US20190113302A1 - Water blaster - Google Patents
Water blaster Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190113302A1 US20190113302A1 US16/158,540 US201816158540A US2019113302A1 US 20190113302 A1 US20190113302 A1 US 20190113302A1 US 201816158540 A US201816158540 A US 201816158540A US 2019113302 A1 US2019113302 A1 US 2019113302A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- liquid
- dispensing apparatus
- opening
- liquid dispensing
- container portion
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B9/00—Liquid ejecting guns, e.g. water pistols, devices ejecting electrically charged liquid jets, devices ejecting liquid jets by explosive pressure
- F41B9/0003—Liquid ejecting guns, e.g. water pistols, devices ejecting electrically charged liquid jets, devices ejecting liquid jets by explosive pressure characterised by the pressurisation of the liquid
- F41B9/0006—Liquid ejecting guns, e.g. water pistols, devices ejecting electrically charged liquid jets, devices ejecting liquid jets by explosive pressure characterised by the pressurisation of the liquid the liquid being pressurised prior to ejection
- F41B9/0015—Liquid ejecting guns, e.g. water pistols, devices ejecting electrically charged liquid jets, devices ejecting liquid jets by explosive pressure characterised by the pressurisation of the liquid the liquid being pressurised prior to ejection the liquid being pressurised by compressed gas, e.g. air
- F41B9/0018—Liquid ejecting guns, e.g. water pistols, devices ejecting electrically charged liquid jets, devices ejecting liquid jets by explosive pressure characterised by the pressurisation of the liquid the liquid being pressurised prior to ejection the liquid being pressurised by compressed gas, e.g. air the gas being compressed utilising a manual piston pump
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B9/00—Liquid ejecting guns, e.g. water pistols, devices ejecting electrically charged liquid jets, devices ejecting liquid jets by explosive pressure
- F41B9/0003—Liquid ejecting guns, e.g. water pistols, devices ejecting electrically charged liquid jets, devices ejecting liquid jets by explosive pressure characterised by the pressurisation of the liquid
- F41B9/0031—Liquid ejecting guns, e.g. water pistols, devices ejecting electrically charged liquid jets, devices ejecting liquid jets by explosive pressure characterised by the pressurisation of the liquid the liquid being pressurised at the moment of ejection
- F41B9/0037—Pressurisation by a piston
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B9/00—Liquid ejecting guns, e.g. water pistols, devices ejecting electrically charged liquid jets, devices ejecting liquid jets by explosive pressure
- F41B9/0071—Liquid ejecting guns, e.g. water pistols, devices ejecting electrically charged liquid jets, devices ejecting liquid jets by explosive pressure characterised by special valve arrangements
Definitions
- water blasters devices generally designed to disperse water in a controlled manner over a distance are known in the art as “water blasters” or “water guns.”
- a user may use a blaster to shoot or apply a stream of water to a desired target. Once the blaster's internal water storage or reservoir runs out, the user must then fill up a tank with water or other liquid. This process is lengthy and reduces the playtime of the child or user; therefore, reducing the enjoyment of the blaster.
- the present disclosure introduces a new water blaster with a novel structure to fill the water reservoir of said blaster.
- An exemplary embodiment of the currently disclosed invention utilizes a trap-door valve to open and close the blaster's reservoir.
- a user can plunge at least part of the water blaster into a source of liquid, open the valve (for example, by a linkage, by liquid pressure, or some other manner), and then remove the water blaster. This action refills the reservoir and seals the trap door valve shut with the weight of the captured liquid.
- the container portion includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening.
- the first opening may comprise a trap door valve; the second opening may comprise a vent valve attached to a trigger located in the grip portion; and the third opening may be in liquid communication with a liquid ejection system.
- the trap door valve may further comprise a flap and a structural element capable of supporting the flap when the container portion contains liquid.
- the flap may be made of a flexible material. Said flexible material may be comprised of magnetic material.
- the first opening may further include a seal element that is magnetically attracted to the flap.
- the flap may be made of a rigid material.
- the rigid flap may include a magnetic portion, and the first opening may include a seal element that is magnetically attracted to the magnetic portion of the rigid flap.
