Spray head of a handheld spray can

Abstract

The invention relates to a spray head for handheld spray cans, comprising a housing (1) accommodating a nozzle (2) and an interface (3). The nozzle (2) consists of an inlet channel (2a) that continues continuously via an elbow (2b) into an outlet channel (2c) that ends with an outlet opening (2d) defined by a first dimension (D1) and a second dimension (D2), and the first dimension (D1) is larger than the second dimension (D2). The outlet channel (2c) is at an angle (α) with respect to the inlet channel (2a). The outlet channel (2c) having a length (L) widens at least along a portion of the length (L) towards the outlet opening (2d) at least in the direction of the first dimension (D1). Widening in the direction of the first dimension (D1) is defined by an angle (β). The interface (3) is configured as a male or female interface (3), depending on the container valve. The spray head allows the paint to be applied to the substrate which is at least in one dimension larger than the shapes that can be produced by known spray heads at a normal distance of paint application.

Description

[0001] Spray head of a handheld spray can

[0002] The subject of the invention is a spray head that is preferably used for handheld spray cans in graffiti arts and hobby applications to manually apply a layer of paint to a substrate, typically a wall. A spray head having a specifically shaped nozzle allows a paint layer to be uniformly applied, i.e. , the shape of the paint applied to the substrate, which is at least in one dimension larger than the known spray heads can cover at the normal spray distance from the substrate during use, which is between 50 cm and 110 cm from the substrate, while at the same time the shape of the nozzle mouth minimises the potential for paint dripping on the spray head and the container during use, i.e., during the spraying process. The spray head, according to the invention, thus allows for faster painting, which significantly saves time.

[0003] Handheld spray cans, in particular for graffiti artists, are known from prior art and comprise pre-fabricated containers containing pressurised liquid paint and various pre-fabricated spray heads comprising a nozzle with an inlet channel and an outlet channel that are attached to the container valve prior to use. The connection between the inlet and outlet channels forms an elbow.

[0004] The container valve may be configured as a female valve or a male valve with a stem, so the spray heads are suitably adapted for being attached to either the male or female container valve. This is usually done via an interface preferably integrally made with the nozzle inlet channel, the interface acting as a connection of a respective container valve to the nozzle inlet channel to allow the pressurised liquid paint to flow from the container through the nozzle. Thus, an interface adapted for use with a female container valve is provided with a stem, while an interface adapted for use with a male container valve has no stem.

[0005] Spray heads with different nozzle shapes, including also different shapes of outlet openings, allow the paint to be applied to substrates of various shapes. The nozzle usually comprises an inlet channel with an inlet opening through which the pressurised liquid paint enters the inlet channel, which continues continuously via an elbow to the outlet channel having an outlet opening at the end, through which the paint is dispensed. In particular, the shape of the outlet channel, and thus the outlet opening, can define different forms of paint application to the substrate. For example, if the cross section of the outlet opening is in the shape of a circle, the shape of the paint applied to the substrate is substantially a circle. If the cross section of the outlet opening is substantially elongate in shape, the shape of the paint applied is elongate, i.e., different in at least two dimensions - the length and the height of the shape. Conventional spray heads are known, in which the nozzle inlet and outlet channels have substantially a constant cross section, i.e., from the inlet opening through which the pressurised liquid paint enters the nozzle inlet channel to the outlet opening through which the liquid paint exits by spraying, and the cross section of the outlet opening has the shape of a circle. Said spray heads allow the shape of the paint to be applied to the substrate to be essentially in the shape of a circle with a diameter of between 1 and 18 cm.

[0006] Other known spray heads have the nozzle outlet channel configured so as to widen continuously from the elbow towards the nozzle outlet opening, and the nozzle outlet opening has a substantially elongate shape in the cross section. The outlet channel, and thus the nozzle outlet opening, can be orientated horizontally or vertically with respect to the spray head, thus allowing the paint to be applied to the substrate in a single dimension of between 25 and 35 cm in length.

[0007] Spray heads are also known from the prior art, in which the nozzle is provided with two outlet channels and thus two outlet openings that are positioned substantially horizontally side by side, allowing the paint to be applied to the substrate in one dimension of up to 40 cm in length, but only in containers having a male valve. In the containers having a female valve, said spray head allows the paint to be applied to the substrate in one dimension not exceeding 35 cm in length.

