MXPA06008101A - Bayonet type adapter assembly for the supply cup of a spray gun - Google Patents

Abstract

An adapter assembly for connecting a fluid supply assembly to a fluid applicator. The adapter assembly includes an outer lid (508) for the fluid supply assembly and an adapter. The adapter assembly provides a connection between the fluid supply assembly and the fluid applicator that can be engaged quickly, easily, and securely, and which has a strong tight seal around the connection.

Description

ASSEMBLY ADAPTER TYPE BAYONET FOR VESSEL FOR SUPPLY OF A PULVERIZING GUN BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is generally directed to a fluid supply assembly for a fluid applicator, and more particularly to an adapter assembly for connecting a fluid supply assembly to a fluid applicator. Typically, the connection between a fluid supply assembly and a fluid applicator, such as a paint sprayer for painting and repainting automobiles in sheet and plywood workshops, is through an adapter between the fluid supply assembly and the fluid applicator, such as with a threaded connection between the supply vessel and the adapter. However, it is difficult to avoid leakage of the threaded connections without the precise machining of the threads or the use of seals, particularly for threaded connections that have a short duration. Attempts have been made to create a connection between a supply vessel and an adapter that can be snapped and unhooked quickly and easily. U.S. Patent Nos. 6,356,687 and 6,595,441 disclose a connection between a paint vessel or reservoir and an adapter having several parts. However, the adapter can not be rotated without being fully inserted. Therefore, the adapter may appear to be securely connected to the paint vessel when it is not. An improper connection may result in the paint vessel detaching from the paint sprayer, creating a mess. In addition, the connections described in these patents are unnecessarily complex.

