Patent Publication Number: US-6983899-B2

Title: Handheld paint spraying apparatus with anti-sputter spray nozzle

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/437,365 filed on Dec. 31, 2002, incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention pertains to pressurized fluid spraying systems, and more particularly to a handheld paint spraying apparatus having anti-sputter valve components that stop the flow of fluid through the nozzle when the pressure of the fluid drops below an adjustable threshold level. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Painting architectural structures can be an extremely labor and time intensive activity. The fees charged for painting the interior or exterior of a building, for example, are based primarily on the time it takes a painter to complete the project as well as the cost of materials. Accordingly, it is beneficial to increase a painter&#39;s efficiency so as to reduce the overall time spent on a project by the painter and thereby reduce the labor costs of a project. 
     One conventional approach to painting walls or structures has been to use a paintbrush. However, the brush approach can be prohibitively expensive, especially if the structure has a large surface area for the painter to paint. To complete the task with a paintbrush, the painter is required to use many repetitive strokes, and the brush has to be continually rewetted after the paint is applied to the surface. In addition, the amount of surface area that can be covered by a given stroke of the paintbrush is limited to the width of the brush. 
     Another conventional approach, which is an improvement over using a paintbrush, is using a paint roller. In most aspects, using a paint roller is similar to using a paint brush (i.e. repetitive strokes and continual rewetting); however, the main advantage that a paint roller has over a paint brush is that the roller&#39;s width is generally greater than that of a paint brush, thus allowing the painter to cover more surface area with a given stroke. 
     A painter&#39;s application efficiency when using a paint roller was improved by the introduction of rollers with a pressurized paint supply feeding the roller mechanism through a tube. The pressurized paint supply in these devices eliminated the need to continually rewet the roller, thus saving valuable time. However, the amount of surface area that can be painted with any given stroke of the roller is still limited by the width of the roller. 
     Paint sprayers were developed as an improvement over the pressurized roller approach and have a substantially larger covering stroke than the roller. A paint sprayer allows a painter to paint a significantly larger surface area in less time than with a pressurized roller, particularly when painting large wall or ceiling areas that require an even, uniform coating of paint. Note, however, that defects and an uneven application of paint will be particularly noticeable on long walls and ceilings. Therefore, one disadvantage associated with the use of paint sprayers is that a less than uniform coat of paint may often be applied to the surface by any single pass of the sprayer. The painter is required to hold the spray nozzle, aim it at the surface to be painted, and physically move the spray nozzle along the front of the surface, usually back and forth vertically or horizontally. If the painter varies the pace at which the spray nozzle moves across the surface, varies the distance of the nozzle from the surface or varies the angle of the nozzle relative to the surface, a non-uniform coat of paint may result. This condition requires the painter to spray the surface with another coat until a uniform coat is achieved. In addition to wasting time, this repetitive process also wastes paint, and unnecessarily adds to the expense of completing the project. 
     Another significant disadvantage demonstrated by some single and multiple nozzle sprayers is that the paint may sputter or spurt from the nozzle after the source of pressurized paint has been shut off due to residual pressure in the system. Similar problems of excess fluid escaping the nozzles are also experienced with other pressurized fluid spraying systems used in manufacturing industries and the like. When the pressure in the system and the distance between the control valve and the nozzle increase, the amount of sputtering experienced by the sprayer increases. Sputtering creates defects in the painted surface that must be removed and/or repainted. 
     Spraying devices with banks of anti-sputter spray nozzles have been developed to improve the application time and consistency of the layers of applied paint. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,935,657, incorporated herein by reference, describes a multiple nozzle paint spraying system mounted to a portable stand that permits the moving the system along a floor surface for painting large wall and ceiling areas. However, the device is not adapted for handheld use. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a handheld paint spraying system that allows a painter to work more efficiently by applying paint quickly and uniformly without sputtering, thereby allowing the painter to save time, effort and paint. The present invention satisfies those needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the background art. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally comprises a handheld paint spraying apparatus wherein anti-sputter valve components are associated with the spray nozzles. The anti-sputter valve components or “stop flow valves” are configured to immediately stop the flow of paint when the fluid pressure in the valve drops below a threshold level. These stop flow valves contain improvements over the prior valve shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,935,657 such as, for example, means for adjusting the bias to set different threshold pressures. In addition, the invention includes a quick release coupling that allows a spray head assembly to be quickly exchanged for another without the need for tools and that does not leak during transportation or storage after exchange, as well as a balanced handle assembly for supporting the spray head. 
