Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6669114
-
Patent Number
6,669,114
-
Date Filed
Wednesday, July 10, 200222 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, December 30, 200320 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Huson; Gregory L.
- Flynn; Amanda R.
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 239 525
- 239 526
- 239 378
- 239 375
- 016 436
- 016 430
- 016 431
- 016 DIG 12
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A paint sprayer for sprayer a fluid includes a pump housing, an electrical housing having a motor and a switch, a handle coupled to the pump housing, a paint cup coupled to the handle, and a mechanical actuator coupled to the pump housing for operating the motor. The actuator has a first portion positioned in the vicinity of the exterior of the pump housing and a second portion that extends into the pump housing. The second portion is configured to engage the switch in the electrical housing to operate the motor. The handle is an elongated member having a top end and a bottom end, with a generally rectangular cross-section at the top end and a generally circular cross-section at the bottom end.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The claimed invention relates to a paint sprayer. In particular, the invention concerns a hand-held airless paint sprayer having an ergonomically designed handle and a mechanical actuator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Currently known hand-held paint sprayers exert extensive stress on muscles of the arm, particularly on the weaker muscles of the arm, such as those in the wrist. An airless paint sprayer typically utilizes several parts, including an electrical housing and motor, a pump housing and pump, a paint tank (also commonly referred to as a paint cup), a handle, a tip, an internal fluid passage through which paint or cleaning solutions may flow, and controls for triggering and controlling the flow of paint through the fluid passage. A typical prior art hand-held airless paint sprayer is shown in FIG.
1
.
SUMMARY
According to one embodiment of the invention, an airless paint sprayer for spraying a fluid comprises a main housing, a handle, a paint cup and a mechanical actuator. The main housing comprises an electrical housing having a motor and a switch, and a pump housing comprising a pump and a fluid passage. The pump is configured to pump a fluid through the fluid passage and the motor is configured to operate the pump. The handle is coupled to the main housing and the paint cup is coupled to the handle for the storage of a fluid, with the paint cup being in communication with the fluid passage. The mechanical actuator is coupled to the pump housing for operating the motor. The actuator has a first portion positioned in the vicinity of the exterior of the pump housing and a second portion that extends into the pump housing. The second portion is configured to engage the switch in the electrical housing to operate the motor.
In another embodiment, a mechanical actuator for an airless paint sprayer having a pump housing, an electrical housing, and a handle comprises an actuator first portion and an actuator second portion. The pump housing of the paint sprayer is coupled to the electrical housing and the electrical housing comprises a motor and a switch. The actuator first portion is positioned outside the pump and electrical housings. The actuator second portion has a first end and a second end, with the first end coupled to the actuator first portion and the second end extending into the pump housing for communication with the switch of the electrical housing. The actuator first portion is movable from a first position to a second position and movement of the actuator first portion moves the actuator second portion from a first position to a second position in the pump housing. The actuator second portion engages the electrical switch of the electrical housing when in the second position to activate the motor.
According to yet another embodiment, a handle for an airless paint sprayer comprises an elongated member having a top end and a bottom end. The elongated member has a generally rectangular cross-section at the top end and a generally circular cross-section at the bottom end. A first transition zone is positioned between the top and bottom ends where the cross-section transitions from the generally rectangular cross-section to the generally circular cross-section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES.
FIG. 1
is a side view of a prior art paint sprayer;
FIG. 2
is a side view of a paint sprayer according to the invention;
FIG. 3
is a perspective view of the paint sprayer of
FIG. 2
;
FIG. 4
is an expanded perspective view of the housing and handle of the paint sprayer shown in
FIG. 2
;
FIG. 5
is an exploded view of the housing of the paint sprayer shown in
FIG. 4
;
FIG. 6
is an exploded view of the actuator assembly and drip guard of the paint sprayer shown in
FIG. 4
;
FIG. 7
is a perspective view of a drip guard for use with the paint sprayer shown in
FIG. 2
; and
FIG. 8
is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention where an accessory hose is used with the paint sprayer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The paint sprayer of the present invention is utilized in spraying paint, stain, or other viscous materials onto a surface, while directing stresses related to holding and activating the applicator to stronger muscles of the arm, including the bicep and tricep muscles. This redirection of stress, in turn, significantly reduces the fatigue of the user during use and allows for better control during the paint application process. The invention is primarily directed to airless paint spray gun applications, although it may have uses in other paint applications. The paint sprayer of the invention creates a number of ergonomic benefits, including: 1) changing the center of gravity of the spray gun relative to the current art so that the sprayer's weight acts on the larger and stronger muscles of the arm (bicep, tricep) versus the wrist muscles, as is done in the current art; 2) evenly distributing and balancing the weight of the sprayer, whereas the current art distributes the paint at a great distance from the handle and the center of gravity; 3) and shaping the handle for a comfortable formed fit to the hand of a user, whereas the prior art tends to be rectangular in shape and has uncomfortable edges.