Therefore, there remains a need for a connection between the fluid supply assembly and an adapter that can be coupled quickly, easily and safely, and that provides a tight seal around the connection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention meets this need by providing an adapter assembly for connecting a fluid supply assembly to a fluid applicator. The adapter assembly includes an external cover for the fluid supply assembly, the outer cover has a generally cylindrical integral coupler with a through hole through it, the coupler has a tongue at an upper end and a horizontal stop at a lower end; and an adapter having a first end and a second end, and a hole between the first end and the second end, the first end has a connecting surface adapted to mate with a complementary connecting surface in the fluid applicator, the second end. The end has a portion having a first shape and a portion having a second shape, the portion having the first shape is adapted to pass the tab so that the second end can be inserted into the coupler, and the portion that has the The second form is shown so that the tongue can not pass, the second end has a height such that the second end fits between the horizontal stop and the tongue of the coupler, whereby when the adapter is rotated, the portion which has the second shape is retained under the tongue so that the adapter is secured to the outer lid. Another aspect of the invention is the method of connecting a fluid supply assembly to a fluid applicator. The method includes providing an outer cap for the fluid supply assembly, the outer cap having a generally cylindrical integral coupler with an opening therethrough, the coupler having a tongue at an upper end and a horizontal stop at a lower end; providing an adapter having a first end and a second end, and a hole between the first end and the second end, the first end having a connecting surface adapted to engage with a complementary connecting surface in the fluid applicator, the second end has a portion having a first shape and a portion having a second shape, the portion having the first shape is adapted to pass the tab so that the second end can be inserted into the coupler, and the portion that it has the second form is adapted so that it can not pass the tongue, the second end has a height such that the second end fits between the horizontal stop and the tongue of the coupler; connect the first end of the adapter to the fluid applicator; coupling the portion having the first shape with the tongue of the coupler and inserting the second end of the adapter into the coupler in the outer cover until the second end reaches the horizontal stop; and rotating the second end of the adapter in the coupler so that the portion having the second shape is retained below the tongue thus securing the adapter to the outer lid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a paint sprayer powered by a plurality of fluid supply assemblies according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a side sectional view showing the parts separately of one embodiment of a fluid supply assembly according to the present invention. Figure 3 is a partial side sectional view of the assembled connection between the reusable cup holder and the reusable outer lid of the present invention. Figure 4 is a partial side sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the reusable outer lid showing the stacking of the fluid supply assemblies of the present invention. Figure 5 is a side sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the disposable lid of the present invention. Figure 6 is an assembled side sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the disposable lid of Figure 5 and the disposable container. Figure 7 is a side sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the disposable container of the present invention. Figure 8 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the disposable container of the present invention. Figure 9 is a side sectional view of the disposable container of Figure 8 on an axle. Figure 10 is a side sectional view of the disposable container of the Figure 8 on the other axis. Figure 11 is a side sectional view, partially assembled, of the connection between an embodiment of an adapter useful in the present invention and the reusable outer lid of the present invention. Figure 12 is a top view of the adapter of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a top view of the assembled connection of Figure 11 before rotating it (without the filter). Figure 14 is a perspective view of the reusable outer lid. Figure 15 is a top view of the assembled connection of Figure 11 after rotation (without the filter).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A fluid supply assembly attached to a fluid applicator is shown in Figure 1. In one embodiment, the fluid supply assembly is for feeding liquid, such as paint, to the paint applicator, such as a paint sprayer. The present invention will be described for a paint sprayer, such as a paint sprayer fed by gravity to be used in the application of paint to coat the surfaces of the substrate. The paint sprayer can be used in the automotive refinish trade, such as sheet metal and paint shops, for automotive refinishing. Although the fluid supply assembly is described for a paint sprayer, it is not limited to such use. This can be used to supply other liquids capable of flowing, including, but not limited to, beverages, foods, condiments (such as ketchup), sweets, petrochemicals and hydrocarbons, water, water-based solutions, solvent-based solutions. , emulsions, adhesives and the like. Referring now to Figure 1, a paint sprayer 10 is shown. This includes a main body 15, a nozzle assembly 20 secured to a front end 25 of the main body 15, and a handle 30 that hangs from a rear