[0008] In all spray heads, the nozzle in the spray head is configured such that the connection between the inlet channel and the outlet channel via the elbow is made at a right angle, i.e., the nozzle outlet channel is positioned substantially at a right angle with respect to the inlet channel, i.e., with respect to the vertical axis. When the spray head is depressed, the valve on the container is activated, the pressurised liquid paint enters the nozzle inlet channel and strikes the wall at substantially a right angle in the elbow, is diverted, and travels along the outlet channel towards the outlet opening and is dispersed through the nozzle outlet opening. A sharp change in direction causes a drop in the pressure and increases the turbulence in the paint flow, which causes the paint to be applied to the substrate of smaller dimensions in a reduced amount and in different shapes.

[0009] Another downside of these spray heads is that they do not prevent paint from spilling onto both the spray head and the container while in use.

[0010] Said technical disadvantages are solved by the spray head according to the present invention, wherein the nozzle in the spray head is configured such that an elbow connecting the inlet channel to the outlet channel is at a certain angle larger than 90 degrees, so the nozzle outlet channel is formed at a certain angle larger than 90 degrees with respect to the nozzle input channel. In addition, the nozzle outlet channel is configured so as to widen from the inlet channel towards the nozzle outlet opening in at least one dimension, such that the nozzle outlet opening has a substantially elongate shape in cross section. The spray head of the invention reduces the paint turbulence in the nozzle outlet channel and improves its orientation, allowing the paint to be applied to the substrate in a shape that is at least in one dimension larger than the shapes that can be achieved by known spray heads. The invention will be described hereinbelow and illustrated on the figures which show:

[0011] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a spray head of the invention for mounting on a female valve of a container in axonometric projection - front view

[0012] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a spray head of the invention for mounting on a female valve of a container in axonometric projection - side view

[0013] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a spray head of the invention for mounting on a female valve of a container in axonometric projection - top view

[0014] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a spray head of the invention for mounting on a female valve of a container - cross section

[0015] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a spray head of the invention for mounting on a female valve of a container - cross section along the C-C line of Figure 2

[0016] Figure 6 shows a detail B of the nozzle outlet opening of Figure 4

[0017] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a spray head of the invention for mounting on a female valve of a container - cross section

[0018] The spray head comprises a housing 1 accommodating a nozzle 2 and an interface 3. The nozzle 2 consists of an inlet channel 2a that extends continuously via an elbow 2b into an outlet channel 2c that ends with an outlet opening 2d defined by a first dimension D1 and a second dimension D2, the first dimension D1 being larger than the second dimension D2. The inlet channel 2a is axially symmetrical with respect to the vertical axis X and has preferably the shape of a circle in cross section. The outlet channel 2c is at an angle a with respect to the inlet channel 2a, the angle a being substantially the angle of the elbow 2b between the inlet channel 2a and the outlet channel 2c, i.e., the angle enclosed by the vertical axis X and the central axis S of the outlet channel 2c. The angle a of the elbow 2b is in the range of 110 degrees to 150 degrees; the angle a is preferably 130 degrees. The outlet channel 2c with a length L widens at least along a portion of the length L towards the outlet opening 2d in at least one dimension, i.e., in the direction of the first dimension D1 of the outlet opening 2d, such that the first dimension D1 of the outlet opening 2d is larger than the second dimension D2, so the outlet opening 2d is substantially oblong in shape in the cross section. The outlet channel 2c does not taper towards the outlet opening 2d.

[0019] Widening in the direction of the first dimension D1 of the outlet opening 2d is defined by an angle p, the angle being between 60 and 90 degrees, the angle p being preferably between 66 and 69 degrees.

[0020] In one embodiment, the outlet channel 2c having the length L continuously widens in the direction of the first dimension D1 of the outlet opening 2d towards the outlet opening 2d along the entire length L.

[0021] In a second embodiment, the outlet opening 2d is oblong and rounded in cross section.

[0022] Optionally, the outlet channel 2c having the length L widens at least along a portion of the length L towards the outlet opening 2d also in the second dimension along the outlet channel 2c, i.e., in the direction of the second dimension D2 of the outlet opening 2d, such that the first dimension D1 of the outlet opening 2d is larger than the second dimension D2. Widening in the direction of the second dimension D2 of the outlet opening 2d is defined by an angle E, the angle E being between one and two degrees on each side, the angle E being preferably one degree on each side. Widening in the direction of the dimension D2 is preferably made due to the spray head manufacturing process. As the outlet channel is widened in this direction, too, the spray head may be manufactured by injection moulding.

