Backpack type fluid dispenser and equipment and system comprising backpack type fluid dispenser

Abstract

A backpack fluid dispenser is provided. The fluid dispenser includes a backpack assembly having a fluid container, a battery compartment, a pump assembly, and a dispensing assembly for dispensing fluid from the container. The dispensing assembly includes a handheld housing having a fluid passage extending therethrough, the dispensing assembly further including a nozzle at an end of the fluid passage at one end of the handheld housing, and a user-actuated trigger at an opposite end of the handheld housing. The pump assembly is configured to pump fluid from the fluid container to the dispensing assembly. The fluid dispenser also includes a control assembly configured to control the pump assembly and the dispensing assembly. The control assembly includes a user interface on the dispensing assembly or detachably coupled to the backpack assembly. In addition, devices and systems including the backpack fluid dispenser are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to backpack sprayers and, more particularly, to a portable fluid dispenser having a user interface for controlling the dispensing of fluid. Background Art

[0002] Backpack sprayers are used to dispense different fluids in a variety of applications. For example, backpack sprayers can be used to dispense water, cleaning fluids, disinfectants, herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, paints, and other fluids onto objects or surfaces. Generally, backpack sprayers are designed to be worn by the user by securing the sprayer's reservoir against the user's back, allowing the user to easily carry the reservoir from one location to another.

[0003] Yet many backpack sprayers include a user interface for controlling the pump that dispenses the fluid via the user interface located on the back-mounted backpack assembly.Therefore, when the backpack sprayer is mounted on the user's back, the user is typically unable to reach the user interface during use of the backpack sprayer.

[0004] Therefore, the art desires improved backpack sprayers.In particular, a backpack sprayer that provides an improved user interface would be advantageous. Utility Model Content

[0005] According to the present disclosure, various aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the technology.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a backpack fluid dispenser is provided. The backpack fluid dispenser includes a fluid container, a battery compartment for receiving a battery, a pump assembly, and a dispensing assembly for dispensing fluid from the container. The dispensing assembly includes: a handheld housing having a fluid channel extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis being perpendicular to the vertical direction; a nozzle at an end of the fluid channel at one end of the handheld housing along the longitudinal axis; and a user-actuated trigger at an opposite end of the handheld housing along the longitudinal axis. The pump assembly is configured to pump the fluid from the fluid container to the dispensing assembly. The fluid dispenser also includes a control assembly configured to control the pump assembly and the dispensing assembly. The control assembly includes a user interface.

[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The specification provides a comprehensive and enabling disclosure of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which is intended for persons skilled in the art and includes the best modes for making and using the present systems and methods, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a backpack sprayer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a dispensing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a dispensing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a dispensing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a dispensing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a dispensing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a user wearing a backpack sprayer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0016] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as being preferred or more advantageous than other implementations. In addition, each example is provided by way of explanation, not limitation, of the technology. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made to the technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the technology for which protection is sought. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used in conjunction with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Numerals and letter marks are used in the specific embodiments to represent features in the drawings. Similar or similar marks in the drawings and the specification are used to refer to similar or similar parts in the present invention.

[0018] As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, rather than to indicate the position or importance of a single component. The singular expressions "a," "an," and "the" also include the plural, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms such as "coupled," "fixed," and "connected to" refer to direct coupling, fixing, or connection, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or connection through one or more intermediate components or features, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprise," "include," "compose," "have," or any other variations thereof herein are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or device that includes a set of features is not necessarily limited to those features, but may include features not explicitly listed or other features inherent to such a process, method, article, or device. In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" is inclusive rather than exclusive. For example, any of the following satisfies condition A or B: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0019] Terms indicating approximation, such as "about," "approximately," "approximately," or "substantially," include values ​​within 10% greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, these terms include values ​​within 10 degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, "approximately perpendicular" includes directions within 10 degrees of perpendicular in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0020] The benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any features that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more obvious should not be construed as key, required, or essential features of any or all claims.

[0021] Overall, a backpack sprayer with a more ergonomic and accessible user interface is provided. The user interface can be incorporated into the handle of the dispensing assembly. The user interface can be coupled to a support assembly of the backpack sprayer, such as a backpack strap. By providing the user interface in the sprayer handle, or coupling the user interface to the sprayer at the backpack strap or other location convenient to the user, the user interface can be more accessible to the user during use, enabling the user to modify inputs to the backpack sprayer during use.

