Patent Publication Number: US-6655555-B1

Title: Paint dispensing system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Most present day paint mixing systems utilize an array of paint colorants that are selectively mixed with a paint base to yield a particular paint color. Typically there are many different paint colorants and the number of paint colorants will vary from paint manufacturer to paint manufacturer. In any event, by selectively dispensing and mixing one or more of the paint colorants with a paint base, a particular paint color can be realized. 
     In most commercial paint mixing operations, there is provided a separate mixing vat for each paint colorant. That is, if a particular manufacturer utilizes 18 different paint colorants, there would be 18 different mixing vats. The mixing vats are filled with a particular paint colorant and because the vats are open to the atmosphere, it is necessary that they include a mixer. Consequently, there is typically provided an electric mixer with each vat and the paint colorant is mixed within the vat before dispensing to avoid pigment separation. 
     Typically, there is provided a dispenser associated with each vat. The dispenser is operative to induce or suck a selected volume of paint colorant from the vat and then to dispense that paint colorant into a can or other container that includes the base paint. Once all of the paint colorants for a particular formula have been measured and dispensed into the paint base, then the paint base and the various paint colorants are mixed to form the final paint color. 
     While these mixing systems of the prior art are widely used by paint stores and building supply houses, they do have some disadvantages and shortcomings. Principally among the shortcomings is the fact that the present day paint mixing systems are what is referred to as an open paint mixing system. That is, the vats are open to the atmosphere and to stabilize the paint colorant held within the vat, it is necessary that the vats be provided with mixing capabilities. This of course requires power, typically in the form of an electric motor. Consequently, the systems become relatively large, bulky and immobile. Thus, painters and paint contractors are required to travel to paint stores and building supply houses in order to obtain paint because with the present day paint mixing and dispensing systems, it is simply not practical to provide a mobile system that can mix and dispense paint at the job site. 
     Therefore, there has been and continues to be a need for a paint mixing and dispensing system that is generally closed and which lends itself to being mobile. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention entails a method and system for mixing and/or dispensing paint colorants wherein the paint colorants are maintained within a closed system. In one embodiment of the present invention, the closed system for dispensing paint colorant includes a container for holding a paint colorant and a paint colorant dispenser disposed adjacent the container for receiving paint colorant from the container and dispensing the paint colorant therefrom. A flow connector is interconnected between the container and the dispenser and this flow connector enables paint colorant to move from the container into the dispenser. Substantially the entire system comprised of the container, the flow connector and the dispenser are maintained closed or relatively air tight. 
     In one particular embodiment, both the container and the dispenser are provided with a piston that effectively engages the paint colorant and discharges the same from either the container or the dispenser. In this embodiment, paint colorant is discharged from the container through the flow connector into the dispenser. Once in the dispenser, the piston is actuated and pushed through a chamber causing the paint colorant to be discharged. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable volume control that enables precise volumes of paint colorant to be dispensed from the dispenser. One design for the adjustable volume control entails a measuring scale and an adjustable gauge that is moveable up and down adjacent the measuring scale. A stop operatively associated with the piston of the dispenser travels back and forth with the piston and is disposed in alignment with the gauge. Thus, the setting of the gauge at a particular location adjacent the measuring scale prevents the stop associated with the piston from moving past the gauge, and consequently limits the stroke of the piston within the dispenser and accordingly controls the volume of paint colorant discharged from the dispenser. 
     In addition, the present invention entails a container for commercially packaging a paint colorant. The packaging includes a container adapted to receive the paint colorant after manufacture and serve as a package or container for the paint colorant throughout its commercial life. Forming a part of this commercial package is a wall structure and an internal piston. The internal piston is moveable mounted internally within the package and can be moved through the container or the package to discharge paint colorant therefrom. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a paint dispenser for dispensing paint. This paint dispenser includes a container having a piston disposed within the container and moveable within the container. The piston includes a surrounding edge that forms a generally liquid-tight seal with the wall structure of the container and defines a paint containing area between the piston and the container. An opening is formed within the piston and a dispenser extends through the opening within the piston and includes an intake section that extends into the paint containing area. Further, the dispenser includes an outlet section disposed on the side of the piston opposite the intake section. When the piston is moved against the volume of paint contained within the paint containing area, paint is forced into the intake section of the dispenser and through the dispenser as it extends through the opening in the piston to an outlet section of the dispenser where the paint is dispensed. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and obvious from a study of the following description and the accompanying drawings, which are merely illustrative of such invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for dispensing and mixing paint colorant. 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the system for dispensing and mixing paint colorant. 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a paint colorant container that is adapted to receive an on demand dispensing attachment that would permit paint to be dispensed from the container on an on demand basis. 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an alternate design for a paint dispenser. 
