Abstract: Presently described are components of a spray application system. At least one component comprises a liquid repellent surface layer. The liquid repellent surface (e.g. layer) may comprise a porous layer and a lubricant impregnated into pores of the porous layer; a fluoropolymer; a fluorochemical material and an organic polymeric binder; or a fluorochemical material melt additive and a thermoplastic polymeric material component. The component is typically a liquid reservoir, a liquid reservoir liner, a lid for a liquid reservoir or liner, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the component comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material. In some favored embodiments, the component is a removable liquid reservoir or liner. In some favored embodiments, the component is a collapsible liquid reservoir or liner. The spray application system typically further comprises a gravity-fed spray gun.

Abstract: Removable nozzle tips, spray head assemblies including the nozzle tips and liquid spray guns that include the nozzle tips are described herein. The removable nozzle tips provide and define both the liquid nozzle openings and the center air outlets for the center air of the liquid spray guns and the spray head assemblies. The nozzle tips are removably attached over a liquid nozzle port formed in the spray head assembly and/or on the spray gun platform or body using any suitable attachment mechanism. The removable nozzle tips can be removed from the liquid spray gun or the spray head assembly without disturbing the remainder of the spray gun or the spray head assembly.

Abstract: A reservoir system for use with a spray gun. The system includes a cup receptacle and a lid. The lid includes a lid body and a collar. The lid body provides a spout and a platform surrounding the spout. At least a portion of the platform forms a partial helical shape revolving about a central axis of the spout. The collar is rotatably connected to the lid body. Further, the collar includes a lid connector structure configured to connect the lid to the cup receptacle. In some embodiments, the reservoir system further includes one or more of an adaptor, a plug and a shaker core.

Abstract: A container for disposable spray gun components is disclosed. The container comprises a container front surface, a container rear surface, and a sidewall enclosing at least a rear portion of a storage volume and forming at least a portion of the container rear surface. The at least one sidewall comprises an opening perimeter proximate a front portion of the storage volume and defining a front opening. A first decorative panel is removably positioned in the front opening to substantially enclose the front portion of the storage volume and form at least a portion of the container front surface.

Abstract: Fluid liners and container assemblies for a spraying apparatus and related methods of use are provided. The disclosed liners include a side wall defining a fluid-containing portion and an open end, a flange extending outwardly from the side wall, and a latching member coupled to the flange, where the latching member includes a retaining feature for releasably coupling the side wall to a lid compatible with the liner. Disclosed fluid containers include a lid having a fluid outlet adapted to couple the lid to the spraying apparatus and a collapsible liner, where either the liner or lid comprises a latch that releasably couples the liner and the lid to each other. Advantageously, the fluid liners and fluid containers can provide enhanced storage options for container contents between spraying operations.

Abstract: Nozzle assemblies (10) for spray guns are disclosed. The nozzle assemblies (10) generally include a fluid outlet (100) extending along a fluid axis (102), the fluid outlet (100) including a fluid aperture (104) and a fluid side wall (164) defining the fluid aperture (104), an atomizing aperture (108) adjacent the fluid side wall (164) and at least partially surrounding the fluid axis (102), an atomizing inlet (110) configured to receive a pressurized gas, and an adjustment member (150) located on the nozzle assembly (10) and movable to: (i) an atomizing position such that the atomizing inlet (110) is in communication with the atomizing aperture (108), and (ii) a non-atomizing position such that the atomizing inlet (110) is not in communication with the atomizing aperture (108). The foregoing nozzle assemblies (810) allow dispensing of fluid coating media in both spray and bead patterns with improved ease of cleaning, superior spray performance, and adaptability with existing spray gun platforms.

Abstract: Integrated air cap/nozzles (40), spray head assemblies (20) including the integrated air cap/nozzles (40) and liquid spray guns that include the integrated air cap/nozzles (40) are described herein. The integrated air cap/nozzles (40) provide and define both the liquid nozzle openings (52) and the center air outlets (54) for the center air of the liquid spray guns and the spray head assemblies (20). The integrated air cap/nozzles (40) can be removably attached over a liquid nozzle port (32) formed in the spray head assembly (20) and/or on the spray gun platform (10) or body using any suitable attachment mechanism.

Abstract: Provided are air caps for liquid spray head assemblies and/or for liquid spray guns. Specifically provided are molded air caps with face geometry inserts. Face geometry inserts provided herein may be effective to provide refined spray patterns. The face geometry inserts are components that are self-aligning in that location, size, and spacing of air and/or liquid openings are designed into in a single piece. The air caps comprise a base member comprising: a base member body, at least one pair of exit air openings, a nozzle tip opening; and a face geometry insert comprising a pair of shaping air apertures and being retained to the base member body.

