SPRAY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SPRAYING

Abstract

A liquid spray system (1e) and method of using a liquid spray system is shown. The spray system (1e) comprises a receptacle (100e) for holding liquid to be sprayed, a support structure (200e) for supporting the receptacle (100e), a spray applicator (300e) disposed remotely from the support structure (200e) and an air pressurising device for driving the liquid out of the receptacle (100e) and for mixing with the liquid at an outlet of the spray applicator (300e). Advantageously, the spray system (1e) is compact and versatile.

Claims

1. A liquid spray system (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) comprising: a support structure configured to support a receptacle, the receptacle (100) for holding liquid, the receptacle comprising: a main body (110); a reservoir (120) having a liquid outlet; a displacement member (130) moveable within the main body for varying a capacity of the reservoir and having a liquid contacting side (132) and an air contacting side (134); and an air inlet (140) in fluid communication with the air contacting side of the displacement member; a spray applicator (300) disposed remotely from the support structure comprising: a liquid inlet (310) for receiving liquid from the liquid outlet of the reservoir; a liquid outlet (320); a liquid outlet valve for controlling the release of liquid via the liquid outlet; a trigger (340) for controlling the outlet valve; and wherein the system is configured to be connected to an air pressurising device (400a, 400b, 400d) so that the air pressurising device is in fluid communication with: the air contacting side of the displacement member, so as to move the displacement member, in use; and the liquid outlet valve of the spray applicator, so as to propel liquid out of the liquid outlet valve of the spray applicator, in use.

2. The liquid spray system according to claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises an accommodating part configured to receive the receptacle.

3. The liquid spray system according to claim 2, wherein the accommodating part defines a recess having a shape at least partially corresponding to a shape of the receptacle.

4. The liquid spray system according to claim 2, wherein the support structure comprises an enclosure having an interior volume, the enclosure comprising the accommodating part.

5. The liquid spray system according to claim 4, wherein the support structure comprises a door configured to open and close the enclosure.

6. The liquid spray system according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is wearable on a user.

7. The liquid spray system according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is configured to be disposed on a floor or other support surface whilst the spray applicator is held in a hand of a user.

8. The liquid spray system according to claim 1, comprising a liquid transmission line extending between the support structure and the spray applicator, wherein a length of the liquid transmission line is 0.5 m or greater.

9. The liquid spraying system according to claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a spray applicator holder, configured to retain the spray applicator when not in use, the spray applicator holder being configured to prevent activation of the trigger of the spray applicator when retaining the spray applicator.

10. The liquid spray system according to claim 1, wherein the displacement member comprises a flexible membrane.

11. The liquid spray system according to claim 1, wherein a liquid outlet portion of the reservoir and an air inlet portion of the receptacle are arranged at or towards opposite ends of the receptacle.

12. The liquid spray system according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is arranged for supporting the air pressurising device.

13. The liquid spray system according to claim 1, wherein the air pressurising device is a compressor.

14. The liquid spray system according to claim 1, further comprising the air pressurising device.

15. The liquid spray system according to claim 1, further comprising the receptacle.

16. The liquid spray system according to claim 15, wherein the receptacle comprises the liquid.

17. The liquid spray system according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is a coating.

18. A method (1000) of using a liquid spray system comprising the steps of: loading (S200) a receptacle comprising a reservoir of liquid into a support structure; supplying (S300) gas to a displacement member of the receptacle from a gas pressurising device; moving (S400) the displacement member relative to a main body of the receptacle with gas supplied by the gas pressurising device; guiding (S500) liquid from the reservoir towards a spray applicator; and propelling (S700) liquid from an outlet valve of the spray applicator using gas from the gas pressurising device as propellant upon activation of a trigger of the spray applicator.