     FIG. 4A is a cross sectional view of the piston of the paint dispenser of FIG.  4 . 
    
    
     METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING PAINT 
     With particular reference to FIGS. 1-3, the present invention also entails a paint mixing and dispensing system indicated generally by the numeral  110 . Before discussing in detail the components of the mixing and dispensing system  110 , it may be beneficial to view a number of the major components of the system. First the system  110  includes a container indicated generally by the numeral  112 . Container  112  is designed to hold a particular paint colorant and is provided with internal means in the form of a piston for actually discharging the paint colorant from the container. As will be fully appreciated from subsequent portions of this disclosure, in one embodiment or design of the present system, it is contemplated that the container  112  will in fact form a commercial package for the paint colorant. That is, container  112  is designed to house or hold the paint colorant from the time of manufacture until it is dispensed into the paint base. 
     Disposed adjacent the container  112  is a dispenser indicated generally by the numeral  114 . Dispenser  114  is communicatively connected to the container  112 . Paint colorant is discharged from the container  112  into the dispenser  114  where the paint colorant can be selectively and precisely dispensed therefrom in small volumes. 
     Associated with the dispenser is an adjustable volume control mechanism indicated generally by the numeral  116 . The adjustable volume control mechanism enables the dispenser to precisely dispense relatively small volumes of paint colorant. As will be appreciated from further discussions, this volume control mechanism works in conjunction with a piston that is internally disposed within the dispenser. The piston functions to discharge paint colorant from the dispenser. To control the volume of paint colorant dispensed at any one time, the adjustable volume control mechanism  116  works in conjunction with the piston of the dispenser so as to limit the stroke of the piston and consequently limit the volume of paint colorant dispensed therefrom. 
     Now turning to a more detailed discussion of the paint colorant mixing and dispensing system  110 , the container  112  may be constructed of various materials. However, it is contemplated in a preferred embodiment, container  112  would be of a plastic construction and could be made through a blow molding process. Basically container  112  includes an enclosure or wall structure for housing and containerizing a particular paint colorant therein. Note in FIG. 2 where container  112  includes a surrounding side wall  120  and a bottom  122 . Preferably formed about an upper edge of the surrounding side wall  120  is a roll top edge. Disposed internally within the container  112  is a piston or plunger indicated generally by the numeral  126 . Piston  126  functions to move down through the container  112  for the purpose of urging or discharging paint colorant from the container. More particularly, the piston  126  includes an upper surface  126 A and a lower surface  126 B. In addition, piston  126  includes a surrounding side  126 C. The surrounding side  126 C is designed to form a generally sealed relationship with the side wall  120  of the container  112 . Yet, the piston  126  is designed and sized such that it can be pressed downwardly through the container and as the piston  126  moves downwardly through the container the same remains generally horizontally disposed within the container and aligned therein while continuously forming a sealed relationship with the surrounding side wall  120 . In other words, as the piston  126  moves downwardly through the container, the paint colorant contained therein is compelled to be discharged from the container without any significant leakage between the interface that exists between the piston  126  and the surrounding side wall  120 . 
     Further the piston  126  and the container  112  are designed such that in use, the piston  126  will effectively discharge substantially all of the paint colorant contained within the container. Thus, the bottom portion of the container  112  in a preferred design would be particularly shaped to conform to the configuration or shape of the piston  126 . Thus once the piston  126  has assumed the bottom or lower-most position within the container  112 , it would follow that the piston  126  would have displaced substantially all of the paint colorant held within the container. By cleanly and efficiently discharging substantially all of the paint colorant from the container  112 , enables the container  112  to be conveniently discarded or even recycled. This is to be contrasted with the conventional means of disposing of paint cans, which because of governmental regulations require such paint cans to be disposed of according to strict EPA regulations. 