end 35 of the main body 15. A trigger 40 is pivotally secured to the main body 15 for manual operation of the sprayer 10. A top-mounted paint supply assembly 45 is mounted to the main body 15 near the front end 25 for feeding the paint to the nozzle assembly 20. An air connector 50 is connected to an air hose (not shown) for supplying pressurized air to the nozzle assembly 20, wherein the supply of pressurized air is controlled by the trigger 40 The compressed air from the The air connector 50 is fed through an internal passage (not shown) to the nozzle assembly 20 and the compressed air acts to atomize the paint and feed it through the nozzle assembly 20 to spray the paint around the paint axis. The paint is fed to the nozzle assembly 20 from the paint supply assembly 45. Figures 11 to 15 show an embodiment of the adapter assembly 500 of the invention. The adapter assembly 500 includes the adapter 505 for the connection between the height sensor 10 and the outer cover 508. The adapter 505 includes a first end 510 capable of coupling with the paint sprayer 10., shown in the Figure 1, a second end 515 capable of coupling with the outer cap 508, and a hollow hole 520 between the first end 510 and the second end 515. In one embodiment, the first end 510 has a smaller diameter than the second end 515. The first end is generally cylindrical in shape. The first end 510 has a connecting surface 525 for coupling with a complementary connecting surface 530 in the paint sprayer 10. The connecting surface 525 and the matching complementary connecting surface 530 include, but are not limited to, screw threaded surfaces , tabs and slots, tapered connections, bayonet connections, adjustment connections, or the first end 510 can be integrated with the paint evaporator 10 so that the adapter 505 is a feed conduit to the sprayer 10. Desirably , the connecting surface 525 and the complementary connecting surface 530 are threads of a typical size and spacing for the paint sprays so that the fluid supply assembly can be used with any of several sprays. The second end 515 has a portion having a first shape 535 and a portion having a second shape 540. The portion having the first shape 535 can be flat, and the portion having the second shape 540 can be bent, if you want Alternatively, the portion having the first shape may have a simple or complex shape, including but not limited to, bent inwardly or outwardly. If the portion having the first shape is curved, it must have a curvature different from that of the portion having the second shape. The portion having the second shape may also have a shape other than the bent one. Desirably, the second end 515 has opposite fin portions 535 and opposite bent portions 540. There may be one or more planar portions, and one or more bent portions. Desirably, there are two opposed flat portions and two opposite bent portions. The outer cap 508 has a generally cylindrical coupler 545 with an opening 550 therethrough. The opening 550 is generally circular. The opening 550 in the outer lid 508 has at least one tongue 555 extending inwardly at the upper end of the opening 550. The tongue 550 has a shape that allows the portion having the first shape to pass to one side thereof. , but not to the portion that has the second form. If a flat portion 535 is used, the tab 555 is typically flat. The tongue 555 may be on the edge of the upper end of the coupler 545, or it may be below the edge, as desired. There is at least one horizontal stop 560 in the opening 550 below the tongue 555. The second end 515 has a height so that it fits between the horizontal stop 560 and the tongue 555 of the coupler 545 so that the second end 515 enters only the desired distance. When the second end 515 hits the horizontal stop 560, the adapter 505 is rotated to secure the fluid supply assembly to the paint sprayer 10, as shown in Figure 15. Alternatively, the outer cap 508 can be rotated. on the adapter 505. When the adapter 505 is rotated, the tabs 555 are coupled with the upper part of the curved portion 540 of the second end 515. There is at least one vertical stop 562 on the inner side of the opening 550. The vertical stop 562 prevents the adapter 505 from rotating too much that the flat portions 535 again unite with tabs 555 so that adapter 505 could disengage. The vertical stops 562 can extend from the tab 555 to the horizontal stop 560, if desired. Alternatively, the vertical stops 562 may extend part of the distance between the tab 555 and the horizontal stop 560. The adapter 505 can not be rotated until it is fully inserted into the opening 550 due to the flat portions 535 and the bent portions 540 from the second end 515, the flat portions 555 of the coupler 545, and the height of the second end 515. This prevents the fluid supply assembly from detaching from the adapter 505 due to improper assembly of the connection. In addition, the sides of the coupler 545 support the bent portion 540 of the second end 515 which reduces the ability of the second end 515 to move within the coupler 545. This helps to provide a stable connection between the fluid supply assembly and the adapter . The adapter assembly may include a disposable cap 565 with a coupler 570, if desired. As the second end 515 is inserted into the coupler 545 of the outer cap 508, the coupler 570 of the disposable cap 565 enters the hole 520 of the adapter 505. This connects the interior of the fluid supply assembly to the passage in the spray gun. The adapter assembly can optionally include a filter 575. The filter 575 can be inserted into the hole 520 of the adapter 505. The filter 575 can optionally include a projection 580 that prevents the collapse of the disposable filter when the fluid connection between the interior is closed of the fluid supply assembly and the orifice 520 of the adapter 505. The