sprinkler

Abstract

A sprinkler (100) includes a handle (116) and a valve (106) for opening and closing water flow relative to an outlet (104). The sprinkler (100) includes an inlet (102) for receiving water. The sprinkler (100) includes a trigger (110) configured to actuate the valve (106). The trigger (110) moves between a locked position and an unlocked position. The trigger (110) allows water flow when in the locked position and prevents water flow when in the unlocked position. The sprinkler (100) also includes a locking mechanism (114) that is activated by the trigger (110). The locking mechanism (114) includes a profile (108). The locking mechanism (114) also includes a locking element (112) that moves with the profile (108) between a first state and a second state. In the second state, the locking element (112) engages the profile (108) in the locked position. The sprinkler (100) is characterized in that the locking element (112) is a linear spring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a sprayer. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a sprayer having a locking mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] A sprayer is a device used to spray liquids. Common uses include spraying water, herbicides, crop performance materials, and pest control chemicals. It can also be used in the manufacture and production of textiles. In agriculture, sprayers are equipment used to apply herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers to crops.

[0003] However, in some cases, application machines such as sprayers or any other systems including streams, jets, and sprays may require two hands to operate (i.e., one hand to hold the body of the sprayer and the other to adjust the application head). This makes the operation of the device (i.e., the sprayer) more cumbersome and less attractive to the average user (such as a gardener).

[0004] U.S. Patent Application US 20140,367,496A1 (hereinafter referred to as '496 Reference') provides an example of a sprayer. '496 Reference provides a sprayer. The sprayer includes a handle. Additionally, the sprayer includes a nozzle and a lever. The lever is connected to the handle and is pivotable between a neutral position and an operating position. The sprayer also includes a lever locking device for locking the lever in the operating position. The lever locking device includes an anchor portion located on the handle, a stop formed on the handle, and a pawl attached to the lever. When the lever is pivoted toward the handle and released, the pawl moves on the anchor portion and is stopped by the stop on the anchor portion. When the lever is pivoted toward the handle again and released, the pawl is released from the anchor portion. However, '496 Reference does not provide an ergonomic and user-friendly arrangement for selectively operating (i.e., locking / unlocking) the sprayer.

[0005] U.S. Patent Application US2016 / 375,453 discloses a fluid applicator. This fluid applicator includes an inlet and an outlet fluidly connected via a fluid path. The fluid applicator also includes a trigger. The trigger is configured to move between a closed position and an open position when actuated. The open position allows fluid to flow along the fluid path from the inlet to the outlet. However, the trigger of this reference includes a trigger locking mechanism with one or more trigger securing features that engage with a trigger receiver. This arrangement of the trigger can make the operation of the fluid applicator cumbersome and unattractive to the average user. Furthermore, the trigger with attached trigger securing features appears susceptible to events such as wear, tear, or even malfunction during repeated engagement / disengagement of the trigger securing features and trigger receiver.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved sprayer that can be easily and conveniently locked even at the general user application level. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to solve or at least mitigate the aforementioned disadvantages. This object can be at least partially achieved by a sprayer. The sprayer includes an inlet for receiving water. The sprayer also includes an outlet for discharging water from the sprayer. The sprayer includes a handle. The sprayer includes a valve for switching the flow of water relative to the outlet. Furthermore, the sprayer includes a trigger configured to brake the valve. The trigger moves between a locked position and an unlocked position. The trigger allows water flow in the locked position and blocks water flow in the unlocked position. The sprayer also includes a locking mechanism configured to be actuated by the trigger. The locking mechanism includes a contour. The locking mechanism includes a locking element that moves within the contour between a second state and a first state. In the second state, the locking element engages with the trigger in the locked position. The sprayer is characterized in that the locking element is a linear spring. Therefore, the present invention provides a simple, efficient, and user-friendly locking mechanism for sprayers.

[0008] In the first state, the locking element disengages from the trigger. Because the valve remains closed when the trigger is in the unlocked position, water flow is prevented.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking element is a wire. The locking element is locked within the configuration, which further restricts the flow of water by directly or indirectly controlling the valve.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the invention, the configuration portion has a space or groove in which a locking element moves. This allows the desired locking effect of the configuration portion and the locking element.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the invention, the configuration is integrally disposed on the trigger. This makes the sprayer more compact and lightweight while retaining the advantages of other embodiments.

