FLUID DELIVERY ASSEMBLY FOR A SPRAYING APPARATUS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluid delivery assembly for a spraying apparatus. The assembly comprises an outer cup, a lid having a fluid outlet adapted to couple the lid to the spraying apparatus, and a liner for holding paint. The fluid delivery assembly comprises an interlocking keyed geometry adapted to prevent rotation of at least one of the lid and the liner with respect to the cup. The interlocking keyed geometry comprises at least one of (a) at least one protrusion of the cup extending into at least one recess of the lid, and (b) at least one protrusion of the lid extending into at least one recess of the cup, wherein the liner is trapped between the protrusion and the recess. The invention also relates to liners for such fluid delivery assemblies, which may be provided as a set of liners having different inners volumes.

Claims

1. A liner (30) for a fluid delivery assembly (1) for a spraying apparatus, the liner (30) comprising a peripheral sidewall (31) and a liner flange (32) extending from the peripheral sidewall (31); a pre-formed keyed feature (36), the keyed feature (36) being configured to limit rotation of the liner (30) in the fluid delivery assembly (1); wherein the keyed feature (36) is at least one of configured to be received in a recess (12, 22) of an outer cup (10) or lid (20) of the fluid delivery assembly (1); or configured to extend over a protrusion (11, 21) of the outer cup (10) or lid (20) of the fluid delivery assembly (1); wherein the keyed feature (36) is pre-formed into the liner flange (32); wherein the fluid delivery assembly has a longitudinal axis (A), and wherein the liner flange (32) extends from a first plane (L1) perpendicular to said longitudinal axis (A) to a second plane (L2) perpendicular to said longitudinal axis (A), wherein the first and second planes are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis (A).

2. The liner (30) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second planes are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis (A) by at least 2 mm.

3. The liner (30) according to claim 2, wherein the first and second planes are spaced apart from each other by at least 3 mm.

4. The liner (30) of claim 1, wherein the keyed feature (36) extends to the second plane.

5. The liner (30) according to claim 1, wherein a trajectory along which the liner flange (32) arcuately extends around the liner (30) includes at least a first segment (37) that extends perpendicularly or obliquely to a first plane (L1), the first plane (L1) being perpendicular to the liner longitudinal axis (A).

6. The liner (30) according to claim 5, wherein the first segment (37) extends in a third plane (L3) that passes through the inner volume of the liner (30).

7. The liner (30) according to claim 6, wherein the trajectory of the liner flange (32) around the liner (30) includes at least a second segment (38) that extends in the second plane (L2).

8. The liner (30) according to claim 7, wherein the second segment (38) is longer than the first segment (37).

9. The liner (30) according to claim 7, wherein the trajectory of the liner flange (32) around the liner (30) includes at least one third segment (39) that extends in the first plane (L1).

10. The liner (30) according to claim 5, wherein the first segment (37) extends at an angle (α) of at least 10° with respect to the first plane.

11. A set of at least two liners for a fluid delivery assembly (1) for a spraying apparatus, the set comprising: the first liner of claim 1; and a second liner (30); wherein the first liner (30) has a first inner volume and the second liner (30) has a second inner volume, the first inner volume being different from the second inner volume; wherein the first liner (30) comprises the first keyed feature (36) and the second liner (30) comprises a second keyed feature (36); wherein the first keyed feature (36) subtends a first arc angle (β) and the second keyed feature subtends a second arc angle (β), the first arc angle (β) being different from the second arc angle (β).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0073] The appended figures that are described below disclose embodiments of the invention for illustrational purposes only. In particular, the disclosure provided by the figures is not meant to limit the scope of protection conferred by the invention. The figures are schematic drawings only and embodiments shown may be modified in many ways within the scope of the claims. The figures show:

[0074] FIG. 1 a perspective view of a fluid delivery assembly of the present invention with the components of the assembly being shown partially exploded;

[0075] FIG. 2 a partially exploded front view of the fluid delivery assembly of FIG. 1;

