Patent Description:
Spray guns can be used to spray fluids on surfaces. For example, spray guns can be used to spray paint, lacquer, finishes, and other coatings on walls, ceilings, and other structures. While various fluids can be sprayed by the embodiments referenced herein, paint will be used as an example.

Typically, the paint is placed under pressure by a piston, diaphragm, or other positive displacement pump. The pump can place the paint under pressure between <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> pounds per square inch (psi), although higher and lower pressures are possible. The pump outputs the paint under pressure through a flexible hose. A spray gun is used to dispense the paint, the gun being attached to the end of the hose opposite the pump. In this way, the spray gun does not include a pump, but rather releases paint pumped to the spray gun through the hose. The spray gun atomizes the paint under pressure into a spray fan, which is applied to a surface. The pump and mechanical and/or electrical systems which operate the pump are typically stationary while the user moves the gun and hose around to spray various surfaces.

Paint and other coatings can be abrasive and can wear on the spray gun and other components of the spray system. Spray guns typically require maintenance over time, which involves replacement of components worn down by use, particularly those components that move while handling the flow of paint under high fluid pressure. Ideally, users are able to service and repair the spray gun in the field to minimize disruption to their present project. A spray gun having enhanced field serviceability is disclosed herein. Other spray gun features are disclosed herein as well.

<CIT> discloses a spray gun for dispersing pressurized liquids having a barrel portion and a handle portion, a relatively simple and compactly designed control valve in the lower end of the handle portion, and a trigger pivotably mounted adjacent the lower end of the handle portion and extending upwardly therefrom for movement between control valve actuating and deactuating positions. The control valve has a valve body formed with three mutually perpendicular passageways and contains a valve member having a valve stem extending outwardly in generally perpendicular relation to the handle for engagement by the lower end portion of the trigger. A simple transversely movable locking element is provided for securing the trigger in a deactuated position.

According to the invention, there is provided a spray gun as defined in claim <NUM>.

<FIG> is an isometric, partially exploded view of spray gun <NUM>. <FIG> is an exploded view of spray gun <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> will be discussed together. Gun body <NUM>, trigger <NUM>, handle <NUM>, tip mount <NUM>, tip <NUM>, fitting <NUM>, trigger guard <NUM>, safety <NUM>, pivot mechanism <NUM>, valve cartridge <NUM>, filter <NUM>, and handle seals 34a, 34b (collectively herein "handle seal <NUM>") of spray gun <NUM> are shown. Mounting surface <NUM>, front end <NUM>, back end <NUM>, bore <NUM>, cavity <NUM>, void <NUM>, back side <NUM>, and pivot bore <NUM> of gun body <NUM> are shown. Trigger <NUM> includes arms 52a, 52b (collectively herein "arms <NUM>"), actuator <NUM>, and pull <NUM>. Handle <NUM> includes inner portion <NUM>, outer portion <NUM>, set screw <NUM>, and connector <NUM>. Inner portion <NUM> includes top end <NUM> and bottom end <NUM>. Outer portion <NUM> includes front side <NUM>, back side <NUM>, first end <NUM>, second end <NUM>, tail <NUM>, upper projection <NUM>, lower projection <NUM>, and handle bore <NUM>. Tip <NUM> includes nozzle <NUM>. Trigger guard <NUM> includes upper portion <NUM>, intermediate portion <NUM>, and lower portion <NUM>. Upper portion <NUM> includes main leg <NUM> and prong <NUM>. Main leg <NUM> includes depression <NUM>. Lower portion <NUM> includes first leg <NUM>, second leg <NUM>, third leg <NUM>, fourth leg <NUM>, fifth leg <NUM>, and ring <NUM>. Contour <NUM> is defined by first leg <NUM>, second leg <NUM>, and third leg <NUM>. Grip surface <NUM>, cartridge outlet <NUM>, housing <NUM>, and slider assembly <NUM> of valve cartridge <NUM> are shown. Slider <NUM> of slider assembly <NUM> is shown. Filter <NUM> includes filter body <NUM> and mesh <NUM>. Pivot mechanism <NUM> includes detents 128a, 128b (collectively herein "detents <NUM>") and spring <NUM>.

Tip mount <NUM> is attached to gun body <NUM> at mounting surface <NUM>. Tip mount <NUM> can be removably mounted to gun body <NUM>. For example, tip mount <NUM> can fit over a front end of gun body <NUM>, and tip mount <NUM> can include internal threading that interfaces with external threading on the front end of gun body <NUM> to fix tip mount <NUM> to gun body <NUM>. In such an example, mounting surface <NUM> can include the external threading. Unthreading tip mount <NUM> from gun body <NUM> allows removal of tip mount <NUM> from gun body <NUM>. Spray tip <NUM> is mounted in a bore of tip mount <NUM>. Nozzle <NUM> is formed in spray tip <NUM>. Nozzle <NUM> can be formed from carbide or another metal. Nozzle <NUM> includes a narrow outlet that is configured to atomize the paint exiting nozzle <NUM> into a spray fan. Spray tip <NUM> is mounted in tip mount <NUM> such that spray tip <NUM> can be rotated <NUM> degrees to reverse the direction of paint flow through nozzle <NUM>. Rotating tip mount exposes a larger opening than the opening of nozzle <NUM>. That larger opening is disposed on the opposite side of spray tip <NUM> from nozzle <NUM>. Any clogs can be dislodged from tip <NUM> and ejected from that larger opening with spray tip <NUM> is in the reversed position.

Gun body <NUM> is mounted on handle <NUM>. Gun body <NUM> can be formed of any suitable material for receiving various components of spray gun <NUM> and for providing a pathway for pressurized paint. In some examples, gun body <NUM> is formed from a metal, such as aluminum.

Handle <NUM> is removable from gun body <NUM>. Handle <NUM> can be formed from polymer, metal, or a combination thereof, among other options. Handle <NUM> is configured to be gripped by one hand of a user to hold, support, and aim spray gun <NUM> while also allowing the user to actuate trigger <NUM>. Specifically, the user can grasp and hold outer portion <NUM> with the one hand. Inner portion <NUM> is disposed within outer portion <NUM> of handle <NUM> and extends through handle bore <NUM>. Top end <NUM> of inner portion <NUM> projects out of handle bore <NUM> beyond first end <NUM> of outer portion <NUM>. Set screw <NUM> extends through front side <NUM> of outer portion <NUM> and engages inner portion <NUM> to secure inner portion <NUM> relative to outer portion <NUM>. In the example shown, inner portion <NUM> is formed separate from outer portion <NUM> and disposed within outer portion <NUM>. It is understood, however, that inner portion <NUM> and outer portion <NUM> can be integrally formed as a single part.

