Liquid supply assembly

[0001] This request claims priority to the provisional patent application US 60/828 245, filed October 5, 2006, entitled "Liquid Supply Assembly" and designated as the Ombudsman No. 2633/126; as well as this application, priority is claimed from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/815 142, filed June 20, 2006, entitled "Connector System for a Spray Gun Lid" and designated by the Ombudsman No. 2633/124.

Background of the invention [0002] Spray guns are widely used to rapidly coat surfaces with liquids, such as liquid paint, which is contained in a container attached to such a gun. The container outlet is typically a detachable connector that is connected to the spray gun. The liquid flows from the container to the spray gun and is fed to the spray nozzle. This spray nozzle mixes the liquid with air, causing the liquid to be sprayed and forming an aerosol. At the end of the spraying operation, the container and the associated connection to the spray gun must be thoroughly cleaned so that the liquid from one operation does not contaminate the liquid to be sprayed in the next spraying operation. In addition, the connector between the container and the spray gun must not retain any dried liquid that could interfere with the connection between the container and the spray gun. The container with a single-use inner liner and lid can be used advantageously to eliminate or reduce the amount of work necessary to clean the container and the connector with the spray gun. The arrangement of the spray gun with a disposable inner liner is described in US Patent 6,820,824 to Joseph et al. Other arrangements of spray guns with internal liners are described in US Patent 3,432,104 to Kaltenbach; U.S. Patent 4,151,929 to Sapien; and US Patent 5,816,501 to Lopresti.

[0003] Document US 2005/0067502 relates to a liquid spraying apparatus comprising a spray gun, a reservoir for a liquid to be sprayed, a connector that connects the reservoir to a spray gun to allow the discharge of liquid from the reservoir, and a securing latch to limit release from connector. This connector is suitable for releasing closing to disconnect the tank from the spray gun.

[0004] Document WO 2004/094072 relates to a liquid spraying apparatus, comprising a spray gun having an inlet, a container for a liquid to be sprayed, connecting elements for connecting the outlet of the container with the inlet.

- 2 spray gun to allow the discharge of liquid from the tank during use. These connecting elements are releasable to disconnect the outlet from the inlet and allow the outlet to rotate relative to the inlet while the tank is attached to the spray gun.

Summary of the Invention [0005] In accordance with the present invention, a connecting system is provided for detachable attachment of a liquid container to a spray gun. This connecting arrangement comprises a lid with a liquid outlet and an intermediate element. One end of the adapter is connected to the liquid inlet port of the spray gun, while the other end of the adapter is connected to the liquid outlet in the lid. The ends of the intermediate element are connected through a liquid-tight corridor. Pairs of interlocking tabs on the lid in a manner that allows disconnection press the adapter to the lid. These mutually interlocking flaps will engage the circuit of the intermediate element, regardless of the position of the intermediate element and without the need to rotate the intermediate element to engage the flaps.

[0006] Also disclosed in this document is a four-element liquid container system for attachment to a spray gun. This system utilizes a substantially rigid outer support bowl, an associative ring, an inner liner, and a lid that are mated with the integrative ring. An integrating ring is inserted into the recess in the flanges at the top of the outer dish. For single use, the foldable inner liner is inserted through this aggregate ring into the outer bowl, and the circumferential projection at the tip of the liner rests on the aggregate ring. The lid includes a projection directed into the center of the lid as it slides into the opening at the top of the insert, but does not engage with the insert. The lid is screwed into the joining ring, while the flexible sealing spacer on the lid protrusion presses the circumferential projection of the insert into the ring, creating a liquid tight seal. When the lid is installed on the joining ring, the ring-insert lid assembly can be attached to the outer support canopy, via a flexible active hinge on the lid.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0007] The above-mentioned features of this invention will become more easily understood by reference to the following detailed description, considered in connection with the figures of the attached drawing:

Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a liquid container containing a connector system according to one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of a connecting system according to one embodiment of the invention;

- Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the connecting arrangement according to Fig. 2, with an intermediate element installed on the lid outlet and interlocking tabs in the engaged position;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of Fig. 2, with an intermediate element installed on the lid outlet and uncoupled mutually locking flaps;

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view according to Fig. 4, with mutually locking tabs engaged;

Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the top and side of a container liner;