[0076] FIG. 3 a perspective view of the fluid delivery assembly of to the present invention according to a variation, again shown in a partially exploded state;

[0077] FIG. 4 a partially exploded front view of the fluid delivery assembly of FIG. 3;

[0078] FIG. 5 a perspective view of a fluid delivery assembly of to the present invention according to a further variation;

[0079] FIG. 6 a further perspective view of a fluid delivery assembly of to the present invention illustrating a collar;

[0080] FIG. 7 a detail which exemplifies in a schematically manner a connection between an outer cup and a lid according to the present invention by latching members;

[0081] FIG. 8 a schematic top view of the outer cup according to the variation of FIG. 5 illustrating the angle subtended by a protrusion;

[0082] FIG. 9A a perspective view of an outer cup according to a further variation;

[0083] FIG. 9B a perspective view of an outer cup according to a further variation;

[0084] FIG. 9C a perspective view of an outer cup according to a further variation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] FIG. 1 shows a fluid delivery assembly 1 according to the present invention. The fluid delivery assembly 1 comprises an outer cup 10, a lid 20 and a liner 30. The assembly 1 may have a longitudinal axis A along which the outer cup 10, the lid 20 and the liner 30 are assembled together.

[0086] The outer cup 10 may have a peripheral sidewall 16. The peripheral sidewall 16 delimits an opening into which the liner 30 can be inserted in order to arrange it in the outer cup 10. The liner 30 can be arranged in the outer cup 10, for example, for mixing a batch of paint therein (e.g., from different paint components). The liner 30 may form an open upper end and may have a closed liner base (not shown). The liner base may be liquid-tight and/or devoid of holes in order to maintain the paint in the liner 30. The outer cup 10 may be configured to support the liner 30 when mixing the paint. This may facilitate the filling of paint into the liner 30 through its open upper end. The liner base and the liner sidewall 31 may be integrally formed with each other, for example by thermo/vacuum forming the liner 30.

[0087] A liner flange 32 may be integral with the liner sidewall 31, for example when thermo/vacuum forming the liner 30. Such integral liner flange 32 could be formed by thermo/vacuum forming. For example, such integral liner flange 32 could be integrally formed with the liner sidewall 31, e.g. in a single step with the liner sidewall 31 when thermo/vacuum forming the liner 30 (e.g. from a sheet of polymeric material). During such single thermo/vacuum forming step, also a keyed geometry could be provided in the liner 30, in particular in the liner flange 32. After forming the liner flange 32, in particular after forming the liner flange 32 in a thermo/vacuum forming step, the liner flange 32 may be trimmed.

[0088] Alternatively or additionally, a keyed geometry could be provided in the liner 30, in particular in the liner flange 32, in one or more subsequent steps after having formed the liner flange 32. For example, a liner 30 with a liner flange 32 could be formed (which may be integrally formed with the liner sidewall 31). Thereafter, in a subsequent step, the liner flange 32 could be heated or re-heated and the keyed geometry could be formed into the softened liner flange 32. For example, the softened liner flange 32 could be shaped in a die (or between two dies), e.g. in a press, and/or it could be shaped by clamping.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 1, the liner flange 32 may extend arcuately around at least a segment of the liner 30, preferably around the entire liner 30. As will be appreciated from the figures, the liner flange 32 preferably has a non-planar geometry.

[0090] The peripheral sidewall 16 may provide a support surface 15 on which the liner 30 is supported in the outer cup 10, for example via the liner flange 32. As shown, the support surface 15 may be formed by an upper end surface of the peripheral sidewall 16. However, this is not necessarily the case. For example, the peripheral sidewall 16 may also comprise a stepped configuration (e.g., proximate to its upper end; not shown in the figures). The support surface 15 preferably faces in an upward direction along the longitudinal axis A.

