FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to liquid sprayers, and more particularly to an improved battery-powered, hand-held spray wand used for convenient spraying of a desired liquid.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Sprayers have long been used to spray liquids of various types, such as water, pesticides, herbicides and the like. Typically, conventional sprayers include at least a liquid container, a pump and a discharge device such as a spray nozzle. The pump is used to supply the pressure necessary to deliver the liquid from the liquid container to, for example, a hand-held wand assembly for application of the liquid. The significant shortcoming associated with these conventional devices is that considerable time and effort is often required to fill the liquid container prior to spraying. Additionally, the volume of the liquid container may be inadequate for the volume of liquid needed for larger spraying operations, thereby requiring refilling of the liquid container during the spraying operation.
Accordingly, a need exists for a portable sprayer that allows for more convenient spraying of a desired liquid that is not limited by the size and location of the liquid reservoir. Additionally, there is a need for a portable sprayer that does not require filling of a liquid reservoir in the apparatus prior to and during spraying.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To overcome these and other disadvantages associated with known portable sprayers, a system, apparatus and method are provided for spraying liquid contained in a reservoir remote from said apparatus. The spray apparatus includes a housing in which a pump is positioned. The pump has an inlet and an outlet. An electric motor positioned within the housing drives the pump when a power supply located in the housing selectively provides power to the motor. A flexible intake hose connected to the inlet of the pump extends out of the housing to provide a path for liquid to flow from the remote reservoir to the pump. A discharge device in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump discharges liquid from the apparatus in a desired spray pattern.
The housing also includes a hose compartment for storing a predetermined length of the intake hose when the apparatus is not in use so that the intake hose can be extracted from and inserted into the hose compartment. The spray apparatus may further include an extension for varying the distance between the discharge device and the housing. Additionally, a portion of the housing may pivot with respect to another portion of the housing.
The foregoing specific objects and advantages of the invention are illustrative of those that can be achieved by the present invention and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the possible advantages which can be realized. Thus, these and other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the description herein or can be learned from practicing this invention, both as embodied herein or as modified in view of any variations which may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention resides in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying figures best illustrate the details of the preferred apparatus, system and method of the present invention. Like reference numbers and designations in these figures refer to like elements.
FIG. 1 is a detailed illustration of a spray apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a detailed illustration of a spray apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a detailed illustration of a spray apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention that includes a hose compartment;
FIG. 4 is a detailed illustration of a spray apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention that includes a compartment;
FIG. 5 illustrates a spray apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention that includes a portion that pivots with respect to the main body of the apparatus;
FIG. 6 illustrates a spray apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention that includes a portion that pivots with respect to the main body of the apparatus;
FIG. 7 is a detailed illustration of a spray apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention that includes an extension for increasing the distance between the discharge device and the main body of the apparatus;
FIG. 8 illustrates a system using a spray apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 9 illustrates a method of using a spray apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 illustrates a spray apparatus or wand assembly 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The main components of the spray apparatus or wand assembly 1 preferably include a power supply 2, motor 3, gear box or transmission 7, pump 9, intake hose 12, and spray or discharge device 11. The motor 3 preferably drives the transmission 7, which drives the pump 9. The power supply 2, motor 3, transmission 7 and pump 9 are preferably mounted within the main body or housing of the spray apparatus 1.
The power supply 2 can be one or more rechargeable batteries, one-time disposable batteries, or battery packs. The power supply 2 should be of sufficient voltage to adequately supply power to the internal electrical components of the spray apparatus 1, such as the motor 3. By way of example, the power supply 2 can be any voltage between 1 and 12 volts DC. However, the voltage of the power supply 2 is in no way limited to these sizes and may vary depending on the size and power requirements of the spray apparatus 1. The power supply 2 is able to provide power to the internal components of the spray apparatus 1 (e.g., motor 3) by depressing an on/off switch 5, which closes the circuit between the power supply and the electrical components of the spray apparatus 1. A more detailed description of the communication between the on/off switch 5 and the electrical power circuit will be addressed in the figures that follow.
