Abstract
A pressurised sprayer, including a tank, the tank including a main body, a head region and a plunger for manually pressurising the tank. The pressurised sprayer also includes a compressed air inlet for automatically pressurising the tank with air from outside, a pressure relief valve, a compressed flow outlet, and a removable, external compressor module that is independent of the tank, the compressor module for its part including an air compressor and a battery for supplying the air compressor with electricity, the compressor module being connected to the compressed air inlet, the compressor module being secured to the sprayer. The pressurised sprayer where the compressed air inlet includes a valve stem, the valve stem for its part being a non-return valve, and the compressor module being connected to the valve stem via a hose having a connection head.
Claims
1. A pressurized sprayer, comprising: a tank comprising a main body, a head region, and a plunger for manually pressurizing said tank; a compressed air inlet for automatically pressurizing the tank with air from outside; a pressure relief valve; a compressed flow outlet; and a removable, external compressor module that is independent of the tank, the compressor module comprising an air compressor and a battery for supplying the air compressor with electricity, the compressor module being connected to said compressed air inlet, said compressor module being secured to the main body of the tank, wherein the compressed air inlet comprises a valve stem, said valve stem for its part being a non-return valve, and wherein the compressor module is connected to said valve stem via a hose having a connection head.
2. The pressurized sprayer according to claim 1, wherein the main body of the tank has a substantially cylindrical or prismatic external shape and the head region of the tank substantially has the external shape of a spherical cap.
3. The pressurized sprayer according to claim 1, wherein the compressed air inlet and the compressed flow outlet are arranged on a connection fitting.
4. The pressurized sprayer according to claim 1, wherein the main body of the tank has at least one face having a convex external shape without recesses for receiving the compressor module.
5. The pressurized sprayer according to claim 4, wherein the compressor module has a face having a concave shape that mates with said at least one face of the main body of the tank.
6. The pressurized sprayer according to claim 1, wherein the compressor module is secured to the main body of the tank by at least one collar.
7. The pressurized sprayer according to claim 6, wherein said at least one collar is a textile or plastics strap having a hook and loop fastener.
8. The pressurized sprayer according to claim 6, wherein the main body of the tank comprises at least one peripheral projection for securing said at least one collar of the compressor module with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tank.
9. The pressurized sprayer according to claim 8, wherein the main body of the tank further comprises at least one external positioning tab that dimensionally interferes with the compressor module, in order to secure the compressor module against rotation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tank.
10. The pressurized sprayer according to claim 9, wherein the compressor module comprises a recess that mates with said at least one external positioning tab of the main body of the tank.
11. The pressurized sprayer according to claim 1, wherein the tank having a plunger for manual pressurization comprises, in the head region, the pressure relief valve, the compressed flow outlet and the inlet for compressed air from outside.
12. The pressurized sprayer according to claim 11, wherein the pressure relief valve is arranged in the head region of the tank so as to be independent of the compressed air inlet and compressed flow outlet.
13. The pressurized sprayer according to claim 1, further comprising an independent base on which the tank rests in a substantially vertical position.
14. The pressurized sprayer according to claim 1, further comprising a spray lance that is connected to the compressed flow outlet.
15. The pressurized sprayer according to claim 14, further comprising an independent head portion having an internal shape that mates with the head region of the tank, for receiving the spray lance and at least one identification element.
16. The pressurized sprayer according to claim 1, wherein the tank further comprises a flow suction tube in its interior, which extends along the tank and which is joined internally to the compressed flow outlet.
17. The pressurized sprayer according to claim 1, wherein the valve stem comprises a metal pivot that opens the valve when pressed, the valve automatically closing when the metal pivot is no longer pressed on account of the pressure inside the chamber, on account of a spring, or both.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) To aid understanding, explanatory yet non-limiting drawings are included that are representative of an embodiment of a pressurised sprayer according to the present invention.
(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a pressurised sprayer according to the present invention without the spray lance.
(3) FIG. 2 is a side view of the pressurised sprayer according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
(4) FIG. 3 is a plan view of the pressurised sprayer according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of the pressurised sprayer according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 without the compressor module.
(6) FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a positioning tab arranged on the tank of the pressurised sprayer shown in FIG. 4.
(7) FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the upper part of the tank and the independent decorative head portion according to the embodiment shown in any one of the preceding figures.
(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view from above of the pressurised sprayer according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 but without the compressor module, head portion and base.
(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above of the compressor module according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
(10) FIG. 9 is a detailed view of a positioning slot on the compressor module of the pressurised sprayer shown in FIG. 8.
(11) FIG. 10 is a sectional view along the plane A-A shown in FIG. 4.
(12) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the pressurised sprayer according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the spray lance.