- the vent valve in the second opening may further comprise an inner portion located within an outer portion, wherein said inner portion is capable of actuating between a closed position and an open position.
- the trigger may be attached to the inner portion of the vent valve, such that displacement of the trigger will actuate the inner portion between the closed position and the open position.
- Both the trigger and the inner portion of the vent valve may be in contact with a single spring, such that the default position of the inner portion is the closed position.
- the liquid ejection system may further comprise at least one ejection outlet.
- the liquid ejection system may comprise a pump.
- Said pump may be a single-acting positive displacement pump and further include a plunger. Operation of the pump would force air into the container portion. Depression of the trigger portion would open a third valve, enabling the liquid and air in the container portion to escape through the at least one ejection outlet. Operation of the pump would force liquid from the container portion through the at least one ejection outlet.
- the receiver portion may include at least one illumination device capable of emitting light.
- the at least one illumination device may include an electrical push button.
- the receiving portion may further include at least one gun rail.
- a method for rapidly filling a tank with liquid and expelling the liquid comprising the steps of: submerging a liquid dispensing apparatus at least partially into a liquid source, wherein said liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a container portion, a receiver portion, and a grip portion, wherein the container portion includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening; the first opening comprising a trap door valve, the second opening comprising a vent valve attached to a trigger located in the grip portion, and the third opening being in liquid communication with a liquid ejection system; wherein pressure from the liquid source pushes the trap door valve into an open position and a portion of the liquid source enters the container portion.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a rapid refill water blaster
- FIG. 2 illustrates an internal exploded isometric view of a rapid refill water blaster
- FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up side view of a rapid refill water blaster
- FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up side view of a rapid refill water blaster
- FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a perspective cut-away view of the rapid refill water blaster
- FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the front end of a water blaster
- FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of the front end of a water blaster
- FIG. 9 , FIG. 10 , and FIG. 11 show a sequence of operation using a water blaster
- FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 illustrates the operation of the liquid ejection system of the water blaster
- FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 illustrate an illumination device
- FIG. 16 illustrates a portion of the liquid ejection system 1600 .
- FIGS. 1-14 illustrate the currently disclosed liquid dispensing apparatus.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of rapid refill water blaster 100 .
- the rapid refill water blaster 100 comprises a container portion 118 , a receiver portion 105 and a grip portion 110 .
- the container portion 118 is capable of containing a liquid, such as by way of example water.
- the container portion 118 is nested within the receiver portion 105 .
- the container portion 118 contains a first opening 102 , a second opening 104 , and a third opening 107 .
- container portion 118 may further include additional openings (such as a fourth opening, fifth opening, etc.) or may also include less openings, such as zero, one, or two.
- the receiver portion 105 which can act as the main body of the blaster, includes grip portion 110 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates grip portion 108 as a pistol grip.
- the grip portion 108 may also be of a “straight” or “upland” style. Alternatively, some embodiments of the present disclosure will omit a grip portion either partially or entirely.
- the front end of the water blaster 100 includes at least one ejection outlet or liquid ejection nozzle 106 .
- the liquid ejection nozzle 106 may be one nozzle, or may be more than one nozzle.
- one nozzle could cause the liquid to spray out in a single stream, while the other nozzle could cause the liquid to spray out in multiple streams and in a pattern. It is anticipated that the nozzles could be changed to create any kind of stream pattern in the ejected liquid.
- the water blaster 100 may further include a selection switch 118 .
- the selection switch 118 allows the user to select a particular nozzle to use by selectively opening or closing nozzles.
- the selection switch 118 may also be used when there is a single nozzle.
- the receiver portion 105 may also include at least one drainage hole 120 . As illustrated in FIG. 1 , receiver portion 105 may include multiple drainage holes. The at least one drainage hole 120 allows liquid inside the receiver portion 105 and other areas of the blaster to leave the apparatus.
- the receiver portion 105 may further comprise a pump portion 108 , which may be operable to be displaced back and forth by a user.
- the receiver portion 105 also may house an illumination device 124 .
