WO2006098623A1

WO2006098623A1 - Disposable cup for a paint sprayer and paint sprayer provided therewith

Info

Publication number: WO2006098623A1
Application number: PCT/NL2006/000146
Authority: WO
Inventors: Menno Arjan Broers
Original assignee: Emm Productions B.V.
Priority date: 2005-03-18
Filing date: 2006-03-20
Publication date: 2006-09-21
Also published as: NL1028575C2; EP1866099A1

Abstract

A disposable cup for a paint sprayer, provided with a bottom and a longitudinal wall wherein in the bottom, a sealing part is provided which, upon placement on an adapter of a paint gun, is pressed at least partly from the bottom for opening a communication between the cup and the paint sprayer, while further, a lid is provided for sealing the cup, which lid is preferably displaceable within the cup.

Description

Title: Disposable cup for a paint sprayer and paint sprayer provided therewith.

The invention relates to a disposable cup for a paint sprayer. Paint sprayers for spraying paints, varnishes, coatings and the like under pressure are known from practice. A distinction can be made here between paint sprayers with reusable cups and with disposable cups. Reusable cups have as a disadvantage that they must be cleaned regularly, which is undesired from an environmental viewpoint, in particular with paints, varnishes and the like that can be dissolved and removed only with environmentally unfriendly thinning and cleansing agents. Moreover, such a cup needs each time be completely emptied before another paint, varnish, coating or the like can be sprayed with the paint sprayer.

In order to reduce or eliminate these drawbacks of reusable cups, it has already been proposed to use disposable cups on paint sprayers. Such cups are offered, inter alia, by the company 3M, Zoetermeer, the Netherlands and are described in, for instance, US 6 595 441 and US 6 536 687. These patent publications all relate to paint sprayers wherein, in a reusable cup, a liner in the form of a thin-walled disposable cup is provided which, after it has been emptied via the paint gun, can be taken out of the reusable cup and can be thrown away, with or without a remainder of paint, varnish or coating or like medium to be sprayed. The cup is filled in an upright position and then covered with a lid on which the paint sprayer is screwed in upside down position. Then, the cup with paint sprayer is turned over, so that the cup is held upside down and paint can be sprayed therefrom via the paint sprayer.

WO 98/32539 describes comparable solutions to the use of a disposable spray cup. In that publication, in one embodiment, a disposable spray cup is shown which, filled with paint or like medium to be sprayed, can be placed in closed condition in the cup of the paint sprayer, upside down, so that it is instantly ready for use. With all known disposable cups described hereinabove, the advantage occurs that placing and, optionally, filling thereof is cumbersome and can easily lead to contamination of a user and his or her environment.

The object of the invention is to provide a disposable cup which is easy in use.

A further object of the invention is to provide a disposable cup which is easy to fill.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a disposable cup that can be utilized without reusable cups. The invention further contemplates providing a paint gun provided with such a disposable cup.

At least a number of these and further objects are achieved with a disposable cup according to the invention.

With a disposable cup according to the invention, a sealing part is utilized which is provided in the bottom of the cup and seals off the cup liquid - tightly at least at that bottom side. Only upon placement of the cup on a paint sprayer, this sealing part is at least partly pressed away and a liquid communication can be created between the paint gun and the content of the cup. A cup according to the invention offers the advantage that it can be filled and placed on a paint gun in upright position, whereupon it is instantly ready for use.

A further advantage of a cup according to the invention is that it is simple to build up and use. Preferably, a disposable cup according to the invention has, opposite the bottom, a relatively large filling opening on which, for instance, a known paint sieve can be placed for filling the disposable cup with the desired liquid such as paint, varnish or coating. It is then preferred that a disposable cup according to the invention can stand on the bottom, at least a provision connected thereto, so that the filling opening at the top side is free. Consequently, filling and sealing off the disposable cup is simplified even more.