[0023] In one embodiment, the outlet channel 2c having the length L continuously widens in the direction of the second dimension D2 of the outlet opening 2d towards the outlet opening 2d along the entire length L.

[0024] The outlet channel 2c has substantially the form of a truncated flattened cone, the top base surface of the flattened cone being substantially the surface where the outlet channel 2c starts to widen, and the bottom base surface of the flattened cone being defined by the shape of the outlet opening 2d, which is, in cross section, substantially of an oblong and rounded shape of the first dimension D1 and the second dimension D2, the first dimension D1 being larger than the second dimension D2. Widening of the outlet channel 2c in the direction of the first dimension D1 of the outlet opening 2d is defined by the angle p, and widening of the outlet channel 2c in the direction of the second dimension D2 of the outlet opening 2d is defined by the angle E.

[0025] In one embodiment, the outlet channel 2c having the length L continuously widens along the entire length L.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the outlet channel 2c is provided with widening in the direction of the first dimension D1 and the second dimension D2 of the outlet opening 2d, the outlet opening 2d being substantially oblong in shape in the cross section, and the first dimension D1 is larger than the second dimension D2. The first dimension D1 and the second dimension D2 of the outlet opening 2d depend on the angles and E and on the length L of the outlet channel 2c.

[0027] Said shape of the nozzle 2, in particular the outlet channel 2c and the inlet channel 2 being formed at the angle a, the shape of the outlet channel 2c being defined particularly by the angle p, and consequently the shape of the outlet opening 2d all contribute to the fact that the pressure in the elbow 2b can be reduced, the paint turbulence in the outlet channel 2c is therefore reduced, consequently allowing the paint shape to be applied to a substrate, said shape being at least in one dimension greater than the shapes that can be made by known spray heads at a normal distance of paint application. The wall against which the pressurised paint hits is not at a right angle but at an inclination defined by the angle a.

[0028] Optionally, an outer surface 2e of the outlet channel 2c in the area of the outlet opening 2c is formed with a chamfer 2f, such that the thickness of the wall d of the outlet channel 2c in the area of the outlet opening 2d is reduced and amounts to 0.1 to 0.4 mm, preferably 0.2 mm. The chamfer 2f reduces the possibility of the paint dripping on the spray head 1 and the container when in use.

[0029] Preferably, the inner surfaces of the nozzle 2, i.e. , the inner surfaces of the inlet channel 2a and the outlet channel 2c, are smooth, which ensures that the flow of the liquid paint through the nozzle 2 is as unobstructed as possible. The smoothness of the inner surfaces of the nozzle is provided for by the manufacturing process in that smooth mould walls are provided.

[0030] In one embodiment, the connection of the inlet channel 2a and the outlet channel 2c via the elbow 2b is fixed - the inlet channel 2a and the outlet channel 2c are integrated via the elbow 2b. In another embodiment, the connection of the inlet channel 2a and the outlet channel 2c is carried out in a way that the entire outlet channel 2c or its portion at the outlet opening 2d is pivotable around the central axis S, thus allowing rotation of the outlet channel 2c or its portion at the outlet opening 2d around the central axis S. The rotation allows the paint to be applied to the substrate in various directions and shapes, said shape being at least in one dimension larger than the shapes that can be produced by known spray heads at a normal distance of paint application.

[0031] The shape applied in one dimension can reach up to 80 to 90 cm.

[0032] The function of the interface 3 is to connect a respective container valve to the nozzle 2, specifically to the inlet channel 2a, to allow the pressurised liquid paint flow from the container through the nozzle 2.

[0033] The interface 3 is adapted to communicate with the inlet channel 2a and with a respective container valve. Since the container valves may be configured as male or female valves, the interface 3 is also configured as a male or female interface 3. The male and female interfaces 3 are configured as a tubular body 3a, the male interface 3 being additionally provided with a stem 3b intended to engage the container female valve, the stem 3b being provided in a portion of its wall with a cut-out 3c. The width and height of the cut-out 3c define the amount of paint exiting the container when the spray head is depressed.

[0034] The interface 3 is preferably integrated with the inlet channel 2a, which ensures an impermeable joint between the interface 3 and the inlet channel 2a.

[0035] In one embodiment, the housing 1 of the spray head comprises walls of the nozzle 2 and the interface 3, and the outer surface of the top wall of the outlet channel 2c is adapted to come in contact with a fingertip and to be actuated by the fingertip.

