Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a paint-spraying apparatus for producing a shaped paint jet, comprising a paint nozzle positioned in an annular gap, wherein the paint nozzle comprises a needle with a needle head and a paint outlet opening, wherein the needle head is displaceable in relation to the paint outlet opening on a longitudinal axis of the needle in order to control a needle valve formed from the paint outlet opening and the needle head, and wherein, in a closed position of the paint nozzle, the needle head is placed in a form-fitting manner with respect to the longitudinal axis in the paint outlet opening, wherein the paint outlet opening is rotatable together with the needle head about the longitudinal axis in order to rotate the shaped paint jet in the orientation thereof with respect to the longitudinal axis.

<CIT> discloses a spray gun comprising a gun body, a feed cup arranged below the gun body and a hollow connecting column arranged between the gun body and the feed cup, wherein the feed cup is connected to the interior of the gun body via the connecting column and the top of the feed cup has a refill opening, the head of the gun body relative to the top of the feed cup is arranged obliquely upwards.

The present disclosure relates generally to air assisted airless guns for spraying paint and other coatings. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an alignment tool for an air assisted airless gun.

Every time the tip or retaining ring assembly is removed, such as for cleaning, replacement, or other maintenance, the operator needs to re-align the tip. The alignment of the tip on an air assisted airless gun is a cumbersome process requiring multiple adjustments and rotations to facilitate proper alignment. The alignment can require multiple spray iterations to test the alignment to ensure that the tip is properly aligned. Precise orientation and alignment of the tip can be difficult for a variety of reasons. In particular, this is due to the fact that there are no reliable ways to indicate where the tip is orientated without performing a spray test.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an alignment tool according to claim <NUM>.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an alignment system according to claim <NUM>.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method according to claim <NUM>.

The present summary is provided only by way of example, and not limitation. Other aspects of the present disclosure will be appreciated in view of the entirety of the present disclosure, including the entire text, claims, and accompanying figures.

The alignment tool of the present disclosure incorporates an indicator and a series of indicia and can interact with the air cap of a spray gun, such as an air assisted airless (AA) spray gun. The alignment tool can indicate the rotational position of the air cap horns and can have a feature which aligns with position demarcations. For example, the alignment tool can interface with the air cap of an AA spray gun to adjust the angle of the spray fan emitted by such a spray gun. An alignment tool with these corresponding position demarcations can allow the operator to easily and accurately align the air cap to a desired orientation.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a spray machine <NUM> containing multiple spray guns <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of spray guns <NUM> spraying a surface. <FIG> will be discussed concurrently. A fluid spraying machine, such as the spray machine <NUM> depicted in <FIG>, can have multiple spray guns <NUM>, and each spray gun <NUM> can have a varied spray tip orientation to maximize uniformity of coverage and minimize product waste. Poor spray tip alignment can cause finishing defects such as haloing, which can require a sprayed surface to be sent through the spray machine <NUM> multiple times in order to achieve the desired coverage. Alignment tool <NUM> (discussed below and best seen in <FIG>) facilitates quick and efficient alignment of each spray tip, providing user confidence and reducing downtime by ensuring that all spray tips are properly aligned.

<FIG> is an isometric view of spray gun <NUM>. Spray gun <NUM> includes gun body <NUM>, air cap assembly <NUM>, and indicia <NUM>. Air cap assembly <NUM> includes spray tip <NUM>, air cap <NUM> and air cap housing <NUM>. In the example shown, air cap <NUM> includes air horns <NUM>. Air cap housing <NUM> can secure air cap <NUM> to gun body <NUM>.

In the example shown, spray gun <NUM> is an automatic AA spray gun in that spray gun <NUM> can be operated automatically by a machine rather than directly by the user. It is understood that, in some examples, spray gun <NUM> can be a manual AA spray gun configured to be operated by a user. For example, spray gun <NUM> can include a handle configured to be grasped by the user and a trigger configured to be manipulated by the user to cause spraying by spray gun <NUM>.