With a disposable cup according to the invention, preferably, use is made of a lid sealing off the disposable cup at the side remote from the bottom. It is preferred that this lid can be displaced within the cup and seals off substantially air -tightly against the inside of the longitudinal wall. The longitudinal wall is then preferably of substantially cylindrical design over the larger part of the height of the cup, so that the lid can move from the circumferential edge around a filling opening facing away from the bottom to a point adjacent the bottom and can still keep the desired, substantially air-tight sealing. During use, the lid preferably follows the liquid level in the disposable cup, preferably at a relatively small distance so that reduced pressure in the disposable cup is prevented and moreover, no undesired air enters in with the liquid. As a result, the quality of the liquid to be sprayed in the disposable cup is maintained even better.

A sealing profile can be provided along the circumference of the lid for obtaining a good sealing. This may be an integral part of the lid.

With a disposable cup according to the invention, the edge of the longitudinal wall of the cup remote from the bottom is preferably designed such that it can be folded inwards after the lid has been inserted into the cup. The inwardly folded edge then confines the lid within the disposable cup. With it, an inadvertent removal of the lid is simply prevented and the disposable cup can also be used in a position other than upright, for instance horizontally or even upside down. The edge mentioned can, for that matter, also be manufactured in a position folded inward such that under temporary deformation of the edge, the Hd can be inserted into the disposable cup whereupon the edge will substantially take up its original form, thereby confining the lid.

Herein, upright is understood to include a position in which the bottom faces downwards. It is preferred that the longitudinal wall of the disposable cup be formed such, for instance with a minimum clearance angle, that at least two such disposable cups can be nested. Lids can then be stored separately from the cups. In a lid of or for a disposable cup according to the invention, preferably, a de-aeration means is provided, for instance a valve or the like. As a result, during use, a pressure difference between the inside space of the cup and the environment can simply be equalized, so that the lid can, for instance, be displaced. In advantageous embodiments, the lid can be substantially piston- shaped and, through reduced pressure that may occur due to paint flowing from the cup, be moved in the direction of the bottom, or be bellows-shaped or comprise a bellows-shaped part, with a closed end that is moved in the direction of the bottom due to the reduced pressure, and then preferably enables the entire volume of the cup that is closed off by the lid to be filled with paint.

The invention further relates to an assembly of a spray cup according to the invention and an adapter for positioning on a spray gun. An adapter in an assembly according to the invention offers the advantage that with it, a spray cup according to the invention can be used on a standard spray gun. The adapter is particularly convenient for opening the spray cup when this is being placed on the spray gun. The disposable spray cup can be coupled to the adapter in a simple manner, whereby the adapter can be placed on the spray gun in a simple manner. The invention further relates to an assembly of a disposable cup and a spray gun characterized by the features of claim 18.

Such an assembly offers the advantage that the disposable cup can be filled in a simple manner, separate from the spray gun, and can then be coupled to the spray gun while simultaneously opening a sealing of the cup. As a result, contamination of the environment can be prevented in a simple manner both when filling the cup and when placing and connecting it. Moreover, for connection, no additional operations are required.

The invention furthermore relates to a method for providing a spray cup on a spray gun, characterized by the features of claim 19. With such a method, in a particularly simple and clean manner, a spray cup for a spray gun can be prepared and be arranged on the spray gun.

The invention furthermore relates to a lid for a spray cup, in particular suited for use within the invention.

In the further subclaims, further advantageous embodiments are given. In clarification, exemplary embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be further described with reference to the drawing. In the drawing:

Fig. 1 shows, in perspective view, a spray gun with a disposable cup, interconnected by an adapter, according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows, in cross-sectional side view, a part of an assembly of an adapter and disposable cup according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows, in perspective view, a disposable cup according to the invention;

Fig. 4 shows, in perspective view, a bottom of a disposable cup according to the invention; Fig. 4A shows, in cross-section, a part of the bottom 8 with sealing part 13;

Figs. 5A and 5B show, in perspective top plan view, an adapter without and with a sieve;

Fig. 5 C shows a cross-section of a part of the adapter with the tightening profile;

Fig. 6 shows, in perspective view, an adapter, with a part of a bottom of a disposable cup according to the invention, in pressed-open condition;

Fig. 7 shows in three steps the filling and sealing of a disposable cup according to the invention; Fig. 8 shows in cross-sectional side view a part of a disposable cup with a lid according to the invention therein;