[0036] In another embodiment, the housing 1 of the spray head is provided with a bottom portion 1a adapted for the spray head 1 to abut onto the container (not shown in figures) and a top portion 1b accommodating the nozzle 2 and the interface 3.

[0037] The spray head housing 1 is preferably configured as a substantially cylindrical body, the bottom portion 1a being configured as a hollow cylinder for the spray head 1 to abut onto the container, preferably onto the ring formed on the container head. To reduce the amount of material used, the top portion 1b devoid of the nozzle 2 is optionally hollowed, and the interface 3 is additionally fixed to the inner circumference of the top portion 1b by ribs that also provide adequate stability. The top surface 1c of the housing 1 is optionally provided with a recess 1d to receive a fingertip, which makes the spray use more user-friendly.

[0038] The spray heads for handheld spray cans are preferably manufactured from plastic materials, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, by injection moulding. In this way, the spray head is manufactured in one step, and the interface 3 is integrated with the inlet channel 2a, which ensures an impermeable joint between the interface 3 and the inlet channel 2a.

[0039] When the spray head is attached to the container valve, the interface 3 engages the container valve via the stem 3b or via the valve stem to allow as tight connection of the interface 3 with the container valve as possible, so the spray, when in use, does not leak in this section. When the spray head is pressed, the interface 3 actuates the container valve, the pressurised liquid paint from the container enters the interface 3 and further the inlet channel 2a, is rerouted in the elbow 2b towards the outlet channel 2c, and travels along the outlet channel 2c towards the outlet opening 2d, and is dispensed through the outlet opening 2d.

[0040] An embodiment of the spray head with a female interface

[0041] The spray head comprises a housing 1 accommodating a nozzle 2 and a female interface 3. The spray head housing 1 is configured as a substantially cylindrical body and comprises a bottom portion 1a formed as a hollow cylinder for the spray head 1 to abut onto the container, preferably onto the ring formed on the container head, and a top portion 1b accommodating the nozzle 2 and the interface 3. To reduce the amount of material used, the top portion 1b devoid of the nozzle 2 is hollowed, and the interface 3 is additionally fixed to the inner circumference of the top portion 1b by ribs. The top surface 1c of the top portion 1b is provided with a recess 1d to come in contact with a fingertip. The nozzle 2 is provided with an inlet channel 2a that continues continuously via an elbow 2b into an outlet channel 2c that ends with an outlet opening 2d. The inlet channel 2a is axially symmetrical with respect to the vertical axis X and has the shape of a circle in cross section. The outlet channel 2c is at an angle a with respect to the inlet channel 2a, the angle a being 130 degrees. The outlet channel 2c having the length L continuously extends over the entire length L in the direction of the first dimension D1 and in the direction of the second dimension D2 of the outlet opening 2d such that the outlet opening 2d of the nozzle 2 is substantially oblong in shape in the cross section, the first dimension D1 being larger than the second dimension D2. Widening of the outlet channel 2c in the direction of the first dimension D1 of the outlet opening 2d is defined by the angle p, which is 66 degrees; widening of the outlet channel 2c in the direction of the second dimension D2 of the outlet opening 2d is defined by the angle E, which is one degree on each side. The first dimension D1 of the outlet opening 2d is about 17 mm; the second dimension D2 of the outlet opening 2d is about 2 mm. An outer surface 2e of the outlet channel 2c in the area of the outlet opening 2c is provided with a chamfer 2f, such that the thickness of the wall d of the outlet channel 2c in the area of the outlet opening 2d is reduced and amounts to 0.2 mm. The inner surfaces of the nozzle 2, i.e., the inner surfaces of the inlet channel 2a and the outlet channel 2c, are smooth. The female interface 3 is configured as a tubular body 3a and is integrated with the inlet channel 2a.

[0042] An embodiment of the spray head with a male interface

[0043] The spray head is configured identically as in the first embodiment, the difference being that the male interface 3 is integrated with the inlet channel 2a of the nozzle 2 such that the male interface at the same time acts as the inlet channel 2a. The containers having a female valve have the diameter of the body 3a of the male interface normally narrower than that of the female interfaces. In the described embodiment, in which the diameter of the body 3a of the male interface is identical to the diameter of the inlet opening of the nozzle, the angle is somewhat larger than in the first embodiment, while the remainder of the spray head dimensions, including the dimensions of the outlet opening 2d, remain unchanged.

