Knob assembly for spray gun

Abstract

A knob assembly mechanically coupled to a control valve for adjusting a control valve setting of a spray gun is provided. The spray gun includes a spray gun body configured to discharge a liquid. The knob assembly includes a post extending from the spray gun body in a longitudinal direction. The post has an external surface along the longitudinal direction and a post diameter along a radial direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The external surface includes markings to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the control valve. The knob assembly includes a head having a head diameter greater than the post diameter of the post. The head is fixedly attached to the post in a manner that prevents rotation of the head independently of the post, such that rotation of the head results in a corresponding rotation of the post.

Description

[0001] PA102866W002

[0002] KNOB ASSEMBLY FOR SPRAY GUN

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to a spray gun and a knob assembly for the spray gun.

[0005] Background

[0006] Spray guns are generally known and may be commonly used to spray a wide variety of liquids such as paint, lacquer, cleansers, sealants, on a surface. The aforesaid spray guns may vary in size and shapes depending upon specific application requirements.

[0007] In spray guns, the liquid may be contained in a reservoir attached to the spray gun from which the liquid may be fed to a nozzle. The liquid may be fed to the spray gun as gravity fed or suction fed or pressure fed. A compressed air may be fed at a particular pressure from an air compressor to the spray gun. Upon emerging of the liquid from the nozzle, the liquid may be atomized via the compressed air supplied in vicinity of the nozzle, to form a spray. The flow / discharge of the liquid from the nozzle may be regulated by adjusting the opening of the nozzle via adjustment of settings of a control valve provided within the spray gun.

[0008] Thus, there exists a need for a system that may provide an effective indication of an accurate extent of opening of the nozzle within the spray gun to provide for an optimized regulation and control of the control valve settings.

[0009] Summary

[0010] Generally, the present disclosure relates to a spray gun and a knob assembly for the spray gun.

[0011] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a spray gun. The spray gun includes a spray gun body configured to discharge a liquid. The spray gun further includes a control valve operatively connected to the spray gun body for regulating the discharge of the liquid from the spray gun body. The spray gun further includes a first knob assembly mechanically coupled to the control valve for adjusting a control valve setting. The first knob assembly includes a first post extending from the spray gun body in a longitudinal direction. The first post has a first external surface along the longitudinal direction and a first post diameter PA102866W002 along a radial direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The first external surface includes first markings to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the control valve. The first knob assembly further includes a first head having a first head diameter greater than the first post diameter of the first post. The first head is fixedly attached to the first post in a manner that prevents rotation of the first head independently of the first post, such that rotation of the first head results in a corresponding rotation of the first post and the adjustment of the control valve is based on the alignment of the first markings with a first reference point on the spray gun body. The first knob assembly is configured such that the first markings on the first post provide a precise and durable indication of the control valve setting, and the fixed attachment of the first head to the first post ensures a unified and consistent adjustment mechanism for the spray gun.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a knob assembly mechanically coupled to a control valve for adjusting a control valve setting of a spray gun. The spray gun includes a spray gun body. The knob assembly includes a post extending from the spray gun body in a longitudinal direction. The post has an external surface along the longitudinal direction and a post diameter along a radial direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The external surface includes laser markings to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the control valve. The knob assembly further includes a head having a head diameter greater than the post diameter of the post. The head is fixedly attached to the post in a manner that prevents rotation of the head independently of the post, such that rotation of the head results in a corresponding rotation of the post and the adjustment of the control valve is based on the alignment of the laser markings with a reference point on the spray gun body. The knob assembly is configured such that the laser markings on the post provide a precise and durable indication of the control valve setting, and the fixed attachment of the head to the post ensures a unified and consistent adjustment mechanism for the spray gun.

[0013] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the following figures. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a PA102866W002 component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a spray gun including a knob assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged side view of a portion of the spray gun, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic rear view of the spray gun, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic side sectional view of a portion of the spray gun, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the knob assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a post of the knob assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Detailed Description

[0022] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part thereof and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0023] In the following disclosure, the following definitions are adopted.

[0024] As recited herein, all numbers should be considered modified by the term “about”. As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably.

[0025] As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the term “generally”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill but without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within + / - 20 % for quantifiable properties).