Gun body <NUM> is configured to receive flows of spray fluid and air. Gun body <NUM> supports other components of spray gun <NUM>. Gun body <NUM> includes first side 17a and second side 17b. In the example shown, second side 17b is a flat and can form a mounting side of spray gun <NUM>. For example, second side 17b can be mounted to a support, such as a support of the spray machine <NUM>. First side 17a can be considered to be the top side and second side 17b can be considered to be the bottom side. In some examples, second side 17b is mounted to a support, such as a spray arm of a spray machine <NUM>, such that second side 17b can be considered to be a support side of gun body <NUM>. For example, a fastener, such as a bolt, screw, clasp, or other suitable fastener, can connect gun body <NUM> to the support.

Spray gun <NUM> is configured to emit an atomized spray of the spray fluid for application to a substrate. The spray fluid is emitted through a spray tip as the atomized fluid spray. Pressurized air is emitted through air cap <NUM> and is configured to interact with the atomized fluid spray to shape the pattern emitted from spray gun <NUM>, such as by flattening or widening the fluid spray fan. Upstream fluid pressure can drive the spray fluid through the spray gun <NUM> and spray tip <NUM> at sufficient pressure to cause the atomization. As such, the atomized fluid spray can be generated airlessly while the shaping air emitted through air cap <NUM> assists in shaping the resulting spray pattern.

Air cap <NUM> is at least partially disposed within air cap housing <NUM>. Air cap housing <NUM> is connected to gun body <NUM>, such as by interfaced threading, among other options, and secures air cap <NUM> to gun body <NUM>. Spray tip <NUM> is at least partially disposed within air cap <NUM> and is configured to emit the fluid spray. Spray tip <NUM> can include a spray nozzle <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) that atomizes the spray fluid. The spray nozzle <NUM> can shape the fluid spray. Spray gun <NUM> is configured to emit the fluid spray along spray axis A-A. The fluid spray is emitted in a pattern that is shaped by the shaping air. For example, the spray pattern can be a fan that is elongate orthogonal to spray axis A-A. Air horns <NUM> extend generally axially from the body of air cap <NUM>. Air horns <NUM> are disposed on opposite lateral sides of spray tip <NUM>.

Indicia <NUM> provide an indicator for the orientation of spray tip <NUM>. Indicia <NUM> provide a visual indication of the orientation of spray tip <NUM>, which orientation is formed relative to the long axis of the spray fan generated by spray tip <NUM>. In the example shown, an array of marks is disposed around axis A-A to form indicia <NUM>. In some examples, indicia <NUM> can include additional indicators, such as letters or numbers, to provide additional orientation information to the user. In the example shown, gun body <NUM> includes indicia <NUM>. It is understood, however, that indicia <NUM> can additionally or alternatively be located on any desired portion of spray gun <NUM> suitable for orienting spray tip <NUM> relative to, such as, for example, on air cap housing <NUM>, among other options.

<FIG> is a front elevational view of air cap assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic depiction of indicia <NUM> arranged about the circumference of spray gun <NUM>. <FIG> will be discussed together. Indicia <NUM> are configured to indicate an angular position of air cap <NUM> relative to spray gun <NUM>. Indicia <NUM> can be formed on gun body <NUM> and/or air cap housing <NUM>, among other locations on spray gun <NUM>. In the example shown, indicia <NUM> includes a series of tick marks arranged at least partially about the circumference of gun body <NUM>. Indicia <NUM> include angular indicators to provide the user a visual indication of the angular offset of the air cap <NUM>.

Air cap housing <NUM> is connected to gun body <NUM> to secure air cap <NUM> to gun body <NUM>. Air horns <NUM> extend axially with respect to air cap <NUM>. Each air horn <NUM> is spaced radially from spray tip <NUM>. Air cap housing <NUM> can extend over air cap <NUM> and is connected to gun body <NUM>, thereby securing air cap <NUM> to gun body <NUM>. Air cap <NUM> is rotatably connected to gun body <NUM> such that air cap <NUM> can be rotated about spray axis A-A and relative to gun body <NUM> while mounted to gun body <NUM> to change an orientation of spray nozzle <NUM>. The orientation of spray nozzle <NUM> controls the orientation of the long portion of the spray fan. Air cap <NUM> and spray tip <NUM> may need to be removed from spray gun <NUM> in order to be cleaned, serviced, replaced, or otherwise undergo maintenance. For example, air cap housing <NUM> can be removed from gun body <NUM> and then air cap <NUM> and spray tip <NUM> can be removed. Air cap <NUM> and spray tip <NUM> are repositioned on spray gun <NUM> and secured on gun body <NUM> by air cap housing <NUM>. However, spray nozzle <NUM> is typically misoriented relative to the desired spray orientation after spray gun <NUM> is reassembled. As such, the orientation of air cap <NUM>, and thus of spray tip <NUM> and spray nozzle <NUM>, requires adjustment to a desired spray orientation.

