Patent Application
20250205718
The present disclosure relates generally to devices, methods, and systems for using a pressurized air source to power a liquid sprayer. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a device that allows pressurized air from an inflatable stand-up paddle board to power a liquid sprayer or portable shower.
Recreational standup paddleboarding has been enjoyed by water sports enthusiasts since as early as the 1900s. The design of the boards has changed drastically over time. Early renditions were comprised of natural materials such as various woods and tar. Modern iterations are comprised of a myriad of materials including Styrofoam, resins, plastics, rubbers, and various other synthetic material. People have used the boards for surfing, touring, fishing, and even yoga. Being much larger than a conventional surfboard, standup paddle boards have been difficult to transport to and from various bodies of water. With an average size of ten (10) feet in length and approximately 32 inches in width, transporting the boards required complex tie down systems and vehicles equipped with special transportation equipment. One development that aimed to address the difficulty of transportation was the inflatable stand-up paddle board (iSUP).
iSUPs provide all the capabilities of the traditional paddleboard but allow the user to break down the size of the board to a more manageable and transportable size. However, after being exposed to various elements such as sand, water, salt, dirt, or other undesirable organic debris, there is a need to wash the board down prior to stowage. Users have had to find either a source of pressurized water or use another method of cleaning that is not as effective, such as using rags, which can merely spread any unwanted debris. Even if one had a few gallons of water, it is inconvenient and time consuming to have to stop, pour, and possibly cleanse any dirty areas with a rag. Lastly, if a user desired to use a portable pressurized source, he or she would have to find a source to pressurize the water and then have to transport the pressurizing agent along with the board, water, and the pressurized vessel. Or the vessel has to be cumbrously pressurized using a hand or foot pump which takes significant additional time and results in low operating pressure.
Thus, what is needed is a device and a method to clean an iSUP conveniently and thoroughly prior to disassembly and stowage. Preferably the device would be capable of offering the effectiveness of pressurized water without having to carry additional equipment, sources of pressurized air, or having to manually pressurize the cleaning system using a hand or foot pump.
The following presents a simplified overview of the example embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments of the example embodiments. This overview is not an extensive overview of the example embodiments. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the example embodiments nor delineate the scope of the appended claims. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the example embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented herein below. It is to be understood that both the following general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive.
One embodiment may be a liquid sprayer powered by a pressurized air source which may comprise a container, a spray hose, a spray nozzle, and an iSUP connector. Wherein the container has an inlet for allowing pressurized air to enter the container and an outlet for allowing a liquid to exit the container. A liquid sprayer powered by a pressurized air source wherein the container may comprise one or more caps. A liquid sprayer powered by a pressurized air source wherein the container may comprise a handle. A liquid sprayer powered by a pressurized air source wherein the inlet may be housed in an inlet cap. A liquid sprayer powered by a pressurized air source wherein the outlet may be housed in an outlet cap. A liquid sprayer powered by a pressurized air source wherein the outlet and the inlet share one combination cap, wherein the combination cap may have a connection for the spray hose and a connection for the iSUP hose. A liquid sprayer powered by a pressurized air source wherein the sprayer hose may be connected to the outlet and the spray nozzle may be connected to the spray hose, wherein the sprayer hose preferably extends to approximately the bottom of the container, wherein the iSUP hose may be connected to the inlet of the container, and wherein the iSUP hose may be connected to an iSUP by the iSUP connector. A liquid sprayer powered by a pressurized air source wherein the iSUP hose may contain a flow regulator, check-valve, and one or more disconnect valves.
Another embodiment may include a liquid sprayer powered by a pressurized air source in which the iSUP comprises a disconnect adaptor which connects to an inlet hose on the container.
One embodiment may be a liquid sprayer powered by an inflatable standup paddle board (iSUP), comprising: a container; a sprayer hose; and an air hose; wherein the container is configured to hold a liquid; wherein the sprayer hose comprises a spray nozzle and is configured to pass the liquid from the container through the spray nozzle; wherein the air hose is configured to connect to the container and to an iSUP; wherein the air hose comprises a flow regulator and one-way check valve; wherein the flow regulator is configured to start, stop, increase, and decrease a flow of air from the iSUP into the container; wherein the one-way check valve is configured to substantially prevent the liquid from entering the iSUP; wherein the container is configured to accept the flow of air from the iSUP when connected to the iSUP, such that the container is pressurized; and wherein when the container is pressurized, the spray nozzle passes the liquid out of the liquid sprayer. Preferably, the sprayer hose may extend substantially to the bottom of the container. The container may comprise one or more inlet/outlets. In some embodiments there may be two inlet/outlets comprising a sprayer outlet and an air inlet; wherein the air inlet is configured to connect to the air hose; and the sprayer outlet is configured to connect to the sprayer hose. In another embodiment, the container comprises one inlet/outlet and is a combination sprayer outlet and an air inlet; wherein the inlet/outlet is configured to connect to both the air hose and the sprayer hose. The flow regulator may be a ball-valve or a clamping flow regulator.
