U.S. patent application number 10/844102 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-04 for spray gun container.
Invention is credited to Ruda, Martin.
Application Number | 20040217201 10/844102 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33314457 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040217201 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ruda, Martin |
November 4, 2004 |
Spray gun container
Abstract
To further improve upon a spray gun container, according to the
present invention a spray gun container, preferably a flow
container, is used to accommodate coating materials whereby the
spray gun container has a container part and a fixed container
insert.
Inventors: |
Ruda, Martin; (Ostfildern,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HENRY M FEIEREISEN, LLC
350 FIFTH AVENUE
SUITE 4714
NEW YORK
NY
10118
US
|
Family ID: |
33314457 |
Appl. No.: |
10/844102 |
Filed: |
May 12, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10844102 |
May 12, 2004 |
|
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PCT/DE02/04036 |
Oct 29, 2002 |
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60364393 |
Mar 14, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/376 ;
239/379 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B 7/2408 20130101;
B05B 7/2478 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
239/376 ;
239/379 |
International
Class: |
F23D 011/34 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 14, 2001 |
DE |
101 55 766.3 |
Mar 14, 2002 |
DE |
102 11 769.1 |
Mar 26, 2002 |
DE |
102 13 715.3 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A spray gun container (1; 23; 36), preferably a flow container
for accommodating coating materials (38A), characterized by a
container part (2; 24; 37; 65) and a fixed container insert (2A;
25; 38; 64).
2. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 1,
characterized in that the container part (2; 24; 37; 65) of the
spray gun container (1; 23; 36) has a fastening means with which
the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) is secured with respect to
the container part (2; 24; 37; 65).
3. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 2,
characterized in that the fastening means has a coupling ring (20;
35).
4. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 1,
characterized in that the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) of the
spray gun container (1; 23; 36) has a fastening device with which
the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) can be secured with respect
to the container part (2; 24; 37; 65).
5. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 4,
characterized in that the fastening device has at least one
fastening strap (80A, 80B; 129, 130).
6. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according claim 1,
characterized in that the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) has at
least two openings (4, 5; 28, 30).
7. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 6,
characterized in that at least one first opening (5; 28) of the
container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) communicates with a fluid supply
(26A) of a spray gun (26; 59).
8. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 7,
characterized in that a fastening means with which the container
insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) can be secured on the spray gun (26; 59) is
provided at least in the area of one first opening (5; 28).
9. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 7,
characterized in that at least one opening (5; 28; 57), preferably
the first opening (5; 28; 57), has a closure (29).
10. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 6,
characterized in that a screen (10; 34; 48; 62) is provided in the
area of at least one opening (4, 5; 28, 30; 63A).
11. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 10,
characterized in that the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) and the
screen (10; 34; 48; 62) are in one piece.
12. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 6,
characterized in that the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) has a
cover (6; 31) for sealing at least one opening (4; 30).
13. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 12,
characterized in that cover (6; 31) has at least one sealable
through-bore (7; 33).
14. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 13,
characterized in that the through-bore (7; 33) has a receptacle
(85) on which a medium supply device may be provided.
15. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 12,
characterized in that the cover (6; 31) is arranged on an opening
(4; 30) of the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) which is situated
opposite a container insert opening (5; 28; 57), the container
insert opening (5; 28; 57) being provided to communicate with a
fluid supply (26A) of a spray gun (26; 59).
16. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 7,
characterized in that the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) has an
adapter (15; 27; 40; 60) which forms a loose connection between the
spray gun container (1; 23; 36) and the spray gun (26; 59) and/or
forms a loose connection between the container insert (2A; 25; 38;
64) and the spray gun (26; 59).
17. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 16,
characterized in that the adapter (15; 27; 40; 60) is arranged at
least partially between the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) and
the container part (2; 24; 37; 65).
18. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to one of claim
6, characterized in that sealing means, preferably a ring gasket
(12, 13, 14; 43 to 47; 63B, 63C, 63D) is arranged in the area of at
least opening (4, 5; 28, 30).
19. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to claim 1,
characterized in that the volume (3) of the container insert (2A;
25; 38; 64) amounts to at least more than 60%, preferably more than
80% of the volume of the container part (2; 24; 37; 65).
20. The spray gun container (1; 23; 36) according to one of claim
1, characterized in that the container insert (2A; 25; 38; 64) has
an outside contour which corresponds to the inside contour of the
container part (2; 24; 37; 65).