19. The method (1000) of claim 18, comprising filling (S110) the reservoir with liquid.

20. The method (1000) of claim 18, comprising wearing (S900) the support structure.

21. The method (1000) according to claim 18, wherein the gas comprises air.

22. The method (1000) according to claim 18, wherein the liquid is a coating composition.

23. An assembly for a liquid spray system (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) comprising: a support structure (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d) configured to support a receptacle, the receptacle (100) for holding liquid, the receptacle comprising: a main body (110); a reservoir (120) having a liquid outlet; a displacement member (130) moveable within the main body for varying a capacity of the reservoir and having a liquid contacting side (132) and an air contacting side (134); an air inlet (140) in fluid communication with the air contacting side of the displacement member; and a spray applicator (300) connectable to the support structure so as to be disposed remotely therefrom comprising: a liquid inlet (310) for receiving liquid from the liquid outlet of the reservoir; a liquid outlet (320); a liquid outlet valve for controlling the release of liquid via the liquid outlet; a trigger (340) for controlling the outlet valve, wherein the assembly is configured to be connected to an air pressurising device (400a, 400b, 400d) so as to place the air pressurising device in fluid communication with: the air contacting side of the displacement member, so as to move the displacement member, in use; and the liquid outlet valve of the spray applicator, so as to propel liquid out of the liquid outlet valve of the spray applicator, in use.

24. The assembly of claim 23, further comprising the receptacle.

25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein the receptacle comprises the liquid.

26. The assembly of claim 23, comprising the air pressurising device.

27. Use of a receptacle for holding a coating composition in a liquid spray system as defined in claim 1, the receptacle comprising: a main body; a reservoir holding a coating composition and having a liquid outlet; a displacement member moveable within the main body for varying a capacity of the reservoir and having a liquid contacting side and an air contacting side; an air inlet in fluid communication with the air contacting side of the displacement member.

28. The liquid spray system according to claim 17, wherein the coating is a paint or varnish.

29. The method (1000) according to claim 22, wherein the coating composition is a paint or varnish.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0150] For a better understanding of the disclosure, and to show how examples may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0151] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a user spraying a surface with a first example of a spray system, wherein a support structure of the spray system is floor-standing and not wearable on the user;

[0152] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the receptacle of FIG. 1;

[0153] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the support structure of FIG. 1 wherein a hatch of the support structure is in an open position for accessing a receptacle shown as a cartridge housed by the support structure;

[0154] FIG. 4 shows the support structure of FIG. 3 alternatively housing a second cartridge of relatively smaller volume than the cartridge shown in FIG. 3 wherein the hatch is in a closed position;

[0155] FIG. 5 shows the main unit of FIG. 3 wherein the support structure comprises a control unit which is attachable to a receptacle holding part of the support structure;

[0156] FIG. 6 shows a second example of the spray system, wherein a support structure of the second example comprises a floor contacting part comprising wheels;

[0157] FIG. 7 shows a receptacle holding part of the support structure of the second example for housing a plurality of cartridges;

[0158] FIG. 8 shows a control unit of the second example attached to a user;

[0159] FIG. 9 shows a third example of the spray system, wherein a support structure and a control unit are wearable on a user, wherein an air pressuring device is floor-standing and not wearable on the user;

[0160] FIG. 10 shows a fourth example of the spray system, wherein a support structure and an air pressurising device powered by an energy storage unit are wearable on a user;

[0161] FIG. 11 shows the support structure and air pressurising device of FIG. 10;

[0162] FIG. 12 shows alternative examples of the support structure;

[0163] FIG. 13 shows a control unit of the fourth example;

[0164] FIG. 14 shows a flow chart of a method of using a liquid spray system;

[0165] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fifth example of the spray system;

[0166] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of an upper rear portion of the support structure of structure of the spray system of FIG. 15;

[0167] FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of a lower side portion of the support structure of the spray system of FIGS. 15 and 16; and

[0168] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the spray system of FIG. 15-17 with the hatch open.

[0169] FIG. 19 shows a backpack mounting board of the spray system of FIG. 15-18;

[0170] In the drawings, corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components. The skilled person will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various examples of the invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible example are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various examples.