- the illumination device 124 emits light to illuminate at least a portion of the water blaster 100 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates an internal exploded isometric view of a rapid refill water blaster 200 .
- Structural element 202 , seal element 204 , flap portion 206 , and retainer portion 208 can be sandwiched together to form a one-way trap door valve 205 .
- the one-way trap door valve is housed within a receiver portion 210 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up side view of a rapid refill water blaster, similar to the outlined portion 212 of FIG. 2 .
- a tank portion 316 is capable of holding a liquid, and interacts generally with a liquid ejection system 300 .
- liquid can move from the tank portion 316 through a one way entry valve 310 and into a chamber 308 .
- the plunger 302 and pump 306 are depressed, the liquid exits the exit valve 312 and moves through the selection switch 314 and is expelled through a nozzle.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up side view of a rapid refill water blaster 400 , similar to outlined portion 214 of FIG. 2 .
- a trigger portion 404 is attached to an inner portion of a valve 416 .
- the trigger portion 404 is capable of being depressed, which depresses a spring portion 408 and displaces the inner portion 416 .
- the inner portion 416 moves within an outer portion 414 enables liquid to flow in and out of the tank portion 412 , through the outer portion 414 , and out through an opening 410 .
- the spring portion 408 acts to place the inner portion 416 into a position where liquid can no longer flow between the tank portion 412 and the opening 410 .
- This location of a water blaster 400 may also include a loop portion 402 .
- FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a perspective cut-away view of the rapid refill water blaster 400 and the valve assembly in action.
- FIG. 5 illustrates the valve in a closed position
- FIG. 6 illustrates the valve in an open position.
- the closed position identifies a state where the tank portion is not in liquid communication with the vent 410
- the open position identifies a state where the tank portion is in liquid communication with the vent 410 .
- Depression of the trigger portion 404 may cause a transition between the two states.
- the valve may be opened by way of a handle, switch, lever, button, or any other means, which may or may not be independent of the trigger portion.
- the check valve may allow liquid to fill the container portion, such as placing a hose exit near the second opening.
- FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the front end of a water blaster 700 .
- the front end of the water blaster has a flap 710 which may be rigid or may flexible. Illustrated is a flexible flap held against a seal element 708 and structural element 704 by a retention element 712 .
- the first opening with a one way trap door valve contains magnetic components which enable the trapped door valve to remain shut even when the container portion 118 contains a small, but significant amount of liquid.
- the flap 710 may comprise magnetic or magnetically attractive materials.
- the seal element 708 can also contain either magnetic materials or magnetically attractive materials.
- any means or method to increase attraction between the seal element and the flap element of the one way valve will be suitable to prevent this kind of failure mode.
- things such as adhesives or spring tension could also be used to ensure that the pieces stay shut and sealed even when there is a minimal amount of liquid in the container portion.
- the seal element is may be made to be unnecessary to prevent liquid from escaping the container through the first opening.
- the flap element in the closed state could comprise a material capable of forming a seal with structural element, without the need for some sort of intermediary seal element.
- the structural exterior element in one embodiment may be formed such that a seal is made around the flap element.
- the present invention may include a lattice structure 702 which is outside of and supports the flap element and in some embodiments the seal element.
- the lattice structure is permeable to liquid and is strong enough to structurally support the flap element against water or liquid pressure exerted by the contents of the container portion 118 against the flap. While typically this pressure is useful to make sure that the first opening trap door valve stays sealed during operation, the pressure might overwhelm a flexible seal element or a flexible flap element.
- the flap element By layering a structural grid lattice element that is permeable to water or liquid behind the flap element, the flap element will have sufficient strength to resist that water pressure without displacing or bending due to that pressure.
- the permeability of the lattice structure ensures that the container portion is still capable of rapidly filling with liquid.
- FIG. 9 , FIG. 10 , and FIG. 11 show a sequence of operation using water blaster 900 to rapidly refill the container portion.
- the water blaster is lowered 902 into a source of water 904 .
- the blaster 900 is in a default closed state, where no liquid communication of the container portion can occur.
- FIG. 10 illustrates the filling of the container portion.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a closing of the rear valve assembly and a lifting 908 of the water blaster up out of the source of liquid 904 .
