AU2012227322A1 - A field marker valve for flushing a field marker, a field marker and a method of operaton thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A FIELD MARKER VALVE FOR FLUSHING A FIELD MARKER, A FIELD MARKER AND A METHOD OF OPERATON THEREOF Abstract There is provided a field marker valve (110) for flushing a field marker (100), the field marker valve (110) comprising a paint inlet (410); a cleaning solution inlet (405); and an outlet (415), wherein the field marker valve (110) is configurable between a first configuration for supplying paint to the outlet (415) and a second configuration for supplying cleaning solution to the outlet (415).

Description

A FIELD MARKER VALVE FOR FLUSHING A FIELD MARKER, A FIELD MARKER AND A METHOD OF OPERATON THEREOF Field of the Invention [001]The present invention relates to a field marker valve for flushing a field marker, a field marker and a method of operation thereof. The invention has been developed primarily for use in field marking and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use. Background [002] On sporting grounds, lines are marked to define boundaries for sporting activities, games and events. Typically, a field marker is employed to mark the lines on the ground. The field marker is maneuverable to spray paint onto the ground to mark a line, graphic and the like. [003] However, existing field markers suffer from several disadvantages including the paint delivery mechanism being difficult to flush, resulting in residual paint coagulating and eventually blocking the delivery mechanism. [004] Furthermore, field markers typically use more than one colour of paint. Existing arrangements suffer from the disadvantage of having time consuming paint interchanges. [005] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 1 Summary [006] The present invention seeks to provide a field marker valve for flushing a field marker a field marker and a method of operation thereof, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative. [007]According to one aspect, there is provided a field marker valve for flushing a field marker, the field marker valve comprising: a paint inlet; a cleaning solution inlet; and an outlet, wherein the field marker valve is configurable between a first configuration for supplying paint to the outlet and a second configuration for supplying cleaning solution to the outlet. [008] Advantageously, the field marker valve allows cleaning solution to be supplied to the outlet such that the field marker can be flushed of residual paint and thereby cleaned in a timely fashion. In this manner, the field marker valve reduces or eliminates the chances of blockage, and allows for rapid paint interchange. [009] Preferably, the paint inlet is adapted for removable connection to a paint container. [0010] Advantageously, different paint containers may be removeably coupled to the inlet, allowing for different types of paint to be used wherein rapid paint interchanges are possible. 2 [0011] Preferably, the cleaning solution inlet is adapted for removable connection to a cleaning solution supply hose. [0012] Advantageously, the cleaning solution inlet is adapted for removeable connection and disconnect from the cleaning solution supply hose, allowing for the introduction of cleaning solution into the field marker. [0013] Preferably, the cleaning solution inlet comprises a connector adapted to engage a complimentary connector of the cleaning solution supply hose. [0014] Preferably, the connector is a male connector and the complimentary connector is a female connector. [0015] Advantageously, the connector and the complimentary connector provide a simple mechanism that allows for quick and secure connection with the complimentary connector. [0016] Advantageously, the connector may be a typical garden-type hose attachment suiting the cleaning solution inlet for attachment to standard garden hoses. [0017] Preferably, the field marker valve further comprises filtration means coupled to the outlet. [0018] Advantageously, the filtration means is adapted to trap debris such as coagulated paint, grit, grass fragments and the like that may be trapped by the delivery mechanism. 3 [0019] Preferably, the outlet is connected to a delivery mechanism for delivering the paint to a dispensing means in the first configuration and for delivering the cleaning solution to the dispensing means in the second configuration. [0020] Advantageously, the connection to the delivery mechanism allows the paint to be dispensed in the first configuration and the cleaning solution to be dispensed in the second configuration, allowing for the rapid user selection of the operating mode of the field marker. [0021] Preferably, the delivery mechanism is a pump. [0022] Preferably, the field marker valve further comprises a lever for configuring the field marker valve in the first configuration or the second configuration. [0023] Advantageously, the lever allows a user to control the configuration of the field marker valve with ease. Furthermore, the lever is a simple mechanism that is durable and robust. [0024] Preferably, the cleaning solution is selected from a set of cleaning solutions comprising: - water; and - turpentine. [0025] Advantageously, the field marker valve is adapted for controlling the flow of different types of cleaning solution. [0026] According to another aspect, there is provided a field marker, comprising: a field marker valve as described in any one of the above paragraphs; and 4 a delivery mechanism coupled to the field marker valve. [0027] Advantageously, the field marker is able to be flushed of residual paint by the cleaning solution in the second configuration and thereby easily cleaned. Therefore, the field marker is better maintained