     By way of example, and not of limitation, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, a fluid spraying apparatus is provided for use with a controlled supply of pressurized fluid wherein the apparatus includes a delivery network of tubes to deliver fluid to a nozzle support member or spray head with stop flow valves and spray nozzles and that are configured to automatically shut off the flow of fluid out of the nozzles when the supply of pressurized fluid is turned off. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the apparatus preferably has a quick connect joint that will allow different spray head assemblies to be efficiently exchanged. 
     In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to attach to a conventional paint spray gun with a trigger-type flow control valve. This embodiment allows the apparatus to be used with a conventional paint compressor and gun. In another embodiment, the flow control valve of the supply of pressurized fluid is part of the tubular network that feeds the nozzles. 
     The invention includes a handle assembly having a feed tube that is offset an angle of approximately forty-five degrees relative to horizontal to provide for balance and positional control. The offset angle allows the user to actuate the flow control valve trigger with one hand and hold and direct the position of the apparatus with the other hand during use. The offset angle may be selected depending on the size of the spray head apparatus and the length of the feed tube. Larger spray head assemblies may have a greater offset angle, and individual nozzles may require little or no offset angle. 
     In another embodiment, a quick connect coupling or junction is provided that will allow spray heads of different sizes and numbers of nozzles to be quickly exchanged as the needs of the particular job change. The quick connect coupling is preferably positioned at the supply end of the handle assembly. One embodiment of the quick connect coupling is configured to receive a plug to close the end of the feed tube when the apparatus is disconnected from the source of pressurized paint such that the fluid in the feed tube and spray head will not leak out during transportation and storage of the apparatus. 
     The outlet end of the feed tube is preferably coupled to the spray support assembly at a perpendicular angle. The spray support assembly may be capable of rotation about the axis of the feed tube. In another embodiment, the spray support assembly is fixed in a horizontal or vertical configuration. 
     Larger spray head assemblies with multiple nozzles may have a handle assembly support frame or reinforcement to give the apparatus additional rigidity so that the user can accurately maneuver the nozzle head during use. 
     The spray head is preferably linear and can have virtually any number of nozzles and stop flow valves. In one embodiment, the spray head has a central manifold tube that feeds the individual stop flow valves and nozzles. A single feed tube is connected to the supply of pressurized fluid and preferably feeds fluid to the manifold tube of the spray head. 
     The preferred nozzles connect to a stop flow valve that closes when the pressure of the fluid falls below a threshold level. In one embodiment, the stop flow valve has a valve head biased against a valve seat by a spring. When the force exerted against the valve head by the pressurized fluid exceeds the opposing biasing force of the spring, the valve is open and fluid will flow through the valve. When the force of the spring on the valve head exceeds the force of the fluid then the valve closes and the flow of fluid stops. In one embodiment, the strength of the biasing force on the valve head is variable. 
     In the embodiment with a quick connect coupling, it can be seen that fluid is retained in the feed tube and spray head when the apparatus is disconnected from the source of pressurized fluid or the control valve is closed. It can be seen that in the alternative embodiment having one nozzle at the end of a long tubular wand, there is a consistent delivery of fluid out of the nozzle when the control valve is actuated because the pressure and fluid volume in the tube is not lost through the nozzle when the control valve is closed. Accordingly, fluid will not sputter or spurt from the nozzle when the trigger is released after every painting stroke, for example, with this embodiment. 
     According to one aspect of the invention, a fluid spray apparatus is provided that has a spray head body having an intake port, an output port and a central channel, a nozzle head coupled to the spray head body in fluid communication with the output port, and a flow control valve, wherein the flow of fluid flowing from the intake port to the output port is stopped when the pressure of the flow of fluid drops below a threshold level. 
     According to another aspect of the invention a fluid flow stop valve is provided with a tubular valve body having an input port, a central chamber and output port, a valve seat disposed within the central chamber, and a biased valve head configured to engage the valve seat and stop a flow of fluid flowing from the intake port to the output port when the pressure of the flow of fluid drops below a threshold level and a means for adjusting the strength of the bias of the valve head. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a fluid spray apparatus is provided with a manifold and a number of stop flow valves and nozzles. According to another aspect of the invention, a fluid spray apparatus is provided with a manifold, flow valves, nozzles and a handle with a flow control valve. In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a spray apparatus is provided that has a manifold with stop flow valves and nozzles that is connected to tubing from a source of pressurized liquid and is configured to allow the manifold to swivel about the connection. According to another aspect of the invention, a spray apparatus is provided with a manifold, tubing and a quick connect coupling. According to another aspect of the invention, a spray apparatus is provided with a manifold, stop flow valves, nozzles, tubing, a quick connect coupling and a handle that is linearly offset from the manifold. According to another aspect of the invention, a spray apparatus is provided with a single flow valve and nozzle and a tube coupled to a source of pressurized fluid or a quick connect coupling. 