DESCRIPTION

[0171] At least some of the following examples provide an improved liquid spray system, method of using a liquid spray system and kit of parts for a liquid spray system. The example system is simple and convenient for the user. Additionally, the effect of splashback and overspray is reduced. Other advantages and improvements will be discussed in more detail herein.

[0172] A spray system 1a according to a first example is shown in FIG. 1. The spray system comprises a receptacle 100 for containing liquid to be sprayed onto a surface. The receptacle is shown as a bottle in the form of a cartridge. Using a cartridge is advantageous because the liquid can be easily changed, particularly when the liquid remaining in the receptacle is low. The cartridge may comprise a tamper-proofing means (not shown). The tamper-proofing means may be disturbed when inserting the cartridge. Alternatively, the tamper-proofing means may be removed manually by a user before inserting the cartridge. In FIG. 1, a cylindrical receptacle is shown. The capacity of the receptacle is 2 L, although a smaller (e.g. 1 L) receptacle can be equally used. Advantageously, the support structure is capable of holding cartridges of varying capacity and/or size.

[0173] The receptacle 1a shown in FIG. 1 is installed in a support structure 200a. The support structure is a floor-standing support structure. That is, the support structure has a predetermined resting position. The resting position equates to a vertical orientation of the receptacle when installed in the support structure.

[0174] The spray system 1a further comprises a spray applicator 300 that is holdable by the hand of the user. The spray applicator comprises a trigger 340 for activating the release of the liquid away from a liquid outlet valve (not shown) of the spray applicator. The trigger is suitably biased towards a first position that is a non-activating position. The biasing means may be a resilient member such as a spring. The spray applicator is a spray gun. The spray applicator has a liquid outlet 320 that is arranged at an opposite end to a liquid inlet 310.

[0175] The spray system 1a comprises an air pressurising device 400a in the form of a compressor. The compressor supplies the receptacle 100 with air pressure so that the liquid can be driven out of the receptacle and towards the spray applicator 300. The compressor is shown to be powered by mains electricity and comprises an electrical connector 404 that supplies electricity through an electrical cable 402. However, the air pressurising device may be a canister of pressurised air. The canister is advantageous because it is portable and can be easily used outside without the risk of electrical shock. Furthermore, the compressor may be powered by a battery rather than mains electricity. It will, however, be appreciated that in some examples the spray system 1a may be supplied without an air pressurising device 400, so that a user can connect a separately obtained air pressurising device to the spray system 1a.

[0176] In one example, the air pressurising device 400a is configured to supply air at a pressure of 3 bar or less to the spray applicator 300 and/or the receptacle 100. The use of a relatively low pressure reduces overspray and splashback. This may be possible because the air pressurising device 400 is also configured to force liquid out of the receptacle 100 as discussed below.

[0177] The spray system 1a is further shown with transmissions lines 410, 420a, 520a. The transmission lines are hoses that convey air or liquid around the spray system. For example, a first air transmission line 410 provides fluid communication between the compressor and the receptacle 100. A second air transmission line 420a and a first liquid transmission line 520a fluidly link the receptacle and the spray applicator 300. A three-way connector may separate the first and second air transmission lines so that air supplied under pressure from the compressor is diverted from the first air transmission line towards the receptacle to drive a displacement member 130 of the receptacle and force liquid out of the receptacle.

[0178] As will be appreciated from the figures, the spray applicator 300 is disposed remotely from the support structure 200a holding the receptacle 100. In other words, the spray applicator 300 and the support structure 200a are separate, independently movable bodies connected by virtue of the transmission lines 420a,520a, and thus are able to move relative to one another when the spray system 1a is in use. Accordingly, the spray applicator 300 does not comprise the receptacle 100. This allows a user to move and manipulate the spray applicator 300 whilst the receptacle 100 and support structure 200a remain in position resting on the floor.

[0179] The first liquid transmission line 520a and/or the second air transmission line 420a are of a sufficient length that allows support structure to remain in position (e.g. on the floor or worn by a user) whilst the spray applicator 300 is moved by the user. For example, the transmission lines 520a/420a may be at least 0.5 m long, e.g. 2 m or 3 m.