Fig. 9 shows four steps for placing a lid for a disposable cup according to the invention, in an alternative embodiment; Fig. 10 shows, in cross-sectional perspective view, an alternative embodiment of a cup according to the invention;

Figs. 11 A - C show the use of a disposable cup according to Fig. 10;

Figs. 12A and B show, in perspective bottom view, a part of a bottom of a disposable cup and a detail of the coupling between an adapter and such a disposable cup according to the invention;

Fig. 13 shows, in perspective view, a further alternative embodiment of an adapter and sieve according to the invention;

Figs. 14 A, B and C show, in cross -sectional side view, a further variant of a spray cup with, in particular, a lid for it and, in perspective view, a separate lid in two variants;

Fig. 15 shows a first alternative embodiment of a lid according to Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 shows a second alternative embodiment of a lid according to Fig. 14; and Figs. 17A and B show, in cross-sectional view, a part of a connection of a lid according to any one of Figs. 14 — 16, in mono material and two materials, respectively, in particular 2K injection-molded.

In this description, only embodiments of the invention are shown which should not be construed to be limitative in any manner. In the Figures, identical or corresponding parts have identical or corresponding reference numerals. Combinations and assemblies of parts of the different embodiments shown are understood to be disclosed herein. This applies particularly, but not exclusively for combinations of embodiments and parts thereof of an adapter, cup and lid. Fig. 1 shows an assembly of a disposable cup 1, and a spray gun 2, mutually coupled by an adapter 3. The disposable cup 1 will further also be referred to as cup 1. The spray gun 2 can be designed as a spray gun known from the state of the art. Such spray guns are provided with a connection 4 for a pressure gas and a trigger mechanism 5 for spraying paint or varnish or like liquids, suspensions or the like from a cup 1 via a nozzle 6. For coupling to known cups, such a spray gun 2 is usually equipped with a coupling 7 such as for instance a screw thread in which or on which a (fixed) spray cup can be screwed. Instead of screw thread, also, a bayonet catch or the like can be provided. This coupling 7 is used according to the invention for placing the adapter 3 as will be further described. As such spray guns are sufficiently known, this will not be further described here.

The cup 1 is manufactured from relatively thin plastic, preferably at least partly transparent. As clearly appears from Fig. 2, the cup 1 is cup- shaped with a bottom 8 and an upright wall 9 which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, is substantially cylindrical or frustoconical so that the wall 9 tapers somewhat in the direction of the bottom 8, so that the cup is releasing. The angle α of the wall 9 with the bottom 8 is, on the inside of the cup 1, for instance somewhat greater than 90°, for instance between 90 and 94°, more in particular approximately 92°, so that the cups 1 can be nested. On the side remote from the bottom 8, the bottom has an opening 11 defined by a circumferential edge 10 of the wall 9, wherein, in Fig. 1, a lid 46 is shown in half-closed condition. This will be further elucidated. In the bottom 8, a sealing part 13 is provided represented in Fig. 1 in opened position, which is operated by the adapter 3. First coupling means 14 are provided for coupling the adapter 3 to the cup 1 at the bottom 8 in a manner to be further described. At the side remote from the cup 1, the adapter is provided with second coupling means 15 for coupling to the coupling 7 of the spray gun 2. This means that for each type of spray gun 2, in a simple manner, a suitable adapter 3 can be provided. At the underside of the bottom 8, legs 16 are provided on which the cup 1 can be set on a surface, for instance on a table, when it is detached from the adapter. The first coupling means 14 are then designed such that they do not reach below the free underside of the legs 16, so that the cup 1 can be set down stably. Herein, legs 16 is understood to include any element extending from or adjacent the bottom so that the cup 1 can be set down in upright position with the opening 11 upwards. In such a position, the cup 1 can be filled with a medium such as paint or varnish to be sprayed. The plastic from which the cup 1 is manufactured is preferably so rigid that the cup is self- sustaining, that is to say, does not deform to a relevant extent if the cup 1, filled with for instance paint or varnish, is set down or taken up and manipulated during placement on the adapter and/or the spray gun.

