PAINT SPRAYER TIP STORAGE DEVICE AND METHOD
Devices and methods for storing spray nozzle tips are shown. Using devices and methods disclosed, a user can store and later find any one of several nozzle tips from within a solvent reservoir. Devices and methods shown allow a user to store and retrieve nozzle tips without immersing fingers or hands in solvent, which can be harsh and/or damaging to skin. Selected embodiment further allow the solvent reservoir to be tipped over or otherwise jostled without the stored nozzle tips becoming dislodged from their organized locations.
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This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/871,418 filed Dec. 21, 2006. The entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis invention relates to devices and methods for use with spray tips. Specifically, this invention relates to paint spray tips and devices and methods of storage.
BACKGROUNDSpray painting devices use a nozzle to refine the paint into multiple droplets for application to a surface. In many commercial spray painting applications the nozzles are removable from a spray painting system. Removable nozzle tips provide ease of cleaning, and provide the ability to change nozzle tips for different paint types, or desired spray finishes, etc. One common type of nozzle tip includes a reversible nozzle tip for high pressure airless spray systems.
Commercial painters typically have several nozzle tips for various paint types, finishes, etc. It is desirable to keep multiple spray tips organized to facilitate easy location of a desired nozzle tip. It is further desirable to ensure that the tips are kept clean to provide proper spray operation.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, or logical changes, etc. may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In the example shown, the base unit 110 and holder 120 are formed from a material that is compatible with a paint solvent. Examples of compatible materials include selected plastics, metals, glass, etc. As will be discussed in more detail below, storage of spray nozzle tips in solvent keeps the tips in a condition ready for use at all times. Because the nozzle tips 130 are immersed in solvent, the holder 120 and other components of the storage system 100 need to be compatible with the solvent. In selected examples, the material used is transparent or translucent to help see and select an appropriate nozzle tip. Examples of solvent include, but are not limited to paint thinner, mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, etc.
In
The spray nozzle tip storage system 100 further includes a solvent reservoir 140, including a lid 142 that prevents evaporation of solvent when the nozzle tips 130 are in storage.
In one embodiment a number of legs 114 are attached to a holder 120, base unit 110, or other component of the storage system 100. Legs provide a spacing that holds the nozzle tips 130 above a bottom 148 of the solvent reservoir 140. Occasionally, sludge from old paint, etc. may build up at the bottom of the solvent reservoir. A sludge level is indicated in
In one embodiment, the legs 114 include a magnetic end. When magnetic legs 114 are used with a ferromagnetic solvent reservoir such as a steel paint can, the holder 120, base unit 110 and handle 112 are held in place. Such a configuration is useful in the event that the solvent reservoir 140 is tipped over, or jostled about during transportation. In one embodiment, the nozzle tip receptacles 122 are further equipped with securing devices to hold the nozzle tips 130 in place within the nozzle tip receptacles 122. In the event that the solvent reservoir 140 is tipped over or jostled, the securing devices keep the nozzle tips 130 from falling out of place and becoming disorganized.
One example of a securing device is shown in
In one embodiment, a laminate structure is used to form the securing devices.
Although starburst patterns and grommets are discussed in detail, the invention is not so limited. Other securing device configurations such as alternative slit patterns, resilient grommets, mechanical holders, etc. are within the scope of the invention.
Using devices and methods described in the present disclosure, a user can easily store and later find any one of several nozzle tips from within a solvent reservoir. Devices and methods shown allow a user to store and retrieve nozzle tips without immersing fingers or hands in solvent, which can be harsh and/or damaging to skin. Selected embodiment further allow the solvent reservoir to be tipped over or otherwise jostled without the stored nozzle tips becoming dislodged from their organized locations.
While a number of advantages of embodiments of the invention are described, the above lists are not intended to be exhaustive. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention includes any other applications in which the above structures and methods are used. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Claims
1. A paint spray nozzle tip storage device, comprising:
- a base unit with a handle;
- a holder coupled to the base unit, including a number of nozzle tip receptacles, formed from a solvent compatible material;
- wherein the holder is configured to fit within a solvent reservoir with the handle protruding above a solvent surface.
2. The paint spray nozzle tip storage device of claim 1, wherein the number of nozzle tip receptacles include a securing device to retain nozzle tips in multiple orientations.
3. The paint spray nozzle tip storage device of claim 1, wherein the holder includes a flat plate, and wherein the number of nozzle tip receptacles includes a number of holes cut into the flat plate.
4. The paint spray nozzle tip storage device of claim 3, wherein the flat plate includes a flat disk, and the number of nozzle tip receptacles include a securing device to retain nozzle tips in multiple orientations.
5. The paint spray nozzle tip storage device of claim 4, wherein the securing device includes a starburst pattern cut into an undersized hole from a deformable material.
6. The paint spray nozzle tip storage device of claim 4, wherein the securing device includes a deformable o-ring that forms an interference fit with a nozzle tip, and engages the flat disk.
7. The paint spray nozzle tip storage device of claim 2, further including a number of magnetic legs to hold the storage device in place and space the holder away from a bottom of the solvent reservoir.
8. A paint spray nozzle tip storage system, comprising:
- a steel can and cover to hold a volume of solvent;
- a base unit with a handle;
- at least one flat disk coupled to the base unit, including a number of nozzle tip receptacles, formed from a solvent compatible material;
- wherein flat disk has a diameter small enough to fit within the steel can, and the handle is sized to fit within the can when the cover is on, with the handle protruding above a solvent surface.
9. The paint spray nozzle tip storage system of claim 8, further including a number of magnetic legs to hold the base unit in place and space the flat disk away from a bottom of the steel can.
10. The paint spray nozzle tip storage system of claim 9, wherein the number of nozzle tip receptacles include a securing device to retain nozzle tips in multiple orientations.
11. The paint spray nozzle tip storage system of claim 10, wherein multiple flat disks are coupled to the base unit above one another, each flat disk including a number of nozzle tip receptacles.
12. A method of storing spray nozzle tips, comprising:
- placing a plurality of spray nozzle tips in a plurality of respective nozzle tip receptacles on a holder;
- using a handle coupled to the holder to lower the holder and spray nozzle tips into a reservoir of solvent without the handle being submerged in the solvent; and
- covering the reservoir to prevent solvent evaporation.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein placing a plurality of spray nozzle tips in a plurality of respective nozzle tip receptacles includes securing the plurality of spray nozzle tips to the holder to prevent them from falling out of place if the reservoir is tipped over.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein using a handle coupled to the holder to lower the holder and spray nozzle tips into a reservoir of solvent includes lowering the holder and spray nozzle tips into a steel paint can.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 21, 2007
Publication Date: Aug 21, 2008
Applicant: Feyer Finishing (Roberts, WI)
Inventors: Brad Feyereisen (Roberts, WI), Robert Feyereisen (Minneapolis, MN), Souliyahn Keobounpheng (Minneapolis, MN)
Application Number: 11/963,334
International Classification: B65D 81/24 (20060101); B65D 85/00 (20060101); B65B 55/22 (20060101); A47F 7/00 (20060101);