[0180] Finally, a control unit 600a with control dials 610a is shown that is attached to the support structure 200a. Although three control dials are shown, at least one control dial may be used to simplify the options for adjustment. The control unit is removable from the support structure. That is, the control unit can be coupled and decoupled to the support structure. This allows the control unit to be removed for maintenance, repair or update.

[0181] The receptacle 100 is shown in cross-section in FIG. 2. The receptacle comprises a main body 110 that is an outer part of the receptacle. The main body may be made from metal or plastic. The receptacle further comprises a displacement member 130 that is provided as a bladder. The displacement member is configured to expand and contract as liquid fills and leaves (through a liquid outlet (not shown) of) a reservoir 120, respectively. In the example shown, the reservoir is provided by the displacement member alone and not the main body. However, in an alternative example, the reservoir 120 may be formed by the main body and the displacement member, for example, if the displacement member is provided as a piston. The displacement member therefore has an air contacting side 134 and a liquid contacting side 132. The main body also has an air contacting side 112 that comes into contact with the displacement member. To allow the displacement member to move freely away from the air contacting side of the main body, the air contacting side comprises a coating that is a non-stick coating to avoid the adhesion of the displacement member to the main body.

[0182] FIG. 2 further shows an air inlet 140. The air inlet allows air to enter the receptacle 100 from the compressor. The air contacts the air contacting side 112 of the main body 110 and the air contacting side 134 of the displacement member 130 to force the displacement member to move. In the example shown, the displacement member is a bladder and comprises a flexible membrane allowing the displacement member to be manipulated so that the displacement member can expand and contract by air pressure.

[0183] In one example, the air inlet comprises a one-way valve 142 for restricting air flow and preventing air flow out of the receptacle. This prevents the reservoir 120 being filled without circumventing (i.e. overcoming) the one-way valve because the displacement member is prevented from expanding when liquid enters the reservoir. Advantageously, the cartridge may not be refillable by the user without a special tool to open the one-way valve. However, in other examples, the air inlet 140 comprises an aperture that is not restricted by a one-way valve. In such examples, the pressure is equalised when the air inlet is disengaged from the spray system 1a.

[0184] In one example, the liquid outlet and air inlet 140 are disposed at or towards opposing ends of the receptacle 100. For example, the liquid outlet may be disposed at a top portion of the receptacle 100, and the air inlet 140 may be disposed at a bottom portion of the receptacle 100, such as on an underside of the receptacle 100.

[0185] The support structure 200a of the first example is shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 to 5. As previously mentioned, the support structure is shown with a removable control unit 600a that regulates the flow of air and/or liquid of the spray system 1a. Transmissions lines 420a, 520a are shown to transport the air and liquid around the system. Furthermore, cartridge 100-12 and cartridge 100-14 of differing capacities are shown. The support structure comprises a handle 244 for ease of transportation. The cartridge is removed by opening a door 240, shown as a hatch. The door may comprise a window for visual inspection of the inside of the support structure. The door comprises an opening means 242. The opening means may be a handle. However, suitably the opening means is a button to release the hatch. The door is hinged to allow the door to pivot and provide an opening through which to pass the receptacle 100. The support structure 200a comprises an accommodating part 220 for receiving the receptacle (i.e. housing the receptacle) and a ground contacting part 230a for abutment against a ground surface. The accommodating part is therefore a receptacle holding part 220. A further liquid transmission line 510a is shown that is arranged to convey liquid from the receptacle to the control unit.

[0186] A spray system 1b according to a second example is shown in FIG. 6. The spray system of the second example differs from the spray system 1a of the first example in that the air pressurising device 400b is powered by liquid fuel, such as diesel or gasoline, the support structure 200b is arranged in the form of a trolley and the control unit 600b (see FIG. 8) is wearable on the user.