Referring to FIG. 1, the intake hose 12 is preferably a flexible hose that is capable of being wound or folded as necessary. The intake hose 12 is preferably made from a flexible or pliable material such as, but in no way limited to, rubber, plastic or other similar material. One end of the intake hose 12 is connected to the pump 9 in a conventional manner and the intake hose exits the spray apparatus 1 proximate to the front of the spray apparatus 1 or proximal to the discharge device 11. Liquid passes through the intake hose 12 to the pump 9, where the pressurized liquid then passes through pump output conduit 10 for discharge by the discharge device 11. The pump output conduit is preferably made from a flexible or rigid hose, pipe or tubing that is connected to the pump in a conventional manner. The discharge device 11 is preferably a spray nozzle attached to the pump output conduit 10 in a conventional manner, such as by threading the nozzle onto the free end of the pump output conduit. The discharge device 11 is preferably capable of providing a fixed and/or variable spray pattern. Preferably, if a variable spray pattern is desired, the discharge device 11 can be rotated relative to the pump output conduit 10 to vary the spray pattern.
FIG. 2 illustrates a spray apparatus or wand assembly 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The FIG. 2 embodiment differs from the embodiment in FIG. 1 in that the intake hose 12 enters the spray apparatus 1 proximate to the rear of the spray apparatus 1 or distal to the discharge device 11. In this embodiment, a first portion of intake hose 12 passes through the body or housing of the spray apparatus 1 to connect to the pump 9 in a conventional manner. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of how the intake hose 12 passes through the body or housing of the spray apparatus 1 and connects to the pump 9. However, unlike the intake hose 12 shown in FIG. 3, the intake hose 12 shown in FIG. 2 that extends outside the spray apparatus 1 is not meant to be recoiled on a recoil member.
FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the spray apparatus or wand assembly 1 that includes a hose compartment 14 at the rear of the spray apparatus 1 for storing the intake hose 12 when the spray apparatus is not in use. The hose compartment 14 includes an open chamber in which a recoil member 15 is located. The recoil member 15 is preferably rotatably connected to the main body or housing of the spray apparatus 1. The recoil member 15 is preferably bolt-shaped having a slotted end 17. However, the recoil member 15 is not limited to this particular shape. For example, instead of having a slotted end, the end 17 can be rounded or hexagon-shaped, or have a handle formed thereon, to allow for easy manipulation when assisting in the recoiling of the portion of the intake hose 12 extending outside the spray apparatus 1.
Preferably, at least a portion of the intake hose 12 is fixed to the recoil member 15 within the hose compartment 14. In this way, when the slotted end 17 of the recoil member 15 is rotated using a screw driver, finger or the like, the second portion of the intake hose 12 extending outside the spray apparatus 1 will wind around the recoil member 15 for storage within the hose compartment 14 when the apparatus is not in use. The hose compartment 14 has an opening 13 that allows the second portion of the intake hose 12 to be moved freely to and from the hose compartment 14. The recoil member 15 can be used for either inserting or extracting the intake hose 12 from the hose compartment 14. However, it is understood that the intake hose 12 can also be extracted by gently pulling the intake hose 12 from the hose compartment 12.
In addition, the recoil member 15 may be spring-loaded such that rotation in a first direction (e.g., to unwind the intake hose 12) compresses the spring and when the rotating force is released, the spring causes the recoil member 15 to rotate in the opposite direction to recoil or wind the intake hose 12.
In this embodiment, the first portion of the intake hose 12 in the hose compartment 14 preferably communicates with the second portion of the intake hose 12 passing through in the main body or housing of the spray apparatus 1 via a tube member or coupling 16 that passes between the main body of the apparatus 1 and the hose compartment 14. The tube member 16 can preferably be made from a material similar to that of the intake hose or from a more rigid material such as metal. The tube member 16 is at least partially hollow to allow liquid to pass freely through the intake hose 12 to the pump 9.