[0091] When the liner 30 is arranged in the outer cup 10, the liner sidewall 31 and/or the liner base may be arranged proximate to the sidewall 16 and/or a base of the outer cup 10, respectively. In this manner, a more thorough mixing of the paint may be possible. In some cases, such configuration may help to prevent a user from perforating the liner 30 with a mixing implement (not shown). In particular, the outer cup sidewall 16 and/or the outer cup base may be configured to limit a maximum extent to which the liner 30 can be deformed by such mixing implement. Optionally, the liner sidewall 31 may correspond in shape to the sidewall 16 of the outer cup 10.

[0092] After a batch of paint has been prepared, the lid 20 may be arranged on the liner 30 and/or on the outer cup 10. The lid 20 may be configured to close the liner's open upper end. The lid 20 may comprise a lid flange 26 which may extend in a radially outward manner. The lid 20 may comprise an abutment surface 25 configured to contact the liner flange 32. More specifically, the abutment surface 25 may be provided along the lid flange 26 and the lid flange 26 may be configured for being pressed against the liner flange 32 when the assembly 1 is assembled. The abutment surface 25 may face in a downward direction along the longitudinal axis A.

[0093] As illustrated in more detail in FIG. 2, the lid 20 may be provided with one or more sealing features configured seal with the liner 30 in a fluid- and/or air-tight manner when the lid 20 is arranged on the liner 30. For example, the lid 20 may comprise a cylindrical portion 19 configured to be inserted into the liner 30. One or more annular sealing projections 18 that engage with an inner surface of the liner 30, in particular with the liner's peripheral sidewall 31, may be provided along said cylindrical portion 19.

[0094] A fluid outlet 29 may be formed in the lid 20 for coupling the lid 29 to a paint inlet of a paint spray gun (not shown) so that the paint contained in the liner 30 can be sprayed. In particular, the fluid outlet 29 may be configured for connecting the lid 20, directly or via an adapter (not shown), to the paint inlet of a gravity fed paint spray gun. The fluid assembly 1 is preferably inverted when connected to such gravity fed spray gun. In other words, when the gun is held in a normal operating position with the nozzle pointing horizontally, the liner 30 preferably is arranged entirely or at least partially above the fluid outlet 29.

[0095] The lid 20 may be provided with one or more hook coupling means 28 (e.g., one or more pairs of hook coupling means 28), for example in the region of the fluid outlet 29. The hook coupling means 28 may be configured for connecting the lid 29 directly to the gun or to an adapter connected with such gun. The hook coupling means 28 are preferably spaced apart from the fluid outlet 29.

[0096] The liner 30 may be self-supporting, which may be helpful for mixing the paint directly in the liner. For example, such self-supporting nature of the liner 30 may avoid the liner 30 from entangle and/or being dragged around with the mixing implement when mixing the paint. At the same time, the liner 30 may be configured to collapse when spraying the paint via the gun, i.e. as fluid is withdrawn by the gun through the fluid outlet 29.

[0097] The fluid delivery assembly 1 may further comprise a collar 40 for holding the lid 20 and liner 30 together (see FIG. 6). Such collar 40 may be a screw-on collar provided with a first threading (e.g. an inner threading; not shown in the drawings) that engages with a second threading 17 (e.g. an outer threading) of the outer cup 10. The first and/or the second threading may comprise several separate segments. Alternatively, the outer cup 10 may comprise an additional, separate mounting ring (not shown) with the liner 30 being entrapped between said mounting ring and the lid 20, as it is known in the art (see, e.g., the “Norton Paint System” by Norton Abrasives GmbH, Wesseling, Germany). In this case, the collar 40 could be configured to engage with the mounting ring. Alternatively or additionally, the collar 40 could be snap-fitted to the liner 30, to the outer cup 10, and/or to the mounting ring.

