AU2013201391B2 - A spray nozzle assembly and use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A spray nozzle assembly (10) comprising a body (12) capable of sealing an opening (24) in a container (20). The assembly (10) further comprises an inlet (26) for liquid that is connectable to a liquid supply located externally of the container (20), an outlet (32) locatable within the container (20), and a flow passage (34) extending between the inlet (26) and the outlet (32). The nozzle assembly (10) additionally has a nozzle arrangement (14) located at the outlet (32) that enables the internal walls of the container (20) to be sprayed with liquid flowing from the flow passage (34); and a liquid-impermeable barrier (16) extending across the flow passage (34) between the inlet (26) and the outlet (32) that, when ruptured, allows the flow of liquid from the inlet (26) to the outlet (32). Figure 1 Figure 2 17 36 Figure 2

Description

ι 2013201391 08 Mar 2013

A SPRAY NOZZLE ASSEMBLY AND USE THEREOF TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to cleaning and rinsing of containers. In particular, the invention is directed to a spray nozzle assembly for cleaning and rinsing chemical containers.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and fungicides are commonly used in the agricultural industry. For convenience and cost considerations, these chemicals are purchased in bulk and consequently shipped in large volume containers. The capacity of the containers is generally within the range of 5 litres up to about 1000 litres.

[0003] The containers are commonly made from plastic, although larger (200 L) containers are also available in steel. The containers can be rinsed and re-used, however, they do have a limited life-span, particularly plastic containers, so that after a number of years of use, the containers are recycled. Steel containers are crushed and the steel recycled, whilst plastic containers are shredded and recycled for a variety of uses such as plastic pipes. In addition, there is a shift in the agricultural chemical industry to move towards single-use containers.

[0004] Whether the containers are single-use or are to be re-used, there are serious safety considerations once the contents of the container have been emptied. Even if the contents of a container have been dispensed via a pump, there will always be some residue remaining in the container. The nature of chemicals used in the agricultural industry is such that emptied containers which have residue remaining are hazardous, necessitating efficient rinsing of the container prior to re-use or recycling.

[0005] There are a number of options available for rinsing chemical containers so that they are suitable for re-use or recycling. The user of the chemical can rinse the container once it has been emptied. Rinsing can be achieved via the opening in the container through which the chemical was dispensed. This is most commonly undertaken using a hose to wash the inside of the container with water and places the user at risk due to any splashes from within the container.

[0006] Alternatively, the emptied containers can be collected by a specialist container cleaning company, who will then clean the container and forward it for recycling or re-use. This is an expensive option for many users of agricultural chemicals, such as farmers. 2 2013201391 31 Μ 2017 [00071 The present invention is directed to an improved means for rinsing and cleaning emptied chemical containers.

[0008] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a spray nozzle assembly for cleaning residue remaining in an emptied container, the container having a main opening for filling and emptying the container, and an auxiliary opening, comprising: a body capable of sealing the auxiliary opening in the container and comprising an inlet for liquid that is connectable to a liquid supply located externally of the container, an outlet locatable within the container, and a flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet; a nozzle arrangement located at the outlet that enables internal walls of the container to be sprayed with liquid flowing from the flow passage; and a liquid-impermeable barrier extending across the flow passage between the inlet and the outlet that, when ruptured, allows the flow of liquid from the inlet to the outlet.

[0010] The body can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The body can thus be of any shape to suit the shape of an opening in the container. Preferably the opening in the container is a circular opening. The body can be a unitary construction, or the body can comprise two or more connecting pieces. Where the body comprises two or more connecting pieces, the connecting pieces provide for ready assembly and can also provide access to internal components of the spray nozzle assembly, if required.

[0011] The body of the spray nozzle assembly can seal the opening of a container by any suitable means. The body can, for example, friction fit to the container within the opening or can be threaded for screwing to the opening. Other arrangements are envisaged. In one embodiment, an outer sleeve of the body friction fits within the opening and has an inner thread that screws to another component of the body. In an alternative embodiment, the outer sleeve can be integrally moulded with the container so that it is part of the container as opposed to the body.

[0012] The opening in the container which the spray nozzle assembly seals can be an opening at any suitable location in the container. Preferably, the opening is in a top of the container. Even more preferably, the opening is an auxiliary opening, independent of the opening normally used for filling and emptying the container. 3 2013201391 08 Mar 2013 [0013] The opening in the container can be adapted to receive the spray nozzle assembly in any suitable manner. For example, the opening in the container can comprise a sleeve neck which is separate from the container or integrally moulded with the container. Alternatively, the opening in the container can comprising locking lugs which secure the spray nozzle assembly within the opening.