[0026] The term “substantially”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 10% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match. PA102866W002

[0027] The term about , unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 5% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0028] Terms such as same, equal, uniform, constant, strictly, and the like, are understood to be within the usual tolerances or measuring error applicable to the particular circumstance rather than requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0029] As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” are used as identifiers. Therefore, such terms should not be construed as limiting of this disclosure. The terms “first” and “second” when used in conjunction with a feature or an element can be interchanged throughout the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0030] As used herein, “at least one of A and B” should be understood to mean “only A, only B, or both A and B”.

[0031] Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “attached,” “connected,” “coupled”, and variations thereof, are used broadly and encompass both direct physical connections, or indirect physical connections between two or more components that are connected together by one or more additional components. For example, a first component may be coupled to a second component by being directly connected together or by being connected by a third component. In some examples, coupling, connection, and attachment may also include mechanical, thermal, electrical, or chemical coupling (such as a chemical bond) in some contexts.

[0032] Spray guns are generally known and may be commonly used to spray a wide variety of liquids such as paint, lacquer, cleansers, sealants, on a surface. The aforesaid spray guns may vary in size and shapes depending upon specific application requirements.

[0033] In spray guns, the liquid may be contained in a reservoir attached to the spray gun from which the liquid may be fed to a nozzle. The liquid may be fed to the spray gun as gravity fed or suction fed or pressure fed. A compressed air may be fed at a particular pressure from an air compressor to the spray gun. Upon emerging of the liquid from the nozzle, the liquid may be atomized via the compressed air supplied in vicinity of the nozzle, to form a spray. The flow / discharge of the liquid from the nozzle may be regulated by adjusting the opening of the nozzle via adjustment of settings of a control valve provided within the spray gun. PA102866W002

[0034] Thus, there exists a need for a system that may provide an effective indication of an accurate extent of opening of the nozzle within the spray gun to provide for an optimized regulation and control of the control valve settings.

[0035] The present disclosure provides a spray gun. The spray gun includes a spray gun body configured to discharge a liquid. The spray gun further includes a control valve operatively connected to the spray gun body for regulating the discharge of the liquid from the spray gun body. The spray gun further includes a first knob assembly mechanically coupled to the control valve for adjusting a control valve setting. The first knob assembly includes a first post extending from the spray gun body in a longitudinal direction. The first post has a first external surface along the longitudinal direction and a first post diameter along a radial direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The first external surface includes first markings to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the control valve. The first knob assembly further includes a first head having a first head diameter greater than the first post diameter of the first post. The first head is fixedly attached to the first post in a manner that prevents rotation of the first head independently of the first post, such that rotation of the first head results in a corresponding rotation of the first post and the adjustment of the control valve is based on the alignment of the first markings with a first reference point on the spray gun body. The first knob assembly is configured such that the first markings on the first post provide a precise and durable indication of the control valve setting, and the fixed attachment of the first head to the first post ensures a unified and consistent adjustment mechanism for the spray gun.

[0036] The fixed attachment of the first head to the first post is a feature that can ensure a unified and consistent adjustment mechanism for the spray gun. This fixed attachment means that the head and the post are securely connected in such a way that they cannot rotate independently of each other. As a result, when the user rotates the head, this rotational motion is directly and accurately transmitted to the post. This unified movement is essential for several reasons. Firstly, the fixed attachment ensures that the rotational input applied by the user to the head is precisely transferred to the post, which allows for making fine-tuned adjustments to the control valve, allowing the user to achieve the desired spray pattern and liquid discharge rate with high accuracy. Secondly, by preventing independent rotation of the head and the post, the fixed attachment ensures that the adjustment mechanism operates consistently overtime. This consistency is important for achieving repeatable results, as the PA102866W002 user can rely on the same rotational input to produce the same adjustment outcome every time. Thirdly, the fixed attachment contributes to the durability of the adjustment mechanism. By securely connecting the head and the post, the mechanism is less likely to experience wear and tear that could result from relative movement between the two components, ensuring that the adjustment mechanism remains reliable and effective over the lifespan of the spray gun. Lastly, the unified and consistent adjustment mechanism enhances the overall user experience, as the user can confidently make adjustments without worrying about slippage or misalignment between the head and the post. This ease of use is particularly important in applications where precise control of the spray gun is required. In summary, the fixed attachment of the first head to the first post ensures that the adjustment mechanism of the spray gun operates as a single, cohesive unit, providing the user with a reliable, precise, and consistent means of adjusting the control valve, ultimately enhancing the performance and usability of the spray gun.

