ES2344466T3 - SPRAY GUN DEPOSIT WITH OVER-DIMMED OPENING OF QUICK FILLING. - Google Patents

Abstract

A spray gun reservoir has a detachable lid 110 with an oversize central opening 130 and a cap member 132 releasably connectable to the lid 110 for connecting the reservoir to a spray gun. The lid 110 is releasable from the cap member 132 such that liquid can be added to the reservoir without removing the lid 110 by means of the oversize central opening 130 in the lid 110.

Description

Spray gun tank with oversized quick fill opening.

Field of application of the invention

This invention concerns improvements in or referring to liquid feed assemblies for use with spray apparatus such as a spray gun. More especially, the invention relates to a gun tank spray according to the preamble of claim 1. Such Deposit is known from US Pat. A-2051518. The invention also relates to a method for use in a liquid spray apparatus according to the preamble of claim 13.

Background of the invention

Spray guns are used widely to apply a liquid to a substrate in a variety of  industries. In known spray guns, the liquid it is contained in a tank attached to the gun from where it is feed a spray nozzle. When emerging from the mouthpiece spray, the liquid atomizes and forms a jet sprayed with compressed air supplied to the nozzle. He liquid could be fed by gravity or by aspiration or, more recently, feed under pressure by an air purge coming from the compressed air line that goes to the tank or even from the spray gun itself.

A common application of guns spraying is in the body repair shops of vehicles when a vehicle is repainted by spraying It has been repaired after an accident. A typical finish of paint may require the application of a primer coat, a base coat, a top coat and a transparent lacquer. Traditionally, the deposit is a detachably mounted boat in the spray gun by fitting threads of complementary screw in the spray gun and in the boat. The spray gun and the canister have to be cleaned thoroughly to avoid cross contamination that could adversely affect the finish. This is especially important when spraying a part of a vehicle that must match exactly in color with color existing in the adjacent body. The cleaning of the gun Spraying and canister is time consuming and often requires use of solvents that are expensive and could pose a risk to Operator Health

In WO98 / 32539, the authors have previously proposed a reservoir containing a liquid in a disposable cap / shirt set. The shirt is in the shape of a tightly open top container inside an outer rigid boat, and the lid is fastened on the open end of the shirt by means of a threaded collar on the boat. The tank is releasably attached to the gun spray by means of an integral spout peak with the lid and through which the liquid is removed from the tank in use.

In this way, after spraying, the reservoir can be separated from the spray gun, released the collar and remove the lid assembly from the outer canister and shirt and discard. The outer boat and the collar can be then reuse with a new and clean shirt and cap to feed a different liquid to the spray gun. As a result, the amount of cleaning is greatly reduced necessary and the spray gun can be easily adapted to apply different liquids in a simple way.

For some applications of the gun spraying, a larger volume of liquid than the It may contain the deposit. For example, when you paint a large area or apply several layers of the same liquid to the same vehicle or to different vehicles such as when using a primer or lacquer finish. In this case, the deposit is can separate from the gun, release the collar and remove the cap to allow liquid to be added to the shirt. Then he goes back to assemble the tank and reattach to the gun spray.

Disassembly and reassembly of the tank they consume time and can cause the liquid to spill, especially when the shirt cover is removed. Also, at removing the cap to add more liquid to the shirt increases the risk of contamination from other sources, for example, dust or dirt.

The alternative of adding the liquid to the tank through the spout peak placed on the lid in order to avoiding disassembly is a slow operation, because the peak pouring, being of a small size, it has to be compatible with the connection to the spray gun, such that the liquid cannot be freely poured into the tank through the spill peak Also, the spill peak could contain a filter, or a filter could be installed in the cover through the inner end of the spout to eliminate any unwanted solid particles contained in the liquid extracted from the deposit in use. Access to the filter requires disassembly of the deposit, and the presence of said filter slows the addition of liquid to the reservoir through the spout.

Also, if the liquid contains particles solid, these will be retained on the unsuitable face of the filter.  As a result, when the tank is reattached to the gun spray, the particles could be captured with the liquid removed from the reservoir and pass to the spray gun. This could result in the spray gun being blocked. Alternatively or additionally, the particles could be applied with the liquid to the surface being spray painted, with the result that you might have to repaint the surface.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is intended to further refine the current system proposed by the own inventor and to provide additional benefits and advantages to the Username.

More specifically, at least one embodiment of the present invention provides a feed assembly of liquid for use with a spray gun that allows it to Add the liquid in a simple way.

In addition, at least one embodiment of the present invention provides a liquid feed assembly for use with a spray gun that can be supplied empty or previously filled with liquid.

Moreover, at least one embodiment of the present invention provides a liquid feed assembly for use with a spray gun that can be discarded after use in order to reduce the amount of cleaning required.

More reference will be made herein forward to other benefits and advantages of the invention.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a spray gun reservoir as per defined in claim 1.