Fig. 6B is a side elevational view of the container liner according to Fig. 6A; wherein the second side view is similar;

Fig. 6C shows a detail of part of the insert in Fig. 6B as indicated by the letter E;

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the insert of Figs. 6A-6C installed in the outer bowl;

Figures 8A-C illustrate the outer bowl for a four-element liquid container system, for the embodiment of the invention according to Fig. 1;

Figures 9A-C show an assembly ring for supporting the insert inside the outer bowl according to the embodiment of Fig. 1;

Figures 10A-B show a lid with a flexible sealing spacer in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figures 11A-B illustrate an assembled lid-ring-insert assembly for storing liquids in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 12 illustrates a lid and an integral filter according to one embodiment.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments [0008] According to the present invention, the connector system is designed to allow detachable attachment of a spray gun to a liquid container. The connecting system comprises a liquid container lid, with a liquid outlet, an intermediate element with two ends, and mutually locking flap assemblies, resiliently attached to the lid. One end of the adapter is connected to the liquid inlet port of the spray gun, while the other end of the adapter is connected to the liquid outlet in the container lid. The ends of the intermediate element are connected through a liquid-tight corridor. The assemblies of mutually locking flaps at the top of the lid in a detachable manner clamp the intermediate element to the top of the container lid. Each flap assembly includes a pair of flaps. Each flap is resiliently attached at one end of the flap to the top of the lid. One tab of each assembly includes an end shaped to firmly clamp the intermediate element to the lid, without having to rotate the intermediate element. Such a clamping flap can flex freely around its attachment point to the lid and includes an opening near the center of the flap. The end of the second flap in the set of mutually interlocking flaps is formed so that it can pass through the hole in the clamping flap, engaging with the possibility of releasing the flap. The second flap in the mutually locking flap assembly includes a structure adapted to lock the clamping flap in place relative to the intermediate element. This locking tab is formed so that it bends only slightly around its attachment to the lid, and thus maintains the clamping tab in engagement with the intermediate element when the tabs are interlocked. Other means for engaging the flaps in each flap assembly may be used, such as a snap closure, hook and eyelet, etc., as is known to those skilled in the art.

[0009] By way of example, but not in a limiting manner, a connecting system with any of the liquid containers disclosed in US Patent Application Patent Application No. 11/302 970, entitled "Liquid Container System for a Spray Gun", through the appropriate adjusting the shape of the lid, as well as the locking hinges that attach the lid to the container.

[0010] Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a four-element container system in which the connector system according to the present invention can be advantageously used. This connecting system attaches the container system to the spray gun to spray the liquid. The container system includes an outer support bowl 110, an assembly ring 120, an insert 130 and a lid 200. The assembly ring is inserted into a recess in the collar at the top of the outer dish. For single use, the foldable insert is inserted through the ring into the outer bowl, and the circumferential projection of the tip of the insert is supported on the integrating ring. The lid includes a projection that slides into the hole in the tip of the insert. The lid is screwed into the sealing ring, while the collar or flexible sealing spacer at the periphery of the lid presses the circumferential projection of the insert against the sealing ring, creating a liquid-tight seal. An "associative" ring is a ring that, when combined with other components (here, the insert and lid), allows this connection to be manipulated as a unit. In this way, the insert-ring-insert assembly can be removed from the outer bowl as a liquid-tight unit, without the risk of the liquid-filled insert separating from the lid. When the lid is installed on the sealing ring, the lid-ring-insert combination can be attached to the outer bowl with the locking mechanism.

[0011] According to the present invention, as shown in Fig. 2, a connector system is provided that includes a lid 200 and an intermediate element 240. As shown in Fig. 2, the lid 200 covers the top of a liquid container that includes outer bowl 110. Lid 200 is inserted into outer bowl 110 and attached to this outer bowl by, for example, blocking

- 5 clamps or 210 hinges on the lid rim. The lid includes a substantially cylindrical liquid outlet 230 at the top of the lid. One end of the intermediate element 240 connects to the liquid inlet port of the spray gun (not shown), while the other end of the intermediate element connects to the liquid outlet 230 in the lid 200. The ends of the intermediate element are connected through a liquid tight passage. The flap assemblies (250 - 252) are attached to the lid 200. When these flap assemblies (250 - 252) are in a mutually locked configuration, the end 256 of the flap 252 presses against the threshold 243 of the intermediate element and presses the intermediate element against the liquid outlet 230 at lid 200, as can be seen in Figs. 3 and 5. Thus, the adapter is stably attached to the lid, which facilitates the use of the spray gun and liquid container in different orientations.

