Marking system for applying colour markings to surfaces

Abstract

The invention relates to a marking system (2) for applying colour markings to surfaces, the marking system being formed from a powder spraying device (4) and a protective cap (8) for partially receiving the powder spraying device (4). The powder spraying device (4) has a powder container (10) for receiving a coloured powder (6) and a pump head (12) placed on the powder container (10) for pneumatically conveying and spraying the coloured powder (6). The protective cap (8) has a cap opening (32) for introducing the powder spraying device (4). A fastening clip (38) is arranged on an outer surface (36) of the protective cap (8), a fixed end (40) of said fastening clip being integrally formed on the protective cap (8) in a region adjacent to the cap opening (32) and running from there substantially to the end (34) of the protective cap (8) remote from the cap opening (32). The powder spraying device (4) can be inserted pump-head (12)-first into the protective cap (8) such that the powder container (10), or a part thereof, of the powder spraying device (4) protrudes out of the protective cap (8).

Description

[0001] FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 1 P240779P-CT / JB

[0002] Description

[0003] Marking system for applying color markings to surfaces

[0004] The invention relates to a marking system for applying color markings to surfaces, in particular for marking, labeling or marking drill holes, cutting and sawing edges, alignment lines or the like.

[0005] Especially during manual work, it is common practice to pre-mark a drill hole, a cutting or sawing edge, or a desired alignment line on a component of a structure, wall, ceiling, or similar surface. A ruler or template is typically placed on the object to be marked as a guide. Often, another part, which is to be attached or positioned on the object to be marked, is used directly as a template. For example, to drill a hole for screwing two parts together, a first part with a pre-drilled hole is placed on a second part in the desired mounting position, and the drill hole is pre-marked on the second part through the hole in the first part.

[0006] For this type of marking work, a pen, especially a pencil, ballpoint pen, or felt-tip pen, is usually used. However, making marks with an ordinary pen is often associated with practical difficulties. Firstly, the areas to be marked are often difficult to access with an ordinary pen. This is particularly true when a mark needs to be made at the bottom of a narrow and deep hole or when a line needs to be drawn behind a wide edge. An ordinary pen is also often too wide for such marking work.

[0007] (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 2 On the other hand, even a sufficiently thin pen is often not very suitable for such marking work due to a lack of robustness and is in particular subject to rapid wear and a high risk of damage.

[0008] To make matters worse, marking devices often have to be picked up and put down with one hand and kept within easy reach at all times, as the user's other hand is often needed to hold the ruler, template, or workpiece in place. This can be difficult in manual work where a horizontal surface for the marking device within easy reach is often unavailable.

[0009] From EP 1 953003 B1, a marking device is known which consists of a marking pen and an associated protective cap. The marking pen, designed in the manner of a mechanical pen, has a wide grip area and a thin neck area from which a slidably mounted applicator tip protrudes. The protective cap comprises an elongated interior space opening into a cap opening for partially receiving the marking pen. A mounting bracket is arranged on an outer surface of the protective cap, the fixed end of which is integrally formed with the protective cap in an area adjacent to the cap opening and extends substantially towards the longitudinal end of the protective cap furthest from the cap opening. At least one locking element is formed on an inner surface of the mounting bracket, which projects from there in the manner of a barb substantially towards the fixed end of the mounting bracket.The marker can be securely attached to workwear or shoulder bag pockets using the protective cap's fastening clip, so that the marker's grip protrudes upwards from the pocket. This allows for easy gripping and one-handed removal of the marker from the protective cap. The fastening clip, equipped with locking elements, prevents the protective cap from being pulled out of its holder when the marker is removed. The protective cap, which remains securely in the pocket and opens upwards, allows for easy one-handed replacement of the marker after use. The marker's slim neck provides multiple advantages.

[0010] (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 3 the application of markings in hard-to-reach places, e.g. at the bottom of deep boreholes.

[0011] However, sometimes markings have to be made in places that are difficult or impossible to reach even with the marking device known from EP 1 953003 B1, e.g. in boreholes into which even the thin neck area of ​​the marking pen cannot be inserted due to insufficient width, excessive depth or inaccessible location.