Connector <NUM> is disposed at top end <NUM> of inner portion <NUM>. In the example shown, connector <NUM> is spaced from the distal end of top end <NUM>. Connector <NUM> secures handle <NUM> to gun body <NUM>. In the example shown, connector <NUM> is attached to gun body <NUM> by interfaced threading. Male threading on inner portion <NUM> forms connector <NUM> and that male threading is configured to interface with female threading in gun body <NUM>. While handle <NUM> and gun body <NUM> are described as connected by interfaced threading, it is understood that handle <NUM> and gun body <NUM> can be connected in any suitable manner for providing a pressurized flowpath and allowing removal of handle <NUM>. In some examples, the threading is clocked such that handle <NUM> is properly aligned with gun body <NUM> when handle <NUM> is fully installed on gun body <NUM>. For example, such that upper projection <NUM> of outer portion <NUM> is disposed below and aligned with the projection extending rearward from the lower edge of back end <NUM> of gun body <NUM>.

Fitting <NUM> is attached to handle <NUM>. In the example shown, fitting <NUM> is connected to bottom end <NUM> of inner portion <NUM> opposite connector <NUM>. A portion of fitting <NUM> extends into inner portion <NUM> while another portion of fitting projects downward from second end <NUM> of outer portion <NUM>. Fitting <NUM> includes tool interface <NUM> configured to interface with a tool, such as a wrench, to facilitate installation and removal of fitting <NUM>. Fitting <NUM> is configured to attach to the end of a hose that supplies paint to spray gun <NUM> under pressure. Fitting <NUM> can be of a quick disconnect type, or any other desired type of hose connector.

Upper projection <NUM> extends axially rearward from first end <NUM> and back side <NUM> of outer portion <NUM>. Upper projection <NUM> and back side <NUM> define a contour configured to receive the area between the user's thumb and forefinger of the hand grasping handle <NUM>. The contour further extends along the exterior surface of tail <NUM>. Upper projection <NUM> provides an ergonomic resting spot for the user's hand when grasping handle <NUM> and can prevent spray gun <NUM> from slipping downward within the user's hand during operation. As shown, upper projection <NUM> has a flat upper surface configured to interface with a similarly flat lower surface formed on the projection of gun body <NUM>.

Lower projection <NUM> extends from front side <NUM> of outer portion <NUM> of handle <NUM>. Lower projection <NUM> can prevent pinching of the user's fingers by trigger <NUM> when trigger guard <NUM> is rotated during installation and removal of handle <NUM> from gun body <NUM>, as discussed in more detail below. It is understood, however, that trigger guard <NUM> is configured to protect the user's fingers during operation to prevent pinching and is further configured to prevent undesired actuation of trigger <NUM>. Some examples of handle <NUM> do not include lower projection <NUM>.

Tail <NUM> projects downward from handle <NUM>. More specifically, tail <NUM> projects downward from back side <NUM> of outer portion <NUM>. Tail <NUM> extends downward beyond second end <NUM> of outer portion <NUM>. As such, tail <NUM> provides the lowermost portion of handle <NUM>. Tail <NUM> is arcuate and partially wraps around fitting <NUM>. Tail <NUM> at least partially extends over and covers a length of fitting <NUM>. Tail <NUM> further covers the interface between trigger guard <NUM> and handle <NUM>. Tail <NUM> provides a surface for a portion of the user's hand, such as a portion of the palm, to rest on and interface with while the user operates spray gun <NUM>. Tail <NUM> thereby provides ergonomic benefits to the user. In addition, tail <NUM> facilitates mounting and dismounting of handle <NUM> to and from gun body <NUM>, as discussed in more detail below.

Handle seal 34a is disposed at top end <NUM> of inner portion <NUM> between the distal end of inner portion <NUM> and connector <NUM>. Handle seal 34a is disposed between top end <NUM> and gun body <NUM> to seal an interface between handle <NUM> and gun body <NUM>.

Filter <NUM> is disposed in handle <NUM> and is configured to filter particulate from the paint prior to the paint entering valve cartridge <NUM> and being sprayed. More particularly, filter <NUM> is disposed in a bore through inner portion <NUM> of handle <NUM>. Filter body <NUM> supports the mesh <NUM> that filters the paint. In some operations, filter <NUM> can be removed and replaced each day or more than once per day. Filter <NUM> is replaced by disconnecting handle <NUM> from gun body <NUM>, removing the old filter <NUM>, inserting a new filter <NUM>, and reconnecting handle <NUM> to gun body <NUM>. Inner portion <NUM> can be a pressure carrying component that handles the pressure of the fluid flowing through inlet passage <NUM> through handle <NUM>. As such, outer portion <NUM> of handle <NUM> can be formed from a less-resilient material than inner portion <NUM>. Filter <NUM>, inlet passage <NUM> through inner portion <NUM>, and handle bore <NUM> through outer portion <NUM> are oriented on handle axis B-B.

Bore <NUM> is formed within front end <NUM> of gun body <NUM> and extends into back end <NUM> of gun body <NUM>. Bore <NUM> is open on a front side of front end <NUM> of gun body <NUM>. Bore <NUM> extends through front end <NUM> of gun body <NUM> to void <NUM> in gun body <NUM>. Void <NUM> is disposed between front end <NUM> and back end <NUM> of gun body <NUM>. In some examples, void <NUM> is open on the lateral and top sides of gun body <NUM>. Cylindrical cavity <NUM> is a portion of bore <NUM> extending into back end <NUM> of gun body <NUM>. Cylindrical cavity <NUM>, and thus bore <NUM>, does not extend through and is not open on back side <NUM> of gun body <NUM>. Bore <NUM> is oriented on spray axis A-A.

Valve cartridge <NUM> is at least partially disposed within and is mounted to gun body <NUM>. Valve cartridge <NUM> is at least partially disposed in bore <NUM> of gun body <NUM> and spans void <NUM>. Specifically, housing <NUM> is disposed in the portion of bore <NUM> in front end <NUM> of gun body <NUM>. A portion of valve cartridge <NUM>, such as slider assembly <NUM>, spans void <NUM>. With slider assembly <NUM> spanning void <NUM>, a portion of slider <NUM> is disposed in cylindrical cavity <NUM> formed in back end <NUM> of gun body <NUM>. Paint is output from valve cartridge <NUM> via cartridge outlet <NUM>. Valve cartridge <NUM> is covered by tip mount <NUM> when tip mount <NUM> is disposed on gun body <NUM>. When valve cartridge <NUM> is secured to and within gun body <NUM>, grip surface <NUM> is exposed out of the front end of gun body <NUM>.