and there is a reduced chance of the field marker becoming damaged or clogged after dispensing paint in the first configuration. Furthermore, the field marker valve allows for rapid paint interchange. [0028] Advantageously, the delivery mechanism enables the paint or the cleaning solution to be transported to the dispensing means for dispensing or flushing. [0029] Preferably, the delivery mechanism comprises a pump. [0030] Preferably, the field marker further comprises a paint container connected to the field marker valve. [0031] Advantageously, different paint containers may be removeably coupled to the field marker valve, allowing for different types of paint to be used wherein rapid paint interchanges are possible. [0032] Advantageously, the paint container supplies the paint for the paint inlet. [0033] Preferably, the field marker further comprises a cleaning solution source coupled to the field marker valve. [0034] Advantageously, the cleaning solution source supplies the cleaning solution for the cleaning solution inlet. [0035] Preferably, the delivery mechanism is configurable to dispense cleaning solution into the paint container. 5 [0036] Advantageously, cleaning solution may be circulated through the field marker to clean not only the delivery mechanism but also the paint container and the field marker valve. [0037] Preferably, the delivery mechanism comprises an extension portion allowing for an outlet of the delivery mechanism to be positioned to dispense cleaning solution into the paint container. [0038] Advantageously, the delivery mechanism may be arranged to dispense paint and cleaning solution in different locations with respect to the field marker. As such, the extension portion allows the delivery mechanism to dispense paint towards the ground in use, and to dispense cleaning solution into the paint container during cleaning. [0039] Preferably, the field marker further comprising a paint container engagement adapted to position an outlet of the delivery mechanism to dispense cleaning solution into the paint container. [0040] Advantageously, the paint container engagement allows the delivery mechanism to be secured to the paint container. [0041] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of operating a field marker, the field marker comprising a field marker valve as described above and a delivery mechanism coupled to the field marker valve, the method comprising the steps of: [0042] configuring the field marker valve in a first configuration to supply paint to the delivery mechanism; and 6 configuring the field marker valve in a second configuration to supply cleaning solution to the delivery mechanism. [0043] Advantageously, the method allows the rapid flushing of the field marker, reducing or eliminating the chances of blockage, and allowing for rapid paint interchange. [0044] Preferably, the field marker further comprises a paint container, the method further comprising the step of: [0045] configuring the delivery mechanism to dispense cleaning solution into the paint container. [0046] Advantageously, cleaning solution may be circulated through the field marker to clean not only the delivery mechanism but also the paint container and the field marker valve. [0047] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. [0048] Preferably the field marker further comprises a paint container engagement, the method further comprising the step of: [0049] attaching the paint container engagement to the paint container. Brief Description of the Drawings [0050] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0051] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a field marker in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 7 [0052] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the field marker of Fig. 1 connected to a cleaning solution supply hose; [0053] Fig. 3 is a magnified perspective view of a field marker valve of the field marker of Fig. 1; [0054] Fig. 4 is a magnified front view of the field marker valve of Fig. 3; [0055] Fig. 5 is a magnified front view of a delivery mechanism of the field marker of Fig. 1; and [0056] Fig. 6 shows the delivery mechanism of Fig. 5 adapted to dispense cleaning solution into the paint container. Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments [0057] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. [0058] Figs. 1 to 2 show a field marker 100 for marking fields, such as sporting fields and the like. The field marker 100 comprises a trolley having four wheels 105 and a handle 115 such that a user is able to guide the field marker 100 along a field. [0059] The field marker 100 further comprises a paint container 120 adapted to house paint therein for delivery to a dispensing means 515 for marking. The dispensing means 515 may be a spray-type nozzle for atomizing the paint. [0060] The field marker 100 may further comprise a battery pack 125 for powering a fluid pump 510, as described below. [0061] The field marker 100 further comprises a field marker valve 110 for flushing a field marker 100. In the manner described below, the field marker valve 8 110 may be used to select the supply of paint for delivering paint to a delivery mechanism 500 in use or the supply of cleaning solution to the delivery mechanism 500 for cleaning. In this manner, the user is able to quickly clean the delivery mechanism 500 without having to resort to time consuming disassembly and the like. Such an arrangement is advantageous, especially where different coloured paints are used in the marking of a field. As such, the user is able to configuring the field marker valve in a first configuration to supply a first colour of paint to the delivery mechanism 500, then, once done marking, configure the field marker valve in a second