HK1162393B - Sprayer - Google Patents

Description

Sprayer with a spray tube

Background

The present invention relates generally to spray devices and, more particularly, to spray devices suitable for use with a variety of containers.

Typical lawn and garden tank sprayers (tank sprayers) that apply fertilizer, insecticide, or other chemicals require a fixed dilution ratio to provide a fluid spray mixture by adding water thereto. A large amount of energy is necessarily required to provide sufficient pressure to atomize and cause the fluid mixture to become a spray. This requires manually drawing air into the pressure chamber and increasing the pressure to a level that produces a spray pattern sufficient for application, which is too demanding on the user's manual effort. The user will also periodically draw pressure back to their operating pressure to reestablish the proper spray pattern, thereby interrupting the spraying process and extending the time required to complete the spray application.

Currently available garden hose-end (hose-end) sprayers incorporating an air pumping unit (atomizing unit) meter the concentrate side of the system using a series of ports to achieve a preset mixing ratio. For example, commonly used dials available from Scotts Miracle-Gro CompanyN Spray^TMThe unit uses various ports in the rotating disk that are graduated and labeled so that the user only needs to set the dial to the correct setting to achieve the desired mix ratio. Downstream pressure fluctuations, which may sometimes occur with adjustable nozzles, may affect the metering accuracy of these pumping cells. In addition, when back pressure is generated in the atomizer nozzle, the venturi will not function below atmospheric pressure, resulting in a change or a substantial cessation of flow. The mixing ratio can also be influenced. These changes in the mixing ratio will in turn affect the efficacy of the spray application.

In addition, many sprayers on the market require premixing of the chemical and water, thereby exposing the user to the chemical and the possibility of spillage of the chemical during mixing. The initial opening of the concentrate bottle cap and typical foil seals can be difficult to break. Users often use sharp tools to break the seal. When the tool pierces the foil, there is a high probability that the concentrate will stick to it. The tools and process of opening the foil seal expose the user to accidental spillage of the concentrate. Sometimes a delivery container is used to measure the amount of concentrate which is then delivered to the sprayer. There are exposure risks associated with cleaning and storage of the transfer container during this process. The user needs to manually measure out the recommended amount of concentrate with a spoon, lid, or other measuring device. The concentrate is then added and diluted with a known volume of water in a sprayer tank for application. The pre-mixing and delivery process may deposit the concentrate on an inappropriate surface of the sprayer, resulting in greater exposure to the chemical.

It is a primary object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a sprayer system that eliminates or reduces the likelihood of user injury from concentrates and diluted chemicals. It is a further object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a sprayer system that does not require premixing of concentrate and water. It is another object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a sprayer system that reduces or eliminates the environmental and other problems associated with spraying chemicals, storing chemicals, properly disposing of chemicals, and disposing of chemicals. It is a further object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a sprayer system that is adaptable to any type of container. It is a further object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a sprayer system having an accurate and reliable metering assembly. It is a further object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a sprayer system that is easy to clean. It is a further object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a transparent and visual indication of the movement, mixing and filtering process of a fluid. It is a further object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a sprayer system that is ergonomically designed and less laborious or laborious to operate. It is another object of embodiments of the present invention to allow only clean water in a pressurized sprayer tank.

Disclosure of Invention

These and other objects and advantages are achieved by a sprayer system having a sprayer assembly that is adaptable to containers of various sizes and shapes. In one aspect of an embodiment of the invention, the sprayer assembly includes a double venturi in the flow conduit to provide uniform pressure and consistent flow in the spray volume. In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the sprayer assembly includes a metering disc for accurately and reliably adjusting the mixing ratio. In yet another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the sprayer assembly includes a dip tube that is adaptable for use with a variety of container orifices. In addition to acting as a conduit for the concentrate into the sprayer assembly, the dip tube may also be used as a piercing device (piercing device) to open a container into which the dip tube is to be inserted. Because the dip tube can be adapted for use with a variety of container mouths, the dip tube allows the sprayer assembly to be fitted to a variety of container mouths. The sprayer assembly is easily coupled to the dip tube and thus may be adapted for use with different types of containers.

Drawings

The embodiments of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings,

wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the sprayer system of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the sprayer assembly of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the sprayer assembly of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the sprayer assembly of the invention;

FIG. 5a is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dip tube of the sprayer system of the invention;

FIG. 5b is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dip tube and container of the sprayer system of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a metering circuit diagram of a fluid flow pattern through the sprayer system of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view of an embodiment of the spray assembly of the present invention showing a venturi;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view of an embodiment of the spray assembly of the present invention showing a venturi;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the sprayer assembly of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the sprayer assembly of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the sprayer assembly of the invention; and

fig. 12 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the sprayer assembly of the invention.