[0012] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a marking system that further simplifies marking activities of the above-mentioned type, particularly in hard-to-reach places.

[0013] This problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0014] The marking system according to the invention comprises a (powder) sprayer and a protective cap for partially enclosing the sprayer. The sprayer has a powder container for holding a paint powder and a pump head mounted on the powder container for pneumatically conveying and spraying the paint powder. The term "pump head" implies that the paint powder is conveyed by pumping, i.e., that the pneumatic pressure for conveying the paint powder is generated in the pump head. The powder sprayer according to the invention is thus distinguished from sprayers such as conventional aerosol cans, in which the medium to be sprayed is conveyed by a pressurized propellant gas contained in the medium's container.

[0015] The protective cap has an opening, i.e., an open end for inserting the sprayer. Opposite the opening, the protective cap has a closed end. A mounting bracket is located on one outer surface of the protective cap, with a fixed end molded to the cap in an area adjacent to the opening.

[0016] (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 4 essentially leads to the closed end of the protective cap opposite the cap opening. The protective cap is designed so that the sprayer can be inserted into the protective cap with the pump head first, so that the sprayer protrudes from the protective cap with the powder container or a part thereof.

[0017] The marking system according to the invention has all the advantages of the marking device known from EP 1 953003 B1, in particular the possibility of simple one-handed operation. Thus, all handling steps for applying a marking, namely removing the sprayer from the protective cap, operating the sprayer, and placing the sprayer in the protective cap, can be carried out easily and blindly (i.e., without the need for visual contact) with one and the same hand. Furthermore, the protective cap of the marking system according to the invention can be securely attached to pockets, e.g., of work clothes, using the fastening clip, in the same way as that of the marking device known from EP 1 953003 B1, so that the protective cap points upwards with the opening facing upwards and does not disappear into the pocket.

[0018] The pump head is preferably reversibly removable and attached to the powder container, in particular screwed to the powder container. This allows, in particular, multiple uses of the sprayer by refilling the powder container with paint powder by the user.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the marking system, the spray device is a known powder sprayer, such as one disclosed in a similar form in US 9393583 B2. For the implementation of the pump mechanism of the powder sprayer, full reference is made to that document. Such powder sprayers are currently used as dispensers for pharmaceuticals and medical devices such as nasal or throat sprays.

[0020] The sprayer can preferably be inserted into the protective cap until it reaches a stop. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the terms "inserted" or "inserted state" always refer to the state of the

[0021] (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 5 Marking system in which the sprayer, with the pump head first, is fully inserted into the protective cap, i.e., up to the defined stop. The sprayer and the protective cap are preferably designed to be compatible such that the sprayer is held securely in the protective cap when inserted, namely by forming a frictional connection that prevents the sprayer from automatically detaching from the protective cap under the influence of gravity and / or vibrations occurring during normal use of the marking system, but allows the sprayer to be easily removed from the protective cap by applying a one-handed manual pulling force.

[0022] Within the scope of the invention, the pump head can be designed with any cross-sectional shape, in particular with a round (e.g., circular or oval) or polygonal cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, the pump head in all these cases has a pressure surface on an end face facing away from the powder container for actuating the pump head by applying pressure (in particular by a user's finger). Furthermore, the pump head has at least one side wall (namely, exactly one side wall in the case of a round cross-section or several angled side walls in the case of a polygonal cross-section). A spray tube for directing the paint powder conveyed by the pump head is preferably attached to the at least one side wall.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, this spray tube is pivotable relative to the pump head at least between an actuation position oriented transversely to a container axis of the powder container and a rest position located next to the container (in particular, parallel to the container axis). The spray tube is pivotable, in particular, by at least 90°. Preferably, however, the spray tube is freely rotatable (i.e., by any angle, in particular also by more than 360°) relative to the pump head about a pivot axis oriented transversely to the container axis.