     Formed in the bottom  122  of the container  112  is an outlet tube  128 . Outlet tube  128  includes exterior threads and an outlet opening. 
     It is contemplated that the piston  126  will initially form the top of the container  112 . As noted above, in one design the container  112  may serve as the package for the paint colorant. That is, after the paint colorant has been manufactured, it will be filled into a series of containers  112  and these containers will serve to house and containerize the paint colorant while the same is inventoried, shipped and housed or displayed at a paint store or other dispensing site. In any event, the piston  126  will initially be incorporated into the container  112  such that it does indeed form the top of the container  112 . In this regard, piston  126  will be incorporated into the container such that the top surface  126 A lies just below the rolled top edge. The presence of the roll top edge will prevent the piston  126  from moving upwardly and escaping from the container. At the same time, the piston  126  forms a sealed relationship with the surrounding side wall  120  and the presence of the paint colorant underlying the piston tends to further stabilize the same within the container. 
     Additionally, when the container  112  is initially filled with paint colorant, the opening associated with the outlet tube  128  would, of course, be closed and sealed. This could be achieved in any number of ways. In the way of an example, there may be provided a tear away Mylar seal formed over the opening. In addition to the tear away seal, a closure cap could be screwed onto the lower portion of the outlet tube  128 . 
     Forming a part of the paint colorant mixing and dispensing system  110 , is a piston push-pad assembly indicated generally by the numeral  150 . As will be appreciated, the piston push-pad assembly  150  is adapted to be mounted to a top portion of the container  112  and to engage the piston  126  and to selectively push the same downwardly through the container  112  for the purpose of discharging paint colorant from the container. Viewing the piston push-pad assembly  150  in more detail, the same includes a cap  152 , which could be manufactured of a plastic material designed to snap or screw onto the top portion of the container  112 . Formed centrally in the cap  152  is an opening and extending through the opening is an elongated rod  156 . Secured to a lower portion of the elongated rod  156  is a pressure pad  154 . Secured to the opposed end portion of the rod  156  is a handle  158 . 
     Once the piston push-pad assembly  150  has been secured to the top portion of the container  112 , it follows that the pressure pad  154  is aligned with and disposed adjacent the piston  126  formed internally within the container  112 . As the handle  158  and rod  156  are pushed downwardly, the pressure pad  154  will engage the piston  126  and cause the piston  126  to move downwardly through the container, and to discharge paint colorant in the process. 
     Also forming a part of the system of the present invention is a transfer and mixer assembly indicated generally by the numeral  180 . This assembly includes a sleeve  182  that is adapted to be screwed onto the outlet tube  128  extending from container  112 . Connected to the sleeve  182  and extending generally horizontally therefrom is a flow connector  184 . As will be appreciated from subsequent portions of this disclosure, the flow connector  184  serves to connect the container  112  with the dispenser  114  and consequently paint colorant and flowing from the container  112  to the dispenser will flow through the flow connector. Formed about the lower portion of the transfer and mixer assembly  180  is a mixer housing. Disposed within the mixer housing is an agitator or mixer  188 . In the design illustrated herein, the agitator or mixer  188  is in the form of a round plate having a series of openings (not shown) formed therein. Secured to the agitator or mixer  188  is an elongated rod  192  that extends downwardly through an opening within the transfer and mixer assembly  180 . Formed on the lower terminal end of elongated rod  192  is a handle  194 . It is appreciated that the opening through which the elongated rod  192  extends must be sealed. This can be achieved by use of one or more O-rings or a sealing sleeve interposed between the elongated rod  192  and the opening through which it extends. 