Trigger <NUM> is mounted to gun body <NUM> and is configured to actuate a valve element of valve cartridge <NUM> to control spraying by spray gun <NUM>. Trigger <NUM> is mounted to gun body <NUM> at pivot mechanism <NUM>. Pull <NUM> is disposed in the area C defined by trigger guard <NUM>, gun body <NUM>, and handle <NUM>. Pull <NUM> forms the portion of trigger <NUM> that the user grasps with the user's fingers to actuate trigger <NUM> and cause spraying by spray gun <NUM>. The user can exert a rearward, pulling force on pull <NUM> of trigger <NUM> to actuate trigger <NUM>. Arms <NUM> extend from pull <NUM> and are disposed on opposite lateral sides of gun body <NUM> with trigger <NUM> mounted to gun body <NUM>. Arms <NUM> connect trigger <NUM> to gun body <NUM> and are located on left and right lateral sides of gun body <NUM>, while pull <NUM> of trigger <NUM> is centered with respect to the lateral sides of gun body <NUM>. While two arms <NUM> are shown, it is understood that, in some examples, a single arm <NUM> can support trigger <NUM> and can be located on one side of gun body <NUM>. Arms <NUM> and pull <NUM> can be integrally formed as a single part. In some examples, pull <NUM> can be formed from multiple parts fit together, while arms <NUM> can be formed integrally with one of the parts forming pull <NUM>. For example, a front part of pull <NUM> that interfaces with the user's fingers can be formed from a polymer while a rear part of pull <NUM>, which can be at least partially covered by the front part, can be formed from a metal. It is understood that while arms <NUM> can be formed from the same material as the pull <NUM> (e.g., a contiguous piece of metal), arms <NUM> can also be formed separate from pull <NUM>, from either the same or different materials, and can be fixed to pull <NUM> at the lower ends of arms <NUM>. For example, arms <NUM> can be formed integrally with or attached to the rear part of pull <NUM>.

Actuator <NUM> extends between and is attached to arms <NUM>. Actuator <NUM> can be formed from the same material as arms <NUM> or from a different material from arms <NUM>. It is thereby understood that actuator <NUM> and arms <NUM> can be formed as a unitary part (i.e., single contiguous piece of material) or can be formed separately and fixed together. Actuator <NUM> can be metallic or can be formed from another suitably durable material for impacting slider <NUM> to actuate the valve within valve cartridge <NUM>. Actuator <NUM> extends between the opposed, inside surfaces of arms <NUM> and through void <NUM> in gun body <NUM> to connect arms <NUM>. Actuator <NUM> moves with arms <NUM> and pull <NUM> and pivots with respect to gun body <NUM>. Actuator <NUM> moves within void <NUM> along with trigger <NUM> to push a part (e.g., slider <NUM>) of valve cartridge <NUM> rearwards to open the valve within valve cartridge <NUM> when spraying is desired. Actuator <NUM> can release the part of valve cartridge <NUM> to close the valve when spraying is not desired.

Arms <NUM> are connected to gun body <NUM> at pivot mechanism <NUM>. More specifically, arms <NUM> are connected to gun body <NUM> by detents <NUM> extending into slots formed in arms <NUM>. Arms <NUM> interface with detents <NUM> to form a pivot point about which trigger <NUM> pivots relative to gun body <NUM>. Pivot bore <NUM> extends through gun body <NUM>. In the example shown, pivot bore <NUM> extends laterally through back end <NUM> of gun body <NUM>. Spring <NUM> is disposed in pivot bore <NUM> between detents <NUM>, which are disposed on opposite lateral sides of pivot bore <NUM>. Spring <NUM> interfaces with detents <NUM> to exert a laterally outward force on detents <NUM> to cause detents <NUM> to engage with the slots formed in arms <NUM>.

Safety <NUM> is attached to gun body <NUM> by pin <NUM>. Safety <NUM> is configured to pivot between a stowed, up position, as shown in <FIG>, and a deployed, down position. With safety <NUM> in the stowed position, trigger <NUM> can be pulled by the user to activate spraying. With safety <NUM> in the deployed position, safety <NUM> interfaces with pull <NUM> of trigger <NUM> to prevent trigger <NUM> from being pulled, thereby preventing the user from activating spraying.

Trigger guard <NUM> is attached to and extends between gun body <NUM> and handle <NUM>. Trigger guard <NUM>, gun body <NUM>, and handle <NUM> define area C within which pull <NUM> of trigger <NUM> is disposed when trigger <NUM> is in either of the activated and deactivated states.

Upper portion <NUM> of trigger guard <NUM> is attached to gun body <NUM> and lower portion <NUM> of trigger guard <NUM> is secured to the handle assembly, which can be considered as including handle <NUM> and fitting <NUM>. In some examples, lower portion <NUM> is secured between fitting <NUM> and handle <NUM>. Intermediate portion <NUM> extends between and connects upper portion <NUM> and lower portion <NUM>.

Trigger guard <NUM> is attached to gun body <NUM> by prong <NUM> extending into a slot, such as slot <NUM> (<FIG>), formed in a lower side of front end <NUM> of gun body <NUM>. Prong <NUM> is formed at the distal end of upper portion <NUM> of trigger guard <NUM>. Prong <NUM> extends along an axis transverse to the axis along which main leg <NUM> of upper portion <NUM> extends. Prong <NUM> further has a width smaller than the width of main leg <NUM> of upper portion <NUM>. A spring force exerted by trigger guard <NUM> retains prong <NUM> within the slot of gun body <NUM>. Depression <NUM> is formed in main leg <NUM>. The user can exert a downward force on main leg <NUM> by, for example, placing a thumb or finger in depression <NUM> and exerting a downward force to remove prong <NUM> from the slot in gun body <NUM>.

Fourth leg <NUM> of lower portion <NUM> extends from intermediate portion <NUM>. Ring <NUM> is formed at the distal end of lower portion <NUM> of trigger guard <NUM> and extends from fifth leg <NUM> of lower portion <NUM>. Ring <NUM> facilitates connection of trigger guard <NUM> to handle <NUM>. A portion of fitting <NUM> extends through ring <NUM> and into inner portion <NUM> of handle <NUM> to secure ring <NUM> to handle <NUM>. Handle seal 34b is disposed at bottom end <NUM> of inner portion <NUM> at an interface between ring <NUM> and handle <NUM>. In addition to protecting the fingers of the user and preventing undesired actuation of trigger <NUM>, trigger guard <NUM> facilitates mounting and dismounting of handle <NUM> from gun body <NUM>, as discussed in more detail below.

Contour <NUM> is formed in lower portion <NUM> of trigger guard <NUM>. Contour <NUM> is formed between fourth leg <NUM> and fifth leg <NUM>. Contour <NUM> is formed by first leg <NUM>, second leg <NUM>, and third leg <NUM> of lower portion <NUM>. With trigger guard <NUM> mounted to spray gun <NUM>, contour <NUM> is disposed below lower projection <NUM>. Contour <NUM> is positioned below the distal end of pull <NUM> when trigger <NUM> is in an activated state. As such, trigger <NUM> can move over the uppermost portion of contour <NUM> as trigger <NUM> is activated and deactivated. Contour <NUM> is configured to receive the fingers of the user that are not interfacing with and actuating the trigger <NUM> while the user grasps handle <NUM>. Trigger guard <NUM> can be considered to form part of handle <NUM> because the user can exert force on trigger guard <NUM> as the user manipulates and aims spray gun <NUM>. For example, the first two fingers of the user (index and middle finger) can be disposed on pull <NUM> to actuate trigger <NUM>, while the third finger of the user (ring finger) can be disposed below trigger guard <NUM> in the area defined by contour <NUM>, and the fourth finger of the user (pinky finger) can be disposed below the third finger and, in some cases, as least partially within the area defined by contour <NUM>. In another example, the first finger of the user (index finger) can be disposed on pull <NUM> to actuate trigger <NUM>, while the remaining three fingers of the user can be disposed below lower portion <NUM>, outside of area C, and at least partially within the area defined by contour <NUM>. Contour <NUM> thereby provides an ergonomic profile facilitating the user grasping and manipulating spray gun <NUM>. The user's palm can rest at least partially on back side <NUM> of outer portion <NUM> below upper projection <NUM> and partially on the exterior surface of tail <NUM>.