- the liquid now captured within the container portion presses back against the front one way valve, closing the valve shut against a seal element and prevent the water from escaping the container portion.
- FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 illustrates the operation of the liquid ejection system of the water blaster.
- FIG. 12 illustrates the operation of the liquid ejection system 1200 when the pump grip 1202 is extended out, pulling the plunger 1204 out and introducing a vacuum in cavity 1206 .
- the vacuum causes liquid stored in the container portion to enter through a one-way valve 1210 to fill the vacuum in the cavity 1206 .
- the vacuum in cavity 1206 also causes the valve 1208 to seal shut.
- FIG. 13 illustrates the liquid ejection system when the pump portion is compressed, by a pulling of the pump grip 1202 and the plunger portion 1204 . This causes a pressure to form in cavity 1206 and the one-way valve assembly 1210 to shut closed. The pressure opens the valve assembly 1208 , and the liquid in the cavity 1206 exits through a tube, passes through a selector switch, and exits out through a chosen ejection nozzle.
- FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 illustrate an illumination device 124 , which may be located on the receiver portion 105 as illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the illumination device 124 is capable of outputting a source of light, and the wavelength or color of the light may be selectable. For example, a user may choose to have the light source output a blue light, a red light, a green light, or some combination of those three.
- a push plate 1508 is in contact with a button interface 1506 , which is in direct contact with an illumination source 1504 .
- the illumination source 1504 may have a source of power, such as a button cell battery, and may also include a push switch.
- a housing 1502 holds the apparatus together and interfaces with the receiver portion of the water blaster.
- FIG. 16 illustrates a portion of the liquid ejection system 1600 .
- a pump portion 1606 forces liquid into a tube 1604 , which transfers liquid to a selector switch 1602 .
- the selector switch 1602 can be adjusted to divert the liquid from the pump portion 1606 into one of two ejection nozzles 1610 .
- the container portion could be capable of being pressurized.
- the pump can be operated to force air into the container portion, thus increasing the pressure of the container portion relative to the outside atmosphere.
- a pull of a trigger or operation of another device may then open up a nozzle, propelling the water out of the nozzle and towards an intended target via the pressure differential.
- the liquid ejection system of the present invention could also operate as a vent valve.
- Additional embodiments may include a one-way valve with a ball-valve design.
- the ball-valve, or a ball will be located within a small tube and the ball is allowed to freely move. If the ball is located at either end of the tube, it will seal that valve shut. This will operate in a similar manner to retract the door one-way valve of the present invention. It is further contemplated that in other embodiments any kind of check valve can be used in opening of the disclosure.
- the check valve could be a ball check valve, a dye frame check valve, a swing check valve, a tilting disc check valve, a clapper valve, a stop check valve, a lift check valve, an inline check valve, a duck-bill valve, or pneumatic non-return valve.
- any kind of valve at all may also be employed, so long as it is capable of preventing liquid from escaping the water blaster in an unintended manner.
- the liquid ejection system could be used to create a vacuum inside the container portion.
- water from a water source would enter the container portion in order to fill that vacuum, thus filling the container portion in a rapid manner.
- devices which do not fully seal movement of air or liquid may be used as replacements for fully sealable valves.
- a tesla valve could be used to permit air to leave the container portion as it fills. The rapid refill of the container portion can occur where the second opening has no kind of valve action and rather is in continuous interaction with the outside atmosphere.
- a long pipe or angled pipe could be used in order to prevent the liquid contents from the container portion 118 from exiting through the second opening when the water blaster is in use.
- a large U-shaped pipe could be used such that the removal of the liquid through the second opening would require a specific rotation of the water blaster, the kind of which may be unlikely to occur during ordinary operation.
- an embodiment of the present disclosure employs a mechanical linkage between a trigger portion and the first opening. In this manner, depression of the trigger portion will open a check valve and allow liquid to enter the container portion.
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Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/572,413, filed on Oct. 13, 2017.
