This invention relates to devices and methods for use with spray tips. Specifically, this invention relates to paint spray tips and devices and methods of storage.
Spray painting devices use a nozzle to refine the paint into multiple droplets for application to a surface. In many commercial spray painting applications the nozzles are removable from a spray painting system. Removable nozzle tips provide ease of cleaning, and provide the ability to change nozzle tips for different paint types, or desired spray finishes, etc. One common type of nozzle tip includes a reversible nozzle tip for high pressure airless spray systems.
Commercial painters typically have several nozzle tips for various paint types, finishes, etc. It is desirable to keep multiple spray tips organized to facilitate easy location of a desired nozzle tip. It is further desirable to ensure that the tips are kept clean to provide proper spray operation.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, or logical changes, etc. may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In the example shown, the base unit 110 and holder 120 are formed from a material that is compatible with a paint solvent. Examples of compatible materials include selected plastics, metals, glass, etc. As will be discussed in more detail below, storage of spray nozzle tips in solvent keeps the tips in a condition ready for use at all times. Because the nozzle tips 130 are immersed in solvent, the holder 120 and other components of the storage system 100 need to be compatible with the solvent. In selected examples, the material used is transparent or translucent to help see and select an appropriate nozzle tip. Examples of solvent include, but are not limited to paint thinner, mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, etc.
In
The spray nozzle tip storage system 100 further includes a solvent reservoir 140, including a lid 142 that prevents evaporation of solvent when the nozzle tips 130 are in storage.
In one embodiment a number of legs 114 are attached to a holder 120, base unit 110, or other component of the storage system 100. Legs provide a spacing that holds the nozzle tips 130 above a bottom 148 of the solvent reservoir 140. Occasionally, sludge from old paint, etc. may build up at the bottom of the solvent reservoir. A sludge level is indicated in
In one embodiment, the legs 114 include a magnetic end. When magnetic legs 114 are used with a ferromagnetic solvent reservoir such as a steel paint can, the holder 120, base unit 110 and handle 112 are held in place. Such a configuration is useful in the event that the solvent reservoir 140 is tipped over, or jostled about during transportation. In one embodiment, the nozzle tip receptacles 122 are further equipped with securing devices to hold the nozzle tips 130 in place within the nozzle tip receptacles 122. In the event that the solvent reservoir 140 is tipped over or jostled, the securing devices keep the nozzle tips 130 from falling out of place and becoming disorganized.
One example of a securing device is shown in
In one embodiment, a laminate structure is used to form the securing devices.
Although starburst patterns and grommets are discussed in detail, the invention is not so limited. Other securing device configurations such as alternative slit patterns, resilient grommets, mechanical holders, etc. are within the scope of the invention.
Using devices and methods described in the present disclosure, a user can easily store and later find any one of several nozzle tips from within a solvent reservoir. Devices and methods shown allow a user to store and retrieve nozzle tips without immersing fingers or hands in solvent, which can be harsh and/or damaging to skin. Selected embodiment further allow the solvent reservoir to be tipped over or otherwise jostled without the stored nozzle tips becoming dislodged from their organized locations.
While a number of advantages of embodiments of the invention are described, the above lists are not intended to be exhaustive. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention includes any other applications in which the above structures and methods are used. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/871,418 filed Dec. 21, 2006. The entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60871418 | Dec 2006 | US |