projection 580 can also be used to remove the filter 575 as needed for cleaning or replacement. The adapter assembly of the present invention can be used with any fluid supply assembly having an external cover with a coupler as described herein. This is particularly suitable for use with the fluid supply assembly described in the joint procurement application for Fluid Supply Assembly, with Attorney Registration Number 14406, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Figures 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of a paint supply assembly 45 of the present invention. The paint supply assembly includes a disposable container 55. The disposable container 55 has a side wall 60 which is generally cylindrical. The outlet end 65 at the top of the vessel is open, and the bottom 70 is closed. The side wall 60, the outlet end 65 and the bottom 70 define an interior 75. The exit end 65 defines an axis 80. There is a flange 85 extending outward and downward from the edge of the exit end 65. flange 85 extends downwardly at an angle a in a range of about 10 ° and 70 ° from shaft 80 of outlet end 65. Disposable vessel 55 may be made of transparent or translucent plastic if desired. Appropriate plastics include, but are not limited to, low density polyethylene. The disposable container has flexible side walls that allow the disposable container to collapse as the paint is delivered. The side walls can be thin, for example in the range of about 0.076 mm to about 0.2032 mm. The bottom may be slightly thicker, in the range of about 0.076 mm to about 0.508 mm, so that the bottom will remain practically flat as the sidewalls collapse, if desired. No vent hole is needed in the disposable vessel because the side walls collapse. This allows the user to discharge the paint sprayer at any angle without leaks and to use more of the paint inside the vessel than is possible with conventional gravity-fed paint vessels. The reusable cup holder 90 is generally cylindrical. This has a side wall 95, an open upper end 100, and a lower end 105. The lower end 105 has an opening 110 therein. The opening 110 can cover all or almost all of the lower end 105, if desired. Alternatively, the lower end could have one or more smaller openings. The opening 110 at the lower end 105 allows the ambient air pressure to help collapse the disposable vessel during use. Optionally, the reusable cup holder 90 may include one or more legs 112 extending downwardly from the lower end 105. The legs may extend around the opening 110 (i.e., a circular rib) or only a portion of the path around the opening 110. The legs 112 can assist in the stacking of the fluid supply assemblies as described below. The upper end 100 defines an axis 115. A flange 120 extends outwardly and downwardly from an edge of the upper end 110. The flange 120 extends downwardly at an angle β in the range of 10 ° to 70 ° of the end shaft 115 upper 100. The angle ß is substantially the same as the angle α of the flange 85 of the disposable container 55. When the disposable container 55 is placed in the reusable container 90, the flange 120 of the reusable container 90 holds the flange 85 of the container disposable 55. There is a connection surface 125 at the upper end 100 of the reusable reusable holder 90. The connecting surface 125 may be on a side wall, extend outwardly from the side wall, or may extend outwardly from one end of the flange. 120, if desired. The reusable cup holder 90 can be manufactured from a rigid plastic, including, but not limited to, polypropylene or high density polyethylene. Desirably, the selected plastic is of sufficient strength that the reusable cupholder can withstand the clamping force of a paint agitator. The plastic is desirably transparent or translucent, although it may be opaque. If an opaque plastic is used, the side wall must have elongated openings in it so that the disposable container and its contents can be observed. Typically, the walls may be in the range of about 0.508 mm to 2.03 mm thick. The disposable lid 130 has a generally truncated cone portion 135. The outer edge 140 of the generally truncated cone portion 135 defines an axis 145. The angle y of the outer edge 140 of the generally truncated cone portion 135 is in a range from about 10 ° to 70 ° of the shaft 145. The angle y is practically the same as the angle a of the flange 85 of the disposable container. The disposable lid 130 fits over the disposable container 55, and the edge 140 of the disposable lid 130 engages the flange 85 of the disposable container 55. The interior of the disposable lid 130 may have a rib 150 extending downward, if desired. you want The downward extending rib 150 extends inwardly 75 of the disposable vessel and coplates with the inside of the inner wall 60 of the disposable vessel 55, forming a seal. Additionally, there may be a sealing flange projecting downward 155 into the interior of the disposable lid 130. The downwardly projecting sealing flange 155 engages the flange 85 of the disposable container 55 to assist in the formation of a seal. There is a coupler 160 integrally connected to the generally truncated cone portion 135. The coupler 160 has an opening 165 extending therethrough. The disposable lid 130 can be made of transparent, translucent or opaque plastic. Suitable plastics include, but are not limited to, polypropylene or high density polyethylene. The reusable outer lid 170 has a generally truncated cone portion 175. The outer edge 180 of the generally truncated cone portion 1 75 defines an axis 185. The angle d of the outer edge 180 of the generally truncated cone portion 175 is in the range of about 10 ° and 70 ° of the axis 185. The angle d is practically the same as the angle ß of the flange 120 of the reusable pocket holder 90. The outer edge 180 of the reusable external lid 170 