[0037] As used herein, the term "unified and consistent adjustment mechanism" refers to a design feature in which the components responsible for adjusting a setting (such as a control valve or spray pattern) are securely connected in a manner that ensures they operate as a single, cohesive unit. This means that any rotational or translational input applied to one component (e.g., the head) is directly and accurately transmitted to the other component (e.g., the post) without any relative movement between them. The unified and consistent adjustment mechanism ensures precision, reliability, and repeatability in the adjustment process, allowing the user to achieve the desired settings with high accuracy and confidence. This mechanism is designed to prevent slippage, misalignment, or independent movement of the connected components, thereby enhancing the overall performance and usability of the device .The spray gun of the present disclosure therefore provides the precise and durable indication of the control valve setting and ensures a unified and consistent adjustment mechanism for the spray gun. Specifically, the markings may allow a user to accurately and clearly adjust an extent of opening of a nozzle of the spray gun. Further, the user may achieve consistent and repeatable results when regulating the discharge of liquid from the spray gun. Moreover, the markings may provide a long-lasting indication that will not fade or wear away.

[0038] Referring now to Figures, FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a spray gun 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. PA102866W002

[0039] The spray gun 100 includes the spray gun body 102 configured to discharge a liquid. In some embodiments, the spray gun 100 further includes an air inlet 52 for receiving a compressed air within the spray gun body 102 from an air compressor (not shown). In some embodiments, the spray gun 100 further includes a liquid inlet 54 to receive the liquid from a reservoir, i.e., after the reservoir is removably attached with the liquid inlet 54. When a user pulls a trigger 62 provided on the spray gun body 102, the air inlet 52 and the liquid inlet 54 may simultaneously allow the compressed air and the liquid, respectively, to flow through the spray gun body 102 and towards a nozzle 56.

[0040] The compressed air may atomize the liquid emerging out of the nozzle 56 thereby breaking the liquid into fine droplets. A nozzle locking collar 60 may provide for tight and secure attachment of the nozzle 56 with the spray gun body 102. An air cap 58 surrounding the nozzle 56 may include openings for the discharge of the compressed air, to direct the atomized liquid into an accurate spray pattern. A handle 64 attached on the spray gun body 102, may provide a comfortable grip to the user’s hand during spraying.

[0041] The spray gun 100 further includes a control valve 104 operatively connected to the spray gun body 102 for regulating the discharge of the liquid from the spray gun body 102. An adjustment of the control valve 104 may alter an extent of opening of the nozzle 56.

[0042] FIG. 2 depicts a schematic enlarged side view of a portion of the spray gun 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic rear view of the spray gun 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the spray gun 100 further includes a knob assembly 106 mechanically coupled to the control valve 104 for adjusting a control valve setting of the spray gun 100, e.g., for regulating the discharge of the liquid from the spray gun body 102.

[0044] The knob assembly 106 includes a post 108 extending from the spray gun body 102 in a longitudinal direction PP. The post 108 has an external surface 108A along the longitudinal direction PP and apost diameter 108B along a radial direction QQ substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction PP. The external surface 108A includes markings 110 to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the control valve 104. In some embodiments, the markings 110 may be disposed on one or more locations on the external surface 108A of the post 108.

[0045] In some embodiments, the markings 110 on the post 108 are laser markings or laser- engraved markings. As used herein, the term "laser markings" refers to any form of visual PA102866W002 indicators created on a surface using laser technology. This includes, but is not limited to, laser engraving, which involves etching or carving the surface material to create permanent marks, as well as any other type of engraving or printing that utilizes laser technology to produce durable and precise visual indicators. The term "laser markings" also encompasses methods where the laser is used to alter the surface properties, such as color or texture, to create visible marks. In some embodiments, the markings 110 may visually indicate the extent of opening of the nozzle 56. FIGS. 1 to 3 further illustrate a thickness direction AA mutually orthogonal to the longitudinal direction PP and the radial direction QQ.

[0046] The knob assembly 106 further includes a head 112 having a head diameter 112A greater than the post diameter 108B of the post 108. In some embodiments, a ratio between the head diameter 112A and the post diameter 108B is greater than 1.25.

