EP1255652B1 - Dichtungsstruktur für farbenbehälter-ausgiesser - Google Patents

Dichtungsstruktur für farbenbehälter-ausgiesser Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1255652B1
EP1255652B1 EP00982630A EP00982630A EP1255652B1 EP 1255652 B1 EP1255652 B1 EP 1255652B1 EP 00982630 A EP00982630 A EP 00982630A EP 00982630 A EP00982630 A EP 00982630A EP 1255652 B1 EP1255652 B1 EP 1255652B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cover element
lid member
pour spout
paint
substrate
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP00982630A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1255652A1 (de
Inventor
Arie Boers
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
X-Pert Paint Mixing Systems Inc
Original Assignee
X-Pert Paint Mixing Systems Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/504,311 external-priority patent/US6230938B1/en
Application filed by X-Pert Paint Mixing Systems Inc filed Critical X-Pert Paint Mixing Systems Inc
Publication of EP1255652A1 publication Critical patent/EP1255652A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1255652B1 publication Critical patent/EP1255652B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/26—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts
    • B65D47/28—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts having linear movement
    • B65D47/286—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts having linear movement between planar parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
    • B01F33/50—Movable or transportable mixing devices or plants
    • B01F33/501—Movable mixing devices, i.e. readily shifted or displaced from one place to another, e.g. portable during use
    • B01F33/5011—Movable mixing devices, i.e. readily shifted or displaced from one place to another, e.g. portable during use portable during use, e.g. hand-held
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
    • B01F33/80—Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
    • B01F33/84—Mixing plants with mixing receptacles receiving material dispensed from several component receptacles, e.g. paint tins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/45—Closures or doors specially adapted for mixing receptacles; Operating mechanisms therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44D—PAINTING OR ARTISTIC DRAWING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PRESERVING PAINTINGS; SURFACE TREATMENT TO OBTAIN SPECIAL ARTISTIC SURFACE EFFECTS OR FINISHES
    • B44D3/00—Accessories or implements for use in connection with painting or artistic drawing, not otherwise provided for; Methods or devices for colour determination, selection, or synthesis, e.g. use of colour tables
    • B44D3/12—Paint cans; Brush holders; Containers for storing residual paint
    • B44D3/127—Covers or lids for paint cans
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D39/00—Closures arranged within necks or pouring openings or in discharge apertures, e.g. stoppers

Definitions

  • This invention relates to mixing paint components, such as colorants, tints and pearls, to create automotive paint formulas.
  • the present invention is a fluid seal structure positioned between a pour spout and a linearly movable cover element of a paint container lid that can be secured to an original paint component container and is useable with a semi-automated system for dispensing paint components according to a desired paint formula.
  • the fluid seal structure prevents contaminants from entering the original paint component container through the pour spout and prevents undesired leakage of the paint component out of the pour spout and past the cover element.
  • Patent Number 6,053,218 issued April 25, 2000 both of which were filed on November 10, 1998, assigned to the same assignee as herein, and incorporated herein by reference thereto.
  • this patent application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 09/417,933 , entitled “Semi-Automated Automotive Paint Dispensing System;” of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 09/416,729 , entitled “Lid Member For A Paint Container Useable With A Semi-Automated Automotive Paint Dispensing System;” and of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 09/416,728 , entitled “Universal Paint Container Lid Member", all of which were filed on October 13, 1999, assigned to the same assignee as herein, and incorporated herein by reference thereto.
  • paint vendors provide auto body repair businesses, such as body shops and jobbers, with their paint formulas.
  • these paint formulas are a composition (i.e., mixture) of paint components, such as colorants, tints, pearls, metallics, binders and/or balancers, that, once mixed, produce the desired color of paint to be applied to a repaired vehicle.
  • the paint formulas of the paint vendors are formulated to match the colors that have been applied to vehicles by new car manufacturers over the years.
  • these paint formulas include variants, to match the color fading of paint that can occur to a vehicle over years of service.
  • palettes of paint formulas of the paint vendors also have custom colors (i.e., unconventional colors not typically used by vehicle manufacturers) that may be used to produce special finishes for custom or show cars.
  • paint vendors provide body shops and jobbers with literally thousands of paint formulas for producing the vast spectrum of colors needed in the automotive body repair industry.
  • paint vendors would provide the body shops and jobbers with microfiche containing their paint formulas.
  • Today the paint formulas are stored in computer memory.
  • a system operator such as an employee of the body shop or jobber, first obtains the color code from the vehicle.
  • This color code is typically part of the vehicle's identification number.
  • the code for a particular color is obtained from a catalog.
  • This color code is then entered into the microprocessor of the computer, which accesses the computer memory, and displays, via a monitor, the paint vendor's paint formula which matches the identified vehicle color code.
  • the paint formulas are displayed according to the weight of the different paint components for mixing specific quantities of the paint formula, and the order in which the displayed paint components are to be mixed.
  • paint formula mixing quantities are listed in quart, half gallon and gallon sizes, while the weight of the particular paint components needed to mix the desired quantity of paint, are listed in grams to a precision of a tenth of a gram.
  • the paint components comprising tints, colorants, pearls and/or metallics are mixed first, while the paint components comprising binders and/or balancers are added last.
  • the paint formula can require just a few paint components, or over a dozen paint components, that must be mixed with a great degree of precision, to achieve a perfect color match.
  • the operator places a paint receptacle on a weigh cell that is linked to the microprocessor of the computer.
  • a receptacle larger than the quantity of paint formula to be mixed is used to accommodate any excess paint inadvertently mixed by the operator.
  • the weigh cell is zeroed by the operator, to make ready for the process of adding paint components to the receptacle to mix the desired color paint formula.
  • the various paint components (of which there are dozens) are stored in containers kept within a rack.
  • the rack has a mechanism that periodically stirs the paint components within the containers, so that the various paint components are ready to be dispensed as part of the paint formula mixing process.
  • these containers are the original quart and gallon sized metal containers within which the paint components are shipped to the body shop or jobber. In metric system countries, these containers are the original one liter and four liter sized metal containers within which the paint components are shipped to the body shop or jobber.
  • the original covers of these containers are replaced by specialized paint container lids that include stirring paddles that work with the stirring mechanism of the rack.
  • These specialized paint container lids also have pour spouts that allow the paint components of the containers to be dispensed (i.e., poured out) into the receptacle atop the weigh cell.
  • the pour spout of the specialized paint container lid is covered by a cover element that helps to protect the paint component within the container from contaminants.
  • the cover element for the pour spout is movable between an opened state in which the paint component can be poured from its container through the pour spout by tipping (i.e., tilting) the container, and a closed state.
  • the specialized paint container lid typically includes a vent to allow air to enter the container to displace the liquid paint component dispensed from the pour spout.
  • United States Patent No. 4,750,648 discloses a lid with a manually-operable "guillotine"-type pouring arrangement which is especially adapted for mounting on paint containers intended for car bodywork and which are employed in stirring machines.
  • the lid has at least one latching member for fastening it to an open paint container, a pouring spout with a flat-surfaced opening portion, a sliding element conforming with the opening portion of the pouring spout and being slidable on its flat surface, and a flat spring for urging the sliding element into contact with the pouring spout.
  • the system operator begins by identifying the first listed paint component of the paint formula to be mixed. The operator then pours, by hand, the paint component into the weigh cell supported paint receptacle, until the weight of the paint component dispensed (i.e., poured) into the receptacle matches what is displayed on the computer monitor. The operator continues along on this course (i.e., hand pouring the paint components from their containers), until the correct weight of all paint components, needed to mix the desired color paint formula, have been added to the paint receptacle atop the weigh cell.