As shown in
FIG. 1
, prior art paint sprayers
10
typically utilize a paint cup
12
and a handle
14
that are positioned directly under a main housing
16
, with the paint cup
12
being positioned at a forward end
18
of the main housing
16
and the handle
14
being positioned at a rear end
20
of the main housing
16
. The center of gravity Cg tends to be positioned in the vicinity of the forward end
18
of the housing
16
, both when the paint cup
12
is full and when the paint cup
12
is empty. The position of the Cg is driven in part by the location of the components under the housing
16
, including the electric motor
22
and pump
24
, which tend to be distributed toward the forward end
18
of the housing
16
. The user grasps the handle
14
of the paint sprayer
10
at the rear end
20
of the housing
16
in a gripping zone
26
, which is defined by the user's hand
28
and wrist
30
when in engagement with the handle
14
. As is evident, since the center of gravity Cg is positioned toward the forward end
18
of the paint sprayer
10
, the user is required to exert a rotational force on the paint sprayer
10
to maintain it in proper position for spraying. Such exertion can cause weariness of the user, particularly in the muscles of the hand
28
and wrist
30
.
The present invention, as shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3
, reconfigures the parts of the paint prayer
10
so that the main housing
16
, paint cup
12
, and handle
14
are vertically aligned with one another. This vertical alignment distributes the weight so that it more closely aligns with the sprayer's center of gravity Cg. As a result, stresses on the user are minimized as compared to prior art paint sprayers, since the user is not required to constantly exert a force to keep the paint sprayer housing level.
As shown in
FIG. 2
, a gripping zone
26
for the present invention is defined by the user's hand when it grasps the handle
14
of the paint sprayer
10
. The gripping zone
26
comprises the entire hand and wrist area under the main housing
16
. In a preferred embodiment, the paint sprayer
10
of the present invention is designed so that the center of gravity Cg of the paint sprayer
10
, whether empty or full, vertically aligns with the gripping zone
26
. The gripping zone
26
is preferably designed so that all user's hand sizes are encompassed within the zone.
Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 3
, the main housing
16
of the present invention includes an electrical housing
17
that houses an electric motor
22
. The motor
22
is powered by a power cord
32
that extends outwardly from the housing
16
. As shown in
FIG. 3
, in a preferred embodiment, the power cord
32
extends outwardly from the side of the housing
16
, although placement of the cord
32
is not critical to the invention. It may be positioned at any number of places, as long as it does not interfere with operation of the sprayer
10
.
The main housing
16
also includes a pump housing
19
. The pump housing
19
houses a pump
24
that comprises a cylinder
78
, a piston
80
, and a fluid passage
34
through which paint or other fluids may flow. A tip
36
is connected to the pump housing
19
at one end of the fluid passage
34
. Paint is pumped through the fluid passage
34
by the pump
24
, which is operated by the electric motor
22
, and is sprayed through the tip
36
in a pattern, as is typical of paint sprayers. A tip guard
37
surrounds the tip in a conventional manner and is utilized to deter injury to the operator, for example, from injection of paint into the skin.
A handle
14
is attached to the bottom
38
of the main housing
16
and a paint cup
12
is attached to the bottom
40
of the handle. In a preferred embodiment, the handle
14
is attached to the pump housing
19
.