- Devices generally designed to disperse water in a controlled manner over a distance are known in the art as “water blasters” or “water guns.” Typically used to amuse children, a user may use a blaster to shoot or apply a stream of water to a desired target. Once the blaster's internal water storage or reservoir runs out, the user must then fill up a tank with water or other liquid. This process is lengthy and reduces the playtime of the child or user; therefore, reducing the enjoyment of the blaster.
- The present disclosure introduces a new water blaster with a novel structure to fill the water reservoir of said blaster. An exemplary embodiment of the currently disclosed invention utilizes a trap-door valve to open and close the blaster's reservoir. A user can plunge at least part of the water blaster into a source of liquid, open the valve (for example, by a linkage, by liquid pressure, or some other manner), and then remove the water blaster. This action refills the reservoir and seals the trap door valve shut with the weight of the captured liquid.
- One aspect described herein is a liquid dispensing apparatus, comprising a container portion, a receiver portion, and a grip portion. The container portion includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening. The first opening may comprise a trap door valve; the second opening may comprise a vent valve attached to a trigger located in the grip portion; and the third opening may be in liquid communication with a liquid ejection system. The trap door valve may further comprise a flap and a structural element capable of supporting the flap when the container portion contains liquid. The flap may be made of a flexible material. Said flexible material may be comprised of magnetic material. The first opening may further include a seal element that is magnetically attracted to the flap. Furthermore, the flap may be made of a rigid material. The rigid flap may include a magnetic portion, and the first opening may include a seal element that is magnetically attracted to the magnetic portion of the rigid flap.
- The vent valve in the second opening may further comprise an inner portion located within an outer portion, wherein said inner portion is capable of actuating between a closed position and an open position. The trigger may be attached to the inner portion of the vent valve, such that displacement of the trigger will actuate the inner portion between the closed position and the open position. Both the trigger and the inner portion of the vent valve may be in contact with a single spring, such that the default position of the inner portion is the closed position.
- The liquid ejection system may further comprise at least one ejection outlet. The liquid ejection system may comprise a pump. Said pump may be a single-acting positive displacement pump and further include a plunger. Operation of the pump would force air into the container portion. Depression of the trigger portion would open a third valve, enabling the liquid and air in the container portion to escape through the at least one ejection outlet. Operation of the pump would force liquid from the container portion through the at least one ejection outlet.
- Moreover, the receiver portion may include at least one illumination device capable of emitting light. The at least one illumination device may include an electrical push button. The receiving portion may further include at least one gun rail.
- Also disclosed is a method for rapidly filling a tank with liquid and expelling the liquid, comprising the steps of: submerging a liquid dispensing apparatus at least partially into a liquid source, wherein said liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a container portion, a receiver portion, and a grip portion, wherein the container portion includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening; the first opening comprising a trap door valve, the second opening comprising a vent valve attached to a trigger located in the grip portion, and the third opening being in liquid communication with a liquid ejection system; wherein pressure from the liquid source pushes the trap door valve into an open position and a portion of the liquid source enters the container portion. Then, squeezing the trigger, wherein the vent valve moves into an open state, enabling air to escape the container portion. Further, releasing the trigger, wherein the vent valve moves into a closed state, sealing the container portion and preventing the air and the portion of the liquid source in the container portion from escaping said container portion. And finally, surfacing the liquid dispensing apparatus from the liquid source.