[0187] A first air transmission line 410 connects the air pressurising device 400b and the support structure 200b. Although not shown, a first liquid transmission line 510b is connected between a liquid outlet portion of the reservoir 120 and a connecting member 210 shown in FIG. 7. A second liquid transmission line 520b is configured to transmit liquid away from the connecting member and toward the liquid inlet 310 of the spray applicator 300. Similarly, a second air transmission line 420b is configured to transmit air from the connecting member and toward the spray applicator to propel liquid out of the liquid outlet valve of the spray applicator. Both the second liquid transmission line and the second air transmission line comprise a pair of transmission sub-lines. A first air transmission sub-line 420b-1 is connected upstream of the control unit 600b and a second air transmission sub-line 420b-2 is connected downstream of the control unit. Likewise, a first liquid transmission sub-line 520b-1 is connected upstream of the control unit and a second liquid transmission sub-line 520b-2 is connected downstream of the control unit. A control dial 610b is used to control the passage of liquid and/or air.

[0188] The support structure 200b comprises a telescopic handle for ease of storage. The support structure comprises a receptacle holding part 220 (i.e. an accommodating part) and a ground contacting part 230b. Unlike the support structure 220a of the first example, the support structure of the second example is capable of holding a plurality of receptacles 100 at once. The receptacle holding part comprises a door that allows access to the inside of the receptacle holding part (i.e. the region accommodating the at least one receptacle). The door does not comprise a window. The ground contacting part comprises a plurality of wheels. The wheels may be connected by a common axle. Alternatively, the wheels may rotate independently and therefore have separate axles. The ground contacting part further comprises a foot provided away from the wheels. The foot does not move relative to the receptacle holding part but is configured to rest against a ground surface when the support structure is in a standing position.

[0189] A spray system 1c according to a third example is shown in FIG. 9. The spray system differs from the spray system 1a of the first example in that the support structure 200c and control unit 600c are both wearable on a user (the support structure comprises a ground contacting part 230c for resting the support structure on ground in a resting position). The support structure is worn by the user using shoulder straps 260c and the control unit is worn using a belt 270c. The air pressurising device 400a of the first example is shown. However, the air pressurising device 400b of the second example can equally be used. The air pressurising device is powered by mains electricity and comprises an electrical connector 404 that supplies electricity through an electrical cable 402.

[0190] The first air transmission line 410 of the third example is connected between the air pressurising device 400a and the control unit 600c. The control unit therefore acts as a hub about which the network of transmission lines is arranged. A second air transmission line 420c comprises a first air transmission sub-line 420c-1 which transmits air towards the receptacle 100 and a second air transmission sub-line 420c-2 transmits air towards the spray applicator 300. Additionally, a first liquid transmission line 520c comprises a first liquid transmission sub-line 520c-1 which transmits liquid from the receptacle 100 to the control unit and a second liquid transmission sub-line 520c-2 transmits liquid from the control unit to the spray applicator. Therefore, the first and second liquid transmission sub-lines flow in and out of the control unit whereas the first and second air transmission sub-lines both flow out of the control unit since the first air transmission line supplies the control unit with air from the air pressurising device.

[0191] A spray system 1d according to a fourth example is shown in FIG. 10. The spray system of the fourth example is similar to the spray system 1c of the third example in that the support structure 200d and control unit 600d (including at least one control dial 610d as shown in FIG. 13) are both wearable on a user. The support structure is provided as a backpack. The backpack includes shoulder straps 260d and a belt 270d. The air pressurising device 400d of the fourth example is powered by a battery. This allows the spray system to be portable and the air pressurising device can be carried by the user. The support structure comprises a plurality of compartments, each for the receptacle and the air pressurising device with battery. A lower compartment is the ground contacting part 230d.

[0192] FIG. 12 shows two variations of the shoulder straps 260e, 260f and belt 270e, 270f combination of FIGS. 9 and 10. These variations comprise holders for further receptacles 100 or generally pockets for storing other items of use. The shoulder straps and belt are comfortable and convenient for a user.