[0023] The protective cap is preferably designed to accommodate the sprayer with the spray tube swung into its rest position. The protective cap has

[0024] (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 6 In an advantageous embodiment, the protective cap has a lateral projection, in particular a bulge, designed to receive the spray tube when folded into its rest position after the sprayer is inserted into the protective cap. In another advantageous embodiment, the protective cap has a lateral slot instead of the aforementioned projection, in which the spray tube when folded into its rest position rests when the sprayer is inserted into the protective cap. The mounting bracket is preferably offset by 90° or 180° with respect to a rotation about a cap axis of the protective cap relative to the projection or slot on the protective cap. This ensures that the projection of the protective cap or the spray tube lying in the slot of the cap does not interfere with the attachment of the marking system of a bag, e.g.from work clothes, not disabled.

[0025] In a practical design, the free end of the spray tube, facing away from the pump head, is fitted with a metal outlet tube, thus protecting the sprayer from rapid wear even under harsh operating conditions. Other components of the sprayer, in particular the spray tube, the pump head, and the powder container, are preferably made of plastic for efficient manufacturing and to keep the sprayer lightweight. Preferably, the outlet tube has a tapered inner diameter compared to the spray tube. This allows the outlet tube to act as a nozzle, increasing the spray range of the sprayer. This enables precise markings to be made on the surface to be marked, even at a distance of up to approximately 30 centimeters.

[0026] According to the invention, the outlet tube can, in principle, be integrally connected to the spray tube (in particular, manufactured monolithically with the latter). Preferably, however, the outlet tube is formed by a part separate from the spray tube, which is detachably attached to the spray tube. The detachability of the outlet tube allows, on the one hand, simplified cleaning of the spray tube should it become clogged, and, on the other hand, replacement of the outlet tube in case of wear, thus enabling a particularly long service life of the spray system. Furthermore, the detachable

[0027] (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 7 Attachment of the outlet tube to the spray tube also allows for the exchange of several different (e.g., longer and shorter and / or thicker and thinner) outlet tubes with each other in order to optimally adapt the marking system to different operating conditions.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the protective cap is significantly oversized in terms of its length (measured along the cap's axis) compared to the length required to accommodate the sprayer. The protective cap is thus preferably considerably longer than it would need to be to accommodate the sprayer. For example, the protective cap is designed such that, when the sprayer is inserted, it extends beyond the sprayer by at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, and particularly 60% of its insertion depth. The term "insertion depth" refers to the length by which the sprayer protrudes into the protective cap when inserted. This oversizing of the protective cap has been shown to significantly improve its retention on work clothes or bags.In particular, the extended length of the protective cap significantly reduces the risk of it tilting inside the pocket in which it is attached, either when or after the sprayer is removed. This extended length also makes it easier to reinsert the sprayer into the cap, thus improving the overall handling of the marking system.

[0029] To prevent the protective cap from being accidentally detached from the bag or similar item to which it is attached when the sprayer is pulled out, at least one locking element is preferably formed on the inner surface of the mounting bracket. This locking element, acting like a barb, "engages" with the fabric of the bag or similar item, thus preventing the protective cap from being accidentally pulled out. Preferably, the locking element(s) are in turn designed as a spring-loaded bracket molded onto the mounting bracket on one side. In this form, the locking element comprises a retaining leg, which is molded onto the inner surface of the mounting bracket, and a free leg angled away from this retaining leg. The retaining leg projects obliquely from the inner surface of the mounting bracket.

[0030] (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 8 direction towards the fixed end of the mounting bracket, while the free leg is again oriented diagonally towards the inner surface of the mounting bracket.

[0031] To ensure that each locking element is held securely on the mounting bracket and that the locking element exhibits good spring elasticity, the retaining leg is advantageously designed to taper from the inner surface of the mounting bracket towards the release leg. By designing the release leg of each locking element as a support plate, a secure holding effect is achieved, while at the same time effectively preventing the locking element from damaging, particularly tearing, the work clothing or similar item to which the protective cap is attached.