engages the flange 120 of the reusable pocket holder 90. There is a complementary connector surface 190 on the outer edge 180 of the reusable external lid 170. In this embodiment, the complementary connector surface 190 extends below the outer edge 180, although other arrangements are possible. The complementary connector surface 190 engages the connector surface 1 25 of the reusable container holder 90 to simultaneously seal the reusable container holder 90 and the reusable container lid 170. The reusable container lid has a coupler 195 integrally connected to the generally truncated cone portion 175. The coupler 195 has an opening 200 extending therethrough. The coupler 160 of the disposable lid fits or fits into the coupler 195 of the reusable outer lid 170. The reusable outer lid 170 can be made of a hard, strong plastic. Desirably, the selected plastic is sufficiently strong that the reusable outer lid can withstand the clamping force of a paint agitator. Examples of suitable plastics include, but are not limited to, acetal. Acetal is not typically transparent. Therefore, the reusable outer lid 170 may include one or more peepholes so that the level of paint is visible to the user, if desired. The peephole can also allow the user to write the name of the name of the paint type on the disposable lid, and allows easy removal of the disposable lid from the reusable outer lid. A conduit 210 connects the fluid supply assembly to the paint sprayer 10. The conduit 210 splices with the coupler 195 of the reusable outer lid 170 and the coupler 160 of the disposable lid 130. The conduit 210 has an opening 215 through which it is disposed. East. There is a path for fluid to flow from the interior 75 of the disposable container 75 through the opening 105 in the disposable lid 130 through the opening 215 in the conduit 210 to the paint sprayer 10. A filter can be placed optional 220 in the opening 215 in the conduit 210, the opening 200 in the reusable outer lid 170, or the opening 165 in the disposable lid 130 for filtering impurities. In order to use the fluid supply assembly, the disposable container 55 is placed in the reusable container holder 90. The flange 85 of the disposable container 55 engages the flanges 120 of the reusable container holder 90. The flange 85 centers the disposable container 55 in the reusable cup holder 90. Optionally, there may be indicia or signals 230 in either the disposable cup 55 or the reusable cup holder 0, or both. The signals 230 can be molded on the side, printed on the side, a label can be fixed on the side, or the marks can be provided in some other way. The signals 230 can be used to measure the components of the paint. Alternatively, the disposable container and the reusable container holder can be used on a scale, or with a measuring tablet to measure the components of the paint. The indicia or marks may include mixing scales with one or more mixing ratios, for example mixing ratio 4: 1, mixing ratio 2: 1; mixing ratio 3: 2: 1, etc. Each mixing ratio could include one or more divisions with different sizes so that different amounts of fluid can be measured using each mixing ratio. The signals can also include one or more universal scales, that is, scales with divisions of equal size. A universal scale could have 20 equal divisions, another 10 equal divisions, a third with 5 equal divisions. You can have as many universal scales as you need. Multiple universal scales allow the user to measure different amounts of fluid without using the mixing ratio scales, which should not be included. The user can select the appropriate universal scale based on the amount of fluid needed. Alternatively, the measurement guide may have printed signs on a thin, thin, flat plastic sheet. The plastic sheet has connecting portions on opposite sides of the sheet, including, but not limited to, tabs and slots. The plastic sheet is formed in a cylinder, and the tabs are inserted into the grooves. The measuring guide can be placed on the table, and the disposable container, or the reusable container holder with the disposable container in it, can be placed inside the cylinder. After the components of the paint are measured, the disposable container (and the reusable container holder, if present) is removed from the cylinder. This can be done by lifting the disposable container by means of the flange, or by separating the tabs and grooves in the blade. Separate or removable tabs at 180 degrees apart can help in removing the disposable container. The disposable container can then be placed in the reusable holder (if it is not already there). This measurement guide improves visibility and accuracy by measuring the components of the paint. The rectangular shape is easy to manufacture. This eliminates the need for the exact placement of a label on the reusable vessel or the reusable holder. The more direct view of the signals is also allowed than with the label (ie, through the label, the reusable cup holder, and the disposable container). It is particularly advantageous when a disposable vessel of smaller diameter is used because the signals can be placed next to the disposable vessel. Finally, if the disposable container is used alone, the reusable holder remains cleaner because it is not used when emptying or measuring the paint. The sheets can be formed in different sizes so that the measurement guides can be used with different sizes of disposable containers. A larger sheet could be used with the reusable cup holder and / or the larger disposable cup. The cylinder formed by the larger sheet is large enough so that the reusable pocket holder and / or the larger disposable container fits inside. The larger sheet may include a marking, such as a dotted line near the bottom, to allow proper alignment with the signals depending on whether or not the largest