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of prior filed copending
PCT International application no. PCT/DE02/04036, filed Oct. 29,
2002, which designated the United States and on which priority is
claimed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120, the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference, and which prior filed copending
PCT International application no. PCT/DE02/04036, filed Oct. 29,
2002, claims the benefit of prior filed U.S. provisional
Application No. 60/364,393, filed Mar. 14, 2002, pursuant to 35
U.S.C. 119(e), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference, and which prior filed copending PCT International
application no. PCT/DE02/04036, filed Oct. 29, 2002, claims the
priority of German Patent Applications, Serial Nos. 101 55 766.3,
filed Nov. 14, 2001, 102 11 769.1, filed Mar. 14, 2002, and 102 13
715.3, filed Mar. 26, 2002, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d), the
disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to a spray gun
container, and more particularly to a flow container for
accommodating paints and coating materials.
[0003] Such spray gun containers are known from the state of the
art, and the spray gun containers are available in a variety of
embodiments from various manufacturers. A spray gun container is
mounted on a spray gun and can be filled with lacquers or other
coloring agents. The spray gun container is an important component
of a spray apparatus in conjunction with the design described
here.
[0004] It would be desirable and advantageous to provide an
improved spray gun container to obviate prior art shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a spray
gun container, preferably a flow container, for accommodating
paints and coating materials, has a container part and a fixed
container insert, wherein the container insert is introduced into
the container part of the spray gun container so that the spray gun
container part no longer comes in contact with the coating
materials or does so only as an exception.
[0006] The container insert is preferably designed as an
inexpensive disposable part, so that time-consuming cleaning
processes which are required with a traditional spray gun container
may be omitted. When a spraying operation is concluded, the
container part including the container insert is removed from the
spray gun, for example, and the container insert is removed from
the container part without contaminating the container part with
coating material. Of course, it is not absolutely necessary to
dispose of the container insert after one painting operation. The
container insert is advantageously then also suitable for being
cleaned after one painting operation.
[0007] If this is the case, it is advantageous to use much less
cleaning agent after a spraying operation for cleaning the spray
apparatus than is the case with the usual spray equipment, because
the coating material that is left over remains in the fixed
container insert, which can be replaced easily by another fixed
container insert. Several container inserts may optionally be
cleaned together at a later point in time, so that consumption of
cleaning agent may be reduced.
[0008] In particular, this results in a much shorter period of
contact with the cleaning agents, such as solvents, for the
operating personnel after a painting operation. This improves labor
conditions to the extent that it yields advantages for the
operating personnel with regard to toxic exposure.
[0009] Another important advantage provided by the container insert
can be seen by the fact that a change in color between individual
painting operations can be performed much more easily and thus more
rapidly and effectively. When changing colors, it is now no longer
necessary to clean the spray gun container and thus to prepare it
for another painting operation with a different coating material,
but instead only the container insert which contains a first
coating material need be removed from the container part of the
spray gun container and replaced by a different container insert
which contains another coating material. The spray gun as well as
the adapter may optionally be cleaned by using a cleaning agent
from a washing bottle. To eliminate any contamination of the spray
gun container, an intermediate cleaning of the container with the
cleaning agent from the washing bottle may optionally also be
performed.
[0010] To remove a container insert from the container part
especially easily, it is advantageous if the container insert
projects above the top edge of the container part. This makes it
possible for the container insert to be gripped by the operator by
simply grasping the projecting area and removing it from the
container part.
[0011] To ensure clarity, it is necessary to establish the
definition of several important terms and expressions that will be
used throughout this disclosure. The term "flow container" relates
to a container which is arranged above the actual spray gun in a
painting operation in particular and from which the coating
material flows into the spray gun.
[0012] The term "spray gun container" is used here in a generic
sense and relates not only to known flow containers mentioned
above, but also to any other container suitable for accommodating
coating materials, including, for example, a suction pot, which may
also be situated on a spray gun and represents an alternative
container to the flow container described above in particular.
[0013] The term "paint and coating material" relates to any paint,
varnish, lacquer or lacquer-like coating materials which are
suitable for being applied to an object by means of a spray
gun.
[0014] The term "fixed container insert" relates to a structure
which independently retains a shape imparted to it. The container
insert may be produced from a variety of materials. An important
criterion is that the material used must be at least temporarily
solvent-resistant. In particular, plastics such as polypropylene
are suitable for this purpose. A fixed container insert guarantees
a uniform supply of coating material with respect to a spray gun
because then it cannot collapse due to a reduced pressure that
develops with the removal of the coating material. Instead, the
shape of the container insert remains rigid even at an advanced
stage of removal of coating material from the container. In
addition, the fixed container insert can be handled well because it
can be gripped reliably. This is advantageous in particular when
changing the coating material and in subsequent storage of
container inserts.