[0047] The head 112 is fixedly attached to the post 108 in a manner that prevents rotation of the head 112 independently of the post 108, such that rotation of the head 112 results in a corresponding rotation of the post 108 and the adjustment of the control valve 104 is based on the alignment of the markings 110 with a reference point 114 on the spray gun body 102. In some embodiments, the reference point 114 on the spray gun body 102 includes one or more first spray gun body markings to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the control valve 104. In some embodiments, the one or more first spray gun body markings are laser markings. As shown, in some embodiments, the one or more first spray gun body markings are at a side of the spray gun 100 and not at a top of the spray gun 100.

[0048] The knob assembly 106 is configured such that the markings 110 on the post 108 provide a precise and durable indication of the control valve setting. Further, the fixed attachment of the head 112 to the post 108 ensures a unified and consistent adjustment mechanism for the spray gun 100.

[0049] As used herein, the term “precise” refers to an exactness and specificity of the alignment of the markings 110 on the knob assembly 106 with the control valve settings. It denotes an ability of the markings 110 to provide clear, unambiguous indicators that may allow the user to make fine-tuned adjustments with a high degree of accuracy. The aforesaid precision is critical for the user to achieve consistent and repeatable results when regulating the discharge of the liquid from the spray gun 100. Further, as used herein, the term “durable” refers to robustness and resilience of the markings 110 on the knob assembly 106 against any physical degradation over time. The markings 110 may be permanent and PA102866W002 resistant to factors such as abrasion, chemical corrosion, and environmental wear thereby may prevent any degradation of the visibility and legibility of the markings 110. The methods to provide durable markings 110 may include methods such as engraving that etches the markings 110 directly into a material of the knob assembly 106. The aforesaid etching of the markings 110 may provide a long -lasting indication that will not fade or wear away like that of printed markings.

[0050] In some embodiments, the head 112 has an axial external surface 116 along the longitudinal direction PP. The axial external surface 116 includes one or more axial head markings 118 to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the control valve 104. As shown, the one or more axial head markings 118 extend fully on the axial external surface 116 along the longitudinal direction PP. In some embodiments, the one or more axial head markings 118 may extend partially on the axial external surface 116 along the longitudinal direction PP. In some embodiments, the one or more axial head markings 118 may extend partially on the axial external surface 116 along the longitudinal direction PP proximal to the post 108.

[0051] In some embodiments, the one or more axial head markings 118 and the markings 110 on the post 108 are fixed with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the one or more axial head markings 118 are laser markings.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the head 112 has a radial external surface 120 along the radial direction QQ. Specifically, the radial external surface 120 is substantially parallel to an AA-QQ plane defined by the thickness direction AA and the radial direction QQ.

[0053] In some embodiments, the radial external surface 120 includes one or more radial head markings 122 to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the control valve 104. In some embodiments, the one or more radial head markings 122 and the markings 110 on the post 108 are fixed with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the one or more radial head markings 122 are laser markings. In some embodiments, the radial head markings 122 are aligned with the axial head markings 118 such that a continuous line is formed on the head 112.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, in some embodiments, the spray gun 100 further includes a second knob assembly 124 operatively connected to the spray gun body 102 for adjusting a spray pattern setting of the spray gun 100. PA102866W002

[0055] In such embodiments, the knob assembly 106 may be interchangeably referred to as “the first knob assembly 106” herein. Further, the post 108 may be interchangeably referred to as “the first post 108”, the post diameter 108B may be interchangeably referred to as “the first post diameter 108B”, the external surface 108A may be interchangeably referred to as “the first external surface 108A”, the markings 110 may be interchangeably referred to as “the first markings 110”, the head 112 may be interchangeably referred to as “the first head 112”, the head diameter 112A may be interchangeably referred to as “the first head diameter 112A”, the reference point 114 may be interchangeably referred to as “the first reference point 114”, the axial external surface 116 may be interchangeably referred to as “the first axial external surface 116”, the axial head markings 118 may be interchangeably referred to as “the first axial head markings 118”, the radial external surface 120 may be interchangeably referred to as “the first radial external surface 120”, and the radial head markings 122 may be interchangeably referred to as “the first radial head markings 122”.

