AU2004261309B2

AU2004261309B2 - Accessory for a grease gun

Info

Publication number: AU2004261309B2
Application number: AU2004261309A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Terrence Hugh Peisker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-07-25
Filing date: 2004-07-26
Publication date: 2009-11-12
Anticipated expiration: 2024-07-26
Also published as: AU2004261309A1

Description

WO 2005/011925 PCT/AU2004/000999 ACCESSORY FOR A GREASE GUN FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an accessory for a grease 5 gun and especially, but not exclusively, to an accessory in the form of a container, or a set of containers, for holding a grease gun and a number of cartridges for the grease gun, and for containing seepage of grease from the grease gun. 10 RELATED ART Grease guns are used to apply grease to components of machines, for example of heavy goods vehicles, which require frequent application of grease 15 under pressure. It is not unusual for such components to require greasing two or three times per week, so it is necessary for the driver, for example, of such a vehicle to have a grease gun conveniently to hand. Typically grease guns, and any spare grease cartridges, are placed 20 loosely in any convenient tool bag or tool box. This fails to provide good protection for the grease gun and, because grease guns tend to leak a small amount of grease from their nozzles when stored between uses, often leads to contamination of the grease gun, cartridges, other 25 tools and the tool bag or tool box with grease. Spare cartridges may also become separated from the grease gun and may be difficult to locate, or it might not be immediately evident that the supply of spare cartridges is nearing exhaustion. Because of these difficulties drivers 30 and other operators of machines are frequently reluctant or unable to perform required lubrication with the required frequency. This can lead to unnecessary and expensive wear on inadequately lubricated components and an increased likelihood of expensive and dangerous 35 mechanical failure. In addition, it is not unusual for drivers to avoid contamination of the vehicle cabin and tool bag (or -2 tool box) by hanging a grease gun on the vehicle chassis. The grease gun may be vulnerable in such a position, and may also leak grease into the environment. It would therefore be desirable to provide an 5 accessory for a grease gun which provides improved or at least alternative storage. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there 10 is provided an accessory for a grease gun, comprising: a container for containing a grease gun, wherein the container includes at least one grease retention portion for retaining a grease gun substantially in a predetermined position when the container is closed, 15 wherein the container includes at least one retaining portion for retaining grease which issues from an item contained by the container to keep the grease away from said item. Preferably the container includes at least one 20 outlet receiving portion for receiving a grease outlet of a grease gun. Preferably the at least one grease retention portion is for retaining grease which issues a grease outlet of a grease gun. 25 Preferably at lease one outlet receiving portion is in fluid connection with the, or at least one, grease retention portion. Preferably, in use, grease exiting form a grease gun outlet in the outlet receiving portion is 30 substantially retained in the grease retention portion. The grease retention portion may include absorbent material for retaining grease. The absorbent material may be zeolite material. The grease retention portion may be separated 35 from the retaining portion by a grease gun barrier. Preferably the retaining portion includes a recess to accommodate a grease gun. 1758693_1 (GHMatters) 14/10/09 - 2a Preferably the recess, in use, fits closely to a 17586931 (GHMatters) 14/10/09 WO 2005/011925 PCT/AU2004/000999 -3 substantial portion of a grease gun. The retaining portion may be defined or formed at least partly by a wall of the container. In this case the retaining portion preferably includes at least one recess 5 formed in said wall. Alternatively, the retaining portion may be provided by a shaped liner within the container. The shaped liner may be made at least partially from a porous material. 10 The shaped liner may be made at least partially from a foam material. The shaped liner may be formed substantially from a porous polymer foam material. The liner may include a shaped surface layer for 15 separating a grease gun from a grease retention portion, said shaped surface layer being adapted to act as a barrier to grease. The shaped surface layer may be made from a polymeric material. 20 The shaped surface layer may substantially cover a substantial part of the exposed surface of the shaped liner. At least part of the remainder of the shaped liner may constitute at least part of the grease retention 25 portion. The shaped liner may be made in the form of a moulded substantially grease impermeable liner including a retaining portion for retaining a grease gun. Preferably such a liner is made at least 30 partially from a polymeric material. Preferably such a liner defines at least one recess for retaining a grease gun. The liner may include an aperture which acts as an outlet receiving portion for receiving a grease outlet 35 of a grease gun. A grease retention portion may be provided by a cavity.