Detailed Description

As will be understood, embodiments of the present invention provide a spray system 10 as depicted in fig. 1 having a spray assembly 12 for conveniently adapting to a container 14 for withdrawing, mixing and dispensing ingredients from the container 14. The container 14 typically holds an additive, such as a chemical or fertilizer composition, which must be mixed with another fluid, such as water. The spray assembly 12 includes a flexible hose 16 for attachment to a fluid source, such as a water tank 18. It should be appreciated that the fluid source may have any of a variety of configurations, including a backpack tank, a hand portable tank, or even a tractor transported tank.

The spray assembly 12 is capable of cooperating with the container 14 via a dip tube 20 (shown in fig. 5a and 5 b). Dip tube 20 is inserted in container 14 through which ingredients are drawn into spray assembly 12. Dip tube 20 includes a head portion or cap 22 and a shaft 24. The cap 22 is adjustable and can fit over and thereby connect to a variety of sizes of container mouths. As depicted in fig. 4, the head portion 22 of the dip tube 20 is coupled to the mouth 26 of the container 14. A large number of different sized caps 22 may be equipped with dip tubes 20 for precise fitting to the container 14 or any container that needs to be attached to the spray assembly 12. Thus, the dip tube 20 and cap 22 are easily converted from one container to another, enabling the use of the same spray assembly for different chemicals for different applications.

In another aspect of the invention, the spray assembly 12 includes a metering device 28 to vary the proportions of the components that are mixed together. The metering device 28 is coupled to a fluid conduit 29 and is located on a housing 30 that further encloses the components of the spray assembly 12. The ratio of the composition in the vessel 14 to the fluid (e.g., water) in the tank 18 may vary depending on the application each time it is used. In addition, because the system may be used with different containers and therefore different ingredients, different ingredients may require different mixing ratios with water. The metering device 28 addresses all of these needs by providing a selection of a variety of ratios, including ratios of chemical concentrate to water in the range of 500: 1 to 4: 1. Examples of ratios that may be provided by device 28 include (but are not limited to): 0.25 concentrate: 0.75 water, 0.50 concentrate: 0.50 water, or 0.75 concentrate: 0.25 water. The device 28 is set to the preferred ratio by rotating the dial to match the preferred ratio at arrow 32 above the device 28.

Referring to fig. 3, 4 and 12, the internal components within the housing 30 of the sprayer assembly 12 are depicted. The internal components include a fluid conduit 29, which conduit 29 includes all of the channels in the spray assembly 12 for the flow of fluids and concentrates therethrough. The longitudinally extending passageway 34 is coupled to the flexible hose 16 (shown in fig. 1) at an inlet side 36 of the passageway 34 and continues to an outlet 38. A shut-off valve 80 is linked to the passageway 34 and flexible hose 16 and is connected to a trigger 82. When trigger 82 is depressed, water may flow through passageway 34. The trigger 82 is released and the shut off valve 80 blocks the flow of water through to the passageway 34. This protects the hose 16 and container 18. The filter 84 may be positioned near the fluid entry end in the housing 30 and may be easily cleaned if desired.

As illustrated in fig. 1, the outlet 38 may be connected to a long shaft 40, the long shaft 40 further connected to a spray nozzle tip 42. The passage 34 is also connected to a passage 44, the passage 44 being positioned perpendicular to the passage 34. The passage 44 is further connected to a passage 46, the passage 46 extending perpendicular to the passage 44 and parallel to the passage 34. The passage 46 is connected to a passage 48, and the passage 48 is connected to the passage 34, thereby forming a ring shape. The passage 46 is also connected to the passage 34 via a passage 50. A check valve 35 is located above the passageway 50 to protect the container 14 from any backflow of fluid. One venturi 52 is located within the passageway 34 and another venturi 54 is located within the passageway 46. The double venturi creates a venturi effect that draws concentrate from container 14 to mix with water in fluid conduit 29. The double venturi arrangement provides a high pressure spray, making the spray volume uniform and continuous.

Note that in the following discussion, fig. 6-8 are mirror images of fig. 1-4 with respect to the conduit lines and fluid flow. The fluid flow in fig. 1 to 4 is from right to left, and the fluid flow in fig. 6 to 8 is from left to right.

Referring to fig. 6, the dual venturi line 60 of the present invention is shown and clearly illustrates the flow pattern of the mixture (concentrate and water) in the spray system 10. A primary venturi 54 is located in the passageway 46 and a secondary venturi 52 is located in the passageway 34. Concentrate from the container 14 is drawn up through the dip tube 20 to the passageway 56. A shut-off valve 58 is located in the passageway 50. If the shut-off valve 58 is open, concentrate can flow through two paths. That is, concentrate may flow through passage 46 to spray nozzle 42 and also through passage 50 to passage 34 to spray nozzle 42.

