Conversion adapter for a fluid supply assembly

A conversion adapter for connecting a fluid supply assembly to a fluid applicator. The conversion adapter provides a connection between the fluid supply assembly and the fluid applicator. The conversion adapter has a first end and a second end, and a bore between the first end and the second end. The first end has a complementary connecting surface mating with the connecting surface on the fluid supply assembly. The second end has a complementary connector in the bore, and a top and bottom. The complementary connector is selected from complementary grooves or complementary projections, and mates with the connector on the adapter of the fluid applicator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally to a fluid supply assembly for a fluid applicator, and more particularly to a conversion adapter for connecting a fluid supply assembly to a fluid applicator.

Typically, the connection between a fluid supply assembly and a fluid applicator, such as a paint sprayer for automobile painting and repainting in body shops, is via an adapter between the fluid supply assembly and the fluid applicator, such as with a threaded connection between the supply cup and the adapter. However, it is difficult to prevent leaking from threaded connections without precise machining of the threads or the use of seals, particularly for threaded connections having a short length.

Attempts have been made to create a connection between a supply cup and an adapter that can be engaged and disengaged quickly and easily. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,356,687 and 6,595,441 disclose a connection between a paint cup and an adapter which has several parts. However, the adapter can be rotated without being fully inserted. Thus, the adapter may appear to be securely connected to the paint cup when it is not. An improper connection can result in the paint cup falling off the paint sprayer, creating a mess. Moreover, the connections described in these patents are unnecessarily complex.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, there remains a need for a connection between a fluid supply assembly and a fluid applicator that can be engaged quickly, easily, and securely, and that provides a strong tight seal around the connection.

The present invention meets this need by providing a conversion adapter for connecting a fluid supply assembly to a fluid applicator. In one embodiment, the fluid applicator includes an adapter with a connector on an outer surface, the connector selected from projections and grooves. The conversion adapter comprises a first end and a second end, and a bore between the first end and the second end, the first end having a complementary connecting surface adapted to mate with a connecting surface on the fluid supply assembly, the second end having a complementary connector in the bore, the second end having a top and bottom, the complementary connector selected from complementary grooves or complementary projections, the complementary connector adapted to mate with the connector on the adapter of the fluid applicator.

In another embodiment, the fluid supply assembly includes a fitting with an opening, the fitting having an upper end and a lower end, the fitting having a connector on the upper end of an inner surface, the connector selected from projections and grooves. The conversion adapter includes an adapter having a first end and a second end, and a bore between the first end and the second end, the first end having a complementary connector on an outer surface, the first end having a top and bottom, the complementary connector selected from complementary grooves or complementary projections, the complementary connector adapted to mate with the connector on the fitting of the fluid supply assembly, the second end having a complementary connecting surface adapted to mate with a connecting surface on the fluid applicator. Another aspect of the invention is a method of connecting a fluid supply assembly to a fluid applicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A fluid supply assembly attached to a fluid applicator is shown inFIG. 1. In one embodiment, the fluid supply assembly is for feeding liquid, such as paint, to the fluid applicator, such as a paint sprayer. The present invention will be described for a paint sprayer, such as a gravity feed paint sprayer, for use in applying paint to coat substrate surfaces. The paint sprayer can be used in the automotive refinishing market, such as automobile body shops, for repainting automobiles. Although the fluid supply assembly is described for a paint sprayer, it is not limited to such use. It can be used for supplying other flowable liquids, including, but not limited to, beverages, foods, condiments (such as ketchup), gasoline, petrochemicals and hydrocarbons, water, water-based solutions, solvent-based solutions, emulsions, adhesives, and the like.

Referring toFIG. 1, a paint sprayer10is shown. It includes a body15, a nozzle assembly20secured to a front end25of body15, and a handle30depending from a rear end35of body15. A trigger40is pivotally secured to body15for the manual actuation of sprayer10. A top-mounted paint supply assembly45is mounted to body15near front end25for feeding paint to nozzle assembly20. An air connector50is connected to an air hose (not shown) for the delivery of pressurized air to nozzle assembly20, wherein the delivery of pressurized air is controlled by trigger40.

Compressed air from air connector50is delivered through an internal passage (not shown) to nozzle assembly20, and the compressed air acts to atomize paint and deliver it through nozzle assembly20to spray paint about paint axis55. Paint is delivered to nozzle assembly20from paint supply assembly45.