[0015] Of course the fixed container insert may be made of
materials similar to those also used with traditional spray gun
containers. The container insert is advantageously made of
materials which can be cleaned to remove the coating materials
especially easily.
[0016] Due to the container insert which is inserted into the
container part of the spray gun container, the overall structure of
the spray gun container now has a double wall, so that coating
materials can no longer reach the actual spray gun container.
[0017] The container insert thus forms an inside wall of the spray
gun container. The inside wall can be divided from the outside wall
of the spray gun container, so that the advantages already
mentioned above can be achieved especially easily.
[0018] To secure the container insert with respect to the container
part of the spray gun container especially well, it is advantageous
if the container part of the spray gun container has a fastening
means with which the container insert is secured with respect to
the container part. Such a means of securing it is also
advantageous because when the container insert is full, it has a
relatively great weight, so that it is advantageous if the
container insert is secured with respect to the container part of
the spray gun container.
[0019] It is advantageous here if the fastening means has a
coupling ring. A coupling ring is especially suitable for securing
the container insert with respect to the container part of the
spray gun container, because it can be mounted on the container
part of the spray gun container like a traditional spray gun
container closure. A thread or a flange which is already provided
on the spray gun container and would otherwise accommodate a spray
gun container closure can be used for this purpose to
advantage.
[0020] As an alternative or in addition to the fastening means of
the container part, it is advantageous if the container insert of
the spray gun container has a fastening device with which the
container insert can be secured with respect to the container
part.
[0021] According to one variant of the present invention, the
fastening device has at least one fastening strap. The container
insert advantageously has two fastening straps which communicate
with a corresponding groove in the container part at least when
installed. This makes it possible to establish an especially secure
connection between the container part and the container insert.
[0022] It is advantageous that the container insert has at least
two openings. A second opening of the container insert is
advantageous to prevent a reduced pressure in the container insert
due to removal of the coating material during a painting operation.
It is advantageous if this "air following flow opening" is designed
so that although air can flow in or follow into the container
insert from the outside air, no ingredients and/or coating
materials from the container insert can escape to the outside.
Therefore, at least one opening may have a valve to ensure
this.
[0023] To bring the coating materials, which are in the container
insert, up to the spray gun, it is advantageous if at least one
opening in the container insert communicates with a liquid supply
of a spray gun.
[0024] It is advantageous here if in the area of at least one first
opening, a fastening means with which the container insert can be
secured on the spray gun is provided. Suitable fastening means
include virtually all devices with which a frictionally locked,
form-fitting or force-locked connection can be established between
the container insert and the spray gun. These may include, for
example, traditional fast closures, bayonet closures, screw
closures or plug closures. It is self-evident that the fastening
means and/or the connecting possibilities are not limited to the
devices mentioned here.
[0025] In addition, it is also advantageous if at least the first
opening has a closure. This is especially advantageous, for
example, when a coating material has not been applied completely in
one operation and must now be stored inside the container insert.
In particular the plug devices, screw devices, stopper devices or
reverse drawing devices which are capable of guaranteeing a secure
and reliable closure of these openings are suitable for closing and
opening of a container insert.
[0026] The area around the opening, in particular around the first
opening is optionally designed so that this area is a type of
cylindrical tube or the like. For example, a thread may easily be
provided on such an area, thus implementing one possibility of
connection to the spray gun and/or a closure device.
[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
screen may be provided at least in the area of one opening. In
particular for the case when coating materials that have not been
prescreened are used for processing, it is advantageous if a screen
is provided, e.g., at the opening, which communicates with the
fluid supply of the spray gun or at least faces the fluid supply of
the spray gun. This makes it possible for the coating material
flowing to the spray gun to be screen before it enters the spray
gun.
[0028] Of course, such a screen may also be provided in an area of
the container insert. For example, the screen is situated on a
refilling opening so that a coating material, which is added to the
container insert, is screened directly on addition.
[0029] According to another variant of the present invention, the
container insert and the screen may be designed in one piece.
Advantageously the container insert and the screen may be
manufactured as a single part through an injection molding
operation. This greatly reduces the manufacturing cost because no
additional part need be used to filter the coating material.
