Classifications

• • 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
  • B44D3/003—Methods or devices for colour determination, selection or synthesis, e.g. use of colour tables
• • 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

Definitions

• the present invention concerns a manual tintometric system, a relative method and the device which allows said system to be actuated, for the rapid, precise and repeatable coloring of base paints and decorative coatings , for example white , which are made available for use , in a plurality of desired shades , by using single- dose packs of concentrated paste dye .
• the invention in a first embodiment , concerns a system that uses single-dose packs of dyes based on single pigments , or pre-mixed, in order to obtain the coloring, according to a pre-determined arrangement , of one or more unitary volumes of paints and coatings according to a finite and pre-determined plurality of different shades .
• the invention concerns a system that provides to use one or more single-dose packs in combination, according to a pre-determined arrangement, in order to easily obtain a potentially unlimited number of precise and reproducible shades , in which a high constancy of the result is guaranteed.
• the paste dyes to which the invention refers are concentrated dispersions of pigment, ready for use and prepared in single-dose packs with a pre-established shape , type and capacity.
• the base paints and/or coatings to which the invention refers are paints and/or coatings for decorative use, of any nature and type whatsoever (paints , washables , stuccoes , quartz coatings , lime-based, etc . ) , which are used in pre-established quantities consisting of a predetermined number of unitary volumes .
• the base paints and/or coatings are advantageously supplied together with the single-dose packs , since the base paints can also be characterized by a pre-determined quantity of titanium dioxide and other white pigments which conditions the repeatable obtaining of the desired shades .
• the coloring system described here is valid and applicable irrespective of the characteristics of the base itself , in terms of content of titanium dioxide or other white pigments , and also of the level of coating and yield.
• the base paints and/or coatings to which the invention refers can therefore be white , medium or neutral, depending on the type of final effect that is to be obtained.
• Coloring pastes of various nature are available on the market, and in packs of various capacity, which are added to and mixed with base paint products ; this method of coloring does not, however, ensure a certain final result, since the result depends on the percentages of dye that are added to the base paint, on the characteristics of reproducibility of the dye and, not last although to a lesser extent, on the degree of whiteness of the paint product.
• US-A-2.663.461 concerns single-dose packs to deliver pre-determined quantities of a particular substance , particularly medicines or suchlike, but does not concern systems for the repeatable and reliable preparation and coloring of colored paints and coatings starting from a base paint .
• FR-A-I .081.825 concerns a method for preparing dyes for painting automobiles , in which single-dose packs of pigments are used, each one relating to a color of an automobile, but it does not concern a tintometric system of distributing to any user a single-dose pack of pigments to be used and/or combined together, and to be added to pre-determined quantities of a base paint/coating, in order to obtain in a repeatable and systematic way colored paints and coatings starting from a base paint or coating.
• Purpose of the present invention is therefore to solve the problems described, guaranteeing the exact and constant reproducibility of the shades even for personnel who are not particularly expert, by using a coloring system that ensures easy use, rapid execution and extreme constancy and repeatability of results .
• the Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages .
• the present invention provides to pre-pack a plurality of concentrated paste dyes , based on defined pigments , or mixtures of pigments , each one contained in a single-dose pack of a pre-determined shape, type and capacity (volume ) .
• Each of the single-dose packs allows a complete , immediate and constant dosage of the specific individual dye selected, in the base paint or decoration to which the desired shade is to be attributed.
• each of the single-dose packs contains a specific paste dye ( as said, of the type with one or several pigments ) , pre-mixed at fixed percentages , which allows to achieve a finite range of pre-determined shades depending on the number of dyes required.
• the maximum number of combinations that can be obtained, excluding the variability in the quantities of the base paint, can be calculated by the formula k» [ (n+m)+(n » m) ] , where n and m are equal to the number of individual dyes ( single-dose packs ) which can be combined together (with the individual dyes which can be the same as or different from each other) , and k is the number of packs used in the mixture , according to a combination system that will be described in detail hereafter .