FIGS. 11-14show one embodiment of an adapter assembly500. The adapter assembly500includes adapter505for connecting between paint sprayer10and outer lid508. Adapter505includes a first end510engagable with paint sprayer10, shown inFIG. 1, a second end515engagable with outer lid508, and a hollow bore520between first end510and second end515.

In one embodiment, first end510has a diameter smaller than second end515. First end510is generally cylindrical in shape. First end510has a connecting surface525for engaging with a complementary connecting surface530on the paint sprayer10. Suitable connecting surface525and complementary connecting surface530include, but are not limited to, threading helical surfaces, lugs and grooves, tapered connections, bayonet connections, snap connections, or first end510can be integral with paint sprayer10so that the adapter505is a feed conduit into sprayer10. Desirably, the connecting surface525and complementary connecting surface530are threads of a typical size and pitch for paint sprayers so that the fluid assembly can be used with any of several sprayers.

There can be one or more grooves535on the outside of the second end515extending from the bottom540toward the top545. The grooves535form an angle a with respect to the plane of the bottom540of the second end515. A portion of the grooves535can form a helix around the outside of the second end515. The grooves535can optionally include a portion550which can form an angle b with respect to the plane of the groove535. The portion550can be parallel to the plane of the bottom540of the second end515, or it can form an angle with respect to the bottom540of the second end515, if desired. In order to form a secure connection, more than one groove can be used; two, three, or four grooves are suitable for most applications, although more can be used if desired.

The outer lid508has an integral generally cylindrical fitting555with an opening560therethrough. The opening560is generally circular. The opening560in the outer lid508has projections565extending inward at the upper end of the opening560. The projections565can be positioned at the edge of the upper end of the fitting555or below the edge, if desired. The projections565are typically rod-shaped, but they can be any desired shape. The number of projections will correspond to the number of grooves.

When the second end515is positioned in fitting555, the bottom540of the second end515will enter the fitting555until it reaches projections565. This centers the adapter505in the opening560of the fitting555. The adapter505can be rotated until the grooves535in the second end align with projections565. Alternatively, the outer lid508could be rotated onto the adapter505.

The second end515can then be rotated further so that the projections565follow the grooves535which moves the second end515into the fitting555and onto the fitting570of the disposable lid575. When the projections565reach portion550, the second end515is engaged with the fitting555. If the portion550is parallel to the bottom540of the second end515, further rotation of the second end515causes the projections565to follow portion550, locking the second end515in the fitting555without the second end515moving further into the fitting555. The adapter's rotation will stop when it reaches the end of the portion550. This arrangement allows the adapter to be “unscrewed” slightly without it raising off the disposable lid575. Thus, accidental bumping of the adapter will not cause it to start disengaging the connection immediately. When the adapter is “unscrewed” to remove the cup, the presence of a portion550which is parallel to the bottom540of the second end515allows the adapter to be removed slowly and gradually, which reduces the likelihood of residual paint being spattered during removal.

If the portion550is not parallel to the bottom540of the second end515, rotating the second end515will move the second end515further into the fitting555.

Optionally, when the adapter is almost inserted completely, the adapter can have an interference fit with the fitting555. The fitting555can be slightly smaller near the bottom to give the feel of a snug fit as the second end515nears the locking point between the adapter and the outer lid. The fitting555can have a smaller diameter all of the way around, or it can have only some portions which are smaller.

The fitting can extend downward from the top of the outer lid (as shown inFIG. 12), or it can extend upward from the top (as shown inFIG. 15), as desired.

Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 15-17, the second end515can include projections565, and the fitting555can include grooves535. In this arrangement, the projections565could be at the bottom of the second end515or slightly above the bottom. The grooves535would extend downward from the top of the fitting555toward the bottom. The portion550of the groove535would be near the bottom of the fitting555. The operation would be similar to that described above.

In some paint sprayers10, various parts, such as hooks, or knobs on the fluid applicator, will interfere with a connection made between the adapter and the fluid supply assembly. In this situation, a conversion adapter can be included between the adapter on the paint sprayer and the fluid supply assembly to provide the proper spacing.