Instead, it is possible to eliminate the external part "screen,"
which further simplifies handling of a spray gun container with a
screen.
[0030] The screen is preferably arranged on the opening of the
container insert which faces the spray gun, so that the coating
material is filtered before it flows directly into the spray
gun.
[0031] It is advantageous if the screen is situated inside this
opening or in front of this opening within the container insert.
Either the screen is designed as a three-dimensional structure or
as a flat membrane. A three-dimensional screen has the advantage of
a larger surface area available for filtering the coating
material.
[0032] It is also advantageous for simple filling of the container
insert or for especially simple cleaning of the container insert if
the container insert has a cover for sealing at least one opening.
This cover may be attached by snap-on connection, screw-on
connection or by some other advantageous means.
[0033] In this connection it is advantageous if the cover of the
container insert has at least one closable through-bore. By means
of this closable through-bore it is possible to ensure that, for
example, enough air can flow into the container insert subsequently
during the removal of the coating materials. Of course, the
through-bore can also be closed with one of the closure devices of
the openings of the container insert as already mentioned
above.
[0034] In particular when changing a container insert, it is
advantageous if the through-hole in the cover, which is usually
opened during the spraying process, can be closed. The spray gun is
usually rotated 180.degree. after sealing the through-hole when
changing and/or removing the container part with the container part
situated on it and the container insert so that the spray gun is
located above the container part and the container insert. Then
either the container part including the container insert is
released from the spray gun or the container part remains on the
spray gun and only the container insert is removed from the
container part. Then the container insert may be disposed of or
used for storing residues of paint and coating material. In the
last variant, the first opening described above is closed with the
above-mentioned closure.
[0035] To be able to arrange a compressed air tubing, for example,
on the spray gun container and/or on the cover of the spray gun
container, it is advantageous if the through-hole has a receptacle
on which a medium supply device may be arranged. If the compressed
air tubing is connected to this receptacle, the spray gun container
may also be use to advantage in a low-pressure spraying
process.
[0036] In addition, it is also possible to provide on the
receptacle a tubing with which the supply of coating materials into
the container insert can be facilitated.
[0037] In addition, it is desirable if the cover is situated on an
opening of the container insert which is opposite a container
insert opening, the container insert opening being provided in
particular for communication with a fluid supply to a spray gun.
This makes it possible to implement an especially simple design
variant.
[0038] To make it possible for the container part together with the
container insert to be mounted on different spray guns, it is
advantageous if the container insert and/or the container part
has/have an adapter which provides a secure but detachable
connection between the spray gun and the container part of the
spray gun container. In addition, there is also a loose connection
between the container insert and the spray gun and/or the adapter.
This ensures a very intimate and thus very sturdy and secure
connection between the spray gun and the container part of the
spray gun container, preventing unintentional detachment of the
container part from the spray gun. Moreover, a loose but tight
connection is created between the container insert and the spray
gun and/or the adapter, making it possible to replace different
container insert rapidly.
[0039] It may also be conceivable to provide the adapter with
connecting devices which include the connection possibilities
already described above such as a fast-snap closure, a bayonet
closure, a screw closure or a plug closure. The adapter may have a
detachable but secure and tight connection with respect to the
container part of the spray gun container and also such a secure
and tight connection with respect to the spray gun.
[0040] In addition it is advantageous if the easily detachable and
loose connection between the adapter and the container insert is
secured by means of an above mentioned fastening means, preferably
in the form of the coupling ring. This makes it possible to detach
the container insert easily and quickly from the adapter and thus
remove it from the container part of the spray gun container. For
example, then a replacement container insert containing another
coating material can again be introduced into the container part
and secured in the area of the adapter.
[0041] In addition there is the possibility of releasing the
container part and the container insert completely from the spray
gun and/or the adapter of the spray gun and replacing it by another
container part having a container insert. This is advantageous in
particular in the case of several coating material color changes in
succession, because the only the actual spray gun need be cleaned
between these changes.
[0042] To seal the container insert well, it is advantageous if at
least one sealing means, preferably at least one ring gasket is
provided in the area of at least one opening. This pertains in
particular to the opening, which faces the spray gun fluid supply.
Because of the corresponding sealing means, the risk of coating
material reaching the container part of the spray gun container is
especially low. For example, the sealing means by consist of a
plurality of sealing rings which are arranged in the area of the
above mentioned opening and establish a type of squeeze connection
between the container insert and the inside bore of the
adapter.