     It should be pointed out that the mixer portion of this assembly is considered to be optional. As will be discussed subsequently herein, the paint colorant mixing and dispensing system  110  of the present invention is designed to be a closed system. That is, the container  112 , dispenser  114  and the flow connector  184  are designed so as to maintain the paint colorant contained therein substantially free of contact with air. It follows that if the paint colorant can be maintained substantially free of air, that significant mixing capability may not be required. However, it is appreciated that due to manufacturing restraints and tolerances that it may be difficult to practically and economically maintain the system complete closed and that some air may escape into the system and be exposed to the paint colorant contained therein. In those cases, one may find that it is appropriate to mix the paint colorant within the container  112 . Accordingly, with the transfer and mixer assembly  180  of the present invention, the rod  192  can be extended upwardly and in the process the agitator or mixer  188  can be extended upwardly into the internal area of the container  112 . By rapidly moving the agitator or mixer  188  up and down within the container  112 , it follows that the paint colorant therein can be mixed. 
     Turning now to a discussion of the dispenser  114 , it is seen that the same includes an elongated chamber  200 . Note that the chamber  200  is relatively small in cross-sectional area compared to the cross-sectional area of the container  112 . This, as will be explained in more detail later, enables precise volumes of paint colorant to be dispensed from the dispenser  114 . Although the size of the chamber  200  may vary, it is contemplated that in one design the diameter would be in the range of 1 to 1½ inches and its capacity would be in the range of approximately 1 to 3 ounces of paint colorant. 
     As seen in FIG. 2, the flow connector  184  extends from the sleeve or tube  182  into the bottom of chamber  200 . Thus paint colorant discharged from the container  112  enters the bottom of the chamber  200  of the dispenser and continues to flow upwardly into the dispenser during the dispenser filling process. 
     The dispenser also includes a piston for discharging the paint colorant therefrom. As noted in the drawings, a piston  202  is internally contained within the chamber  200 . Piston  202  forms a sealed relationship with a surrounding wall structure of the chamber  200  such that as the piston moves downwardly within the chamber  200  a sealed relationship exists and the paint colorant disposed beneath the piston is constrained to be discharged from the dispenser while the sealed relationship between the piston  202  and the surrounding wall structure in the chamber  200  prevents the paint colorant from escaping through the interface between the piston  202  and the chamber  200 . Secured to the piston  202  is a rod  204  that extends upwardly through a sealed opening formed at the top of the chamber  200 . Secured to a top portion of the rod  204  is a handle  206 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, it is contemplated that two valves disposed in series would be secured or disposed about the bottom of the dispenser  114 . In this regard, it is contemplated that the first valve or the upper valve would assume the form of a one-way check valve that is schematically denoted in FIG. 6 by the numeral  210 . The one-way check valve would allow the flow of paint colorant downwardly through the valve, but would not allow the flow of fluid or air upwardly through the one-way check valve into the chamber  200 . Disposed below the one-way check valve is a duckbill valve  208 . The duckbill valve  208  tends to prevent substantial quantities of air being exposed to the outlet end of the upwardly disposed one-way check valve. 
     Associated with the dispenser  114  is the adjustable volume control indicated generally by the numeral  116 . As seen in the drawings, there is provided a pair of arms  220  that are secured to opposite end portions of the chamber  200  and which extend outwardly therefrom. A generally flat measuring scale  222  is connected between the arms  220 . Measuring scale  222  includes a series of graduated indicia formed on one or both sides thereof. The graduated indicia is calibrated with respect to the chamber  200  such that the distance between consecutive graduations on the scale  222  represent a certain volume of paint colorant contained within the chamber  200 . 
     Secured to the measuring scale  222  is a gauge  224 . Gauge  224  slides up and down on the scale  222  and includes a thumb screw  124 A for securing the gauge at any position along the scale  222 . 