As used herein, the term "liquid" refers to all forms of materials able to flow that can be applied to a surface using a spray gun (whether they are intended to color the surface as if they are not), including (no character limiting) paints, primers, base coats, lacquers, varnishes and similar materials similar to painting, as well as others materials such as adhesives, sealing materials, fillers, ceramic materials, coatings on powder, abrasive pickling powders, abrasive pastes, agents mold release and foundry coatings that could applied in atomized or non-atomized form depending on the properties and / or the intended application of the material, and the term "liquid" shall be construed accordingly.

Through this invention, fluid discharge of the deposit is provided by the spout peak of the member of separate cap releasably attached to the tank. How consequently, the opening made in the tank can be oversize with respect to fluid discharge, and reservoir can be separated from the cap member to add liquid to the tank through the opening without disassembling the tank. From In this way, liquid can be added to the tank in a way simple, which could reduce the risk of spillage and / or Liquid contamination

The above represents a particular benefit if the tank capacity is less than the volume of liquid required for a given application. For example, when pulverize a large area, the user can separate the cap member reservoir to fill up the tank with more liquid and reattach the tank to the member of plug.

It is also a benefit if you want to dilute the liquid being sprayed. For example, when a transparent topcoat such as a lacquer, the user can separate the reservoir from the cap member to add solvent to the tank in order to reduce the viscosity of the transparent layer for coating or mixing and reattach the reservoir to the member of cap.

The deposit could be crushable as liquid is being extracted. For example, the side wall could be flexible compared to the end wall in order to be capable of crushing the tank in an axial direction from the second end to the first end. Preferably the wall end is comparatively rigid in relation to the wall side to provide stability and allow the user hand hold the tank without crushing when the deposit to the cap member or separate from it. In a preferred arrangement, the deposit is provided with a base comparatively rigid at the second end, such that the deposit can be reversed and stand on the base to add liquid through the opening made in the wall of extreme.

The deposit could be formed in one piece. For example, the tank could be a molded part such as a injection molded part. Alternatively, the base wall and the side wall could be formed in one piece with the wall of end forming as a separate piece that attaches to the wall side. For example, the base wall and the side wall could form a container with the top open and the wall of end could form a lid for the container. The lid could be permanently attached to the container. For example, the lid is could weld or bond the container with adhesive. Alternatively, the lid could be released releasably to the container. By For example, the lid could be clamped to the container.

The cap member could adjust by thread to the Deposit. Alternatively, the cap member could be held releasable to the deposit by any other means suitable, for example a pressure adjustment. In a provision preferred, the cap member comprises a base that defines a bushing with an internal screw thread to receive a pin externally threaded that limits the opening in the reservoir and the spill peak extends from the base of the bush in the sense of moving away from the tank.

The spout has a reduced dimension in relation to the opening made in the end wall of the tank for joining the spray gun inlet. For example, the spout peak could have a smaller diameter than half the diameter of the opening made in the wall of extreme, more preferably less than a third of the diameter of the opening, and more preferably less than a quarter of the opening diameter In one embodiment, the opening has a 50-60 mm (1.97-2.36``) diameter, preferably 53 mm (approximately 2 '') and the spout peak It has a diameter of 10-15 mm (approximately 1/2 '').

Preferably, the opening is located centrally on the end wall. In this way, the size of the opening can be maximized to achieve rapid filling of the Deposit. Advantageously, the spout peak of the cap member it is coaxial with the opening in such a way that when it joins the spray gun, the tank is aligned with the shaft longitudinal center of the spray gun. As a result,  balance and handling of the spray gun does not are adversely affected by the weight of the deposit and the liquid contained in it.

Advantageously, the cap member is intended for releasable attachment to the spraying apparatus.  For example, the cap member and the spraying apparatus could be provided with cooperating formations of the type bayonet. In this way, the plug member can be connected to the -y release the spray device with or without the fixed tank through a simple action that require an effort or a minimum skills by the user.

Preferably, the spray gun It is provided with a bushing to receive the spout and the Bayonet type formations are nestable to retain the peak of poured into the cap. The bushing could be an integral part of the spray gun, or it could be a separate piece attached to the spray gun. For example, the cap could be formed by an inlet fitting attached to the gun spray.

In one arrangement, type formations Bayonets are nestable inside the cap. For example, the peak pouring could be provided with opposite lugs type bayonet at the free end that stay in a groove Bayonet type practiced in the bushing. In another provision, the Bayonet type formations are externally nestable on the cap For example, the cap could have a tab external able to cooperate with a couple of hook members that extend from the base of the cap member on opposite sides of the spout.