A control knob
42
is positioned at a rear end of the housing
16
. This knob
42
can be used to adjust the amount of paint that flows through the fluid passage
34
. The knob
42
may be rotatable, is preferably easy to operate, and maintains its position after being set.
An actuator
46
is coupled to the handle
14
and/or the housing
16
. The actuator
46
is preferably a mechanical actuator coupled to an electrical switch
136
. The mechanical actuator extends through the pump housing to the electrical housing. The electrical switch
136
is positioned inside the electrical housing
17
and sealed from the pump housing
19
. The mechanical actuator
46
includes a button
48
that extends outwardly from the main housing
16
so that the user may press the button to operate the motor
22
and the pump
24
. The actuator
46
, in a preferred embodiment, is positioned between the tip
36
and the handle
14
below the pump housing
19
, and is configured to be easily and ergonomically operable by a user in the gripping zone
26
.
A lid structure
50
is coupled to the lower end
40
of the handle
14
. The lid
50
has a generally frustoconical shape, with the larger portion of the cone being at the bottom. A rim
52
is formed at the bottom of the cone and includes an attachment mechanism (not shown) for coupling to the paint cup
12
. The attachment mechanism may include a screw thread, a snap fixture, or any other attachment mechanism suitable for use in connecting the paint cup
12
to the handle
14
.
The paint cup
12
has an open upper end
54
that is removable from the lid structure
50
of the handle. An outer wall surrounds the paint cup
12
and a base surface
58
is positioned at the bottom of the paint cup. A preferred attachment technique is to screw the cup
12
onto the rim
52
of handle
14
utilizing mating screw threads
55
that are positioned on both the upper end of the paint cup and the inner side of the rim
52
of the handle
14
, as known by those of skill in the art, although other attachment techniques known to those of skill in the art may also be utilized. The wall
56
of the paint cup
12
may be cylindrical, frustoconical, or the like, as long as it has an opening at the top and a base surface
58
at the bottom. The paint cup
12
also serves as a base for the entire sprayer
10
, so that the sprayer can rest on an underlying surface. In addition, the paint cup
12
preferably has a base surface
58
upon which the cup may rest during filling (after the cup
12
has been removed from the remainder of the sprayer). In a preferred embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3
, the base surface
58
is slightly enlarged relative to the wall
56
of the paint cup. The base surface
58
may be formed as a separate piece that is connected to the wall
56
by press fit, wedge fit, gluing, welding, or other known attachment techniques. For example, in a preferred embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3
, the paint cup
12
may be formed having an upper part that forms the wall
56
and a separate lower part
60
that is connected to the base surface
58
of the wall
56
. The separately formed lower part
60
also has an upwardly extending wall
62
and a base surface
64
is attached to the base surface
58
of the upper part to form a two part paint cup. In a preferred embodiment, the wall
56
of the paint cup is transparent while the base
60
of the paint cup
12
is made of a differently colored opaque material.
The paint cup
12
may be made of a polymer, such as a low density polyethylene or polypropylene. Other materials may also be used in making the cup
12
, the invention not being limited to a particular material. Screw threads or other attachment mechanisms (not shown) are preferably positioned around the upper end
54
of the paint cup
12
for mating with the screw threads on the lid
50
of the handle
14
. As shown, the paint cup upper end
54
preferably seats within the rim
52
of the lid
50
.
Referring to
FIG. 3
, the handle
14
is preferably hollow. An intake suction tube
66
extends from the fluid passage
34
in the pump housing
19
, through the handle
14
, and into the paint cup
12
. The intake tube
66
may be rigid or flexible, as long as the tube extends to the bottom of the paint cup
12
and does not curl upwardly. A filter
68
is shown positioned at the bottom end of the intake tube
66
in the paint cup
12
for use in filtering out any debris in the fluid in the paint cup
12
. The intake tube
66
is preferably removable from the handle
14
and paint cup
12
for cleaning purposes and may be positioned in an intake opening (not shown) in the bottom of the housing. The intake opening is at one end of the fluid passage
34
through the pump housing
19
. A return opening (not shown) may also be positioned inside the handle
14
for handling any fluid that bypasses the components of the pump
24
and does not exit the tip
36
. This bypass flow is returned to the paint cup
12
by the return opening, as known by those of skill in the art. The return opening may be positioned in the vicinity where the handle
14
meets the pump housing
19
, or an additional tube may be positioned in the return opening (not shown) to extend into and/or through the handle
14
for assisting in directing the fluid back to the paint cup
12
.