  • over pouring errors are also costly in the amount of additional paint formula that is mixed because of the errors.
  • Automotive paint can cost in excess of $ 100. 00 per quart.
  • An over pouring error of just one pint may translate into an additional cost of $50.00 that a body shop or jobber may have to absorb, unless this additional paint cost can be justified to an automobile collision insurance carrier.
  • this additional paint if not used in the rcpair/paint job, becomes a hazardous waste that must be disposed of properly, thereby adding still more costs that are attributable to paint component over pouring errors.
  • paint container lid members that can be used with the original containers of the paint components, and are compatible with a system for dispensing paint components according to a paint formula that substantially eliminates system operator errors, specifically over pouring errors, that can be costly to a body shop or jobber.
  • the paint container lid members together with the paint component dispensing system should be easy to use, so as not to require a highly skilled operator, and should make better use of an operator's time to allow an operator to mix a greater number of paint formulas during a work day.
  • the paint container lid members should prevent contaminants from entering the original paint component container through the pour spout/cover element interface and prevent undesired leakage of the paint component out of the pour spout and past the cover element in the closed state of the cover element.
  • the paint component lid members and the paint component dispensing system should comply with all regulations and laws governing the handling and mixing of paint components for the duplication of automotive paint formulas.
  • the present invention is a lid member for an original container of a pourable component, as defined according to claim 1.
  • Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.
  • the lid member of the present invention can be used with the original container of a liquid paint component, and the seal mechanism prevents contaminants from entering the original paint component container through the pour spout/cover element interface.
  • the seal mechanism of this lid member prevents undesired leakage of the paint component out of the pour spout and past the cover element in the closed state of the cover element.
  • the guide mechanism also helps to prevent undesired leakage of the paint component out of the pour spout, by ensuring that the cover element is accurately aligned with the pour spout and guided during movement of the cover element between the closed and opened states.
  • the securing mechanism ensures that the seal mechanism is properly and securely mounted to the cover element so as to be unaffected by the attributes of the paint component.
  • the lid member of the present invention is compatible with a semi-automated system for dispensing liquid paint components from their original containers that virtually eliminates system operator errors, in particular over pouring errors, that can be costly to a body shop or jobber.
  • the lid member and the semi-automated dispensing system are easy to use, and do not require a highly skilled operator, since operator interface with the lid members and the dispensing system is substantially limited to identifying the desired paint formula, and loading and unloading the proper containers of the liquid paint components to and from the dispensing apparatus.
  • the dispensing system automatically dispenses (i.e., pours) the liquid paint components from their containers, thereby ensuring a highly accurate, precision liquid paint component pour.
  • the lid member of the present invention together with the paint dispensing system makes efficient use of the operator's time, since the operator is free to perform other duties instead of manually pouring the proper amounts of the liquid paint components from their containers. This efficiency gain allows the operator to mix a greater number of paint formulas during a work day.
  • the paint component lid member of the present invention together with the semi-automated dispensing system complies with all regulations and laws (such as being explosion protected) governing the safe handling and mixing of liquid paint components for the duplication of automotive paint formulas.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 A semi-automated dispensing system 10 for dispensing liquid paint components according to a paint formula to form a liquid paint mixture in accordance with the present invention is illustrated generally in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the dispensing system 10 generally comprises a dispensing apparatus 12 for dispensing a liquid paint component 14 from its original container 16A and 16B, and a control apparatus 18 for controlling the dispensing apparatus 12.
  • FIGS. 1, 3-8 show the quart size original container 16A having a lid member 20A
  • FIG. 11 illustrates the gallon size original container 16B having a lid member 20B.
  • the lid member 20A fits a one liter size original container and the lid member 20B fits a four liter size original container.
  • the containers 16A and 16B are typical cylindrical shaped, metal vessels within which liquid paint components 14, such as tints, colorants, pearls, metallics, binders and balancers (used to mix automotive paint according to a paint formula) are shipped from a liquid paint component manufacturer to customers, such as body shops and jobbers.
  • liquid paint components 14 such as tints, colorants, pearls, metallics, binders and balancers (used to mix automotive paint according to a paint formula) are shipped from a liquid paint component manufacturer to customers, such as body shops and jobbers.
  • the quart size and gallon size containers 16A and 16B are substantially identical. Therefore, only the quart size original container will be described with particularity.
  • the lid members 20A and 20B are substantially similar, therefore the quart size lid member 20A will be described with particularity, and only the differences in the gallon size lid member 20B relative to the quart size lid member 20A will be described with particularity.
  • the original container 16A is cylindrical shaped having an open top 22A defined by a circumferential lip 24A.
  • the lid member 20A includes a base portion 26A adapted to engage and seal the open top 22A of the container 16A to protect the liquid paint component 14 within the container 16A.
  • the base portion 26A of the lid member 20A includes a pair of spaced, pivotable cam lock mechanisms 28A that are used to releasably secure the lid member 20A to the original container 16A.
  • Each of the cam lock mechanisms 28A is defined by a cam element 30A connected to a cam actuator 32A by way of a post member 34A. Pivotally moving the cam actuators 32A by hand, as represented by double headed arrow 36 (see FIG. 4), moves the cam elements 30A into and out of engagement with the lip 24A to secure and release the lid member 20A from the original container 16A.
  • the lid member 20A further includes a handle 38A, for easy handling of the original container 16A when the lid member 20A is secured thereto.
  • the handle 38A includes a first portion 39A generally parallel to the lip 24A of the original container 16A, a second portion 41 A (grasped by a user) that extends substantially perpendicular to the first portion 39, and a pair of oppositely directed dispensing system latch lugs 43A positioned at the intersection the first and second portions 39A, 41 A.
  • the purpose of the pair of dispensing system latch lugs 43A will become clear below.
  • the gallon size lid member 20B as illustrated in FIG.
  • the pair of oppositely directed dispensing system latch lugs 43B are positioned along the length of the first portion 39B of the handle 38B instead of at the intersection of the first and second portions 39A and 41A as in the quart size lid member 20A.
  • this different positioning of the dispensing system latch lugs 43A, 43B constitutes the main and only real difference between the lid members 20A and 20B.
  • the lid member 20A also includes a liquid paint component pour spout 40A having a rear wall 81A, first and second opposed side walls 83A and 85A, respectively, and a front pour wall 87A. Also as seen in FIG. 5, immediately adjacent to (i.e., to the rear of) the rear wall 81 of the pour spout 40A, the lid member 20A includes first and second spaced guide surfaces 89A and 91A, respectively, the purpose of which will be made clear below.
  • the pour spout 40A is covered by a linearly movable, as represented by double headed directional arrow 42 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B), cover element 44A.
  • the cover element 44A is linearly movable between a closed state (shown in FIG. 3A) and an opened state (shown in FIG. 3B).
  • the liquid paint component 14 In the closed state of the cover element 44A, the liquid paint component 14 is prevented from being poured (i.e., dispensed) from the original container 16A through the pour spout 40A.
  • the liquid paint component 14 In the opened state of the cover element 44A, the liquid paint component 14 can be poured from the original container 16A through the pour spout 40A by tilting the container 16A using the handle 38A.
  • the cover element 44A is movable between its closed and opened states via a thumb actuator 46A that is pivotally secured to the base portion 26A by way of a pivot pin 48A.
  • the thumb actuator 46A is pivotally movable as shown by double headed directional arrow 47.
  • the thumb actuator 46A is connected to the cover element 44A via a wire loop 50A.
  • the thumb actuator 46A is biased to this normal position in a known manner by a coil spring element 54A (see FIGS. 3A and 3B).