FIGS. 18-23show different embodiments of a conversion adapter600. The conversion adapter600has a first end605and a second end610with a bore615between them. The first end605can be connected to the fluid supply assembly using a complementary connecting surface620which is adapted to mate with a connecting surface on the fluid supply assembly. The complementary connecting surface and connecting surface can be an arrangement of projections and grooves, as was described above for connecting the adapter and outer lid. Alternatively, it can be another type of connecting surface/complementary connecting surface, such as threaded helical connections, lugs and grooves, tapered connections, friction fit connections, bayonet connections, or snap connections.

The first end605can be smaller in diameter than the second end610, if desired. The first and second ends605,610can be generally cylindrical, if desired.

There are one or more complementary connectors in the bore615of the conversion adapter600. InFIGS. 18-20, the complementary connectors are projections625which extend into the bore615at the top of the second end610. The projections can be positioned at the edge of the top630of the second end610, or below the edge, if desired. The projections are typically rod-shaped, but they can be any desired shape. The number of projections will correspond to the number of grooves.

The projections mate with grooves in the adapter505. When the adapter505is positioned in the second end610of the conversion adapter600, the adapter505will enter the second end610until it reaches projections625. This centers the adapter505in the opening635of the conversion adapter600. The conversion adapter600can be rotated until the grooves535in the adapter505align with projections625. Alternatively, the adapter505could be rotated onto the conversion adapter600.

The conversion adapter600can be rotated further so that the projections625follow the grooves which moves the adapter505into the conversion adapter600. When the projections reach portion550, the adapter505is engaged with the conversion adapter600. If the portion550is parallel to the bottom540of the adapter505, further rotation of the conversion adapter600causes the projections625to follow portion550, locking the adapter505in the conversion adapter600without the adapter505moving further into the conversion adapter600. The conversion adapter's rotation will stop when it reaches the end of portion550. Accidental bumping of the conversion adapter will not cause it to start disengaging the connection immediately.

If the portion550is not parallel to the bottom540of the adapter505, rotating the conversion adapter600will move the adapter505further into the conversion adapter600.

Optionally, when the adapter505is almost inserted completely, the adapter505can have an interference fit with the conversion adapter600. The conversion adapter600can be slightly smaller near the bottom640of the second end610to give the feel of a snug fit as the adapter505nears the locking point. The conversion adapter600can be smaller all around, or just some portions can be smaller.

Alternatively, the complementary connectors are grooves645, as shown inFIGS. 21-22. In this case, the adapter would include projections565, as shown inFIG. 17. The grooves645can extend down from the top630of the second end610of the conversion adapter600. The grooves645can form an angle a with respect to the plane of the top630. The portion650of the groove forms an angle b with respect to the plane of the groove, and could be parallel to a plane of the top630of the second end610of the conversion adapter600. The operation would be similar to that described above.

Another embodiment of the conversion adapter600is shown inFIGS. 24-25. The conversion adapter600has a first end605and a second end610with a bore615between them. The second end610can be connected to the fluid applicator using a complementary connecting surface660which is adapted to mate with a connecting surface on the fluid applicator. The complementary connecting surface660and connecting surface can be an arrangement of projections and grooves, as was described above for connecting the adapter and outer lid. Alternatively, it can be another type of connecting surface/complementary connecting surface, such as threaded helical connections, lugs and grooves, tapered connections, friction fit connections, bayonet connections, snap connections, screws/threaded connections, or nuts and bolts connections. Depending on the type of connection, an o-ring or other type of seal could be used to provide a fluid tight seal between the conversion adapter and the fluid applicator, if desired.

The first end605can be smaller in diameter than the second end610, if desired. The first and second ends605,610can be generally cylindrical, if desired.

There are one or more complementary connectors on the conversion adapter600. The complementary connectors can be projections665which extend from the outer surface of the first end605of the conversion adapter600. The projections665can be positioned at the edge of the top670of the first end605, or below the edge, if desired. The projections are typically rod-shaped, but they can be any desired shape. The number of projections will correspond to the number of grooves.

The projections665mate with grooves535in the fitting555(shown inFIG. 15). When the first end605of the conversion adapter600is positioned in the fitting555, the conversion adapter600can be rotated until the grooves535in the fitting555align with projections665. Alternatively, the fitting555could be rotated onto the conversion adapter600.