• the dyes pre-mixed in pastes and contained in the single-dose packs , can have one of the following generic combinations : a) pre-dispersed pigments in paste, with a defined or mixed color index, of both inorganic or organic type ; b) dyes formulated in such a manner as to obtain both arbitrary shades , and also specific shades , for example coded internationally (for example RAL, NC, etc . ) .
• the pre-mixed paste dyes are prepared in single-dose packs having a usable capacity (volume ) varying from 5 to 250 ml.
• the single-dose pack is produced in plastic material (PE, LDPE, MDPE, HDPE , PET , PP , etc . ) single or combined ( for example aluminum-plastic , etc . ) .
• plastic material PE, LDPE, MDPE, HDPE , PET , PP , etc .
• the single-dose packs are produced by means of thermoforming starting from plastic laminates .
• the single-dose pack is produced in metal material .
• each pack is provided with a suitable opening system, by cutting.
• the shape of the single-dose pack is advantageously designed to allow the content to be completely emptied, irrespective of alterations of a physical type ( separation, etc . ) that the content (dye) may suffer during extended storage .
• the polymer material with which the single-dose pack is produced can be transparent , opaque or pigmented.
• the system and the method according to the invention are advantageously actuated by means of a device which comprises a plurality of single-dose packs , each containing a pre-determined quantity of a single paste dye, at least a panel , or alternatively one or more color cards , carrying the shades of the dyes contained in the single-dose packs and the shades obtainable from the combinations of the single-dose packs , and at least a container in which a plurality of tins of base paint/coating are positioned.
• the client purchases the format of base paint/coating and one or more single-dose packs to be added to the same base so as to achieve the combination corresponding to the desired shade .
• the device also comprises a distribution machine, in which the single-dose packs are disposed, which automatically distributes , according to the user ' s requests , the specific packs needed to obtain the desired shade .
• - fig. 1 is a schematic view of a first form of embodiment of a device to actuate the combined tintometric system according to the present invention
• - fig. 2 is a schematic view of a second form of embodiment of a device to actuate the combined tintometric system according to the present invention
• figs . 3 to 9 show schematically some forms of embodiment of single-dose packs used in the distribution devices in figs . 1 or 2.
• the reference number 10 indicates generally a distribution device to actuate a combined tintometric system according to the present invention.
• the distribution device 10 is of the manual type and comprises a panel 11 and a box 14 , the latter disposed below the panel 11.
• the panel 11 is substantially divided into three boxes , respectively 12 , 13 and 15 , while the box 14 is open from the upper side and inside it a plurality of tins 18 are positioned, containing a determinate quantity of base paint/coating.
• the base paint/coating can be white , or of another type, for example medium or neutral.
• the box 12 of the panel 11 is on the y axis , and a number n of pre-prepared single-dose packs 16 are positioned therein, for example hanging on hooks by means of holes of the Euroslot type.
• Each single-dose pack 16 contains a corresponding quantity of a base dye varying from about 5 ml to about 250 ml , denominated for example A-ochre, B-maize, C-pine, D-papaya, and others .
• respective colored spaces 17 are provided, adjacent to the single-dose packs 16 , which allow to display the color of the dye contained in the corresponding adjacent single-dose pack 16 and the use of the single-dose packs 16 in single or double quantity.
• the box 13 is on the x axis and a number m of pre- prepared single-dose packs 16 are positioned therein, for example hanging on hooks by means of holes of the Euroslot type , as can be seen in figs . 3 to 9.
• Each single-dose pack 16 contains a corresponding quantity of a base dye varying from about 5 ml to about 250 ml, denominated for example 1-green , 2-earth, 3-iris , 4- mango, and others .
• the box 15 is disposed between the above mentioned boxes 12 and 13 , and a plurality of colored spaces 19 are provided therein, which carry the graphic representation of the shade that can be obtained from the combination of one or more single-dose packs 16 disposed on the y axis with one or more single-dose packs 16 disposed on the x axis , and lying on the horizontal and vertical lines that cross in correspondence with said colored space 19.
• the n + m dyes are used to obtain a number k # (n+m) of pre-determined shades and another k» (n»m) shades deriving from the combination thereof .