Spray tip <NUM> extends through air cap <NUM> and is configured to atomize a spray fluid such as paint, stain, or lacquer, among other options. Spray nozzle <NUM> is formed through spray tip <NUM> and is configured to emit the fluid. Spray tip <NUM> can spray in a fan-shaped spray pattern which can create a roughly oval spray pattern on a sprayed surface. For example, spray nozzle <NUM> can be of a cat-eye or other shaped aperture that emits an elongate spray fan. By rotating air cap <NUM>, a range of fan orientations are possible for the spray pattern. Air cap <NUM> emits the shaping air while spray tip <NUM> emits the spray fluid.

Indicia <NUM> are configured to indicate the fan orientation of spray tip <NUM>, where the fan orientation of spray tip <NUM> is defined by angular offset θ of air cap <NUM> relative to vertical plane V-V. Vertical plane V-V is oriented orthogonal to spray axis A-A, and angular offset θ can be in a clockwise or counterclockwise circumferential direction from vertical plane V-V. Vertical plane V-V defines a neutral position of air cap <NUM> such that when air cap <NUM> is in the neutral position, the fan orientation of spray tip <NUM> is oriented along vertical plane V-V. In the example shown, angular offset θ is set to <NUM> degrees when air cap <NUM> is in the neutral position such that the spray plane S-S and vertical plane V-V are co-planar. As discussed in more detail below, alignment tool <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>) is utilized to rotate air cap <NUM>, and thus spray tip <NUM>, about spray axis A-A to orient spray orifice <NUM> to a desired position. The starting position of air cap <NUM> can be, for example, the position air cap <NUM> is in following connection to gun body <NUM>. Air cap <NUM> is rotated from the starting position to a desired spray position by the alignment tool <NUM> such that the angular offset θ is formed between the neutral and desired spray positions. With air cap <NUM> in the spray position, spray tip <NUM> is oriented to emit material along spray plane S-S.

It is understood that spray plane S-S in <FIG> is shown by way of example and that the desired spray plane S-S during operation can be of any desired orientation about spray axis A-A, including aligned with vertical plane V-V or offset from vertical plane V-V by any desired angular value. The spray fan plane S-S can be rotationally mirrorable about spray axis A-A. In such an example, rotating air cap <NUM>, and thus spray tip <NUM>, clockwise by a first angular offset relative to the vertical plane V-V results in the same spray pattern as rotating air cap <NUM> counterclockwise by a second angular offset relative to the vertical plane V-V, where the first and second angular offsets sum to <NUM>-degrees. For example, rotating air cap <NUM><NUM>-degrees clockwise results in the same spray fan as rotating air cap <NUM><NUM>-degrees counterclockwise. Indicia <NUM> can also be rotationally mirrored to facilitate rotating air cap <NUM> in either rotational direction to align spray tip <NUM>. Indicia <NUM> thereby facilitate quick and easy alignment of air cap <NUM> with less than a half turn in either rotational direction to align spray tip <NUM> for spraying.

<FIG> is an isometric view of alignment tool <NUM>. <FIG> is a top plan view of alignment tool <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of alignment tool <NUM> taken along line C-C in <FIG>. <FIG> will be discussed together. Alignment tool <NUM> includes tool body <NUM>, indicator <NUM>, and projection <NUM>. Tool body <NUM> includes closed end <NUM>, side wall <NUM>, and open end <NUM>.

Tool body <NUM> extends between a first end and a second end. In the example shown, the first end is closed end <NUM> and the second end is open end <NUM>. It is understood, however, that the first end of tool body <NUM> and the second end of tool body <NUM> can be formed in any desired manner. In the example shown, alignment tool <NUM> is a cylindrical component, and tool body <NUM> includes an approximately circular circumferential side wall <NUM> between closed end <NUM> and open end <NUM>. Side wall <NUM> can narrow towards closed end <NUM>. Side wall <NUM> can include crenulations and/or other features, such as a knurled, grooved, or otherwise contoured surface, to facilitate gripping of alignment tool <NUM>. Tool body <NUM> includes annular edge <NUM> defining the opening of open end <NUM>. In the example shown, annular edge <NUM> contains radial flange 41a and axial flange 41b. Tool body <NUM> defines chamber <NUM> that is configured to receive at least a portion of air cap assembly <NUM> during alignment of the spray tip <NUM>. Alignment tool <NUM> can be additively manufactured and can be, for example, formed of a material such as nylon which does not chemically interact with fluids such as paint or solvents.