     An object of the invention is to provide a spray apparatus that allows for uniform fluid delivery through a nozzle without discharging excess fluid when the fluid pressure drops or that will leak during storage. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus with a quick change coupling for easily interchanging spray heads after use. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for painting a large surface with a single pass of the paint spray system. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a fluid nozzle in combination with a stop flow valve to prevent sputtering when the pressurized fluid source is closed. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a stop flow valve that will stop the flow of fluid in a pressurized system when the source of pressure drops below a threshold level. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for painting a surface that minimizes the labor time expended by the painter. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for painting a surface that minimizes the amount of paint required. 
     Further objects, aspects and advantages of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a multiple nozzle handheld paint spraying apparatus with anti-sputter stop flow valves according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a detail of a handle assembly connection to a spray head with an alternative swivel joint as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a detail of a spray head, a stop flow valve and a nozzle connection as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an alternative embodiment of a stop flow valve adapted to connect as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5A  is an exploded perspective view of the inlet section of the stop flow valve shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5B  is an exploded perspective view of the output section of the stop flow valve shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the stop flow valve shown in  FIG. 4  with the valve in the closed position. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the stop flow valve shown in  FIG. 4  with the valve in the open position. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the handle and quick connect union portion of the apparatus according to the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a detail view of an embodiment of the quick connect union shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the quick connect joint shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is an alternative embodiment of a handle assembly reinforcement as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  is a wand assembly as an alternative embodiment of a handle assembly according to the present invention as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 13  is an alternative embodiment of the wand assembly as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is an alternative spray head attached to a wand assembly as shown in  FIG. 12  and an alternative deployment of a stop flow valve. 
         FIG. 15  is an assembled view of an alternative embodiment of the invention employing a swivel coupling, a filter assembly, and a spray head angle swivel mechanism. 
         FIG. 16  is a partial exploded view of the assembly of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17A  and  FIG. 17B  are a detailed partial exploded view of the assembly of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded view of the spray head angle swivel portion of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the various embodiments of the present invention are generally shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 18 . It will be appreciated that the invention may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , an apparatus with multiple spray nozzle assemblies according to the present invention is generally shown. In the embodiment shown, the apparatus  10  generally comprises a spray head  12  shown in a vertical orientation and supporting a plurality of stop flow valves  14  and fluid spray nozzles  16 . The details of stop flow valves  14 , which are also referred to herein as anti-sputter valves, are shown in  FIG. 3  through  FIG. 7  and described below. While spray head  12  is shown in a vertical orientation for facilitating side-to-side spraying motions, it will be appreciated that spray head  12  could alternatively be configured in a horizontal or other orientation for up and down or angled spraying motions. Spray head  12  is configured to be coupled to a source of pressurized fluid, such as paint, by means of a handle assembly  20  that preferably comprises a rigid feed tube  18  that is supported by a support bar  22 . 
     Note that feed tube  18  includes an arcuate portion  24 , shown in  FIG. 1  as a one-hundred-eighty degree bend that provides for ergonomic handling of spray head  12  in a vertical orientation. Other angles could be used as well, provided that handle assembly  20  is balanced in relation to spray head  12 . In addition, note that feed tube  18  is shown to be offset at an angle α of approximately forty-five degrees relative to horizontal. The offset angle allows the user to actuate a flow control valve  30  with one hand and hold and direct the position of the apparatus with the other hand during use by grasping feed tube  18  or arcuate portion  24 . The angle may be selected depending on the size or length of the spray head and the length of the feed tube. Larger spray head assemblies may have a greater angle and individual nozzles may require little or no angle. 
     Each stop flow valve  14  and associated spray nozzle  16  is fluidly connected to the source of pressurized fluid through feed tube  18  such that fluid flowing through feed tube  18  is able to pass through the stop flow valve  14  and spray nozzle  16  during use. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the fluid flows from feed tube  18  through manifold tube  34  and out though stop flow valves  14  and spray nozzles  16 . Accordingly, spray head  12  is shown in a manifold configuration for compactness and ease of construction. However, it will be appreciated that alternatively each stop flow valve  14  could be connected to an individual tube and the plurality of individual tubes would in turn be connected to feed tube  18 . 