[0043] However, any other tight but rapidly releasable type of
connection may also be provided for connecting the container insert
rapidly and promptly to the adapter or releasing it from the
adapter.
[0044] According to another variant of the present invention, the
volume of the container insert may have at least more than 60%,
preferably more than 80% of the volume of the container part. This
also results in optimum utilization of the volume of the spray gun
container.
[0045] To utilize the volume of the spray gun container especially
well, it is advantageous if the container insert has an outside
contour, which corresponds to the inside contour of the container
part.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0046] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be more readily apparent upon reading the following description of
currently preferred exemplified embodiments of the invention with
reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0047] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional side view of a first spray
gun container comprising a container part and a container insert,
in accordance with the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 2 is an exploded illustration of a second spray gun
container having another container part and another container
insert and a spray gun in accordance with the present
invention;
[0049] FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional side view of a spray gun
container comprising a container part and a one part container
insert,
[0050] FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded illustration of another
embodiment of a spray gun container on a spray gun, in accordance
with the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional illustration of a spray gun
container having a compressed air tubing for a low-pressure spray
process;
[0052] FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional side view of a spray gun
container having a container part and a container insert loosely
connected to the container part;
[0053] FIG. 7 is a schematic detailed view of the loose connection
between the container part and the container insert of the spray
gun container of FIG. 6;
[0054] FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of a container insert having
two opposing fastening straps;
[0055] FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional side view of a spray gun
container in which a container insert is loosely connected to a
container part by means of two opposing fastening straps; and
[0056] FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional side view of the spray gun
container of FIG. 9 with an additional coupling ring.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0057] The depicted embodiments are to be understood as
illustrative of the invention and not as limiting in any way. It
should also be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to
scale and that the embodiments are sometimes illustrated by graphic
symbols, phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and
fragmentary views. In certain instances, details which are not
necessary for an understanding of the present invention or which
render other details difficult to perceive may have been
omitted.
[0058] The spray gun container 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a
container part 2 and a container insert 2A having a volume 3. The
volume 3 is used to accommodate coating materials (not shown here).
The container insert 2A includes two openings 4 and 5, whereby the
opening 4 is sealed with a cover 6. The cover 6 has an opening 7,
which is connected to the cover 6 by means of a closure 8 by using
a form-fitting connection 9. The opening 5 includes a screen 10
with which the coating materials (not shown here) are filtered
and/or screened through the opening 5 before leaving the container
insert 2A. The screen 10 is detachably secured on the container
insert 2A in area 11 so that the screen 10 can be replaced if
needed.
[0059] The container insert 2A also has three ceiling rings 12, 13
and 14 in the cylindrical area 5A of the opening 5. First, these
three sealing 12, 13 and 14 seal the interface between the
container insert 2A and an adapter 15 with respect to container
part 2 of the spray gun container 1. Secondly, the container insert
2A is detachably connected to the adapter 15 in the manner of a
squeeze connection by means of the three ceiling rings 12, 13 and
14. The adapter 15 has a fine thread 17 on one side 16 with which
it can be attached to a spray gun (26, see FIG. 2).
[0060] The adapter 15 is joined in a form-fitting manner to the
container part 2 of the spray gun container 1 on a side 18 of the
adapter 15, which is opposite the side 16. This connection is
preferably accomplished by means of a known bayonet closure (27A,
FIG. 2).
[0061] In the area of the upper opening 4, the container part 2 of
the spray gun container 1 has an outside thread 19 by means of
which the spray gun container part 2 can accommodate a coupling
ring 20. In the tightened state, the coupling ring 20 presses the
peripheral edge 21 of the container insert 2A against the upper
edge 22 of the spray gun container part 2 and also presses the
cover 6 against the peripheral edge 21 of the container insert 2A.
The coupling ring 20 secures not only the container insert 2A with
respect to the spray gun container part 2 but also secures the
cover 6 with respect to the container insert 2A.
[0062] The spray gun container 23 (FIG. 2) includes a container
part 24, a fixed container insert 25 and a spray gun 26. The spray
gun container 23 is mounted on the spray gun 26 by means of an
adapter 27. By replacing the adapter 27 with another adapter (not
shown here), it is possible to mount the spray gun container 23 on
different spray guns (not shown here). The container insert 25
includes a sealing cap 29 for its opening 28, which faces the spray
gun 26. Another opening 30 on the container insert 25 is sealed
with a cover 31. The cover 31 also has a closure 32 which seals a
bore 33 provided in the cover 31.
