HAND HELD FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS

Abstract

A spray gun for dispensing fluids is provided. The spray gun provides a plurality of trigger members for activating a valve of the gun and enabling dispensation of a fluid. At least some of the trigger members can be provided in force transmitting communication with at least one additional trigger member, such that activation of any one or more of the trigger members is capable of enabling dispensation of a fluid.

Claims

1. A spray gun for dispensing a fluid, the spray gun comprising: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; a valve; a first trigger interconnected to and operable to activate the valve, the first trigger comprising a first end and a second end and a length extending therebetween, the second end comprising a free end that is rotatable about a hinge; a second trigger comprising a first end and a second end, the second end of the second trigger comprising a free end and wherein the second trigger is operable to apply a force to the first trigger; a body member; wherein the first trigger and the second trigger are configured to be grasped by a user, and wherein the first trigger and the second trigger are operable to control the valve; a biasing member that is operable to bias at least one of the first trigger and the second trigger; wherein activation of at least one of the first trigger and the second trigger activates the valve and dispenses a fluid from the fluid outlet; and wherein the second end of the first trigger comprises a free end and wherein the free end of the second trigger is operable to contact the first trigger to cause a movement of the first trigger when the second trigger is displaced.

2. The spray gun of claim 1, wherein the biasing member contacts the second trigger.

3. The spray gun of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first trigger and the second trigger are hingedly connected to the body member.

4. The spray gun of claim 1, wherein the free end of the first trigger comprises a concave surface.

5. The spray gun of claim 2, wherein the biasing member comprises a coil spring in direct contact with the second trigger.

6. The spray gun of claim 1, wherein the second trigger comprises at least of a ramped, cammed, and arcuate surface in contact with the first trigger.

7. The spray gun of claim 1, wherein the body member comprises a butt that is operable to allow a user to pull or press the gun into a user's body.

8. A spray gun for dispensing a fluid, the spray gun comprising: a body member comprising a stock; a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; a valve provided in a fluid flow path between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, the valve being operable to selectively prevent a fluid from exiting the fluid outlet; a first elongate trigger member interconnected to and operable to open the valve, the first elongate trigger comprising a first end and a second end, the first end operable to open the valve and the second end comprising a free end that is rotatable, and wherein the second end of the first elongate trigger comprises a contact surface; a second elongate trigger member in force-transmitting communication with the contact surface of the first trigger member, the second elongate trigger member comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the second elongate trigger member comprising a hinge, and wherein the second elongate trigger member is operable to apply a force to the contact surface of the first elongate trigger member to displace the first elongate trigger member and actuate the valve, and wherein the second end of the second elongate trigger member is slidably received by the first elongate trigger member; wherein the first elongate trigger member and the second elongate trigger member are configured to be grasped by a user; wherein a depression of the first elongate trigger member opens the valve and dispenses a fluid from the fluid outlet; wherein a depression of the second elongate trigger member applies a force to the first elongate trigger member and opens the valve and dispenses a fluid from the fluid outlet; wherein the first elongate trigger member and the second elongate trigger member are provided at least partially within the molded body member; and wherein the body member extends rearwardly beyond the first trigger.

9. The spray gun of claim 8, wherein the free end of the first trigger member comprises a concave contact surface.

10. The spray gun of claim 8, wherein the first trigger and the second trigger each comprise a length of at least approximately two inches, and wherein the first trigger and the second trigger are adapted for use with a human hand.

11. The spray gun of claim 8, wherein the second elongate trigger member comprises at least of a ramped, cammed, and arcuate surface in contact with the first elongate trigger member.

12. The spray gun of claim 8, further comprising a biasing element in communication with the second elongate trigger member to bias the second elongate trigger member in a first direction.

13. A spray gun for dispensing a fluid, the spray gun comprising: a body member; a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; a valve; a first trigger interconnected to and operable to open the valve, the first trigger comprising a first end and a second end, the first end operable to open the valve and the second end comprising a free end having a curvilinear contact surface operable to receive a force; a second trigger in force-transmitting communication with the curvilinear contact surface of the first trigger, the second trigger comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the second trigger comprising a hinge and the second end of the second trigger end slidably engaged with the curvilinear contact surface of the first trigger, and wherein the second trigger is operable to selectively displace the first trigger; wherein the first trigger and the second trigger are each at least partially disposed within the body member; wherein each of the first trigger and the second trigger comprise a length and are operable to be grasped by a human hand, wherein a displacement of the first trigger opens the valve and dispenses a fluid from the fluid outlet; wherein the body member comprises a butt and is operable to allow a user to pull or press the gun into a user's body.