Preferably, bayonet type formations are nestable / detachable with less than one full turn of the cap member with respect to the spray gun, and the releasable joint between the cap member and the reservoir is arranged in such a way that the deposit is not disconnected from the member of plug when the plug member is connected / disconnected to / from the spray gun For example, when the cap member adjusts by thread in the tank, the screw threads could require more than one full return of the deposit with respect to the cap member for securing / releasing the reservoir to / from the member of plug. Alternatively or additionally, the screw threads of the cap and reservoir member could be reversed in such a way that the cap member be released from the tank by unscrewing in the counterclockwise to connect the cap member to the spray gun

The cap member could include a filter to remove any unwanted solid particles that are contained in the liquid removed from the reservoir. For example, the filter could be installed at the spout. Alternatively, the filter could sit on the base of the bushing to extend through the opening to the spout. In this way, liquid can be added to the reservoir through the unfiltered opening to extract any solid particles. In addition, if the filter becomes blocked during use, the member of the
plug.

Alternatively, the liquid added to the reservoir could be filtered to extract any solid particles, so it is not required to filter the liquid removed from the tank In use. In this way, the filter in the cap could be omitted.

The tank could be served empty so that the user fill it with liquid and fix the cap member to couple the tank to the spray gun. When the deposit is crushing, it could be crushed to a compact form to storage and transport

Alternatively, the deposit could be served prefilled with liquid and hermetically closed the opening until you want to use the liquid. For example, the opening is could close tightly using a removable closure or a breakable membrane that breaks when the cap member is fixed to the Deposit. In another arrangement, the cap member could be adapt to tightly close the opening until desired use the liquid For example, the cap member could be provided with a removable shutter at the base of the bushing for close the spout. Alternatively, a breakable membrane through the end of the spout that is break when the spout is fixed to the gun spray.

Prefilling could be used to liquids that can be packaged and stored until it is its use is necessary without degrading. Therefore, the filling prior could be especially useful for liquids that are served ready to use (i.e. without requiring a modification to get married the color with a current color). For example, the base layers in the standard colors of a specified hue and / or primers or lacquers that can be supplied in a non-activated and activated form (if necessary) by appropriate means such as exposure to a light source (ultraviolet) or electric power when require. Whatever the provision used, the deposit can be filled in use by separating the member from cap, adding liquid through the opening and re-fixing the deposit to the cap member.

Preferably, the deposit is collapsible when the liquid is removed during use. For example, a wall endpoint could be comparatively rigid compared to the side wall Thus, the end wall provides stability and allows the tank to be grasped by hand without crush when the reservoir is attached to the cap member and it separates from the cap member, and the side wall is collapsible in an axial direction towards the end wall when the liquid is is removing from the deposit during use.

In one arrangement, the cap member has a bushing provided with an internal screw thread that can be coupled with an external screw thread of a spike that extends around the opening in the end wall. In other arrangement, the marginal edge of the opening has a thread of internal screw attachable with an external screw thread of the cap member.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method for use in a spray apparatus of liquid as defined in claim 13.

By providing the deposit to a oversized quick fill opening, addition is facilitated of liquid to the tank in a simple way that decreases the spills

The invention is described below with more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings Attachments, in which:

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art spray gun;

Figure 2 is an exploded isometric view Sorting of the component parts of the paint container shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the assembled paint tank shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a longitudinal section through of the paint reservoir shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows the separation of the parts components of the paint tank of Figure 3 after use.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a adapter to connect the paint reservoir to the gun spray;

Figure 7 is a longitudinal section through of the adapter shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is an exploded isometric view ordered similar to that of Figure 2, which shows the parts components of a paint tank according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 is a similar perspective view to that of Figure 3, showing the assembled paint tank of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a longitudinal section through of the paint reservoir of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a cap member for use with the reservoir of Figures 8 to 10;

Figure 12 is a longitudinal section that shows the cap member of Figure 11 attached to the tank of Figures 8 to 10;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a reservoir and a cap member according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a alternative cap member for use with the tank of the Figures 8 to 10 or of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a plan view of a alternative adapter for use with the cap member of Figure 14 to attach the reservoir to the spray gun;

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Figure 16 is a longitudinal section similar to of Figure 12, which shows an alternative coupling between the cap member and reservoir; Y

Figure 17 is a similar longitudinal section. to that of Figure 12, which shows an alternative coupling additional between the cap member and the reservoir.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Figure 1 of the drawings shows a gun 1 of prior art paint spraying of the type of gravity feed described in our patent application in process with this published with No. WO 98/32539, whose content has been incorporated herein as reference.

The gun 1 comprises a body 2, a handle 3 extending downward from the rear end of the body, and a spray nozzle 4 at the end front of the body. Gun 1 is manually operated by a trigger 5 that is pivotally mounted on the sides of the gun.

A paint can 6, which contains paint (or a similar material) to download it using the gun, it is located over the upper body 2 and communicates with a duct internal passage (not visible) that extends through the gun to the nozzle 4.

