Abstract
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trigger actuated pump sprayer having a pump body, a trigger lever, a shroud and a nozzle, wherein the trigger actuated pump sprayer further comprises a toggle switch adaptor engaging the nozzle and having an operable portion within an opening in the shroud. In this way, the operable portion of the toggle switch adapter can be guided, controlled, regulated or otherwise manipulated within or around or otherwise because of the opening in the shroud, to remotely operate at least the nozzle of the trigger actuated pump sprayer.
Claims
1. A trigger actuated liquid pump sprayer comprising a pump body, a trigger lever, a shroud and a nozzle, wherein the trigger actuated liquid pump sprayer further comprises a toggle switch adaptor engaging the nozzle and having an operable portion within an opening in the shroud, wherein the shroud extends around the toggle switch adaptor and comprises a drip guard which extends to a location below a distal end of the toggle switch adaptor, and wherein the toggle switch adapter includes a cone or cone like assembly through which liquid is jetted or sprayed.
2. the trigger actuated liquid pump sprayer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the toggle switch adaptor is movable by rotation.
3. The trigger actuated liquid pump sprayer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening is a cut.
4. The trigger actuated liquid pump sprayer as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cut defines at least first and second discharge settings to which the operable portion is movable.
5. The trigger actuated liquid pump sprayer as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least first and second discharge settings comprise opposing ends of the cut.
6. The trigger actuated liquid pump sprayer as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of the at least first and second discharge settings corresponds to a specific nozzle discharge.
7. The trigger actuated liquid pump sprayer as claimed in claim 6, wherein the specific nozzle discharge of the at least first and second discharge settings comprise two or more of the group comprising: a nozzle closed setting, a jet discharge setting, and a spray discharge setting.
8. The trigger actuated liquid pump sprayer as claimed in claim 5, wherein the operable portion is in a substantially horizontal orientation when moved to either of the opposing ends of the cut.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shroud for a trigger actuated pump sprayer, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
(2) FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a shroud for a trigger actuated pump sprayer, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
(3) FIGS. 3A and 3B are side views of a shroud for a trigger actuated pump sprayer, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
(4) FIG. 4 is a top view of a shroud for a trigger actuated pump sprayer, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
(5) FIG. 5 is a front view of a shroud for a trigger actuated pump sprayer, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
(6) FIG. 6 is a back view of a shroud for a trigger actuated pump sprayer, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
(7) FIG. 7 is a cutout view of a switch adapter, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
(8) FIG. 8 is a front view of a shroud for the trigger actuated pump sprayer, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
(9) FIG. 9A is a front view of a shroud for the trigger actuated pump sprayer, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
(10) FIG. 9B illustrates a fastening mechanism for the shroud, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
(11) FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate alternative variations of shrouds according to further embodiments of the present invention.
(12) FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate toggle switch adaptors according to further embodiments of the present invention.
(13) FIG. 12 illustrates a pack according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
(14) Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(15) As illustrated in the drawings, a trigger actuated pump sprayer is described that reduces the exposure, to an operator of such sprayer, to a liquid emanating from a nozzle of such sprayer during its operation.
(16) As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the trigger actuated pump sprayer 120 has a shroud 110 comprising a first portion 130 and a second portion 140. First portion 130 includes a first clamshell 132 and a second clamshell 134. The first clamshell 132 and the second clamshell 134 are configured to attach to one another to form a combined clamshell 136. The combined clamshell 136 is configured to house a dispenser portion 122 of a trigger actuated pump sprayer 120 thereby providing a shroud around the trigger actuated pump sprayer 120. In some implementations, the first and second clamshells 132, 134 may be formed of injected molded polymer or plastic material. In some implementations, the clamshells may be formed of a thermoplastic polymer such as, polypropylene.
(17) The trigger actuated pump sprayer 120 (sprayer 120) typically includes a dispenser portion 122, as illustrated in FIG. 2, for example. Dispenser portion 122 may include pump body 124 and a trigger lever 128 pivotally coupled to the pump body 124. Pump body 124 may include a pump cylinder (not otherwise illustrated) that is attached to piston 126. When the trigger lever 128 is pulled by the operator, piston 126 engages with the pump cylinder thereby causing liquid to be sprayed via a nozzle base 125 and adjustable nozzle 127, in a manner that is well-known in the art. Dispenser portion 122 may be coupled to a cap 129 for mounting the sprayer 120 to a container 150 as shown in FIG. 12 that holds liquid to be sprayed. During operation, liquid is drawn from the container 50 into the dispenser portion 122 and sprayed via the adjustable nozzle 127.