14. The spray gun of claim 13, wherein the first trigger and the second trigger each comprise a length of at least approximately two inches, and wherein the first trigger and the second trigger are adapted for use with a human hand.

15. The spray gun of claim 13, wherein the first trigger and second trigger are hingedly connected to the body.

16. The spray gun of claim 13, wherein the curvilinear contact surface comprises a concave surface.

17. The spray gun of claim 13, wherein the second trigger comprises at least of a ramped, cammed, and arcuate surface in contact with the curvilinear contact surface.

18. The spray gun of claim 13, further comprising a biasing element in communication with the second trigger to bias the second trigger in a first direction.

19. The spray gun of claim 13, wherein the first trigger comprises a hinge point proximal to the valve.

20. The spray gun of claim 13, wherein the second end of the first trigger comprises a track or recess in which the second end of the second trigger is provided to prevent unwanted lateral displacement of the first and second triggers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a spray gun according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a spray gun according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a spray gun according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a spray gun according to the embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a spray gun according to the embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a spray gun according to the embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a spray gun according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a spray gun according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a spray gun 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the gun 2 comprises an outlet or nozzle 4 extending from a handle member 6. The handle member 6 may comprise any one or more materials including, for example, a molded plastic or metal material. The gun 2 comprises first 8, second 10 and third 12 trigger members. In certain embodiments, at least one of the trigger members 8, 10, 12 is interconnected to at least one additional trigger member. In preferred embodiments, activation of any one of a plurality of trigger members causes a dispensation of fluid from a distal end or nozzle 4 of the device 2. The body of the device 2 may include various user-interface portions for gripping and manipulating the device 2. It will be recognized that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular style or arrangement of spray gun, and that various embodiments of the present disclosure as shown and described herein may be employed in various different devices. Additionally, although a specific arrangement of trigger members 8, 10, 12 is shown in FIG. 1, it will be recognized that the present disclosure is not limited to this particular arrangement.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a spray gun 2 and associated trigger mechanism according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, a handle portion 6 is provided with at least one fluid inlet 14. The fluid inlet 14 is in fluid communication with a fluid outlet 20 via a fluid conduit 16. The device further comprises a user-operable valve 18 to regulate flow of fluid through the fluid outlet 20. The valve 18 is controlled by one or more trigger members 8, 10, 12 as shown and described herein. It will be recognized that the placement and orientation of the fluid inlet 14, fluid conduit 16, valve 18 and fluid outlet 20 is not critical to the present disclosure and various alternative arrangements are contemplated.

[0029] A trigger mechanism according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure and as shown in FIG. 2 comprises first 8, second 10 and third 12 trigger members. A first trigger member 8 extends at least partially from the handle portion 6 such that it is accessible to a user. The first trigger member 8 is operable to activate the valve 18. In the depicted embodiment, the first trigger member 8 comprises a pivot point 22 about which an upward movement of a portion of the trigger member due to application of a user-applied force 34 is converted to a downward movement or force upon the valve 18 to open the valve and enable fluid to pass through the fluid outlet 20. In the depicted embodiment, operation of only the first trigger member 8 enables fluid to be dispensed from the system.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the first trigger member 8 is provided in communication with at least a second trigger member 10. The first trigger member 8 comprises a distal end 24 with a contact surface operable to contact a second trigger member 10. The distal end 24 of the first trigger member 8 may comprise a roller bearing or a smooth surface such that slidable movement of the second end 24 is not impeded. The second trigger member 10 comprises a pivot point 28 on a first end and a cammed, ramped, or inclined surface on a second end 26. As shown in FIG. 2, the second end 26 of the second trigger member 10 comprises multiple inclined angles to affect a movement of the first trigger member 8 when a user-applied force 36 is applied to the second trigger member 10. In the depicted embodiment, a force 36 applied to the second trigger member 10 will activate the second trigger member 10 and the first trigger member 8, causing actuation of the valve 18 and enabling fluid dispensation. In this arrangement, the first trigger 8 and/or the second trigger 10 may be operated to dispense fluids from the device 2.

[0031] In alternative embodiments, a second trigger member 10 comprises an elongated track at the second end 26 of the trigger 10. An end 24 of the first trigger member 8 is provided in the track and translatable therein. In such embodiments, activation of the first trigger 8 will cause second and third triggers 10, 12 to move based on the direct connection to the first trigger member 8.