  • the coil spring element 54A acts between the base portion 26A and the thumb actuator 46A.
  • the cover element 44A When the thumb actuator 46A is positioned as shown in FIG. 3B, the cover element 44A is in its opened state. The cover element 44A is moved, from its closed state to its opened state, through the connecting wire loop 50A by pivoting the thumb actuator 46A about the pivot pin 48A against the bias of the spring element 54A. The cover element 44A is allowed to return to its closed state from the opened state by simply releasing the thumb actuator 46A.
  • the lid member 20A also includes a rotatable roller element 51A (see FIGS. 4 and 5) that bears against the wire loop 50A to help maintain a seal between the cover element 44A and the pour spout 40A. As seen in FIGS. 3-5, the cover element 44A also includes a slot 49A the purpose of which will be made clear below.
  • the walls 81 A, 83A, 85A, 87A of the pour spout 40A define a circumferential, planar edge surface 350A
  • the cover element 44A includes a planar lower surface 352A.
  • a resilient seal mechanism 354 is positioned at an engagement interface 356 between the circumferential, planar edge surface 350A of the pour spout 40A and the planar lower surface 352A of the cover element 44A. The resilient seal mechanism 354 prevents leakage, upon tilting of the original container 16A, of the liquid paint component 14 out of the pour spout 40A past the cover element 44A in the closed state of the cover element 44A.
  • the resilient seal mechanism 354 is defined by a resilient seal member 357 that covers the entire planar lower surface 352A of the cover element 44A.
  • the resilient seal member 357 comprises a first substrate 358 of a resilient material, such as foam, and a second substrate 360 of a smooth material, such as polyethylene.
  • the second substrate 360 could comprise TEFLON.
  • the first substrate 358 has a thickness of approximately 7.62 ⁇ m (0.0003 inches) and the second substrate 360 has a thickness of 2.54 ⁇ m (0.0001 inches).
  • the resilient seal member 357 is secured, via the first substrate 358, to the planar lower surface 352A of the cover element 44A via a suitable adhesive.
  • the second substrate 360 engages the circumferential, planar edge surface 350A of the pour spout 40A.
  • the smoothness of the second substrate 360 allows the cover element 44A to readily move relative to the pour spout between the open and closed states.
  • the resiliency of the first substrate 358 allows the resilient seal member 357 to conform to the shape of the circumferential, planar edge surface 350A of the pour spout 40A.
  • the resilient seal member 357 By conforming to the shape of the pour spout 40A, the resilient seal member 357 provides an excellent fluid seal that prevents contaminants from entering the original container 16A through the pour spout 40A, and prevents leakage, upon tilting of the original container 16A, of the liquid paint component 14 out of the pour spout 40A past the cover element 44A in the closed state of the cover element 44A.
  • FIG. 14B illustrates an alternative background example of a resilient seal member 370.
  • the resilient seal member 370 is defined by a rubber O-ring 372 that is mounted within a circumferentially extending channel 374 in the circumferential, planar edge surface 350A of the pour spout 40A.
  • the resiliency of the rubber O-ring 372 allows the resilient seal member 370 to conform to the shape of the planar lower surface 352A of the cover element 44A.
  • the resilient seal member 356 By conforming to the shape of the cover element 44A, the resilient seal member 356 provides an excellent fluid seal that prevents contaminants from entering the original container 16A through the pour spout 40A, and prevents leakage, upon tilting of the original container 16A, of the liquid paint component 14 out of the pour spout 40A past the cover element 44A in the closed state of the cover element 44A.
  • FIG. 14C illustrates another alternative background example of a resilient seal member 380.
  • the resilient seal member 380 is defined by a generally U-shaped, rubber seal element 382 having an engagement channel 384 for receiving the circumferential, planar edge surface 350A of the pour spout 40A for mounting the resilient seal member 380 to the pour spout 40A.
  • An upper surface 385 of the seal element 382 includes a circumferential ridge 386 that engages the planar lower surface 352A of the cover element 44A. The resiliency of the ridge 386 allows the resilient seal element 382 to conform to the shape of the planar lower surface 352A of the cover element 44A.
  • the resilient seal element 382 By conforming to the shape of the cover element 44A, the resilient seal element 382 provides an excellent fluid seal that prevents contaminants from entering the original container 16A through the pour spout 40A, and prevents leakage, upon tilting of the original container 16A, of the liquid paint component 14 out of the pour spout 40A past the cover element 44A in the closed state of the cover element 44A.
  • FIG. 14D illustrates a further alternative background example of a resilient seal member 390.
  • the resilient seal member 390 is defined by a generally U-shaped, rubber seal element 392 having an engagement channel 394 for receiving the circumferential, planar edge surface 350A of the pour spout 40A for mounting the resilient seal member 390 to the pour spout 40A.
  • An upper surface 395 of the seal element 392 includes a circumferential extension 396 that is directed exterior to the pour spout 40A and engages the planar lower surface 352A of the cover element 44A.
  • the dashed line representation of the extension 396 is the normal inoperative state of the extension 396.
  • the solid line representation of the extension 396 is the flexed operative state of the extension 396.
  • the resiliency of the extension 396 allows the resilient seal element 392 to conform to the shape of the planar lower surface 352A of the cover element 44A.
  • the resilient seal element 392 provides an excellent fluid seal that prevents contaminants from entering the original container 16A through the pour spout 40A, and prevents leakage, upon tilting of the original container 16A, of the liquid paint component 14 out of the pour spout 40A past the cover element 44A in the closed state of the cover element 44A.
  • the resilient seal mechanism 354 is defined by a resilient seal member 450 that covers the entire planar lower surface 352A of the cover element 44A.
  • the resilient seal member 450 comprises a first substrate 452 of a resilient material, and a second substrate 454 of a flexible and smooth material.
  • the resilient material of the first substrate 452 is high density polyethylene closed cell foam
  • the flexible and smooth material of the second substrate 454 is ultra high molecular weight polyethylene plastic sheet.
  • the second substrate 454 could comprise TEFLON.
  • the first substrate 452 has a thickness of approximately 12.7 ⁇ m (0.00050 inches) and the second substrate 454 has a thickness of 5.08 ⁇ m (0.00020 inches).
  • the resilient seal member 450 is secured, via a securing mechanism 460, to the planar lower surface 352A of the cover element 44A.
  • the securing mechanism 460 includes a plurality of spaced protrusions 462 that are integrally formed with the cover element 44A and extend from the planar lower surface 352A thereof In one preferred embodiment, there are four spaced protrusions 462.
  • the spaced protrusions 462 engage the first and second substrates 452, 454 defining the resilient seal member 450 to secure the substrates 452, 454 (i.e., the resilient seal member 450) to the cover element 44A.
  • the first substrate 452 includes a plurality of spaced openings 464.
  • each of the openings 464 is sized to closely receive one of the protrusions 462 to secure the first substrate 452 against the planar lower surface 352A of the cover element 44A.
  • the protrusions 462 cooperate with the closely fitting openings 464 to hold the first substrate 452 to the cover element 44A via only frictional engagement.
  • the second substrate 454 includes a plurality of cup shaped protruding portions 466.
  • Each of the protruding portions 466 is sized to closely receive one of the protrusions 462 to secure the second substrate 454 against the first substrate 452 and to the planar lower surface 352A of the cover element 44A.
  • the protrusions 462 cooperate with the closely fitting cup shaped protruding portions 466 to hold the second substrate 454 to the cover element 44A via only frictional engagement.
  • the second substrate 452 includes an upstanding peripheral wall 468 that acts to enclose the first substrate 452.