Fig. 2 schematically shows, in cross-sectional side view, a cup 1 on an adapter 3 according to the invention, with partly removed wall 9 at the location of the lid 46. In Fig. 2, for the sake of simplicity, only the left hand part is shown. The right hand part is, in mirrored condition, identical hereto. Figs. 3 and 4 clearly show, together with Fig. 5, the first coupling means 14 and the second coupling means 15. That is why these Figures will be discussed jointly.

From the bottom 8, from the underside thereof, extend two substantially concentric edges 17, 18 between which an annular groove 19 is provided. Within the inner concentric edge 17, the sealing part 13 is provided. Furthermore, at two opposite sides of the edges 17, 18, two snap edges 20 extend from the underside of the bottom 8, each having an undercut 21 open at the side facing away from the opposite snap edge 20. Above the undercuts remains an outwards extending coupling flange 2OA with a thickness di. The adapter 3 has a pipe-shaped first part 22 with for instance external thread 23 as second coupling means 15. A passage 24 extends through this pipe-shaped first part 23. It will be clear that this can be adapted in a simple manner to a coupling of a specific spray gun 2. From one end of the pipe-shaped first part 23, a second part 25 extends outwardly in the form of a flange with an upper side 26 facing away from the first part 23. On this upper side is provided a packing edge 27, concentric with the passage 24, which can be fittingly and sealingly received in the groove 19 of the bottom 8. Along the circumference 28 of the second part 25, at the upper side thereof, a coupling edge 29 is provided having, on two opposite sides, an inwardly reaching flange 30 which is each time on one side connected to the flange 25 via a stop wall 31. The distance d2 between the upper side 26 of the flange 25 and the bottom side of each flange 30 is approximately equal to the thickness di of the coupling edge 2OA of the cup 1. The coupling edges 2OA each include a segment of a circle with an angle a, while the flanges 30 each include a segment of a circle with an angle b. The sum of the angles a and b is preferably approximately 360°.

When placing the bottom 8 of the cup 1 on the adapter 3 such that the packing edge 27 is received in the groove 19, the coupling edges 2OA can pass between the flanges 30. By then rotating the cup 3 relative to the adapter 3 about a then mutual longitudinal axis L, in Fig. 5 in clockwise direction R, the coupling edges 2OA can be moved under the flanges 30 until they contact these stop walls 31. Thus, a bayonet-shaped coupling is obtained, jointly indicated as first coupling means 14. As clearly appears from Figs. 4 and 4A, the sealing part 13 comprises, within the inner edge 17, a bridge part 32 forming an integral part of the bottom 8. On both sides of this bridge part 32, a flap 33 is provided with, for instance, approximately a semicircular circumferential edge 34, which flap is connected via a substantially straight living hinge 35 to the bridge part 32. The circumferential edge 34 is connected via a tear line 36, for instance a local thinning or weakening of the material, to the bottom 8, contiguous to the circumferential wall 34. As a result, with the sealing part 13 unopened, a liquid-tight bottom 8 is obtained. In this embodiment, the sealing part 13 can be injection-molded in one piece, together with the further cup 1. On each flap 33, a projection 37 is provided, for instance an edge or a pin. The adapter 3 is provided, between the passage 24 and the packing edge 27, with two counter projections 38, placed such that upon rotation of the cup 1 relative to the adapter 3 about the axis L, they contact the projections 37 on the sealing part 13. The projections 37 and/or the counter projections 38 have an inclining surface 39 and 40, respectively, ascending in the direction R. The height hi of the projections 37 and/or the counter projections 38 is selected such that the lowest ends 41, 42 thereof, leading in the direction of rotation R, can lie on top of or above each other when the cup 1 is placed on the adapter 3 and at the start of the rotation in the direction R, while the ends 43, 44 trailing in the direction of rotation, have a height h.2 such that when the coupling edges 2OA abut against the stop surfaces 31, these ends 43, 44 lie one above the other and have a joint height H which is greater than the distance I13 between the surface 25 and the sealing part 13, at least the flaps 33, if they would be in the closed position. This means that upon maximum rotation of the cup 1 in the direction R relative to the adapter 3, the flaps 33 will be pressed upwards due to the cooperating projections 37 and counter projections 38. As a result, the flaps will tear loose along the circumferential edge 34 while pivoting about the respective living hinges 35. Thus, along each flap 33, a passage opening P is formed, a communication between the inside space of the cup 1 and the passage and, hence, to the spray gun 2. It will, for that matter, be clear that neither the heights hi for the projections 37 and the counter projections 38 nor the height h.2 of the projections and counter projections are to be equal.