     A stop assembly, indicated generally by the numeral  226 , is associated with the piston  202  disposed within the dispenser  114 . Stop assembly  226  includes a rod  228  that is secured to the rod  204 . Rod  228  extends outwardly from the rod  204  and turns downwardly and thereafter extends through a guide opening formed in a top arm  220 . Secured to a lower terminal end portion of the rod  228  is a stop  230 . Note that the stop  230  is aligned with at least a portion of the gauge  224 . Viewing stop  230  in more detail, it is seen that the same includes an edge portion  230 A that lies adjacent the measuring scale  222 . This edge portion  230 A is disposed adjacent the measuring scale  222  and runs upwardly and downwardly adjacent the same as the piston  202  is moved up and down within the chamber  200 . In addition, the stop  230  includes an arcuate shaped edge  230 B that extends around a portion of the chamber  200 . The edges  230 A and  132  may be designed to actually contact and slide against the adjacent surfaces of the measuring scale  222  and the chamber  200 . However, preferably, these edges  230 A and  230 B may simply be very closely spaced to these surfaces. 
     The chamber  200  is sized such that it will accurately dispense volumes of paint colorant as small as {fraction (1/96)} of an ounce or smaller. That is, the graduations on the measuring scale  222  are such that an operator can accurately dispense a volume of paint colorant as small as {fraction (1/96)} of an ounce. 
     In dispensing paint colorant, the piston  202  of the dispenser  114  is always initially positioned at the top of the chamber  200 . That is, in the dispensing operation, before a certain volume of paint colorant is dispensed from the dispenser  114 , the dispenser  114  is completely filled with paint colorant. More particularly, the piston push-pad assembly  150  is engaged and by pressing the pressure pad  154  against the piston  126  within the container  112 , paint colorant is constrained or compelled to move from the container  112 , through the flow connector  184 , into the bottom of the chamber  200 . As the piston  126  is moved downwardly within the container  112 , it follows that the dispenser  114  will fill from the bottom up. Once the dispenser  114  is completely filled, it follows that the dispenser piston  202  will be disposed at the zero or top position. Thereafter, the operator determines, based on a paint formula, how much paint colorant is to be dispensed for a certain shade or tone of paint. Once that is determined, the gauge  224  is moved to a position on the measuring scale  222  that represents the correct volume of paint colorant. Assume for example, that the paint formula calls for ¼ of an ounce of a particular paint colorant. Gauge  224  is moved downwardly or upwardly as the case may be to a particular graduation that represents ¼ of an ounce. Essentially, this means that the paint colorant disposed within the chamber  200  above the line of the gauge  224  constitutes ¼ of an ounce. In any event, once the gauge  224  has been set on the measuring scale  222 , then the handle  206  is pushed downwardly causing the piston to move through the chamber  200  and resulting in paint colorant being dispensed through the one-way check valve and the duckbill valve  208  disposed at the bottom of the dispenser  114 . As the piston  202  moves down, it is appreciated that the stop  230  also moves downwardly with the piston. Since the stop  230  is aligned with the gauge  224  it is appreciated that the stop  230  will engage the gauge  224  and effectively stop and limit the downward movement of the piston  202 . When the stop  230  engages the gauge  224 , this means, of course, that the appropriate volume of paint colorant has been dispensed. 
     Before the next dispensing action, the dispenser  114  and particularly the chamber  200  is refilled according to the same process. That is, before each dispensing action, paint colorant from the container  112  is discharged into the dispenser  114  so as to fill the same and position the piston  202  at the top or zero position therein. 
     It is appreciated that the paint colorant mixing and dispensing system of the present invention would include a series of individual containers and dispensers discussed above. This is because there are an array of paint colorants typically used to form paints of different colors and tones. For example, some paint manufacturers, employ or use as many as  18  different paint colorants. These paint colorants are selectively dispensed and mixed to form a wide range of paint colors and tones. Typically, to arrive at a paint color or tone, a number of paint colorants are added to a base paint to form the desired color or tone. Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there would be provided a container  112  and an associated dispenser  114  for each paint colorant offered for a particular manufacturer or other paint mixing system. Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, the individual containers and associated dispensers would be preferably mounted on a support structure of any type including, for example, a rotating carousel. Because the individual containers and dispensers of the present invention are designed to be closed, that is to prevent substantial quantities of air from coming into contact with the paint colorant while contained within either the container or the dispenser, little or no mixing is required. What mixing may be required, can be performed by hand by reciprocating the agitator or mixer  188  upwardly and downwardly through the container  112 . This, of course, means that the paint colorant mixing and dispensing system  110  of the present invention is completely portable or mobile. Instead of being confined within a paint store or building supply house, the entire system can be transported to job sites where paint can be mixed and dispensed at the job site. 