In use, gun 1 is coupled by means of a fitting 7 at the lower end of the handle 3 to a source of compressed air (not shown) such that, when the user pull the trigger 5, the compressed air is discharged through the gun to the nozzle 4. As a result, the paint discharged by gravity from canister 6 to nozzle 4 is atomized when leaving the nozzle 4 and forms a spray jet with the compressed air that emerges from the nozzle 4.

Referring now to Figures 2 to 4 of the drawings, the paint can 6 includes an outer container 8, a disposable shirt 9, a disposable cover 10 and a collar 11. The shirt 9 corresponds in shape (and tightly fits) to inside the container 8 and has a narrow flange 12 in the open end that sits on the top edge of the container 8.

The cover 10 has a hanging skirt 13 in the peripheral edge that fits under pressure at the open end of the jacket 9 and a central opening 14 from which a discharge spout 15 that forms a discharge for fluid. The peak of pour 15 is provided at its free end with some extensions out 16 forming a part of a bayonet coupling. The opening 14 is covered at the inner end of the peak of poured 15 by a filter mesh 17 that could adjust under pressure on the skirt 13 or it could be an integral part of the cover 10. Alternatively, the filter could adjust to pressure at the peak of spill 15.

The cover 10 is firmly held in position on the container 8 by means of the annular collar 11 that threads on the container 8 on the top of the lid 10. In the assembled, the jacket 9 and the cover 10 form a reservoir for contain the paint or other liquid to discharge to the nozzle 4 a through the spout 15.

The paint can 6 is fixed to the gun 1 of spraying by using an adapter 18 as in the Figures 6 and 7 is presented separately from the paint can 6. The adapter 18 is a tubular component that is formed internally at one end with a socket 19 having the other part of the coupling of bayonet for fixing to spout 15 of cover 10. In the other end 20, the adapter 18 is shaped so that it complement with the standard fixing of the paint can of the spray gun (typically a screw thread).

The container 8 of the paint can 6 has been formed of a plastic material, for example polyethylene or polypropylene, and could be translucent (as shown in the Figure 2) or opaque, and of any suitable size. For use with a paint spray gun, could be used typically containers 8 having a capacity of 250, 500 or 800 ml, although if necessary other sizes could be used.

In this embodiment, the container 8 is of a generally cylindrical shape closed at one end 8A. The other end is open and side wall 8B is formed with a 8C external screw thread. The 8A base is flat so that the container 8 can stand without resting on a surface flat and formed with a central hole 8D. Internally, the 8B side wall narrows progressively and slightly inwards from the open end to the base 8A.

The shirt 9 is preferably transparent and is has thermally formed from a single piece of material of plastic, preferably polyethylene or polypropylene. The shape of the shirt 9 is determined by -and is combined with the shape inside of the container 8. The jacket 9, like the inside of the container 8, is of a generally cylindrical shape closed in a end 9A, and the side wall 9B narrows progressively and slightly inward from the mouth to the closed end 9A.

The closed base or end 9A is comparatively rigid, but the side walls 9B are flexible and can be do so that they can be crushed. However, shirt 9 is able to stand, unsupported, on base 9A with the 9B extended and vertical side walls as shown in the Figures 2 to 4.

When shirt 9 is crushed, the base comparatively rigid 9A retains its shape, but moves towards  the flange part 12 as a result of the crushing of the side walls 9B, as illustrated in Figure 5. The side walls 9B are crushed in a manner similar to a bag of plastic without breaking (for example by excision, tearing or cracking).

The lid 10 has also been formed of a material of plastic, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene, and could conform by an injection molding process. The Cap 10 could be translucent or opaque, and colored. The collar 11 could be a molded plastic component, or a machined metal component (for example aluminum). The adapter 18 could be a plastic or metallic component, and, for example, It could be formed of aluminum and anodized or plated.

To use the paint can 6, the adapter 18 at the end 20 to the spray gun and it Leave in that position. Then, with the canister 6 of disassembled paint as shown in Figure 2, shirt 9 is pushed into the container 8. The paint is then placed inside the shirt 9 and, if necessary, mixed with other products dyes, hardeners and diluents (solvents). Then I know push the cover 10 into place and screw the collar tightly 11 to hold the lid 10 in position.

Then the upper part of the shirt 9 between the skirt 13 of the cover 10 and the side wall 8B of the container 8, and the flange 12 of the jacket 9 is retained between the upper edge of container 8 and collar 11, as shown in Figure 4.

Then the gun 1 of spray with respect to its normal working position illustrated in Figure 1, such that the end of the spout peak 15 can be attached to adapter 18, after which the gun 1 of spraying can be put back in its working position normal to use as usual.

As the paint is removed from the inside of shirt 9, sides 9B of shirt 9 are crushed as consequence of the decrease in pressure inside the shirt 9. The base 9A of the shirt 9, as it is more rigid, retains its shape of such that shirt 9 tends to crush in the direction longitudinal rather than in the transverse direction, decreasing from that way the possibility of cavities being retained with paint in the shirt 9.