During operation, the user grasps handle <NUM> with either of the user's hands. Trigger guard <NUM> is sized such that a typical user can wrap one or two fingers around trigger <NUM> within area C while grasping handle <NUM>. The number of fingers disposed on pull <NUM> is determined by the user grasping spray gun <NUM>. For example, the user can extend the user's reach by grasping spray gun <NUM> further down on handle <NUM> such that the first finger (index finger) wraps around pull <NUM> and the second through fourth fingers are positioned outside of area C and within and/or below contour <NUM>. The fingers disposed outside of area C are positioned below lower portion <NUM> of trigger guard <NUM>. The uppermost finger outside of area C is disposed in contour <NUM>. A portion of the user's hand, such as the palm, wraps around back side <NUM> of outer portion <NUM> and can rest on the exterior surface of tail <NUM>. Tail <NUM> thereby prevents the user's hand from contacting fitting <NUM>, protecting the interface between fitting <NUM> and handle <NUM>. Tail <NUM> further provides an ergonomic, comfortable resting spot for that portion of the user's hand interfacing with tail <NUM>. Contour <NUM> receiving one or more fingers also provides an ergonomic, comfortable resting spot for one or more fingers. The user's hand interfacing with trigger guard <NUM> to further torque and move spray gun <NUM>, such that trigger guard <NUM> forms part of the handle <NUM>, facilitates more ergonomic and efficient spraying and reduces user fatigue.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of spray gun <NUM>. Gun body <NUM>, trigger <NUM>, handle <NUM>, fitting <NUM>, trigger guard <NUM>, safety <NUM>, pivot mechanism <NUM>, valve cartridge <NUM>, filter <NUM>, and threaded interface <NUM> of spray gun <NUM> are shown. Gun body <NUM> includes mounting surface <NUM>, front end <NUM>, back end <NUM>, bore <NUM>, cavity <NUM>, void <NUM>, back side <NUM>, channel <NUM>, chamber <NUM>, slot <NUM>, and receiving bore <NUM>. Trigger <NUM> includes arms 52a, 52b (only arm 52a is shown in <FIG>), actuator <NUM>, and pull <NUM>. Handle <NUM> includes inner portion <NUM>, outer portion <NUM>, set screw <NUM>, and connector <NUM>. Inner portion <NUM> includes top end <NUM> and bottom end <NUM>. Outer portion <NUM> includes front side <NUM>, back side <NUM>, first end <NUM>, second end <NUM>, tail <NUM>, upper projection <NUM>, and lower projection <NUM>. Tail <NUM> includes inner side <NUM>, outer side <NUM>, distal end <NUM>, and edge <NUM>. Trigger guard <NUM> includes upper portion <NUM>, intermediate portion <NUM>, and lower portion <NUM>. Upper portion <NUM> includes main leg <NUM>, which includes depression <NUM>, and prong <NUM>. Lower portion <NUM> includes first leg <NUM>, second leg <NUM>, third leg <NUM>, fourth leg <NUM>, fifth leg <NUM>, and ring <NUM>. Contour <NUM> is defined by first leg <NUM>, second leg <NUM>, and third leg <NUM>. Valve cartridge <NUM> includes grip surface <NUM>, cartridge outlet <NUM>, housing <NUM>, slider assembly <NUM>, and valve <NUM>. Slider assembly <NUM> includes slider <NUM>. Filter <NUM> includes filter body <NUM> and mesh <NUM>.

Valve cartridge <NUM> is disposed within gun body <NUM> and fits within bore <NUM>. Bore <NUM> forms, amongst other features, chamber <NUM> through which valve cartridge <NUM> receives paint. A portion of valve cartridge <NUM>, such as slider <NUM>, bridges void <NUM>. A portion of slider <NUM> fits within cavity <NUM> within gun body <NUM>. Bore <NUM> and cavity <NUM> are coaxially aligned on spray axis A-A. Housing <NUM> can be prevented from moving rearward with respect to gun body <NUM> by a narrowing of the exterior surface of valve cartridge <NUM> fitting into and engaging a narrowing interior surface of bore <NUM>, the narrowing can occur from a front towards the back of bore <NUM>.

Paint is output from valve cartridge <NUM> via cartridge outlet <NUM>. Threaded interface <NUM> is formed between the exterior of housing <NUM> of valve cartridge <NUM> and the interior of bore <NUM>. Threaded interface <NUM> secures valve cartridge <NUM> within bore <NUM>. Valve cartridge <NUM> can be unscrewed and then removed from bore <NUM> through the front end of bore <NUM>. Valve <NUM> is disposed within housing <NUM> and is connected to slider assembly <NUM>. Valve <NUM> is configured to be actuated between an open state, where paint can flow downstream past valve <NUM> through cartridge outlet <NUM>, and a closed state, where valve <NUM> prevents paint from flowing downstream through cartridge outlet <NUM>. Actuator <NUM> of trigger <NUM> interfaces with slider <NUM> to actuate valve <NUM> between the open and closed states.

Handle <NUM> is removably mounted to gun body <NUM> by the top end <NUM> of inner portion <NUM> of handle <NUM> extending into receiving bore <NUM> in gun body <NUM>. Connector <NUM> is formed on top end <NUM> of inner portion <NUM>. In the example shown, connector <NUM> includes exterior threading configured to interface and mate with interior threading formed in receiving bore <NUM>. As such, handle <NUM> can be secured to gun body <NUM> by interfaced threading formed on gun body <NUM> and handle <NUM>. Fitting <NUM> is attached to a bottom of handle <NUM> opposite connector <NUM> and is configured to attach to the end of a hose that supplies paint to spray gun <NUM> under pressure. Tail <NUM> extends from second end <NUM> of outer portion <NUM>. Edge <NUM> is formed on tail <NUM> between outer side <NUM> and distal end <NUM>. Edge <NUM> provides a contour that eliminates sharp corners from tail <NUM>. Gap <NUM> is disposed between tail <NUM> and fitting <NUM>.

Inner portion <NUM> defines inlet passage <NUM> through which paint initially flows on entering spray gun <NUM>. Filter <NUM> is disposed within inner portion <NUM> in inlet passage <NUM> and includes mesh <NUM> configured to filter particulate from the paint flowing through spray gun <NUM>. Filter body <NUM> supports mesh <NUM>. Inner portion <NUM> can be a pressure carrying component that handles the pressure of the fluid flowing through inlet passage <NUM> through handle <NUM>.