[0032] The colored powder contained in the powder container is preferably a chalk powder, such as that used, for example, for creating line markings with a chalk line. Such a chalk powder is ideally suited for marking, easily removable after use, and environmentally and health-compatible. During the development of the present invention, it was also found that such a chalk powder can be effectively sprayed with a propellant-free powder sprayer (such as that known from US 9393583 B2). In a particularly suitable embodiment of the invention, the chalk powder has a particle size between 15 and 35 µm.

[0033] In a sensible improvement to the powder sprayer, the pump mechanism of the pump head (especially one of the pump cylinders) is lubricated with oil, particularly silicone oil. The oil lubricates the pump mechanism, ensuring easy (i.e., effortless) operation of the sprayer. Furthermore, the oil improves the seal of the pump mechanism within the pump head. Experience has shown that this significantly increases the efficiency of the pump mechanism and, consequently, the achievable spray range, especially when spraying chalk powder.

[0034] (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 9

[0035] A particular embodiment of the invention is the use of a marking system with a powder sprayer, comprising a powder container filled with a color powder, in particular a chalk powder, and a pump head mounted on the container for pneumatically conveying and spraying the color powder, for applying color markings to surfaces. The marking system used here is preferably the marking system according to claim 1, particularly in one of the embodiments described above. All the above descriptions of embodiments of the marking system according to the invention are therefore analogously applicable to embodiments of the invention.

[0036] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. The drawing shows:

[0037] Fig. 1 in perspective view a marking system with a powder sprayer and a protective cap in a state where the powder sprayer is inserted into the protective cap,

[0038] Figs. 2 and 3 show the marking system according to Fig. 1 in two different side views.

[0039] Fig. 4 shows a schematically simplified longitudinal section IV-IV according to Fig. 3, the marking system according to Fig. 1,

[0040] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the powder sprayer of the marking system from Fig. 1, removed from its protective cap, with a spray tube pivoted into a rest position.

[0041] Fig. 6, in representation according to Fig. 5, shows the powder sprayer with the spray tube pivoted into an operating position.

[0042] (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 10 Fig. 7 in a longitudinal section VII-VII according to Fig. 6 the spray tube of the powder sprayer with an outlet tube attached to it,

[0043] Fig. 8 shows the exit tube in isolated detail in a longitudinal section enlarged compared to Fig. 7.

[0044] Fig. 9, in representation according to Fig. 7, shows the spray tube and the outlet tube attached to it in an alternative embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 10 shows the outlet tube according to Fig. 8 in isolated view, and Fig. 9 shows the outlet tube there in isolated view, and

[0046] Figs. 11 to 13, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 respectively, represent an alternative embodiment of the marking system.

[0047] Corresponding parts and sizes are always provided with the same reference symbols in all reference numerals.

[0048] Figures 1 to 8 show a marking system 2 for applying color markings to surfaces in a first embodiment. The marking system 2 comprises a (powder) sprayer 4 filled with a color powder 6, and a protective cap 8 into which the sprayer 4 can be inserted for storage and transport. Figures 1 to 4 show the sprayer 4 in the (fully) inserted state of the protective cap 8. Figures 5 and 6 show the sprayer 4 removed from the protective cap 8.

[0049] The sprayer 4 has a cylindrical powder container 10 for holding the paint powder 6 and a pump head 12 mounted on the powder container 10 for pneumatically conveying and spraying the paint powder 6. The pump head 12 is screwed to the powder container 10 and can be reversibly removed from the powder container 10 for refilling with the paint powder 6.

[0050] (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 11 The pump head 12 includes a pump mechanism, the construction of which is not shown in detail in the figures of the present application for the sake of simplicity. Rather, the interior of the pump head 12 is simplified by hatching in the sectional view according to Fig. 4. With regard to its construction and function, the pump mechanism of the sprayer 4 is designed in the manner described and illustrated in US 9393583 B2, so reference is made to that document.

[0051] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8, the pump head 12 has a substantially cylindrical shape. On an end face facing away from the powder container 10, the pump head 12 has a pressure surface 14, to which a cylindrical side wall 16 is attached. The pump head 12 is slidably guided in a socket 18 in the direction of a cylindrical axis of the powder container 10, so that it can be moved (pressed in) towards the powder container 10 by manually applying pressure with a finger to the pressure surface 14 against an elastic restoring force. The cylindrical axis of the powder container 10 is hereinafter referred to as the container axis 20.