FIG. 3 also illustrates a preferred power circuit used to supply power from the power supply 2 to the other electrical components (e.g., motor 3) in the spray apparatus 1. The preferred power circuit in the spray apparatus 1 includes normally-opened electrical contacts 4 that come together or close when the switch 5 is depressed or otherwise actuated. The contacts 4 close the power circuit in the spray apparatus 1 so that the motor 3 receives power from the power supply 2 to drive the transmission 7 and pump 9. Power is preferably removed from the power circuit when the switch 5 is released or otherwise actuated a second time, to separate the normally-open contacts 4 and thereby open the circuit and disconnect power to the motor 3.
FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the spray apparatus or wand assembly 1 that includes a hose compartment 14. However, the hose compartment 14 shown in FIG. 4 does not include a recoil member 15. In this embodiment, the intake hose 12 is both manually inserted and extracted from the hose compartment 14. Additionally, the intake hose 12 is preferably a single, continuous flexible hose that passes through the main body or housing of the spray apparatus 1 to the hose compartment 14 without the need for a tube member or coupling 16. A hook 18 is also provided, preferably on the upper part of the body of the spray apparatus 1 for conveniently storing the apparatus after use.
FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the spray apparatus or wand assembly 1 that includes an upper portion 19 that pivots with respect to a lower portion or main body 25. This embodiment differs from the aforementioned embodiments in that the body of the spray apparatus 1 is essentially two components that are hinged together via a bearing member or pivot 21. The bearing member 21 allows for the upper or pivot portion 19 of the spray apparatus 1 to pivot with respect to the lower or main body 25 of the apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the power supply 2 is preferably located in the lower or main body 25, and the motor 3, transmission 7 and pump 9 are preferably located within the upper or pivot portion 19 of the spray apparatus 1.
FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the spray apparatus or wand assembly 1 that also includes an upper or pivot portion 19 that pivots. Like the previous embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the spray apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 6 has an upper or pivoting portion 19 that is hinged to the lower or main body 25 of the spray apparatus 1 by a bearing member or pivot 21. This embodiment differs slightly from the previous embodiment both in appearance and function. Specifically, the spray apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 6 includes a hose compartment 14 similar to that previously discussed in FIG. 4 in which the flexible hose 12 is manually inserted into/retracted from the hose compartment 14.
FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the spray apparatus or wand assembly 1 that includes an extension 22 for varying the distance 22 between the discharge device 11 and the main body of the spray apparatus 1. By way of example, the extension 22 can be permanent or removable from the main body of the spray apparatus 1. The length of the extension 22 may vary between 3-12 inches, and the extension may also be straight in its entirety or curved at the end proximate to the discharge device 11. However, the length of the extension 22 is in no way limited to the range of 3-12 inches and can vary depending on the desired spray operation to be completed. One end of the extension 22 may, for example, be removably threaded onto the main body 25 or onto the free end of the pump output conduit 10 to provide fluid communication between the conduit 10 and the discharge device 11. Additionally, the discharge device 11 may be removably threaded onto the opposing end of the extension 22 for attachment to and removal from the main body of the spray apparatus 1.
FIG. 8 illustrates a preferred system for using a spray apparatus or wand assembly 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system shown in FIG. 8 preferably includes two main components—a liquid reservoir 24 and the spray apparatus or wand assembly 1. The components of the spray apparatus 1 are the same as, for example, those already discussed with respect to FIG. 3.