The user can choose to evacuate the air from the inside of shirt 9 before operating the gun 1 spray, although this operation is not essential. Do not However, if this operation is performed, the interval of angles at which the spray gun 1 will work so satisfactory, since there will be no risk of air insert spray gun 1 from canister 6 of painting. To evacuate the air inside the jacket 9, you must actuate the trigger 5 of the spray gun 1 while the spray gun 1 is still in position inverted

After use, when the spray gun 1, can be reversed with respect to to your work position shown in Figure 1, then disconnect the air line and briefly actuate the trigger 5 to allow that the paint contained in the spray gun 1 becomes to drain inside the shirt 9. Then it is removed from the spray gun 1 the canister 6 separating the spout 15 of the adapter 18 that remains in the spray gun 1.

The collar 11 is removed from the container 8, and pull out the top 10, taking with it to the shirt crushed 9 as shown in Figure 5. Cover 10 is discarded (including filter 17) and shirt 9 leaving clean the container 8 and collar 11 and ready for reuse with a new shirt 9 and a top 10. You just need to clean the spray gun 1, which results in a substantial reduction of the amount of solvent used.

The risk that unused paint will be Spill of canister 6 is also substantially reduced because the shirt 9 is removed and discarded in a slightly crushed state with the Top 10 in place. In addition, as the shirt 9 is discarded in a crushed state, the amount of space required for the collection of worn shirts 9.

As will be evident from the above description, disposition of disposable shirt 9 and lid 10 forming a reservoir to contain the paint or other spray liquid considerably reduces the amount of cleaning required when changing the liquid to be sprayed or when spray gun 1 is kept away from its place of use at the end of the work day.

However, it may happen that the area to be painted require a larger volume of paint than what fits in the Deposit. In these circumstances, the user has to remove the canister 6 of spray gun 1, release collar 11 and remove lid 10 to allow the tank to fill up above. Then, the cover 10 has to be put back on the open end of shirt 9, replace collar 11 and reattach the canister 6 to the spray gun 1 so that The user can continue painting. This operation is time consuming, and there is a risk that the paint will spill and / or become contaminated when cover 10 is removed.

Some users might try to fill in the deposit through spill peak 15, but this operation is even slower, with the increased risk of the spill due to the small size of the spout 15 and the presence of the filter 17. Also, any solid particles retained by the filter during the filling through the spout 15 are on the side detrimental to filter 17 when the tank is reattached to the spray gun 1. As a result, these particles are dragged in the liquid discharged to the spray gun, and this could result in a blockage inside the gun of spraying or having to perform a new finish on the surface contaminated with particles.

In order to avoid these problems, some users fill two or more deposits with the same liquid, which they can install successively on the spray gun when large areas are painted. This allows the user to change deposits and continue spraying with the same liquid. Without However, filling and assembly of several tanks consume time and adds to the operating costs. Therefore, each deposit It has a disposable shirt and a lid that is discarded after spray, and use several tanks for the same liquid means wasting said disposable items and requires that the user has a sufficient number of boats available and collars for the assembly of the tanks.

Referring now to Figures 8 to 12 of the drawings, a first embodiment is presented that allows the user add paint to the tank without disassembling the tank. By comfort, reference numbers 100 series have been used throughout all these figures to indicate corresponding parts to Figures 1 to 7, and the construction and operation of similar parts will be understood from the above description and will not be described further in detail.

As shown, paint can 106 includes an outer container 108, a disposable shirt 109, a lid disposable 110 and a collar 111 that are assembled in one way similar to the previous embodiment. In accordance with this invention, the cover 110 has a central opening 130 limited by a external tubular pin 131, and a separate member has been provided 132 of cap for attaching canister 106 to a spray gun  (not shown). By placing the opening 130 in the center, the size of the opening 130 can be maximized for a available space determined.

The cap member 132 comprises a base 133 which has a socket 134 with an internal screw thread 135 fit with a complementary and external screw thread 136 on the pin 131 to releasably hold the member of plug 132 to cover 110 in a fluid tight manner. Be understand that additional means of closure could be provided Airtight to prevent leaks, if necessary. For example, the outer end of the pin 131 could fit into a joint O-ring (not shown) installed inside cap member 132.

The cap member 132 also has a peak of pour 115 that extends from base 133 and that provides a discharge for fluids in the spray gun 101 by means of an inlet fitting (not shown) releasably attached to the spray gun In this embodiment, the cap member 132 is releasably attached to the inlet fitting by means of the fitting bayonet type 116 formations of the spout 115 with complementary bayonet formations (not shown) of the inlet fitting.

Bayonet formations require less than one complete turn of the cap member 132 with respect to the fitting input to hold / release the tank while the threads Screw cap member 132 and pin 131 require more than a complete turn of the cap member 132 with respect to the tank to couple / undock the tank. In this way, it prevents accidental or involuntary release of the deposit when the plug member 132 is fixed / separated from the gun spray.