(18) A conventional sprayer typically only includes the adjustable nozzle 127 attached to the nozzle base 125 (illustrated in FIG. 2 as being detached from nozzle base 125) to control the flow and/or intensity of the spray. For example, in some implementations, adjustable nozzle 127 provides an on and off setting for a conventional sprayer; in some implementations, adjustable nozzle 127 provides a stream setting, a spray/mist setting, and/or other settings for the sprayer as would be apparent; in some implementations, adjustable nozzle 127 provides a continuous adjustment between stream and mist as would be apparent; and/or in some implementations, a combination of the aforementioned settings may be used as would be apparent. Typically, adjustable nozzle 127 is generally manually rotated to alter the spray flow or intensity as would be appreciated. The operation of adjustable nozzles 127 on conventional sprayers is well-known and will not be further described.
(19) Referring back to FIG. 2, second portion 140 of shroud 110 comprises a nozzle extension or toggle switch adapter 142 configured to movably engage the adjustable nozzle 127 of the sprayer 120. The switch adapter 142 is configured to receive the adjustable nozzle 127 at a proximal end 143. The switch adapter 142 includes a toggle or tab actuator 145 that simplifies manual manipulation of the switch adapter 142 to cause adjustment of the position of the adjustable nozzle 127, thereby controlling the flow and/or intensity of the spray. Rotation of the tab actuator 145 (clockwise and/or counterclockwise) causes movement of the switch adapter 142 and hence rotational movement of the adjustable nozzle 127 from one position or setting to another position or setting (for example, from off to spray, or from spray to stream, etc.). The switch adapter 142 includes an opening 147 (shown in FIG. 5, for example) at cone shaped distal end 144 through which the liquid is jetted or sprayed based on adjustment of the tab actuator 145 and the adjustable nozzle 127. The switch adapter 142 may be molded as a one-piece element. In some implementations, the switch adapter 142 may be formed of injected molded polymer or plastic material. In some implementations, the switch adapter 142 may be formed of a thermoplastic polymer such as, polypropylene.
(20) As further illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the combined clamshell 136 is configured to operatively receive a portion of the switch adapter 142 while engaged with the adjustable nozzle 127. The first clamshell 132 has a first cut 152 and the second clamshell 134 has a corresponding second cut 154 such that when the first clamshell 132 and the second clamshell 134 are attached, the first cut and second cut form a complete cut or an opening 156 in the combined clamshell 136. When assembled, the opening 156 of the combined clamshell 136 receives the portion of the switch adapter 142 with the tab actuator 145 so that the tab actuator 145 can be manually manipulated with ease. As such, the adjustable nozzle 127 may be adjusted even though it is covered with the switch adapter 142. In conventional sprayers, an operator manipulates the adjustable nozzle 127 directly which may expose the operator to chemicals deposited on the adjustable nozzle 127. However, the switch adapter 142 allows the adjustable nozzle 127 to be adjusted without the operator's direct contact with the adjustable nozzle 127 thereby protecting or reducing the operator of the trigger actuated pump sprayer from exposure to the liquids being dispensed by the sprayer (such as pesticides or other chemicals).
(21) Shroud 110 may be assembled onto the typical trigger actuated pump sprayer sprayer 120 in the following manner. Switch adapter 142 may be coupled to adjustable nozzle 127 of sprayer 120 (i.e., while the adjustable nozzle 127 is attached to the nozzle base 125 of the sprayer 120). The first clamshell 132 and the second clamshell 134 may be positioned such that the portion of the switch adapter 142 with the tab actuator 145 aligns within the opening 156 and the lower portions 133, 135 of the first and clamshells 132, 134, respectively align with the either side of the dispenser portion 122. The first clamshell 132 and second clamshell 134 are then snapped together, thereby housing the dispenser portion 122 and providing a shroud around the trigger actuated pump sprayer 120. In some implementations, the second clamshell 134 includes a rib 138 at a rear portion 166 of the second clamshell 134, and the first clamshell 132 includes a recess (not otherwise illustrated in FIG. 2) at a rear portion 162 of the first clamshell 132. The recess of the first clamshell 132 is configured to receive rib 138. Rib 138 and the corresponding recess allow the rear portions 166, 162 of second clamshell 134 and the first clamshell 132 to snap together. The front portions 164, 168 of the first and second clamshells 132, 134 snap together when the switch adapter 142 is aligned within the opening 156. In some implementations, a lower sloping region of the combined front portions 164, 168 of the first and second clamshells 132, 134 form a drip guard region 109 (as shown in FIG. 1, for example). By providing a drip guard region 109, exposure of the operator of the trigger actuated pump sprayer 120 to the fluid being dispensed is avoided or at least reduced.
(22) FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate side views of the shroud 110 and trigger actuated pump sprayer 120. FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the shroud 110. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate front and back views of the shroud for the trigger actuated pump sprayer. As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, the surface of the combined clamshell 136 may include icons or other graphical representations for visually identifying various discharge settings for the sprayer: for example an off or no discharge setting may be depicted by icon 420, a stream setting may be depicted by icon 312, a spray/mist setting may be depicted by icon 310, and so forth.