[0098] Furthermore, such collar 40 could also be omitted, for example when the lid 20 itself is configured to be snap-fitted to the outer cup 10, to the liner 30, and/or to the mounting ring, or when the lid 20 itself is provided with a threading (not shown) that is configured to engage with a corresponding threading of the outer cup 10, the liner 30, and/or the mounting ring. One possible example for such configuration is shown in FIG. 7, wherein a detail of the fluid delivery assembly 1 can be seen. In this case, the lid 20 is provided with one or more latching members 50. Preferably, two or more such latching members 50 are present, which may be spaced around the circumference of the lid 20. The one or more latching members 50 may be formed as hooks, which in this case are exemplified as resilient hooks 52 that are integrally connected to and/or molded with the lid at a hinge 58 (e.g. an integral hinge). However, the one or more hooks 52 could also be foldable hooks and/or could be separately molded and connected to the lid 20, for example via a hinge axis and/or pin. The hooks 52 may engage the outer cup 10, for example by grasping over a top portion over said outer cup 10. For example, the outer cup 10 may be provided with one or more undercuts 54 (e.g. along an outer surface of the outer cup 10) into which the hooks 52 (for example a lock pawl thereof) may engage. Thereby, the lid 20 may be pressed onto the liner 30 and/or onto the outer cup 10.

[0099] The hooks 52 may be provided, for example at the end opposite to the end engaging with the outer cup 10, with an actuation tab 56 that is configured for being grasped with a hand of the user.

[0100] The skilled person will recognize based on the present disclosure that the latching members 50 could also be integrally molded with and/or hinged at the outer cup 10. In this case, they may grasp over the lid 20, for example over the lid flange 26.

[0101] The outer cup 10 may be present when spraying the paint. However, the outer cup 10 may also be removable from the connected lid 20 and liner 30 combination and/or separable from the remaining fluid delivery assembly 1.

[0102] According to the invention, the fluid delivery assembly 1 may comprise an interlocking keyed geometry adapted to prevent rotation of at least one of the lid 20 and the liner 30 with respect to the cup 10. The interlocking keyed geometry may comprise one or more protrusions on the outer cup 10 extending into one or more respective recesses of the lid 20 and/or one or more protrusions of the lid 20 extending into one or more respective recesses of the outer cup 10 such that the liner 30 is trapped or clamped between the one or more protrusions and the one or more recesses.

[0103] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid 20 is provided with a protrusion 21 that extends into a recess 12 of the outer cup 10. As shown, the recess 12 may be provided along the support surface 15 of the outer cup. The recess 12 may be open in an upward direction along the longitudinal axis A. The support surface 15 may extend along the recess 12.

[0104] More specifically, the recess 12 may extend into the peripheral sidewall 16 of the outer cup 10 in a radial direction and/or along the longitudinal axis A. The recess 12 may be delimited by a recess peripheral wall 14. The liner flange 32 preferably contacts said peripheral wall 14.

[0105] For example, the recess peripheral wall 14 may extend along an arcuate length that corresponds to the sum of the lengths L4-1, L4-2 and L4-3 indicated in FIG. 2. The liner flange 32 preferably contacts the recess peripheral wall 14 at least along 50%, 60% or 80% of said arcuate length. As shown, the fluid delivery assembly 1 preferably comprises a plurality of such recesses 12. When an additional mounting ring is used, the one or more recesses 12 may be provided in the mounting ring.

[0106] The projection 21 may extend from the lid flange 26, for example in a downward direction along the longitudinal axis A, for example by at least 2 mm or at least 3 mm. The protrusion 21 may be considered to protrude in a non-radial manner. The abutment surface 25 may extend also along the protrusion 21. The fluid delivery assembly 1 preferably comprises a plurality of such protrusions 21.