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FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a rapid refill water blaster; -
FIG. 2 illustrates an internal exploded isometric view of a rapid refill water blaster; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up side view of a rapid refill water blaster; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up side view of a rapid refill water blaster; -
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a perspective cut-away view of the rapid refill water blaster; -
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the front end of a water blaster; -
FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of the front end of a water blaster; -
FIG. 9 ,FIG. 10 , andFIG. 11 show a sequence of operation using a water blaster; -
FIG. 12 andFIG. 13 illustrates the operation of the liquid ejection system of the water blaster; -
FIG. 14 andFIG. 15 illustrate an illumination device; and -
FIG. 16 illustrates a portion of theliquid ejection system 1600. -
FIGS. 1-14 illustrate the currently disclosed liquid dispensing apparatus.FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of rapidrefill water blaster 100. The rapidrefill water blaster 100 comprises acontainer portion 118, areceiver portion 105 and agrip portion 110. Thecontainer portion 118 is capable of containing a liquid, such as by way of example water. Thecontainer portion 118 is nested within thereceiver portion 105. As illustrated, thecontainer portion 118 contains afirst opening 102, asecond opening 104, and a third opening 107. It should be noted thatcontainer portion 118 may further include additional openings (such as a fourth opening, fifth opening, etc.) or may also include less openings, such as zero, one, or two. Thereceiver portion 105, which can act as the main body of the blaster, includesgrip portion 110.FIG. 1 illustratesgrip portion 108 as a pistol grip. Thegrip portion 108 may also be of a “straight” or “upland” style. Alternatively, some embodiments of the present disclosure will omit a grip portion either partially or entirely. - The front end of the
water blaster 100 includes at least one ejection outlet orliquid ejection nozzle 106. Theliquid ejection nozzle 106 may be one nozzle, or may be more than one nozzle. By way of example, one nozzle could cause the liquid to spray out in a single stream, while the other nozzle could cause the liquid to spray out in multiple streams and in a pattern. It is anticipated that the nozzles could be changed to create any kind of stream pattern in the ejected liquid. - The
water blaster 100 may further include aselection switch 118. Theselection switch 118 allows the user to select a particular nozzle to use by selectively opening or closing nozzles. Theselection switch 118 may also be used when there is a single nozzle. - The
receiver portion 105 may also include at least onedrainage hole 120. As illustrated inFIG. 1 ,receiver portion 105 may include multiple drainage holes. The at least onedrainage hole 120 allows liquid inside thereceiver portion 105 and other areas of the blaster to leave the apparatus. - The
receiver portion 105 may further comprise apump portion 108, which may be operable to be displaced back and forth by a user. Thereceiver portion 105 also may house anillumination device 124. In some embodiments, theillumination device 124 emits light to illuminate at least a portion of thewater blaster 100. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an internal exploded isometric view of a rapidrefill water blaster 200.Structural element 202,seal element 204,flap portion 206, andretainer portion 208 can be sandwiched together to form a one-waytrap door valve 205. The one-way trap door valve is housed within areceiver portion 210. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up side view of a rapid refill water blaster, similar to the outlinedportion 212 ofFIG. 2 . Atank portion 316 is capable of holding a liquid, and interacts generally with aliquid ejection system 300. As aplunger 302 and pump 306 are moved and opened up, liquid can move from thetank portion 316 through a oneway entry valve 310 and into achamber 308. As theplunger 302 and pump 306 are depressed, the liquid exits theexit valve 312 and moves through theselection switch 314 and is expelled through a nozzle. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up side view of a rapidrefill water blaster 400, similar to outlinedportion 214 ofFIG. 2 . Atrigger portion 404 is attached to an inner portion of avalve 416. Thetrigger portion 404 is capable of being depressed, which depresses aspring portion 408 and displaces theinner portion 416. Theinner portion 416 moves within anouter portion 414 enables liquid to flow in and out of thetank portion 412, through theouter portion 414, and out through anopening 410. When thetrigger portion 404 is not depressed, thespring portion 408 acts to place theinner portion 416 into a position where liquid can no longer flow between thetank portion 412 and theopening 410. This location of awater blaster 400 may also include aloop portion 402. -
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a perspective cut-away view of the rapidrefill water blaster 400 and the valve assembly in action.FIG. 5 illustrates the valve in a closed position, whileFIG. 6 illustrates the valve in an open position. The closed position identifies a state where the tank portion is not in liquid communication with thevent 410, while the open position identifies a state where the tank portion is in liquid communication with thevent 410. Depression of thetrigger portion 404 may cause a transition between the two states. However, in alternative embodiments the valve may be opened by way of a handle, switch, lever, button, or any other means, which may or may not be independent of the trigger portion. When the valve is in the open position, the check valve may allow liquid to fill the container portion, such as placing a hose exit near the second opening. -
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the front end of awater blaster 700. The front end of the water blaster has aflap 710 which may be rigid or may flexible. Illustrated is a flexible flap held against aseal element 708 andstructural element 704 by aretention element 712. - In an exemplary embodiment, the first opening with a one way trap door valve contains magnetic components which enable the trapped door valve to remain shut even when the
container portion 118 contains a small, but significant amount of liquid. By way of non-limiting an example, theflap 710 may comprise magnetic or magnetically attractive materials. Theseal element 708 can also contain either magnetic materials or magnetically attractive materials. Thus, when the trap door valve is in a closed state, the magnetic attraction between the flap and the seal elements will ensure that any displacement or quick movement of the water blaster as a whole will not inadvertently set the trap door valve to an open state therefor losing some liquid contents of the container portion. The attraction between the flap and the seal element can dramatically reduce or even eliminate the necessity for reseal pressure. Reseal pressure is generally known as the pressure necessary in order to seal the one way check valve such that no liquid flow will be permitted to exit out of the valve. - A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any means or method to increase attraction between the seal element and the flap element of the one way valve will be suitable to prevent this kind of failure mode. By way of non-limiting example, things such as adhesives or spring tension could also be used to ensure that the pieces stay shut and sealed even when there is a minimal amount of liquid in the container portion.