(23) FIG. 7 illustrates a cutout view of a portion of the switch adapter 142 being received within opening 156 while engaged with the adjustable nozzle 127. A tab actuator portion 702 of the switch adapter 142 (with tab actuator 145) receives the adjustable nozzle 127 and a cone-shaped portion 704 of the switch adapter 142 engages with the adjustable nozzle 127. The cone-shaped portion 704 acts as an extension to the adjustable nozzle 127. The extension is designed such that the liquid/spray/stream entering the cone-shaped portion 704 does not lose its structure provided by the adjustable nozzle 127. The switch adapter 142 is fitted with the adjustable nozzle 127 such that, as trigger lever 128 is pulled, any liquid emanating from the nozzle base 125/adjustable nozzle 127 runs forward towards the opening 147 in the cone-shaped portion 704 of the switch adapter 142 and not backward towards the nozzle/dispenser portion. As such, liquid emanating from the adjustable nozzle 127 is moved away from the adjustable nozzle 127 into cone-shaped portion 704 of switch adapter 142 and out through opening 147. This further ensures that the direct contact with the liquid being dispensed by the operator of the sprayer is avoided.
(24) In some implementations, distal end 144 of switch adapter 142 includes ribs 804 about the outer periphery of the switch adapter 142, as shown in FIG. 8 (which excludes the front portion of the shroud to show the ribs 804 etc.). Front portions 164, 168 of clamshells 132, 134 include corresponding ribs 802 that are configured to accommodate ribs 804 so that when the tab actuator 145 is moved from one position to another position (for example, off to spray, spray to stream, etc.) the ribs 802 and 804 snap together in a locked position. The ribs 802, 804 may be positioned to click into place when the switch adapter 142 is in an off position. When the tab actuator 145 is rotated, the force pulls the split line together. Also, visible from the front of the shroud is the C-shape 806 at the front of the nozzle base 125 while the adjustable nozzle is completely enclosed within the shroud.
(25) In one embodiment, the front portions 164, 168 of clamshells 132, 134 may be attached by utilizing fastening clips 912, as shown in FIG. 9A (which again excludes the front portion of the shroud to show the clips 912, etc.). In one embodiment, a top clip 912 may be provided above cone shaped portion 704 and a bottom clip 912 may be provided below cone shaped portion 704. FIG. 9B illustrates in part cross-section through the shroud a fastening mechanism associated with top clip 912. For example, FIG. 9B illustrates portions of top clip 912 engaged with one another. Portion 921 of top clip 912 engages with portion 922 of top clip 912 to securely fasten front portions 164, 168 of clamshells 132, 134. It will be readily appreciated that a similar fastening mechanism may be employed for bottom clip 912 as well.
(26) In some implementations, nozzle base 125/adjustable nozzle 127 of a conventional trigger actuated pump sprayer 120 may be modified to ensure a better fit with the switch adapter 142. This may be done to optimize the spray emanating from the sprayer in order to protect the operator from direct contact with the spray.
(27) FIG. 10A illustrates a first alternative shroud 1100 wherein the first clamshell 1110 and the second clamshell 1120 are conjoined. They are hingingly conjoined by a bridging portion 1130, so as to fold together in the direction of arrow A to form a combined clamshell in the form of a shroud, in the same matter as the combined clamshell 136 shown in FIG. 1 etc. In this way, the first and second clamshells 1110, 1120 can be formed as a single integral piece, for example by injection moulding and the like, ready for forming around a pump body etc. as described hereinabove. FIG. 10B shows a second alternative shroud 1140 comprising a first clamshell 1142 and a second clamshell 1144, conjoined via a bridging piece 1146 so as to be hingingly conjoined. Like the first alternative shroud 1100 shown in FIG. 10A the second alternative shroud 1140 can be formed by folding the first and second clamshells 1142, 1144 together via the bridging piece 1146 around a pump body, etc.
(28) The skilled man can see other possible locations for bridging pieces between complementary first and second clamshells at other locations.
(29) FIG. 11A illustrates the toggle switch adapter 142 and tab actuator 145 adapted to engage the nozzle 127 of a trigger actuated pump sprayer, with the tab actuator 145 being the operable portion for location within an opening of a shroud in the manner discussed hereinabove.
(30) FIG. 11B illustrates a toggle switch adapter 142 integrally formed with the nozzle 127 of a trigger actuated pump sprayer, and ready for engagement with the remainder of the pump body, etc. as described hereinabove.
(31) The foregoing description generally illustrates and describes various embodiments of the present invention. It will, however, be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the above-discussed construction of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed herein, and that it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as being illustrative, and not to be taken in a limiting sense. Furthermore the scope of the present disclosure shall be construed to cover various modifications, combinations, additions, alterations, etc. above and to the above-described embodiments, which shall be considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, various features and characteristics of the present invention as discussed herein may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the invention, and numerous variations, modifications, and additions further can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.