[0193] FIG. 14 shows a method 1000 of using a liquid spray system. The method includes filling the receptacle with liquid (S100), suitably a coating composition such as a paint or varnish. The filling step may be performed using a one-way valve so that an end-user cannot easily re-fill the receptacle because the one-way valve may require a special tool to overcome. Once the receptacle is filled, the receptacle can be loaded into a support structure (S200). When the receptacle comprises a tamper-proofing means, the step of loading the receptacle may disturb the tamper-proofing means and allow the liquid to be released from the receptacle. Once the receptacle is loaded, gas is supplied to a displacement member of the receptacle from a gas pressurising device (S300). The gas pressurising device may be a compressor and the gas may be air. The supply of gas under pressure results in the movement of the displacement member relative to a main body of the receptacle (S400). The displacement member therefore acts as a bladder and expands and contracts under pressure. As a result of the movement of the displacement member, liquid is guided from the reservoir towards a spray applicator (S500). To release the liquid from the spray system, a trigger on the spray applicator is activated (S600), suitably by hand. The liquid is then propelled from an outlet valve of the spray applicator using gas from the gas pressurising device as a propellant (S700). The liquid can be directed to a surface to be coated. Once a liquid level in the receptacle is sufficiently low, the receptacle can be replaced. Therefore, it is convenient if the receptacle is a cartridge so that the receptacle can be swapped with ease.

[0194] A further example of a liquid spray system 1e is shown in FIGS. 15-19. The liquid spray system 1e corresponds largely in structure and function to the liquid spray systems 1a-1d described herein, and therefore only the differences will be discussed in detail. Furthermore, FIGS. 15-19 omit the transmission lines and air pressurising device so as to facilitate an unobstructed view of the features of the system 1e.

[0195] As can be best seen in FIGS. 15-18, liquid spray system 1e comprises a support structure 200e, configured to retain a receptacle 100e. Similarly to the support structure 200a, the support structure 200e takes the form of a generally cuboid structure, albeit with the base 201e of the support structure 200e having a larger surface area than the top 202e. The generally vertical sidewalls 203e of the support structure 200e have a longer vertical extent than the horizontal extent of the top 202e and bottom 201e, so that the support structure 200e has a generally “portrait” orientation when viewed from the front or side. Similarly to the support structure 200d, the support structure 200e is configured so that it can be either worn on the back of the user or rested on the floor or another support surface in use. In other words, the support structure 200e is operable in two configurations, a worn configuration and a floor-resting configuration.

[0196] The support structure 200e defines a housing or enclosure that has an internal volume that accommodates the receptacle 100e. This enclosure is accessible by opening the door 240e. As can be best seen in FIG. 18, the door 240e is pivotally attached to the support structure 200e towards the base 201e, so that the upper edge 241e of door 240e can move away from and forward of the support structure 200e.

[0197] The internal volume of the support structure 200e comprises an accommodating part 220e that is configured to retain the receptacle 100e. The accommodating part 220e is shaped to engage with the receptacle 100e so as to hold it securely in position during operation of the spraying system 1e. For example, the accommodating part 200e may take the form of recess having a shape that is at least partially complementary to the shape of the receptacle 100e, so as to securely engage the main body of the receptacle 100e.

[0198] It will be appreciated that the recess may not exactly correspond to the shape of the receptacle 100e—for example the recess may be able to accommodate expansion of the receptacle 100e in use. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that in some examples the accommodating part 200e comprises elements on the interior surface of the door 240e that are configured to engage with the receptacle 100e when the door 240e is closed.

[0199] In one example, the support structure 200e comprises a spray applicator holder 250e, configured to retain the spray applicator 300e when not in use. The spray applicator holder 250e is located at an upper portion of one of the sidewalls 203e. Furthermore, the holder 250e comprises a stop member 251e (best seen in FIG. 16), which prevents activation of the trigger 340e of the spray applicator 300e, when the spray applicator is in the holder 250e. For example, stop member 251e is a projection that extends between the trigger 340e and a handle 330e of the spray applicator 300e. Accordingly, the stop member 251e prevents the trigger 340e being depressed towards the handle 330e, thereby preventing activation of the trigger 340e.