  • the first substrate 452 engages the planar lower surface 352A of the cover element 44A
  • the second substrate 454 engages the circumferential, planar edge surface 350A of the pour spout 40A.
  • the smoothness of the second substrate 454 allows the cover element 44A to readily move relative to the pour spout 40A between the open and closed states.
  • the resiliency of the first substrate 452 combined with the flexibility of the second substrate 454 allows the resilient seal member 450 to conform to the shape of the circumferential, planar edge surface 350A of the pour spout 40A.
  • the cup shaped protruding portions 466 slidably receive the protrusions 462 so as to allow some movement of the second substrate 454 relative to the cover element 44A upon compression and extension of the first substrate 452.
  • This movement of the second substrate 454 relative to the cover element 44A is substantially perpendicular to the planar lower surface 352A of the cover element 44A and allows the resilient seal member 450 to engage and conform to the shape of the circumferential, planar edge surface 350A of the pour spout 40A.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates the first substrate 452 in an uncompressed state with a first length L1 existing between the bottom of the protrusions 462 and the bottom of the cup shaped protruding portions 466.
  • 14G illustrates the first substrate 452 in a compressed state with a second length L2 that is less than the first length L1 existing between the bottom of the protrusions 462 and the bottom of the cup shaped protruding portions 466.
  • the resilient seal member 450 provides an excellent fluid seal that prevents contaminants from entering the original container 16A through the pour spout 40A, and prevents leakage, upon tilting of the original container 16A, of the liquid paint component 14 out of the pour spout 40A past the cover element 44A in the closed state of the cover element 44A.
  • the securing mechanism 460 is entirely mechanical in nature, the securing mechanism 460 is unaffected by attributes of paint components 14. Unlike some adhesives which may lose some of their adhesion qualities as a result of prolonged exposure to paint components 14, the securing mechanism 460 is capable of properly securing the resilient seal member 450 to the cover element 44A despite prolonged exposure to paint components 14.
  • the resilient seal member 450 includes a guide mechanism 470 positioned between the pour spout 40A of the lid member 20A and the movable cover element 44A for guiding and aligning the cover element 44A on the pour spout 40A as the cover element 44A is moved between the closed and opened states.
  • the guide mechanism 470 is defined by the cup shaped protruding portions 466. The protruding portions 466 slidably engage the first and second opposed side walls 83A and 85A (FIG. 14E) of the pour spout 40A and the first and second spaced guide surfaces 89A and 91A (FIG.
  • each of the protruding portions 466 slidably engages only one of the first and second side walls or guide surfaces 83A, 85A, 89A, 91 A.
  • the base portion 26A of the lid member 20A includes a vent member 53A defining a vent passage 55A that has a first open end 57A and an opposite second open end 59A.
  • the vent passage 55A passes through the base portion 26A such that the first open end 57A communicates with an interior region 61 A of the original container 16A and the second open end 59A communicates with atmosphere.
  • the second open end 59A is sealable by way of a linearly movable plug element 63A. As seen best when comparing FIGS. 3A and 3B, the plug element 63A is linearly movable between a sealed position (see FIG.
  • the plug element 63A is linearly movable between the sealed and unsealed positions by actuation of the thumb actuator 46A.
  • the thumb actuator 46A is coupled to the plug element 63A by way of a wire loop element 67A that engages a groove 69A in the plug element 63A. Movement of the thumb actuator 46A between the positions shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B moves the plug element 63A (by way of the wire loop element 67A) between the sealed and unsealed positions. In the sealed position of the plug element 63A, contaminants are prevented from entering the vent passage 55A.
  • the second open end 59A of the vent passage 55A is located radially exterior to the cylindrical side wall 71A of the original container 16A. This location of the second open end 59A of the vent passage 55A prevents the liquid paint component 14 from flowing out of the original container 16A through the vent passage 55A and the subsequent fouling of the exterior portions of the lid member 20A. This undesirable condition is prevented because the second open end 59A of the vent passage 55A is located above the fluid level of the liquid paint component 14 in the dispensing state of the liquid paint component illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 11.
  • the vent passage 55A extends substantially perpendicular to and radially from a central axis 73 of the original container 16A (see FIG. 3A).
  • the lid member 20A further includes an alignment slot 56A positioned at a first portion of the lid member 20A at the pour spout 40A adjacent to the cover element 44A.
  • the alignment slot 56A is positioned so as to define a plane 60 that is parallel to an upper surface 62A of the circumferential lip 24A of the original container 16A. The purpose of the alignment slot 56A will become clear below.
  • the alignment slot 56A is formed integrally with the base portion 26A of the lid member 20A.
  • the lid member 20A further includes a stirring device 68A for stirring the liquid paint component 14 within the original container 16A.
  • the stirring device 68A includes a plurality of paddles 70A connected to a paddle actuator 72A by way of a shaft member 74A. Rotating the paddle actuator 72A, as represented by double headed directional arrow 76, causes rotation of the paddles 70A and stirring of the liquid paint component 14.
  • the paddle actuator 72A is driven (i.e., rotated) by a stirring mechanism (not shown) that is part of a storage rack (not shown) for holding various original containers 16A of liquid paint components 14.
  • the dispensing apparatus 12 of the dispensing system 10 includes a support frame 80. As seen best in FIGS. 2 and 6, the dispensing apparatus 12 further includes a receiving mechanism 98 for releasably engaging the original container 16A, 16B of the liquid paint component 14.
  • the receiving mechanism 98 is defined by first and second engaging mechanisms 100 and 102, respectively.
  • the first engaging mechanism 100 includes first and second spaced arms 104a and 104b rigidly mounted to the support frame so as to be fixed against movement relative thereto.
  • a registration rod 108 rigidly connects together the first and second arms 104a and 104b at their free ends 110a and 110b.
  • the registration rod 108 is adapted to releasably receive (i.e., engage) the alignment slot 56A of the lid member 20A.
  • interengagement of the alignment slot 56A with the registration rod 108 mounts (i.e., secures) and aligns a first portion of the container 16A and lid member 20A combination to the receiving mechanism 98 of the dispensing apparatus 12.
  • the second engaging mechanism 102 includes first and second spaced plates 111a and 111b fixed to an upper end of the support frame 80. Free ends 113a and 113b of the plates 111a, 111b include latch slots 115a and 115b, respectively.
  • the second engaging mechanism 102 further includes first and second spaced L-shaped arms 114a and 114b pivotally mounted to the support frame 80 via a pivot pin 116.
  • a handle member 118 rigidly connects together the first and second L-shaped arms 114a and 114b at their first ends 120a and 120b.
  • Second ends 122a and 122b of the first and second L-shaped arms 114a and 114b include latching notches 124a and 124b.
  • the latching notches 124a and 124b are adapted to releasably receive (i.e., engage) the latch lugs 43A on the handle 38A of the lid member 20A for the original container 16A to secure the latch lugs 43A in the latch slots 115a and 115b of the plates 111a, 111b.
  • the L-shaped arms 114a and 114b of the second engaging mechanism 102 are pivotally movable as a unit, as represented by double headed arrow 125, between an unlatched state, wherein the original container 16A of the liquid paint component 14 can be engaged with and disengaged from the first and second engaging mechanisms 100 and 102 (shown in FIG.
  • the L-shaped arms 114a and 114b i.e., the second engaging mechanism 102 exhibits only a single-degree-of-freedom of movement (i.e., pivotal movement only) relative to the support frame 80 and the first engaging mechanism 100 (i.e., the first and second spaced arms 104a and 104b).