Alignment tool <NUM> includes horn receiving openings <NUM> formed in closed end <NUM>. Each horn receiving opening <NUM> is at least partially defined by engagement surfaces <NUM> and is able to receive an air horn <NUM>. Each air horn <NUM> can extend at least partially through a corresponding horn receiving opening <NUM> when alignment tool <NUM> is mounted on air cap housing <NUM>. When air horn <NUM> extends through horn receiving opening <NUM>, the engagement surfaces <NUM> are disposed adjacent to circumferential sides of air horns <NUM>, as best seen in <FIG>. Engagement surfaces <NUM> are configured to directly contact air horns <NUM> and exert a rotational force on air horns <NUM> to rotate air cap <NUM> about spray axis A-A. The air horns <NUM> extend through the horn receiving openings <NUM> through closed end <NUM>. In the example shown, horn receiving openings <NUM> extend through the closed end <NUM> such that horn receiving openings <NUM> are enclosed openings. As such, horn receiving openings <NUM> are axially open to allow air horns <NUM> to extend through openings <NUM>, but horn receiving openings <NUM> are closed on the radial/circumferential sides.

Indicator <NUM> is an axial projection of alignment tool <NUM> and can contain a pointed tip which extends axially from radial flange 41a of annular edge <NUM> adjacent to open end <NUM>. Indicator <NUM> extends axially beyond open end <NUM> and away from closed end <NUM>. In the example shown, alignment tool <NUM> also includes indicator guards <NUM> on either circumferential side of indicator <NUM>. In the example depicted, indicator guards <NUM> are axial projections which extend from radial flange 41a of annular edge <NUM>. Indicator <NUM> and each indicator guard <NUM> have a respective axial length that is defined by the axial distance from radial flange 41a to the distal end of each axial projection away from radial flange 41a. Indicator guards <NUM> have a larger axial length than indicator <NUM>. Indicator guards <NUM> are configured to protect indicator <NUM> from damage. For example, if alignment tool <NUM> is dropped, indicator guards <NUM> will contact any surface prior to indicator <NUM> contacting the surface, preventing undesired contact damage that could cause a deformation to indicator <NUM>.

Projection <NUM> extends from closed end <NUM> of alignment tool <NUM>. Projection <NUM> extends axially away from closed end <NUM> and can be disposed between horn receiving openings <NUM>. Projection <NUM> can be bracketed by horn receiving openings <NUM>. In the example shown, projection <NUM> defines a blocking chamber <NUM> that is axially aligned with spray orifice <NUM> of air cap assembly <NUM> when alignment tool <NUM> is mounted to spray gun <NUM>. Blocking chamber <NUM> is spaced from spray orifice <NUM> when alignment tool <NUM> is mounted to spray gun <NUM>. Projection <NUM> and blocking chamber <NUM> protect the user from a discharge of paint or other material if spray gun <NUM> is triggered while alignment tool <NUM> is mounted on air cap <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, projection <NUM> includes projection openings <NUM> that extend at least partially along the side walls of projection <NUM> that are adjacent horn receiving openings <NUM>. The projection openings <NUM> and horn receiving opening <NUM> together define the horn receiving apertures through which air horns <NUM> extend. In the example shown, projection openings <NUM> and horn receiving openings <NUM> are defined by a contiguous removal of material such that a single aperture defines both a horn receiving opening <NUM> and an adjacent projection opening <NUM>. Projection openings <NUM> extend axially relative to radial line R projecting relative a center axis CA of alignment tool <NUM>. The center axis CA can be configured to be aligned with the spray axis A-A when alignment tool <NUM> is mounted to spray gun <NUM>. The projection opening <NUM> extends axially between an intersection with horn receiving opening <NUM> and the opposite end of the projection opening <NUM>. In the example shown, projection openings <NUM> extend both axially and radially. In the event that spray gun <NUM> is triggered while alignment tool <NUM> is mounted, the resulting spray enters blocking chamber <NUM> and is emitted through projection openings <NUM>. The output pressure is dissipated to prevent injection or other injuries from occurring.