[0012] The assembly (250-252) of mutually locking tabs is shown in Fig. 2 in a non-locked configuration. The flap 252 will be referred to as the "clamping" flap because this flap engages the intermediate element. The clamping flap 252 is pivotable to open (further away from the intermediate element). The flap 250 will be referred to as the "locking" flap because this flap locks the clamping flap in place. The clamping flap 252 includes an opening for receiving the end of the locking flap 250. The opening in the clamping flap 252 and the corresponding end of the locking flap 250 must be shaped in a complementary manner so that the end of the flap 250 slides through the opening in the clamping flap 252. In a preferred embodiment of this of the invention, the opening in the locking flap has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0013] To engage the tabs, the user pushes the clamping flap 252 towards the attached adapter that screws the locking flap 250 in and through the opening in the clamping flap 252. The locking flap 250 is formed so that it bends only slightly around its attachment to the lid and thus facilitates the engagement of locking and clamping tabs. This user action engages the tabs of the assembly of mutually locking tabs. The end of each clamping flap 256 presses against the threshold 243 of the intermediate element, and thus presses the intermediate element 240 against the lid 200, as shown in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the minimal bending of the locking flap 250 keeps the end 256 of the clamping flap in stable engagement with the intermediate element when the flaps are locked together. The locking flap includes a locking structure such as a ridge 254 shown in Fig. 2, to prevent the engagement of the engaged tabs by separating the locking structure 254 at the edge of the locking tab opening. The clamping flap 252 can be unlocked from the locking flap by exerting downward pressure on the locking flap 250, releasing the locking structure 254 from the opening. The clamping flap 252 will tend to deflect the spring from the intermediate element to its original position. The intermediary element can then be removed from the liquid outlet.

[0014] Fig. 3 shows assemblies (250-252) of mutually locking tabs in a mutually locked configuration. The end 256 of the clamping flap 252 presses against the threshold 243 of the intermediate element to clamp the intermediate element 240 to the outlet opening 230 of the lid. Note the shape of the end 256 of the clamping flap 252. The end 256 of the locking flap 252 is curved to ensure a close fit with the curved portion 242 of the intermediate element 240 with which it comes into contact, regardless of the position of the intermediate element. In this way, in this embodiment, the intermediate element will remain stably engaged with the liquid outlet, for any orientation of the intermediate element relative to the liquid outlet, when the intermediate element is rotated. FIG. 4 and 5 show a cross-sectional view of the connecting assembly, with the mutually locking flap assemblies in an open and closed state, respectively. It should be noted in Fig. 5 the curvature in the clamping flap 257 between the point where the clamping flap is attached to the lid and the end of the flap 256 which comes into contact with the intermediate element 240. In embodiments of the present invention, the fold 257 in the flap is sharp enough for the locking flap to flex at the fold 257 when the end 256 of the flap comes into contact with the threshold 243 of the intermediate element. This bending assists in clamping the intermediate element to the lid.

[0015] Two sets of mutually locking flaps are shown on the lid of the container in Figs. 2-5, but other embodiments of the connecting arrangement may have more than two sets of mutually locking flaps. Furthermore, other means for engaging the flaps in each of the flap assembly may be used, such as a snap closure, hook and eyelet, etc., as is known to those skilled in the art.

[0016] In preferred embodiments of this invention, the lid 200 and the assemblies (250-252) of the interlocking tabs are injection molded as a single piece, according to techniques known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the lid and flap assemblies are made of polypropylene. In other embodiments, other materials that are suitable for injection molding may be used. The lid and the mutually locking flap assemblies are shaped to facilitate the release of the molded part from the mold.

[0017] As disclosed herein, and also as shown in Figs. 6A-6C, a disposable liner 600 is used for use in the liquid container system, such as, for example, the container system 100, shown in Fig. 1. This the insert has a non-flat closed end 610, an open end 630 for introducing liquid into this insert, as well as one or more horizontal folds 620 at a closed end. The insert may be made of any non-porous material, including, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, or a flexible film. The insert can be rigid or folded. The side walls can be thinner than the bottom of the insert, which facilitates the storage of liquid in the insert. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the liner 600 installed in the exemplary liquid container system. This disposable insert makes it easy to clean the container system after use.