  • a tension spring element 126 is coupled between a mounting peg 128 of the support frame 80 and a mounting peg 129 of an extension arm 130 on the L-shaped arm 114a.
  • the tension spring element 126 biases the L-shaped arms 114a and 114b defining a portion of the second engaging mechanism 102 to the latched state against the stop 133.
  • a handle/stop member 134 limits movement of the L-shaped arms 114a and 114b in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 6.
  • the dispensing apparatus 12 of the dispensing system 10 further includes dispensing mechanism 140 mounted to the support frame 80 for moving the cover element 44A of the lid member 20A between its closed and open states.
  • the dispensing mechanism 140 includes outwardly extending, first and second arms 142a and 142b that define an operating device 141 pivotally movable, as a unit, as represented by double headed directional arrow 143 (FIG. 8), relative to the support frame 80 about an axle 145.
  • the free ends 146a and 146b, of the first and second arms 142a and 142b, include a force applying mechanism 147 (seen best in FIGS.
  • the force applying mechanism 147 includes U-shaped wire member 149 having legs 151 and a connecting portion 153.
  • the legs 151 are rigidly mounted to the operating device 141.
  • the connecting portion 153 is releasably received within the slot 49A of the cover element 44A.
  • the force applying mechanism 147 further includes a force applying plate member 155 that is linearly movable relative to the U-shaped wire member 149 as represented by double headed arrow 330.
  • the force applying plate member 155 includes apertures 157 that freely receive the legs 151 of the U-shaped wire member 149 to permit movement of the plate member 155 along the legs 151.
  • a compression spring 159 surrounds each of the legs 151 and acts between the operating device 141 and the plate member 155 to provide a biasing force urges the plate member 155 against the cover element 44A to prevent inadvertent leakage of the liquid paint component 14 from the pour spout 40A of the lid member 20 atop the original container 16A when the original container 16A is mounted in the dispensing system 10 (see FIG. 7) and the cover element 44A is in a closed position.
  • a transit mechanism 150 of the dispensing mechanism 140 can pivotally move the operating device 141 between a first position and a second position.
  • the cover element 44A of the lid member 20A In the first position of the operating device 141 (FIG. 7), the cover element 44A of the lid member 20A is in its closed state which prevents the liquid paint component 14 from being dispensed from the original container 16A with the help of the force applying mechanism 147.
  • the cover element 44A In the second position of the operating device 141 (FIG. 8), the cover element 44A is in its opened state which allows the liquid paint component 14 to be dispensed (i.e., poured) from the original container 16A into a paint receptacle 152 (FIG. 1).
  • the handles 38A and 38B of each of the lid members 20A and 20B include the latch lugs 43A, 43B.
  • the difference in positioning of these latch lugs 43A and 43B between the quart size lid member 20A and the gallon size lid member 20B results in the latch lugs 43A, 43B being the same position relative to the alignment slot 56A, 56B.
  • the transit mechanism 150 of the dispensing mechanism 140 includes a piston member 154 linearly movable, along directional arrow 143 (FIG. 6), relative to a cylinder member 156.
  • Opposite ends 253a and 253b of the first and second arms 142a and 142b (defining the operating device 141) are coupled to the piston member 154.
  • a pad member 158 of the piston member rides on a roller member 259 rotatably mounted to the arms 142a, 142b. Therefore movement of the piston member 154 within the cylinder member 156 causes the operating device 141 to move between its first and second positions.
  • Tension spring elements 160 are coupled between the opposite ends 253a, 253b of the arms 142a, 142b and a mounting member 162 on the support frame 80.
  • the tension springs 160 bias the operating device 141 to its first position (also known as the primary position of the piston member 154).
  • a drive mechanism 170 of the transit mechanism 150 moves the piston member 154 relative to the cylinder member 156.
  • the drive mechanism 170 includes a piston member 172 linearly movable, along double headed directional arrow 173, relative to a cylinder member 174 mounted to a frame 176 via bracket structure 177.
  • a drive motor, such as a stepper motor 178, is also mounted to the frame 176.
  • the drive motor 178 includes a drive screw 179 that is telescopically received within a drive tube 180 that is secured at one end to the piston member 172.
  • the drive tube 180 is slidably received within a bearing 181 of the frame 176 to allow movement of the drive tube 180, and the piston member 172 therewith, relative to the frame 176, drive motor 178 and cylinder member 174.
  • An opposite end of the drive tube 180 includes a drive nut 183 that threadably receives the drive screw 179 of the stepper motor 178. Operation of the stepper motor 178 turns the drive screw 179 within the drive nut 183. This in turn moves the drive tube 180 and therewith the piston member 172 within the cylinder member 174 along directional arrow 173.
  • a fluid reservoir 182 containing a hydraulic fluid 184 is in fluid communication with the cylinder member 174.
  • a fluid line 188 couples the fluid reservoir 182 to the cylinder member 156.
  • movement of the piston member 172 via the stepper motor 178, forces hydraulic fluid 184 to move to and from the cylinder member 174 and the fluid reservoir 182 through the line 188 then into and out of the cylinder member 156 to move the piston member 154.
  • Movement of the piston member 154 via the above described hydraulic fluid pressure, in turn moves the operating device 141 which in turn moves the cover element 44A of the lid member 20A between its opened and closed states.
  • the dispensing system 10 includes an automatic bleeder valve 300 to aid in initially filling the dispensing system 10 with hydraulic fluid 184.
  • the hydraulic bleeder valve 300 includes a body member 302 defining an orifice 304 that extends through the body member 302 from a first end 306 to a second end 308.
  • the orifice 304 is in fluid communication with the fluid line 188 and the cylinder member 156.
  • a linearly movable ball valve 310 is positioned at the first end 306 of the body member 302.
  • the ball valve 310 is movable between a first position, wherein the ball valve 310 forms a fluid seal and air/hydraulic fluid 184 is prevented from passing into the orifice 304 (see FIG.
  • the body member 302 threadably engages the support frame 80 via threads 307 so as to be movable linearly relative thereto.
  • the body member 302 includes a nut 314 at the second end 308 used to twist the body member 302 to move the body member 302 relative to the support frame 80.
  • the body member 302 includes an O-ring seal member 312 to prevent air/hydraulic fluid 184 from flowing past the body member 302 through the threads 307.
  • An inner end 316 of the body member 302 bears against a compression spring 318 that in turn bears against the ball valve 310.
  • Hydraulic fluid 184 is then pumped through the fluid line 188 from the reservoir 182 via the piston member 172 of the drive mechanism 170.
  • the hydraulic fluid 184 passes from the fluid line 188 into the cylinder member 156 primarily due to gravity and because this is the fluid path of least resistance. Air within the fluid line 188 and the cylinder member 156 is automatically bled out (by the introduction of the hydraulic fluid 184) through the automatic bleeder valve 300.
  • the air passes around the ball valve 310, through the spring 318 and through the orifice 304 as represented by the arrows 325 in FIG. 13.
  • the fluid line 188 and cylinder member 156 are full of hydraulic fluid 184 when the hydraulic fluid 184 passes out of the orifice 304.
  • the body member 302 is then tightened using the nut 314 which causes the inner end 316 of the body member 302 to bear against the spring 318 which compresses the spring against the ball valve 310 sealing off the orifice 304 of the bleeder valve 300, thereby completing the filling process (see FIG. 12).
  • the control apparatus 18 of the dispensing system 10 includes a weigh cell 190 for supporting the paint receptacle 152 and a control module 192.
  • the weigh cell 190 determines the weight of the liquid paint component dispensed (i.e., poured) from the original container 16A into the paint receptacle 152.