disposable container is used with the reusable pocket holder. The inner eye could be used when the larger disposable container is used with a reusable cup holder that has legs. When the larger disposable vessel is used alone (or the reusable vessel does not affect the alignment, for example, because it has no legs), the blade can be cut in the marking. This allows for the correct alignment in any situation. A smaller sheet can be used when a smaller disposable container is used. The reusable cup holder would not generally be used with the smallest disposable vessel when fluid is measured to provide the correct alignment of the signals and the smallest disposable vessel. After the disposable container 55 is filled with paint, the disposable lid 130 is placed on top of the disposable vessel 55. The angle? of the edge 140 of the disposable lid 130 is substantially the same as the angle a of the flange 85 of the disposable container 55 so that the edge 140 of the disposable lid 130 engages with the flange 85 of the disposable container 55. The angle? centers the disposable lid 130 on the disposable vessel 55. The angle? of the disposable lid 130 also allows for the additional sealing area without an increase in the total external diameter of the fluid supply assembly. The downwardly extending rib 150 inside the disposable lid 130 fits into the disposable container 55. There may be one or more ribs extending downwardly 150 around the disposable lid 130 as it extends the partial path around the interior of the disposable lid 130. the disposable lid 55, or the rib can extend to the end like this. The downwardly extending rib 150 holds the disposable lid 55 in place, and this can also function as a seal. The disposable lid 55 may also have a downwardly extending sealing flange 155 which contacts the flange 85 of the disposable container 55 to improve sealing. The reusable outer lid 170 is placed over the top of the disposable lid 130. This is tightened to the reusable holder 90 using the connection surface 125 of the reusable reusable holder 90 and the complementary connection surface 190 of the reusable external lid 170. The surfaces connection and suitable complementary connection surfaces include, but are not limited to, threaded connections, ears and slots, and spikes and grooves. The outer edge 180 of the reusable outer lid 170 has an angle d that is substantially the same as the angle ß of the flange 120 of the reusable reusable holder 90. The clamping of the reusable outer lid 170 to the reusable reusable holder 90 simultaneously holds the edge 140 of the disposable lid 130 and the flange 85 of the disposable container 55 between the edge 180 of the reusable outer lid 170 and the flange 120 of the reusable reusable holder 90. The angle increases the clamping force without an increase in twist. The angles a of the flange 85 of the disposable container 55,? of the edge 140 of the disposable lid 130, ß of the flange 120 of the disposable cup holder 90, and d of the edge 180 of the reusable external lid 170 are generally within the range of ° and 70 ° of the respective axis, typically about 20 ° to 60 °, more typically about 30 ° and 50 °, more typically about 35 ° and 45 °. When the angles a and? of the flanges 85 of the disposable container 55 and the edge 140 of the disposable lid 130 coincide with the angle at which the fluid supply assembly is fixed to the paint sprayer so that in use the disposable lid is substantially parallel to the axis of painting of the paint sprayer, almost all the paint of the disposable vessel is used. Because the cost of a typical mixed paint is above $ 1.00 per ounce of fluid, reducing paint waste is an important consideration. A plug 235 can be used to cover the coupler 160 in the disposable lid 130. The plug 234 can fit inside or outside the coupler 160. The plug 230 seals the opening 165 in the coupler 160 for agitation or storage. In one embodiment, the fluid supply assembly of the present invention is strong enough to be placed inside a paint mixing machine without any additional support. The conduit 210 is placed inside the coupler 195 in the reusable outer lid 170. An optional filter 220 is inserted into the opening 215 of the conduit 210. Alternatively, the filter 220 can be placed in the coupler 160 of the disposable lid 130 or the coupler 195 of the reusable outer lid 170. The filter 220 may have a projection 225, if desired, which prevents crushing of the disposable container 55 by blocking the opening 165 through the conduit 210. The projection 225 may also be used to remove filter 225 for cleaning or disposal. The conduit 210 can be filled with solvent and closed for storage, if desired. If an internal socket plug 235 is used for the coupler 160 in the disposable vessel 130, the plug of the same size can fit into the conduit. The fluid supply assembly is fixed to the conduit 210. The conduit 210 connects the reusable outer lid 170 and the paint sprayer 10, and provides a fluid path from the interior 75 of the disposable container 55 to the paint sprayer 10. An alternate embodiment for the reusable outer lid is shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, the reusable outer lid 300 has an outer potion 305 and an outer portion 310. The outer portion 310 is generally truncated cone. The outer edge 315 defines an axis 320. The angle d of the outer edge 315 is in the range of plus or minus 10 ° and 70 ° of the axis 320. As in the first embodiment, the angle d is practically identical to the angle ß of the tab 120 of the reusable cup holder 90. The inner portion 305 is substantially flat. Alternatively, it may be at an angle different from the angle of the outer edge. This may optionally include one or more upwardly extending tips 325. The tips 325 may extend all or part of the way around the reusable outer lid 300.