Channel <NUM> extends between inlet passage <NUM> and bore <NUM> formed in gun body <NUM>. Specifically, channel <NUM> extends from inlet passage <NUM> to chamber <NUM> where paint enters valve cartridge <NUM>. Specifically, paint enters housing <NUM> of valve cartridge <NUM> from chamber <NUM>.

Paint enters spray gun <NUM> via fitting <NUM>. The paint travels through handle <NUM> within inlet passage <NUM> and passes through filter <NUM> to channel <NUM>. Specifically, the paint travels through mesh <NUM> of filter <NUM> and into the space disposed between filter <NUM> and inner portion <NUM> of handle <NUM>. The paint travels through channel <NUM> and into chamber <NUM>. From chamber <NUM>, the paint flows into housing <NUM> of valve cartridge <NUM> and eventually out of cartridge outlet <NUM> and then through nozzle <NUM> (<FIG>). With trigger <NUM> in the non-actuated state, valve <NUM> of valve cartridge <NUM> is in the closed state, thereby closing the flowpath through cartridge outlet <NUM> and preventing spraying of paint. With trigger <NUM> in the actuated state, where trigger <NUM> is pulled towards handle <NUM> from the non-actuated state shown, valve <NUM> of valve cartridge <NUM> is in the open state, thereby opening the flowpath through cartridge outlet <NUM> and allowing spaying of paint.

<FIG> is a side elevation view of spray gun <NUM>. <FIG> is an enlarged view of detail Z in <FIG> and <FIG> will be discussed together. Gun body <NUM>, trigger <NUM>, handle <NUM>, fitting <NUM>, trigger guard <NUM>, safety <NUM>, pivot mechanism <NUM>, and valve cartridge <NUM> of spray gun <NUM> are shown. Arm 52b and pull <NUM> of trigger <NUM> are shown. Outer portion <NUM> of handle <NUM> is shown and includes front side <NUM>, back side <NUM>, first end <NUM>, second end <NUM>, tail <NUM>, upper projection <NUM>, and lower projection <NUM>. Distal end <NUM> and outer side <NUM> of tail <NUM> are shown. Trigger guard <NUM> includes upper portion <NUM>, intermediate portion <NUM>, and lower portion <NUM>. Lower portion <NUM> includes first leg <NUM>, second leg <NUM>, third leg <NUM>, fourth leg <NUM>, fifth leg <NUM>, and ring <NUM>. Contour <NUM> is defined by first leg <NUM>, second leg <NUM>, and third leg <NUM>.

Valve cartridge <NUM> is disposed in gun body <NUM> and configured to control spraying by spray gun <NUM>. Trigger <NUM> is attached to gun body <NUM> by pivot mechanism <NUM>. Specifically, arms 52a, 52b (only arm 52b is shown) is attached to gun body <NUM> by pivot mechanism <NUM>. Trigger <NUM> pivots about pivot mechanism <NUM> to control spraying of paint through valve cartridge <NUM>. Pull <NUM> is configured to interface with and be manipulated by fingers of the user to control spraying by spray gun <NUM>. The fingers of the user that interface with pull <NUM> to manipulate trigger <NUM> are disposed in area C during spraying. One or more of the fingers disposed outside of area C can be disposed at least partially in contour <NUM>.

Handle <NUM> is removably connected to gun body <NUM>. Handle <NUM> can be removed to allow the user to remove and replace filter <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>). Upper projection <NUM> extends from back side <NUM> of handle <NUM> and interfaces with a similarly configured projection of gun body <NUM>. Upper projection <NUM> extends over the portion of the user's hand between the thumb and index finger while the user grasps handle <NUM>. Lower projection <NUM> extends from front side <NUM> of handle <NUM> into area C defined by trigger guard <NUM>, gun body <NUM>, and handle <NUM> and within which pull <NUM> of trigger <NUM> is disposed.

Tail <NUM> projects downwards from back side <NUM> of handle <NUM>. Tail <NUM> projects from second end <NUM> and generally away from gun body <NUM>. Tail <NUM> is a bottom-most portion of handle <NUM>. Tail <NUM> extends below and at least partially covers the location where ring <NUM> connects trigger guard <NUM> to spray gun <NUM>. Tail <NUM> partially wraps around and partially covers fitting <NUM>. Distal end <NUM> of tail <NUM> is the lowest point of handle <NUM>. Tail <NUM> extends below tool interface <NUM> of fitting <NUM> such that distal end <NUM> is disposed below tool interface <NUM>. Tool interface <NUM> is configured to interface with a tool, such as a wrench, to allow the user to connect and disconnect fitting <NUM> from handle <NUM>.

Tail <NUM> has a height Ht between second end <NUM> and distal end <NUM>. Handle <NUM> has a height Hh between first end <NUM> and distal end <NUM>. Height Ht is between about <NUM>-<NUM> inches (in. ) (about <NUM>-<NUM> centimeters (cm)). In some examples, height Ht is between about <NUM>-<NUM> in. (about <NUM>-<NUM>). In one example, height Ht is <NUM> in. (about <NUM>). Height Hh can be about <NUM>-<NUM> in. (about <NUM>-<NUM>). In one example, height Hh is <NUM> in. Height Ht of tail <NUM> is less than height Hh of handle <NUM>. In some examples, height Ht of tail <NUM> is less than half height Hh of handle <NUM>. In some examples, height Ht of tail <NUM> is about <NUM>/<NUM> the height Hh of handle <NUM>. As such, height Ht of tail <NUM> can be about half of height Ho of outer portion <NUM> between first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>.

Trigger guard <NUM> extends around and at least partially defines area C within which pull <NUM> of trigger <NUM> is disposed. Upper portion <NUM> of trigger guard <NUM> is connected to gun body <NUM>. Lower portion <NUM> of trigger guard <NUM> is secured between handle <NUM> and fitting <NUM>. Ring <NUM> is formed at the distal end of lower portion <NUM> of trigger guard <NUM> and extends from fifth leg <NUM>. In some examples, fifth leg <NUM> and ring <NUM> extend along a common axis such that fifth leg <NUM> and ring <NUM> are planar relative each other. A portion of fitting <NUM> projects through ring <NUM> and fitting <NUM> is connected to handle <NUM> to secure lower portion <NUM> to spray gun <NUM>. Handle seal 34b is disposed between ring <NUM> and second end <NUM>. An element (e.g., fitting <NUM>) must be removed from spray gun <NUM> prior to fully disconnecting trigger guard <NUM> from spray gun <NUM>. Contrarily, upper portion <NUM> can be disconnected from spray gun <NUM> by exerting a downward force on main leg <NUM> of upper portion <NUM> to remove prong <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>) from slot <NUM> (<FIG>).