  • the control module 192 includes a display monitor device 194 having a display 195, a microprocessor device 196, a data storage device 198 and a user interface device, such as a keyboard 200.
  • the keyboard 200 is coupled to the microprocessor device 196 via a communication line 202.
  • the microprocessor device 196 and the data storage device 198 are linked through a communication line 204.
  • the microprocessor device 196 is linked to the stepper motor 178 and to a sensor 205 for monitoring the position of the drive screw 179 through the communication line 206.
  • the microprocessor device 196 is linked to the display monitor device 194 through communication line 208 and is further linked to the weigh cell 190 via communication line 210. Since the control module 192 (i.e., microprocessor device 196) is linked to the stepper motor 178 and the sensor 205, the control module 192 can control operation of the stepper motor 178, and thereby movement of the piston members 172 and 154, and hence movement of the cover element 44A to dispense the liquid paint component 14 from the original container 16A.
  • control module 192 since the control module 192 is further linked to the weigh cell 190, the control module 192 can control the amount (i.e., the weight) of the liquid paint component 14 dispensed from its original container 16A to the paint receptacle 152 (atop the weigh cell 190) based upon data (i.e., information) obtained from the weigh cell 190. Moreover, since the control module 192 (i.e., the data storage device 198) stores the paint formulas, the control module 192 can determine which liquid paint components 14 and the weights of these components needed to duplicate a particular paint formula and can control the dispensing mechanism 140 in accordance therewith.
  • the control module 192 i.e., the data storage device 198
  • control module 192 and the drive mechanism 170 are positioned in another room such that the communication line 210 and the fluid line 188 pass through a wall 212 so as to provide explosion protection for the dispensing system 10.
  • the display monitor device 194, the microprocessor device 196, and the keyboard 200 could be located next to the dispensing system 10 provided that these components are explosion protected.
  • the operator of the semi-automated dispensing system 10 first accesses the control module 192 through the keyboard 200 to call up the desired paint formula using the microprocessor device 196 the data storage device 198.
  • the paint formula i.e., the liquid paint components 14
  • the operator then loads the first container 16A, 16B of the needed liquid paint components into the dispensing apparatus 12.
  • the operator of the dispensing system 10 first needs to pivot the second engaging mechanism 102 (defined by the L-shaped arms 114a, 114b) clockwise (as viewed in FIG. 6) from its normal latched state to its unlatched state, against the handle/stop member 134 mounted to the support frame 80.
  • control module 192 i.e., microprocessor device 196
  • the control module 192 controls operation of the stepper motor 178, and thereby movement of the piston members 154 and 172, and hence movement of the cover element 44A to dispense (i.e., pour) the liquid paint component 14 from the original container 16A into the paint receptacle 152.
  • the arrangement of the second engaging mechanism 102 and the latch lugs 43A prevents movement of the cover element 44A from inadvertently disengaging the alignment slot 56A from the first registration rod 108.
  • the weight of the liquid paint component 14 dispensed into the paint receptacle 152 is monitored by the control module 192 through the weigh cell 190, thereby ensuring an accurate liquid paint component pour.
  • This lid member 20A, 20B can be used with the original container 16A, 16B of a liquid paint component 14 and the resilient seal mechanism 354 prevents contaminants from entering the original paint component container 16A, 16B through the pour spout/cover element interface 356.
  • the resilient seal mechanism 354 of the lid member 20A, 20B prevents undesired leakage of the paint component 14 out of the pour spout 40A and past the cover element 44A in the closed state of the cover element 44A.
  • the guide mechanism 470 also helps to prevent undesired leakage of the paint component 14 out of the pour spout 40A, by ensuring that the cover element 44A is accurately aligned with the pour spout 40A and guided during movement of the cover element 44A between the closed and opened states.
  • the securing mechanism 460 ensures that the seal mechanism 354 is properly and securely mounted to the cover element 44A so as to be unaffected by the attributes of the paint component 14.
  • this lid member 20A, 20B is compatible with the semi-automated dispensing system 10, for dispensing liquid paint components 14 from their original containers 16A, 16B that virtually eliminates system operator errors, in particular over pouring errors, that can be costly to a body shop or jobber.
  • the lid member 20A, 20B together with the semi-automated dispensing system 10 is easy to use, and does not require a highly skilled operator, since operator interface with the lid members 20A, 20B and the dispensing system 10 is substantially limited to identifying the desired paint formula, and loading and unloading the proper containers 16A, 16B of the liquid paint components 14 to and from the dispensing apparatus 12. The operator need no longer manually pour the paint components 14 from their containers 16A, 16B.
  • the lid member/dispensing system interface automatically dispenses (i.e., pours) the liquid paint components 14 from their containers 16A, 16B, thereby ensuring a highly accurate, precision liquid paint component pour.
  • the vent passage 55A, 55B arrangement prevents liquid paint component from flowing out of the second open end 59A, 59B of the vent passage during dispensing of the paint component from the container 16A, 16B.
  • the lid members 20A, 20B, of the present invention, together with the paint dispensing system 10 makes efficient use of the operator's time, since the operator is free to perform other duties instead of holding the containers 16A, 16B and performing the task of manually pouring the proper amounts of the liquid paint components 14.
  • the paint component lid members 20A, 20B, of the present invention, and the semi-automated dispensing system 10 comply with all regulations and laws, such as being explosion protected, governing the handling and mixing of liquid paint components 14 for the duplication of automotive paint formulas.
  • lid members 20A and 20B and the semi-automated dispensing system 10 have s been described as useable to dispense liquid automotive paint components 14 from their original containers 16A and 16B, lid members and the dispensing system can be used to dispense other pourable components, such as primers, thinners and liquid or powdered chemicals.
  • the lid members 20A and 20B and the dispensing system 10 could be used in laboratory or pharmaceutical organizations to accurately dispense liquid and powdered chemicals according to a desired formula.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
  • Gasket Seals (AREA)

Claims (26)

  1. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) für einen Originalbehälter (16A, 16B) einer gießfähigen Komponente (14), wobei das Deckelelement mit einem System (10) zur Abgabe der gießfähigen Komponente aus ihrem Originalbehälter in ein Gefäß (152) gemäß einer Formel zum Bilden einer Mischung gießfähiger Komponenten zu verwenden ist, wobei das Deckelelement umfaßt:
    einen Basisabschnitt (26A), ausgelegt zum lösbaren Eingreifen mit einer offenen Oberkante (22A) einer Seitenwand (71A) des Originalbehälters der gießfähigen Komponente,
    einen Ausgießstutzen (40A) auf dem Basisabschnitt, durch den die gießfähige Komponente aus ihrem Originalbehälter abgegeben werden kann,
    ein Abdeckelement (44A) für den Ausgießstutzen, wobei das Abdeckelement bewegbar auf dem Basisabschnitt angebracht ist, so daß das Abdeckelement zwischen einem geschlossenen zustand, in dem das Abdeckelement den Ausgießstutzen bedeckt, und einem geöffneten Zustand, in dem der Ausgießstutzen unbedeckt ist und die gießfähige Komponente durch das Neigen des Originalbehälters aus ihrem Originalbehälter durch den Ausgießstutzen in das Gefäß abgegeben werden kann, bewegbar ist,
    gekennzeichnet durch
    zwischen dem Ausgießstutzen und dem bewegbaren Abdeckelement positionierte Dichtungsmittel (354), die das Durchlecken der gießfähigen Komponente beim Neigen des Originalbehälters am Abdeckelement vorbei in dessen geschlossenem Zustand durch den Ausgießstutzen verhindern, und
    Führungs- und Sicherungsmittel (470) auf dem bewegbaren Abdeckelement, wobei die Führungs- und Sicherungsmittel die Dichtungsmittel mit dem Abdeckelement in Eingriff bringen und an diesem befestigen und das Abdeckelement auf dem Ausgießstutzen führen und ausrichten, wenn das Abdeckelement zwischen dem geschlossenen und dem geöffneten Zustand bewegt wird.