These can be placed to engage the legs 1 12 of an adjacent reusable pocket 90a, allowing the fluid supply assemblies to be stacked on top of each other. If the distance through the legs 112 of the reusable cup holder is less than the diameter of the lower end of the reusable vessel and the reusable cup holder to be used in a paint shaker, it may be desirable to include a second ring in the part bottom of the reusable cup holder. The second ring should be of equal (or substantially equal) diameter as the lower end of the reusable cup holder in order to transfer the clamping force of the paint agitator to the reusable cup holder side wall, reducing the deflection of the bottom of the reusable cup holder. The reusable outer lid has a coupler 330 integrally connected to the inner portion 305. The coupler 330 has an opening 335 extending therethrough. The outer edge 315 of the reusable outer lid 300 engages the flange 120 of the reusable holder 90. There is a complementary connector surface 340 on the outer edge 315 of the reusable outer lid 300. The complementary connector surface 340 couples with the connector surface 125 of the reusable cup holder 90 for sealing both the reusable cup holder 90 and the reusable outer lid 300. An alternative embodiment of the disposable lid is shown in Figures 5 and 6. The disposable lid 350 has an inner portion 355 and an outer portion 360. The outer portion 360 is generally truncated cone shaped. The outer edge 365 of the outer portion 360 defines an axis 370. The angle? A of the outer edge 365 of the outer portion 360 is in a range of plus or minus 10 ° to 70 ° of the axis 370. As in the first embodiment, the angle? a is practically the same as the angle a of the flange 85 of the disposable vessel 55. The inner portion 355 1 has a generally ronco-conical 375 and a projection extending upwards 380 at the outer end. The upwardly extending projection 380 is connected to the outer portion 360. There is a copier 385 integrally connected to the inner portion 355. The coupler 385 has an opening 390 that extends through it. The outer portion 360 engages the flange 85 of the disposable container 55. The upward extending projection 380 fits within the exit end 65 of the disposable container 55 to form an additional seal. The alternative modalities of the disposable vessel are shown in the FIGS. 7 to 10. In FIG. 7, FIG. 1, FIG. 7, FIG. 1, shows a lower portion of a generally cylindrical side wall 405, an intermediate portion of a generally frustoconical side wall 415, and an upper portion of generally cylindrical side wall 420. The outlet end 425 on top of the disposable vessel 400 is open, and the bottom 430 is closed. The lower sidewall portion 405, the intermediate sidewall portion 415 and the upper sidewall portion 420, the exit end 425, and the bottom 430, define an interior 435. The interior 435 is smaller than the interior 75 The smaller diameter of the lower portion of the side wall allows accurate measurement of paint proportions when less paint is to be used. Exit end 425 defines an axis 440. There is a flange 445 extending outwardly and downstream from the edge of outlet end 425. Tab 445 extends downwardly at an angle aa in a range of plus or minus 10 ° at 70 ° from the shaft 440 of the outlet end 425. The outlet end 425 is adapted to be placed on the reusable bag, which is used to fit the reusable bag. Alternatively, the lower portion of the generally cylindrical side wall may be offset, ie not concentric with the upper portion of the side wall. This would bring the lower portion of the side wall close to the side wall of the reusable cupholder, allowing easy reading of any signal or measurement mark. In Figures 8 to 10, the disposable container 450 has a generally elliptical sidewall lower portion 455, an intermediate sidewall portion 460 extending from the lower sidewall portion to the generally cylindrical upper sidewall portion 465. The outlet end 470 on top of the disposable container 450 is open, and the bottom 475 is closed. The lower sidewall portion 455, the intermediate sidewall portion 460 and the upper sidewall portion 465, the exit end 470 and the bottom 475, define an interior 480. The interior 480 is smaller than the interior 75 The elliptical shape makes it easier to read the signs or markings to measure lapura because the disposable container extends near the reusable cup holder. The longest axis of the ellipse can extend all or virtually all the way through the diameter of the reusable cupholder, or a little less than all or virtually all the way through the diameter. The output end 470 defines an axis 485. There is a flange 490 extending outward and downward from the edge of the outlet end 470. The flange 490 extends downwardly at an angle aa in a range of about 10 °. at 70 ° from the shaft 485 of the outlet end 470. The outlet end 470 is adapted to be placed in the reusable cup holder, so that it is sized to fit in the reusable cup holder. In these embodiments, the distance through the outlet end of the disposable container is greater than the distance through the bottom in at least one direction. The smaller portion of the disposable container may extend the total height of the side wall or less than the total height of the side wall. If the side wall is cylindrical, and the smaller diameter portion extends the total height of the side wall, it can be connected to the flange by a flat annular portion. If this does not extend the total height of the side wall, it can be connected by an upper portion of a generally frustoconical side wall. Other arrangements of the side wall are possible, as are known to those skilled in the art. This embodiment of the disposable container can be used with the reusable container holder and the outer lid and the disposable lid without any modification of the assembly, allowing the use of different sizes of disposable containers in the fluid supply assembly. The fluid supply assembly has been shown and described with the disposable container and the reusable container holder which are generally cylindrical, which is a typical form because of the ease of manufacture and use. However, other forms could be elaborated, including, but not imitated, square, triangular, p-intagonal, and lptical, etc. While certain modalities and representative details have been shown for purposes of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that different changes in the compositions and methods disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, which it is defined in the appended claims.

