
or defining a central
ring 706. One or more ribs 708 are optionally provided to longitudinally
support the ring 706.
The end surfaces 702, 704 are each configured to provide a surface appropriate
for engagement
with a shaker machine clamping devices. The first end surface 702 is provided
as part of a first
end section 710 (referenced general) and the second end surface 704 is
provided as part of a
second end section 712 (referenced generally) In some embodiments, each of the
end sections
710, 712 includes mating features configured for assembly to a reservoir, with
the mating features
of the first end section 710 differing (e.g., in terms of dimensions) from
those of the second end
section 712 such that the shaker core 700 is useful with differently-
configured reservoirs. The
shaker core 700 can be formed of a variety of materials appropriate for
maintaining a structural
integrity of the shaker core 700 when utilized with a shaker machine. In some
non-limiting
embodiments, for example, the shaker core 700 is or includes acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene
(ABS).
For example, and with additional reference to FIG. 28, the first end section
710 includes or
defines an annular shoulder 720, a skirt 722, and one or more key bodies 724.
The annular
shoulder 720 projects radially outwardly from the central ring 706, with an
interior surface of the
central ring 706 and the annular shoulder 720 combining to define a ledge 726
(best seen in FIG.
27B). The skirt 722 projects longitudinally from the annular shoulder 720
opposite the central ring
706, and terminates in the first end surface 702. The key bodies 724 each
project radially inwardly
from the skirt 722 along the ledge 726. In some embodiments, four of the key
bodies 724 are
provided, and are equidistantly spaced about a circumference of the ledge 726.
Any other number
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and spatial arrangement is also acceptable. Regardless, geometry features of
the first end section
710 (e.g., size and/or shape of the skirt 722, ledge 726 and/or key bodies
724) can be configured to
promote a robust interface with corresponding features of a reservoir, such as
the reservoir 52
(FIG. 2).
For example, FIG. 29A illustrates the shaker core 700 relative to the
reservoir 52. The
first end section 710 of the shaker core 700 is configured to interface with
the lid 62 of the
reservoir 52. An inner diameter of the skirt 722 is selected to approximate
(e.g., equal or be
slightly greater than) a maximum outer diameter of the lid 62, and in
particular of the collar 68.
With embodiments in which the collar 68 includes the tabs 144, and the tabs
144 each include or
provide one or more of the exterior ribs 168, the inner diameter of the skirt
722 approximates a
diameter collectively defined by the tabs ribs 168. With this construction,
the first end section 710
can be placed over the lid 62, with the inner surface of the skirt 722 fitting
against or in close
proximity to the ribs 168. The key bodies 724 can be sized, shaped and
circumferentially located
in accordance with the size, shape and location of the collar notches 158.
Assembly of the first
end section 710 onto the lid 62 thus includes each of the key bodies 724
nesting within a
corresponding one of the notches 158. When so-arranged, the ledge 726 bears
against the collar
68, and rotational movement of the shaker core 700 relative to the collar 68
(and vice-versa) is
overtly limited by interface between the key bodies 724 and the collar 68. In
some embodiments,
a frictional fit is provided between the key bodies 724 and the collar 68 at
the corresponding
notches 158. Regardless, a height or longitudinal dimension of the shaker core
700 from the ledge
726 to the second end surface 704 is selected to be greater than a height or
longitudinal dimension
of the lid 62 from the collar 68 to the spout 72. With this construction, and
as reflected by FIG.
29B, when the first end section 710 is connected or mounted to the lid 62 as
described above, the
second end surface 704 is longitudinally beyond the spout 72 for ready
engagement with a shaker
machine clamping device (not shown). Moreover, when "keyed" to the collar 68
(FIG. 29A) as in
FIG. 29B, the shaker core 700 can be used as a tool helpful in loosening or
unscrewing the collar
68 from the cup receptacle 60. For example, when paint or other residue is
present between the
cup receptacle 60/collar 68 interface, it may be difficult for a user to apply
a sufficient force or
torque on to the collar 68 when directly grasping the collar 68. Under these
circumstances, the
shaker core 700 can be connected to the collar 68 as shown, and provides a
larger surface area for
grasping and subsequent application of a sufficient manual loosening force or
torque. FIG. 29C
illustrates a related embodiment system of the present disclosure in which the
shaker core 700 is
connected to the reservoir 52 as described above, and the optional plug 600 is
also provided and
sealed to the reservoir 52 in accordance with previous descriptions.