In another embodiment, a liquid sprayer powered by an inflatable standup paddle board (iSUP), comprising: a container; a sprayer hose; an air hose; and an iSUP connector; wherein the container is configured to hold a liquid; wherein the sprayer hose comprises a spray nozzle and is configured to pass the liquid from the container through the spray nozzle; wherein the iSUP connector comprises an iSUP adaptor and a one-way check valve; wherein the iSUP connector is configured to start, stop, increase, and decrease a flow of air from an iSUP to the air hose and the container; wherein the air hose is configured to connect to the iSUP connector; wherein the flow regulator is configured to start, stop, increase, and decrease a flow of air from the iSUP into the container; wherein the one-way check valve is configured to substantially prevent the liquid from entering the iSUP; wherein the iSUP adaptor is configured to connect to the iSUP; wherein the container is configured to accept the flow of air from the iSUP when connected to the iSUP, such that the container is pressurized; and wherein when the container is pressurized, the spray nozzle passes the liquid out of the liquid sprayer. The sprayer hose may extend substantially to the bottom of the container. The container may comprise one or more inlet/outlets. If there are two inlet/outlets, they may comprise a sprayer outlet and an air inlet; wherein the air inlet is configured to connect to the air hose; and wherein the sprayer outlet is configured to connect to the sprayer hose. If container comprises one inlet/outlet, the inlet/outlet may be a combination sprayer outlet and an air inlet; and wherein the inlet/outlet may be configured to connect to both the air hose and the sprayer hose. The iSUP connector may comprise a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion that when twisted together may start and increase the flow of air, and when twisted apart may stop and decrease the flow of air. Preferably, the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are configured to not be entirely disengageable. The flow regulator may be a ball-valve, a clamping flow regulator, or any other type of flow regulator that allows the user to control the flow of air manually or automatically from the iSUP.
Another embodiment may be a connector that connects a liquid sprayer to a pressurized air source for powering the liquid sprayer, comprising: an air hose; a one-way check valve; a flow regulator; a container connector; and an air source connector; wherein the air source connector is configured to connect to a pressurized air source and accept a flow of air from the pressurized air source when connected; wherein the air source connector is configured to connect to the air hose; wherein the air hose is configured to be connected to the liquid container connector; wherein the one-way check valve is configured to substantially prevent a liquid from the container from entering the pressurized air source; and wherein the flow regulator is configured to start, stop, increase, and decrease the flow of air from the pressurized air source into the container. The container connector may be selected from the group of connectors comprising: a threaded connector and a quick-release connector. The pressurized air source may be an inflatable standup paddle board (iSUP) and the air source connector may be configured to engage with the iSUP. The air source connector may comprise the one-way check valve and the flow regulator.
Still other advantages, embodiments, and features of the subject disclosure will become readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, simply by way of illustration of one of the best modes best suited to carry out the subject disclosure. As it will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious embodiments all without departing from, or limiting, the scope herein. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
The drawings are of illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details which may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without all of the components or steps which are illustrated. When the same numeral appears in different drawings, it refers to the same or like components or steps.
Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited to specific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps. “Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.
Disclosed are components that may be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all embodiments of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that may be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps may be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.
The present methods and systems may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.
In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments. For purposes of the specification, unless otherwise specified, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, in one embodiment, an object that is “substantially” located within a housing would mean that the object is either completely within a housing or nearly completely within a housing. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is also equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.
As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” generally refer to a deviance of within 5% of the indicated number or range of numbers. In one embodiment, the term “approximately” and “about”, may refer to a deviance of between 0.001-40% from the indicated number or range of numbers.
Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident, however, that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate describing these embodiments.
The drawings show illustrative embodiments, but do not depict all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition to or instead of the illustrative embodiments. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted for the purpose of saving space or for more effective illustrations. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without some or all components or steps provided in the illustrations. When different drawings contain the same numeral, that numeral refers to the same or similar components or steps.