configuration to supply cleaning solution to the delivery mechanism 500 to flush the delivery mechanism of the first colour of paint and then configure the field marker valve in the first configuration again to supply a second colour of paint to the delivery mechanism 500 for further marking. [0062] The valve 110 is shown in greater detail in Figs. 3 and 4 wherein the field marker valve 110 comprises a paint inlet 410 coupled to the paint container 120, a cleaning solution inlet 405 coupled to a cleaning solution supply means and an outlet 415 coupled to the delivery mechanism 500. In this manner, the field marker valve 110 is configurable between a first configuration for supplying paint to the outlet 415 and a second configuration for supplying cleaning solution to the outlet 415. [0063] The valve 110 may be of a suitable value including a ball valve, butterfly valve, a check valve and the like. The valve 110 may further comprise a lever 415 for assisting the configuration of the field marker valve 100 in the first configuration or the second configuration. 9 [0064] The paint inlet 410 maybe adapted for removable connection to a paint container 120. In one embodiment, the paint inlet 410 may be threaded for screwable attachment to the paint conduit 305 such that paint from the paint container 120 is conveyed through the paint conduit 305 into the paint inlet 410 in use. The paint inlet 410 may be arranged so as to be near the field marker valve 110 such that little residual paint remains during the changeover in paint types. [0065] In a further embodiment, the cleaning solution inlet 405 is adapted for removable connection to a cleaning solution supply hose 205. In this manner, the field marker 100 may be flushed with cleaning solution supplied from the cleaning solution supply hose 205. Where the paint used is water soluble, the cleaning solution would typically be water. Other cleaning solutions may also be used depending on the application, such as turpentine and the like. In further embodiments, the field marker 100 may further comprise a cleaning solution container (not shown) to allow the flushing of the delivery mechanism 500 on field without having to return the field marker 100 to the location of a cleaning fluid supply hose 205. [0066] The cleaning solution inlet 405 may comprises a connector adapted to engage a complimentary connector of the cleaning solution supply hose 205. The connector may be a typical garden-type hose attachment suiting the cleaning solution inlet 405 for attachment to standard garden hoses. In this manner the cleaning solution inlet 405 may comprise the male connector for engagement to a complimentary female connector. 10 [0067] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the field marker valve may further comprise filtration means 310 coupled to the outlet. The filtration means 310 may advantageously trap debris in the supply of paint, such as coagulated paint, or debris in the cleaning solution, such as grit, grass fragments and the like that may be trapped by the delivery mechanism 500. [0068] Fig. 5 shows the delivery mechanism 500 for delivering the paint. The delivery mechanism may comprise a pump 510, such as a DC powered pump as shown in Fig. 5. The delivery mechanism 500 delivers paint to the dispensing means 515 for marking. [0069] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment in which cleaning solution may be circulated through the field marker to clean not only the delivery mechanism 500 but also the paint container 120 and the field marker valve 110. As shown in the figure, the delivery mechanism is configurable to dispense cleaning solution into the paint container 120. The delivery mechanism 500 may comprise an extension portion 605 allowing for the delivery mechanism 500 to be positioned to dispense cleaning solution into the paint container 120. In the embodiment shown, the delivery mechanism 500 is adapted to dispense cleaning solution through the lid of the paint container 120. In this manner, the field marker 100 may further comprise a paint container engagement 610 adapted to position the delivery mechanism 500 to dispense cleaning solution into the paint container 120. In other embodiments the delivery mechanism 605 may be adapted to dispense cleaning solution into the paint container 610 through other apertures, depending on the application. 11 [0070] Note that the delivery mechanism 500 may also be adapted to dispense paint into the paint container 610. For example, where a lighter coloured paint is replaced with a darker coloured paint, the darker coloured paint may be circulated through the field marker 100 to override the lighter coloured paint before use. Interpretation [0071] Embodiments: [0072] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. [0073] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims 12 reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. [0074] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. [0075] Different Instances of Objects [0076] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. [0077] Specific Details [0078] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures 13 and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Terminology [0079] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. [0080] Comprising and Including [0081] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. [0082] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. 14 Scope of Invention [0083] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. [0084] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. Industrial Applicability [0085] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to industries related to painting, field marking and the manufacture of field marking equipment. 15