Intermediate portion <NUM> extends between and connects upper portion <NUM> and lower portion <NUM>. Specifically, intermediate portion <NUM> extends between and is attached to each of main leg <NUM> and fourth leg <NUM>. Each of upper portion <NUM> and lower portion <NUM> are disposed transverse to intermediate portion <NUM>. Main leg <NUM> extends along an axis transverse to the axis that intermediate portion <NUM> extends on. Each of first leg <NUM>, second leg <NUM>, third leg <NUM>, fourth leg <NUM>, and fifth leg <NUM> extend along axes transverse to an axis that intermediate portion <NUM> extends along. While the various portions and legs of trigger guard <NUM> are described as extending along axes, it is understood that the various portions and legs can be curved along their lengths and/or include other contouring. The portions and legs extend generally along the axes discussed.

Fourth leg <NUM> is disposed transverse to intermediate portion <NUM> and extends from an end of intermediate portion <NUM> opposite the end of intermediate portion <NUM> that main leg <NUM> extends from. Fourth leg <NUM> is disposed at angle y relative to first leg <NUM>. Contour <NUM> is disposed between fourth leg <NUM> and fifth leg <NUM> and is defined by first leg <NUM>, second leg <NUM>, and third leg <NUM>. Intersection <NUM> between first leg <NUM> and fourth leg <NUM> is a lowest point of trigger guard <NUM> relative to axis B-B. First leg <NUM> and fourth leg <NUM> form an obtuse angle γ on a side of intersection <NUM> facing into area C. The angle γ between first leg <NUM> and fourth leg <NUM> is greater than about <NUM>-degrees and less than about <NUM>-degrees.

First leg <NUM> extends between fourth leg <NUM> and second leg <NUM>. Second leg <NUM> extends between first leg <NUM> and third leg <NUM>. Third leg <NUM> extends between second leg <NUM> and fifth leg <NUM>. Moving from intermediate portion <NUM> towards ring <NUM>, first leg <NUM> extends upwards and towards handle <NUM>, second leg <NUM> is disposed transverse to first leg <NUM> and extends towards handle <NUM>, and third leg <NUM> is disposed transverse to second leg <NUM> and extends downwards and towards fitting <NUM>.

First leg <NUM> is disposed at angle α relative to axis B-B extending through handle <NUM>. In some examples, angle α is between about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. More particularly angle α can be between about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. In one example, angle α is about <NUM> degrees. First leg <NUM> has length L1, which can be between about <NUM>-<NUM> in. (about <NUM>-<NUM> centimeters (cm)). First leg <NUM> has height H1, which can be between about <NUM>-<NUM> in. (about <NUM>-<NUM>). Height H1 of first leg <NUM> is smaller than length L1 of first leg <NUM>. In some examples, height H1 is equal to or less than half of length L1.

Second leg <NUM> is disposed at angle θ relative to axis B-B. In some examples, angle Θ is between about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees relative to axis B-B. In some examples, angle θ is an acute angle. In some examples, second leg <NUM> extends orthogonal to axis B-B. Second leg <NUM> has length L2, which can be between about <NUM>-<NUM> in. (about <NUM>-<NUM>). In one example, second leg <NUM> has length L2 of <NUM> in. (about <NUM>). Second leg <NUM> has height H2, which can be about <NUM> in. (about <NUM>), in some examples. In some examples, length L2 is up to 20x greater than height H2. In some examples, length L2 is between <NUM>-20x greater than height H2.

Third leg <NUM> is disposed at angle β relative to axis B-B. In some examples, angle β is between about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees relative to axis B-B. More particularly, angle β can be between about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. Third leg <NUM> has length L3, which can be between about <NUM>-<NUM> in. (about <NUM>-<NUM>). Third leg <NUM> has height H3, which can be between about <NUM>-<NUM> in. (about <NUM>-<NUM>). Length L3 is larger than height H3. In some examples, length L3 is about <NUM>. 5x height H3. In some examples, length L3 is between <NUM>-<NUM>. 5x height H3.

Length L1 of first leg <NUM> is greater than both length L2 of second leg <NUM> and length L3 of third leg <NUM>. In some examples, length L1 is at least twice as large as either of lengths L2 and L3. In some examples, length L1 is three to four times as large as length L2. In some examples, length L1 is two to three times as large as length L3. In some examples, length L1 is larger than the combined lengths L2 and L3. In some examples, length L1 is about <NUM>. 5x as large as the combined lengths L2 and L3. The lengths L1-L3 may respectively be flat lengths such that the trigger guard <NUM> does not bend along the particular length.

Height H1 of first leg <NUM> is larger than both height H2 of second leg <NUM> and height H3 of third leg. Height H1 is larger than the combined heights H2 and H3. In some examples, height H1 is <NUM>. 75x as large as height H3. In some examples, height H1 is about <NUM>. 75x as large as the combined heights H2 and H3. As height H1 is a largest height of any of the legs forming contour <NUM>, height H1 can be considered as being the height of contour <NUM>.

A portion of contour <NUM> is disposed above second end <NUM> of outer portion <NUM> such that a vector extending radially from axis B-B would extend through each of front side <NUM> of outer portion <NUM> and that portion of contour <NUM>. The portion of contour <NUM> disposed above second end <NUM> includes second leg <NUM> and parts of first leg <NUM> and third leg <NUM>. In the example shown, the full length and height of second leg <NUM> are disposed above second end <NUM>. In some examples, about half of the height of contour <NUM> is disposed above second end <NUM> and about half of the height of contour <NUM> is disposed below second end <NUM>. In some examples, less than half of the height of contour <NUM> is disposed above second end <NUM>. In some examples, about <NUM>/<NUM> of the height of contour <NUM> is disposed above second end <NUM>. In some examples, a majority of the height of contour <NUM> is disposed below second end <NUM>.

Height H1 is less than height Ht of tail <NUM>. In some examples, height H1 is about half of height Ht. In some examples, height H1 is greater than half the height Ht. Distance D1 is a distance between the lowest point of contour <NUM>, formed at intersection <NUM>, and distal end <NUM> of tail <NUM> taken along axis B-B. In some examples, distance D1 is between about <NUM>-<NUM> in. (about <NUM>-<NUM>). Distance D1 is, in some examples, greater than half of height Ht of tail <NUM>. In some examples, distance D1 is greater than <NUM>/<NUM> of height Ht of tail <NUM>. In some examples, distance D1 is about <NUM>/<NUM> of height Ht of tail <NUM>.

During operation, the user grasps handle <NUM> and positions fingers on pull <NUM> of trigger <NUM>. The user manipulates trigger <NUM> with the fingers interfacing with pull <NUM> to control spraying by spray gun <NUM>. Pull <NUM> is sized to accommodate one or two fingers of the user, depending on how the user grasps handle <NUM>. In some examples, the user can grasp handle <NUM> lower on outer portion <NUM> and extend a single finger over pull <NUM>. Such a grip allows the user to have a longer reach, such as towards a ceiling in a room or upper portions of walls. The remaining fingers of the user are disposed outside of area C. The uppermost one of the fingers disposed outside of area C can be received in contour <NUM> such that the finger interfaces with one or more of first leg <NUM>, second leg <NUM>, and third leg <NUM>. The remaining fingers outside of area C are adjacent that uppermost one of the fingers and can be at least partially disposed within contour <NUM>. In this way, the contour <NUM> of the trigger guard <NUM> serves as a handle part in that the user's hand engages the outside of the contour <NUM> to stabilize and point the spray gun <NUM> while the user pulls the trigger <NUM> while spraying. As such, the trigger guard <NUM> not only prevents unintended actuation of the trigger <NUM> but also serves a part of a handle.