[0022] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1Illustrated is a backpack fluid dispenser 100, also referred to as a backpack sprayer, comprising a backpack assembly 102 and a dispensing assembly 104. The backpack assembly 102 is configured to be supported on the user's back so that the user can easily carry the backpack sprayer 100 from one place to another. The backpack assembly 102 comprises a fluid container 106 and a base 108 supported by a support assembly 110. The base 108 comprises a power source 150 (e.g., a battery), a motor 172 driven by the power source 150, and a pump assembly 180, the pump assembly 180 comprising a pump 182, which is driven by a motor to deliver fluid from the fluid container 106 to the dispensing assembly 104.

[0023] The fluid container 106 is a tank configured to carry water or other fluids for distribution, such as, but not limited to, cleaning fluids, disinfectants, herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, paints, and other fluids. The fluid container 106 can be constructed using lightweight and durable materials that exhibit excellent resistance to various chemicals, such as synthetic resins and polyester resins. The fluid container 106 can be transparent or translucent, and in some aspects of the present invention, a plurality of capacity indicators can be provided on the sidewall of the fluid container 106 to indicate the amount of fluid contained in the fluid container 106. The capacity indicators can indicate the level of the fluid in gallons, liters, or other desired units of measurement.

[0024] The distribution assembly 104 is communicated with the fluid container 106 fluids by being connected to the fluid container 106 by a hose 120, for dispensing fluid from the fluid container 106. The fluid channel 124 extending from the fluid container 106 can be provided with a connector 122. As shown in the figure, by being connected to the distribution assembly 104 connector 122, the distribution assembly 104 can be coupled with the fluid container 106 fluidly. The connector 122 can have any shape (such as a rectangle, circle, oval or other shape) that is enough to catch the hose 120 and the hose is fixed thereon. At the opposite end of the hose 120, a nozzle 126 can be provided to dispense fluid therefrom. A handheld trigger assembly 128 can be provided, comprising a handle 130 and a trigger 132, which is configured to control the distribution of the fluid passing through the nozzle 126.

[0025] like Figures 2 to 6As shown in FIG, trigger assembly 128 includes a housing 134 that is coupled to hose 120 at one end and to nozzle 126 at an opposite end. A longitudinal axis X can be formed between the ends of trigger assembly 128. Handle 130 can be formed as part of housing 134, and trigger 132 can be coupled to housing 134. A fluid passage from hose 120 to nozzle 126 is formed through housing 134 in the direction of longitudinal axis X. Handle 130 can be located above trigger 132 in a vertical direction Y (i.e., perpendicular to longitudinal direction X). Actuation of trigger 132 can cause fluid to flow from hose 120 to nozzle 126, and release of trigger 132 can stop or prevent fluid from flowing to nozzle 126.

[0026] The backpack sprayer 100 also includes a control assembly 114. The control assembly 114 is configured to control the motor and pump assembly 180. For example, the control assembly 114 can control the motor and pump assembly 180 to turn on and off, i.e., to deliver power from the battery 150 to the motor 172. In addition, the control assembly 114 is configured to control the operating settings of the pump (e.g., the operating speed of the pump) to control the flow rate of the fluid delivered from the pump. In some aspects of the present invention, the control assembly 114 includes a user interface 116 and at least one printed circuit board assembly 118 (PCBA), which is configured to receive input from the user interface and control the battery, motor, and pump based on the received input.

[0027] The user interface 116 may include a first user input 136 configured to control the power from the battery 150 to the motor 172. For example, the first user input 136 may be an on / off input. The first user input 136 may be a button or any other suitable input, including but not limited to a pivotable lever or switch, a digital input, etc.