[0056] The second knob assembly 124 includes a second post 126 extending from the spray gun body 102 in the longitudinal direction PP. The second post 126 has a second external surface 128A along the longitudinal direction PP and a second post diameter 126A along the radial direction QQ. The second external surface 128A includes second markings 130 to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the spray pattern setting. In some embodiments, the second markings 130 on the second post 126 are different from the first markings 110 on the first post 108. In some embodiments, the second markings 130 may be disposed on one or more locations on the second external surface 128A of the second post 126.

[0057] In some embodiments, the second markings 130 on the second post 126 are laser markings.

[0058] The second knob assembly 124 further includes a second head 132 having a second head diameter 132A greater than the second post diameter 126A of the second post 126. In some embodiments, a ratio between the second head diameter 132A and the second post diameter 126A is greater than 1.25.

[0059] The second head 132 is fixedly attached to the second post 126 in a manner that prevents rotation of the second head 132 independently of the second post 126, such that rotation of the second head 132 results in a corresponding rotation of the second post 126 and the adjustment of the spray pattern setting is based on the alignment of the second PA102866W002 markings 130 with a second reference point 134 on the spray gun body 102. In some embodiments, the second reference point 134 on the spray gun body 102 includes one or more second spray gun body markings to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the spray pattern setting. In some embodiments, the one or more second spray gun body markings are laser markings. As shown, in some embodiments, the one or more second spray gun body markings are at the side of the spray gun 100 and not at the top of the spray gun 100. In some embodiments, the one or more first and second spray gun body markings are at the same side of the spray gun 100.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, the spray gun body 102 includes a first retaining nut 105A and a second retaining nut 105B. As shown, in some embodiments, the first retaining nut 105 A may include the first reference point 114 and the second retaining nut 105B may include the second reference point 134. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first retaining nut 105 A may include the one or more first spray gun body markings and the second retaining nut 105B may include the one or more second spray gun body markings.

[0061] In some embodiments, the retaining nut of the spray gun, specifically the first retaining nut 105A, plays a role in the adjustment mechanism by incorporating the reference point 114 that interacts with the markings 110 on the first post 108. The first retaining nut 105 A is securely attached to the spray gun body 102 and includes one or more reference points, which may be in the form of visual indicators such as laser markings. These reference points 114 are strategically positioned to align with the markings 110 on the first post 108. As the user rotates the first head 112, and consequently the first post 108, the markings 110 on the first post 108 move relative to the fixed reference point 114 on the first retaining nut 105 A. This alignment provides a clear and precise visual indication of the current setting of the control valve 104. The interaction between the reference point 114 on the first retaining nut 105 A and the markings 110 on the first post 108 ensures that the user can make accurate and repeatable adjustments. The first retaining nut’s 105A fixed position relative to the spray gun body 102 ensures that the reference point 114 remains stable, providing a consistent basis for interpreting the markings 110 on the first post 108.

[0062] Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in some embodiments, the second retaining nut 105B includes an integrally formed hook. PA102866W002

[0063] The second knob assembly 124 is configured such that the second markings 130 on the second post 126 provide a precise and durable indication of the spray pattern setting. Further, the fixed attachment of the second head 132 to the second post 126 ensures a unified and consistent adjustment mechanism for the spray gun 100.

[0064] In some embodiments, the second head 132 has a second axial external surface 136 along the longitudinal direction PP. The second axial external surface 136 includes one or more second axial head markings 138 to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the spray pattern setting. As shown, the one or more second axial head markings 138 extend fully on the second axial external surface 136 along the longitudinal direction PP. In some embodiments, the one or more second axial head markings 138 may extend partially on the second axial external surface 136 along the longitudinal direction PP. In some embodiments, the one or more second axial head markings 138 may extend partially on the second axial external surface 136 along the longitudinal direction PP proximal to the second post 126.

[0065] In some embodiments, the one or more second axial head markings 138 and the second markings 130 on the second post 126 are fixed with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the second axial head markings 138 are laser markings.

[0066] In some embodiments, the second head 132 has a second radial external surface 140 along the radial direction QQ. In some embodiments, the second radial external surface 140 includes one or more second radial head markings 142 to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the spray pattern setting. In some embodiments, the one or more second radial head markings 142 and the second markings 130 on the second post 126 are fixed with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the one or more second radial head markings 142 are laser markings.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in some embodiments, the second knob assembly 124 is disposed offset from the first knob assembly 106 along at least the radial direction QQ. In some embodiments, the second knob assembly 124 is disposed offset from the first knob assembly 106 along each of the radial direction QQ and the longitudinal direction PP.