The conversion adapter600can be rotated further so that the projections665follow the grooves535which moves the conversion adapter600into the fitting555. When the projections665reach portion550, the conversion adapter600is engaged with the fitting555. If the portion550is parallel to the top670of the conversion adapter600, further rotation of the conversion adapter600causes the projections665to follow portion550, locking the conversion adapter600in the fitting555without the conversion adapter600moving further into the fitting555. The conversion adapter's rotation will stop when it reaches the end of portion550. Accidental bumping of the conversion adapter600will not cause it to start disengaging the connection immediately.

If the portion550is not parallel to the top of the fitting555, rotating the conversion adapter600will move the conversion adapter600further into the fitting555.

Optionally, when the conversion adapter600is almost inserted completely, the conversion adapter600can have an interference fit with the fitting555. The opening in the fitting555can be slightly smaller near the bottom to give the feel of a snug fit as the conversion adapter600nears the locking point. The fitting555can be smaller all around, or just some portions can be smaller.

Alternatively, the complementary connectors are grooves675, as shown inFIG. 25. In this case, the fitting555would include projections565, as shown inFIG. 12. The grooves675can extend down from the top670of the first end605of the conversion adapter600. The portion680of the groove675could be parallel to a plane of the top670of the first end605of conversion adapter600. The operation would be similar to that described above.

The conversion adapter can be a single piece, or it can be made in two or more pieces, if desired. For example, the first end can be one piece, and the second end can be a second piece. The two ends can be connected using a suitable connection, such as threaded helical connections, lugs and grooves, tapered connections, friction fit connections, bayonet connections, snap connections, screws/threaded connections, or nuts and bolts connections.

FIG. 26shows one embodiment of a two piece conversion adapter700. The first piece705includes first end710and second end712, and a second piece715includes first end722and second end720. The first piece705fits into the bore of an adapter on the fluid applicator (the adapter can be integral with the fluid applicator, if desired). The first piece705can be generally cylindrical and have thin walls. It can have knurls725on the outer surface.

The second piece715has a threaded connection730at first end722and the second end720at the other end. The threaded connection730has a smaller diameter than second end720. Between threaded connection730and second end720, there is an intermediate portion735which tapers outward from threaded connection730toward second end720.

The first piece705is inserted into the bore of the fluid applicator. The knurls725have an interference fit with the bore of the adapter on the fluid applicator. This helps to prevent rotation in the bore. Then the second piece715is attached to the first piece705. The second piece715can be screwed into the first piece705using the threaded connection730which mates with a threaded connection (not shown) inside the first piece705. As the second piece715is screwed into the first piece705, the tapered intermediate portion735causes the thin walls of the first piece to expand, locking it in place in the bore of the fluid applicator.

The second end720can have a complementary connector groove740which can be used to attach the conversion adapter700to the fitting on the fluid supply assembly, as described above. Alternatively, the second end720can have a complementary connector projection, also as described above.

A screw can be used to insert and remove the first piece705from the bore of the fluid applicator. The screw can be attached to the threaded connection inside the first piece705, and the first piece705can be tapped into place in the bore of the fluid adapter. Then the second piece715can be attached. To remove the first piece705from the bore, the second piece715is removed. Then the screw can be attached to the first piece705, and the screw with the first piece705attached can be pulled out of the bore.

The adapter assembly of the present invention can be used with any fluid supply assembly which has an outer lid with a fitting as described herein. It is particularly suitable for use with the fluid supply assembly described in commonly assigned application for Fluid Supply Assembly, application Ser. No. 10/759,352 filed Jan. 16, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 1-3show a first embodiment of paint supply assembly45of the present invention. The paint supply assembly includes disposable cup55. Disposable cup55has a side wall60which is generally cylindrical. The outlet end65at the top of the cup is open, and the bottom70is closed. The side wall60, outlet end65, and bottom70define an interior75. The outlet end65defines an axis80. There is a flange85extending outward and downward from the edge of the outlet end65. The flange85extends downward at an angle α in a range of from about 10° to about 70° from the axis80of the outlet end65.