Returning to FIGS. 27A-28, the second end section 712 is optionally configured
for
assembly to a reservoir differing from the reservoir 52 (FIG. 2), for example
in terms of
dimensions. The second end section 712 can include a skirt 730, a ledge 732,
and one or more key
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bodies 734. The skirt 730 projects longitudinally from the central ring 706,
and terminates at the
second end surface 704. The skirt 730 can have the intermittent construction
as shown, or can be a
continuous, circumferentially un-interrupted body. Regardless, an inner
diameter of the skirt 730
is less than an inner diameter of the central ring 706. The ledge 732 projects
radially inwardly
from the skirt 730 proximate the central ring 706. The ledge 732 can have the
intermittent
construction as shown, or can be a continuous, circumferentially un-
interrupted body. The key
bodies 734 each project radially inwardly from the skirt 730 along the ledge
732. In some
embodiments, four of the key bodies 734 are provided, and are equidistantly
spaced about a
circumference of the ledge 732. Any other number and spatial arrangement is
also acceptable.
Regardless, geometry features of the second end section 710 (e.g., size and/or
shape of the skirt
730, ledge 732 and/or key bodies 734) can be configured to promote a robust
interface with
corresponding features of a reservoir.
For example, FIG. 30A illustrates the shaker core 700 relative to a reservoir
52' in
accordance with principles of the present disclosure. The reservoir 52' can be
highly akin to the
reservoir 52 (FIG. 2) described above, but with reduced dimensions. Thus, the
reservoir 52'
includes a lid 62' having a collar 68'. Commensurate with previous
explanations, the collar 68'
includes tabs 144' and forms notches 158'. Exterior ribs 168' are optionally
provided on each of
the tabs 144'. With these explanations in mind, the second end section 712 of
the shaker core 700
is configured to interface with the lid 62' of the reservoir 52'. An inner
diameter of the skirt 730 is
selected to approximate (e.g., equal or be slightly greater than) a maximum
outer diameter of the
collar 68' (e.g., a diameter collectively defined by the tabs ribs 168'). With
this construction, the
second end section 712 can be placed over the lid 62', with the inner surface
of the skirt 730 fitting
against or in close proximity to the ribs 168'. The key bodies 734 can be
sized, shaped and
circumferentially located in accordance with the size, shape and location of
the collar notches
158'. Assembly of the second end section 712 onto the lid 62' thus includes
each of the key
bodies 734 nesting within a corresponding one of the notches 158' in a manner
akin to previous
descriptions. When so-arranged, the ledge 732 bears against the collar 68',
and rotational
movement of the shaker core 700 relative to the collar 68' (and vice-versa) is
overtly limited. A
height or longitudinal dimension of the shaker core 700 from the ledge 732 to
the first end surface
702 is selected to be greater than a height or longitudinal dimension of the
lid 62' from the collar
68' to a spout 72'. With this construction, and as reflected by FIG. 30B, when
the second end
section 712 is connected or mounted to the lid 62' as described above, the
first end surface 702 is
longitudinally beyond the spout 72' for ready engagement with a shaker machine
clamping device
(not shown). Though not shown, the plug 600 (FIG. 25A) can optionally be
provided and sealed to
the spout 72'.
Apart from having smaller outer dimensions as compared to the reservoir 52
(FIG. 2), the
reservoir 52' is compatible with other reservoir system components of the
present disclosure in
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addition to the plug 600 and the shaker core 700. For example, the reservoir
52' can incorporate
the first connection format 74 identical to the descriptions above,
facilitating coupling with the
adaptor 54 as shown in FIG. 31A and/or with the adaptor 500 as shown in FIG.
31B.
Any of the complementary connection formats described in the present
disclosure may be
formed integrally with a remainder of the corresponding lid. Alternatively,
these components may
be initially formed as a separate, modular part or assembly comprising
connection geometry to
permit connection to a remainder of the lid as described, for example, in WO
2017/123709, the
entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The spray gun reservoir systems of the present disclosure provide a marked
improvement
over previous designs. Robust, sealed connection between reservoir and adaptor
components of
the system is readily and easily accomplished by a user in a highly intuitive
manner. Other
optional system components are compatible with one another, and promote use
and storage of the
reservoir in desired manners.
Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred
embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be
made in form and detail
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
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