[0052] The pump mechanism is designed such that pressing the pump head 12 generates pneumatic pressure, which draws a defined quantity of the paint powder 6 contained in the powder container 10 from the powder container 10 into the pump head 12. From there, the drawn paint powder 6 is expelled in a spray burst through an opening in the side wall 16, a spray tube 22 attached to the pump head 12 in the region of this opening, and an outlet tube 24 mounted on a free end of the spray tube 22 into the vicinity of the sprayer 4. The pneumatic pressure is generated only within the pump mechanism. The interior of the powder container 10 remains unpressurized before, during, and after actuation (i.e., at atmospheric pressure).The pump mechanism, in particular a pump cylinder thereof, is lubricated with a silicone oil, so that on the one hand the frictional resistance of the pump mechanism is reduced when the pump head is pressed in, and on the other hand a pressure-bearing system of the pump mechanism, in particular the pump cylinder, is sealed against the environment.

[0053] (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 12

[0054] The spray tube 22 is articulated to the pump head 12 so that it can rotate freely relative to the pump head 12 about a pivot axis 26 oriented transversely to the container axis 20. The spray tube 22 can thus be pivoted, in particular reversibly, between a rest position shown in Fig. 5 and a preferred operating position shown in Fig. 6. In the rest position, the spray tube 22 is aligned parallel to the container axis 20 and extends laterally next to the powder container 10. A stepped contour allows the spray tube 22 to rest against the socket 18, thus locking the pump head 12 against accidental activation; displacement of the pump head 12 relative to the socket 18 is therefore blocked by the spray tube 22 in its rest position. In the preferred operating position according to Fig. 6, the spray tube 22 is oriented transversely to the container axis 20.In this operating position, the spray tube 22 is thus pivoted by 90° from its rest position. Due to the free rotation of the spray tube 22, the sprayer 4 in the illustrated embodiment can also be operated in other pivot positions of the spray tube 22, for example, in all pivot positions in which the spray tube 22 forms an angle between 30° and 330° with respect to the container axis 20.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the spray device 4, the outlet tube 24 is made of metal, while the powder container 10, the pump head 12 (including most parts of the pump mechanism and the socket 18) and the spray tube 22 are preferably made of plastic.

[0056] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8, the outlet tube 24 is provided with a plastic connecting head 28, which allows it to be attached to the free end of the spray tube 22. In an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, the connecting head 28 is omitted. Instead, one end of the one-piece metal outlet tube 24 is extended to form a sleeve 30, which allows the outlet tube 24 to be attached to the free end of the spray tube 22. In both embodiments, the outlet tube 24 can be removed from the spray tube 22 for cleaning or replacement.

[0057] (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 13 Spray tube 22 can be removed. In a preferred embodiment, the outlet tube 24 has a reduced inner diameter compared to the spray tube 22, so that it acts as a nozzle.

[0058] The protective cap 8 has a cap opening 32, i.e., an open end for inserting the sprayer 4. Opposite the cap opening 32, the protective cap 8 has a closed end 34. A fastening bracket 38 (also referred to as a "clip") is arranged on an outer surface 36 of the protective cap 8. The fastening bracket 38 is integrally formed with the protective cap 8 at a fixed end 40 in an area adjacent to the cap opening 32. From there, the fastening bracket 38 extends in a curved shape towards the closed end 34, with a free end 42 fitting snugly (i.e., with a small gap) against the outer surface 26.

[0059] Two barb-like locking elements 44 are integrally formed on an inner surface of the fastening bracket 38, projecting from there towards the outer surface 36 of the protective cap 8. Each of the two locking elements 44 is formed in the shape shown and described in more detail in EP 1 953003 B1.