The disposable cup55can be made of transparent or translucent plastic if desired. Suitable plastics include, but are not limited to, low density polyethylene. The disposable cup has flexible side walls which allow the disposable cup to collapse as paint is dispensed. The side walls can be thin, for example in the range of about 0.003 in. to about 0.008 in. The bottom can be slightly thicker, in the range of about 0.003 to about 0.02 in., so that the bottom will remain substantially flat as the side walls collapse, if desired. No air vent is needed in the disposable cup because the side walls collapse. This allows the user to discharge the paint sprayer at any angle without leaks and to use more of the paint in the cup than is possible with conventional gravity feed paint cups.

Reusable cup holder90is generally cylindrical. It has a side wall95, an open upper end100, and a lower end105. The lower end105has an opening110in it. The opening110can cover all or almost all of the lower end105, if desired. Alternatively, the lower end could have one or more smaller openings. The opening110in the lower end105allows ambient air pressure to help the disposable cup collapse during use. Optionally, the reusable cup holder90can include one or more legs112extending downward from the lower end105. The legs can extend all of the way around the opening110(i.e., a circular rib) or only a part of the way around the opening110. The legs112can assist in stacking the fluid supply assemblies as described below.

The upper end100defines an axis115. A flange120extends outward and downward from an edge of the upper end100. The flange120extends downward at an angle β in a range of from about 10° to about 70° from the axis115of the upper end100. The angle β is substantially the same as the angle α of the flange85of disposable cup55. When the disposable cup55is placed in the reusable cup holder90, the flange120of reusable cup holder90supports the flange85of the disposable cup55.

There is a connecting surface125at the upper end100of the reusable cup holder90. The connecting surface125can be on the sidewall, extend out from the side wall, or it can extend outward from the end of the flange120, if desired.

The reusable cup holder90can be made of a rigid plastic, including, but not limited to, polypropylene or high density polyethylene. Desirably, the plastic selected is strong enough that the reusable cup holder can withstand the clamping force of a paint shaker machine. The plastic is desirably transparent or translucent, although it could be opaque. If an opaque plastic is used, the side wall should have elongated openings in it so that the disposable cup and its contents can be seen. Typically, the walls can be in the range of from about 0.02 in. to about 0.08 in. thick.

The disposable lid130has a generally frustoconical portion135. The outer edge140of the generally frustoconical portion135defines an axis145. The angle γ of the outer edge140of the generally frustoconical portion135is in a range of from about 10° to about 70° from the axis145. The angle γ is substantially the same as the angle α of the flange85of disposable cup55. The disposable lid130fits over the disposable cup55, and the edge140of the disposable lid130mates with the flange85of the disposable cup55. The inside of the disposable lid130can have a downward extending rib150, if desired. The downward extending rib150extends into the interior75of the disposable cup and mates with the inside of the side wall60of the disposable cup55, forming a seal. Additionally, there can be a downwardly projecting sealing bead155on the inside of the disposable lid130. The downwardly projecting sealing bead155mates with the flange85of the disposable cup55to aid in forming a seal.

There is a fitting160integrally connected to the generally frustoconical portion135. The fitting160has an opening165extending through it.

The disposable lid130can be made of a transparent, translucent, or opaque plastic. Suitable plastics include, but are not limited to, polypropylene or high density polyethylene.

The reusable outer lid170has a generally frustoconical portion175. The outer edge180of the generally frustoconical portion175defines an axis185. The angle δ of the outer edge180of the generally frustoconical portion175is in a range of from about 10° to about 70° from the axis185. The angle δ is substantially the same as the angle β of the flange120of reusable cup holder90. The outer edge180of the reusable outer lid170mates with the flange120of the reusable cup holder90. There is a complementary connecting surface190at the outer edge180of the reusable outer lid170. In this embodiment, the complementary connecting surface190extends downward from the outer edge180, although other arrangements are possible. The complementary connecting surface190mates with the connecting surface125of the reusable cup holder90to seal the reusable cup holder90and reusable outer lid170together.

The reusable outer lid has a fitting195integrally connected to the generally frustoconical portion175. The fitting195has an opening200extending through it. The fitting160of the disposable lid130fits into the fitting195of the reusable outer lid170.

The reusable outer lid170can be made of a strong, tough plastic. Desirably, the plastic selected is strong enough that the reusable outer lid can withstand the clamping force of a paint shaker machine. Examples of suitable plastic include, but are not limited to, acetal. Acetal is not typically transparent. Therefore, the reusable outer lid170can include one or more sight holes so that the paint level is visible to the user, if desired. The sight hole can also allow the user to write the name of the name of the paint type on the disposable lid, and it permits easy removal of the disposable lid from the reusable outer lid.