Claims

Claims1. A spray head of a handheld spray can, the spray head comprising a housing (1) accommodating a nozzle (2) and an interface (3), the nozzle (2) consisting of an inlet channel (2a) that continues continuously via an elbow (2b) into an outlet channel (2c) that ends with an outlet opening (2d) defined by a first dimension (D1) and a second dimension (D2), the inlet channel (2a) being axially symmetrical with respect to the vertical axis (X), characterized in that the outlet channel (2c) is at an angle (a) with respect to the inlet channel (2a), the angle (a) being substantially the angle of the elbow (2b) between the inlet channel (2a) and the outlet channel (2c) enclosed by the vertical axis (X) and a central axis (S) of the outlet channel (2c), and the outlet channel (2c) having a length (L) widening at least along a portion of the length (L) towards the outlet opening (2d) at least in the direction of the first dimension (D1) of the outlet opening (2d), such that the first dimension (D1) of the outlet opening (2d) is larger than the second dimension (D2), and the outlet opening (2d) is substantially oblong in shape in the cross section.

2. The spray head according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle (a) is in the range of 110 degrees to 150 degrees, preferably the angle (a) is 130 degrees.

3. The spray head according to claims 1 or 2, characterised in that widening in the direction of the first dimension (D1) of the outlet opening (2d) is defined by an angle (P), the angle (P) being between 60 and 90 degrees, the angle (P) being preferably between 66 and 69 degrees.

4. The spray head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet channel (2c) having the length (L) widens at least along a portion of the length (L) towards the outlet opening (2d) in the direction of the second dimension (D2) of the outlet opening (2d), such that the first dimension (D1) of the outlet opening (2d) is larger than the second dimension (D2), widening in the direction of the second dimension (D2) of the outlet opening (2d) being defined by an angle (E), the angle (E) being between one and two degrees on each side, the angle (E) being preferably one degree on each side.

5. The spray head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet channel (2d) is provided with widening in the direction of the first dimension(D1) and the second dimension (D2) of the outlet opening (2d), the outlet opening (2d) being substantially oblong in shape in the cross section, and the first dimension (D1) is larger than the second dimension (D2), and the first dimension (D1) and the second dimension (D2) of the outlet opening (2d) depending on the angles (P) and (E) and on the length (L) of the outlet channel (2c).

6. The spray head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet channel (2c) having the length (L) continuously extends along the entire length (L) in the direction of the first dimension (D1) and the second dimension (D2) of the outlet opening (2d), the outlet opening (2d) being substantially oblong in shape in the cross section, and the first dimension (D1) is larger than the second dimension (D2).

7. The spray head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outer surface (2e) of the outlet channel (2c) in the area of the outlet opening (2c) is provided with a chamfer (2f).

8. The spray head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner surfaces of the nozzle (2), i.e. , the inner surfaces of the inlet channel (2a) and the outlet channel (2c), are smooth, which ensures that the flow of the liquid paint through the nozzle (2) is as unobstructed as possible.

9. The spray head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection of the inlet channel (2a) and the outlet channel (2c) via the elbow (2b) is fixed - the inlet (2a) and the outlet channel (2c) are integrated via the elbow (2b).

10. The spray head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection of the inlet channel (2a) and the outlet channel (2c) is carried out in a way that the entire outlet channel (2c) or its portion at the outlet opening (2d) is pivotable around the axis (S) of symmetry, thus allowing rotation of the outlet channel (2c) or its portion at the outlet opening (2d) around the central axis (S).

11. The spray head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface (3) is adapted to communicate with the inlet channel (2a) and with a respective container valve, the interface (3) being configured as a male or female interface (3) in the form of a tubular body (3a), the male interface (3) being additionally provided with a stem (3b) intended to engage the container female valve, the stem (3b) being provided in a portion of its wall with a cut-out (3c).

12. The spray head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface (3) is integrated with the inlet channel (2a), which ensures an impermeable joint between the interface (3) and the inlet channel (2a).

13. The spray head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (1) comprises walls of the nozzle (2) and the interface (3), and the outer surface of the top wall of the outlet channel (2c) is adapted to come in contact with a fingertip and to be actuated by the fingertip.

14. The spray head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (1) is configured as a substantially cylindrical body having a bottom portion (1a) adapted for the spray head (1) to abut onto the container and a top portion (1b) accommodating the nozzle (2) and the interface (3) and the top surface (1c) of the housing (1) is provided with a recess (1d) to receive a fingertip and to be actuated by the finger.

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