WO 2005/011925 PCT/AU2004/000999 -4 The cavity may be provided in the liner. The cavity may be defined at least partially by a wall of the container. The cavity may be provided by a container in 5 fluid connection with the outlet receiving portion. Preferably there is provided at least one cartridge retaining portion for retaining at least one grease cartridge. Preferably at least one cartridge retaining 10 portion defines at least one cartridge recess for retaining a grease cartridge. The cartridge retaining portion may define a plurality of cartridge recesses, each for retaining a grease cartridge. 15 The cartridge retaining portion may define at least four cartridge recesses. The grease retention portion may be adapted to retain grease which issues from one or more grease cartridges. 20 One or more grease retention portions may be provided to retain grease which issues from one or more grease cartridges, in addition to a the grease retention portion for retaining grease which issues from a grease outlet of a grease gun. 25 Preferably each cartridge recess is between 50 and 70 millimeters wide. Preferably each cartridge recess is between 200 and 250 millimeters long. Preferably the container is formed at least 30 partially from a polymeric material. The container may be formed by injection moulding. The container may be made of metal. Preferably the container includes a container 35 body and at least one moveable and replaceable closure portion. Preferably the or each closure portion is WO 2005/011925 PCT/AU2004/000999 -5 pivotally attached to the container body. The container may be substantially square in at least one plane. Preferably the container has a height 5 substantially smaller than its width and length. In this context the height may be considered to be the vertical extent of the container when the container is closed and in the orientation which it would normally be placed in, in use, immediately prior to opening. 10 The accessory may further comprise one or more additional containers, adapted to retain at least one grease cartridge. In this case the accessory may comprise a set of two or more containers, the set containing at least one main container, for containing a grease gun, and 15 at least one additional container for containing one or more grease cartridges. Preferably, each main container is adapted to contain a grease gun and one or two grease cartridges. Preferably, each additional container is adapted. 20 to contain two or more grease cartridges. Preferably, each additional container is adapted to contain three grease cartridges. Preferably, at least one of a main container or an additional container is provided with at least one 25 grease retention portion for retaining grease which issues from the contents of said container. Preferably, the accessory comprises a set in which at least one main container and at least one additional container are provided with respective grease 30 retention portions. Possible structures of the grease retaining portions will be evident from the above statements. Each grease retention portion is preferably at least partially defined by a shaped liner and a wall of 35 the respective container. Preferably there is provided a grease permeable region for allowing ingress of grease to at least one of WO 2005/011925 PCT/AU2004/000999 -6 the grease retention portions. Preferably, at least one of said respective grease retention portions includes a grease absorbent material, most preferably zeolite. 5 Preferably the accessory includes at least one retention part or storage space for one or more replacement parts for a grease fitting. Preferably the accessory includes at least one storage and/or retention space for a tool for adjusting a 10 grease fitting. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit comprising a grease gun and an accessory for a grease gun in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. 15 Preferably the kit further comprises one or more grease cartridges. Preferably the kit is configured with the grease gun provided within the accessory. Preferably the kit is configured with the one or 20 more grease cartridges provided within the accessory. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of facilitating maintenance of a machine, comprising the step of providing at least one kit in accordance with the second aspect of 25 the invention. Preferably the method includes providing at least one kit to an operator of the machine. Preferably the method includes the step of providing at least one kit inside, or in the vicinity of, 30 the machine. Preferably the machine is a vehicle and the kit is provided within the vehicle. Preferably the method includes making additional kits freely available to an operator. 35 It will be appreciated that integers which are preferable or optional in an aspect of the invention may, unless context dictates otherwise, also be preferable or WO 2005/011925 PCT/AU2004/000999 -7 optional in other aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of an accessory for a 5 grease gun in accordance with the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory for a grease gun in the form of a box, with lid 10 not shown, including a liner providing various recesses; Figure 2 is a vertical cross section on II-II of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 including a lid in an open 15 position; Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 with the lid in a closed position; Figures 5a and 5b correspond generally to Figures 20 1 and 4 respectively and show dimensions in millimetres; Figures 6 and 7 are cross sections on VI-VI and VII-VII of Figure 1 respectively; Figures 8 and 9 are cross sections, generally equivalent to that of Figure 2, of parts of alternative 25 embodiments, each in the form of a box for containing a grease gun and several cartridges; Figures 10a, 10b and 10c are respectively top, side and front, schematic partial cross sections of an embodiment of a main container for containing a grease 30 gun; and Figures 11a, lb and lc are respectively top, side and front, schematic partial cross sections of an embodiment of an additional container, for containing grease cartridges, adapted to form an accessory set, and 35 be used in conjunction, with the main container of Figures 10a, 10b and 10c.