A conduit210connects the fluid supply assembly to the paint sprayer10. The conduit210mates with the fitting195of the reusable outer lid170and the fitting160of the disposable lid130. The conduit210has an opening215through it. There is a path for fluid to flow from the interior75of the disposable cup55through the opening165in the disposable lid130through the opening215in conduit210to the paint sprayer10. An optional filter220can be placed into the opening215in the conduit210, the opening200in the reusable outer lid170, or the opening165in the disposable lid130to filter out impurities.

In order to use the fluid supply assembly, the disposable cup55is placed into the reusable cup holder90. The flange85of the disposable cup55mates with the flange120of the reusable cup holder90. The flange85centers the disposable cup55in the reusable cup holder90.

Optionally, there can be indicia230on either the disposable cup55or the reusable cup holder90or both. The indicia230can be molded in the side, printed on the side, a label can be attached to the side, or the indicia can be supplied in some other fashion. The indicia230can be used to measure paint components. Alternatively, the disposable cup and reusable cup holder can be used on a scale, or with a measuring stick to measure the paint components.

The indicia can include mixing scales with one or more mixing ratios, e.g., 4:1 mixing ratio, 2:1 mixing ratio; 3:2:1 mixing ratio, etc. Each mixing ratio might include one or more different sized divisions so that different amounts of fluid could be measured using each mixing ratio. The indicia can also include one or more universal scales, i.e., scales with equal sized divisions. One universal scale might have 20 equal divisions, another 10 equal divisions, a third 5 equal divisions. There can be as many universal scales as needed. The multiple universal scales allow the user to measure different amounts of fluid without using the mixing ratio scales, which would not have to be included. The user could select the appropriate universal scale based on the amount of fluid needed.

Alternatively, the measuring guide could have indicia printed on a clear, thin, flat, plastic sheet. The plastic sheet has connecting parts on opposite sides of the sheet, including, but not limited to, tabs and slots. The plastic sheet is formed into a cylinder, and the tabs are inserted into the slots. The measuring guide can be placed on the table, and the disposable cup, or the reusable cup holder with the disposable cup in it, can be placed inside the cylinder. After the paint components are measured, the disposable cup (and the reusable cup holder if present) is removed from the cylinder. This can be done by lifting the disposable cup by the flange, or by disconnecting the tabs and slots on the sheet. Optional removal tabs on the flange 180 degrees apart can assist in removing the disposable cup. The disposable cup can then be placed in the reusable cup holder (if not already there). This measuring guide improves visibility and accuracy in measuring the paint components. The rectangular shape is easy to manufacture. It eliminates the necessity for accurate placement of a label on the disposable cup or reusable cup holder. It also allows more direct viewing of the indicia than with the label (i.e., through the label, the reusable cup holder, and the disposable cup). It is particularly advantageous when a smaller diameter disposable cup is used because the indicia can be placed right next to the disposable cup. Finally, if the disposable cup is used alone, the reusable cup holder stays cleaner because it is not used when pouring and measuring paint.

The sheets may be formed in different sizes so that the measuring guides can be used with different sizes of disposable cups. A larger sheet could be used with the reusable cup holder and/or the larger disposable cup. The cylinder formed by the larger sheet is big enough so that the reusable cup holder and/or the larger disposable cup fit inside. The larger sheet could include a marking, such as a dotted line near the bottom, to allow proper alignment of the indicia depending whether the larger disposable cup is used with the reusable cup holder or not. The entire sheet might be used when the larger disposable cup is used with a reusable cup holder having legs. When the larger disposable cup is used alone (or the reusable cup does not affect the alignment, e.g. because it does not have legs), the sheet could be cut at the marking. This allows proper alignment in either situation. A smaller sheet could be used when a smaller disposable cup is used. The reusable cup holder would not generally be used with the smaller disposable cup when measuring fluid in order to provide proper alignment of the indicia and the smaller disposable cup.