Fig. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of an adapter 3 with a sealing part 13 thereon such as it is included, normally, in the cup 1. In this embodiment, only counter projections 38 are provided on the adapter 3. In this embodiment, the cup 1 can be pressed onto the adapter, so that the flaps 38 are pivoted upwards after they have torn loose along the circumferential edge. In this embodiment, the external thread is clearly shown as second coupling means. In this embodiment, the bayonet coupling between the adapter and the cup, as first coupling means 14, can, for that matter, be designed such that upon rotation of the cup relative to the adapter in the direction R, the cup, at least the bottom thereof, is pulled closer to the adapter and thus the flaps are pressed upwards.

Fig. 7 shows a cup 1 according to the invention, comparable to the one shown in Fig. 3. In Fig. 7, the cup is shown in three steps of use, which will be described from the left to the right. On the left hand side, the cup is shown in empty condition. The circumferential edge 10 is provided with a number of cuts 80 in the wall 9 so that folding lips 45 are formed. After the cup 1 is filled (not shown in Fig. 7) a lid 46, as shown in the middle, is pressed through the opening 11 into the cup 1. A part of the lid 46 is shown in cross-section in

Fig. 8. The lid 46 has a center surface 47 with a slightly ascending outer edge 48. From the outer edge extends a V-shaped, sealing edge 49. This sealing edge 49 comprises a first flap 50 inclining upwards, and a second flap 51 inclining downwards, interconnected via a living hinge 52 while between the outer edge 48 and the center surface 47 a second living hinge 52A is integrally injection molded. The dimensions and shape of the lid are such that the flaps 50, 51 are pressed against the inside of the wall 9 and are sealingly provided thereagainst in a liquid-tight and preferably also air-tight manner. Owing to the living hinges and, optionally, the deformability of the flaps 50, 51, and/or the outer edge 48, an outwardly directed pressure will be obtained, while the flaps can follow the decreasing diameter of the wall upon displacement of the lid in the direction of the bottom 8.

As shown on the right hand side in Fig. 7, the folding lips 45 can be folded inward, against the inside of the wall 9. What is thus prevented is that the lid can be moved back from the cup.

In Figs. 9A — D, in four depictions, an alternative design of a Hd 46 and cup 1 is shown. Fig. 9A shows an empty cup 1, ready to be filled. Then, as shown in Fig. 9B, the lid 46 is pressed into the cup 1. The lid 46 can be pressed further downward in that a de-aeration valve 53 is provided in the lid 46. In the embodiment shown, the de-aeration valve 53 is formed by two lips 54 which are pressed together due to material stress. Fig. 9E shows, in cross- section, a detail of the de-aeration valve 53 in closed condition. On both ends of the lips 54, two upright projections are provided. By pressing the projections 55 together, the lips 54 are pressed apart somewhat, so that air can escape between the lips 54. As long as the lips 54 rest against each other, the valve 53 is air-tight. If, however, the lid is pressed downwards in the direction of the bottom 8, excess pressure is formed in the cup so that the lips will be slightly pressed apart from the inside, so that air can escape and the pressure is equalized. Such a valve or a comparable valve, for that matter, can also be utilized in other embodiments.

After the lid 46 is pressed down sufficiently, as shown in Fig. 9C, the edge 10 of the wall 9 can be pressed inwards as shown in Fig 9D, so that the lid 46 is confined in the cup 1.