     Feed tube  18  preferably includes a quick connect coupling  26  that allows for quick exchange of one spray head with another spray head that has a greater or fewer number of nozzles as desired. The details of quick connect coupling  26  are shown in  FIG. 8  through  FIG. 10  and described below. An adapter  28  can be used to connect feed tube  18  (through adapter tube  32  and quick connect coupling  26 ) to a conventional flow control valve  30 , such as used with a pressurized paint gun, which can stop and start the flow of paint through the apparatus. It will be appreciated that flow control valve  30  can alternatively be placed in other locations such as near spray head  12  of the apparatus if desired. 
     Fluid supplied to the system may be pressurized by any of the commonly known methods for pressurizing fluids such as a pump or compressor (not shown) that is fluidly connected to a fluid supply, and is therefore not discussed in further detail. As seen in  FIG. 1 , pressurized fluids enter the apparatus through flow control valve  30 , such as a conventional paint gun, that is preferably coupled to the apparatus by adapter coupling  28 . The embodiments shown in  FIG. 11  through  FIG. 14  may be similarly connected to a fluid supply. 
     Flow control valve  30  regulates the flow of pressurized fluid from the fluid supply to the apparatus and out of spray nozzles  16 . For example, the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1  is configured for use with conventional compressors with a flow control valve that can be coupled with an entry port of the apparatus. For example, flow control valve  30  shown in  FIG. 1  has a grip and trigger mechanism by which the user can initiate and stop the flow of fluid through the apparatus. However, it will be understood that flow control valve  30  can be positioned at any location along tubing  18  upstream from spray head  12  or spray nozzles  16 . 
     It will be appreciated that the below threshold pressure and fluid volume in feed tube  18  will be maintained when the flow control valve  30  and the stop flow valves  14  are closed. When the apparatus is decoupled from the paint supply through the quick connect coupling  26 , the fluid in the feed tube can be maintained by placing a plug in the open end of the supply side of the feed tube  18 . Accordingly, fluid will not leak from the feed tube  18  or spray head  12  during transportation or short-term storage of the apparatus  10 . 
     In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , feed tube  18  is joined to spray head  12  with an optional swivel joint  36  that allows the spray head  12  to swivel axially around the joint. In this way, the user can adjust the relative position of handle assembly  20  and spray head  12  and nozzles  16 . 
     In the embodiment shown, spray head  12  includes a manifold tube  34  that is in fluid communication with feed tube  18  and serves as a feeder of fluid to nozzles  16 , and manifold tube  34  is positioned within a spray head support tube or manifold  42 .  FIG. 2  shows the details of a preferred connection of feed tube  18  to manifold tube  34  and manifold  42 . In the embodiment shown, feed tube  18  is connected to manifold tube  34  by welding or the like. A reinforcing collar  40  is in turn connected to feed tube  18  and to manifold  42  by welding or the like. As a result, reinforcing collar  40  extends over a short stub portion  38  of feed tube  18  and provides a rigid connection between feed tube  18  and manifold  42 . In this way, reinforcing collar  40  relieves stress at the connection point between feed tube  18  and manifold  42 . Another reason for using collar  40  is for ease of construction. Since manifold tube  34  is positioned inside manifold  42 , during construction it would not generally be feasible to weld feed tube  18  to manifold tube  34  and then weld feed tube  18  directly to manifold  42 . Accordingly, construction would typically proceed as follows. A hole would be made in manifold  42  large enough to allow access to the connection point where feed tube  18  is to be welded to manifold tube  34 . Reinforcing collar  40  would then be slipped over the end of feed tube  18  and slid back far enough to be out of the way. In  FIG. 2 , the swivel  36  (which is optional) is shown too close to manifold  42  of visually realize the distance at which reinforcing collar  40  would be slid back, but one can easily envision this if swivel  36  is eliminated. Next, the weld between feed tube  18  and manifold tube  34  would be made through the opening in manifold  42 . Once that weld is made, reinforcing collar  40  would be slid back into its final position, with its head abutted against manifold  42  and its sleeve portion surrounding the stub portion  38  of feed tube  18 . It will be appreciated that this same configuration could be realized when a swivel  36  is used by employing a two section feed tube  18 , one section of which would comprise an elongated stub portion  38 . The components forming swivel  36  would then be installed after the elongated stub portion is connected to manifold tube  34  and manifold  42 . Alternatively, feed tube  18  could be threaded into a corresponding threaded receptacle in manifold tube  34  or manifold  42 . 