[0012] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 A perspective view of the interior of a sprayer according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 This illustrates one aspect of the disclosure. Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the locking mechanism around the sprayer.

[0016] Figure 3 A perspective view of the interior of a sprayer with a locking mechanism according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 4 This illustrates one aspect of the disclosure. Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the locking mechanism around the sprayer. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein; rather, the embodiments provided are merely intended to make the disclosure of the invention more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the invention may be used in other embodiments, or even other types of structures and / or methods. In the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals denote similar elements.

[0019] Certain terms used herein are for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the invention. For example, “up,” “down,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “transverse,” “upward,” “downward,” “forward,” “backward,” “toward,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upward,” “inner,” “outer,” “inward,” “outer,” “top,” “bottom,” “higher,” “above,” “below,” “center,” “middle,” “between,” “end,” “adjacent,” “near,” “far,” “remote,” “radial,” “circumferential,” etc., merely describe the configurations shown in the figures. In fact, components can be oriented in any direction, and therefore, unless otherwise specified, it should be understood that these variations may be included.

[0020] Figure 1 A sprinkler 100 is shown. The sprinkler 100 of this disclosure can be any device used in outdoor or garden facilities to supply or spray water as required by the facility. The sprinkler 100 has an inlet 102 that can be connected to a water source, such as, but not limited to, a hose, a faucet, or any other water source. The sprinkler 100 also includes an outlet 104. The outlet 104 allows water to be discharged from the sprinkler 100. The sprinkler 100 includes a handle 116 located on its body, which allows the sprinkler 100 to be gripped during operation.

[0021] The sprayer 100 also includes a valve 106. Valve 106 switches the flow of water from inlet 102 to outlet 104, thereby controlling the amount of water flowing out of outlet 104 of the sprayer 100. Furthermore, the sprayer 100 includes a trigger 110 configured to brake valve 106. Additionally, the sprayer 100 includes a locking mechanism 114. The locking mechanism 114 has a configuration 108 and a locking element 112. In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the locking element 112 is a linear spring; however, different types of locking elements 112 are contemplated and included within the scope of this invention.

[0022] In some embodiments, the locking element 112 may be one or more of the following: torsion spring, constant pressure spring, compression spring, tension spring, disc spring, spring clip, natural spring, etc.

[0023] In some embodiments, the locking element 112 is a wire. The locking element 112 can be one or more of the following: ring engagement, cantilever engagement, torsion engagement, etc. In addition, different types of threaded locking methods can be used to securely connect the locking element 112, such as bolts and nuts, screws and tapped nuts, threaded components, etc.

[0024] Figure 2 The area around the locking mechanism 114 of the sprayer 100 is shown. The locking mechanism 114 is configured to be activated by a trigger 110 or by any other part or component of the sprayer 100. In particular, the trigger 110 may be equipped with a specific protrusion formed to engage and disengage with the locking mechanism 114, whereby the shape of this protrusion may conform to protrusions well known in the art (e.g., EP 2 368 640B1), which allows the trigger to lock and unlock. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 114 includes a configuration portion 108. As can be seen from the position of the trigger 110, the sprayer 100 shown in this figure is in the unlocked position. Here, because the trigger 110 remains away from the locking mechanism 114, the trigger 110 is in the unlocked position. Furthermore, during operation of the sprayer 100, the trigger 110 can be in both the unlocked and locked positions (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 The sprayer 100 can be moved between the two hands (as shown) to meet the needs of water flow. In some embodiments, the sprayer 100 can be used with the left hand, the right hand, or in any other position.

[0025] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 114 can be braked by the action of the trigger 110, or in some embodiments by the handle 104. When the trigger 110 is activated once, the locking element 112 can be locked with either or both of the trigger 110 and the configuration 108. And when the trigger 110 is braked in the locked state, the locking element 112 can be unlocked from either or both of the trigger 110 and the configuration 108. Here, the locking mechanism 114 can be configured to move the locking element 112 within the configuration 108 between a second state and a first state. In the second state, the locking element 112 is engaged with the trigger 110 in the locked position, such as... Figure 4 As shown. In the first state of the locking element 112, the trigger 110 disengages from the locking element 112 and the configuration portion 108, as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0026] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 114 may include a bayonet connection, a fine thread connection, a coarse thread connection, a push-pull connection, a separation connection, a push-release connection, a screw locking connection, a double-push locking connection, etc.