WO 2005/011925 PCT/AU2004/000999 -8 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to Figures 1 to 7, an embodiment of an accessory for a grease gun comprises a container in the form of a box generally designated 1, which has a main 5 body 2 and a closure portion in the form of a lid 3 pivotally connected to the main body 2 by a hinge 8 (see Figure 3). The box 1 also includes a mechanism or arrangement (not shown) to allow the lid 3 to be retained relative to the main body 2 in a closed configuration. In 10 a preferred embodiment the box 1 is generally square in a nominally horizontal plane having first to fourth sides 4, 5, 6, 7 of similar length, and has a vertical height considerably smaller than the length of each of the sides which make up the square form of the box. 15 The box provides a number of recesses and, in one embodiment, these are defined by a shaped liner in the form of a porous polymer foam retainer 10. A grease gun recess 11 is provided in the retainer 10 for retaining a grease gun. The grease gun 20 recess 11 is made up of a number of shaped recess portions for conforming closely to, and accommodating different parts of, a grease gun. More specifically, the grease gun recess 11 includes: a grease gun body recess portion 12, for accommodating a.generally cylindrical body of a grease 25 gun; an elongate grease gun hose recess portion 13, for accommodating the hose of a grease gun; a grease gun fixed handle recess portion 14, for accommodating a fixed handle of a grease gun; a grease gun operating handle recess portion 15, for accommodating the operating, or moveable, 30 handle of a grease gun; and a grease gun pressure handle recess portion 16 for accommodating the pressure handle of a grease gun. The various recess portions 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 of the grease gun recess 11 are shaped to accommodate and 35 closely fit the various parts of a grease gun, and it will be appreciated that the shapes of the recess portions may be different for different models of grease gun, and that WO 2005/011925 PCT/AU2004/000999 -9 not all types of grease gun will require a recess which includes all of the above mentioned recess portions. For example some small grease guns do not include a separate and discrete fixed handle, but instead use the cylindrical 5 main body to function as a fixed handle and provide a member relative to which a moveable, operating, handle may be forced. This and other variations can be accommodated by varying the number, shape and/or configuration of recess portions which make up the grease gun recess 11. 10 The grease gun body recess portion 12 is generally parallel to first and third sides 4, 6 of the box 1. The grease gun body recess portion 12 is close to the first side 4 (on the left as shown in Figure 1) and is spaced apart from that side by a distance great enough to 15 allow the handle recess portions 14, 15 to be accommodated. The grease gun hose recess portion 13 includes a first straight part 13a which extends generally perpendicular to the grease gun body recess portion 12 and 20 adjacent to the second side 5 of the box 1, a curved part 13b which defines a change in direction of 900 and a second straight part 13c which extends parallel and adjacent to the third side 6. The grease gun hose recess portion 13, terminates 25 at its end further from the grease gun body recess portion in a grease gun outlet receiving portion in the form of an aperture 17 which, in use, allows the outlet end of a grease gun hose to extend into a cylindrical outlet cavity 18 provided under the surface and in the body of the 30 retainer 10. Grease which may seep from the outlet of the grease gun hose thus permeates into the volume of the retainer 10, rather than collecting on a surface of the retainer 10 where it could foul the grease gun, grease gun cartridges, and other articles. 35 Although, in this embodiment, the aperture 17 is adapted to receive a grease gun outlet in the form of the end of a flexible outlet hose, in other embodiments a WO 2005/011925 PCT/AU2004/000999 - 10 grease outlet in another form (for example, from an outlet end of an inflexible pipe or an outlet provided directly on the grease gun body) could be accommodated by a suitably positioned aperture (or other outlet receiving 5 portion). The retainer 10 includes generally half cylindrical first to fourth cartridge recesses 21, 22, 23, 24 which are generally half cylindrical so that cylindrical cartridges may be placed therein. 10 The first to third cartridge recesses 21, 22, 23 are aligned generally mutually parallel and generally parallel to the grease gun body recess portion 12 and to the first and third sides 4, 6 of the box 1. The first to third cartridge recesses 21, 22, 23 are between the grease 15 gun body recess portion 12 and the second straight part 13c of the hose recess 13 and are spaced apart by projecting retainer portions 18, 19 which are considerably smaller in width than the cartridge recesses 21, 22, 23, in order to effectively utilise the space provided in the 20 box. The fourth cartridge recess 24 is aligned generally perpendicular to the first to third cartridge recesses 21, 22, 23 and between those recesses and the fourth side 7 of the box 1, so that it extends axially most of the distance between the grease gun body recess 12 and the third side 25 of the box 1. The grease gun handle recesses 14, 15 are located generally towards the corner where the first and second sides 4, 5 of the box 1 meet. Provided at the corner of the box where the first and fourth sides 4, 7 meet is a 30 rectangular container recess 25, provided in the retainer 10 between the grease gun body recess portion 12 and the first side 4 of the box 1. The container recess 25 is for locating a container of spare parts or