Device and method for retaining pigment tubes in a nozzle in a paint mixing machine

A device for selectively dispensing pigment in conjunction with custom paint mixing, comprising:

• a pumped pigment reservoir, connected to a pigment outlet to deliver a supply of pigment;
• a mounting plate movable between a delivery position and a dormant position;
• a valve comprising an inlet and a pair of outlets, the inlet receiving the supply of pigment, one of the outlets returning the supply of pigment to the pigment reservoir, and the other of the outlets delivering the supply of pigment to a delivery location, wherein the valve is selectively actuable to return or to deliver the supply of pigment;
• a nozzle mounted on the mounting plate and movable therewith between the delivery position and the dormant position, adapted to receive a pigment tube for directing pigment from the valve;
• first and second lock plates each comprising an aperture for receiving the pigment tube and attachable through screw holes to the nozzle, such that when the screw holes of the first and second lock plates are mutually aligned, the apertures of the first and second lock plates are offset and act to deform and lock into place the pigment tube.

A method of retaining a pigment tube within a nozzle using a pair of lock plates each including pair of attaching locations and an offset aperture in a paint pigment dispensing apparatus, comprising the steps of:

• aligning the apertures of the lock plates;
• placing the pigment tube through the aligned apertures;
• inserting the pigment tube into the nozzle;
• aligning the attaching locations of the lock plates;
• attaching the lock plates to the nozzle;
• and
• creating an offset between the apertures to deform the pigment tube and substantially to prevent its removal from the nozzle.