During use, paint or varnish or such medium to be sprayed can be discharged from the cup via the passages to the spray gun, and be sprayed. Consequently, the level of the liquid in the cup falls. As a result of reduced pressure thus formed, the lid 46 will be drawn downwards, thereby following the level. The liquid is thus prevented from leaving the cup. Such an airtight and liquid-tight sealing through the lid, for that matter, has the advantage that with an assembly according to the invention, also a spray gun of the bottom feed-cup type can be utilized.

In particular for the embodiments as shown in Figs. 7 — 9, it applies that the lid 46 is designed as a piston, sealingly provided against the inside of the wall of the cup, which piston can be moved, due to reduced pressure, in the direction of the bottom, thereby following the surface of the paint in the cup.

Figs. 10 and 11 show an alternative embodiment of a device according to the invention, in particular an alternative disposable cup 1. In this embodiment, the bottom 8 is relatively rigid and designed as described hereinabove. The wall 9 by contrast is relatively flexible, so flexible that two opposite sides of the wall 9 can be pressed together so that the opening 11 is closed, while forming two straight circumferential edge parts 10 abutting against each other. A sealing strip 56 in the form of a tube with a longitudinal cut 57 can be clamped over these two longitudinal edge parts 10, so that the cup 1 is closed. Figs. HA and B show the cup 1 according to Fig. 10 on a spray gun 2 in filled condition and in (partly) emptied condition, respectively. In Fig. HC the cup 1 is shown from the underside. Clearly visible is the adapter 3 fixed against the bottom 9 and the feet 16 on which the cup 1 can stand.

Fig. 12A shows an alternative embodiment of an underside of a cup 1 while an edge 61 is provided having an upper surface 62 ascending in the direction R. When coupling the adapter 3 to the bottom 8 of the cup 1, it is rotated in the direction R and hence pulled closer to the bottom 8 thereby pressing open the flaps 33.

Fig. 12B shows a further alternative embodiment of a bottom 9 of a cup 1 with a sealing part 13 and an adapter 3 cooperating therewith. Here, in the top surface 40 of the counter projections 38, a groove is provided in which the projections 37 are guided. In this embodiment, the inclination and hence the required difference in height between the maximum height H of the projections 37 and counter projections 38 and the distance I13 is effected by the counter projections 38. As a result, the flaps 33 are pressed open. In Figs. 14 - 17, embodiments of, particularly, alternative lids 46 for spray cups 1 according to the invention are shown. For these lids 46 it generally applies that they have a deformable center part which, under the influence of a slightly reduced pressure in the cup 1 occurring during use, can be deformed, in particular can be pulled to and into the inside space of the cup. This center part is preferably designed such that in deformed condition, it can extend approximately along the inside of the wall 9 and bottom 8, at a relatively small distance therefrom, so that between lid 46 and wall 9 and bottom 8 only a particularly small space is confined.

In Fig. 14A, in cross-sectional side view, a spray cup 1 with lid 46 according to the invention is shown, the right hand side of the lid being shown undeformed and the left hand side being shown in deformed condition. In this embodiment, the lid 46 can be manufactured from one material, as shown in Fig. 14B, and from several materials, for instance through 2K injection molding, as shown in Fig. 14C. The lid 46 comprises an edge 70 and a middle part 71. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 14B, these are integrally formed, in Fig. 14C the edge 70 is manufactured from a relatively rigid material and the middle part 71 from a flexible material. The edge 70 can be fixed on the upper edge 10 of the wall 9 as shown in Fig. 17 such that the middle part 71 reaches over and seals the opening 11. To that end, the edge 70 can be clamped under the circumferential edge 10 of the cup 1 or, for instance, be clamped or glued on the upper edge of the circumferential edge 10. The middle part 71 is folded annularly, in concertina shape. To that end, annular flanks 72 are provided, inclining relative to each other and interconnected by top and bottom circular folding lines 73, 74. The total distance between the edge 70 and the middle 75 of the lid 46, measured along the flanks 72 over the folding lines 73, is preferably approximately equal to the height of the wall 9 and the diameter of the bottom 8.