the like, such as spare grease nipples, grease caps or the like, which can 35 be used to help repair maintain or service grease fittings of a machine to which grease is to be applied. Between the container recess 25 and the grease WO 2005/011925 PCT/AU2004/000999 - 11 gun handle recesses 14, 15 are provided first and second tool recesses 26, 27 which are elongate in shape and generally parallel to each other, and also generally parallel to the first side 4 and to the grease gun body 5 recess portion 12. The tool recesses 26, 27 are for locating tools, such as spanners, which are often required in maintenance of systems in which grease guns are used. The retainer 10 is preferably covered over its upper surface (i.e. the surface which in use contacts the 10 grease gun and cartridges) by a grease impermeable layer (not shown), which helps retain grease in the porous volume of the retainer and prevent such grease from contact with the grease gun and cartridges. However such a layer need not be included, especially if the retainer 15 is intended to have only a short life, since the porosity of the retainer and/or gravity may be adequate for retaining grease away from the contained articles, such as the grease gun and cartridges. The lid 3 is preferably provided with a resilient 20 pad 9 extending over the interior thereof in order to resiliently contact articles to be kept in the box 1 and assist in retaining such articles in position. Although the lid 3 is shown in Figure 3 as attached to the fourth side 7 of the main body 2, it will be appreciated that the 25 lid 3 could alternatively be attached to any of the other sides of the main body. It will be appreciated that many variations of the above described embodiments are possible. For example the layout of the recesses or recess portions may be 30 varied as desired, for example in order to accommodate different types of grease gun, more or fewer cartridges and/or additional articles. Furthermore, although in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7 the recesses are shown and described as 35 being contoured to accommodate articles, it will be appreciated that especially when a resilient material such as a polymer foam is used, the equilibrium shapes of the WO 2005/011925 PCT/AU2004/000999 - 12 recesses need not closely mimic the shapes of articles to be accommodated. For example a slot with a generally rectangular cross section may effectively accommodate a cylindrical article such as a grease cartridge. 5 In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 8, rather than using a porous foam retainer, a liner in the form of a moulded plastic retainer 110 is provided. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment the retainer 110 provides a grease gun recess 1lland a 10 number of cartridge recesses 111, 121, 122, 123, 113, which correspond generally to those of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 7, and which will therefore not be described in detail. In the embodiment of Figure 8 the retainer 110 includes at least one, preferably two and most preferably 15 four side walls 131, 132 for engaging side walls 104, 106 of the main body portion 102 of the box and allowing the retainer 110 to be fixed, adhered or interference fitted to the main body portion 102 of the box. In this embodiment an aperture (not shown) is preferably provided 20 to allow a grease outlet to extend into a grease retention portion in the form of a cavity 133 provided between, and defined by, the retainer 110 and the one or more walls 104, 106, 119 of the box. The cavity may, if desired, include a porous and/or absorbent material in order to 25 assist in retention of grease. In preferred embodiments, including those with foam liners, such use of absorbent material is desirable to enhance effective retention of grease. A zeolite material (for example, material sold in Australia under the trade mark SUPERSORB) has been found 30 to be effective. In a further envisaged alternative, illustrated in Figure 9, a box body 202 is formed (e.g. by injection moulding) with recesses 211, 221, 222, 223 formed integrally in the bottom wall of the box. In this case a 35 separate retainer may not be required. In a preferred variation of this embodiment an aperture (not shown) is provided for a grease outlet of a grease gun, and a WO 2005/011925 PCT/AU2004/000999 - 13 reservoir 233, for grease which seeps out of the grease gun between uses is provided and is defined by a wall of the box and a reservoir wall member 234 which may be attached to the wall of the box by adhesive, solvent 5 welding, or any other suitable method. Thick side walls 231, 232 may be provided to provide rigidity and allow the box to rest securely on a flat surface. In a further embodiment (not shown) the reservoir may be in the form of a container which is discrete from 10 the main interior part of the box but in fluid connection therewith via the aperture. Such a container could be internal or external of the main interior part of the box. Figures 10a, 10b and 10c are respectively top, side and front, schematic partial cross sections of an 15 embodiment of a box 301 with an interior molded plastic shaped liner 310, which provides a grease gun recess 311 and a single grease cartridge recess 321. The box 301 includes hinges 308 and a catch 319 for operating the lid (not shown), and a grease retention portion 320 between 20 the shaped liner 310 and a bottom wall 318 of the box 310. One or more grease permeable regions (which may be regarded as permeable regions of the shaped liner 310), which in this embodiment are in the form of one or more foam pads 333, are provided in regions where a grease gun 25 or cartridge may weep grease. In use grease may pass through the pad 333 into the grease retention portion 320, where it is preferably absorbed by a grease absorbent material (not shown), which in this embodiment comprises a quantity of zeolite material retained under the liner 310. 