[0032] In further embodiments, it is contemplated that the third trigger 12 is connected directly to the first trigger 8, such that activation of the third trigger 12 activates the first trigger 8 and the valve 18 without also activating the second trigger 10. In certain embodiments, the first trigger 8 comprises a forked second end 24 wherein each branch or tang of the forked member is provided in contact with the second 10 and third 12 trigger members, respectively. The third trigger 12 of the depicted embodiment comprises a rear-trigger member that is provided to move forward (i.e. toward the outlet of the gun). This trigger 12 provides a user with the ability to draw or pull the gun 2 toward the core or shoulder of the user and activate dispensation of fluid as shown and described herein. Such a method of activation or trigger depression provides various advantages, including the ability to operate the gun 2 with reduced reliance on the hands and fingers of a user and thereby provides for less fatigue and greater ergonomic comfort. Additionally, operation of the device 2 is further aided by the orientation and positioning of the third trigger member 12 wherein a blowback force of the gun provides additional force operable to depress the trigger when fluid is dispensed.

[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure further comprise a third trigger member 12. In the embodiment provided in FIG. 2, a third trigger member 12 is provided at an end of the device 2. The third trigger member 12 is interconnected to the second trigger member 10 by a substantially rigid linkage member 32 such that a direct connection is provided between the third trigger member 12 and the second trigger member 10. The third trigger member 12 comprises a pivot point 30 about which at least a portion of the handle 12 is rotatable. A user-applied force 38 will thus actuate the third trigger member 12 and cause movement of the second trigger member 10 due to the connection 32 provided therebetween. Movement of the second trigger member 10 will cause movement of the first trigger member 8 as shown and described herein which will actuate the valve 18 and dispense fluids from the device 2. Accordingly, a system is provided wherein activation of any one or more of the plurality of trigger devices provided on the gun will actuate a valve and dispense fluids. Accordingly, a system is provided wherein a user may dispense fluids by activation of any one of a plurality of triggers as may be desired based on user preference or a particular application. Additionally, a user may selectively and simultaneously apply a force to a plurality of trigger members thereby distributing the force needed to actuate the valve 18 and providing for easier use.

[0034] FIGS. 3-6 are cross-sectional elevation views of a fluid dispensing device 40 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the device 40 comprises various features as shown and described with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-2 including, for example, a handle member 6, a fluid inlet 14, a fluid conduit 16, a valve 18 and a fluid outlet 20. The embodiment of FIGS. 3-6 comprises a first trigger 42 and a second trigger 44. The device 40 further comprises a safety trigger 46. The safety trigger 46 comprises a lock-out feature that must be activated or moved prior to activation of either or both of the triggers 42, 44 to dispense fluid. In the depicted embodiment, the safety trigger 46 prevents inadvertent or accidental activation of the second trigger member 44, such as may occur by accidental collision or contact with the second trigger member 44. The safety trigger 46 comprises a hinged, pivotable member that obstructs movement of the second trigger member 44 unless the safety trigger 46 is depressed. The safety trigger 46 is provided on an interior portion of the handle member 6 such that grasping of the handle 6 and second trigger member by the hand of a user is required or adapted to release the safety trigger 46 and allow depression of the second trigger member 44. FIG. 3 depicts the safety trigger in a locked state, wherein movement of the second trigger 46 member is substantially prevented. FIG. 4 depicts the safety trigger 46 in an unlocked state, wherein the safety trigger 46 has been depressed, but the second trigger member 44 has yet to be depressed or activated. FIG. 5 depicts the safety trigger 46 in an unlocked state and wherein the second trigger member 44 has been depressed to activate fluid dispensing activities.