- In an additional embodiment of the disclosure, the seal element is may be made to be unnecessary to prevent liquid from escaping the container through the first opening. In this embodiment, the flap element in the closed state could comprise a material capable of forming a seal with structural element, without the need for some sort of intermediary seal element. Further, the structural exterior element in one embodiment may be formed such that a seal is made around the flap element.
- Additionally, the present invention may include a
lattice structure 702 which is outside of and supports the flap element and in some embodiments the seal element. The lattice structure is permeable to liquid and is strong enough to structurally support the flap element against water or liquid pressure exerted by the contents of thecontainer portion 118 against the flap. While typically this pressure is useful to make sure that the first opening trap door valve stays sealed during operation, the pressure might overwhelm a flexible seal element or a flexible flap element. By layering a structural grid lattice element that is permeable to water or liquid behind the flap element, the flap element will have sufficient strength to resist that water pressure without displacing or bending due to that pressure. The permeability of the lattice structure ensures that the container portion is still capable of rapidly filling with liquid. -
FIG. 9 ,FIG. 10 , andFIG. 11 show a sequence of operation usingwater blaster 900 to rapidly refill the container portion. InFIG. 9 , the water blaster is lowered 902 into a source ofwater 904. Theblaster 900 is in a default closed state, where no liquid communication of the container portion can occur. -
FIG. 10 illustrates the filling of the container portion. Once theblaster 900 is at least partially submerged within a source ofliquid 904, the trigger portion is depressed and the rear valve is opened. The opening over the rear valve permits air to escape the container portion. As this occurs, liquid pressure opens up the front one way valve and fills the container portion. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a closing of the rear valve assembly and a lifting 908 of the water blaster up out of the source ofliquid 904. The liquid now captured within the container portion presses back against the front one way valve, closing the valve shut against a seal element and prevent the water from escaping the container portion. -
FIG. 12 andFIG. 13 illustrates the operation of the liquid ejection system of the water blaster.FIG. 12 illustrates the operation of theliquid ejection system 1200 when thepump grip 1202 is extended out, pulling theplunger 1204 out and introducing a vacuum incavity 1206. The vacuum causes liquid stored in the container portion to enter through a one-way valve 1210 to fill the vacuum in thecavity 1206. The vacuum incavity 1206 also causes thevalve 1208 to seal shut. -
FIG. 13 illustrates the liquid ejection system when the pump portion is compressed, by a pulling of thepump grip 1202 and theplunger portion 1204. This causes a pressure to form incavity 1206 and the one-way valve assembly 1210 to shut closed. The pressure opens thevalve assembly 1208, and the liquid in thecavity 1206 exits through a tube, passes through a selector switch, and exits out through a chosen ejection nozzle. -
FIG. 14 andFIG. 15 illustrate anillumination device 124, which may be located on thereceiver portion 105 as illustrated inFIG. 1 . Theillumination device 124 is capable of outputting a source of light, and the wavelength or color of the light may be selectable. For example, a user may choose to have the light source output a blue light, a red light, a green light, or some combination of those three. - A
push plate 1508 is in contact with abutton interface 1506, which is in direct contact with anillumination source 1504. Theillumination source 1504 may have a source of power, such as a button cell battery, and may also include a push switch. Ahousing 1502 holds the apparatus together and interfaces with the receiver portion of the water blaster. -
FIG. 16 illustrates a portion of theliquid ejection system 1600. Apump portion 1606 forces liquid into atube 1604, which transfers liquid to aselector switch 1602. Theselector switch 1602 can be adjusted to divert the liquid from thepump portion 1606 into one of twoejection nozzles 1610. - There are multiple other embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the container portion could be capable of being pressurized. In this embodiment, the pump can be operated to force air into the container portion, thus increasing the pressure of the container portion relative to the outside atmosphere. A pull of a trigger or operation of another device may then open up a nozzle, propelling the water out of the nozzle and towards an intended target via the pressure differential.