FIGS. 4 and 5
depict the main housing
16
in greater detail. In a preferred embodiment, as discussed above, the main housing
16
includes an electrical housing
17
and a pump housing
19
. The electrical housing includes a motor cover
70
, a motor carriage
72
, and a motor
22
. The motor
22
is positioned on the motor carriage
72
. In one embodiment, the motor
22
is an electromagnetic motor, such as a 60 watt or higher electromagnetic motor. The cover
70
is preferably fastened to the motor carriage
72
with screws
84
in a conventional manner.
The pump housing
19
includes a cylinder
78
and a piston
80
. The motor
22
is coupled to the cylinder
78
and moves the piston
80
back and forth to pump fluid through the fluid passage
34
, which extends through the pump housing
19
. The pump housing
19
is attached to the electrical housing
17
by screws or other known fastening means. The pump housing
19
and electrical housing
17
are configured and oriented so that the “wet” part of the sprayer (the pump housing
19
) is maintained separately from the “dry” part of the sprayer (the electrical housing
17
). It is preferred that the housings are maintained separately from one another to deter fluid in the pump housing
19
from entering into and possibly damaging the electrical components in the electrical housing
17
. In addition, the pump housing
19
is removable from the electrical housing
17
for cleaning purposes. The pump housing
19
can be submerged in a cleaning solution while the electrical housing
17
is maintained dry. While a particular configuration for the main housing is depicted herein, other embodiments of the main housing
16
are also applicable to the present invention.
As shown in
FIG. 6
, the handle
14
is positioned beneath the pump housing
19
such that the intake tube
66
from the paint cup
12
communicates fluid to the pump
24
through the opening
88
in the handle
14
. In a preferred embodiment, the paint cup
12
is centered beneath the handle
14
and the paint cup
12
and/or handle
14
may be symmetrically shaped. The handle
14
includes attachment points
90
for connecting the handle
14
to the main housing
16
. As shown in
FIG. 6
, the handle
14
may be connected directly to the pump housing
19
. The handle
14
may be attached by other means, as long as the intake tube
66
from the paint cup
12
is in communication with the fluid passage
34
.
The actuator
46
, shown in
FIGS. 4 and 6
, is a mechanical actuator that extends through the pump housing
19
to the electrical housing
17
. The actuator
46
has a button
48
at one end that is connected to a pivot bar
92
, and an extension arm
94
that extends outwardly toward the rear end
20
of the housing from the pivot bar
92
. The pivot bar
92
is seated in a channel
96
defined in the upper end of the handle
14
. The extension arm
94
extends through the pump housing
19
and is configured to engage a switch
136
in the electrical housing
17
for activating the motor
22
. The switch
136
may be a microswitch that pivots or rocks when engaged by the extension arm
94
. The switch
136
may include a seal for sealing the electrical housing
17
from the pump housing around the switch. The actuator
46
pivots or rocks when the button
48
is engaged by a user to operate the switch
136
. While one embodiment of the actuator is shown and described, other configurations of the actuator are also within the scope of the claimed invention.
FIGS. 4 and 6
also depict a drip guard
86
according to the invention. A drip guard
86
is preferably positioned under the tip
36
for deterring paint from contacting the handle
14
and the actuator
46
. In particular, drip guard
86
is used to deter paint from contacting any of the electrical components of the paint sprayer
10
. The drip guard
86
is coupled to the main housing
16
and/or the handle
14
. The drip guard
86
has two separate flanges
98
,
100
, a first
98
of which extends under the tip
36
and a second
100
of which is positioned over the actuator
46
so that the button
48
of the actuator
46
extends through a hole
102
in the second flange
100
. The drip guard
86
includes a circular attachment hole
104
for positioning around the cylinder
78
of the pump housing
19
. In addition, the drip guard
86
includes an appendage
106
which extends outwardly below the circular hole
104
. The appendage
106
is engaged within a slot
108
in the handle
14
. The combination of the appendage
106
and the circular attachment hole
104
assist in maintaining the drip guard
86
in position on the paint sprayer
10
. As discussed, the first flange
98
of the drip guard
86
is curved and extends outwardly from the housing
16
under the tip
36
adjacent the actuator
46
and assists in deterring paint from contacting the handle area of the paint sprayer
10
. The second flange
100
of the drip guard
86
extends around the actuator button
48
and assists in deterring paint from entering the actuator
46
.