[0063] By means of the sealing cap 29, the opening 28 is sealed
when the container insert 25 is not in use, thus permitting simple
and reliable storage of coating material (not shown here) within
the container insert 25. First, the bore 33 in the cover 31 is
closed because the spray gun 26 is upside down to remove the
container insert 25, optionally in combination with the container
part 24, so that the cover 31 with its bore 33 retains the coating
material in the container insert 25. The container insert 25 also
includes a screen 34 that can be arranged in the opening 28 to thus
clean a coating material (not shown here), which is flowing through
the opening 28.
[0064] If the container insert 25 is installed in the container
part 24 of the spray gun container 23, the container insert 25 as
well as its cover 31 are secured on the spray gun container part 24
by means of a coupling ring 35. The container insert 25 makes it
possible to remove a first coating material (not shown here)
rapidly and cleanly from the spray gun container part 24 and to
replace it with another container insert (not shown here) without
the contents of the container inserts 25 coming in contact with the
container part 24 of the spray gun container 23.
[0065] The spray gun container 36 shown in FIG. 3 has an open
container part 37 in which is arranged a one-piece fixed container
insert 38. The container part 37 is arranged on an adapter 40 by
means of a connector 39. The connector 39 establishes a detachable
connection between the container part 37 and the adapter 40 and
also clamps the container insert 38 with a first edge area 41 on a
frontal part 42 so that the container insert 38 and the frontal
part 42 are tight in the area 41. Two sealing rings 43 and 44 are
advantageously arranged in area 41, which additionally increases
the sealing reliability. The frontal part 42 has three sealing
rings 45, 46 and 47 with respect to adapter 40 so that the frontal
part 42 has a loose connection with respect to adapter 40 and also
provides a very reliable sealing device.
[0066] In addition, a screen 48 is provided on the frontal part 42,
screening a coating material 38A which flows out of a hollow space
49 of the container part 38 through the frontal part 42 and through
the adapter 40 into a spray 26 or 59 (see FIG. 2 or 4).
[0067] In order to prevent development of a reduced pressure in the
hollow space 49 of container insert 38 as coating material 38A
flows out, the container insert 38 has an opening 51 in the area of
a bottom 50 which can be sealed by means of a closure 52. The
closure 52 is fastened by means of a fastening 53 on a borehole 54
in the bottom 50 of the container part. The container insert 38 has
a second edge area in the form of a collar 55 in the area of a
bottom 50. By means of the collar 55, the container insert 38 may
be placed on a substrate to advantage. Since the collar 55 extends
beyond the height of the closure 52, the closure 52 does not
prevent secure placement of the fixed container insert 38 on a
substrate.
[0068] In order to store a coating material 38A in the fixed
container insert 38 in the least complicated way possible, for
example, the connector 39 is released by a thread 56 of the adapter
40 which faces the container insert 38 so that a connector 39
together with the container part 37, the container insert 38 and
the funnel part 42 can be removed from the adapter 40 as a unit. An
opening 57 in the frontal part 42 is sealed tightly by means of a
closure 29 (see FIG. 2) so that the coating material 38A can be
stored well in the fixed container insert 38.
[0069] In addition, the fixed container insert 38 can be filled
especially advantageous when it is placed on a fixed substrate by
means of the collar 55 when the closure 52 is closed and the funnel
part 42 is not arranged on it. The fixed container insert 38 can be
filled here easily, cleanly and rapidly through its area 41.
[0070] The exemplary embodiment 58 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a
spray gun 59, an adapter 60, a connector 61, a screen 62, a funnel
part 63, a fixed container 64 and a container part 65. The fixed
container insert 64 includes on its bottom side 66 a closure 67.
The closure 67 is provided for closing a borehole 68 in the
container insert bottom 66. The adapter 60 is screwed onto the
spray gun 59 by means of a first thread 60A. The connector 61 is
mounted on the adapter 60 by means of a bayonet closure 60B.
[0071] The screen 62 is arranged in the opening 63A of the funnel
part 63, whereby the funnel part 63 is inserted into the connector
61. The funnel part 63 has three ring gaskets 63B, 63C and 63D in
the area of opening 63A, so that a connection between the funnel 63
and the adapter 60 is sealed.
[0072] In addition, the fixed container insert 64 is placed in the
container part 65. The container part 65 is screwed onto the
connector 61 by means of a thread 65A. First, the funnel part 63 is
pressed into the adapter and secured there in this way and secondly
the fixed container insert 64 is pressed into and secured on the
frontal part 63.