As you can see in Figures 10 to 12, the internal diameter of the spout peak 115 is considerably smaller that the diameter of the central opening 130 of the cover 110 of the Deposit. For example, in this embodiment, the spout peak 115 It has an internal diameter of 10-15 mm (approximately 1/2 '') and the central opening 130 has a diameter internal 53 mm (approximately 2``). The spout 115 is coaxial with the central opening 130 such that, when it is coupled to the spray gun, the tank is aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the spray gun. How result, the weight of the tank and the liquid contained therein they are evenly distributed, so that the balance and the Spray gun handling are not affected detrimentally

The opening 130 is oversized with with respect to the required flow when the tank is coupled to the spray gun, and allows the tank to fill quickly by adding liquid through the opening 130 when canister 106 is disengaged from plug member 132. As a result, if you want to fill up the tank with the spray gun in use, can be separated from the member of stopper 132 the canister 106 unscrewing the coupling between the pin 131 and cap member 132 to provide access to the opening 130. Then liquid can be added to the reservoir through the opening 130 and the canister 106 reattached to the cap member 132 in the spray gun 101.

In this way, it is possible to quickly fill the reservoir pouring liquid freely into it through the oversized central opening 130. In this way, the addition of liquid to the reservoir can be carried out with relative ease without disassembling canister 106 and with less risk of spillage or of contamination of the liquid. As will be seen, the opening Central 130 could be used to add liquid to the reservoir, either when the tank in use is filled up, or when first fill the tank before the corresponding painted by spray.

The opening 130 could also allow the introduction of a tool to stir the content of the tank that allows mixing in the tank after the canister 106 has been assembled to secure the cover 110 to the jacket 109. In this way, the risk of leak.

A filter (not shown) could be provided in the cap member 132 to remove any contaminants present in the liquid, such as solid particles. For example, it you could install a filter in the spout 115 or in the bush 134 so that it extends through the end inside the spout 115 when the cover 110 is coupled to the cap member 132. Thus, if the filter reaches blocked during use, the cap member could be replaced 132.

Alternatively, a filter can be installed removable (not shown) in central opening 130 when added liquid to the tank. The filter can be of any type, and preferably it has a large specific surface so that no the addition of liquid to the reservoir is significantly reduced. From in this way, the provision of a filter in the cap member 132, thus decreasing the risk of interruption or reduction in the circulation of liquid to the gun spray due to filter blockage during use.

Referring now to Figure 13, it is shown a second embodiment of the present invention in which they are used analog reference numbers of the 200 series to indicate parts corresponding to the previous embodiments, and construction and the operation of similar parts will be easily understood at from the description already stated, so they will not be described additionally in detail.

In this second embodiment, the shirt 209 and the lid 210 are permanently attached to each other. For example, the shirt 209 and lid 210 could be integrally formed in one piece by blow molding. Alternatively, shirt 209 and lid 210 could be formed separately by molding and coupled weld seals, adhesives or other means of forming a permanent union between them.

The deposit formed by permanent union of shirt 209 and lid 210 could be used without the container exterior and collar of the previous embodiments. Alternatively, some form of external support could be provided for shirt 209 in order to protect shirt 209 and from improve stability when liquid is added to the reservoir, and during use when the tank is attached to a gun spray (not shown). The support (not shown) could comprise an outer container and a collar as described  previously. Alternatively, the lid 210 could be formed with an external tab (not shown) or a similar formation, on the that a sleeve or cage could be released releasably support to surround the shirt 209.

The tank could be served empty so that the user filled it through the central opening 230 of the lid 210 before attaching the tank to the spray gun. Alternatively, the deposit could be served previously filled with liquid and tightly close the central opening 230 of the lid 210 by a removable closure (not shown) such as a cap threaded 238 or a breakable membrane such as a strip of foil. When supplied, the breakable membrane could break when the cap member 232 is attached to the reservoir.

Pre-filling could be advantageous for liquids that can be stored without degrading and / or that do not require  a precise conjugation of colors such as paints of primer or clear coat lacquers. It could also be possible to temporarily store any liquid that has not been used when removing the spray gun reservoir tightly closing the opening 230 of the lid 210 with screw cap 238 (when supplied) or with any other closure suitable. This could allow the liquid to be used subsequently re-attaching the tank to the gun spraying, and is of a potential benefit for liquids that do not age or harden within a relatively short period of time after its first use. The deposit could crush to extract the air before attaching the screw cap 238. From this mode, it could prolong the life of the stored liquid.

With reference now to Figures 14 and 15, shows an alternative plug and inlet fitting member for use with the deposit of the present invention. For convenience, they have used the 300 series reference numbers to indicate parts corresponding to the previous embodiments, and the construction and the operation of similar parts will be easily understood at from the description already stated, so they will not be described additionally in detail.