[0068] FIG. 4 depicts a schematic side sectional view of a portion of the spray gun 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the spray gun 100 further includes a needle 66. The needle 66 may reciprocate within the nozzle 56 (shown in FIG. 1) to control the PA102866W002 now therethrough. Specifically, the needle 66 may reciprocate within the nozzle 56 to control the discharge of the liquid through the nozzle 56.

[0070] In some embodiments, the needle 66 interacts with the knob assembly 106. In some embodiments, the needle 66 interacts with at least one of the post 108 and the head 112 of the knob assembly 106. In some embodiments, the needle 66 is configured to be at least partially disposed inside an internal cavity of the post 108. In some embodiments, the needle 66 includes a needle shoulder 67.

[0071] In some embodiments, the spray gun 100 further includes an internal spring 68. In some embodiments, the internal spring 68 at least partially surrounds the needle 66. In some embodiments, the internal spring 68 interacts with the knob assembly 106. In some embodiments, the internal spring 68 interacts with at least one of the post 108 and the head 112 ofthe knob assembly 106. In some embodiments, the internal spring 68 further interacts with the needle shoulder 67. In some embodiments, the internal spring 68 is also configured to be at least partially disposed inside the post 108.

[0072] In some embodiments, the spray gun 100 further includes an external spring 70. In some embodiments, the external spring 70 interacts with the knob assembly 106. Specifically, in some embodiments, the external spring 70 interacts with the post 108 of the knob assembly 106. In some embodiments, the external spring 70 further interacts with the needle shoulder 67. In some embodiments, the external spring 70 interacts with the knob assembly 106, the needle shoulder 67, and / or the spray gun body 102.

[0073] In some embodiments, the post 108 is threadedly engaged with the spray gun body 102 via threads 69. Specifically, the post 108 is threadedly engaged with the first retaining nut 105A ofthe spray gun body 102 via the threads 69. In some embodiments, the post 108 has the threads 69 disposed thereon.

[0074] FIG. 5 depicts a schematic side view of the knob assembly 106, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the markings 110 may be disposed between the threads 69 and the head 112 (i.e., a base of the head 112 where it meets the post).

[0075] In some embodiments, the knob assembly 106 includes a proximal end 152 and an opposite distal end 154. The proximal end 152 is proximal to the head 112 and the distal end 154 is distal to the head 112. PA102866W002

[0076] In some embodiments, the markings 110 may be disposed at least partially on a median 65 between the proximal end 152 and the distal end 154. In some embodiments, the markings 110 may be disposed between the median 65 and the proximal end 152. Specifically, in some embodiments, the markings 110 may be disposed between the median 65 and the (base of the) head 112.

[0077] FIG. 6 depicts a schematic sectional view of the post 108 of the knob assembly 106, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 further illustrates two hemispheres 109A, 109B of the post 108.

[0078] As discussed above, the external surface 108A of the post 108 includes the markings 110. In some embodiments, the markings 110 may be disposed primarily on the external surface 108A of one of the hemicylinders 109A, 109B of the post 108. In some embodiments, the markings 110 may be disposed only on the external surface 108 A of one of the hemicylinders 109A, 109B of the post 108. The hemicylinders can be formed through a sagittal plane of the post 108 (e.g., along the QQ-PP axis as shown). As used herein, the term "hemicylinder" refers to a three-dimensional geometric shape that represents half of a cylinder, typically divided along its longitudinal axis. A hemicylinder has a flat rectangular face and a curved semicircular face. The term "hemicylinder" can also refer to any structure or component that exhibits this half-cylinder shape, regardless of its specific dimensions or orientation.