[0107] The liner 30, in particular the liner flange 32, may be provided with one or more corresponding keyed features 36. The one or more keyed features 36 are preferably pre-formed into the liner, for example during a thermo/vacuum forming thereof and/or in a subsequent production step. In other words, the keyed features 36 preferably are present already before assembling the fluid delivery assembly 1. However, alternatively or additionally, the liner sidewall 31 and/or the liner flange 32 may also be made from a semi-flexible or flexible material that may allow the keyed feature 36 to be formed in the liner sidewall 31 and/or in the liner flange 32 by deforming the liner 30 when assembling the fluid delivery assembly 1. For example, the liner 30, in particular the liner flange 32, may be deformed by the protrusion 21 into the recess 12. As such, the liner flange 32 may be straight and/or planar in an initial configuration (i.e., before assembling the assembly 1), as schematically illustrated in FIG. 3. When the assembly 1 is assembled, the liner flange 32 may be deformed into a deformed configuration, for example into a wavy configuration that is schematically illustrated in FIG. 4 and/or one or more keyed features 36 may be formed into the liner flange 32 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0108] The one or more keyed features 36 may be configured to be located in a respective recess 12 when the liner 30 is inserted into the outer cup 10. In this manner, the keyed feature 36 may be configured to interlock with the recess 12 to prevent rotation of the liner 30 in the outer cup 10 when mixing the paint and/or when assembling the lid 20 onto the liner 30.

[0109] When the outer cup 10 and the lid 20 are assembled, the one or more keyed features 36 may be trapped between a respective recess 12 of the outer cup 10 and a respective protrusion 21 of the lid 20 (or, when the outer cup comprises a separate mounting ring, between the lid and the mounting ring). In particular, the protrusion 21 may be configured to extend into the recess 12 and/or into the keyed feature 36, in particular when the cup 10 and lid 20 are moved together along the longitudinal axis A. Differently worded, the liner 30, in particular the liner flange 32, may extend around the protrusion 21. The protrusion 21 may comprise a downwardly facing end surface 23 (see FIG. 2). The liner 30, in particular the liner flange 32, may extend around said end surface 23. The sealing features 18 of the lid 20 may be positioned below the protrusion 21. In particular, the sealing features may be positioned below the downwardly facing end surface 23, but also other positions are possible. Alternatively or additionally, the lid 20 may comprise a separate o-ring seal (not shown) that is provided on the lid (e.g. within a preformed groove) or an overmolded seal (e.g. an overmolded ring) that is preferably provided to the lid 20 during an additional molding step (e.g., by injection molding with a different material, which may be softer than that of the lid).

[0110] With such interlocking geometry, the risk of an inadvertent rotation of the lid 20 with respect to the outer cup 10 and/or the liner 30, which could lead to spilling of the paint provided in the liner, may be significantly reduced. This may be helpful when connecting the fluid outlet 29 to the inlet of the spray gun. In particular, establishment of a fluid- and/or air-tight connection between the fluid outlet 29 and the inlet of the gun may require a forceful relative rotation between the lid 20 and the gun. The keyed geometry may hold the cup 10, lid 20 and liner 30 more securely together during such rotation. In particular, the keyed geometry may allow the user to grab the outer cup 10 with the hand and then securely rotate the lid 20 together with the outer cup 10 for connecting the fluid outlet 29 to the inlet of the gun.

[0111] As illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 4, the liner flange 32 may extend from a first plane L1, which preferably is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, to a second plane L2, which preferably is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0112] The first and second planes L1, L2 may be spaced apart from each along the longitudinal axis A by at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm. The keyed feature 36 of the liner 30 may extend from the first plane L1 to the second plane L2. As such, the first and second planes L1, L2 preferably are parallel to each other. However, in variations of the embodiment, they could also be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A and/or with respect to each other. For example, the first and second planes L1, L2 could be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A at different angles.

[0113] The liner flange 32 may extend around the liner 30 with at least one first segment 37 that extends perpendicularly or obliquely to the first plane L1. Said first segment 37 may extend at an angle α of at least 10°, at least 20° or at least 30° with respect to the first plane L1. The first segment 37 may be at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, or at least 4 mm long. Alternatively or additionally, the first segment 37 preferably is 15 mm long or shorter, 10 mm long or shorter, or 7 mm long or shorter. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the liner flange 32 preferably includes a plurality of such first segments 37. The one or more first segments 37 may extend in a third plane L3 that passes through the inner volume of the liner 30.