[0014] The spray nozzle assembly can further comprise at least one handle to assist in installing the assembly within an opening of a container. Preferably 2, 3 or 4 handles extend radially from the body. These handles can also be used to attach the body via a security seal to the container.

[0015] The inlet for liquid can be connectable to an external liquid supply in any suitable way. Preferably the inlet is connectable to a hose by a quick coupling arrangement comprising a coupling head and an o-ring extending around the head. The external liquid supply can then enter the inlet via the hose. Preferably, the liquid is water and the inlet is connectable to a water hose. The spray nozzle assembly can further comprise the liquid supply.

[0016] The nozzle arrangement can be of any suitable construction and can incorporate any suitable features to enable the internal walls of the container to be sprayed with liquid flowing through the flow passage and out the nozzle arrangement. For example, the nozzle arrangement can comprise at least one impingement surface extending across the outlet. The impingement surface may be in the form of a nozzle head. The nozzle head can be adjustable in position relative to the outlet such that characteristics of the spray can be modified at will. For example, characteristics of the spray that can be modified by adjusting the position of the nozzle head include exit velocity, spray pattern and coverage. The nozzle arrangement can comprise at least one impingement surface extending within the flow passage.

[0017] In one embodiment, the nozzle arrangement comprises a nozzle head extending across the outlet. In one embodiment, the nozzle arrangement comprises impingement fins extending longitudinally within the flow passage relative to a longitudinal axis of the flow passage and extending radially relative to that longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle arrangement comprises radially extending impingement fins that extend within the flow passage from a nozzle head. The impingement fins can provide a centrally located opening that functions as a seat for a ball valve. The ball valve can, in turn, provide an additional impingement surface within the flow passage. 4 2013201391 31 Μ 2017 [0018] The spray nozzle assembly can comprise a check valve for preventing reverse flow of liquid from within the container through the outlet. Any suitable arrangement comprising a valve seat and a valve member movable relative to the valve seat between a non-sealing position and a sealing position can be utilized. In one embodiment, the check valve comprises a buoyant sealing member (float valve) that is movable by liquid into engagement with a valve seat. Preferably, the sealing member is a buoyant ball and the valve seat provides a centrally located opening that is salable with the ball. In this embodiment, the radially extending impingement fins of the nozzle arrangement can provide a centrally located opening that functions as a seat for the ball and guides the ball to the valve seat.

[0019] The liquid-impermeable barrier can be made from any suitable material, and can be of any suitable construction. Preferably, the barrier is made from a chemically non-reactive material such as plastic or film, and can be ruptured in any suitable way. For example, the barrier can be a membrane, sheet or film that can be punctured by a sharp object inserted into the flow passage via the inlet.

[0020] The spray nozzle assembly can be made from any suitable material or materials, such as plastic. Preferably, the spray nozzle assembly is manufactured as a single-use item.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a spray nozzle assembly as defined according to the first aspect when connected to a container.

[0022] The container can be of any suitable size. Preferably, the container has a capacity of about 5 litres up to about 1000 litres. The container can be of any suitable shape and construction. For example, the container can be a plastic or steel container of the types used for bulk chemicals.

[00231 There is described a container comprising a main opening for filling and emptying the container, and an auxiliary opening adapted to be connected to a spray nozzle assembly according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0024] The container and the spray nozzle assembly can be as described according to the first aspect.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of cleaning an interior of a container, comprising the steps of: connecting a spray nozzle assembly to a 2013201391 31 Μ 2017 5 container; connecting the spray nozzle assembly to a liquid supply; and washing the container's interior, wherein the spray nozzle assembly is in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

[0026] This paragraph has been deleted.

[00271 The container can comprise a main opening for filling and emptying the container, and an auxiliary opening. The spray nozzle assembly can be connected to the auxiliary opening of the container, and a liquids evacuation system can be connected to the main opening of the container. The liquids evacuation system can by any suitable system for removing the rinsing liquid from the container. Preferably the evacuation system comprises a pump system such as those known in the art for dispensing container contents. The pump system can therefore be an electric pump, a pneumatic pump or a manual (hand-pressurized) pump.