One embodiment may be a pressurized liquid air sprayer, configured to where the pressurized sprayer may receive air from an inflatable stand up paddle board (iSUP) through a deflation valve, which may typically be a twist lock type valve, such as a Halkey-Roberts® valve based on industry standards for iSUPs. Air may travel through an iSUP line into a container via a cap with an air inlet, which may preferably pressurize the container. Water within the container may then exit the container through an outlet and travel through a spray hose to a spray nozzle, which may preferably be used to wash or rinse the iSUP. Other embodiments may include a travel size version in which the container may be one gallon in capacity or smaller. Various embodiments may include different length iSUP hoses or variations in connections along the iSUP hose.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “inflatable standup paddle board”, “iSUP”, and “pressurized air source”, refers to any inflatable paddle board, standup paddle board, inflatable kayak, inflatable boat, inflatable dock, inflatable chair, and any other inflatable device manufactured with drop-stitch technology requiring inflation.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the pressurized air source or iSUP may refer to portable and inflatable “power cells” (devices made for the express purpose of providing pressurized air) made from drop-stitch technology of various sizes that are pre-inflated with air, typically in the range of 5-30 PSI capacities.
Typically, the air pressure within the iSUP 110 may be approximately 15 psi, so all parts of the sprayer 100 may preferably be rated to handle well over 15 psi.
Although the outlet 130 and inlet 140 are shown substantially on a top of said container 105, they may be on the sides or bottom without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. If the outlet is on the bottom or base of a side of the container, then the interior part of the spray hose may not be needed.
The quick release connector and valve 680 may be substituted for a threaded adaptor/valve or a push-and-twist type of disconnect valve. The quick release connector and valve 080 may allow container 605 to maintain pressure if the iSUP hose 615 is disconnected from the pressurized air source 610.
Preferably, tube 874 and threaded portion 851 are substantially static with each other, such that when threaded portion 851 is screwed onto threaded portion 850, the tube 874 also moves to a base of threaded portion 850. In this manner, the end of tube 874 contacts the shaft or pin of the iSUP inlet/outlet valve and eventually opens the iSUP inlet/outlet valve.
The two threaded portions 850 and 851 are configured to threadingly engage with each other to regulate and shut off the flow of air from the iSUP to the container. Preferably, tube 874 and threaded portion 851 are substantially static with each other, such that when threaded portion 851 is screwed onto threaded portion 850, the tube 874 also moves to a base of threaded portion 850. In this manner, the end of tube 874 contacts the shaft or pin of the iSUP inlet/outlet valve and eventually opens the iSUP inlet/outlet valve.
Preferably, the threaded portions 850 and 851 are configured to move apart or closer together 889, depending on which way threaded portion 851 is rotated. Typically, clockwise turning of the threaded portion 851 brings the two threaded portions 850, 851 closer together, which causes the iSUP valve to open. Preferably, the two threaded portions 850, 851 cannot be entirely disengageable from each other.
The end 860 of the iSUP connector 820 leads to the container or a quick release connector valve that may attach to the container. Although threaded portion 850 is shown with external threads that engage with the internal threads of threaded portion 851, the threads may be vice versa, so long as the two threaded portions are configured to matingly engage with each other.
When the iSUP connector 820 is engaged with the iSUP inlet/outlet, the terminal end 888 of the tube 874 pushes open the spring-loaded valve 900 on the iSUP inlet/outlet as the threaded portion 851 is screwed onto threaded portion 850, which starts the flow of air from the iSUP. The typical spring-loaded valve 900 on the iSUP comprises a plunger 904 at the end of a shaft 902 or pin. The plunger 904 is configured to move up and down 950 in response to downward force and an upward biasing spring. When shaft 902 is pushed downward, the plunger 904 of the spring-loaded valve 900 moves and opens the spring-loaded valve 900. The further the shaft 902 is pushed down, the greater the volume of air is able to flow out of (or into, if filling the SUP) the SUP. Thus, the user opens, closes, and regulates the flow of air from the iSUP by turning threaded portion 851 with respect to threaded portion 850. Regardless of whether the air is flowing or not, the user may disconnect the iSUP connector 820 from the iSUP inlet/outlet. To prevent unwanted occlusion of tube 874, the terminal end 888 of the tube 874 may be perforated with side holes or cut on the bias (as shown).
To close the iSUP valve 1400 or reduce the flow of air, the second threaded portion 1351 may be twisted in an opposite direction (typically counterclockwise) with respect to the first threaded portion 1350.
As shown, the valve engagement tip 1310 may have side holes 1311, which allow the flow of air through the connector 1320 even if the very end of the valve engagement tip 1310 is substantially occluded by the tip of iSUP valve 1400.