[0079] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0080] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and / or equivalent implementations can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

PA102866W002CLAIMS1. A spray gun comprising: a spray gun body configured to discharge a liquid; a control valve operatively connected to the spray gun body for regulating the discharge of the liquid from the spray gun body; a first knob assembly mechanically coupled to the control valve for adjusting a control valve setting, the first knob assembly comprising: a first post extending from the spray gun body in a longitudinal direction, the first post having a first external surface along the longitudinal direction and a first post diameter along a radial direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, the first external surface comprising first markings to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the control valve; and a first head having a first head diameter greater than the first post diameter of the first post, the first head being fixedly attached to the first post in a manner that prevents rotation of the first head independently of the first post, such that rotation of the first head results in a corresponding rotation of the first post and the adjustment of the control valve is based on the alignment of the first markings with a first reference point on the spray gun body, wherein the first knob assembly is configured such that the first markings on the first post provide a precise and durable indication of the control valve setting, and the fixed attachment of the first head to the first post ensures a unified and consistent adjustment mechanism for the spray gun.

2. The spray gun of claim 1, wherein a ratio between the first head diameter and the first post diameter is greater than 1.25.

3. The spray gun of claim 1, wherein the first head has a first axial external surface along the longitudinal direction, and wherein the first axial external surface comprises one or more first axial head markings to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the control valve.PA102866W0024. The spray gun of claim 3, wherein the one or more first axial head markings and the first markings on the first post are fixed with respect to each other.

5. The spray gun of claim 1, wherein the first head has a first radial external surface along the radial direction, and wherein the first radial external surface comprises one or more first radial head markings to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the control valve.

6. The spray gun of claim 5, wherein the one or more first radial head markings and the first markings on the first post are fixed with respect to each other.

7. The spray gun of claim 1, wherein the first reference point on the spray gun body comprises one or more first spray gun body markings to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the control valve.

8. The spray gun of claim 1 , wherein the first markings on the first post are laser markings .

9. The spray gun of claim 1, further comprising a second knob assembly operatively connected to the spray gun body for adjusting a spray pattern setting of the spray gun, the second knob assembly comprising: a second post extending from the spray gun body in the longitudinal direction, the second post having a second external surface along the longitudinal direction and a second post diameter along the radial direction, the second external surface comprising second markings to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the spray pattern setting; and a second head having a second head diameter greater than the second post diameter of the second post, the second head being fixedly attached to the second post in a manner that prevents rotation of the second head independently of the second post, such that rotation of the second head results in a corresponding rotation of the second post and the adjustment of the spray pattern setting is based on the alignment of the second markings with a second reference point on the spray gun body.PA102866W00210. The spray gun of claim 9, wherein the second markings on the second post are different from the first markings on the first post.

11. The spray gun of claim 9, wherein the second knob assembly is disposed offset from the first knob assembly along at least the radial direction.

12. The spray gun of claim 9, wherein the second knob assembly is disposed offset from the first knob assembly along each of the radial direction and the longitudinal direction.

13. The spray gun of claim 9, wherein a ratio between the second head diameter and the second post diameter is greater than 1.25.

14. The spray gun of claim 9, wherein the second head has a second axial external surface along the longitudinal direction, and wherein the second axial external surface comprises one or more second axial head markings to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the spray pattern setting.

15. The spray gun of claim 14, wherein the one or more second axial head markings and the second markings on the second post are fixed with respect to each other.

16. The spray gun of claim 9, wherein the second head has a second radial external surface along the radial direction, and wherein the second radial external surface comprises one or more second radial head markings to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the spray pattern setting.

17. The spray gun of claim 16, wherein the one or more second radial head markings and the second markings on the second post are fixed with respect to each other.

18. The spray gun of claim 9, wherein the second reference point on the spray gun body comprises one or more second spray gun body markings to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the spray pattern setting.PA102866W00219. The spray gun of claim 9, wherein the second markings on the second post are laser markings.

20. A knob assembly mechanically coupled to a control valve for adjusting a control valve setting of a spray gun comprising a spray gun body, the knob assembly comprising: a post extending from the spray gun body in a longitudinal direction, the post having an external surface along the longitudinal direction and a post diameter along a radial direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, the external surface comprising laser markings to provide visual indicators for the adjustment of the control valve; and a head having a head diameter greater than the post diameter of the post, the head being fixedly attached to the post in a manner that prevents rotation of the head independently of the post, such that rotation of the head results in a corresponding rotation of the post and the adjustment of the control valve is based on the alignment of the laser markings with a reference point on the spray gun body, wherein the knob assembly is configured such that the laser markings on the post provide a precise and durable indication of the control valve setting, and the fixed attachment of the head to the post ensures a unified and consistent adjustment mechanism for the spray gun.

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