     It can be seen in  FIG. 1 , that spray head  12  can be sized to receive multiple stop flow valves  14  and spray nozzles  16  that are preferably attached to spray head  12  linearly at evenly spaced intervals and configured to spray perpendicularly to spray head  12 . Single nozzle spray heads and multiple nozzle spray heads can be quickly and easily exchanged with the quick connect coupling  26 . 
     Referring also to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , manifold  42  is shown closed at each end with a cap  44  containing a vent hole  46  and manifold tube  34  is preferably closed at each end with a cap  48 . Pressurized fluid is provided to the spray head  12  as described previously through manifold tube  34  and through output tubes  50  to stop flow valves  14  and spray nozzles  16 . Stop flow valves  14  are provided to prevent fluid from spurting out from the associated spray nozzles  16  immediately after flow control valve  30  is shut off. During use, fluid is under pressure within tubes  18 ,  32  and  34 . Without stop flow valves  14 , pressurized fluid would spurt or sputter from spray nozzles  16  after flow control valve  30  has been shut off due to the residual pressure in tubes  18 ,  32  and  34  forcing fluid through the spray nozzles  16  as the pressure dissipates. In addition, fluid would leak from the apparatus during transportation without flow control valve  30  and preferably quick connect coupling  26  with an optional plug. In this embodiment, fluid remains in the tubular network of the apparatus during transportation or storage unless the fluid is released for cleaning. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  through  FIG. 7 , each stop flow valve  14  preferably comprises a threaded fitting with an inlet end  54 , an inlet port  56 , an output end  58 , and an output port  60 . Note from  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  that two embodiments of the interface between stop flow valves  14 , manifold tube  34 , and manifold  42  are shown. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , inlet end  54  of stop flow valve  14  is configured with a threaded male fitting  52   a  which can be quickly coupled with a threaded female socket  52   b  in output tube  50  by screwing the parts together. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the inlet end  54  is configured with a threaded female fitting  62   a  adapted to receive a corresponding threaded male fitting  62   b  on output tube  50 . 
     Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , inlet section  54  and output section  58  are preferably threadably coupled together as shown in  FIG. 5  through  FIG. 7  by seating and sealing the two components with an O-ring  66  and a disk  68  made of Teflon®, rubber, plastic or other material capable of sealing the coupled sections. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  would be assembled in the same manner. 
     Referring now more specifically to  FIG. 5A  an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of inlet section  54  corresponding to the embodiment of  FIG. 3  is shown. In this embodiment, Inlet section  54  includes a hollow inlet body  70  that carries male fitting  52   a  with inlet port  56 . The opposite end of inlet body  70  carries exterior threads  94 , as well as interior threads (not shown) that are adapted to receive a threaded tubular seat retainer  72 . Inlet section  54  also has a valve seat  74  and a corresponding valve head  76 . Referring also to  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 , in the embodiment shown valve seat  74  is provided with a flange that fits within a milled section at the center of the inlet body  70  such that the bore  78  at the center of valve seat  74  is aligned with inlet port  56 . In an alternative embodiment, valve seat  74  is milled directly in the center of inlet body  70  and inlet port  56 . Valve seat  74  preferably has a seat face  80  that has the same dimensions as the engaging surface of the valve head  82  so that a seal is created and the movement of fluid in inlet port  56  in either direction is stopped. During assembly, valve seat  74  is positioned interior to inlet body  70  and seat retainer  72  is advanced on the interior threads of inlet body  70  until the distal rim  84  of the retainer  72  secures the seat in the inlet body  70 . 
       FIG. 5B  shows the output section  58  of stop flow valve  14 . Output section  58  includes a linear spring  90  that tensions valve head  82 . Valve head  82  preferably has a cylindrical body  76  that is sized to fit within the center  88  of one end of linear spring  90  as shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . Spring  90  and valve head  82  can fit within the center of retainer  72  so that valve head  82  can seat against face  80  of seat  74  during use. 
     The output section  58  is preferably tubular with two sets of internal threads and one set of exterior threads. The first set of internal threads  92  receives the exterior threads  94  of inlet section  54  of stop flow valve  14 . Disk  68  is seated on a flange  96  at the base of the interior threads  92  such that the outside edge of retainer  72  engages the disk when the inlet section  54  and the output section  58  are coupled together. In addition, O-Ring  66  seals the upper joint between inlet section  54  and outlet section  58 . 
