JP4377097B2 - Handheld pump spraying device - Google Patents

Abstract

A hand holdable pump spray apparatus is disclosed where the pump mechanism is in the hand holdable wand (14) rather than in a spaced apart liquid container. The wand (14) may be held with one handle (54) is extended with other hand. This creates a pressure differential which allows liquid to flow from the container (10), passed a check valve (84) and into the wand (14). After filling, a biased spring provides a force against the liquid creating a higher pressure in the wand (14) than ambient pressure. This closes the check valve (84). When an operator depresses an actuator (68), another valve (88) opens allowing the liquid in the wand (14) to be ejected through a nozzle (66).

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hand-held pump spray device, and more particularly to a hand-held pump spray device that is reliable, easy to use, safe and inexpensive.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Primarily, non-aerosol pump spray devices have been developed to eliminate the use of high pressure gases that have a detrimental impact on the environment and the use of pressurized containers that cause harm. Pressurized containers may explode and cause harm, and if the container has ingredients such as insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers, it may have an unfavorable impact on the environment. Examples of non-aerosol pump spray devices include US Pat. Nos. 5,936,116, 5,918,782, 5,860,574, 5,816,447, and 5,810,211. And 4,174,055.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The disadvantage to all such non-aerosol pump devices is that the pump device is provided in a container with the liquid to be pumped out. Thus, there is a flexible tube connecting the container to a handheld spraying device or “stick”. Generally, the container is sold as a disposable unit that is discarded when there is no more liquid to be pumped out. This is relatively expensive for both the manufacturer and the consumer because the pump mechanism provided in the container is also discarded with the container. Another problem with the design of the pump in the container is that both hands are required to operate the pump, so when the pump is operated, its hand rod is placed underneath or held in an inconvenient position. It must be. For example, when it is time to operate the spray device, the pump must be activated to pressurize at least a portion of the system. In general, this means that the handle attached to the piston provided in the container needs to be pulled upward. This is done with one hand, but the other hand must hold the container "on the ground" to resist pulling upward on the handle. Therefore, it is difficult to hold the rod at the same time.
[0004]
There are also safety issues that are more particularly associated with the nature of the liquid being sprayed. First, it is necessary to have a sealed container when the liquid is transported from the factory and stored again by the consumer. In addition, there may be safety issues with the pressurized liquid contained in the flow path from the container to the spray device.
[0005]
Many conventional attempts to add improvements to non-aerosol pump atomizers must still create an optimal system.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The difficulties encountered by previous devices have been overcome by the present invention. A hand-held housing that is spaced from the container of liquid to be sprayed and has a first end and a second end and is usually tube-shaped, a piston movable within the housing, and the piston And a handle adapted to be gripped by a user to move the piston toward one end of the housing, and attached to the piston toward the other end of the housing. A spring provided in the casing between the piston and the one end of the casing for energizing, and formed in the casing between the piston and the other end of the casing. A first valve disposed between the container and the chamber, a nozzle, a second valve provided between the nozzle and the first valve, and the second valve And thereby the liquid in the chamber is ejected through the nozzle Hand pump capable spray apparatus and a canceller is actuator is described.
[0007]
There are many advantages, features and objectives that are not available with conventional devices and are achieved by the present invention. For example, one advantage is a hand-held non-aerosol that has a pump contained within a rod, thereby eliminating the traditional potential harm associated with pressurized liquid in the flow path. The present invention provides a pump spray device. Another feature of the present invention is that it allows the elimination of various parts previously required. Yet another feature of the present invention is that the combination of the pump spray bar and container is relatively inexpensive and the container is disposable after use, but the pump mechanism in the bar is separate and may be reused. is there. Yet another feature of the present invention is the unintentional location of liquids that may be visually apparent to ensure that the container is sealed when not in use or transported, thereby potentially harmful to the environment. It is to provide a simple container valve that prevents leakage. A further feature of the present invention is that it allows the container to be emptied more completely than can be achieved by conventional pump spray devices. A further object of the present invention is that the rod is reliable, easy to use, inexpensive and safe.
[0008]
The invention will be more fully understood and other advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be obtained by considering the following embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings will now be described in detail. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific forms disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, variations, equivalent structures and methods, and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the claims.