[0018] As described above, Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a four-piece container system in which the connector system of the present invention can be advantageously used. Fig. 8A is a perspective view of the outer bowl 110. This bowl is substantially cylindrical. The outer canopy is made of a relatively rigid material, such as a polymeric material, that provides structural stability. As shown in Fig. 8A, the outer wall 1520 of the canopy has chamfered surfaces to facilitate a firm grip on the outer container by the user. In general, however, the outer wall of the outer canopy can be implemented with any generally cylindrical shape. The outer wall and the inner bottom of the canopy may be flat or may be other than flat. The top of the outer bowl includes a generally cylindrical circumferential projection 1530 that is concentric with the longitudinal axis of the outer bowl. Fig. 8B is a plan view of the peripheral projection 1530 of the canopy from above. This circumferential projection 1530 includes a hollow or recess 540. This recess 1540 receives and supports the assembly ring-insert assembly, as will be described below. The canopy has slits 1550 in the peripheral projection surface that faces the canopy. As will be shown below, the tabs in the ring may be engaged with slits in the peripheral projection 1550 to prevent the ring from rotating relative to the canopy. Fig. 8C shows the outer bowl in cross section. The outer canopy may include one or more holes in the closed canopy end or sidewall to prevent underpressure and allow paint to escape from the container system.

[0019] Figs. 9A-C show an assembly ring 120 according to a particular four-element liquid container system. Fig. 9A is a perspective view of the ring 120. The ring has a substantially annular shape, with the circumference of the ring shaped to be complementary to the recess 1540 in the circumferential projection of the outer bowl 110. The ring includes tabs 1610 extending outwardly from the top of the ring in such a way that these tabs 1610 are complementarily fitted with slots 1550 at the top of the outer canopy to prevent rotation of the ring relative to the canopy. Ring 120 includes a recess 1620 for receiving and supporting the lid at the open end of the lid, as will be described below. The ring recess 1620 has an annular shape with a circular rim, but may generally take any shape that matches the shape of the circumferential projection of the insert. The interior of the joining ring includes rib segments 1630 that extend inwardly from the inside wall of the ring. These rib segments 1630 are substantially parallel to the plane of the ring 120 and may be slightly inclined toward the end of the ring from the bowl side so that they can act as screw threads to attach the lid to the ring.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a perspective view as described above of components that can be incorporated into a four-element liquid container system. These components are further illustrated in Figs. 8-10. The joining ring 120 is inserted into the recess in the peripheral projection at the open end of the outer bowl 110. The insert 130 is inserted into the associative ring with a circumferential projection at the top of the insert resting in the recess 1620 in the ring (see Fig. 9A). The removable lid 200, as shown in Fig. 10, includes a lower projection 280 that is inserted into the open end of the insert after liquid has been poured into the insert. The lid 200 is adapted to place paint or other liquid inside the insert and to prevent air from entering the closed connection of the lid / insert. This closure occurs when the spray gun is attached to the assembly for use, or when the container outlet opening is sealed by a removable cap or plug. The removable cap or spigot is used to seal the filled assembly tightly either during preparation for upcoming use or to store unused paint for later use. The underside of flange 285 at the periphery of the lid presses the peripheral projection of the insert into the recess in the bonding ring, allowing for a liquid tight seal. The diameter of the bottom projection 280 of the lid and the inner diameter of the recess 1620 may be such that the tip of the side wall of the insert is squeezed when the lid is attached to the sealing ring. Squeezing the side wall of the insert between the bottom projection 280 of the lid and the recess 1620 of the ring assists in the formation of a liquid tight seal. Both the bottom projection 280 of the lid and the inner edge of the recess 1620 of the ring may be bevelled to assist assembly of the insert, lid and ring. The flaps or thread threads 270 at the edge of the lid allow screwing the lid into the rib segments or 1630 thread threads on the joining ring, attaching the lid to this ring. The locking mechanism 210 on the lid can attach the lid to the outer bowl 110, which allows orientation of the liquid container system in any direction without disconnecting the outer support bowl from the system. The fastening hinges 210 clamp on the outer bowl flange 110. These flaps are hinged and resiliently hinged to snap into the outer bowl flange. The lid has an outlet opening 230 with a generally cylindrical shape so that liquid can be transferred from the outer canopy to the spray gun. The lid outlet, the intermediate element for connecting to the spray gun, which is complementary to it, as well as the means for attaching the intermediate element to the outlet, can be constructed as described above with reference to Figs. 2-5. The locking mechanism shown for connecting the lid to the outer canopy is given by way of example only and various such mechanisms as are known in the art can be used to attach the lid to the canopy.