• the number k of shades will be equal to 2.
• the number k of shades will be equal to 3.
• the shade obtainable from the combination of the individual single-dose packs 16 present respectively on the x axis and on the y axis is shown graphically exactly in correspondence with the intersection of the lines passing through the colored space 19 showing the desired shade .
• a different type of panel in which the single-dose packs 16 are disposed in a single file, for example below, above or laterally to the panel, and above the box 14.
• the single-dose packs 16 are stacked one on the other inside specific containers situated behind the panel and there is an aperture present towards the outside, for example located immediately below the panel , advantageously in correspondence with an abbreviation that identifies the content of the pack 16.
• the single-dose packs 16 can easily be picked out by the user. Every time that a pack 16 is removed, a new pack is made available to the user in correspondence with the aperture .
• the panel does not carry the shades obtainable where the x axis and the y axis cross , but advantageously carries the formulas or recipes of all the shades obtainable from an arbitrary combination of the single- dose packs 16 combined with the panel .
• the system since the system teaches the user how to achieve any arbitrary type of combination of the single-dose packs 16 available, the number of shades obtainable from the combination of the packs 16 is much higher than the shades obtainable with the pre-determined combinations obtained in correspondence with the intersections of the panel 11 in fig. 1.
• a second form of preferential embodiment is shown of a distribution device, in this case indicated generally by the reference number 110 , of an automatic or semi-automatic type .
• the distribution device 110 comprises a panel 111 , a box 114 and a distribution machine 120.
• the panel 111 has a number n of colored spaces 17 on the y axis , each bearing a determinate base color, and a number m of colored spaces 17 on the x axis , so as to define a number k of colored spaces 19 bearing the various shades obtainable from the combinations of the various base dyes .
• the same considerations apply as were set forth concerning the shades obtainable from the combination of the base dyes .
• the panel 111 can indicate, as an alternative to or in replacement of the shades obtainable in correspondence with the intersections of the x axis and y axis , all the shades obtainable from any arbitrary combination of the single- dose packs 16 available .
• the pre-prepared single-dose packs 16 are disposed inside the distribution machine 120 which then provides to selectively distribute them according to the chosen shade .
• the client directly picks up the single-dose pack or packs 16 hanging on the panel 11 , or disposed on a side of or below the panel, while in the semi-automatic system the client identifies the shade in the same way on the panel 111 , which is however marked by a progressive and defined number , or from a defined abbreviation/name .
• the client keys in the number (or the abbreviation) corresponding to the chosen shade on a command panel 121 provided on the distribution machine 120 and, by means of a color monitor 122 , the distribution machine 120 allows the faithful display of the selected shade.
• the client confirms the selection and the distribution machine 120 will supply one or more single-dose packs 16 relating to the desired shade.
• the combined system according to the invention is therefore very efficient, since it is enough to load the distribution machine 120 with a rather limited number of different base dyes , in order to obtain from their combination a large number of shades .
• the distribution machine 120 can be implemented with a command panel 121 of the palm type, that is , the panel 111 is shown directly on the monitor 122 , so that the user can move left and right along the line of m dyes to select the one desired, and along the column of n dyes to perform the selection.
• the user can press a selection key, or press the screen directly in correspondence with the shade .
• the selection thus effected determines the expulsion of the selected single-dose pack 16 , or of several single- dose packs 16 even different, to be used in combination to obtain the desired shade .
• the quantity of base paint if this is divided into unitary quantities , for example in the event that in the box 114 there are tins 18 of different capacity, for example 4 liters and 10 liters .
• the possibility may be provided to select the base paint, should the shades have been designed for two or more base coatings with different characteristics , for example in terms of degree of white , cover, chemical composition and other.
• a completely automated distribution device 110 is provided, in which all the shades on the panel 111 are distinguished by an abbreviation or a defined number, so that they can be selected on the distribution machine 120.
• the panel showing the shades can be analogous to the panel 111 or it can carry an indefinite number of shades of any type .
• the distribution machine 120 does not contain inside any already pre-packed single-dose packs 16 , but the single-dose packs 16 are prepared at the moment, inside the distribution machine 120 , by delivering paste dyes .