[0010]
Referring to FIG. 1, it can be seen that a hand-held non-aerosol pump spray system typically includes a container 10 serving as a liquid tank, to which a supply tube 12 is connected, the supply tube 12 being This time it is connected to a hand-held pump spray device or rod 14. As mentioned, there are many advantages to having a pump placed in a rod rather than in a container as shown in the preceding prior patent. By placing the pump in the rod, the pump is much easier to use. It is not necessary to let go of the rod or to hold it in an inconvenient position when operating the pump. As will be described below, the user can use one hand to hold the rod 14 and the other hand pulls the pump piston back. When this is done, there is no need to hold the container or touch the container itself, and unlike previous devices, there is an additional effect on the container when the pump of the present invention is operated. Since there is no force, there is no need to hold the container against the upward force on the pump. The second major feature is that manufacturing costs are reduced. This happens in two ways. First, the placement of the pump within the rod simplifies the design and reduces the number of parts, thereby reducing costs. Second, the lack of a pump mechanism within the container means that disposable containers are a much cheaper item to manufacture.
[0011]
Another advantage relates to the handling of the liquid in the container. It may be preferable and often necessary to dispose of the container, since it may not be desirable to directly touch the liquid in the container 10 even if there is only a relatively small amount of liquid remaining in the container 10 after use. By having a pump mechanism in the rod, the rod and supply tube can be removed from the container and used again with a new container that is completely filled. The rod and supply tube are easily disconnected from the used container, which is sealed using a simple but effective valve.
[0012]
2 and 3, the container is described in more detail. To achieve a container having an integral handle 20, mouth 22 and storage sleeve or compartment 24, the container may be made of any suitable synthetic resin, such as high density polyethylene, using blow molding techniques. . A special safety cap 26 is also provided. This cap has a swivel valve 28. This swivel valve provides a safety feature. This swivel valve allows the user to determine by simple visual inspection whether the valve is open or closed. The swivel valve 28 is connected to the top of the cap 26, which is now attached or screwed into the container mouth 22. The swivel valve includes a central opening 30 that forms a passage from the first end 32 of the valve to the opposite end 34. Supply tube 12 is connected to end 34 in any suitable manner.
[0013]
The valve is pivotally mounted on the cap. The first end 32 is shown in solid lines in FIG. 2 from the position where the valve 28 and central opening 30 are normally horizontal, and the position shown by the phantom line where the valve 28 is normally aligned vertically. Rotate to. This vertical position allows the central opening 30 to align with the liquid moving inner tube 36 that extends down from the cap 26, very close to the bottom 39 of the container 10. By having this central opening 30 aligned with the inner tube 36, there is a direct passage between the liquid 38 in the container 10 and the rod 14. This passage extends through the inner tube 36, the valve 28 and the supply tube 12. However, if the valve 28 is pivoted to its horizontal position, it can be seen that this passage is closed or blocked between the inner tube 36 and the supply tube 12. This seals the liquid in the container. Swivel valves are safe and relatively inexpensive and provide immediate information to the user or operator by visual inspection of whether the container is open or closed.
[0014]
A further advantage is that if the container is empty, the container, cap and inner tube may be properly discarded after the supply tube is disconnected from the valve 28, except for the remainder. It can be seen that the elements of the system that are intended to be disposable are simple and relatively inexpensive, and that more complex and expensive elements such as pumps in a rod are reusable.
[0015]
A storage / transport sleeve 24 is provided to allow storage of the rod 14 when the system is transported or stored. There is an integral bridge flange 40 between the sleeve and the container. This flange provides a base on which the supply tube may be wound when the rod is placed in the sleeve. As shown by the solid line in FIG. 2, the system is in a relatively small arrangement and of course is transported in an unpressurized state. This feature reduces costs and increases safety.