     Another advantage of the present invention, is that the container  112  that forms a part of the mixing and dispensing system of the present invention can be the actual container that the paint colorant is packaged in from the outset. Thus this reduces the overall cost of the system of the present invention since a major component of the system is provided by the original package for the product. However, it should be appreciated, that the container  112  used in the present system may be a stand alone component and not form the original package for the paint colorant. 
     The container  112  just described can be used on an on-going basis for storing and dispensing paint on a demand basis. The system for accomplishing this is shown in the form of an alternative embodiment in FIG.  3 . There it is seen that the container  112  is adapted to receive a flex connector  250 . The flex connector  250  is adapted to screw onto or frictionally fit to the outlet tube  128  that depends from the bottom of the container  112 . Secured to the flex connector  250  is a flexible tube  252 . The flexible tube includes a remote terminal end portion that is connected to a conventional valve  254 . The valve  254 , of course, can be actuated back and forth between an open and closed position. 
     In use, the system illustrated in FIG. 3 can be used to hold and store a particular paint color. Thus a homeowner may have a number of containers  112  stored in a utility closet at his or her home. From time to time, when it comes to touching up walls, ceilings etc., the homeowner can simply go to the utility closet and dispense a selected volume of a certain paint for use. Since the system is designed to be substantially air tight, little or no mixing will be required. 
     With reference to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment for a paint dispenser is shown therein. In this alternate embodiment, the paint dispenser is indicated generally by the numeral  300 . Viewing the paint dispenser  300  in more detail, it is seen that the same comprises a container, indicated generally by the numeral  302 , for holding and containing paint. Container  302  may be constructed of various materials such as metal or plastic or other suitable materials. Viewing the container  302  in more detail, it is seen that the same includes a cylindrical surrounding side wall structure  304 . A bottom  306  is provided. Bottom  306  is adapted to be secured to the container  302  through exterior threads  308  formed on the lower outer portion of the surrounding side wall structure  304 . 
     Opposite bottom  306  there is provided an open top  310 . Disposed adjacent to or in the vicinity of the open top  310  is a retainer  312 . Retainer  312  in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 is in the form of a ridge bead. As will be appreciated from subsequent portions of this disclosure, the retainer  312  is positioned about the open top  310  in order to confine or prevent a piston form being inadvertently removed from the interior of the container  302 . 
     As noted above, there is a piston confined within the container  302 . The piston is referred to generally by the numeral  314  and, like the container, the piston may be made of any suitable material such as metal or plastic. Viewing the piston  314  in more detail the piston includes a surrounding edge  316 . Edge  316  is designed and adapted to form a generally liquid-tight seal with the surrounding sidewall structure  304 . More particularly, the piston is specifically configured and sized to fit within the container  302  such that the piston lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of the container  302 . That is, the piston  314  is designed to move from the open top  310  of the container  302  towards the bottom  306 . As the piston moves, it is designed and seated within the container  302  such that the piston  314  remains in a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of the container  302 . At the same time, the edge  316  is constructed and configured to provide the generally liquid-tight seal with the surrounding side wall structure. It is contemplated that the liquid-tight seal can be formed by the actual edge  316  of the piston in cooperation with the interior surface of the surrounding side wall  304 . Alternatively, O-rings or rubber gaskets can be provided to form the liquid-tight seal. 
     Further, the piston  314  includes a pair of opposed sides  318 . Disposed on at least one side  318  is a series of reinforcing ribs  320 . The reinforcing ribs  320  impart rigidity to the piston  314  and give the piston a quality that tends to prevent the piston from twisting or warping as the piston is pushed through the container  302 . In the embodiment illustrated, the piston  314  assumes a generally dome shape. That is, the bottom of the piston  314 , as viewed in FIG. 4, is configured such that it takes on a dome shape. 