[0028] Connecting an evacuation system to the main opening of a container, and a spray nozzle assembly to an auxiliary opening of the container allows the rinsing liquid to be removed from the container without disconnection of the spray nozzle assembly. The process of washing the interior of the container can thus be repeated without the user risking contact with the rinsing liquid.

[0029] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: [0031] Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of a top of a container and a spray nozzle assembly that is connected to the container, according to an embodiment of the invention; 6 2013201391 08 Mar 2013 [0032] Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of part of the spray nozzle assembly shown in Figure 1; and [0033] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the part of the spray nozzle assembly shown in Figure 2.

[0034] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following detailed description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The detailed description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Similar features are numbered similarly throughout the figures.

[0036] Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of a top of a container 20 and a spray nozzle assembly 10 that is connected to the container 20, according to an embodiment of the invention. The container 20 has a main opening 22 through which contents of the container 20 can be dispensed. The container also has a second opening 24 to which the spray nozzle assembly 10 is sealingly connected.

[0037] As seen in the figures, the spray nozzle assembly 10 comprises a body 12, a nozzle arrangement 14, a liquid-impermeable barrier 16 and a check valve 18.

[0038] The body 12 has an inlet 26 for liquid in the form of a quick-release male coupling for coupling with a hose (not shown). The inlet 26 comprises a coupling head 28 and an o-ring 30 so that a hose having female coupling, in fluid communication with an external liquid supply, can be readily connected.

[0039] The body 12 has an outlet 32 and a flow passage 34 extending between the inlet 26 and the outlet 32.

[0040] The body comprises various components. An outer sleeve component 11 of the body 12 friction fits within the opening 24 and seals the opening 24. The outer sleeve component 11 is internally threaded and has a stepped periphery providing shoulders. Alternatively, the outer sleeve component 11 could be integrally moulded as part of the container itself. 7 2013201391 08 Mar 2013 [0041] An inner sleeve component 17 of the body 12 is externally threaded and screws to the outer sleeve component 11. The inner sleeve component 17 has the coupling head 28 and four handles 36 extend radially from the inner component 17.

[0042] Another component of the body 12 is in the form of a rubber sealing disk 38 that abuts a lower threaded end of the inner sleeve component 17. A central opening in the rubber sealing disk 38 provides a valve seat 40 of the check valve 18.

[0043] Yet another component of the body 12 is in the form of a flanged sleeve 42 wherein an upper end of the sleeve 42 has the flange. A lower end of the flanged sleeve 42 provides the outlet 32.

[0044] The nozzle arrangement comprises a nozzle head 44 located adjacent the outlet 32, fins 46 that extend with the flow passage 34 and within the flanged sleeve 42, a neck 48 extending between the head 44 and the fins 46, and an upper flange 51 extending from the fins 46. The fins 46 extend radially and outwardly relative to a central axis of the flow passage 34 and provide a central opening for a ball sealing member 50 of the check valve. The nozzle arrangement is held in place in that the flange 51 is sandwiched between the flanged sleeve 42 and the sealing disk 38. The fins 46, ball sealing member 50 and nozzle head 44 act as impingement surfaces.

[0045] The fluid-impermeable barrier (not shown) extends across the flow passage 34 and between the sealing disk 38 and inner sleeve component, and can be ruptured by insertion of a sharp object into the flow passage 34 via the inlet 26. The fluid-impermeable barrier (not shown) can be made of film, plastic or any suitable material. The barrier could alternatively extend across the flow passage 34 at other locations, including, for example, over the inlet 26.

[0046] The check valve has a buoyant sealing member ball 50, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. The sealing member ball 50 is shown in Figure 2 in a non-sealing position. In situations of reverse flow of liquid from within the container 20 back into the spray nozzle assembly, the sealing member ball 50 is raised by the reverse flowing liquid into a sealing position against the valve seat 40 (that is, the central opening in the sealing disk 38), thereby preventing reverse flowing liquid from exiting the container 20 via the inlet 26. That is, the sealing member ball 50 raises from a seated position between the fins 46 (shown in Figure 2) and is guided by the fins 46 into engagement with the central opening in the sealing disk 38. 8 2013201391 08 Mar 2013 [0047] As seen in Figure 1, to assemble the spray nozzle assembly 10, the components shown in Figure 3 are first fitted together as shown and then this sub-assembly is placed and screwed within the outer sleeve component 11 that has previously been friction fitted or moulded to the opening 24 in the container 20. The flange of the flanged sleeve 42 rests against an inner shoulder of the outer sleeve 11 and screwing of the inner component 17 compresses the sealing disk 38 and keeps the assembly securely connected to the container 20.