[0016]
4 and 5, the deformation of the cap and valve connected to the top of the container is illustrated. The modified cap 21 has a female screw 23 that mates with a complementary screw (not shown) around the mouth of the container. The cap 21 includes an integral sleeve 25 for receiving the upper end 27 of the inner tube 36. A groove 29 is formed at the top of the cap, and a valve element 31 is turnably mounted in the groove 29. The valve body 31 is generally tube-shaped and includes a central passage 33 for receiving a connection tool 35 secured to the end of the supply tube 12. This connector has a central opening 45 and can be engaged with the valve body 31 in the central passage 33 as shown in FIG. The valve body also includes an end opening 37 leading to the central passage so that liquid can pass through its entire length. The cap is also provided with a vent opening 47 to allow pressure equalization during use, and is associated with the inner tube 36 and the end opening 37 of the valve body 31, as shown in FIG. For this purpose, a liquid opening 41 is provided.
[0017]
Similar to the embodiment of the valve in FIG. 2, the valve body 31 is closed when in the horizontal position, as shown in FIG. If horizontal, both the liquid opening 41 and the vent opening 47 are closed so that the container is sealed. Also, due to the geometric shape of the groove 29 and the connector 35, the connector must be removed before the container is sealed. As described below, removal of the connector is another safety feature because, when used properly, all liquid in the rod and in the supply tube is returned to the container.
[0018]
If the operator wants to administer the liquid, the valve body is swung up around the swivel point 43 and the connector is inserted into the central passage 33 as shown in FIG. When the valve body is fully upright, the inner tube 36, the liquid opening 41, the end opening 37, the central passage 33, the central connector opening 45, and the rod passing through the supply tube 12, There is an unobstructed passage for the liquid.
[0019]
6-9, the handheld pump spray device is shown in more detail. The rod 14 includes a hand-held tubular housing 44 having a first end or left end 46 and a second end or right end 48. Within the housing, the piston 50 is movable between a first end and a second end of the housing. A handle 54 is connected to the piston. A piston rod 52 couples the piston to the handle. The piston includes a front surface 58 and a rear surface 60. Between the rear surface 60 of the piston and the first end of the housing, there is a first coil spring 62 that urges the piston toward the right end of the housing, that is, the second end 48. A cap 64 is attached to the left end 46 of the housing. A nozzle 66 is attached to the right end 48 of the housing. As explained below, the right end of the housing also includes two valves, two chambers, and two springs.
[0020]
A trigger sleeve 68 including a thumb lever 70 surrounds the housing around the right end of the housing. Adjacent to the nozzle 66 is a fluid return mechanism 72 and a connector 74 for engagement with the supply tube. A first chamber or main chamber 80 into which liquid 38 (FIG. 2) from the container is drawn when the handle 54 is moved to the left, that is, away from the cap 64, by the user is the front surface 58 of the piston 50 and the housing. Between the right end portion 48 and the right end portion 48. In FIGS. 6-9, the rod is shown in a relaxed or unpressurized mode since the rod is being transported and stored, i.e. the rod has been removed from the container.
[0021]
10-12 show the relative simplicity and reliability of the pump and spray mechanism. 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views of the right end portion 48 of the housing 44. The supply tube 12 is attached to a connector 74 that communicates with the second chamber, that is, the small chamber 82. A first valve or intake valve 84, commonly referred to as a check valve, separates the small chamber 82 from the main chamber 80, and the intake valve 84 generally opens in one direction in response to a pressure differential across the valve. As the piston 50 (FIG. 9) is pulled to the left by the user, the main chamber 80 expands. This reduces the pressure in the main chamber, but the pressure acting on the liquid is the atmosphere, thereby creating a pressure differential across the check valve 84. This pressure difference causes the valve to open as indicated by the exaggerated phantom line and move the liquid 38 from the container 10 through the supply tube and the small chamber 82 into the main chamber 80. Further, as the piston 50 is pulled leftward, the coil spring 62 (FIG. 9) is compressed more and more. When the piston reaches its limit of travel or the user stops moving the handle to the left, the main chamber 80 is filled with liquid and the spring 62 is fully or partially compressed. This compressed spring exerts a biasing force on the rear surface 60 of the piston and the liquid, thereby closing the check valve 84.