[0200] In one example, the system 1e comprises an emergency cut off button 255e, which is shown in detail in FIG. 17. For example, the emergency cut off button 255e is disposed at a lower portion of one of the sidewalls 203e. Accordingly, when the support structure 200e is worn on the back of the user, the user can easily reach the button 255e to activate it. The emergency cut off button 255e is configured to cut off the air supply received from the air pressurising device 400 upon activation of the button, for example by activating a shut-off valve. Consequently, liquid will no longer be forced out of the receptacle 100e, and the spray applicator 300e will no longer propel the liquid therefrom.

[0201] In one example, a guard portion is positioned around the emergency cut off button 255e. The guard portion extends further from the sidewall 203 than the button 255e, so as to prevent accidental activation of the button 255e. In one example, the guard portion takes the form of a pair of projections 256e arranged at opposite sides of the button 255e.

[0202] The receptacle 100e takes the form of a generally cylindrical main body 110e, with a domed top portion 111e. A neck 112e is formed at the peak of domed top portion 111e, wherein the neck forms the liquid outlet of the receptacle 100e

[0203] The bottom end 113e, which is disposed at the opposite end of the main body 110e to the top portion 111e, comprises the air inlet 140e. In one example, the air inlet 140e is arranged on the underside 114e of the receptacle 100e.

[0204] Turning now to FIG. 19, there is shown an exemplary backpack mounting unit 280e. The backpack mounting unit 280e comprises a board 281e having a plurality of apertures 282e, which are configured to retain suitable shoulder and hip straps (not shown). The backpack mounting unit 280e is connectable to the rear of the support structure 200e, for example via mounting rail 283e, which is slidably engageable in a corresponding recess 204e disposed on a rear side wall 205e of the support structure 200e. This allows the support structure 200e to be rapidly converted from a floor standing support structure to a wearable support structure.

[0205] Whilst the liquid stored in the receptacle 100 described above may be a liquid for coating a surface, it will be appreciated that a receptacle 100 comprising a cleaning solution for cleaning the system 1 may also be supplied. Particularly, some liquids used by the spraying system 1 may dry and set in the liquid transmissions lines of the system 1 when the system 1 is stored between uses. Accordingly, a receptacle 100 comprising a cleaning solution may be received in the system 1, such that the cleaning solution may be drawn through the system 1 in order to flush the system 1.

[0206] In summary, examples of a liquid spray system and method of using a liquid spray system have been described. The described examples offer improvements over known systems and methods. The spray system of the examples is convenient to manufacture and straightforward to use. Furthermore, the spray system of examples is easy to transport and accurate to apply a liquid to a surface to be coated by the liquid.

[0207] In addition, the fact that the receptacle is disposed remotely from the spray applicator (e.g. with the receptacle in a floor standing or backpack-worn configuration) allows for a relatively large reservoir of liquid to be used. This increases the time taken to exhaust the liquid in the reservoir, and thus extending the time between replacement of the receptacle. Accordingly, user convenience is improved. Furthermore, the use of fewer, larger receptacles reduces the ratio of liquid to packaging, reducing packaging costs and transport costs.

[0208] Still further, the disposal of the receptacle remote from the spray applicator ensures that the spray applicator can remain relatively lightweight and easy-to-handle, allowing for a great degree of freedom of movement of the spray applicator. This advantageously assists the user in accurately dispensing the liquid, for example by accurately spraying a coating composition onto a surface.

[0209] Advantageously, the configuration of the liquid spray system allows for the liquid to be propelled from the spray applicator at a relatively low pressure. In turn, this reduces overspray and splashback, allowing the spray applicator to be placed in relatively close proximity to the surface being sprayed. Accordingly, as the distance between spray applicator and surface is minimised, the effects of environmental conditions, such as draughts and wind, are minimised. This renders the liquid spray system advantageously suitable for outdoor applications.

[0210] The spray system may be manufactured industrially. An industrial application of the example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.

[0211] Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.