[0021] The insert shown in Figs. 6A-6C and described above can be used in a four-element liquid container system. An insert suitable for use in this system will generally be:

• liquid tight;

- open at the end, with a circumferential projection surrounding the open end in such a way that this circumferential projection can be supported by a recess in the joining ring, and also this circumferential projection can be pressed by the squeeze collar 285 of the removable lid into the recess 1620 ring.

[0022] Such a four-element liquid container can be connected to either a gravity fed or suction powered spray gun, the lid outlet being connected to the gun inlet port by means of an intermediate element, such as the intermediate element described above. The liquid is discharged from the container and fed to the spray nozzle. The gun can be oriented within a wide range of orientation, including inverted orientation relative to gravity.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, an integrated, compressed, flexible sealing spacer is used at the peripheral edge of the removable container lid in the connecting arrangement according to the present invention, intended for the liquid container arrangement. This sealing spacer creates a liquid tight seal between the lid, insert and ring. This liquid container system may be substantially similar, for example, to the system described above with reference to Figs. 1-5 and Figs. 7-9. Fig. 10A is a fragmentary side view of a four-part container system using a flexible sealing spacer on the lid. This sealing spacer 275 is a downwardly expanding circumferential projection extending from below the flange at the periphery of the lid 285 or from the top of the bottom projection 280 of the lid. Fig. 10B shows a detail of the junction-liner-assembly ring assembly, designated "K" in Fig. 10A. The lid 200 is screwed into the sealing ring 120, while the downwardly expanding flexible sealing spacer 275 presses the circumferential projection of lip 135 against the sealing ring 120, creating a liquid tight seal. The lid protrusion 280 may press the side wall of the insert to the tank sidewall 115, as shown, or the dimensions of the lid protrusion 280 may provide a clearance between the lid protrusion and the side wall of the insert to allow easy insertion of the lid protrusion into the top of the insert (and reservoir). The compression flexible sealing spacer can be formed by injection molding, for example, when the lid is manufactured, to avoid the cost of a separate additional spacer and the complex nature of the additional part. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the thickness of the sealing spacer is about 0.020 inches, allowing the circumferential projection to flex when the circumferential projection is pressed against the ring. In other preferred embodiments, the angle 287 between the flexible sealing peripheral projection and the bottom portion of the lid flange 285 at the lid periphery is about 30 degrees.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 11, the combined ring-liner assembly can be operated as a liquid-tight unit, e.g. inserted into and removed from the outer bowl. Fig. 11A is an exploded view of such a connection, while Fig. 11B is an assembled view of this connection. When the connection according to Fig. 11B is removed from the canopy, the liquid outlet in the lid can be closed with a removable cap or plug 1110. Preferably, used paint can be stored and saved without the need for an external canopy. Due to the fact that the paint shop can have numerous containers for paint in stock, eliminating the need for an external can can contribute to significant cost savings. Similarly, the paint can be mixed and stored temporarily without an external canopy for later use. Moreover, when throwing away the container with the lid remaining on it, the system used eliminates the danger of the lid separating from the insert because the whole unit is lifted from the outer canopy or it is thrown into a waste container. This system eliminates the risk of fire when the liquid is flammable.

[0025] In various embodiments of this invention, a filter may be used for any connecting systems with a liquid container system as described above. This filter, which can be removed, filters the liquid discharged from the container. In one embodiment of the invention, the filter 350 can be built into the bottom of the lid 340 in the container assembly, as shown in Fig. 12. The liquid discharged from the container through the lid outlet can thus be filtered.

[0026] It will of course be understood that the present invention is not limited to the aspects of the description set out above. Various changes and modifications of this invention as described will be understood by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this invention as defined in the claims.

Prepared and verified

Danuta Stefani-Iwanow patent attorney