[0022]
There is a second valve that includes a valve stem 88 disposed in the right end of the housing in parallel alignment with the check valve. The valve stem has a central longitudinal opening 90, a first radial passage or left radial passage 92, and a second radial passage or right radial passage 94 proximate the valve stem head 93. A plug 96 seals the upstream end of the longitudinal opening 90. The second valve also includes a first O-ring seal 98 that is disposed around the outer periphery of the valve stem. This sealing material serves as a valve face. A second O-ring 100, a third O-ring 102, and a fourth O-ring 104 are also included to seal various parts of the valve. A male thread portion 106 that meshes with the female thread 108 of the nozzle 66 also exists around the periphery of the valve stem. The threaded engagement of the valve stem and nozzle ensures that they move or slide together when an external force is applied, but the nozzle and valve stem are nevertheless sprayed from the nozzle. Can be moved relative to each other to adjust. The nozzle 66 includes a round head 110 having a spray opening 112. A third chamber or nozzle chamber 114 exists just inside the nozzle and between the nozzle and the valve stem. The nozzle also includes an annular shoulder 116, an annular end 118 and an outer shoulder 119.
[0023]
The right end 48 of the housing includes a first sleeve portion 120 having an annular flange 122 around the outer periphery, and an annular ramp 124 that functions as a part of the second valve by being a valve seat. A second coil spring 126 exists between the flange 122 and the ring-shaped end portion 118.
[0024]
A trigger sleeve 68 having a radiation directing annular flange 130 is disposed around a portion of the nozzle and the sleeve portion 120. This flange is configured to contact the shoulder portion 119 of the nozzle. When the trigger sleeve is moved to the left by the user's thumb on the lever 70 (FIGS. 6 and 7), it slides the nozzle to the left, thereby causing the valve stem as shown in FIG. Is moved to the left and the O-ring seal or valve face 98 is separated from the annular ramp or valve seat 124. When this occurs, the liquid represented by the arrow 132 moves around the end of the valve stem 88, passes through the valve face 98 and the valve seat 124, passes through the annular space 91 around the valve stem 88, It can pass through the radial passage 92 and then to the longitudinal opening 90 and through the radial passage 94 into the nozzle chamber 114 and out of the spray opening 112. When the user releases his thumb from the thumb lever 70, the second spring 126 pushes the annular end 118 of the nozzle to the right, thereby causing both the nozzle and the valve stem to slide to the right, which in turn. Prevents the flow of liquid into the nozzle chamber 114 by bringing the valve face 98 and the valve seat 124 into contact with each other.
[0025]
Referring to FIG. 12, the valve stem 88 includes a longitudinal groove 121 for receiving a longitudinally extending key 123. This mechanism is used to allow the user to rotate the nozzle relative to the valve stem without rotating the valve stem. Nevertheless, the valve stem is movable in the longitudinal direction as the nozzle rotates.
[0026]
Turning to FIGS. 13-15, another example of the great simplicity of the device is illustrated. The left end 46 of the housing 44 is shown in more detail. The cap 64 is threadedly engaged with the housing and includes an outer surface 138 and a central opening 139. This central opening allows the piston rod 52 to extend beyond the end of the housing. The cap includes an arcuate flange 140 extending over the arc angle. A radially extending arcuate flange 142 is integral with the bar. When the piston 50 is in its rightmost position, as generally shown in FIG. 9, the rod flange and cap flange are in a position where the rod flange can be captured by the cap and cap flange. The cap may also include a flange-shaped opening 143. Since the rod is cylindrical, the rod can be rotated from a capture position or restriction position as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 to a non-capture position or restriction position as shown in FIG. In the capture position, the pump is not operating and not pressurized. This means that the first spring 62 is in a relaxed state or almost in a relaxed state. When in the restricted position, the flange of the rod and the opening 143 are aligned, and the flange of the rod is slid into the opening to restrict not only linear movement outward but also rotation. However, by retracting the handle to the left and simply rotating the handle 54 half a turn or 180 °, the rod flange moves to the unrestricted position, and the user or operator grips the handle to force the compression spring The rod can be pressurized by pulling it against the left.