In this third embodiment, the cap member 332 to attach the tank (not shown) to the gun spraying (not shown) is provided with a means of releasable connector separated from the spout 315. The means of connector comprise a pair of hook members 339, 340 arranged on opposite sides and separated from the spout 315. Each hook member 339, 340 is similar and has a head widened 341, 342 respectively with a chamfered face 341a, 342a ending in an undercut nerve 341b, 342b.

The inlet fitting 318 of the gun spray has an outer flange 343 at the outer end and to cooperate with hook members 338, 339 in order to releasably hold the tank to the gun spray with spout 315 housed in the bushing 319. In this embodiment, spout peak 315 has ribs 344 rings that provide a liquid tight seal within cap 319. However, it will be understood that they could provide any suitable sealing means such as a or more o-rings in bushing 319 and / or spout 315

As best seen in Figure 15, tab 343 comprises four arched recesses 345, 346, 347, 348 spaced evenly in a circumferential direction around the outer periphery, such that the recesses 345, 347 are facing each other, and rebates 346, 348 are also facing each other.

Each rebate 345, 346, 347, 348 directs in a sense to the right (seen as in Figure 15) by means of a lobe with cam action 345a, 346a, 347a, 348a at the end of rebates 345, 346, 347, 348 with a flat face 349, 350, 351, 352 which ends in a support 349a, 350a, 351a, 352a.

In use, to fasten the cap member 332 to the inlet fitting 318, hook members 338, 339 line up with a pair of opposing rebates 345, 347 or 346, 348 of the tab 343. Then the spout 315 is pushed into the interior of the cap 319 such that the widened heads 341, 342 in the distal ends of the hook members 338, 339 pass to through aligned recesses 345, 347 or 346, 348.

Then the cap member 332 is rotated with with respect to input fitting 318 to make the members of hook 338, 339 run over the lobes with cam action 345a, 347a or 346a, 348a and place the interlocking ribs 341b, 342b of heads 341, 342 behind flat faces 349, 351 or 350, 352. Thus, the plug member 332 is attached to the fitting of inlet 318 and resists axial separation of the cap member 332 with respect to the inlet fitting 318. The plug member 332 is can be separated from the inlet fitting 318 by reversing the previous operation

As shown in Figure 14, the member of cap 332 could be attached to a tank by fitting the internal screw thread 335 of the member base cap of cap 332 with external screw thread 335 of pin 331 surrounding the central opening 330 of the lid 310 of the reservoir. The cap 310 and shirt 309 could be held together releasable as shown in Figures 8 to 12, or join permanently as shown in Figure 13.

Referring now to Figures 16 and 17, show two alternative arrangements to hold so releasable the cap member to the tank. For convenience, they have used the reference numbers of the 400 and 500 series to indicate corresponding to the previous embodiments.

As shown in Figure 16, the opening 430 made in the cover 410 is provided with an internal thread screw 450, and the base of the plug member 432 has a pin 451 with an external screw thread 452 that is attachable with the screw thread 450 for releasably securing the member of stopper 432 to the tank.

In Figure 17, the lid 510 and the member of cap 532 are provided with complementary formations that can be coupled with a spring action to hold releasable the cap member 532 to the reservoir around the opening 530. In this embodiment, the complementary formations they comprise an external rib 560 in the pin 531 and a groove internal 561 in socket 534. However, it will be understood that any suitable formations could be used.

Those skilled in the art will find it obvious other arrangements for releasably holding the cap member to the tank.

As will be seen now, the present invention provides a liquid feeding apparatus for use with a spray gun that includes a reservoir that has a oversized central opening, for fast filling, and a separate cap member that can be attached to the reservoir with a spout peak that provides a fluid outlet for attach it to the spray gun. In this way, the deposit can be separated from the cap member allowing it to be added liquid to the reservoir through the central opening in a way simple with a lower risk of spillage. Additionally, through location of the opening in the center of the available space, it You can maximize the size of the opening. In addition, through arrangement of the outlet of the coaxial plug member with the opening, the tank is aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the spray gun, so that they do not result detrimentally affected the balance and handling of the gun Spray

Note also that exemplary embodiments described herein are intended to illustrate the various range and application of the invention, and that characteristics of the embodiments could be employed by separately or in combination with any other features of the same or different embodiments.