(13) In the figures, identical or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference signs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(14) FIGS. 1 and 2 are a perspective view from above and a side view, respectively, of an embodiment of a pressurised sprayer 1 according to the present invention. Said pressurised sprayer 1 comprises a tank 2, an independent decorative head portion 3 that fits in the head region of the tank, a removable, external compressor module 4 that is independent of the tank, and a base 5 for providing the pressurised sprayer 1 with stability in the vertical arrangement thereof and additionally for protecting the tank 2 from impacts that may weaken the structure thereof and reduce the useful life of the pressurised sprayer 1. Furthermore, FIG. 1 shows, in the present embodiment, that the head portion 3 allows for actuation of a plunger 31, said plunger being screwed directly onto the filler neck of the tank, denoted by the reference sign 24 in FIG. 7, for manually pressurising the tank 2 prior to the pressurised sprayer 1 being used. Furthermore, FIG. 1 shows that the pressurised sprayer comprises a pressure relief valve 32, a compressed air inlet valve 33 and a compressed flow outlet 34. Additionally, FIG. 1 shows how the pressure relief valve 32 is arranged independently with respect to the compressed air inlet valve 33 and the compressed flow outlet 34. This reduces the probability that the pressure relief valve 32 will malfunction on account of interference with the incoming air or outgoing flow.
(15) In the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pressure relief valve 32 is arranged so as to be diametrically opposed with respect to the compressed air inlet valve 33 and the compressed flow outlet 34. Nevertheless, other arrangements are equally valid. Likewise, the arrangement of the compressed air inlet valve 33 and of the compressed flow outlet 34 in a T-joint could be modified and other arrangements, such as in a Y shape, could be adopted. Alternatively, the arrangement of the compressed air inlet valve 33 and of the compressed flow outlet 34 could be modified such that they are independent of one another.
(16) Additionally, FIGS. 1 and 2 also show the compressor module 4 arranged on the outer surface of the tank 2, and more specifically on the main body of the tank. The tank 2 additionally comprises a peripheral projection 21 that provides the tank with strength and that also constitutes a support region for the compressor module 4. This can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 8 and 9. FIG. 1 shows that a concave face of the compressor module 4 has a shape that matches the outer surface of the tank 2 in order to facilitate positioning of said compressor module and the stability of the device. Said matching shape can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 4, 5, 8 and 9, in which components of the sprayer are shown in isolation. The compressor module 4, which comprises a compressor 41 and a battery 42 for supplying electricity to the compressor 41, is in contact with the tank 2 on account of attachment means, which, in the present embodiment, are two textile straps 43, 44 of a known hook and loop fastener type. Furthermore, the connection between the compressor module 4 and the compressed air inlet valve 33 is established via a connection head 45 and a flexible hose 45, which allows for rapid and convenient connection and disconnection. The compressor module 4 is turned on and off by means of a switch 46. In the embodiment shown, the switch 46 is a rocker switch, but other types of switch known from the prior art are equally valid.
(17) FIG. 1 also shows how the independent decorative head portion 3 defines a through-hole 36 for allowing a spray lance to pass through. Furthermore, the head portion 3 comprises a card holder 37 for receiving identification cards, which may indicate, for example, the type of liquid inside the pressurised sprayer 1. Furthermore, the base 5 of the pressurised sprayer 1 comprises a receptacle 51 that is suitable for receiving an end of the spray lance when said spray lance is not being used. Said through-hole 36 and receptacle 51 allow for a compact arrangement of the sprayer 1, which facilities storage thereof. Said compact arrangement of the sprayer 1 can be seen more clearly in FIG. 10, in which the spray lance is shown with the reference sign 35.
(18) FIG. 2, in addition to some features already mentioned in relation to FIG. 1, shows that the compressor module 4 comprises a recess 47 that mates with the peripheral projection 21, which allows for at least some of the weight of the compressor module 4 to rest directly on the tank 2.
(19) FIG. 3 is a view from above of the pressurised sprayer shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 shows the substantially cylindrical shape of the head portion 3, tank 2 and base 5, which are partially hidden below said head portion 3. Additionally, it clearly shows how a concave face of the compressor module 4, denoted by the reference sign 48 in FIG. 7, is adapted to the outer convex shape of the tank 2. FIG. 3 also shows the arrangement of the pressure relief valve 32 diametrically opposed to the compressed air inlet 33 and compressed flow outlet 34 valves, as well as the connection between the connection head 45 and said compressed air inlet valve 33.
(20) FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of the pressurised sprayer 1 shown in the preceding figures without the compressor module. This figure more clearly shows the outer shape of the tank 2, which is substantially cylindrical in the present embodiment. Nevertheless, tanks having other shapes are equally valid. Likewise, FIG. 4 shows the arrangement and shape of the peripheral projection 21 and of the positioning tab 22 arranged on said projection 21.
(21) FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the positioning tab 22 of the compressor module arranged on the tank 2. In this embodiment, the positioning tab 22 is a substantially prism-shaped tab that is arranged on the wall of the tank 2 and on the peripheral projection 21, extending on both sides (upper and lower) of said peripheral projection 21. Nevertheless, the tab may alternatively have a different shape and its arrangement may also be different, said positioning tab 22 being arranged solely on the wall of the tank 2 or on the peripheral projection 21.