[0027]
Returning to FIG. 10, as described above, the liquid return mechanism 72 is provided as a safety feature for allowing the liquid in the main chamber 80 and the small chamber 82 to return to the container if the liquid is not sprayed through the nozzle. It has been. This is done by opening the check valve 84 open. The liquid return mechanism includes a plunger 141, an activation button 145 and a third spring 144. The plunger 141 moves within a short second sleeve 146 of the housing 44 provided in the right end 48. When the button 145 is pressed, the button moves to the left by sliding on the outer periphery 148 of the second sleeve 146. This time, the inner annular flange 150 of the button engages the annular shoulder surface 152 of the plunger, causing the plunger to push the check valve 84. This opens the check valve and allows liquid in the main chamber 80 to enter the chamber 82 and from there into the supply tube 12. The liquid flows back into the container 10 from this supply tube. The driving force for moving the liquid is provided by a first spring 62 (FIG. 9) applied to the rear surface 60 of the piston 50.
[0028]
Turning to FIGS. 16, 17, and 18, yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. A hand-held pump spray device including half of the outer casing 202 having a cylindrical housing 204 having a first end or lower end 206 and a second end or upper end 208 therein. 200 is illustrated. A movable piston 210 that moves between a first end and a second end of the housing is present in the housing. A handle 212 is connected to the piston by a rod 214. A coil spring 216 is disposed around the bar to provide a biasing force to drive the piston to the upper end 208 of the housing.
[0029]
As can be seen in FIG. 18, when the handle is extended, the coil spring 216 is compressed, thereby increasing the biasing force against the piston. Extending the handle also creates a chamber 220 in the housing between the upper end 208 and the piston 210. This chamber is filled with the fluid or liquid to be sprayed as the piston is moved to the lower end 206.
[0030]
A first or intake valve 222 is located at the end of intake conduit 224 that is shown in diagram form for connection to tank 226. It will be appreciated that the tank may take the form of a liquid container such as the container 10 shown in FIGS. Also, similar to the above-described embodiment of the handheld pump spray device, this device is intended to be spaced from the container or tank as shown in FIGS. The intake valve generally consists of a loose ball 230 that rests on a valve seat 232 and is bound by a retainer 234. When the handle is extended, the chamber 220 is created and is at a lower pressure than the pressure on the liquid in the tank 226. This pressure differential causes liquid to flow through conduit 224 to move the ball out of valve seat 232. The liquid flows through the retainer 234 and enters the second chamber or manifold 240. From there the fluid enters chamber 220. In this way, a hand-held pump spray device is prepared for operation.
[0031]
Finally, the liquid is discharged through nozzle 242. However, a second or outlet valve 244 exists between the chamber 220 and the manifold 240. The valve includes a slidable valve body 246, a coil spring 248 and an opening 250 in a conduit 252 leading to the nozzle. An actuator 254 is attached to the outer casing 202. The actuator includes an operation button 255, a pivot shaft 256, and an extension arm 258. When the operating button 255 is depressed, the operating arm and the extension arm rotate counterclockwise so that the valve body 246 slides to the left and the spring 248 is compressed. It is connected to the body 246. By sliding leftward, the valve body exposes the opening 250 to the liquid in the chamber and in the manifold. When the operating force on the button 255 is released, the coil spring 248 urges the arm and button to pivot clockwise, thereby returning the valve body 246 to its original position as shown in FIG. As can be seen, the handheld pump spray device 200 is simple, reliable, inexpensive, easy to use and efficient to operate.
[0032]
19 and 20, another embodiment of a hand-held pump spray device 280 that includes an outer casing 282, a cylindrical housing 284, an internal piston 286 and a handle 288 is illustrated. As in the above embodiment, the housing has a first end 290 and a second end 292. The configuration of this embodiment is very similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-18, except that a cable 294 is present instead of the rod connecting the piston to the handle. One end 295 of the cable is attached to the lower end 296 of the cylindrical housing, and the opposite end 297 of the cable is attached to an anchor 298 in the handle. Between these two end points of the cable is a pulley 300 mounted on the piston. When the operator pulls the handle to move the piston toward the first end, the low pressure chamber 302 is created and the biasing spring 287 is compressed. The advantage of the cable and pulley arrangement is that approximately half the force is required on the handle 288 to move the piston as compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 16-18.
[0033]
Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-18, the embodiment of FIGS. 19 and 20 includes an input conduit or tube 303, a first valve 304, a second valve 306, and a nozzle 308. Further, the embodiment of FIGS. 19 and 20 is operated by the same actuator 310 as previously described with respect to FIGS. 16-18.