The adapter 1400 may allow a user to provide air pressure/pressurized air to the water sprayer from a pump (manual or electric/electronic (sometimes called an e-pump)), because the pressure relief valve 1402 prevents air pressure that is built up in the sprayer from going back into the pump and triggering an automatic shut off. A typical electric pump has a safety feature to avoid overinflating iSUPs or other inflatables, which typically includes an automatic shut-off based on an air pressure level being exceeded or reached. Accordingly, the electric pump will not pump anything over 20 PSI because that is for what the standard pumps are rated. Additionally, electric pumps typically may shut off automatically once they detect a pressure reading over a preset maximum. For example, if a user wanted to inflate a device to 1.5 PSI, they would set the electric pump shut off setting to 1.5 PSI and once the pressure of the object being inflated returned a reading of 1.5 PSI, the electric pump would shut off immediately and automatically. Most electric pumps can be set to shut off between 1 and 20 PSI. This auto-shut off feature causes problems if the user tries to use an electric pump as a pressurized air source to power a portable shower/water sprayer. This is because most portable water showers are not very voluminous, so the feedback pressure invariably reaches 20 PSI almost instantly. This causes the electric pump to shut off and fail to continue to provide air pressure to push the water in the sprayer. Once the electric pump is off, the shower bag quickly loses pressure and the flow of water from the shower stops. This problem is overcome by adapter 1400 because it contains pressure relief valve 1402, which prevents the feedback pressure from reaching the electric pump and triggering the automatic shut-off. Preferably, pressure relief valve 1402 is adjustable, so the user may find an equilibrium that allows the electric pump to, without straining the pump, provide a flow of air to the portable shower.
Electric pumps used with adapter 1400 may include an internal fan to prevent the pump from overheating.
As shown in
Adapter 1400 may comprise one-way valve 1405 and flow regulator 1404 so that it may also be used to power the sprayer 1480 using an inflatable pressurized air source, such as an inflated stand-up paddle board that is being deflated. Adapter 1400 may be used to provide pressurized air alternatively from an inflatable device or a pump.
As shown, iSUP sprayer adapter 1902 may comprise one-way valve 1905, flow regulator 1904, and connector 1910. In some embodiments, connector 1910 may be a female threaded spring plunger valve type connector, such as a Schrader® valve connector.
Adapter 1900 may allow the system to provide pressurized air from pump 1460 to sprayer 1480. Adapter 1902 may allow the system to provide pressurized air from an inflatable device (that is being deflated) to sprayer 1480. When adapter 1900 and adapter 1902 are both part of the system, sprayer 1480 may alternatively be powered by either a pump or an inflatable device.
As shown, iSUP sprayer adapter 2002 may comprise one-way valve 2005, flow regulator 2004, and connectors 2010, 2011. Preferably, connector 2011 is connected to sprayer hose 2040, which is preferably connected to a sprayer or portable shower.
Adapter 1900 allows the system to provide pressurized air from electric pump 1461 to a sprayer. Adapter 2002 allows the system to provide pressurized air from inflatable device 2099. to the sprayer. When adapter 1900 and adapter 2002 are both part of the system, the sprayer may alternatively be powered by either pump 1461 or inflatable device 2099. In one embodiment, adapter 1900 may be connected to inflatable device 2099 via pump hose 1450 at connector 2090. In another embodiment, adapter 1900 may be directly connected to connector 2090.
As shown, the adapter 2200 may comprise a one-way valve 2205, air or flow regulator 2204. Adapter 2100 may preferably have a pressure relief valve, which, as shown, may be comprised of aperture 2102 and closure 2101. The pressure relief valve allows the user to set how much of the pressurized air from electric pump 1461 reaches the sprayer 1480, in order to provide the optimal pressure for use of the sprayer 1480 and in order to prevent a pressure build up that causes the electric pump 1461 to automatically shut-off.
Although adapter 2100 and adapter 2200 are shown connected in a specific order, the order may be reversed without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
This Application is a continuation in part of U.S. Non-Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 17/87,893, filed on Aug. 5, 2022, by inventors Colleen Hammond and Robert Hammond, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by this reference, and to which priority is claimed. U.S., Non-Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 17/87,893 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/231,633 filed Aug. 10, 2021, by inventors Colleen Hammond and Robert Hammond, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by this reference, and to which priority is claimed.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63231633 | Aug 2021 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17817893 | Aug 2022 | US |
| Child | 18392450 | US |