• the functioning of the distribution machine 120 is therefore similar to that used for automatic distributors of instant hot drinks .
• the distribution machine 120 following the selection by the client, supplies one single-dose pack 16 of paste dye, the composition and quantity of which is prepared at the moment, thus also reducing the limits of capacity for the single-dose pack 16.
• the distribution machine 120 comprises inside a device for the application of a label on the single-dose pack 16.
• the label can for example contain the following data:
• the distribution machine 120 also comprises inside a series of containers for the paste dyes and an electronic delivery system totally analogous to the usual electronic and automatic tintometric systems present on the market .
• the distribution machine 120 delivers the mixture of dyes in a single-dose pack 16 , closes it hermetically, applies the complete label and then expels it.
• tintometric systems currently present on the market is the considerable simplicity of use of the distribution device both manual 10 or automated 110 , without any assistance from specialized personnel .
• the client has to be assisted by specialized personnel .
• the client informs the specialized assistant, who effects the operations to add the dye and subsequent mixing with the base paint .
• the system described in the present invention does not require the assistance of specialized personnel , since the client only has to select the shade combined with a determinate base paint, pick up the single-dose pack 16 and then carry out the mixing for himself .
• the specialized personnel will only have to perform the maintenance of the distribution device 10 , 110 from time to time , exclusively to top up the single- dose packs 16 and the tins 18 of the base paint, and to carry out the ordinary cleaning of the possible nozzles and the delivery system.
• the system according to the invention is therefore particularly suitable for the less expert user, who can thus choose the desired shade from a sample of shades displayed graphically on the panel 11 , 11 and, mixing the single-dose packs 16 with the base paint contained in the tins 18 , can obtain the desired result , with certainty, constancy and repeatability.
• the machine could distribute and/or display color cards , which can be consulted manually, on which the combinations obtainable starting from the single-dose packs 16 available on the machine are reported.
• This solution is advantageously applicable in cases where, for reasons of space , it is not possible to use machines equipped with panels of a certain size .
• Figs . 3 to 9 show some of the possible variants of single-dose packs 16 provided in the system according to the invention.
• all the embodiments of single- dose packs 16a, 16b, 16c , 16d, 16e, 16f and 16g, as described hereafter, can be made irrespectively of transparent, opaque or pigmented plastic material, such as PE, LDPE , MDPE, HDPE, PET, PP or other, single or combined, by means of thermoforming, and are provided with a cutting opening system.
• the single-dose packs can also be made of metal material , for example aluminum, or multiple combined.
• figs . 3 , 4 , 5 and 6 show single-dose packs 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d made of polymer material, either in the form of a flexible bag, made of impermeable plastic , or multiple combined.
• the single-dose pack 16e is made in the form of a sachet made of impermeable plastic material, or multiple combined, such as for example aluminum-plastic , Tetrapack®, or suchlike .
• Fig. 8 shows an embodiment wherein the single-dose pack 16f is made in the form of a tube of polymer material , multiple combined or metal, for example aluminum, equipped with a screw top and closed at the end by means of heat welding.
• the single-dose pack 16g can also be made in the form of a dosing syringe . It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to what has been described heretofore, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
• the device 10 can also be used without the base paints/coatings , but only to combine together two or more single-dose packs 16 in order to obtain a desired and pre-determined shade , for example indicated on the panel or on a relative color card.

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• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)
• Application Of Or Painting With Fluid Materials (AREA)
• Paints Or Removers (AREA)

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• 2004
  • 2004-12-23 IT IT000238A patent/ITUD20040238A1/it unknown
• 2005
  • 2005-12-22 AT AT05826408T patent/ATE482762T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2005-12-22 EP EP05826408A patent/EP1830946B1/de not_active Not-in-force
  • 2005-12-22 DE DE602005023902T patent/DE602005023902D1/de active Active
  • 2005-12-22 WO PCT/EP2005/057083 patent/WO2006067206A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2005-12-22 RU RU2007126982/12A patent/RU2390376C2/ru not_active IP Right Cessation

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