[0035] As further shown in FIGS. 3-5, the first trigger member 42 comprises a forked or bifurcated end portion having a first extension 48 and a second extension 50. The first 48 and second 50 extensions provide a means for activating the device using the second trigger member 44 and transferring force from the second trigger member 44 to the first trigger member 42. When both triggers are provided in an un-depressed position (FIGS. 3-4), the first extension 48 is provided on an upper surface of the second trigger member 44 and the second extension 50 is preferably not in contact with the second trigger member 44. An upper surface of the second trigger member 44 preferably comprises a ramped or cammed upper surface. When the second trigger 44 is depressed, the first trigger member 42 is forced upwardly by contact with the first extension 48. As the second trigger 44 is moved inwardly, contact is made with the second extension 50 (FIG. 5). More specifically, as the second trigger 44 is moved inwardly, the first extension 48 travels along a first sloped surface 52 of the trigger 44, and the second extension 50 comes into contact with a third sloped surface 56 of the trigger 44. The third sloped surface 56 preferably comprises a different slope than that of the first sloped surface 52 and wherein the third sloped surface 56 comprises a greater slope than the first surface 52.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 6, a fully-depressed and activated position of the second trigger member 44 is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the second extension 50 has been translated to a position of contact with a second sloped surface 54. The second sloped surface 54 comprises a ledge or resting place for the second extension 50 and provides tactile feedback to a user that the trigger 44 is fully depressed. The first extension 48 has been removed from contact with the second trigger 44. In the position shown in FIG. 6, the first trigger member 42 is depressed by movement of and communication with the second trigger member 44. The first trigger member 42 thus activates the valve 18 to enable dispensing of fluid(s) from the outlet 20. In various embodiments, the second trigger member 44 is biased outwardly, such as by various springs or elastic members, to return the device to an off position when the triggers are released. In certain embodiments, the safety trigger 46 comprises a feature that may be used to selectively move the second trigger 44 outwardly and allow at least the second extension 50 to return to the third sloped surface 56 of the trigger 44 and complete the deactivation of dispensing activities.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a fluid dispensing device 60 is provided comprising a handle 62, a fluid inlet 64, a fluid outlet 66, a conduit 68, a valve 70, a first trigger 72, a second trigger 74 and a safety release mechanism 76. As previously discussed, the first trigger member 72 comprises a hinged member in communication with a valve 70 at one end for selectively dispensing fluid(s) through the fluid outlet 66. The first trigger member 72 may be activated alone to dispense fluid(s), or the second trigger member 74 may be activated to impart a force on the valve 70 via the first trigger member 72. More specifically, a second end of the first trigger member 72 comprises a contact point 78 for interaction with a first end of the second trigger member 74. In the depicted embodiment, the contact point 78 comprises a roller member for ease of movement of the triggers. It will be recognized, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to embodiments comprising such a roller, and that various features and interfaces between the trigger members are contemplated.

[0038] As shown, the contact point 78 is provided in force transmitting communication with an angled surface 80 of the second trigger 74, such that movement of the second trigger 74 provides a corresponding movement of the first trigger 72. A safety release mechanism 76 is provided wherein at least a portion of the safety release mechanism 76 extends toward an interior portion of the handle 62, and a stop 82 is provided internal to the handle and opposite a hinge point from the user interface. The release mechanism preferably comprises a hinged and pivotable member such that depression of a user-interface portion of the safety 76 moves the stop 82 forward and into a position that does not obstruct movement or depression of the second trigger 74. The safety release mechanism 76 thus prevents or minimizes accidental depression of the second trigger 74 and generally requires a user to grasp the device 60 in a predetermined manner in order to activate fluid dispensing operations. In certain embodiments, the safety release mechanism 76 may be biased toward a position wherein movement of the second trigger is restricted, such as by a spring or similar component.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a spray gun 90 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the spray gun 90 comprises a fluid inlet 92 and a fluid outlet 94. A valve 96 is positioned between the fluid inlet 92 and the fluid outlet 94, the valve 96 being provided to selectively activate and terminate a flow of fluid through the outlet 94. A fluid conduit 110 is provided to convey fluid between the fluid inlet 92 and the fluid outlet 94, and preferably between the fluid inlet 92 and the valve 96. The valve 96 is affected by depression or activation of one or more of a first trigger 98 and a second trigger 100. The first trigger 98 comprises an elongate trigger member wherein at least a portion of the first trigger 98 is adapted for contact and grasping by at least a portion of a human hand. The first trigger 98 comprises a first end 104 provided proximal to and preferably in force-transmitting contact with the valve 96 to operate the valve 96, and a second end 106 provided on an opposing end of the trigger 98. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 8, the first trigger 98 comprises a hinge or pivot point 114 provided proximal to the first end 104 of the trigger member 98. When the trigger 98 is depressed or activated, such as by an application of force from a user's hand, the second end 106 rotates upwardly (in the orientation shown in FIG. 8), and the first end 104 moves downward due to rotation of the trigger member 98 about the pivot point 114. The movement of the first end 104 of the trigger 98 applies a force to the valve 96, and activates the valve 96 to allow for dispensation of fluid therefrom.