(22) FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the head portion 3 of the pressurised sprayer shown in the preceding figures. FIG. 6 shows the outer shape of the plunger 31, with a handle 38 that makes it easier for a user to pressurise the tank by means of a reciprocating linear motion. Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows that the compressed air inlet valve 33 is a Schrader-type valve. Nevertheless, other valve stems are equally valid, for example Dunlop, Regina or Presta-type valves, among others. The compressed air inlet valve 33 and the compressed flow outlet 34 are arranged in the head region of the tank 2. More specifically, the tank 2 is designed such that said inlet 33 and outlet 34 are arranged so as to maintain intactness and strength from a pressure resistance point of view. It should be noted that the head region of the tank, being substantially spherical, is better suited for receiving said compressed air inlet 33 and compressed flow outlet 34 than the lateral region of the tank, which is substantially cylindrical. As such, in the embodiment shown, the localised stresses due to the internal working pressure are much less pronounced than if the valves were installed on said main body of the tank, thus increasing the useful life of the device. Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows how the compressed air inlet valve 33 and the compressed flow outlet 34 are arranged on a T-shaped connection fitting 343. Said T-shaped connection fitting 343 may have an internal shape that allows for direct fluid communication between the compressed air inlet valve 33 and the compressed flow outlet 34 or, alternatively, it may have an internal separation between the two.
(23) FIG. 7 is a perspective view from above of the pressurised sprayer 1 shown in the preceding figures without the compressor module, head portion and base. This figure more clearly shows the mouth 24 arranged in the upper region of the tank 2 on which the plunger 31 is coupled. In the present embodiment, the mouth 24 is threaded for connection to the plunger 31 by means of a mating thread. Nevertheless, other means of connection known in the art such as connectors with or without a sealing gasket may be used. Additionally, FIG. 7 shows connections 23 for the arrangement of a carrying strap (not shown in the present figure) of the pressurised sprayer 1.
(24) FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above of the removable, external compressor module 4, which is independent of the tank, according to the embodiment shown in the previous figures. FIG. 8 shows the compressor module 4, in which a concave face 48 thereof can be seen to have a shape that matches the outside of the tank 2. More specifically, the face 48 can be seen to have a general concave shape to fit the general convex shape of the side of the tank and, additionally, the compressor 4 can be seen to comprise a recess 47 for coupling to the peripheral projection 21 of the tank. Moreover, the compressor module 4 comprises, on the concave face 48 thereof, a positioning slot 49 that has a shape that matches the positioning tab 22. Additionally, FIG. 8 shows the collars 43, 44 as well as the rocker switch 46 for turning the compressor module 4 on and off. The compressed air flows from the compressor module 4 to the tank 2 (not shown) through a flexible hose 45 on the end of which is a connection head 45.
(25) FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the positioning tab 49 and recess 47 on the concave face 48 of the compressor module 4. As explained previously in relation to the positioning tab 22, the shape and arrangement of the positioning slot 49 may be altered so as to act as a positioning point for the tab 22.
(26) FIG. 10 is a sectional view along the plane A-A shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 10 shows the connection between the head portion 3 and the tank 2, as well as the arrangement of the tank 2 on the base 5. Additionally, FIG. 10 shows the communication between the inside and the outside of the tank 2 via the pressure relief valve 32, the compressed air inlet valve 33 and the compressed flow outlet 34 arranged in the head region of the tank 2. Furthermore, FIG. 10 shows part of the plunger 31 arranged inside the tank, as well as part of an internal suction tube 34 that connects the compressed flow outlet 34 to the inside of the tank 2. More specifically, said suction tube 34 extends to the lower part of the tank, making it possible to suck up the liquid 20 contained in the lower part of the tank 2. Equally, the suction tube 34 may comprise more than one suction point for additionally sucking up compressed air 200.
(27) FIG. 11 is a front view of the pressurised sprayer 1 illustrated in the previous figures and with a spray lance 35. Said spray lance 35 is connected to the pressurised flow outlet 34 and allows the user to apply the pressurised flow onto a surface on which they wish to work. The spray lance 35 in the present embodiment comprises a connection hose 351 and a substantially rigid end 354 that comprises a grip handle 352, an actuation trigger 358 and an outlet nozzle 355. As described earlier, the spray lance 35 allows the user to apply the pressurised flow onto surfaces at a certain distance from the tank 2 of the pressurised sprayer 1, thus increasing the range of the device. FIG. 11 additionally shows how the spray lance 35 can be arranged in a compact manner by inserting it through the through-hole 36 and into the receptacle 51.
(28) Although the invention has been described and represented based on a representative example, it should be understood that said exemplary embodiment in no way limits the present invention, and as such any of the variations that are included directly or by way of equivalence in the content of the appended claims should be considered included within the scope of the present invention.