[0034]
Turning to FIG. 21, another embodiment of a bar is illustrated. This hand-held pump sprayer 160 is formed by a pistol grip 162 and a trigger 164. Supply tube 166 engages the bottom of the grip. In order to provide a more aesthetically pleasing device, the handle 168 is designed to be visually integrated with the rest of the bar. Turning to FIG. 22, another embodiment of a bar is shown. The illustrated bar 180 is similar to the bar of the embodiment of FIG. 16, except that the variation of FIG. 21 has a pistol grip 182. Yet another embodiment, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1, except that the bar 190 is attached directly to the liquid container 192 is shown in FIG. The rods in all embodiments may be made of any suitable material such as polypropylene.
[0035]
In the operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-15, the user first removes the rod 14 from the sleeve 24 and unwinds the supply tube 12 from the bridge flange 40, and then the user releases the valve sealing the container. To do so, the end 34 of the valve 28 is lifted. In an alternative construction, the user lifts the valve body 31 to open the valve (see FIGS. 4-5) and the plug in the connector 35. Both of these actions cause the valve to communicate with the inner tube 36 and thereby the liquid 38 in the container 10.
[0036]
To pressurize the system, the user holds the spray device housing 44 with one hand and pulls the handle outward, ie, to the left when viewed in FIGS. Liquid is drawn into the main chamber 80 and at the same time the coil spring 62 is compressed. When the main chamber 80 is filled, such as when the coil spring is fully compressed, the user or operator releases the handle 54 and places his hand around the trigger sleeve 68 and places his thumb on the thumb lever 70. It's okay. If the system is to be activated, the user pulls the trigger sleeve 68 rearward and slides the nozzle / valve stem combination to the left to move the valve face 98 away from the valve seat 124. When this occurs, liquid flows around the valve stem in the annular space 91, passes through the radial passage 92, passes through the longitudinal opening 90, exits the radial passage 94, and enters the nozzle chamber 114. From there, liquid is ejected through the nozzle opening 112. This nozzle spray may be adjusted by rotating the nozzle relative to the valve stem so as to change the relative position of the valve stem head 93 with respect to the nozzle opening 112.
[0037]
The liquid is sprayed from the nozzle opening 112 as long as the coil spring 62 urges the piston 50 to the right to contract the main chamber 80. If the coil spring 62 has reached its relaxed position, or if the piston is stopped by something like a shaft flange, the piston will no longer apply pressure to the liquid and the user will again turn the handle 54 to the left The bar must be repressurized by moving it, thereby recompressing the spring 62 to expand and fill the main chamber 80. This may be repeated until most of the liquid 38 has been withdrawn from the container 10. At that time or earlier, the valve 28 or valve body 31 may be rotated to a horizontal position to seal the container. The supply tube 12 and rod may be removed and the container and remaining liquid may be discarded. The supply tube and bar may then be reused by connecting the supply tube to a new container that is completely filled.
[0038]
If the spraying operation is terminated before the spring 62 reaches its relaxed position, the fluid return mechanism button 145 may be depressed. This causes the plunger 141 to open the check valve 84 and allow the liquid in the main chamber 80 to enter the small chamber 82 and out of it into the supply tube 12 and back to the container. In this way, the bar is depressurized and the liquid in the bar and in the supply tube is again stored in the container. Once the liquid has returned to the container, the swivel valve member may be rotated to a horizontal position to seal the container. A supply tube may also be wound around the bridge flange and a rod may be inserted into the storage sleeve 24.
[0039]
In the operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 16-23, the handle is extended, thereby moving the piston in the cylindrical housing from the second end to the first end, causing loading of the handheld pump spray device. . This creates a low pressure formed chamber, allowing liquid in the tank or vessel to enter the manifold through the intake tube and then be sucked into the formed chamber. After the chamber has been filled, the intake valve closes due to the back pressure differential created by the biasing spring acting on the piston which now acts on the liquid to be sprayed. The liquid to be sprayed is now contained between the intake valve and the outlet valve. When the user depresses the operating button, the outlet valve opens and the liquid in the manifold and in the room is drained from the handheld pump spray device until the button is released. When the button is released, the outlet valve is closed and liquid is no longer sprayed. Actuating the button causes the pump spray device to dispense liquid until the manifold and chamber that the user must refill the pump spray device by re-extending the handle are emptied.