Water enters the flexible hose 16 at inlet 36 and is directed into two different paths at point 37. The water flows down the passageway 44 as indicated by arrows 62. Water moves from passage 44 into and through passage 54 and through main venturi 54 to mix with the concentrate at venturi 54, which mixture continues through passage 34 up passage 48 to spray nozzle 42. The second path along which the water flows is in the passage 34. If the shut-off valve 58 is opened, the concentrate moves up the passageway 50 and mixes with the water in the passageway 34 at the second venturi tube 52. This water/concentrate stream meets the first water/concentrate mixture at point 62 and the mixture exits altogether through nozzle 42. If the shut-off valve 58 is closed, only water flows through the passageway 34 to be added to the water/concentrate mixture at point 62 and out through the spray nozzle 42. Thus, depending on the volume of water necessary in the mixture, the shut-off valve is closed if more water is needed and remains open if less water is needed. The shut-off valve 58 is controlled by the metering device 28.

Referring to fig. 7 and 8, a venturi 52 is shown in the passageway 34. The concentrate travels up the passageway 50 and enters the venturi throat (throat) where it mixes with the water in the passageway 34. This venturi design has an optimum throat diameter for the range of flow rates and mixing ratios used in this spray assembly 12. This venturi allows mixing of water and concentrate with higher energy efficiency, since both flow in the same direction.

Adjustment of the size and flow characteristics of the spray nozzle and venturi is critical to achieving proper atomization and spray patterns for lawn and garden applications. The spray nozzles used in garden sprayers are designed to operate within their typical operating pressure. In venturi designs, there are pressure losses downstream of the venturi throat due to frictional losses caused by changes in flow path geometry and mixing of flows of different velocities in the throat. The spray nozzle is designed to have a flow coefficient in the range of about 0.2 gallons per minute to about 0.4 gallons per minute and provide droplet sizes in the range of about 200 microns to 600 microns in appropriate pattern shapes and dispensing. The spray nozzle design also has different spray patterns with the same flow coefficient. This nozzle design provides the correct fluid pressure distribution and flow rate so that the correct mixing ratio can be achieved over a range of operating pressures and at different nozzle settings.

In another aspect of the invention, reference is made to FIG. 9, which illustrates details of the housing 30. The housing 30 may be made of any suitable material that is resistant to and compatible with the chemical fluid to be sprayed. Examples include, but are not limited to, different types of polymeric materials (e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene) and metals (e.g., stainless steel). In a preferred embodiment, the housing 30 and other fluid components are made of clarified polypropylene so that a user can view the chemical fluid as it passes through the system to determine when the fluids are mixed. The section 66 on the housing 30 is transparent or translucent so that the user can view the fluid being passed through the system. As depicted in fig. 9, the housing 30 is transparent throughout, or only certain sections are transparent. A flow indicator 68 may also be included on the housing 30 to indicate whether the system is operating as desired.

In another aspect of the present invention, the sprayer assembly 12 may include a self-cleaning cycle as a spray option on the metering device 28. As illustrated in fig. 10, a "purge" cycle 70 is included on the metering device 28. This self-cleaning option causes water to flush in sprayer assembly 12, thereby removing all traces of chemicals in fluid conduit 29, shaft 40, and spray nozzle 42. This prevents particle build-up and clogging in the nozzle 42 and fluid conduit 29 and allows the user to clean the sprayer assembly 12 without removing the sprayer assembly prior to cleaning. This further eliminates or reduces the possibility of user exposure to chemicals.

As another option, the spray assembly 12 can be easily disassembled for cleaning. Fig. 11 depicts the sprayer 11 and metering device 28 as separate components that are easily disassembled if further cleaning is necessary.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended embodiments.

Claims (9)

1. A sprayer system, comprising:

a container having an additive therein;

a dip tube for insertion in the container;

a sprayer device having a housing and a fluid conduit disposed in the housing and coupled to the dip tube, wherein the fluid conduit includes a check valve and parallel double venturi, the sprayer device further having a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet, wherein the first inlet is connected to a flexible hose, the second inlet is connected to the dip tube, and the outlet is connected to a spray nozzle; the sprayer device includes a metering device coupled to the fluid conduit to vary a ratio of fluid to additive;

a flexible hose having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the sprayer device and the second end is connected to a fluid source having fluid therein;

wherein the fluid conduit comprises a first passageway connecting the first inlet to the outlet and a second passageway connecting the second inlet to the outlet, and wherein the dual venturi comprises a first venturi in the first passageway and a second venturi in the second passageway; and

wherein the fluid and the additive are mixed in the fluid conduit and forced out of the outlet through the spray nozzle.

2. The sprayer system of claim 1 wherein the fluid conduit comprises a third passageway connecting the second inlet to the first venturi, wherein a shut-off valve is located in the third passageway.

3. The sprayer system of claim 2 wherein the shut-off valve is connected to the metering device.

4. The sprayer system of claim 3 wherein the housing of the sprayer device is made of a transparent or translucent material.

5. The sprayer system of claim 4 wherein the housing of the sprayer device comprises a flow indicator.

6. The sprayer system of claim 5 wherein the sprayer device comprises a self-cleaning cycle.

7. The sprayer system of claim 6 wherein the sprayer device comprises two or more easily detachable components.

8. The sprayer system of claim 7 wherein the fluid source is located in a pressurized tank.

9. The sprayer system of claim 8 wherein the fluid from the fluid source comprises only water.