Claims (20)

1. A field marker valve for flushing a field marker, the field marker valve comprising: a paint inlet; a cleaning solution inlet; and an outlet, wherein the field marker valve is configurable between a first configuration for supplying paint to the outlet and a second configuration for supplying cleaning solution to the outlet.

2. A field marker valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the paint inlet is adapted for removable connection to a paint container.

3. A field marker valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning solution inlet is adapted for removable connection to a cleaning solution supply hose.

4. A field marker valve as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cleaning solution inlet comprises a connector adapted to engage a complimentary connector of the cleaning solution supply hose.

5. A field marker valve as claimed in claim 4, wherein the connector is a male connector and the complimentary connector is a female connector.

6. A field marker valve as claimed in claim 1, further comprising filtration means coupled to the outlet.

7. A field marker valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet is connected to a delivery mechanism for delivering the paint to a dispensing means in the first 16 configuration and for delivering the cleaning solution to the dispensing means in the second configuration.

8. A field marker valve as claimed in claim 7, wherein the delivery mechanism comprises a pump.

9. A field marker valve as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a lever for configuring the field marker valve in the first configuration or the second configuration.

10. A field marker valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning solution is selected from a set of cleaning solutions comprising: - water; and - turpentine.

11. A field marker, comprising: a field marker valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10; and a delivery mechanism coupled to the field marker valve.

12. A field marker as claimed in claim 11, wherein the delivery mechanism comprises a pump.

13. A field marker as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a paint container coupled to the field marker valve.

14. A field marker as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a cleaning solution source coupled to the field marker valve.

15. A field marker as claimed in claim 11, wherein the delivery mechanism is configurable to dispense cleaning solution into the paint container. 17

16.A field marker as claimed in claim 15, wherein the delivery mechanism comprises an extension portion allowing for an outlet of the delivery mechanism to be positioned to dispense cleaning solution into the paint container.

17.A field marker as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a paint container engagement adapted to position an outlet of the delivery mechanism to dispense cleaning solution into the paint container.

18.A method of operating a field marker, the field marker comprising a field marker valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 and a delivery mechanism coupled to the field marker valve, the method comprising the steps of: configuring the field marker valve in a first configuration to supply paint to the delivery mechanism; and configuring the field marker valve in a second configuration to supply cleaning solution to the delivery mechanism.

19. A method of operating a field marker as claimed in claim 18, the field marker further comprises a paint container, the method further comprising the step of: configuring the delivery mechanism to dispense cleaning solution into the paint container.

20. A method of operating a field marker as claimed in claim 19, the field marker further comprises a paint container engagement, the method further comprising the step of: 18 attaching the paint container engagement to the paint container. 19