An alternative embodiment of the drip guard
86
is shown in
FIG. 7
as only comprising the first flange portion
98
. This drip guard
86
is similarly positioned beneath the tip
36
and is designed to deter paint from dripping from the tip
36
and contacting the handle
14
(and thus the user's hand and actuator
46
during paint application. Other drip guards may also be designed for use with the present invention, the invention not being limited to the designs shown herein. The drip guard is designed to be positioned between the tip
36
and the actuator
46
and is preferably positioned below the tip
36
and adjacent the actuator
46
, handle
14
, or main housing
16
for deterring the flow of paint onto the handle
14
and actuator
46
.
Referring again to
FIG. 6
, the handle
14
of the present design is ergonomically engineered for comfort to both male and female users during both use and transport. In addition, the actuator
46
on the handle
14
is ergonomically designed to allow operators of many sizes ease in operating the actuator
46
without requiring strain, unusual motion, or unnecessary finger extension. The handle
14
is also conducive to use by both left and right-handed users, and may include a foam cushion (not shown).
In particular, the handle
14
has a varied cross-section that has a generally rectangular shape
118
at the upper end
110
that transitions to a circular shape at the lower end
112
. The rectangular shape
118
transitions to a circular shape
120
in a first transition zone
114
, as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 6
. In addition, the generally rectangular cross-section
118
at the upper end
110
has a varying-sized cross-section. The generally rectangular cross-section
118
at the upper end
110
of the handle
14
has a larger cross-sectional shape than the generally rectangular cross-section
118
below the upper part. The larger cross-section transitions to a smaller cross-section in a second transition zone
116
, as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 6
.
Furthermore, the circular cross-sectional shape
120
at the lower end
112
of the handle
14
, where the handle
14
joins with the lid
50
, also includes a transition zone—referred to as the third transition zone
122
, as shown in FIG.
4
. This third transition zone
122
transitions from the lower end
112
of the handle
14
to the rim
52
of the lid
50
, with the smaller-diameter circular cross-section occurring toward the lower end
112
of the handle
14
and the larger diameter circular cross-section
120
occurring toward the rim
52
of the lid
50
. These transition zones
114
,
116
,
122
assist in providing a comfortable handle
14
for the varying hand sizes of the user. For example, a smaller handed user would likely only contact the lower part of the rectangular cross-section and the intermediate part of the handle where the circular cross-section has a generally constant diameter. A very large-handed user may contact the entire length of the handle
14
, including the upper part of the lid
50
. As a result, both the smaller and larger handed user's are comfortably accommodated. In addition, the handle
14
is a mirror image of itself on either side, so that no variation is provided based upon left or right handed users. Thus, both users may use the handle in comfort. It should be noted that while a specific configuration for the handle
14
is shown and described, variations of the transition zones
114
,
116
,
122
are also within the scope of the claimed invention. In particular, the size and location of the transition zones
114
,
116
,
122
may vary along the length of the handle
14
. In addition, the shape of the handle may vary.
FIG. 8
shows an alternative embodiment of the invention utilizing the main housing
16
and handle
14
, as described above in connection with
FIGS. 2-7
. This embodiment, however, does not utilize a paint cup
12
. Instead, it utilizes a hose structure that connects the intake tube
66
to a separate paint bucket
124
. The intake tube
66
is coupled to an intake hose
126
that extends from the intake tube
66
to a paint bucket
124
, or other paint source. A rigid tube
128
and filter structure
68
may be coupled to the end of the intake hose
126
and preferably extend to the bottom of the paint bucket
124
. In addition, a return hose
130
is shown extending from a return tube
132
that extends through the handle. The return hose is used to return paint from the return opening back to the paint bucket
124
. The return hose
130
is shown as connected to a rigid tube
132
that extends through the handle
14
to the return opening. Other types of attachments may also be utilized. For instance, the return tube
132
can be removable, or a permanently affixed return tube
132
can be attached to the return outlet so that the return hose
130
may couple to the end of the tube
132
. The return hose
130
and intake hose
126
may be formed as a single hose that is joined together, as shown, or may be two separate hoses. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the sprayer does not utilize a return opening.