<FIG> is a top plan view showing alignment tool <NUM> mounted to air cap assembly <NUM> with air cap <NUM> in a starting position. <FIG> is a front elevation view showing alignment tool <NUM> mounted to air cap assembly <NUM> with air cap <NUM> in the starting position. <FIG> is a plan view showing alignment tool <NUM> mounted to air cap assembly <NUM> with air cap <NUM> in a desired spray position. <FIG> is a front elevation view showing alignment tool <NUM> mounted to air cap assembly <NUM> with air cap <NUM> in the desired spray position. <FIG> will be discussed together. Gun body <NUM> and indicia <NUM> are shown. Tool body <NUM>, indicator <NUM>, projection <NUM>, horn receiving openings <NUM>, and engagement surfaces <NUM> of alignment tool <NUM> are shown. Air horns <NUM> of air cap <NUM> are shown.

Alignment tool <NUM> is configured to adjust the orientation of air cap <NUM>, and thus the orientation of the spray plane S-S of the spray orifice <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) about the spray axis A-A. Air cap <NUM> and spray tip <NUM> may need to be removed from spray gun <NUM> in order to be cleaned, serviced, replaced, or otherwise undergo maintenance. This maintenance allows a new air cap <NUM> to be connected to spray gun <NUM>. It should be noted that the "new" air cap is so named to differentiate it from the air cap in the state in which it is removed from the spray gun. The new air cap can be, for example, a previously unused air cap, a refurbished air cap, or the original air cap which has been cleaned, been refurbished, or otherwise undergone maintenance. Once air cap <NUM> is connected to spray gun <NUM>, spray tip <NUM> is in a starting position. Alignment tool <NUM> can then be mounted to spray gun <NUM> to align spray tip <NUM> to a desired spray position.

During use of alignment tool <NUM>, alignment tool <NUM> is mounted to spray gun <NUM> to directly interface with air cap <NUM>. Alignment tool <NUM> can, in some examples, fully enclose and cover air cap <NUM>. For example, alignment tool <NUM> can include enclosed projections for receiving air horns <NUM>. In the example shown, alignment tool <NUM> partially encloses air cap <NUM> with air horns <NUM> extending through horn receiving openings <NUM>. Alignment tool <NUM> can mount to air cap housing <NUM> of spray gun <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, alignment tool <NUM> can be removably mounted to air cap housing <NUM>, while in other embodiments alignment tool <NUM> can be integrated with air cap housing <NUM>. Alignment tool <NUM> can be used during the alignment of spray tip <NUM>, after spray tip <NUM> and air cap <NUM> have been attached to spray gun <NUM>.

Alignment tool <NUM> is configured to engage air cap <NUM> and reposition spray tip <NUM> at any desired angle by rotating air cap <NUM> about spray axis A-A. In the example shown, alignment tool <NUM> interfaces with air horns <NUM> to engage with air cap <NUM>. The interface between alignment tool <NUM> and air cap <NUM> can be achieved by direct or indirect contact between alignment tool <NUM> and air horns <NUM>. Tool body <NUM> of alignment tool <NUM> can cover and receive air cap <NUM>. In the example shown, alignment tool <NUM> receives air cap housing <NUM> within chamber <NUM> of alignment tool <NUM>. The rotation of alignment tool <NUM>, and the resulting torque exerted on air cap <NUM> to cause rotation of air cap <NUM>, can occur in either a clockwise or counterclockwise circumferential direction with respect to spray axis A-A. After this rotation, spray tip <NUM> is oriented in a desired spray position, and during use of spray gun <NUM> the fan orientation of the spray fluid will correspond to the desired spray position of spray tip <NUM>. The angular offset θ achieved by this rotation is indicated by indicia <NUM>. In the example depicted in <FIG>, the alignment tool has been rotated in a counterclockwise circumferential direction.