[0114] Additionally or alternatively, the liner flange 32 may extend around the liner 30 with at least one second segment 38 that extends in the second plane L2. The second segment 38 may be longer than the first segment 37. For example, the second segment 38 may be at least 5 mm long, at least 7 mm long, or at least 10 mm long. Alternatively or additionally, the second segment 38 preferably is 40 mm long or shorter, 30 mm long or shorter, or 20 mm long or shorter. The liner flange 32 preferably comprises a plurality of second segments 38.

[0115] As further apparent from FIGS. 2 and 4, the liner flange 32 may also include one or more third segments 39. In particular, the liner flange 32 may extend around the liner 30 with at least one third segment 39 that extends in the first plane L1.

[0116] According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the liner flange 32 may be angled at one or more locations. In particular, the liner flange 32 may include one or more angled portions or sharp bends 35. The liner flange may transition from the one or more first segments 37 into the one or more second segments 38 and/or into the one or more third segments 39 at said angled portions 35.

[0117] All three segments are optional and do not necessarily extend in a straight manner. For example, one or more of the first, second and third segments may be partially or entirely curved, for example when the liner flange 32 is wavy.

[0118] As further shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the support surface 15 of the outer cup 10 may extend from a first plane C1 to a second plane C2. The first plane and/or the second plane preferably is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Preferably, both planes C1, C2 are parallel to each other. The planes C1, C2 may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of said longitudinal axis A, for example by at least 2 mm or at least 3 mm. In variations of the embodiment, the planes C1, C2 could also be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A and/or with respect to each other. For example, the first and second planes C1, C2 could be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A at different angles. The first plane C1 of the outer cup 10 preferably is parallel to the first plane L1 of the liner 30 and/or the second plane C2 of the outer cup 10 preferably is parallel to the second plane L2 of the liner 30.

[0119] With further reference to FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that the abutment surface 25 of the lid 20 may extend from a first plane D1 to a second plane D2, with said first plane D1 and/or said second plane D2 preferably being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Preferably, both planes D1, D2 are parallel to each other. The planes D1, D2 may be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis A, for example by at least 2 mm or at least 3 mm. In variations of the embodiment, the planes D1, D2 could also be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A and/or with respect to each other. For example, the first and second planes D1, D2 could be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A at different angles. The first plane D1 of the lid 20 preferably is parallel to the first plane C1 of the outer cup 10 and/or to the first plane L1 of the liner 30. The second plane D2 of the lid 20 preferably is parallel to the second plane C2 of the outer cup 10 and/or to the second plane L2 of the liner 30.

[0120] Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4 a variation of the fluid delivery assembly 1 is shown wherein the outer cup 10 is provided with a wavy and/or undulating support surface 15. Furthermore, the lid 20 may be provided with a correspondingly wavy and/or undulating abutment surface 25 for interlocking with said support surface 15. The undulations provided to the support surface 15 and the abutment surface 25 may correspond to each other in the number of recesses/protrusions, in the length and/or shape of the recesses/protrusions, and/or in the phase at which they undulate. Such undulating surfaces may be devoid of sharp bends. The support surface 15 and/or the abutment surface 25 may be undulated along their entire circumference or only along a segment thereof.

[0121] The liner 30, in particular the liner flange 32, may be pre-formed with a corresponding undulation and/or waviness (see the shape of the liner flange 32 shown in FIG. 4). However, as shown in FIG. 3, also a liner 30 with a planar liner flange 32 may be employed. The liner 30, in particular the liner flange 32, may then be deformed by pressing the lid 20 onto the outer cup 10.