Claims (26)

1. An adapter assembly for connecting a fluid supply assembly to a fluid applicator, characterized in that it comprises: an outer cover for the fluid supply assembly, the outer cover has a generally cylindrical integral coupler with an opening therethrough, the The coupler has a tongue at an upper end and a horizontal stop at a lower end; and an adapter having a first end and a second end, and a hole between the first end and the second end, the first end has a connecting surface adapted to mate with a complementary connecting surface in the fluid applicator, the second end. end has a portion having a first shape and a portion having a second shape, the portion having the first shape is adapted to pass through the tongue so that the second end can be inserted into the coupler, and the portion having the second form is adapted so that it can not pass through the tongue, the second end has a height such that the second end fits between the horizontal stop and the tongue of the coupler, whereby when the adapter is rotated, the portion that The second form is retained under the tongue so that the adapter is secured to the outer lid.

The adapter assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that the portion having the first shape is flat, and the portion having the second shape is bent.

The adapter assembly according to claim 2, further characterized in that there are two opposed planar portions and two opposite bent portions.

4. The adapter assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first end is generally cylindrical.

The adapter assembly according to claim 4, further characterized in that the portion having the second shape is bent and the diameter of the first end is smaller than the diameter of the bent portion of the second end.

The adapter assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that there are at least two portions having the first shape.

The adapter assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that there are at least two portions having the second shape.

The adapter assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that the connection surface and the complementary connection surface are selected from threads, tabs and slots, tapered connections, bayonet connections, or fitting connections.

The adapter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a disposable lid having a generally cylindrical integral coupler with an opening therethrough, the disposable lid coupler adapted to fit within the hole of the adapter when the Adapter is attached to the outer cover, the opening of the disposable lid being in fluid communication with the adapter hole.

The adapter assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that the adapter is made of metal.

The adapter assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that the outer cover is made of plastic.

12. The adapter assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that the coupler is generally cylindrical.

The adapter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a filter placed in the hole of the adapter.

The adapter assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that the coupler has a vertical stop in the opening.

15. The adapter assembly according to claim 14, further characterized by the vertical stop extending from the tongue to the horizontal stop.

16. An adapter assembly for connecting a fluid supply assembly to a fluid applicator, characterized in that it comprises: an outer cover for the fluid supply assembly, the outer cover has a generally cylindrical integral coupler with an opening therethrough , the coupler has a tongue on one upper end and a horizontal stop on a lower end; an adapter having a first end and a second end, and a hole between the first end and the second end, the first end has a connecting surface adapted to engage with a complementary connecting surface in the fluid applicator, the second end it has a flat portion and a bent portion, the flat portion is adapted to pass through the tongue so that the second end can be inserted into the coupler, and the bent portion is adapted so that it can not pass through the tongue, the second end it has a height such that the second end fits between the horizontal stop and the tongue of the coupler, whereby when the adapter is rotated, the bent portion is retained under the tongue so that the adapter is secured to the outer lid; and a disposable lid having a generally cylindrical integral coupler with an opening therethrough, the disposable lid coupler adapted to fit within the adapter hole when the adapter is attached to the outer lid, the opening of the disposable lid being in fluid communication with the adapter hole.

The adapter assembly according to claim 16, further characterized in that the first end is generally cylindrical.

The adapter assembly according to claim 16, further characterized in that a diameter of the first end is less than a diameter of the bent portion of the second end.

19. The adapter assembly according to claim 16, further characterized in that there are two opposed planar portions and two opposite bent portions.

The adapter assembly according to claim 16, further characterized in that the connection surface and the complementary connection surface are selected from threads, tabs and grooves, tapered connections, bayonet connections, or fitting connections.

21. The adapter assembly according to claim 16, further characterized in that the coupler of the outer cover and the coupler of the disposable lid are generally cylindrical.

22. The adapter assembly according to claim 16, further characterized in that the coupler has a vertical stop in the opening.

23. The adapter assembly according to claim 22, further characterized in that the vertical stop extends from the tongue to the horizontal stop.

24. A method of connecting a fluid supply assembly to a fluid applicator, characterized in that it comprises: providing an external cover for the fluid supply assembly, the outer cover having a generally cylindrical integral coupler with an opening therethrough, the The coupler has a tongue at an upper end and a horizontal stop at a lower end; providing an adapter having a first end and a second end, and a hole between the first end and the second end, the first end has a connecting surface adapted to engage with a complementary connecting surface in the fluid applicator, the second end The end has a portion having a first shape and a portion having a second shape, the portion having the first shape is adapted to pass the tab so that the second end can be inserted into the coupler, and the portion that has the The second form is designed so that the tongue can not pass, the second end has a height such that the second end fits between the horizontal stop and the tongue of the coupler; connect the first end of the adapter to the fluid applicator; coupling the portion having the first shape with the tongue of the coupler and inserting the second end of the adapter into the coupler in the outer cover until the second end reaches the horizontal stop; and rotating the second end of the adapter in the coupler so that the portion having the second shape is retained below the tongue thereby securing the adapter to the outer lid

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that it further comprises: providing a disposable lid having a generally cylindrical integral coupler with an opening therethrough; and insert the coupler of the disposable lid into the hole of the adapter.

26. The method according to claim 24, further characterized in that the coupler has a vertical stop in the opening, and wherein the second end of the adapter is rotated until it engages with the vertical stop.