The user's palm wraps around back side <NUM> of handle <NUM>. A portion of the user's palm can rest on outer side <NUM> of tail <NUM>. Contouring formed on back side <NUM> to facilitate ergonomic grasping of handle <NUM> extends onto outer side <NUM> of tail <NUM>. As such, tail <NUM> further facilitates ergonomic grasping of spray gun <NUM>. Tail <NUM> further prevents the user's palm from interfacing with and resting on fitting <NUM>. Tail <NUM> thereby provides additional ergonomic benefits and protects the interface between handle <NUM> and fitting <NUM>. For example, if spray gun <NUM> inadvertently fell, tail <NUM> would be impacted before fitting <NUM> if spray gun <NUM> fell backward, while trigger guard <NUM> would be impacted before fitting <NUM> if spray gun fell forward.

<FIG> is a first partially exploded view of spray gun <NUM>. <FIG> is a second partially exploded view of spray gun <NUM>. <FIG> is a bottom elevation view of spray gun <NUM> showing the trigger guard <NUM> in rotated positions. <FIG> is an isometric view of outer portion <NUM> of handle <NUM>. <FIG> will be discussed together. Gun body <NUM>, trigger <NUM>, handle <NUM>, tip mount <NUM>, tip <NUM>, fitting <NUM>, trigger guard <NUM>, safety <NUM>, pivot mechanism <NUM>, and filter <NUM> of spray gun <NUM> are shown. Front end <NUM>, back end <NUM>, back side <NUM>, slot <NUM>, and receiving bore <NUM> of gun body <NUM> are shown. Arms 52a, 52b and pull <NUM> of trigger <NUM> are shown. Handle <NUM> includes inner portion <NUM>, outer portion <NUM>, set screw <NUM>, and connector <NUM>. Outer portion <NUM> includes front side <NUM>, back side <NUM>, first end <NUM>, second end <NUM>, tail <NUM>, upper projection <NUM>, lower projection <NUM>, and handle bore <NUM>. Tail <NUM> includes inner side <NUM>, outer side <NUM>, distal end <NUM>, and flats 162a, 162b (collectively herein "flats <NUM>"). Trigger guard <NUM> includes upper portion <NUM>, intermediate portion <NUM>, and lower portion <NUM>. Upper portion <NUM> includes main leg <NUM> and prong <NUM>. Main leg <NUM> includes depression <NUM>. Lower portion <NUM> includes first leg <NUM>, second leg <NUM>, third leg <NUM>, fourth leg <NUM>, fifth leg <NUM>, and ring <NUM>. Contour <NUM> is defined by first leg <NUM>, second leg <NUM>, and third leg <NUM>. Filter <NUM> includes filter body <NUM> and mesh <NUM>.

Handle <NUM> is removably mounted to gun body <NUM>. Connector <NUM> is formed at top end <NUM> of inner portion <NUM> and interfaces with a feature disposed in receiving bore <NUM> to connect handle <NUM> to gun body <NUM>. In the example shown, connector <NUM> includes male threading and receiving bore <NUM> includes female threading configured to interface with the male threading, such that handle <NUM> is connected to gun body <NUM> by a threaded connection. Filter <NUM> is disposed within handle <NUM>. Filter body <NUM> supports mesh <NUM>, which mesh <NUM> is configured to filter particulate from the paint flowing through handle <NUM> prior to the paint reaching the valve within gun body <NUM>, such as prior to reaching valve <NUM> (<FIG>). Filter <NUM> is accessed and replaced to prevent clogs from forming in filter <NUM> and ensure efficient operation of spray gun <NUM>. The user disconnects handle <NUM> from gun body <NUM> to access and replace filter <NUM>.

Tail <NUM> projects from back side <NUM> of handle <NUM>. Tail <NUM> extends downward from second end <NUM> of outer portion <NUM>. Tail <NUM> extends downwards beyond the location of ring <NUM> and beyond the lowest point of trigger guard <NUM>. As such, distal end <NUM> of tail <NUM> forms the lowest portion of handle <NUM>. Inner side <NUM> of tail <NUM> is arcuate and extends partially around fitting <NUM>. Outer side <NUM> of tail <NUM> is similarly arcuate. As such, tail <NUM> can be considered as being arcuate. In some examples, tail <NUM> is crescent-shaped. In some examples, the crescent shape of tail <NUM> includes flat ends, such as flats 162a, 162b. Flats 162a, 162b are formed at the circumferential ends of tail <NUM>. Flats 162a, 162b form features configured to interface with trigger guard <NUM> to facilitate removal of handle <NUM> from gun body <NUM> and attachment of handle <NUM> to gun body <NUM>. While flats <NUM> are described as flat surfaces, it is understood that flats <NUM> can be rounded or otherwise contoured to interface with trigger guard <NUM>. Gap <NUM> is disposed between inner side <NUM> and fitting <NUM> such that tail <NUM> is spaced from fitting <NUM>. The gap <NUM> provides clearance between the inner side <NUM> of the tail <NUM> and the fitting <NUM> to permit the fitting <NUM>, which has a hex shape, to rotate relative to the handle <NUM> and the tail <NUM> to facilitate threading/unthreading of the fitting <NUM> with a complementary hose fitting and/or from the handle <NUM> itself. Gap <NUM> can be configured to have a constant distance such that each portion of inner side <NUM> tail <NUM> is spaced about the same distance from fitting <NUM>.

Flats 162a, 162b extend between and connect inner side <NUM> and outer side <NUM>. Each of flats <NUM> has an upper width proximate second end <NUM> and a lower width proximate distal end <NUM>. In some examples, the upper width is larger than the lower width. Each of flats <NUM> has a height greater than the largest width of that flat <NUM>. While tail <NUM> is described as being arcuate, it is understood that tail <NUM> can be of any suitable configuration for interfacing with trigger guard <NUM> to torque handle <NUM>. For example, tail <NUM> can be a post or other projection extending from outer portion <NUM>. Moreover, while tail <NUM> is described as extending from back side <NUM>, it is understood that tail <NUM> can project from any desired side of handle <NUM> to provide the torqueing interface for trigger guard <NUM>. For example, tail <NUM> can extend from either lateral side of handle <NUM>.

In some examples, tail <NUM> extends about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. In one example, the tail <NUM> extends about <NUM> degrees. Trigger guard <NUM> is rotatable about arc ω. In some examples, arc ω is about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. In one example, arc ω is about <NUM> degrees. It is understood, however, that arc ω can be of any degree less than <NUM> degrees. Arc ω is less than <NUM> degrees to prevent trigger guard <NUM> from completing a full rotation about handle axis B-B; instead, trigger guard <NUM> encounters tail <NUM> to exert torque on handle <NUM> to facilitate installation and removal of handle <NUM> from gun body <NUM>, as discussed in more detail below.