[0122] FIG. 5 shows a fluid delivery assembly 1 according to a further variation. In this case the outer cup 10 is provided with the one or more protrusions 11 while the lid 20 comprises the one or more recesses 22 for receiving said protrusions 11. More specifically, the one or more protrusions 11 may extend from the peripheral sidewall 16 of the outer cup 10. Each protrusion 11 may be configured to engage into a corresponding recess 22 and/or with a corresponding keyed feature of the liner 30 (not shown in FIG. 5). Alternatively or additionally, the one or more protrusions 11 may deform the liner 30, in particular the liner flange 32, into the corresponding recess 22.

[0123] Each protrusion 11 may comprise an upwardly facing end surface 13 that may abut with the liner, in particular with a keyed feature of the liner 30. The liner 30 may be configured to extend around said end surface 13. When an additional mounting ring is used, the protrusion 11 may be provided in said mounting ring.

[0124] As further shown in FIG. 5, the one or more recesses 21 may be located in the lid flange 26. The recesses 21 may comprise a downwardly facing peripheral wall 24 that may be configured to abut with the liner 30 when the assembly 1 is assembled.

[0125] The one or more protrusions 11, 21 and/or the one or more recesses 12, 22 of the outer cup 10 and/or of the lid 20, as well as—optionally—also the one or more keyed features 36 of the liner 30, may each be considered to subtend an arc angle β around the longitudinal axis A. In an exemplary manner, such arc angle β is shown in FIG. 8 for the outer cup 10 of FIG. 5. The arc angle β preferably is measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The arc angle β preferably is measured in such plane between lines extending radially from the longitudinal axis A to a starting point E and an end point F of the protrusion 11, 21. The arc angle β preferably is at least 10°, at least 20°, or at least 30°. Additionally or alternatively, the arc angle preferably is 180° or less, 120° or less, or 90° or less.

[0126] FIGS. 9A to 9C show different outer cups 10 with protrusions and/or recesses extending over various arc angles. For example, in FIG. 9A a recess 12 extends over approximately 15°. In FIG. 9B, a recess 12 extends over approximately 180° while a protrusion 11 extends over approximately 180°. In FIG. 9C, a protrusion 11 extends over approximately 15°.

[0127] When providing sets of outer cups 10 and lids 20 for different volumes, the outer cup 10 and lid 20 for a first volume preferably have a corresponding interlocking geometry. In particular, such outer cup 10 and lid 20 for the first volume may have one or more recesses and one or more corresponding protrusions, in particular recesses and protrusions subtending the same arc angle β, recesses and protrusions that have the same distribution around the longitudinal axis, the same number of recesses and protrusions, and/or recesses and protrusions that correspond in shape and/or phase with each other. Depending on the specific implementation, a correspondence of the one or more recesses and one or more protrusions in one of these features (arc angle, distribution, number, shape and/or phase) may be sufficient. However, it is preferred that a correspondence in at least two, three or four of these features is provided.

[0128] When the liner 30 is pre-formed with one or more keyed features 36 (see above), also the one or more keyed features 36 of a liner 30 for said first volume may correspond to the recesses and protrusions in one or more (preferably two, three or four) of the above-mentioned features (i.e., arc angle, distribution, number, shape and/or phase).

[0129] Moreover, an outer cup 10 and lid 20 for a second volume that is different from the first volume are preferably provided with recesses and protrusions that differ in arc angle, distribution, number, shape and/or phase from those provided to the outer cup 10 and lid 20 for the first volume. Similarly, when the liner 30 is pre-formed with one or more keyed features 36, the pre-formed keyed features 36 in a liner for said second volume preferably differ in one or more of arc angle, distribution, number, shape and/or phase from those provided to the liner 30 for the first volume.

[0130] In other words, the outer cups 10, lids 20, and/or liners 30 for different volumes are preferably non-compatible with each other.

[0131] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above. As far as the expressions “generally” or “substantially” are used, the present application is to be understood as disclosing these features and values also as entirely met, i.e. without the preceding characterization as “generally” or “substantially”.