[0048] In use, the spray nozzle assembly 10 seals an opening 24 of a container 20 and due to the liquid-impermeable barrier, the container contents cannot be dispensed via the spray nozzle assembly 10. Once the container 20 contents have been dispensed, the liquid-impermeable barrier is ruptured using a sharp object inserted into the flow passage 34 via the inlet 26. A hose connected to a water supply can then be connected to the coupling head 28 of the inlet 26 and water used to rinse out the container 20. In the event that the container is overfilled, the ball 50 of the check valve seals the flow passage 34.

[0049] Advantageously, using a spray nozzle assembly device of the present invention allows a user to easily and efficiently clean containers which may have contained toxic chemicals. The washings from the container may advantageously be used as a diluted form of the container contents, thereby maximizing use of the original contents.

[0050] The spray nozzle assembly thus provides a device for easy rinsing and cleaning of containers once the container contents have been used, so that the empty, cleaned containers can be readily recycled or re-used.

[0051] In the present specification and claims, the word “comprising” and its derivatives including “comprises” and “comprise” include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0052] 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, the appearance 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. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. 2013201391 08 Mar 2013 9 [0053] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (21)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A spray nozzle assembly for cleaning residue remaining in an emptied container, the container having a main opening for fdling and emptying the container, and an auxiliary opening, comprising: a body capable of sealing the auxiliary opening in the container and comprising an inlet for liquid that is connectable to a liquid supply located externally of the container, an outlet locatable within the container, and a flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet; a nozzle arrangement located at the outlet that enables internal walls of the container to be sprayed with liquid flowing from the flow passage; and a liquid-impermeable barrier extending across the flow passage between the inlet and the outlet that, when ruptured, allows the flow of liquid from the inlet to the outlet.
2. 2. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the body comprises two or more connecting pieces.
3. 3. The spray nozzle assembly of either claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising at least one handle extending from the body.
4. 4. The spray nozzle assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the auxiliary opening is circular and at least a portion of the body is shaped to seal the circular auxiliary opening in the container.
5. 5. The spray nozzle assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body comprises an outer sleeve component which friction fits within the auxiliary opening of the container.
6. 6. The spray nozzle assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body comprises an external screw thread for screwing to the auxiliary opening of the container.
7. 7. The spray nozzle assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the nozzle arrangement comprises at least one impingement surface that extends across the outlet.
8. 8. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 7, wherein the impingement surface is in the form of a nozzle head.
9. 9. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 8, wherein the nozzle head is adjustable in position relative to the outlet such that characteristics of the liquid spray from the flow passage can be modified.
10. 10. The spray nozzle assembly of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the nozzle arrangement further comprises at least one impingement surface that extends within the flow passage.
11. 11. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 10, wherein the at least one impingement surface that extends within the flow passage comprises radially extending impingement fins.
12. 12. The spray nozzle assembly of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the liquid-impermeable barrier comprises a membrane that can be ruptured by insertion of a sharp object into the inlet.
13. 13. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 12, wherein the membrane is made of film or plastic.
14. 14. The spray nozzle assembly of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the inlet comprises a coupling head and an o-ring for connecting the body to an external liquid supply via a hose.
15. 15. The spray nozzle assembly of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a check valve for preventing liquid flowing from within the container through the outlet.
16. 16. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 15, wherein the check valve comprises a valve member movable relative to a valve seat between a non-sealing position and a sealing position.
17. 17. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 16, wherein the valve member is a buoyant ball valve and the valve seat is located with the flow passage.
18. 18. A spray nozzle assembly as defined according to any one of claims 1 to 17 when connected to a container.
19. 19. A method of cleaning an interior of a container, comprising the steps of: connecting a spray nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 17 to the container; connecting the spray nozzle assembly to a water supply; and washing the container's interior.
20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the spray nozzle assembly is connected to an auxiliary opening of the container, and a liquids evacuation system is connected to a main opening of the container used for filling and emptying the container, wherein the evacuation system allows rinsing liquid to be removed from the container without disconnection of either the spray nozzle assembly or evacuation system.
21. 21. The method of any one of claims 19 to 20, comprising the step of rupturing the liquid-impermeable barrier of the spray nozzle assembly by insertion of a sharp object into the inlet of the spray nozzle assembly, prior to the step of connecting the spray nozzle assembly to a water supply.