     The second set of internal threads  98  of the output section  58  of stop flow valve  14  are configured to receive the exterior threads  100  of nozzle outlet member  102  that includes output port  60 . The end of linear spring  90  opposite head  82  preferably fits over the end of outlet member  102  and engages flange  104 . It can be seen that movement of outlet member  102  increases or decreases the compression of spring  90  and the pressure exerted upon the valve head  82  against face  80  of valve seat  74 . The outer end of output port  60  is preferably configured to accommodate a hexagonal wrench or other tool to allow the nozzle outlet member  102  to be easily inserted or removed from the body of output section  58 . 
     When assembled, stop flow valve  14  is normally in the closed position as shown in  FIG. 6 . In the closed position, valve head  82  is fully engaged with valve seat  74  so that inlet port  56  is closed. When the pressure of the fluid in inlet port  56  exceeds the force exerted by the spring  90  on valve head  82 , the valve head  82  will retract away from the valve seat  74  and the fluid will enter the interior of output section  58  of stop flow valve  14  and out of the output port  60  as shown in  FIG. 7 . When the force created by the pressure of the fluid in inlet port  56  on valve head  82  drops below the force exerted by spring  90  on head  82 , the valve head  82  will engage valve seat  74  and shut off the flow of fluid from the inlet port  56  to the output port  60 . Thus, when flow control valve  30  is shut off, spring  90  instantaneously biases valve head  82  back against the valve seat  74 , thus shutting off the flow of fluid and prohibiting fluid from spurting out of nozzles  16 . 
     It can be seen that the threshold level of the opening of stop flow valve  14  can be varied. Increasing the compression of biasing spring  90  by advancing outlet member  102  along internal threads  98  of output section  58  will increase the pressure of the fluid in inlet port  56  necessary to move valve head  82  and open the valve. Likewise, decreasing the compression of spring  90  will reduce the pressure of the fluid in inlet port  56  that is necessary to open the valve. The pressure in the entire system can be released by removing nozzle outlet member  102 , spring  90  and valve head  82 . 
     It is preferred that the volume of the flow of fluid through output port  60  be approximately the same volume as the flow of fluid through inlet port  56 . However, it will be understood that the diameter of inlet port  50  and output port  56  can be different depending on the desired volume of fluid flow and threshold fluid pressures. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8  through  FIG. 10 , additional details of quick connect coupling  26  are generally shown. Quick connect coupling  26  allows the user to exchange spray heads that have different numbers of spray nozzles quickly and efficiently. For example, an embodiment with four or five nozzles may be used to paint an interior wall or large sections of exterior surfaces with one pass. Thereafter, the user may desire to exchange the large multiple nozzle spray head for a spray head with one or two nozzles that can be used to paint smaller surfaces, corners or areas that require additional paint. 
     Referring more specifically to  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 , one embodiment of quick connect coupling  26  is shown. Quick connect coupling  26  has a base portion  110 , a seal member  112  and a coupling collar  114 . Base  110  is preferably coupled to input tube  32 , which in turn is joined to flow control valve  30  by adapter coupling  28  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Base  110  has a seat  116  adapted to mate with seal member  112 , an axial bore  118  and external threads  120  at the proximal end. Seal member  112  and seat  116  preferably have a frustoconical shape. Optionally, the frustoconical shaped seat  116  has an O-ring  122  that fits in a circumferential groove  124  to provide additional sealing capability. 
     Seal member  112  is preferably sized and shaped to mate with seat  116  so that there is a tight fit when the seal  112  and seat  116  engage. Seal  112  also has an axial bore  126  that is preferably aligned with the axial bore  118  of base  110 . Furthermore, seal  112  preferably includes a set of internal female threads  128   a  at the opposite end that mate with external male threads  128   b  on feed tube  18  as shown, or the thread configuration can be reversed. In this way, seal  112  is attached to feed tube  18  and the distal end of feed tube  18  is fluidly coupled with the axial bore  126  of seal  112 . Collar  114  has a central hole H that is sized to receive the end of feed tube  18  and is capable of sliding up and down the lower end of feed tube  18  and can enclose all or part of seal  112  when it is coupled to base  110 . Collar  114  has internal female threads  130  that are configured to engage male threads  120  of base  110 . When threads  130  are advanced on threads  120  of base  110 , the collar  114  directs seal  112  to seat  116  and causes seal  112  to fully engage seat  116  and thereby seal the joint. Optionally, an O-ring  122  is disposed in seat  124  of base  110  to provide additional sealing capability to quick connect coupling  26 . 