30 The grease permeable region 333 is positioned relative to the recesses so that it can absorb and retain grease from the grease outlet of a grease gun (hence it may be regarded as an outlet receiving portion), from the pressure handle region of the grease gun (which may weep 35 during storage) and one end of a grease cartridge. This assists in keeping the contents of the box free from undesirable soiling by grease which weeps from the WO 2005/011925 PCT/AU2004/000999 - 14 contained objects during storage. The box 301 is an embodiment of a main container (for containing a grease gun) intended to be used in conjunction with at least one additional container for containing additional grease 5 cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the box 301 may be used without an additional container if additional cartridge storage is not required. Figures 11a, 11b and 11c are respectively top, side and front, schematic partial cross sections of an 10 embodiment of an additional container, in the form of a box 401, for containing grease cartridges. The box 401 is adapted to be used in conjunction with the main container, box 301 of Figures 10a, 10b and 10c to provide an accessory in the form of a set of containers. It will be 15 appreciated that such a set could include any desired number of main and/or additional containers. The box 401 has an interior interior molded plastic shaped liner 410, which provides first, second and third grease cartridge recesses 422, 423, 424. The box 20 401 includes hinges 408 and a catch 419 for operating the lid (not shown), and a grease retention portion 420 between the shaped liner 410 and a bottom wall 418 of the box 410. One or more grease permeable regions, which in this embodiment are in the form of one or more foam pads 25 433, are provided in regions where cartridges may weep grease. In use grease may pass through the pad 433 into the grease retention portion 420, where it is preferably absorbed by a grease absorbent material (not shown), which in this embodiment comprises a quantity of zeolite 30 material retained under the liner 410. The grease absorbent region 433 is positioned relative to the grease cartridge recesses 422, 423, 424 so that it can absorb and retain grease from one end of each grease cartridge. This assists in keeping the contents of the box free from 35 undesirable soiling. A benefit provided by an accessory comprising a plurality of containers is that the container for the WO 2005/011925 PCT/AU2004/000999 - 15 grease gun can be made conveniently compact, the accessory as a whole can be more convenient to store, and in the circumstances that storage for spare cartridges is not required, a purchaser need not buy a case with storage 5 that is surplus to requirements. Irrespective of whether the accessory takes the form of a single container or a set of containers, it is envisaged that the accessory may be a disposable item. Indeed, it is envisaged that because the value of articles 10 (such as truck components) to be greased is so great, the grease gun itself may also be beneficially considered a disposable item if doing so makes an operator more likely to adhere to the required schedule for greasing components, therefore prolonging component life. Thus it 15 is envisaged that an operator of a machine or vehicle requiring lubrication using a grease gun would be frequently provided with a package comprising a grease gun and a number of grease cartridges provided in an embodiment of an accessory in accordance with an aspect of 20 the present invention. Each such package, or kit, would have a short life, but during that life could facilitate location and use of the grease gun. The life of the package might be considered to be over when one of the following occurs: 25 (a) the supply of grease in the cartridges is exhausted; (b) the grease which has seeped from the grease gun or cartridges between uses is.no longer kept away from the stored articles; 30 (c) the accessory or grease gun becomes damaged or non-functional. At this time a spare package could be used by the operator, and/or a new package could be issued. In this way maintenance of components which require application of 35 grease is facilitated and regular maintenance is thus made more likely, increasing component life and safety of the vehicle or other machine. Of course, in an embodiment WO 2005/011925 PCT/AU2004/000999 - 16 comprising a set of containers, it would not always be necessary to supply replacements of both containers together, so enhanced economy could be achieved. Preferred embodiments of an accessory for a 5 grease gun thus provide a number of benefits including prevention (or reduction) of grease leaked into the vicinity or into the environment, as well as facilitating the lubrication of machine components by an operator. It is to be understood that, if any prior art 10 publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country. In the claim which follows and in the preceding 15 description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but 20 not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. Variations and modifications can be made without, departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An accessory for a grease gun, comprising: a container for containing a grease gun, wherein the container includes at least one retaining portion for 5 retaining a grease gun substantially in a predetermined position when the container is closed; wherein the container includes at least one grease retention portion for retaining grease which issues from an item contained by the container to keep the grease 10 away from said item.

2. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container includes at least one outlet receiving portion for receiving a grease outlet of a grease gun. 15

3. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in either one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one grease retention portion is for retaining grease which issues from a grease outlet of a grease gun.

4. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in 20 claim 3, wherein at least one outlet receiving portion is in fluid connection with the, or at least one, grease retention portion.

5. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in claim 4, wherein, in use, grease exiting from a grease gun 25 outlet in the outlet receiving portion is substantially retained in the grease retention portion.

6. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in claim 1, or any subsequent claim when dependent thereon, wherein the grease retention portion includes an absorbent 30 material for retaining grease.

7. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in claim 6, wherein the absorbent material is a zeolite material.

8. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in 35 claim 1, or any subsequent claim when dependent thereon, wherein the grease retention portion is separated from the retaining portion by a grease barrier. 17586931 (GHMatters) 14/10109 - 18

9. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining portion includes a recess to accommodate a grease gun.

10. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in 5 claim 9, wherein the recess is adapted to fit closely to a substantial portion of a grease gun.

11. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining portion is defined or formed at least partly by a wall of 10 the container.

12. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the retaining portion is provided by a shaped liner within the container.

13. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in 15 claim 12, wherein the shaped liner is made at least partially from a porous or foam material.

14. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in either one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the liner includes a shaped surface layer for separating a grease gun from a 20 grease retention portion said shaped surface layer being adapted to act as a barrier to grease.

15. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in claim 14, wherein the shaped surface layer is a substantially grease impermeable layer which covers a 25 substantial part of the exposed surface of a generally porous shaped liner, and wherein at least part of the remainder of the shaped liner constitutes at least part of the grease retention portion.

16. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in 30 claim 12, wherein the shaped liner is a moulded substantially grease impermeable liner including a retaining portion for retaining a grease gun.

17. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the shaped liner 35 defines at least one recess for retaining a grease gun.

18. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the liner defines an 17586931 (GHMatters) 14/10/09 - 19 aperture which acts as an outlet receiving portion for receiving a grease outlet of a grease gun.

19. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in claim 1, or any subsequent claim when dependent thereon, 5 wherein the grease retention portion is provided by a cavity.

20. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in claim 19, wherein the cavity is defined at least partially by the liner. 10

21. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in claim 19, wherein the cavity is defined at least partially by a wall of the container.

22. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in claim 19, wherein the cavity is provided by a container in 15 fluid connection with the outlet receiving portion.

23. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is provided in the container at least one cartridge retaining portion for retaining at least one grease cartridge. 20

24. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in claim 23, wherein at least one cartridge retaining portion defines at least one cartridge recess for retaining a grease cartridge.

25. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in 25 claim 24, wherein the cartridge retaining portion defines a plurality of cartridge recesses, each for retaining a grease cartridge.

26. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the grease retention 30 portion is adapted to retain grease which issues from one or more grease cartridges.

27. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein one or more grease retention portions are provided to retain grease which 35 issues from one or more grease cartridges, in addition to a the grease retention portion for retaining grease which issues from a grease outlet of a grease gun. 17586931 (GHMatters) 14/10/09 - 20

28. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in claim 24, or any subsequent claim when dependent thereon, wherein each cartridge recess is between 50 and 70 millimeters wide and between 200 and 250 millimeters long. 5

29. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in any one of the preceding claim, wherein the container is formed at least partially from a polymeric material.

30. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in claim 29, wherein the container is formed by injection 10 moulding.

31. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container includes a container body and at least one moveable and replaceable closure portion. 15

32. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is substantially square in at least one plane.

33. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the accessory 20 further comprises one or more additional containers, adapted to retain at least one grease cartridge, the accessory comprising a set of two or more containers, the set containing at least one main container, for containing a 25 grease gun, and at least one additional container for containing one or more grease cartridges.

34. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in claim 33, wherein each main container is adapted to contain a grease gun and one or two grease cartridges. 30

35. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in either one of claims 33 or 34, wherein each additional container is adapted to contain two or more grease cartridges.

36. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in 35 claim 35, wherein, each additional container is adapted to contain three grease cartridges.

37. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in 17586931 (GHMatters) 14/10/09 - 21 any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein at least one of a main container or an additional container is provided with at least one grease retention portion for retaining grease which issues from the contents of said container. 5

38. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in claim 37, wherein at least one main container and at least one additional container are provided with respective grease retention portions.

39. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed io either one of claims 37 or 38, wherein each grease retention portion is at least partially defined by a shaped liner and a wall of the respective container.

40. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein there is provided a 15 grease permeable region for allowing ingress of grease to at least one of the grease retention portions.

41. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein at least one of said respective grease retention portions includes a grease 20 absorbent material.

42. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the accessory includes at least one retention part or storage space for one or more replacement parts for a grease fitting. 25

43. An accessory for a grease gun as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the accessory includes at least one storage and/or retention space for a tool for adjusting a grease fitting.

44. A kit comprising a grease gun and an 30 accessory for a grease gun in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.

45. A kit as claimed in claim 44, wherein the kit further comprises one or more grease cartridges.

46. A kit as claimed in either one of claims 44 35 or 45, wherein the kit is configured with the grease gun provided within the accessory.

47. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 44 or 17586931 (GHMatters) 14/10/09 - 22 46, wherein the kit is configured with one or more grease cartridges within the accessory.

48. An accessory for a grease gun substantially as hereinbefore described in the Detailed Description with 5 reference to Figures 1 to 9 and/or Figures 10 and 11. 1758693_1 (GHMaiters) 14/10/09