After the disposable cup55is filled with paint, the disposable lid130is placed on top of the disposable cup55. The angle γ of the edge140of disposable lid130is substantially the same as the angle α of the flange85of disposable cup55so that the edge140of disposable lid130mates with the flange85of the disposable cup55. The angle γ centers the disposable lid130on the disposable cup55. The angle γ of the disposable lid130also allows for additional sealing area without an increase in the overall outside diameter of the fluid supply assembly.

The downward extending rib150on the inside of the disposable lid130fits inside the disposable cup55. There can be one or more downward extending ribs150around the disposable lid130which extend part way around the inside of the disposable lid55, or the rib can extend all the way around. The downward extending rib150keeps the disposable lid55in place, and it can also act as a seal. The disposable lid55can also have a downwardly extending sealing bead155which contacts the flange85of the disposable cup55to improve sealing.

The reusable outer lid170is placed on top of the disposable lid130. It is tightened to the reusable cup holder90using the connecting surface125of the reusable cup holder90and the complementary connecting surface190of the reusable outer lid170. Suitable connecting surfaces and complementary connecting surfaces include, but are not limited to, threaded connections, lugs and grooves, and pins and slots.

The outer edge180of the reusable outer lid170has an angle δ which is substantially the same as the angle β of the flange120of reusable cup holder90. The tightening of the reusable outer lid170to the reusable cup holder90clamps the edge140of disposable lid130and flange85of disposable cup55together between edge180of reusable outer lid170and flange120of reusable cup holder90. The angle increases the clamping force without an increase in torque.

The angles α of the flange85of disposable cup55, γ of the edge140of disposable lid130, β of flange120of reusable cup holder90, and δ of edge180of reusable outer lid170are generally in the range of about 10° to about 70° from the respective axis, typically about 20° to about 60°, more typically about 30° to about 50°, more about typically 35° to about 45°.

When the angles α and γ of the flange85of disposable cup55and the edge140of disposable lid130match the angle at which the fluid supply assembly is attached to the paint sprayer so that in use the disposable lid is substantially parallel to the paint axis of the paint sprayer, almost all of the paint in the disposable cup is used. Because the cost for a typical mixed paint is over $1.00 per fluid ounce, reducing paint waste is an important consideration.

A plug235can be used to cover the fitting160on the disposable lid130. The plug235can fit inside or outside of the fitting160. The plug235seals the opening165in the fitting160for shaking or storage.

In one embodiment, the fluid supply assembly of the present invention is strong enough to be placed in a paint shaker machine without any additional support.

The conduit210is placed into the fitting195in the reusable outer lid170. An optional filter220is inserted in the opening215of the conduit210. Alternatively, the filter220could be placed in the fitting160of the disposable lid130or the fitting195of the reusable outer lid170. The filter220can have a projection225, if desired, which prevents the collapsing disposable cup55from blocking the opening165through to the conduit210. Projection225can also be used to remove the filter220for cleaning or disposal. The conduit210can be filled with solvent and plugged for storage, if desired. If an inside fitting plug235is used for the fitting160on the disposable cup130, the same size plug may also fit in the conduit.

The fluid supply assembly is attached to the conduit210. The conduit210connects to the reusable outer lid170and the paint sprayer10and provides a flow path from the interior75of the disposable cup55to the paint sprayer10.

An alternate embodiment for the reusable outer lid is shown inFIG. 4. In this embodiment, the reusable outer lid300has an inner portion305and an outer portion310. The outer portion310is generally frustoconical. The outer edge315defines an axis320. The angle δa of the outer edge315is in a range of from about 10° to about 70° from the axis320. As in the first embodiment, the angle δa is substantially the same as the angle β of flange120reusable cup holder90.

The inner portion305is substantially flat. Alternatively, it could be at an angle different from the angle δa of the outer edge315. It can optionally include one or more upward extending prongs325. The prongs325can extend all or part of the way around the reusable outer lid300. They can be positioned to mate with the legs112of an adjacent reusable cup holder90a, allowing the fluid supply assemblies to be stacked on top of one another.

If the distance across the legs112of the reusable cup holder is smaller than the diameter of the lower end of the reusable cup and the reusable cup holder is to be used in a paint shaker, it may be desirable to include a second ring on the bottom of the reusable cup holder. The second ring should be the same (or substantially the same) diameter as the lower end of the reusable cup holder in order to transfer the paint shaker's clamping force to the side wall of the reusable cup holder, reducing deflection of the bottom of the reusable cup holder.