Abstract: Container assemblies (100) that transition between a sealing state and a retained venting state are described. The container assemblies each include a body portion (110) having an open end (113), and a lid portion (120) adapted to cover the open end of the body portion to create an enclosed volume, e.g. reservoir, and additionally comprise a venting feature (140). When the fluid pressure within the enclosed volume is less than a threshold pressure, the lid portion is in a sealing state such that the lid portion and the body portion cooperate to maintain a substantially fluid-tight seal against fluid leaving the enclosed volume. When the fluid pressure is greater than or equal to the threshold pressure, the lid portion is in a retained venting state such that the excess fluid pressure from the enclosed volume vents through the venting feature while retaining the lid portion on the body portion.

Abstract: Described herein are microperforated polymeric films comprising: opposed first and second surfaces separated by a first certain distance; and a plurality of channels perpendicular to the first and second surfaces, wherein a first opening of a channel intersects the first surface and a second opening of the channel intersects the second surface; wherein the diameter of the first opening is larger than the diameter of the second opening and the second openings on the second surface are spaced apart by a second certain distance; wherein the ratio of the first certain distance to the second certain distance is at least 0.25; and further wherein the second surface has an open area of at least 10%. Also described are methods of making and using such microperforated polymeric films.

Abstract: Provided are coating liquid reservoirs for use with a fluid inlet of a spray gun, the coating liquid reservoir comprising: a flexible outer pouch and a flexible inner pouch nested within the outer pouch, the inner pouch defining a coating liquid chamber, wherein upon supply of an external pressure source into a pressure zone between the inner and outer pouches, pressure is applied to the coating liquid chamber thereby expelling a liquid from the coating liquid chamber. The outer pouch inflates upon application of pressure in the pressure zone. Methods of making and using the same are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spraying a liquid relating to a gravity-fed spray gun are disclosed. Disclosed gravity fed spray guns may comprise a body and an attachment point located at a top portion of the body; and a spray nozzle located at a front portion of the body. An apparatus may further comprise a fluid reservoir configured to contain a fluid to be sprayed through the spray nozzle, the fluid reservoir comprising a container comprising an open end; a lid for cooperative engagement with the open end of the container, the lid comprising a connector to couple the fluid reservoir to the attachment point of the spray gun and an aperture through which the fluid can flow from the fluid reservoir to the spray nozzle in use; and a filter positioned to filter the fluid before reaching the spray nozzle.

Abstract: Provided are cover assemblies (102) for use with a paint or toner container (106) located on a mixing rack. Using these cover assemblies facilitates moving liquid from the container without reliance on gravity. The cover assemblies comprise: a lid (112) having an upper surface (114) and a lower surface (116); an agitation drive shaft (105) mounted through an aperture in the lid having at least one stirrer (118) affixed thereto; and a fluid conduit (120) having an inlet (132) and being in fluid communication with a discharge opening (107). Fluid can be pumped through a fluid path or can be moved pneumatically.

Abstract: Provided are devices for coating (300) a contoured surface or a three-dimensional structure, and methods of making and using the same. The devices have geometries (308) that are in point contact with the contoured surface. The geometries are substantially rigid and are provided by a flexible applicator (306). In this way, the flexible applicator permits conformance to the surface contours, along with rigid point contact that provides uniform and consistent coverage of liquid material. Specifically, the devices comprise a handle (304) and an applicator (302) pliantly affixed to the handle, the applicator comprising a plurality of spaced geometries (308). The devices meter film-forming coating liquids onto contoured surfaces or three-dimensional structures to form uniform coatings and resulting uniform films.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spraying a liquid relating to a gravity-fed spray gun are disclosed. Disclosed gravity fed spray guns may comprise a body and an attachment point located at a top portion of the body; and a spray nozzle located at a front portion of the body. An apparatus may further comprise a fluid reservoir configured to contain a fluid to be sprayed through the spray nozzle, the fluid reservoir comprising a container comprising an open end; a lid for cooperative engagement with the open end of the container, the lid comprising a connector to couple the fluid reservoir to the attachment point of the spray gun and an aperture through which the fluid can flow from the fluid reservoir to the spray nozzle in use; and a filter positioned to filter the fluid before reaching the spray nozzle.