     Further, piston  314  includes a central opening  322 . Central opening  322  extends through the piston  314 . Formed on the top surface of the piston  314  and aligned with the opening  322  is a flange  322   a  that includes exterior threads. In order that the piston  314  be capable of dispensing substantially all of the paint within the container  302 , the upper surface of the bottom  306  would also preferably be made to form to a dome shape such that when the piston  314  is pushed into engagement with the bottom  306 , the lower surface of the piston would conform to the upper surface of the bottom  306 . 
     Consequently, the piston  314  defines a paint containing area  315  within the confines of the container  302 . As viewed in FIG. 4, the paint containing area  314  lies between the lower side or portion of the piston  314  and the bottom  306 . 
     Turning now to a discussion of the dispenser, the dispenser is shown in the drawings and indicated generally by the numeral  330 . Again, the dispenser may be formed of various materials such as metal or plastic or any other suitable material. In the case of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the dispenser assumes a generally L or J-shape. More particularly, the dispenser includes a conduit  332 . Secured to the upper end of the conduit, as viewed in FIG. 4, is a palm pad or handle  334 . Palm pad or handle  334  is adapted or designed to be engaged by a person&#39;s hand. Further, dispenser  330  is provided about its lower end with a connector portion  336 . The connector portion  336  includes internal threads that are adapted to screw onto the exterior threaded flange  332   a  that is formed about the central top area of the piston  314 . 
     The lower portion of the conduit  332  forms an intake section. That is, when the dispenser  330  is secured to the piston  314 , and the piston  314  is pressed downwardly through the container, the paint within the paint containing area  315  is forced to move through the opening  322  in the piston and into the intake section of the conduit  332 . The conduit  332  includes an outlet section  332   a.  A terminal end portion of the outlet section  332   a  is threaded to receive a cap  332   b.  Thus, it is appreciated that by engaging the palm pad or handle  334  of the dispenser  330 , that the piston  314  can be pushed downwardly through the container  302 . Because of the liquid-tight seal that is formed between the edge  316  of the piston  314  and the surrounding wall structure  304  of the container, the force of the piston moving downwardly results in the underlying paint being urged upwardly through the piston and more particularly upwardly through the opening  322  formed in the piston. This, of course, means that the paint is urged up through the dispenser  330  and out the outlet section  332   b.    
     The container  302  can in fact be a commercial package for paint. That is, the container of  302  including the piston  314  would simply constitute a manner of containerizing and packaging paint. The dispenser  330  can be marketed or sold with the container  302  or can be marketed and sold separately. In any event, once the paint has been purchased, the dispenser  330  can simply be secured to the piston by screwing the threaded connector  336  onto the threaded flange  322   a  of the piston. In such a case, it is contemplated that the piston  314  would be provided with a closure cap  331  that would be screwed into the threaded flange  322   a.  Thus, when it was desired to dispense paint from the container  302 , the closure cap  331  could be removed from the piston  314  and the dispenser  330  secured to the piston  314  for dispensing. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the paint dispenser  300  can simply be utilized to dispense paint. That is, the container  302  can simply be periodically filled by removing the bottom  306  and refilling the container  302 . 
     To dispense paint from the dispenser  300 , a person will engage the palm pad or handle  334  with his or her hand and push downwardly towards the bottom  306  of the container  302 . As the dispenser is pushed downwardly, since the dispenser is secured to the piston  314 , it follows that the piston  314  will also be pushed downwardly against the paint within the paint containing area  315 . This pressure or force will cause paint within the paint containing area  314  to be forced into the intake section  332   a  of the dispenser. Once the paint is forced into the intake section  332   a,  the paint will rise or move through the conduit  332 . In the process, the paint will actually be transferred through the opening within the piston  314  and out the outlet section or outlet end  332   b  of the conduit  332 . It follows that the quantity of paint dispensed and the volumetric rate of dispensing will depend upon the force applied to the dispenser  330  and the piston  314 . 
     The paint dispenser design shown in FIG. 4 has numerous advantages. One advantage is that the container and its component parts including the dispenser are very easy to clean. This is particularly pertinent in the case of paints since paints can, in some circumstances, be hazardous or toxic. 
     The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the spirit and the essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are therefore to be construed in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.