[0040] As also shown in FIG. 8, the second end 106 of the first trigger 98 comprises a curved or arcuate portion. An interior portion 107 of the arcuate portion comprises a contact surface for the second trigger 100. The interior portion 107 preferably comprises an arcuate surface having at least one radius of curvature for slidably receiving a distal end 108 of the second trigger 100 such that when the second trigger 100 is depressed, displaced or activated, the first trigger 98 is also displaced or activated, even if force is not applied directly to the first trigger 98. A first end of the second trigger 100 comprises a hinge or pivot point 116. The pivot point 116 preferably comprises a pin connection about which the second trigger 100 is allowed to pivot or rotate. The position of the first trigger 98 and the second trigger 100 as shown in FIG. 8 comprises a position of non-use wherein neither the first trigger 98 nor the second trigger 100 are depressed, and the valve 96 is provided in a closed or inactivated position to prevent egress of fluid through the valve 96 and outlet 94. In order to dispense fluid from the device, at least one of the first trigger 98 and the second trigger 100 may be depressed or activated. Depending upon user preference and/or various environmental or ergonomic conditions, a user may activate only the first trigger 98 by depressing the first trigger 98 and moving a second end 106 of the first trigger upwardly (in FIG. 8), which causes the first trigger 98 to rotate about the pivot point 114 and force the first end 104 downwardly upon the valve 96 and opens the valve 96.

[0041] Various types of valves are contemplated for use with spray guns and devices of the present disclosure. Such valves preferably include, but are not limited to manually-activated valves for selectively allowing the release of fluid(s). Manual valves such as trigger valves, diaphragm valves, globe valves, and other valves that may be easily activated by movement of the trigger members shown and described herein are preferably provided with embodiments of the present disclosure. In preferred embodiments, a trigger valve comprising a ball and valve seat is provided to control or limit fluid flow through an outlet of the gun. In such embodiments, a valve ball is held in a closed position by a valve spring, and the flow of water further forces the valve ball against the valve seat and blocks a flow of water unless and until a user applies a force to overcome the force of the valve spring and displace the valve ball. Specifically, when at least one trigger is depressed, the valve ball is moved away from the seat and a path is opened for water to flow through the outlet. When the trigger(s) is released, the spring returns the ball to the seat and blocks or terminates fluid flow.

[0042] In addition to or in lieu of activating the first trigger 98, a user may depress or activate the second trigger 100. Although the second trigger 100 is not in direct contact with the valve 96, movement of the second trigger 100 will cause the distal end 108 of the second trigger 100, which is preferably slidably engaged with the first trigger, to move in an arc about the pivot point 116 and apply a force to the interior surface 107 of the arcuate second end 106 of the first trigger. This movement will cause the first trigger 98 to move upwardly and activate the valve 96 as if the first trigger 98 was being activated directly by a user's force. As also shown in FIG. 8, the second trigger 100 is in communication with a biasing element or member 102 to bias or urge the second trigger 100 toward a closed position. The biasing member 102 of FIG. 8 comprises a coil spring to apply a force upon the second trigger 100 and urge the trigger 100 outwardly or away from a body of the device 90. It will be recognized, however, that various alternative biasing members maybe provided including, fore example, leaf springs, elastic members, etc. It will be recognized that in a preferred embodiment, a biasing element 102 is provided that comprises a coil spring. The biasing element may be linearly or non-linearly biased. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to a coil spring biasing element, and various other devices as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art are contemplated herewith.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the interior surface 107 of the second end 106 of the first trigger 98 comprises a flush contact surface for the distal end 108 of the second trigger 100 to contact. In alternative embodiments, the interior surface 107 comprises a track or recess in which at least a portion of the distal end 108 may be provided, the track or recess being operable to guide a movement of the second trigger 100 and prevent unwanted lateral displacement of the first trigger 100 which may cause misalignment of the triggers and impede proper operation of the device 90.

[0044] FIG. 8 depicts one embodiments of the present disclosure wherein the second end 106 of the first trigger 98 comprises an arcuate portion. In alternative embodiments, the second end 106 comprises a linear portion that is provided at an angle to a remainder of the first trigger 98. The linear portion is provided at an angle to create a ramped surface and allows the first trigger 98 to move in a desired manner when the second trigger 100 is activated or depressed.

[0045] In various embodiments, at least one of the hinges or pivot points of comprises a biasing member to return the handle(s) to an original position. For example, torsion springs may be provided in connection with pivot points to bias the triggers toward an un-depressed or non-activated position. In alternative embodiments, a pressure in the valve provides a restoring force to the trigger members such that the system is biased toward a closed position.

[0046] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a spray gun for dispensing liquids from a pressure washing device, it will be expressly recognized that the present disclosure is not so limited. Indeed, it is contemplated that features of the present disclosure, including a dispensing mechanism with multiple modes of activation, may be provided in various devices and applications including but not limited to paint spray devices,

[0047] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of including, comprising, or having and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.