In FIG. 8, the flexible intake hose 12 extending from the spray apparatus or wand assembly 1 is preferably attached to the liquid reservoir 24 using a clip, tie, hose clasp or the like, such that the free end of the intake hose 12 is positioned below the surface of the fluid contained within the liquid reservoir 24. In the alternative, the free end of the flexible intake hose 12 can be inserted directly into the liquid reservoir 24 as a freestanding hose without the need for an attachment mechanism. The liquid reservoir 24 can be a portable or stationary container of liquid. The size of the liquid reservoir 24 can vary depending on the desired spraying operation. By way of example, the liquid reservoir 24 can be a single gallon container or a container large enough to hold several gallons or more. Also, by way of example, the liquid reservoir 24 can contain any desired liquid to be sprayed, such as water, pesticides, herbicides and the like. However, the type on liquid used by the spray apparatus 1 will vary depending on the desired spray operation and the spray apparatus 1 is in no way limited to any specific type of liquid. It is recognized that the spray apparatus components should be compatible with the type of liquid being used.
Upon depression of the switch 5 on the spray apparatus 1, power is supplied to the motor 3 to drive the pump 9 via the transmission 7. The pump 9 draws liquid from the reservoir 24 through the intake hose 12 and out through the outlet conduit 10 to the discharge device 11, resulting in the spray pattern 23 defined by the characteristics of the discharge device 11. The switch 5 is released or depressed again to disconnect power to the motor 3 when the spray operation is completed. After completion of the spray operation, the intake hose 12 is recoiled onto the recoil member 15 and stored in the hose compartment 14 on the spray apparatus 1.
FIG. 9 illustrates a preferred method of using the spray apparatus or wand assembly 1. In Step Si, the intake hose 12 is extracted from the hose compartment 14 of the spray apparatus 1. The intake hose 12 is preferably extracted from the hose compartment 14 either by rotating the recoil member 15 to unwind the recoiled hose and/or by gently pulling the intake hose 12 from the hose compartment 14.
Once a sufficient length of intake hose 12 is extracted from the spray apparatus or wand assembly 1, the free end of the intake hose 12 is preferably attached to or otherwise inserted into the liquid reservoir 24 in Step S2 such that the free end of the hose is below the surface of the liquid to be sprayed. The intake hose 12 can be attached to the liquid reservoir 24 using a conventional attachment mechanism known in the art such as a clip, tie, hose clasp or the like. The free end of the intake hose 12 may also pass through a cap or closure (not shown) on the liquid reservoir 24 and extend into and below the surface of liquid contained in the reservoir. As mentioned previously, the intake hose 12 can also be inserted directly into the liquid reservoir 24 as a freestanding hose.
Once the free end of the intake hose 12 is attached to or otherwise inserted within the reservoir 24, the switch 5 on the spray apparatus 1 is depressed in Step S3. The depression of the switch 5 will result in power being supplied from the batteries 2 to the motor 3, which drives the transmission 7 and pump 9 of the spray apparatus 1. The driven pump 9 draws liquid from the reservoir 24 through the intake hose 12.
In Step S4, pressurized liquid from the pump 9 passes through pump outlet conduit 10 and is discharged via the discharge device 11. The pattern of spray 23 from the discharge device 11 is determined by the characteristics of the discharge device, as well as by the rotation or movement of the discharge device 11 relative to the pump outlet conduit 10.
At the completion of the spray operation, the switch 5 is released or depressed again to disconnect power to the motor 3. In Step S5, the intake hose 12 is then preferably inserted or recoiled back into the hose compartment 14 by rotating the recoil member 15 to wind some or all of the intake hose 12 extending outside the spray apparatus or wand assembly 1 about the recoil member for storage in hose compartment 14 when the spray apparatus is not in use. Alternatively, the intake hose 12 can be manually inserted back into the hose compartment 14, such as is in the embodiment described above with respect to FIG. 4.
Although illustrative embodiments have been described herein in detail, its should be noted and understood that the descriptions and drawings have been provided for purposes of illustration only and that other variations both in form and detail can be added thereupon without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The terms and expressions have been used as terms of description and not terms of limitation. There is no limitation to use the terms or expressions to exclude any equivalents of features shown and described or portions thereof.
Patent Application
20060013709