In addition, although it is believed that the realizations Described and illustrated copies represent for the applicant the optimal means currently known, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, and that can be done various modifications and refinements within reach and spirit of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims (15)

1. A spray gun reservoir comprising a container (108) having a base and a side wall extending from the base to define an opening at one end of the container, a lid member (110; 210; 410; 510) which is releasably fixed to the container at the open end, and a cap member (132; 232; 332; 432; 532) which is releasably fixed to the lid member (110; 210; 410; 510) and having a spout peak (115; 215; 315; 415; 515) that provides an outlet to transfer the liquid removed from the reservoir to the inlet of a spray gun characterized by the spout peak outlet (115; 215 ; 315; 415; 515) is in fluid communication with an opening (130; 230; 430; 530) in the cover member (110; 210; 410; 510) whereby the liquid removed from the reservoir is released at the inlet of the spray gun through the opening (130; 230; 430; 530) in the cover member (110; 210; 410; 510) and the discharge of the spout peak (115, 215, 315, 415, 515) of the cap member (132, 232, 432, 532), the opening (130, 230, 430, 530) in the cap member (110, 210, 410, 510) which is substantially greater than the output at the spout peak (115; 215; 315; 415; 515) of the cap member (132; 232; 332; 432; 532), wherein the container (108) can be removed from the spray gun by releasing the cap member (110; 210; 410; 510) of the stopper (132; 232; 332; 432; 532) to add liquid to the container (108) through the opening (130; 230; 430; 530) in the lid member (110; 210; 410; 510) with the lid member (110; 210; 410; 510) connected to the container. 2. A spray gun tank according to claim 1, wherein the container is provided with a shirt (109) that corresponds in shape and fits tightly with the inside the container (108), the shirt (109) can be crushed to the withdraw liquid from the reservoir when it is used. 3. A spray gun tank according to claim 2, wherein the shirt (109) can be disassembled of the container (108) with the cover member (110) when the member Cap (110) is released and separated from the container. 4. A spray gun tank according to any preceding claim, wherein the cap member (132; 232; 332; 432) is releasably attached to the member of cover (110; 210; 410) by fitting screw threads (135, 136; 236; 450, 452) complementary to the cap member and The cover member. 5. A spray gun tank according to claim 4, wherein the cap member (132) comprises a base defining a bushing (134) with a screw thread (135) internal that can fit with a threaded pin (131) outwardly enveloping the opening of the cover member (110). 6. A spray gun tank according to claim 5, wherein the cover member (110) is fixed releasable to the container (108) by means of a collar (111) which has an opening through which the spike extends (131). 7. A spray gun tank according to any preceding claim, wherein the spout peak (115; 215; 315; 415; 515) has a diameter less than half of the opening diameter (130; 230; 430; 530) in the cover member (110; 210; 410; 510). 8. A spray gun tank according to any preceding claim, which includes a filter for filter liquid added or removed from the reservoir. 9. A spray gun tank according to any preceding claim, wherein the deposit has a longitudinal central axis and the opening (130; 230; 430; 530) and the spill peak (115; 215; 315; 415; 515) are arranged coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis. 10. A spray gun reservoir according to any preceding claim, wherein the deposit is a gravity fed tank. 11. Liquid spray apparatus that comprises a spray gun a gun tank of spray as claimed in any claim above, releasably connected to the gun spray. 12. Liquid spray apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the spray gun is a gravity fed spray gun. 13. A method for use in an apparatus of liquid spray comprising the steps of provide a container (108) of liquid that It has a base and a side wall that extends from the base to an open end to hold liquid, provide a cap member (132; 232; 332; 432; 532) with a spout peak (115; 215; 315; 415; 515) that provides an outlet and a cover member (110; 210; 410; 510) connectable to the cap member (132; 232; 332; 432; 532) release the cover member releasably (110; 210; 410; 510) to the open end of the container, release the member's release releasably stopper (132; 232; 332; 432; 532) at the inlet of a gun spray, run the spray gun with the cap member (132; 232; 332; 432; 532) connected to the member cap (110; 210; 410; 510) to transfer liquid from the container to the spray gun; disconnect the spray gun from container (108) and add liquid to the container (108), reconnect the spray gun to the container, and run the spray gun to transfer the added liquid to the container to the gun spray characterized by provide the cover member (110; 210; 410; 510) with an opening (130; 230; 3430; 530) in communication of fluids with the discharge spout outlet (115; 215; 415; 515) of the cap member (132; 232; 332; 432; 532) so that the liquid removed from the tank is released at the entrance of the gun spray through the opening (130; 230; 3430; 530) of the cap member (110; 210; 410; 510) and spout peak outlet (115; 215; 315; 415; 515) of the cap member (132; 232; 432; 532), so that the opening (130; 230; 430; 530) is substantially greater than the outlet to add liquid from the container (108) to through the opening when the spray gun gets disconnects from the container (108) releasing the lid member (110; 210; 410; 510) of the cap member (132; 232; 332; 432; 532).

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14. A method according to claim 13, in the that the spray gun is a spray gun gravity fed and the stage of connecting the container (108) is carried out by inverting the spray gun from its normal operating position. 15. A method according to claim 14, in the that, after use, the liquid inside the gun spray is drained again into the container (108) reversing the spray gun from its position of normal operation and operating the gun spraying in an inverted position before disconnecting the container (108).