The reusable outer lid has a fitting330integrally connected to the inner portion305. The fitting330has an opening335extending through it.

The outer edge315of the reusable outer lid300mates with the flange120of the reusable cup holder90. There is a complementary connecting surface340at the outer edge315of the reusable outer lid300. The complementary connecting surface340mates with the connecting surface125of the reusable cup holder90to seal the reusable cup holder90and reusable outer lid300together.

An alternative embodiment of the disposable lid is shown inFIGS. 5-6. The disposable lid350has an inner portion355and an outer portion360. The outer portion360is generally frustoconical. The outer edge365of the outer portion360defines an axis370. The angle γa of the outer edge365of the outer portion360is in a range of from about 10° to about 70° from the axis370. As in the first embodiment, the angle γa is substantially the same as the angle α of the flange85of disposable cup55.

The inner portion355has a generally frustoconical part375and an upwardly extending projection380at the outer end. The upwardly extending projection380is connected to the outer portion360. There is a fitting385integrally connected to the inner portion355. The fitting385has an opening390extending through it.

The outer portion360mates with the flange85of the disposable cup55. The upwardly extending projection380fits inside the outlet end65the disposable cup55forming an additional seal.

Alternate embodiments of the disposable cup are shown inFIGS. 7-10. InFIG. 7, the disposable cup400has a generally cylindrical lower side wall portion405, a generally frustoconical intermediate side wall portion415, and a generally cylindrical upper side wall portion420.

The outlet end425at the top of the disposable cup400is open, and the bottom430is closed. The lower side wall portion405, intermediate side wall portion415, and upper side wall portion420, outlet end425, and bottom430define an interior435. The interior435is smaller than the interior75. The smaller diameter of the lower side wall portion allows accurate measuring of the paint ratios when less paint is to be used.

The outlet end425defines an axis440. There is a flange445extending outward and downward from the edge of the outlet end425. The flange445extends downward at an angle αa in a range of from about 10° to about 70° from the axis440of the outlet end425. The outlet end425is adapted to be placed into the reusable cup holder, so it is sized to fit in the reusable cup holder.

Alternatively, the generally cylindrical lower side wall portion could be off centered, i.e., not concentric with the upper side wall portion. This would bring the lower side wall portion close to the side wall of the reusable cup holder, allowing easy reading of any measuring indicia.

InFIGS. 8-10, the disposable cup450has a generally elliptical lower side wall portion455, and intermediate side wall portion460extending from the lower side wall portion to the generally cylindrical upper side wall portion465.

The outlet end470at the top of the disposable cup450is open, and the bottom475is closed. The lower side wall portion455, intermediate side wall portion460, and upper side wall portion465, outlet end470, and bottom475define an interior480. The interior480is smaller than the interior75. The elliptical shape makes it easier to read the indicia for measuring paint because the disposable cup extends close to the reusable cup holder. The longer axis of the ellipse can extend all or substantially all the way across the diameter of the reusable cup holder, or something less than all or substantially all the way across the diameter.

The outlet end470defines an axis485. There is a flange490extending outward and downward from the edge of the outlet end470. The flange490extends downward at an angle αa in a range of from about 10° to about 70° from the axis485of the outlet end470. The outlet end470is adapted to be placed into the reusable cup holder, so it sized to fit in the reusable cup holder.

In these embodiments, the distance across the outlet end of the disposable cup is greater than the distance across the bottom in at least one direction. The smaller portion of the disposable cup can extend the entire height of the side wall or less than the entire height of the side wall. If the side wall is cylindrical, and the smaller diameter portion extends the entire height of the sidewall, it can be connected to the flange by a flat annular portion. If it does not extend the entire height of the side wall, it can be connected by a generally frustoconical upper side wall portion. Other side wall arrangements are possible, as are well known to those of skill in the art.

This embodiment of the disposable cup can be used with the reusable cup holder and outer lid and disposable lid without any modification to the assembly, allowing different sizes of disposable cups to be used in the fluid supply assembly.

The fluid supply assembly has been shown and described with the disposable cup and reusable cup holder being generally cylindrical, which is a typical shape because of ease of manufacture and use. However, it could be made in other shapes, including, but not limited to, square, triangular, pentagonal, elliptical, etc.

While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for purposes of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the compositions and methods disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.