In Fig. 15, an alternative embodiment of a lid 46 is shown, comparable to that according to Fig. 14. In this embodiment however, a clamping edge 76 is provided which can be pressed from the top side over the edge 70 and can be clamped under an edge of the circumferential edge 10 of the cup 1. The clamping edge 76 can have a number of spokes 77 for reinforcement.

In Figs. 16A and B, a further alternative embodiment of a lid according to the invention is shown. Here, again, an edge 70 is provided with a middle part 71 that is manufactured in the shape of a bellows 80. A wall 78 folded in concertina-shape is provided here which is contiguous to a bottom part 79. In Fig. 16B, this is shown in folded-together condition, in Fig. 16A in partly folded-out condition, while the wall 78 extends along the inside of the wall 9 of the cup. The rigidity and elasticity of the bellows 80 are selected such that the space 81 between the bellows and the wall 9 and bottom 8 of the cup 1 can be minimized and, preferably, can become zero in volume. As a result, during use, virtually all varnish or paint can be urged from the cup. The edge 70 can, once more, be fitted on the circumferential edge 10 of the cup 1, for instance by clamping as shown or as described hereinabove.

During use, when liquid is dispensed from the cup 1, and with the liquid level decreasing, a reduced pressure will be formed in the cup 1. In the embodiments according to Figs. 14 — 17, the middle part 71 will follow this liquid level, so that with virtually constant pressure approximately all liquid can be dispensed. The fact is that any reduced pressure will be minimized and even be removed through the deformation of the lid 46, at least the middle part 71.

Figs. 17A and B show, in cross -sectional view, two possible attachments of the edge 70 to the circumferential edge 10 of a cup 1. It is clear that in Fig. 17A, the edge 70 comprises a snap edge 82 that is pressed under the edge 10 and confines the edge 70. In Fig. 17B, the clamping edge 76 is provided with a comparable snap edge 82. The snap edge then substantially covers the edge 70.

For the embodiment shown in particular in Figs. 14 — 17, it applies that therein, the lid 46 is bellows-shaped or has a bellows-shaped part with a closed end 75 which, with reduced pressure in the cup, will be moved in the direction of the bottom of the cup. Consequently, the volume of the cup is reduced in accordance with the decrease of the paint level in the cup.

It is preferred that between the bottom 8 and the passage 24, a sieve 63 is provided. This sieve 63 can be provided in the adapter, as shown in, for instance, Figs 2, 5B or 13. In Fig. 2, a flat sieve 63 is provided. In Fig. 5B, an embodiment of a sieve 63 is shown that is provided with a handle 64 so that it can be taken out in a simple manner. Furthermore, the handle 64 can abut against or in an opening 65 in the bridge part 32, so that it is confined. Fig. 13 shows a substantially cylindrical sieve 63 placed in a recess in particular in the passage 24 in the adapter between the counter projections 38.

On the cup 1, preferably, a graduation X is represented, for instance a millimetre scale so that it is clearly visible what the amount of liquid present in the cup is and to what point the lid has been pressed into the cup, in particular when the cup is transparent. An outside lid (not shown) can be provided, which can be arranged over the opening 11 and the lid 46 in the cup 1, while a cap (not shown) can be provided for covering the sealing part 13 from the outside. This cap may be attached in the same manner as the adapter 3. Consequently, contamination is prevented. Naturally, these variations can be utilized with all embodiments according to the invention.

The invention is not limited in any manner to the embodiments represented in the description and the drawings. Many variations thereon are possible within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims. For instance, the sealing part may be provided with an insert that can be, or is pressed into an opening in the bottom of the cup. This sealing part can for instance be formed separately and be glued or clamped in the bottom. The cup may be filled in advance with the liquid to be sprayed. The cup can be manufactured from other, non-transparent plastic. The first and/or second coupling means can be designed in different manners, for instance as screw means or with a clamping ring clamping the cup against the adapter. The adapter can, at least partly, be fixedly connected to the spray gun.

Claims

1. A disposable cup for a paint sprayer, provided with a bottom and a longitudinal wall, wherein in the bottom, a sealing part is provided which upon placement on an adapter of a paint gun is pressed from the bottom, at least partly, for opening a communication between the cup and the paint sprayer, while further a lid is provided for sealing the cup which Hd is preferably displaceable within the cup.