Referring again to
FIG. 2
, the center of gravity Cg of the paint sprayer
10
is preferably maintained in a Cg region
134
that is positioned over or within the gripping zone
26
. In a preferred embodiment, represented by the X in
FIG. 2
, the center of gravity Cg is aligned with a longitudinal axis Y—Y of the handle
14
and paint cup
12
. The paint cup
12
may have an axis Z—Z other than the longitudinal axis Y—Y and the handle
14
may have an axis V—V other than the longitudinal axis Y—Y, and these axes may also be aligned with the center of gravity Cg of the paint sprayer
10
. In addition, the main housing
16
has a longitudinal axis L—L that extends front to back. In a preferred embodiment, the axis Z—Z of the paint cup
12
and the axis V—V of the handle
14
are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L—L of the housing. Even more preferably, the axis Y—Y of the paint cup
12
and handle
14
are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L—L of the main housing
16
.
The center of gravity will vary within the Cg region
134
depending upon whether the paint cup
12
is full of fluid or empty. The Cg may vary slightly as the paint is used from the paint cup
12
. It is preferred that the Cg is positioned so that there will be little variation in Cg as paint is used from the cup
12
. The Cg of the paint sprayer
10
may be manipulated by moving the components within the main housing
16
. For instance, the motor
22
may be moved around within the electrical housing
17
to modify the position of the Cg. Other components may also be moved around to alter Cg, if so desired.
In a preferred embodiment, the center of gravity of the sprayer
10
is designed so that the sprayer
10
may sit on a flat surface without tipping over, regardless of the amount of paint in the paint cup
12
, and is resistant to tipping caused by accidental bumping. The center of gravity may take into account accessories, including the sprayer
10
itself, a hose
126
,
130
(should the sprayer
10
be used with an accessory hose instead of the paint cup
12
), and the power cord
32
. In addition, the center of gravity is preferably positioned so that the paint sprayer
10
is balanced when in the hand of a user.
It is preferred that the pump
24
is designed to prime on the first try with every use. In addition, it is preferred that the internal fluid passage
34
is smooth and has no trap points. A smooth internal fluid passage
34
will make it easier to clean the sprayer
10
and result in greater overall customer satisfaction since the sprayer
10
will be more likely to operate properly during subsequent uses.
In use, the user unscrews the paint cup
12
from the sprayer
10
and fills it with paint. After plugging the power cord
32
into an electrical outlet, the user grips the handle
14
and activates the sprayer
10
by pressing the actuator button
48
. The actuator
46
pivots to activate the switch
136
and the motor
22
. Spray intensity may be adjusted by turning the control knob
42
on the rear end
20
of the sprayer housing
16
. While pressing the actuator button
48
, the user moves his/her arm back and forth to spray paint onto the desired surface.
The sprayer
10
may be cleaned by removing and emptying the paint cup
12
from the lid
50
, filling the paint cup
12
with clean water or cleaning solution, reattaching the paint cup
12
to the lid
50
, and spraying the water or solution through the fluid passage
34
out the tip
36
. Alternatively, the pump housing
19
can be removed from the main housing
16
and soaked or run under water. Typical cleaning solutions include water, paint thinner (mineral spirits), lacquer thinner, denatured alcohol, turpentine, and other paint solvents.
The various parts of the paint sprayer
10
, such as the tip guard
37
, housing
16
, drip guard
86
, handle
14
, power cord
32
, and other parts are shown as having a particular configuration. The configurations shown are for illustration purposes only, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and not limited to any of the particularly shown embodiments.
While various features of the claimed invention are presented above, it should be understood that the features may be used singly or in any combination thereof. Therefore, the claimed invention is not to be limited to only the specific embodiments depicted herein.
Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications may occur to those skilled in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. The embodiments described herein are exemplary of the claimed invention. The disclosure may enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments having alternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements of the invention recited in the claims. The intended scope of the invention may thus include other embodiments that do not differ or that insubstantially differ from the literal language of the claims. The scope of the present invention is accordingly defined as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims
- 1. A handle for an airless paint sprayer comprising:an elongated member configured in a mirror image of itself on either side, and having a top end and a bottom end, with a gripping zone extending between the top and bottom ends, said elongated member having a generally rectangular cross-section at the top end and a generally circular cross-section at the bottom end, with a first transition zone positioned between the top and bottom ends where the cross-section transitions from the generally rectangular cross-section to the generally circular cross-section.
- 2. The handle of claim 1, further comprising attachment points at at least the top end of the elongated member, wherein the attachment points are for mating the handle to a housing of an airless paint sprayer.
- 3. The handle of claim 1, wherein the generally rectangular cross-section is rectangular and the generally circular cross-section is circular.
- 4. The handle of claim 1, further comprising at least one attachment point at the bottom end of the elongated member for coupling with a paint cup.
- 5. A handle for an airless paint sprayer comprising:an elongated member having a top end and a bottom end, with a gripping zone extending between the top and bottom ends, said elongated member having a generally rectangular cross-section at the top end and a generally circular cross-section at the bottom end, with a first transition zone positioned between the top and bottom ends where the cross-section transitions from the generally rectangular cross-section to the generally circular cross-section, and with a second transition zone in the vicinity of the top end of the elongated member, the second transition zone having a larger cross-section at the top of the second transition zone than at the bottom of the second transition zone, both cross-sections of which are generally rectangular.
- 6. The handle of claim 5, further comprising a third transition zone in the vicinity of the bottom end of the elongated member, the third transition zone having a larger cross-section at the bottom of the third transition zone than at the top of the third transition zone, both cross-sections of which are generally circular.
- 7. A handle for an airless paint sprayer comprising:an elongated member having a top end and a bottom end, with a gripping zone extending between the top and bottom ends, said elongated member having a generally rectangular cross-section at the top end and a generally circular cross-section at the bottom end, with a first transition zone positioned between the top and bottom ends where the cross-section transitions from the generally rectangular cross-section to the generally circular cross-section, and with a third transition zone in the vicinity of the bottom end of the elongated member, the third transition zone having a larger cross-section at the bottom of the third transition zone than at the top of the third transition zone, both cross-sections of which are generally circular.
- 8. The handle of claim 7, wherein a lid portion having a rim is positioned at the bottom end of the elongated member and the rim of the lid portion is for attaching the handle to a paint cup, with the larger generally circular cross-section of the third transition zone being positioned at the rim of the lid portion.
- 9. The handle of claim 8, wherein the lid portion includes a frustoconical upper portion and a generally cylindrical lower portion, with the screw threads being positioned on the lower portion.
- 10. A handle for an airless paint sprayer comprising:an elongated member having a top end and a bottom end, with a gripping zone extending between the top and bottom ends, said elongated member having a generally rectangular cross-section at the top end and a generally circular cross-section at the bottom end, with a first transition zone positioned between the top and bottom ends where the cross-section transitions from the generally rectangular cross-section to the generally circular cross-section; and at least one attachment point at the bottom end of the elongated member for coupling with a paint cup, said attachment point at the bottom end of the elongated member including a lid portion with a rim, said rim having screw threads positioned thereon for mating with screw threads of a paint cup to attach a paint cup to the handle.
- 11. A handle for an airless paint sprayer comprising:an elongated member having a top end and a bottom end, with a gripping zone extending between the top and bottom ends, said elongated member having a generally rectangular cross-section at the top end and a generally circular cross-section at the bottom end, with a first transition zone positioned between the top and bottom ends where the cross-section transitions from the generally rectangular cross-section to the generally circular cross-section; and a lid coupled in the vicinity of the bottom end of the elongated member.
- 12. The handle of claim 11, wherein the lid is integral with the elongated member.
- 13. The handle of claim 11, wherein the lid has a circular cross-section.
US Referenced Citations (48)