[0073] The spray gun container 69 shown in FIG. 5 has essentially
the same parts as the spray gun containers 1, 23 and 36 discussed
above. Here again, the spray gun container 69 comprises a container
part 70 and a container insert 71, whereby the container insert 71
is already arranged in the container part 70. The container part 70
and the container insert 71 are joined together in an area 72,
which faces a spray gun 26 (see FIG. 2) by means of an adapter 73.
The container part 70 is connected here to a known bayonet closure
(27A, FIG. 2). Container insert 70 however, is connected to the
adapter 73 by means of three ring gaskets 74 (assigned a number
here only as an example). In this exemplary embodiment, the adapter
73 has also a fine thread 76 with which it can be mounted on a
spray gun (26, see FIG. 2). In addition, a screen 77 with which
container insert contents can be filtered before flowing into a
spray gun (26, see FIG. 2) is provided in the container insert
71.
[0074] On the end 78 of the container part 70 opposite the adapter
73, the container part 70 has an at least partially peripheral
groove 79 in which fastening straps 80A and 80B of the container
insert 71 are arranged at least in the installed state of the
container insert 71. The peripheral grooves 79 may have a spiral
pattern along the inside of the container part 70. Corresponding to
the groove 79, the container part 70 has a peripheral elevation on
its outside on which may be provided a coupling ring 133 as needed
(see FIG. 10). In addition to the loose connection by way of the
sealing rings 74, the container insert 71 is additionally fixedly
but detachably connected to the container part 70 by means of this
form-fitting connection.
[0075] In the upper area 78 the spray gun container 69, in
particular the container insert 71 is sealed by a cover 81. The
cover 81 has a peripheral groove 82 on its outer area, which
accommodates an upper peripheral edge 83 of the container insert
71, preferably in a form-fitting manner. The cover 81 is thereby
secured on the spray gun container 69. In addition, the cover 81
has a central opening 84 through which spray gun container contents
can be poured into the container insert 71. The opening 84 has a
receptacle 85 on the side facing away from the container insert 71.
The receptacle 85 is suitable for accommodating a tubing 86 so that
the tubing 86 is loosely connected to the spray gun container
69.
[0076] Air is supplied through the tubing 86 to the container
insert 71 in the direction of arrow 87 so that a slight excess
pressure results inside of the container insert 71 and the spray
gun container 69 is thus suitable for use in a low-pressure
spraying process.
[0077] In addition, the cover 81 has an at least hemispherical
recess 88 in which may be arranged a receptacle of a stopper 103
corresponding to the inside contour of the recess (see FIG. 6). By
means of the stopper 103, the opening 84 of the cover 81 can be
closed as needed so that the interior 71A of the container insert
71 is also sealed completely in the area of the cover 81.
[0078] The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6 shows a spray
gun container 89 which, as already explained repeatedly, consists
essentially of a container part 90 and a container insert 91. Again
in this exemplary embodiment, the container part 90 is connected to
the container insert 91 by an adapter 92. To do so, the container
part 90 has a form-fitting connection with respect to the adapter
92 as already described in FIG. 5. The container insert 91,
however, as already described in FIG. 5, has only a loose
connection by way of sealing rings 93 (assigned a number here only
as an example) to the adapter 92. A screen 95 which filters the
container insert contents 96 before reaching a spray gun 59 (FIG.
4) is also provided on an opening 94 here.
[0079] Also in this exemplary embodiment, the spray gun container
89 is sealed by a cover 97. To do so, the cover 97 includes a
peripheral groove 99 in its edge area 98. If the cover 97 is placed
on the spray gun container 89, in particular on the container
insert 91, a peripheral edge 100 of the container insert 91 sits in
the peripheral groove 99 of the cover. With the same peripheral
edge 100, the container insert 91 rests on the upper edge 101 of
the container part. Therefore the container insert 91 is further
secured with respect to the container part 90.
[0080] In contrast with the container parts 2 and/or 70 already
described, container part 90 in this exemplary embodiment has
neither an outside thread 19 (see FIG. 1) nor a groove 79 (see FIG.
5). The container part 90 is instead cylindrical in design in the
area of the cover 97 without any other structure.