2. A disposable cup according to claim 1, wherein the cup is manufactured from plastic.

3. A disposable cup according to claim 2, wherein the cup is integrally formed with the sealing part.

4. A disposable cup according to any one of claims 1 — 3, wherein the sealing part is provided in an opening in the bottom.

5. A disposable cup according to any one of claims 1 — 4, wherein the lid comprises a circumferential edge that seals against the inside of the longitudinal wall of the cup.

6. A disposable cup according to claim 5, wherein the lid is provided with a sealing profile along the circumferential edge, which is elastically deformable against the inside of the longitudinal wall of the cup.

7. A disposable cup according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup is self-sustaining and supporting elements are provided on which the cup can be set down.

8. A disposable cup according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein coupling means are provided for coupling the cup with an adapter to a spray gun, which coupling means, during coupling, impose a forced movement on the cup relative to the adapter, thereby displacing the sealing part from the bottom, at least partly.

9. A disposable cup according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal wall, on the side facing away from the bottom, is provided with a confining edge for confining the lid in the cup.

10. A disposable cup according to claim 9, wherein the sealing edge comprises an inwardly folded and/or foldable edge.

11. A disposable cup according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein adjacent or in the sealing part a sieve is provided.

12. A disposable cup according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid is provided with de -aeration means.

13. A cup, in particular according to any one of claims 1 — 12, provided with a bottom and a longitudinal wall wherein the bottom is designed for placement on an adapter of a paint gun for opening a communication between the cup and the paint sprayer, while further, a lid is provided for sealing the cup, which lid is at least partly piston-shaped, is displaceable within the cup from an upper circumferential edge to a point adjacent or, preferably, against the bottom, and seals against the inner side of the wall of the cup such that during use, paint can be dispensed from the cup and the lid is moved in the cup, due to reduced pressure, in the direction of the bottom.

14. A cup, in particular according to any one of claims 1 - 12, provided with a bottom and a longitudinal wall, wherein the bottom is designed for placement on an adapter of a paint gun for opening a communication between the cup and the paint sprayer, while further, a lid is provided for sealing the cup, which lid is at least partly bellows-shaped, or comprises a bellows-shaped part with a closed end, which end is displaceable within the cup from an upper circumferential edge to a point adjacent or preferably against the bottom, while the lid seals an inside space of the cup such that, during use, paint can be dispensed from the cup and the closed end of the Hd or the bellows-shaped part thereof is moved in the cup due to reduced pressure in the direction of the bottom.

15. An assembly of a disposable cup according to any one of the preceding claims and an adapter, wherein the adapter is provided with first coupling means for coupling to the disposable cup and second coupling means for coupling to a spray gun.

16. An assembly according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the adapter and the cup comprises at least one riser projection, while the other of the cup and the adapter comprises an element for cooperation with said at least one riser projection such that upon coupling of the cup to the adapter, said element moves against or along the at least one riser projection, thereby opening said sealing part.

17. An assembly according to any one of claims 15 - 16, wherein the first coupling means are in the form of a bayonet catch.

18. A spray gun provided with a disposable cup according to any one of claims 1- 12 and/or an assembly according to any one of claims 15 — 17.

19. A method for preparing a spray gun for use, wherein on a spray gun an adapter has been or is placed and on said adapter, a disposable cup is provided which has been or is filled with a liquid to be sprayed, while during placement of the disposable cup on the adapter, a sealing part in the bottom of the disposable cup is opened by the adapter such that an open communication is formed between an inside space of the cup and the spray gun.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein in the disposable cup above the medium to be sprayed a lid is provided which seals against an inside of a wall of the disposable cup and can move along with the level of the medium to be sprayed in the disposable cup.

21. A lid for use with a spray cup, in particular according to any one of claims 1 — 14, an assembly according to any one of claims 15 — 17 or a method according to any one of claims 18 - 20.

22. A lid according to claim 20, wherein an edge is provided for attachment to a spray cup and a middle part which, during use, is deformable in the direction of an inside space of said spray cup .