[0040]
This specification describes in detail several embodiments of the invention. Other changes and modifications are within the scope of the claims under the doctrine of equivalents. For example, other actuator mechanisms, valve settings, and nozzles are considered equivalent structures, as are other aesthetic designs for the casing. Other handles, rods, pulleys, cylinders and pistons are equivalent structures. Still other alternatives, as well as many new technologies, are equivalent. There is no desire or intent to limit the application of the doctrine in any respect.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a hand-held pump spray system.
FIG. 2 shows a handheld pump spray system being stored or in transit, and further partially broken, with the container safety valve illustrated as a solid line in the closed position and a virtual line in the open position. FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2, but without a hand-held bar.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of a deformed valve cap for a container, with the valve shown in a closed position.
5 is a drawing of the valve cap of FIG. 4 with the valve in the open position and connected to the supply tube.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of an embodiment of a hand-held pump spray device.
7 is a side view of the handheld pump spray device shown in FIG. 6. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the handheld pump spray device shown in FIGS.
9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG.
10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve in the device in the closed position, taken within circle 10-10 of FIG.
FIG. 11 is a partial view similar to that shown in FIG. 10, except that the illustrated valve is shown in an open position.
12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG.
13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view in a circle 13-13 in FIG. 8;
14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13, showing the handle of the handheld spray device in the restricted position.
FIG. 15 is a drawing of the handle shown in FIG. 14 in an unrestricted position.
FIG. 16 is an elevation view, partly diagrammatic, of a variation of the present invention with a portion of the casing removed to show the internal mechanism.
FIG. 17 is an enlarged sectional elevation view of the variation shown in FIG.
18 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the variation of FIG. 16 illustrating the filling of a hand-held spray device.
FIG. 19 is a further embodiment similar to that shown in FIGS. 16-18 but illustrating the use of a pulley to reduce the force required to fill a handheld spray device. It is a cross-sectional elevation view.
20 is a sectional elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 19 with the handle extended. FIG.
FIG. 21 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the pump spray device of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the pump spray device of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention illustrating a pump spray device attached to the top of the container.

Claims (10)

A housing having a first end and a second end and spaced from a tank of fluid to be sprayed;
A piston movable within the housing between the first end and the second end;
A handle connected to the piston and adapted to be operated by a user to move the piston toward the first end of the housing;
A first spring operatively connected to the piston for biasing the piston toward the second end of the housing;
A chamber that is formed in the housing when the piston is moved toward the first end and is effectively in communication with the tank in which the fluid to be sprayed is separated;
A first valve that is disposed between the tank and the formed chamber and that opens when the handle is operated to move the piston toward the first end of the housing;
A nozzle that is operatively connected to the housing and arranged to receive fluid from the formed chamber;
A second valve separating the formed chamber from the nozzle;
An actuator operatively connected to the second valve to open the second valve and pass fluid from the chamber to the nozzle ;
A return mechanism operably connected to the first valve, including a plunger, an actuation button, and a third spring, to allow fluid to return from the chamber to the spaced tank; A hand-held pump spraying device comprising a combination of The apparatus of claim 1 , comprising an outer casing surrounding the housing, the piston, the first spring, the first valve, and the second valve. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second valve includes a movable element, an opening, and a second spring biasing the movable element to close the opening. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a second chamber provided between the first valve and the second valve. The apparatus of claim 1 , comprising a supply conduit provided in the outer casing and connected to the first valve. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the actuator includes an operation button, a pivot shaft connected to the operation button, and an arm for engaging the second valve. The second valve includes a movable element, an opening, and a second spring biasing the movable element to close the opening;
7. The arm of the actuator according to claim 6 , wherein the arm of the actuator engages the movable element to move the movable element of the second valve against the bias of the second spring. apparatus. The apparatus of claim 7 , comprising an outer casing surrounding the housing, the piston, the first spring, the first valve, and the second valve. 9. The apparatus of claim 8 , including a supply conduit provided in the outer casing and connected to the first valve. The apparatus according to claim 9 , further comprising a second chamber provided between the first valve and the second valve.

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