     Quick connect coupling  26  can be disconnected by withdrawing threads  130  of collar  114  by rotating collar  114  axially about feed tube  18 . Base  110  will then be available to receive similarly configured seal and collar pieces from a second feed tube and spray head as described herein. Quick connect coupling can also be disconnected by withdrawing threads of adapter tube  32  from corresponding threads in base  110  if the two components are threadably coupled as shown in  FIG. 19 . A threaded plug  132  can be provided and inserted into base  110  to prevent fluid leakage. The flow of fluid through quick connect coupling  26  is indicated by the letter “F” in  FIG. 9 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , an alternative embodiment of a handle assembly  140  with reinforcement handle  142  is shown. Reinforcement handle  142  has a molded handle opening  144  for positioning the apparatus and is molded to fit feed tube  18  with concave surfaces and attach to feed tube  18  with split clamps  146 . 
       FIG. 12  shows an alternative embodiment of the invention with a single stop flow valve  14  and spray nozzle  16  disposed at the end of a tubular wand  150  having a central bore or inner lumen  152  at the center. Wands with one or more nozzles may be used for painting vaulted and other high ceilings and surfaces that are difficult for the painter to gain access to for painting. Pressurized fluid flows through central bore  152  and ultimately out through spray nozzle  16 . Central bore  152  of wand  150  can be sized at various diameters to provide a wide range of fluid disbursement volumes and pressures. Wand  150  can also be of varying lengths to enable the user, for example, to apply paint on surfaces that are not readily accessible with the use of ladders, scaffolding or the like. A swivel coupling  154  with a fluid channel running therethrough may optionally be coupled to wand  150  with a quick connect coupling  26  for connection to a single stop valve  14  and nozzle  16  to allow for angular positioning of the spray nozzle. The wand  150  may be connected with a second quick connect coupling  26  to connect to a pressurized paint supply so that the apparatus can be quickly removed from a source of pressurized fluid and a different spray head attached to the source of pressurized fluid and flow control valve  30 . 
       FIG. 13  shows an alternative embodiment of the configuration shown in  FIG. 12  where wand  150  is configured for direct coupling to a pressurized paint supply through adapter coupling  28  instead of using a quick connect coupling  26 .  FIG. 13  also illustrates an alternative embodiment of stop flow valve  14  as shown in  FIG. 4  adapted to attach to a male fitting on swivel coupling  154 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a further alternative embodiment where a second stop flow valve  160  is coupled between the coupling end of wand  150  with reducer  162  and nipple  164  and a quick connect coupling  26  so that pressure is maintained in the center bore  152  of wand  150  when the wand is detached with quick connect coupling  26 . In this embodiment, less pressure and fluid volume is required to actuate the stop flow valve  14  to spray because of the residual pressure that is maintained in the wand. A two port spray head  166  supports two stop flow valves  14  and is coupled to a swivel coupling  154 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , an embodiment of the invention is shown that exhibits additional features and modes of operation. For example, comparing this embodiment to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , a line swivel  200  is used instead of a quick connect coupling  26  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Note that the adapter  28 , flow control valve  20 , and adapter tube  32  shown in  FIG. 1  are not shown in  FIG. 15  but would be connected to line swivel  200  in a similar manner as they would be connected to quick connect coupling  26 . Note also that the supply connection to line swivel  200  can be implemented in other ways as well, and this embodiment is not limited to the particular supply connection configuration shown in  FIG. 1 . An optional inline filter assembly  202  is connected to line swivel  200  through a section of feed tubing  204 . Further, a spray head angle swivel  206  is connected to filter assembly  202  through a section of feed tubing  208 . Another section of feed tubing  210 , having an arcuate section  212  similar to arcuate section  24 , is coupled to a spray head  214  in the manner previously described. In the embodiment shown, the spray head comprises a three port spray head, but spray heads with fewer or greater spray nozzles also could be used as previously described. 
     As can be seen, there are several beneficial features of this embodiment. 
     First, line swivel  200  allows for pivotal movement of the spray head in relation to the supply source (e.g., flow control valve  20 ). As a result, the user can easily hold flow control valve  20  in one hand, and rotate the spray head  214  between horizontal and vertical orientations to accommodate spraying in different positions by, for example, rotating arcuate  212  portion of feed tubing  210 . This feature is particularly useful when changing from spraying ceilings to spraying walls. In addition, when spraying walls, the user can easily adjust the spray head when spraying high versus low wall areas. Furthermore, line swivel  200  can be used as an alternative to optional swivel joint  26  or in combination therewith. 