- In another embodiment, the liquid ejection system of the present invention could also operate as a vent valve. In this embodiment, there may be a lever or a button that would open up a valve within the liquid ejection system to enable water and air to flow freely as the container portion is filled with liquid.
- Additional embodiments may include a one-way valve with a ball-valve design. In this embodiment, the ball-valve, or a ball will be located within a small tube and the ball is allowed to freely move. If the ball is located at either end of the tube, it will seal that valve shut. This will operate in a similar manner to retract the door one-way valve of the present invention. It is further contemplated that in other embodiments any kind of check valve can be used in opening of the disclosure. By way non-limiting examples, the check valve could be a ball check valve, a dye frame check valve, a swing check valve, a tilting disc check valve, a clapper valve, a stop check valve, a lift check valve, an inline check valve, a duck-bill valve, or pneumatic non-return valve. In other embodiments, any kind of valve at all may also be employed, so long as it is capable of preventing liquid from escaping the water blaster in an unintended manner.
- In even more embodiments of the disclosure, the liquid ejection system could be used to create a vacuum inside the container portion. In this embodiment, water from a water source would enter the container portion in order to fill that vacuum, thus filling the container portion in a rapid manner.
- In an additional embodiment, devices which do not fully seal movement of air or liquid may be used as replacements for fully sealable valves. By way of non-limiting example, a tesla valve could be used to permit air to leave the container portion as it fills. The rapid refill of the container portion can occur where the second opening has no kind of valve action and rather is in continuous interaction with the outside atmosphere. In such embodiments, it would be preferable that a long pipe or angled pipe could be used in order to prevent the liquid contents from the
container portion 118 from exiting through the second opening when the water blaster is in use. For example, a large U-shaped pipe could be used such that the removal of the liquid through the second opening would require a specific rotation of the water blaster, the kind of which may be unlikely to occur during ordinary operation. - Further, an embodiment of the present disclosure employs a mechanical linkage between a trigger portion and the first opening. In this manner, depression of the trigger portion will open a check valve and allow liquid to enter the container portion.
Claims (19)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/158,540 US20190113302A1 (en) | 2017-10-13 | 2018-10-12 | Water blaster |
PCT/US2018/055777 WO2019075441A1 (en) | 2017-10-13 | 2018-10-13 | Water blaster |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201762572413P | 2017-10-13 | 2017-10-13 | |
US16/158,540 US20190113302A1 (en) | 2017-10-13 | 2018-10-12 | Water blaster |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20190113302A1 true US20190113302A1 (en) | 2019-04-18 |
Family
ID=66096959
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/158,540 Abandoned US20190113302A1 (en) | 2017-10-13 | 2018-10-12 | Water blaster |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20190113302A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019075441A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20220155040A1 (en) * | 2019-03-08 | 2022-05-19 | Zuru (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Liquid dispensing apparatus |
USD990586S1 (en) * | 2021-08-26 | 2023-06-27 | Zhou HU | Water gun |
USD1017723S1 (en) * | 2023-06-26 | 2024-03-12 | Shunxiong Liu | Water gun |
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WO2019075441A1 (en) | 2019-04-18 |
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