[0027] Refer again Figure 2 The locking element 112 is in the unlocked position. Therefore, no water flows from outlet 104 (in...). Figure 1 (As shown in the diagram) Discharge. This illustrates that trigger 110 prevents water flow when unlocked. It should be understood that in some embodiments of the invention, valve 106 may be partially or fully opened by trigger 110.

[0028] In some embodiments, valve 106 can be braked manually, mechanically, electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically, or otherwise. Additionally, a motorized brake associated with valve 106 may be provided. The motorized brake can automatically open or close valve 106 upon touching a button, etc. The motorized brake allows valve 106 to operate at desired frequencies (e.g., higher or lower frequencies).

[0029] In some embodiments, the locking element 112 may be one or more of the following: copper wire, stainless steel wire, high-strength alloy wire, copper-plated steel wire, bare copper wire, tin-plated copper wire, silver-plated copper wire, nickel-plated copper wire, aluminum wire, etc.

[0030] Figure 3 A sprayer 100 is shown, with the locking mechanism 114 in the locked position. When the brake trigger 110 is activated, the locking element 112 moves from a first state to a second state within the configuration 108. Furthermore, the trigger 110 (in the locked position) locks with the locking element 112 (in the second state) to allow water flow. It will also be apparent that in this locked position of the trigger 110, the valve 106 is opened or unlocked to prevent water flow from the outlet 104.

[0031] In some embodiments, the sprayer 100 may be a boom sprayer, a boomless sprayer nozzle, a sprayer, a three-point suspended sprayer, a trailer sprayer, a towed sprayer, a suspended sprayer, a UTV sprayer, an ATV sprayer, a spot sprayer, or a backpack sprayer.

[0032] Figure 4 Another view of the locking mechanism 114 in the locked position is shown. This figure illustrates that in some embodiments, the sprayer body and the configuration 108 are integrated. Specifically, the configuration 108 may be integrally disposed on the sprayer body. Alternatively, the trigger 110 and the sprayer body may be different or independent of each other. Various variations of the trigger 110 and the configuration 108 are contemplated in this invention, and all such variations are included within the scope of this invention. This will give the sprayer 100 several advantages, such as greater compactness and lighter weight.

[0033] Preferred embodiments and examples of the invention are disclosed in the accompanying drawings and description. Although specific terminology is used, it is used in a general and descriptive sense only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0034] Component list

[0035] 100: Sprayer

[0036] 102: Entrance

[0037] 104: Exports

[0038] 106: Valve

[0039] 108: Configuration Part

[0040] 110: Trigger

[0041] 112: Locking element

[0042] 114: Locking mechanism

[0043] 116: Handle

Claims

1. A sprinkler (100), comprising: an inlet (102) for receiving water; an outlet (104) for discharging water from the sprinkler (100); a handle (116); a valve (106) for on-off switching of the flow of water relative to the outlet (104); a trigger (110) configured to actuate the valve (106), wherein the trigger (110) moves between a locked position and an unlocked position, and wherein the trigger (110) allows the flow of water in the locked position and prevents the flow of water in the unlocked position; the sprinkler (100) further comprises a locking mechanism (114) configured to be activated by the trigger (110), the locking mechanism (114) comprising: a profile (108); and a locking element (112) moving within the profile (108) between a first state and a second state, wherein in the second state the locking element (112) engages with the trigger (110) in the locked position, characterized in that: the locking element (112) is a linear spring, wherein in the first state the locking element (112) is disengaged from the trigger (110).

2. The sprinkler (100) according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (112) is a wire acting as the linear spring.

3. The sprinkler (100) according to claim 1, wherein, the profile (108) is a space or a slot in which the locking element (112) moves.

4. The sprinkler (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the profile (108) is integrally provided on the trigger (110).

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