An example of removing and replacing filter <NUM> is discussed in detail. Handle <NUM> is initially attached to gun body <NUM> by the interfaced threading between connector <NUM> and receiving bore <NUM>. Trigger guard <NUM> is connected to gun body <NUM> by prong <NUM> being received in slot <NUM>, and trigger guard <NUM> is connected to handle <NUM> by fitting <NUM> extending through ring <NUM> and into handle <NUM>. To remove handle <NUM> from gun body <NUM>, the user initially applies a downward force to main leg <NUM> of upper portion <NUM> of trigger guard <NUM>. The downward force causes prong <NUM> to exit slot <NUM>, at which point the user can rotate trigger guard <NUM> in either of the clockwise direction CW and the counterclockwise direction CCW. In <FIG>, trigger guard <NUM> is shown rotated fully in the counterclockwise direction CCW and shown in dashed lines rotated fully in the clockwise direction CW.

Ring <NUM> being connected between fitting <NUM> and handle <NUM> with a portion of fitting <NUM> extending through ring <NUM> maintains the connection between trigger guard <NUM> and handle <NUM> and prevents trigger guard <NUM> from being fully removed from spray gun <NUM> without removal of another feature (e.g., removal of fitting <NUM> from handle <NUM>). Ring <NUM> is rotatable about fitting <NUM>, facilitating rotation of trigger guard <NUM> about axis B-B. In the example shown, trigger guard <NUM> is rotated in the counterclockwise direction CCW to remove handle <NUM> from gun body <NUM>.

Trigger guard <NUM> can be rotated relative to handle <NUM> and is configured to torque handle <NUM> to drive rotation of handle <NUM> relative to gun body <NUM>. During removal of handle <NUM>, the user rotates trigger guard <NUM> until lower portion <NUM> of trigger guard <NUM> contacts tail <NUM>. Specifically, trigger guard <NUM> is rotated in the counterclockwise direction CCW until lower portion <NUM> contacts flat 162a of tail <NUM> and exerts torque on handle <NUM> via contact with flat 162a. In the example shown, fifth leg <NUM> of lower portion <NUM> contacts flat 162a of tail <NUM>. The flat lateral side of lower portion <NUM> interfacing with flat 162a provides a larger contact area relative contact between points to distribute the forces exerted on tail <NUM> by trigger guard <NUM>. The user continues to turn trigger guard <NUM> in direction CCW and the torque exerted on tail <NUM> by lower portion <NUM> causes rotation of handle <NUM> relative to gun body <NUM>, thereby unthreading connector <NUM> from receiving bore <NUM>. The user can continue to rotate handle <NUM> relative to gun body <NUM> by continuing to exert the rotational force on trigger guard <NUM>. The user continues to rotate handle <NUM> until handle <NUM> is unthreaded from gun body <NUM>. The user can then pull handle <NUM> away from gun body <NUM>, remove the old filter <NUM>, and insert a new filter <NUM> into handle <NUM>.

With the new filter <NUM> disposed in handle <NUM> the user reconnects handle <NUM> to gun body <NUM>. Top end <NUM> of inner portion <NUM> is inserted into receiving bore <NUM>. Trigger guard <NUM> is rotated in the clockwise direction CW until lower portion <NUM> contacts flat 162b of tail <NUM>. In the example shown, fifth leg <NUM> of lower portion <NUM> contacts flat 162b of tail <NUM>. The user exerts a rotational force on handle <NUM> via trigger guard <NUM> to drive handle <NUM> clockwise CW about axis B-B and to thread handle <NUM> into gun body <NUM>. The interfaced threading between connector <NUM> and receiving bore <NUM> can be clocked such that handle <NUM> is at the desired position relative gun body <NUM> when handle <NUM> is fully connected to gun body <NUM>. For example, such that upper projection <NUM> is aligned with the rear projection extending from gun body <NUM>. Handle <NUM> can be fully threaded onto gun body <NUM> by trigger guard <NUM> interfacing with tail <NUM> to drive rotation of handle <NUM>. With handle <NUM> connected to gun body <NUM>, filter <NUM> is installed in spray gun <NUM>. The user can then rotate trigger guard <NUM> back to an operation position and insert prong <NUM> into slot <NUM>. For example, the user can depress upper portion <NUM> and align prong <NUM> with slot <NUM>. The user then removes the downward force from upper portion <NUM>, such as by removing the user's finger or thumb from depression <NUM>, and the spring force of trigger guard <NUM> causes prong <NUM> to enter slot <NUM>. Trigger guard <NUM> is thus reconnected to gun body <NUM>.

Trigger guard <NUM> and handle <NUM> provide significant advantages. Trigger guard <NUM> provides a lever arm to facilitate removal of handle <NUM>. By utilizing trigger guard <NUM>, the user can exert more force to drive rotation of handle <NUM> as compared to directly grasping and rotating handle <NUM>. As such, trigger guard <NUM> facilitates easier and more efficient removal of handle <NUM> from gun body <NUM>. Trigger guard <NUM> also eliminates the need to utilize any outside tools to facilitate removal of handle <NUM>. Trigger guard <NUM> remains connected to handle <NUM> throughout installation and removal, minimizing the number of lose parts during assembly and disassembly.

<FIG> is an isometric view showing spray gun <NUM> being held by a hand H of a user. As shown, the user grasps handle <NUM> with the user's hand H such that some of the user's fingers are disposed within the area defined between trigger guard <NUM> and handle <NUM> and some of the user's fingers are disposed outside of that area. In the example shown, two of the user's fingers are disposed inside the area and interface with pull <NUM> of trigger <NUM>. The third finger is disposed outside of the area and below trigger guard <NUM>. The third finger extends into contour <NUM>. The third finger is at least partially surrounded by contour <NUM>. The fourth finger is disposed outside of the area and below the third finger. In some examples, contour <NUM> is sized such that the third finger is disposed in the contour <NUM> but the fourth finger is not disposed in the contour <NUM>. The user's palm can rest at least partially on back side <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>) of outer portion <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>) below upper projection <NUM> and partially on the exterior surface of tail <NUM>. While <FIG> shows the user grasping spray gun <NUM> with a right hand, it is understood that the user can grasp and manipulate spray gun <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A spray gun (<NUM>) comprising:
a gun body (<NUM>);
a handle (<NUM>) extending from the gun body, the handle having a front side and a rear side;
a fitting (<NUM>) connected to a lower end of the handle and configured to provide fluid to a flowpath through the handle, wherein the fitting extends into the handle and includes a tool interface (<NUM>) disposed outside of the handle, the tool interface (<NUM>) being configured to interface with a wrench to facilitate installation and removal of the fitting (<NUM>); and
a tail (<NUM>) integrally formed with the handle, projecting from the lower end of the handle, and partially wrapping around and partially covering the fitting such that a side of the tool interface is partially covered by the tail and partially exposed.