Disposable paint cup

Abstract

A flexible, disposable cup. The disposable cup comprising a side wall, an open outlet end, and a closed bottom defining an interior, the sidewall having a first portion adjacent to the outlet end, a second portion adjacent to the bottom, and a third portion between the outlet end and the bottom, the first and second portions having a thickness greater than a thickness of the third portion.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention is directed generally to a fluid supply assembly for a fluid applicator, and more particularly to a disposable cup for a fluid supply assembly having varying sidewall thicknesses. [0002] Some fluid applicators, such as gravity feed paint spray guns, have a fluid supply cup mounted on top of the fluid applicator. The fluid supply cup is typically reusable. Fluid, such as paint, is generally measured and mixed in a separate container, and then poured into the fluid supply cup for use. The container for measuring and mixing must be either cleaned or disposed of. [0003] Reducing paint waste is an important consideration because the cost for a typical mixed paint is over $1.00 per fluid ounce. [0004] Attempts have been made to provide fluid supply assemblies which reduce the amount of wasted paint. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,350 describes a hand held spray gun with a top mounted paint cup. The paint can be sealed in a collaps...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] Therefore, there remains a need for an improved disposable cup which reduces paint waste.

Problems solved by technology

However, this creates random sidewall folds, forming pockets in which paint can become trapped.

Depending on the capacity of the cup, this can result in 1 to 2 ounces of unused paint.

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