     Additionally, filter assembly  202  is provided to remove small particulates or contaminants from the paint which could potentially clog the spray nozzles or stop flow valves. 
     Furthermore, note that the combination of feed tubing  208  and feed tubing  210  (and filter assembly  202  if used) form a handle assembly with an offset angle in relation to the longitudinal axis running through manifold  42 . More particularly, the offset angle of feed tubing  208  (and filter assembly  202  if used) in relation to manifold  42  serves same purpose and function as previously described in relation to the handle (feed tube) configurations shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 11 . However, instead of fixing the offset angle as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 11 , spray head swivel  206  allows the offset angle to be adjusted. This feature is particularly useful for accommodating users of different heights. Spray head swivel  206  allows the user to “customize” the offset angle of the spray head in relation to the feed tubing/handle assembly so that the user can comfortably, for example, actuate flow control valve  30  with one hand and hold and direct the position of the apparatus with the other hand during use by grasping arcuate portion  212  of feed tubing  210  or filter assembly  202 . It can be seen that in this embodiment the spray head offset angle may be selected depending on, for example, the size or length of the spray head, the length of the sections of feed tubing and overall length of the assembly, the height of the user, and/or the general comfort of the user. 
       FIG. 16  through  FIG. 18  show additional details of preferred embodiments of various components used in this embodiment as will now be described. 
     For example, referring to  FIG. 16 ,  FIG. 17A  and  FIG. 17B , it can be seen that filter assembly  202  is an adaptation of quick connect coupling  26  that houses a replaceable screen filter cartridge  216  in a filter housing  218 . In this regard, note that filter cartridge  216  can be a standard spring loaded paint spray gun filter cartridge or the like. Referring also to  FIG. 10 , it can be seen that filter housing  218  is essentially an elongated version of base  110  that has been adapted to accommodate filter cartridge  216 . Filter assembly  202  includes a threaded plug  220  for retaining filter cartridge  216  and connecting filter housing  218  to feed tubing  204  (similar to threaded plug  132 ), and a threaded coupling collar  222  for connecting filer housing  218  to feed tubing  208  via a seal  224  (similar to seal  112  and coupling collar  114 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17B , line swivel  200  comprises an adapter  226  having internal threads  228  for connecting to, for example, adapter tube  32  (see  FIG. 1 ). Line swivel  200  also comprises a coupling  230  having internal threads  232  for connecting to, for example, feed tube section  204 . To couple the two components together, a hollowed out threaded swivel screw  234  is inserted into opening  236  in coupling  230  and threaded into adapter  226 . Adapter  226  includes internal threads  238  that mate with external threads  240  on swivel screw  234 . Note that when these components are assembled, swivel screw  234  extends through coupling  230  and the head  242  of swivel screw  234  bottoms out in coupling  230  with a Delrin® washer  244  or the like therebetween. Adapter  226  also includes a recess  246  that receives a neck portion  248  of coupling  230 , between which are seated a plurality of spring washers  250  (e.g., disc springs) or the like and a Delrin® sealing washer  252  or the like that facilitate rotational motion. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18 , a preferred embodiment of spray head angle swivel  206  can be seen in more detail. In the embodiment shown, spray head angle swivel  206  comprises an upper body portion  254  and a lower body portion  256  which are adapted for relative rotational motion. This is accomplished by inserting a stud  258  through lower body portion  254  and into upper body portion  256  so that a non-circular (e.g. hex) shaped shoulder  260  on stud  258  seats into a corresponding recess  262  in upper body portion  256 , and threads on the end of stud  258  are engaged by a threaded cap nut  264 . In this way, lower body portion  252  can swivel about stud  258  in relation to upper body portion  256 . A washer  266  is positioned between cap nut  264  and upper body portion  256  in a recess  268 , a washer  270  is positioned between the neck  272  of lower body portion  254  and upper body portion  256  in a recess  274 , and a washer  276  is positioned between the head  278  of stud  258  and lower body portion  254  in a recess  280 . Each of these washers is preferably made from Delrin® or like material. Note that swivel  206  is also a fluidic coupling and, therefore, the shank portion  282  of stud  258  has a reduced diameter around which paint can flow between inlet  284  and outlet  286 , to which feed tubing sections  208 ,  210 , respectively, would be welded or preferably threadably attached. Lastly, to facilitate loosening, tightening, and disassembly of these components, a cap handle assembly  288  is coupled to cap nut  264  with a pin  290  or the like. 
     Although the description above contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”