  2. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Ausgießstutzen (40A) durch erste und zweite einander gegenüberliegende Seitenwände (83A, 85A) definiert ist, wobei die Führungs- und Sicherungsmittel (470) in die ersten und zweiten einander gegenüberliegenden Seitenwände eingreifen, um das Abdeckelement auf dem Ausgießstutzen während der Bewegung des Abdeckelements zwischen dem geöffneten und dem geschlossenen Zustand zu führen und auszurichten.
  3. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 2, wobei das Deckelelement (20A, 20B) an dem Ausgießstutzen (40A) angrenzende erste und zweite in einem Abstand voneinander angeordnete Führungsflächen (89A, 91A) enthält, wobei die Führungs- und Sicherungsmittel (417) in die ersten und zweiten in einem Abstand voneinander angeordneten Führungsflächen eingreifen, um das Abdeckelement auf dem Ausgießstutzen während der Bewegung des Abdeckelements zwischen dem geschlossenen und dem geöffneten Zustand zu führen und auszurichten.
  4. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 3, wobei die Führungs- und Sicherungsmittel (470) erste, zweite, dritte und vierte Vorsprünge (462) enthalten und wobei der erste Vorspruch gleitend in die erste Führungsfläche (89A), der zweite Vorsprung gleitend in die zweite Führungsfläche (91A), der dritte Vorsprung gleitend in die erste Seitenwand (83A) und der vierte Vorsprung gleitend in die zweite Seitenwand (85A) eingreifen.
  5. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 3, wobei die Dichtungssmittel (354) federnde Dichtungsmittel (450) sind, wobei der Ausgießstutzen (40A) eine ebene Umfangskantenfläche (350A) aufweist, wobei das Abdeckelement (44A) eine ebene untere Fläche (352A) aufweist und wobei die federnden Dichtungsmittel (450) auf dem Abdeckelement angebracht sind, um so die gesamte untere Fläche des Abdeckelements zu bedecken, so daß die federnden Dichtungsmittel mit der Form der gesamten ebenen Umfangskantenfläche des Stutzens an einer Eingriffsgrenzfläche (356) zwischen der ebenen Umfangskantenfläche des Ausgießstutzens und der ebenen unteren Fläche des Abdeckelements in Eingriff gebracht werden und sich an diese anpassen, wobei die federnden Dichtungsmittel (450) enthalten:
    ein erstes Substrat (452) aus federndem Material, das in die ebene untere Fläche des Abdeckelements eingreift, und
    ein zweites Substrat (454) eines flexiblen und glatten Materials, das sich vom ersten Substrat unterscheidet und es dem Abdeckelement erlaubt, sich leicht zwischen dem geschlossenen und dem geöffneten Zustand zu bewegen, wobei das zweite Substrat in die ebene Umfangskantenfläche des Ausgießstutzens eingreift.
  6. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 5, wobei das erste Substrat (452) ein geschlossenzelliger Hochdruckpolyethylenschaum ist und wobei das zweite Substrat (454) eine Kunststofflage aus Polyethylen mit ultrahohem Molekulargewicht ist.
  7. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 5, ferner enthaltend:
    eine einstückig mit dem Abdeckelement (44A) gebildete Einrichtung (460) zum Befestigen des ersten und des zweiten Substrats (452, 454) am Abdeckelement, wobei die Befestigungseinrichtung (460) enthält:
    den ersten, den zweiten, den dritten und den vierten Vorsprung (462), der einstückig mit der ebenen unteren Fläche (352A) des Abdeckelements ist und von diesem aus verläuft, wobei der erste, der zweite, der dritte und der vierte Vorsprung in das erste und das zweite Substrat eingreifen, um die Substrate am Abdeckelement zu befestigen.
  8. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 7, wobei das erste Substrat (452) vier Öffnungen (464) definiert, wobei jede der vier Öffnungen mit einem des ersten, des zweiten, des dritten und des vierten Vorsprungs (462) in Eingriff gebracht werden kann, wobei der erste, der zweite, der dritte und der vierte Vorsprung so dimensioniert sind, daß sie eng innerhalb der vier Öffnungen empfangen werden können, um so das erste Substrat am Abdeckelement (44A) zu befestigen.
  9. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 8, wobei das zweite Substrat (254) vier tassenförmige vorspringende Abschnitte (462) enthält, die mit dem ersten, dem zweiten, dem dritten und dem vierten Vorsprung (462) in Eingriff gebracht werden können, wobei die tassenförmigen vorspringenden Abschnitte so dimensioniert sind, daß sie den ersten, den zweiten, den dritten und den vierten Vorsprung eng empfangen können, um das zweite Substrat am Abdeckelement (44A) zu befestigen.
  10. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 9, wobei die vier tassenförmigen vorspringenden Abschnitte (462) so ausgelegt sind, daß sie den ersten, den zweiten, den dritten und den vierten Vorsprung (462) gleitend so empfangen können, daß sie es dem zweiten Substrat (454) erlauben, sich im wesentlichen senkrecht zur ebenen unteren Fläche (352A) des Abdeckelements (44A) bei Verdichtung und Ausdehnung des ersten Substrats (454) zu bewegen, was den federnden Dichtungsmitteln (450) erlaubt, in die Form der gesamten ebenen Umfangskantenfläche (350A) des Ausgießstutzens (40A) einzugreifen und sich an diese anzupassen.
  11. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die gießfähige Komponente (14) eine flüssige Farbkomponente ist, das Gefäß (152) ein Farbgefäß ist, die Farbe eine Farbformel ist und die Mischung gießfähiger Komponenten eine flüssige Farbmischung ist.
  12. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Abdeckelement (44A) eine ebene untere Fläche (352A) aufweist, wobei das Deckelelement ferner umfaßt:
    zwischen dem Ausgießstutzen (40A) und dem bewegbaren Dichtelement (44A) positionierte federnde Dichtungsmittel (450), wobei die federnden Dichtungsmittel das Durchlecken der gießfähigen Komponente (14) beim Neigen des Originalbehälters (16A, 16B) am Abdeckelement vorbei aus dem Ausgießstutzen im geschlossenen Zustand des Abdeckelements verhindern, wobei die federnden Dichtungsmittel enthalten:
    ein erstes Substrat (452) aus einem ersten Material und
    ein zweites Substrat (454) eines zweiten Materials, das sich vom ersten Material unterscheidet, und
    eine einstückig mit dem Abdeckelement ausgebildete Befestigungseinrichtung (460) zum Ineingriffbringen und Befestigen der federnden Dichtungsmittel am Abdeckelement, wobei die Befestigungseinrichtung enthält:
    mindestens einen Vorsprung (462), der einstückig mit der ebenen unteren Fläche des Abdeckelements ist und von dieser aus verläuft, wobei der mindestens eine Vorsprung in das erste und zweite Substrat eingreift, um die Substrate am Abdeckelement zu befestigen.