[0060] The interior of the protective cap 8 is designed such that the sprayer 4, with the pump head 12 facing forward, can be inserted into the protective cap 4 up to a stop 46 (provided in the interior of the protective cap 8, in particular one that is molded in). When inserted, the sprayer 4 protrudes from the protective cap 8 with a rear part of the powder container 10 (which in the illustrated embodiment occupies approximately 70% of the length of the powder container 10).

[0061] As can be seen particularly in Fig. 4, the protective cap 8 is significantly oversized in terms of its length compared to the insertion depth of the sprayer 4 (i.e., compared to the length of the part of the sprayer 4 enclosed in the protective cap 4). Thus, in the illustrated example, a gap is formed between the sprayer 4 inserted into the protective cap 8 and the closed end 34 of the protective cap 8, the length of which is approximately 60% of the insertion depth.

[0062] (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 14

[0063] The protective cap 8 is designed to accommodate the sprayer 4 with the spray tube 22 pivoted into its rest position. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8, when the sprayer 4 is inserted, the spray tube 22 rests in a lateral recess (bulge 48) of the protective cap 8. In an alternative embodiment of the marking system 2, shown in Figures 11 to 13, the protective cap 8 has a lateral slot 50 instead of the bulge 48. The spray tube 22, pivoted into its rest position, rests in this slot when the sprayer 4 (corresponding to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8) is inserted into the protective cap 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 50 has an outwardly curved edge that flanks the spray tube 22 laterally, thus protecting it from damage when the sprayer 4 is inserted.

[0064] In both illustrated embodiments of the protective cap 8, the fastening bracket 38 is integrally formed on the protective cap 8 such that, with respect to a rotation about a cap axis 52 of the protective cap 8, it is arranged offset by 90° from the protrusion 48 or the slot 50. However, other arrangements of the fastening bracket 38 with respect to the protrusion 48 or the slot 50 are also possible. In particular, in further embodiments not explicitly shown, the fastening bracket 38 is arranged opposite the protrusion 48 or the slot 50.

[0065] In a dimension that is particularly advantageous for handling reasons,

[0066] - the marking system 2 with the spray device 4 inserted into the protective cap 8, having a total length between 90 and 140 mm, in particular 120 mm; and / or

[0067] the sprayer 4 with the spray tube 22, which is returned to its rest position, has a total length between 80 and 120 mm, in particular 95 mm;

[0068] (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 15 and / or

[0069] - the spray tube 22 with the attached outlet tube 24 has a total length between 20 mm and 70 mm, in particular 52 mm; of this length, the outlet tube preferably occupies a length of about 20 to 30 mm; and / or

[0070] - the exit tube 24 has an inner diameter of 1.5 to 2 mm;

[0071] and / or

[0072] - the spray tube 22 has an inner diameter of 2 to 3 mm, in particular 2.4 mm.

[0073] In all the embodiments described above, the color powder contained in the powder container 10 is a chalk powder, such as that used for creating line markings with a chalk line. The chalk powder has, for example, a particle size between 15 and 35 µm.

[0074] The invention becomes particularly clear in the embodiments described above, but is by no means limited to these embodiments. Rather, further embodiments of the invention can be derived from the claims and the preceding description. In particular, individual features of the embodiments described above can also be combined with one another in other ways within the scope of the claims, unless otherwise described or excluded for reasons of causality, without departing from the invention.