[0081] The cover 97 also includes an opening 102 in which a stopper
103 is arranged. In order for the stopper 103 to also remain
arranged on the cover 97 when the stopper 103 does not seal the
opening 102, the stopper 103 also has a form-fitting connection 104
with respect to the cover 97. Thus the stopper 103 remains situated
on the cover 97 even when the stopper 103 is not in the opening
102.
[0082] The area 105 shown inside the circle schematically in FIG. 6
is shown on an enlarged scale in FIG. 7. Essentially here (FIG. 7)
the form-fitting connection between the container part 90 and the
adapter 92 and the loose connection between the container insert 91
and the adapter 92 are shown in detail.
[0083] To implement the form-fitting connection between the
container part 90 and the adapter 92, the adapter has a groove 107
in its upper area 106, corresponding to a type of spring 108 of
container part 90 and thereby forming the form-fitting connection
between these two parts 90 and 92.
[0084] A peripheral groove 110 is also arranged on a cylindrical
inside 109 of the adapter 92. With the container insert 91 in
place, a sealing ring 93 arranged on it is at least partially
accommodated in this peripheral groove 110 so that at least one
sealing 93 of the container insert 91 is secured in a peripheral
groove 110 of the adapter 92.
[0085] The other sealing rings 93A and 93B, however, do not engage
in a peripheral groove 110 of the adapter 92 but they also have a
stabilizing effect so that the container insert 91 is supported on
the cylindrical inside wall 109 of the adapter 92 in at least three
areas spaced a distance apart from one another. Within the
container insert 91 the screen 95 is detachably secured on the
peripheral area 111 of the container insert 91 in a friction-locked
manner.
[0086] FIG. 8 illustrates a conically tapered container insert 112,
which has two opposing fastening straps 114 and 115 on its upper
edge 113. The fastening straps 114 and 115 correspond to an at
least partially peripheral groove 79 (see FIG. 5) of the container
part 70 when the container insert 112 is inserted. On the side of
the container insert 112 opposite the upper edge 113 there is an
opening 116 through which the container insert contents 96 (see
FIG. 6) enter a spray gun 59 (see FIG. 4). The areas 117, 118 and
119 show additional internal surfaces of the container insert 112
which taper conically in stages from the upper edge 113 to the
opening 160, resulting in gradually tapering cylindrical cross
section of the container insert 112 from top to bottom, i.e.,
running into the plane of the paper.
[0087] FIGS. 9 and 10 each show a spray gun container 120, which
has essentially the same design as the spray gun container 69 of
FIG. 5. The spray gun container 120 also includes a container part
121 in which is arranged a container insert 122. The two parts 121
and 122 are here again joined together by means of an adapter 124
with a ring gasket 123. The spray gun container 120 also has a
screen 125 and a cover 126. A stopper 127, which seals an opening
128 of the cover 126, is arranged on the cover 126. The container
insert 122 also has two fastening straps 129 and 130, each engaging
in a groove 131 and 132 in the installed state.
[0088] In addition, FIG. 10 shows a coupling ring 133 which is
arranged in the cover area of the spray gun container 120 and
secures first the cover with respect to the container insert 122
and secondly the container insert 122 with respect to the container
part 121. To do so, a part 134 of the coupling ring 133 engages
behind a projecting edge 135 of the container part 121 such that
the coupling ring 133 is arranged in a form-fitting manner on the
spray gun container 120. The coupling ring 133 here is made of an
elastic material so that the area 134 can be pulled over the edge
135 of the container part 121 when the coupling ring 133 is placed
in position and then it can snap behind the edge 135. Of course, it
is also conceivable to screw the coupling ring 133 onto the
container part 121.
[0089] In addition, the coupling ring 133 has a relatively flat
surface 136 on which the entire spray gun container 120 is placed
on a substrate 137 and can optionally be stored for a long period
of time. It is self-evident that the covers 97 (see FIG. 6) and 126
may have a tubing 86 (see FIG. 5) so that the spray gun containers
89 and 120 shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, respectively are also suitable
at the same time for a low-pressure spraying process. To do so, the
tubing 86 may be inserted into the opening 102 or 128, or the
openings 102 and 128 may be prepared in such a way that they have a
collar on which the tubing 86 can be arranged, as is the case with
the receptacle 85 (see. FIG. 5).
[0090] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
connection with currently preferred embodiments shown and described
in detail, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown
since various modifications and structural changes may be made
without departing in any way from the spirit of the present
invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the invention and practical
application to thereby enable a person skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0091] What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by
Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims and includes
equivalents of the elements recited therein:
* * * * *