  13. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend:
    einen Lüftungsdurchgang (55A), der durch den Basisabschnitt des Deckelelements verläuft, wobei der Lüftungsdurchgang ein erstes offenes Ende (57A), das mit einem inneren Bereich des Originalbehälters (16A, 16B) kommuniziert, und ein zweites offenes Ende (59A), das mit der Atmosphäre kommuniziert, aufweist, wobei das zweite offene Ende des Lüftungsdurchgangs zumindest außerhalb eines innersten Abschnitts des zylindrischen Originalbehälters ist, um den Luftdurchzug durch den Lüftungsdurchgang beim Neigen des zylindrischen Originalbehälters zur Abgabe der gießfähigen Komponente (14) aus dem Ausgießstutzen (40A) im geöffneten Zustand des Abdeckelements (44A) zu erlauben.
  14. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 13, wobei der Originalbehälter (16A, 16B) eine Mittelachse (73) aufweist und wobei der Lüftungsdurchgang (55A) radial von der Mittelachse aus verläuft, so daß das zweite offene Ende (59A) des Lüftungsdurchgangs oberhalb eines Flüssigkeitsspiegels der gießfähigen Komponente (14) beim Neigen des Originalbehälters zur Abgabe der gießfähigen Komponente aus dem Ausgießstutzen (40A) im geöffneten Zustand des Abdeckelements (44A) liegt.
  15. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 13, ferner enthaltend:
    ein Steckerelement (63A), das mit dem Lüftungsdurchgang (55A) zum Abdichten des Lüftungsdurchgangs in Eingriff gebracht werden kann, um Kontaminationen daran zu hindern, durch den Lüftungsdurchgang in den inneren Bereich (61A) des Originalbehälters (16A, 16B) einzutreten.
  16. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 15, wobei das Steckerelement (63A) mit dem zweiten offenen Ende (59A) des Lüftungsdurchgangs (55A) in Eingriff gebracht werden kann.
  17. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 16, wobei das Steckerelement (63A) bewegbar am Basisabschnitt (26A) angebracht ist, so daß das Steckerelement zwischen einer Dichtungsposition, in der das Steckerelement in das zweite offene Ende (59A) des Lüftungsdurchgangs (55A) eingreift, und einer ungedichteten Position, in der das Steckerelement aus dem zweiten offenen Ende des Lüftungsdurchgangs abgelöst ist, bewegbar ist.
  18. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 16, wobei das zweite offene Ende (59A) des Lüftungsdurchgangs (55A) kegelförmig ist und wobei das Steckerelement ein kegelförmiges Ende (65A) zum Eingreifen in das kegelförmige zweite offene Ende des Lüftungsdurchgangs aufweist.
  19. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 13, ferner enthaltend
    ein handbedienbares Stellglied (46A) für das Abdeckelement (44A), wobei das Stellglied mit dem Abdeckelement verbunden ist, und
    eine Einrichtung (48A) zum drehbaren Anbringen des Stellglieds am Basisabschnitt (26A), so daß das Drehen des Stellglieds per Hand das Abdeckelement zwischen seinem geschlossenen und seinem geöffneten Zustand bewegt.
  20. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 19, ferner enthaltend
    ein zum Stellglied (46A) gehörendes Steckerelement, so daß Drehbewegungen des Stellglieds zum Bewegen des Abdeckelements (44A) zwischen seinem geschlossenen und seinem geöffneten Zustand das Steckerelement zwischen einer Dichtungsposition, in der das Steckerelement in das zweite offene Ende (59A) des Lüftungsdurchgangs (55A) eingreift, und einer ungedichteten Stellung, in der das Steckerelement aus dem zweiten offenen Ende des Lüftungsdurchgangs abgelöst ist, bewegen.
  21. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 19, wobei ein Drahtschleifenelement (50A) das Abdeckelement (44A) mit dem Stellglied (46A) verbindet.
  22. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 21, wobei das Drahtschleifenelement (50A) durch einen ersten Abschnitt, der vom Stellglied (46A) zum Abdeckelement (44A) hin verläuft, und einen zweiten Abschnitt, der einen Winkel bezüglich des ersten Abschnitts bildet, definiert ist, wobei der zweite Abschnitt in wenigstens eine Rückhalteausprägung des Abdeckelements eingreift.
  23. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 22, wobei der zweite Abschnitt bezüglich des ersten Abschnitts einen stumpfen Winkel bildet.
  24. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend
    ein bewegbares handbedienbares Stellglied (46A) für das Abdeckelement (44A) und
    ein Drahtschleifenelement (50A), das das Abdeckelement mit dem Stellglied verbindet, wobei das Drahtschleifenelement durch einen ersten Abschnitt, der vom Stellglied aus zum Abdeckelement hin verläuft und einen zweiten Abschnitt, der einen Winkel bezüglich des ersten Abschnitts bildet, definiert ist, wobei der zweite Abschnitt in mindestens eine Rückhalteausprägung des Abdeckelements eingreift.
  25. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 24, wobei der zweite Abschnitt bezüglich des ersten Abschnitts einen stumpfen Winkel bildet.
  26. Deckelelement (20A, 20B) nach Anspruch 24, wobei der in einem Winkel angeordnete zweite Abschnitt der Drahtschleife (50A) eine Kraft gegen das Abdeckelement (44A) aufbringt, um das Abdichten einer Grenzfläche (356) zwischen dem Abdeckelement und dem Ausgießstutzen (40A) im geschlossenen Zustand des Abdeckelements zu unterstützen.
EP00982630A 2000-02-15 2000-10-11 Dichtungsstruktur für farbenbehälter-ausgiesser Expired - Lifetime EP1255652B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US504311 2000-02-15
US09/504,311 US6230938B1 (en) 1999-10-13 2000-02-15 Seal structure for a fluid pour spout of a paint container lid member
PCT/US2000/041124 WO2001060635A1 (en) 2000-02-15 2000-10-11 Seal structure for a fluid pour spout of a paint container lid member

Publications (2)

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EP1255652A1 EP1255652A1 (de) 2002-11-13
EP1255652B1 true EP1255652B1 (de) 2007-12-12

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AU (1) AU2001219637A1 (de)
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10203033A1 (de) * 2002-01-26 2003-07-31 Ballard Power Systems Gleichstrom-Gleichstrom-Wandleranordnung für die Erzeugung mehrerer Ausgangsgleichspannungen

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1897890A (en) * 1931-03-23 1933-02-14 Cook Ernest Harwood Covering for container openings
US4127212A (en) * 1977-01-28 1978-11-28 Waterbury Nelson J Vendable reclosable beverage container
FR2600979B1 (fr) * 1986-07-04 1989-12-29 Sablons Fonderies Atel Couvercle muni d'un verseur a debit variable et d'un dispositif de mise a l'atmosphere perfectionne, notamment pour les boites de teinte de base en carrosserie automobile
FR2603527B1 (fr) * 1986-09-08 1989-04-21 Sablons Fonderies Atel Couvercle muni d'un verseur a debit variable, notamment sur les machines d'agitation
US5358153A (en) * 1991-12-30 1994-10-25 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Mixing lid including a pouring device for containers used on stirring machines
US5687885A (en) * 1995-10-24 1997-11-18 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Co. Dispensing container and sliding cap assembly
US5622289A (en) * 1996-07-01 1997-04-22 Dedoes Industries, Inc. Paint can cover assembly
US6053218A (en) * 1998-11-10 2000-04-25 X-Pert Paint Mixing Systems, Inc. Semi-automated system for dispensing automotive paint
US6095373A (en) * 1998-11-10 2000-08-01 X-Pert Paint Mixing Systems, Inc. Paint container lid for a semi-automated automotive paint dispensing system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE380680T1 (de) 2007-12-15
EP1255652A1 (de) 2002-11-13
WO2001060635A1 (en) 2001-08-23
DE60037452D1 (de) 2008-01-24
DE60037452T2 (de) 2008-04-17
AU2001219637A1 (en) 2001-08-27

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