The user can visually confirm the orientation of air cap <NUM> based on the position of indicator <NUM> relative to indicia <NUM>. In the example shown, indicia <NUM> include numerals indicating the angular offset from vertical plane V-V, which vertical plane is indicated by the "<NUM>" or neutral one of indicia <NUM>. The user rotates alignment tool <NUM> until indicator <NUM> is aligned with the indicia <NUM> associated with the desired spray orientation. The air cap <NUM> and spray tip <NUM> are thus placed in the rotational positions associated with the desired spray position. Spray tip <NUM> is thereby aligned to emit the spray pattern at the desired orientation.

In the example shown, alignment tool <NUM> is removably mounted to spray gun <NUM>, and can be removed from spray gun <NUM> after spray tip <NUM> is oriented at the desired spray position. It is understood, however, that alignment tool <NUM> can interface with spray gun <NUM> in any desired manner suitable for quickly and efficiently manipulating an angular orientation of the air cap <NUM> to a precise, desired angular orientation. For example, the interface can include one or more of a click knob, a spring-loaded connection, clocked threads on a retaining ring of air cap housing <NUM>, or another desired interface. In some examples, alignment tool <NUM> can be integrated with spray gun <NUM>. This can be achieved by incorporating indicia onto air cap housing <NUM> and including indicating features on a non-removable part, incorporating the indicating features onto air cap assembly <NUM> or a retaining ring, or other locations on spray gun <NUM>.

Alignment tool <NUM> provides significant advantages. Alignment tool <NUM> engages with air cap <NUM> to exert torque on air cap <NUM> and alter the angular position of air cap <NUM>. Alignment tool <NUM> further provides a visual indication of the angular position. Alignment tool <NUM> thereby facilitates quick and easy alignment of spray tip <NUM> into a desired position for spraying. Air cap <NUM> does not need to be adjusted multiple times through a trial and error process and can instead be aligned quickly and efficiently by alignment tool <NUM>. Alignment tool <NUM> thereby reduces downtime, increases operational efficiency, and reduces costs and material waste. Alignment tool <NUM> can additionally prevent user injuries by blocking fluid spray while alignment tool <NUM> is mounted on spray gun <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top elevation view of air cap assembly <NUM> of spray gun <NUM>. Spray gun <NUM> includes gun body <NUM> and air cap assembly <NUM>. Air cap assembly <NUM> includes spray tip <NUM>, air cap <NUM>, and air cap housing <NUM>. In the example shown, air cap <NUM> includes air horns <NUM>. Air cap housing <NUM> can secure air cap <NUM> to gun body <NUM>.

Spray gun <NUM> is substantially similar to spray gun <NUM>, differing primarily in the location of indicia <NUM>, which are substantially similar to indicia <NUM>. Air cap housing <NUM> of spray gun <NUM> includes indicia <NUM>. Indicia <NUM> are configured to indicate an angular position of air cap <NUM> relative to gun body <NUM>. In the example shown, indicia <NUM> includes a series of tick marks arranged at least partially about the circumference of air cap housing <NUM>. As in the embodiment described in <FIG>, indicia <NUM> include angular indicators to provide the user a visual indication of the angular offset of air cap <NUM>. An alignment tool, such as alignment tool <NUM> described above (best seen in <FIG>) can be configured to engage air horns <NUM> and have an indicator <NUM> interfacing with indicia <NUM>. The alignment tool can extend only partially axially such that the alignment tool axially overlaps with up to a portion of air cap housing <NUM>. The use of an alignment tool with spray gun <NUM> provides substantially the same advantages as described above.

Claim 1:
An alignment tool (<NUM>) for adjusting an orientation of a spray pattern emitted by an air assisted airless spray gun (<NUM>), the alignment tool comprising:
a tool body (<NUM>) extending between a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>);
a first engagement surface (<NUM>) disposed at the first end, the first engagement surface at least partially defining a first opening configured to receive a first air horn (<NUM>) of an air cap of the spray gun; and
a second engagement surface (<NUM>) disposed at the first end, the second engagement surface at least partially defining a second opening configured to receive a second air horn (<NUM>) of the air cap;
wherein the first engagement surface is configured to interface with the first air horn and the second engagement surface is configured to interface with the second air horn to exert a rotational force on the air cap about a spray axis through the air cap, and wherein:
the tool body of the alignment tool extends between an open end (<NUM>) and a closed end (<NUM>);
the open end is the second end and the closed end is the first end; and
the first opening is formed through the closed end and the second opening is formed through the closed end.