[0075] (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 16

[0076] Reference symbol list

[0077] 2 Marking system

[0078] 4 (powder) sprayer 6 color powders

[0079] 8 Protective cap

[0080] 10 powder containers

[0081] 12 Pump head

[0082] 14 printing area

[0083] 16 side wall

[0084] 18th version

[0085] 20 Container axle

[0086] 22 Spray tube

[0087] 24 Outlet tube 26 Swivel axis 28 Connection head

[0088] 30 sleeve

[0089] 32 Cap opening 34 End

[0090] 36 outdoor area

[0091] 38 Mounting brackets 40 Fixed ends

[0092] 42 Free Ends

[0093] 44 Locking element

[0094] 46 stops

[0095] 48 bulge

[0096] 50 slots

[0097] 52 Cap axle

[0098] (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026

Claims

FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 17 Claims 1. Marking system (2) for applying paint markings to surfaces, with a powder sprayer (4) and a protective cap (8) for partially enclosing the powder sprayer (4), - wherein the powder sprayer (4) has a powder container (10) for receiving a paint powder (6) and a pump head (12) mounted on the powder container (10) for pneumatically conveying and spraying the paint powder (6), - wherein the protective cap (8) has a cap opening (32) for inserting the powder sprayer (4) and wherein a fastening bracket (38) is arranged on an outer surface (36) of the protective cap (8), which is integrally formed with a fixed end (40) in an area adjacent to the cap opening (32) of the protective cap (8) and extends substantially from there to the end (34) of the protective cap (8) facing away from the cap opening (32), and - wherein the powder sprayer (4) can be inserted into the protective cap (8) with the pump head (12) forward, so that the powder sprayer (4) with the powder container (10) or a part thereof protrudes from the protective cap (8).

2. Marking system (2) according to claim 1 , wherein the pump head (12) has a pressure surface (14) on an end face facing away from the powder container (10) for actuating the pump head (12) by applying pressure and at least one side wall (16), wherein a spray tube (22) for conveying the paint powder (6) conveyed by the pump head (12) is attached to the at least one side wall (16), and wherein the spray tube (22) is pivotable relative to the pump head (12) at least between an actuating position oriented transversely to a container axis (20) of the powder container (10) and a rest position lying next to the powder container (10).

3. Marking system (2) according to claim 2, (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 18 wherein the spray tube (22) is freely rotatable relative to the pump head (12) about a pivot axis (26) oriented transversely to the container axis (20).

4. Marking system (2) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the protective cap (8) has a lateral projection (48) or a lateral slot (50) for receiving the spray tube (22) pivoted into the rest position when the spray device (4) is inserted into the protective cap (8).

5. Marking system (2) according to claim 4, wherein the fastening bracket (38) is offset by 90° or 180° with respect to a rotation about a cap axis (52) of the protective cap (8) relative to the shape (48) or the slot (50) on the protective cap (8).

6. Marking system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a free end of the spray tube (22) facing away from the pump head (12) is provided with a metal outlet tube (24).

7. Marking system (2) according to claim 6, wherein the outlet tube (24) can be reversibly removed and placed on the spray tube (22).

8. Marking system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the protective cap (8) protrudes beyond the pump head (12) by at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, in particular 60% of the insertion depth by which the sprayer (4) protrudes into the protective cap (8) when inserted.

9. Marking system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one locking element (44) is formed on one of the inner surfaces (36) of the fastening bracket (38) facing the outer surface (36) of the protective cap (8), which extends from there in the manner of a barb in the (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 19 Protrudes essentially in the direction of the fixed end (40) of the fastening bracket (38).

10. Marking system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the colour powder (6) contained in the powder container (10) is a chalk powder.

11. Marking system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a pumping mechanism of the pump head is lubricated with an oil, in particular a silicone oil.

12. Use of a marking system (2) with a powder sprayer (4) comprising a powder container (10) filled with a paint powder (6) and a pump head (12) mounted on the powder container (10) for pneumatic conveying and spraying the paint powder (6) for applying paint markings to surfaces.

13. Use according to claim 12, where the colour powder (6) is a chalk powder.

14. Use according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the marking system (2) additionally has a protective cap (8) with a cap opening (32) for inserting the powder sprayer (4), wherein a fastening bracket (38) is arranged on an outer surface (36) of the protective cap (8), which is integrally formed with a fixed end (40) in an area adjacent to the cap opening (32) of the protective cap (8) and extends from there substantially towards the longitudinal end (34) of the protective cap (8) facing away from the cap opening (32), and wherein the powder sprayer (4) can be inserted into the protective cap (8) with the pump head (12) leading, so that the powder sprayer (4) protrudes from the protective cap (8) with the powder container (10) or a part thereof. (\\fs2012\gsi-software\winpat5\document\amt\4136556 docx) Last saved: February 2, 2026

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