[0028] The user interface 116 may also include a second user input 138 configured to control the speed of the pump 182. The second user input 138 may include a rotatable dial or knob 140 configured to be rotated by the user. The rotatable dial 140 may have a wheel shape with a radial dimension sufficient for the user to grasp, and in some aspects, a radial dimension sufficient for the user to rotate with a single finger. In some aspects, the rotatable dial 140 may have a knurled edge to provide a better grip. In certain embodiments, the rotatable dial 140 may be provided in other shapes, such as a star, an octagon, a cylinder, or a rectangle. The rotatable dial 140 may control the flow rate of the pump assembly 180. More specifically, the rotatable dial 140 may be provided with a rotation sensor 142 configured to sense the rotational position of the rotatable dial 140 and send a signal to the PCBA 118. In certain embodiments, the rotation sensor 142 is selected from a rheostat, a potentiometer, an angular position sensor, or any other device capable of changing the resistance or voltage level in a circuit. Figures 2 to 6 Not shown, multiple wires run from user interface 116 to pump assembly 180 and / or battery compartment 148, eg, forming a wired connection.

[0029] In some aspects of the present invention, rather than providing both a first user input 136 for controlling the power to the pump 182 and a second user input 138 for controlling the flow rate of the pump 182, a single user input may be provided. For example, the rotatable dial 140 may be configured to control the pump assembly 180 on and off by turning the switch of the pump assembly 180 on or off and to control the flow rate of the pump assembly by sensing the position of the rotatable dial 140 via the rotation sensor 142.

[0030] In some aspects of the present invention, such as Figures 2 to 6 As shown in FIG, the user interface 116 can be incorporated into the trigger assembly 128. More specifically, the user interface 116 can be incorporated into the housing 134. The first user input 136 and the second user input 138 can be disposed on an exterior portion of the housing 134 so as to be accessible to a user grasping the handle 130. The PCBA can be housed within the housing 134.

[0031] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a trigger assembly 128 in accordance with one aspect of the present invention having a rotatable knob 140 on an upper surface 134A of a housing 134. A first user input 136 (e.g., an on / off button (not shown)) may be provided on either side of the housing 134 or on the upper surface 134A of the housing 134.

[0032] Figure 3The trigger assembly 128 of one aspect of the present invention is shown as having a rotatable knob 140 on a side surface 134B of the housing 134. A first user input 136 (e.g., an on / off button (not shown)) may be provided on an upper surface 134A of the housing 134. For example, Figure 3 As shown in , when the user holds the handle 130, the rotatable dial 140 can be provided on the left side surface 134B of the housing 134 so that if the user holds the handle with their right hand, the user can operate the rotatable dial with their right thumb. Of course, although not shown, the rotatable dial 140 can also be positioned on the right side surface 134B of the housing 134.

[0033] Figures 4 to 6 Various possible orientations of the PCBA 118 within the housing 134 and relative to the fluid passage 133 and the nozzle 126 are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 The trigger assembly 128 is shown as including the user interface 116 having a PCBA 118 extending adjacent to the flow channel 133 in the longitudinal direction X and disposed within the housing 134. In other words, the PCBA 118 may extend above and below the flow channel 133 in the vertical direction Y and be spaced apart from the flow channel 133, being located to the right or left of the flow channel 133 within the housing 134. For example, the longest dimension of the PCBA 118 may extend in the vertical direction Y. The shortest dimension (not shown) of the PCBA 118 may extend in a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the vertical direction Y (i.e., in a right-to-left direction of the trigger assembly 128).

[0035] Figure 5 The trigger assembly 128 is shown including the user interface 116 having a PCBA 118 positioned above the fluid channel 133 in the vertical Y direction and disposed within a housing 134. For example, the PCBA 118 may be positioned above the nozzle 126 in the Y direction. The shortest dimension of the PCBA 118 may extend in the vertical Y direction.

[0036] Figure 6 The trigger assembly 128 is shown to include the user interface 116 having a PCBA 118 located below the fluid channel 133 in the Y direction and disposed within the housing 134. For example, the PCBA 118 can be located below the nozzle 126 in the Y direction. The shortest dimension of the PCBA 118 can extend in the vertical direction Y.

[0037] Steering Figure 7 and Figure 8 , shows the support assembly 110 of the backpack sprayer 100 in more detail. The support assembly 110 can include one or more shoulder straps 112 secured to the fluid container 106 and / or base 108. For example, the fluid container 106 and / or base 108 can include one or more straps to which the shoulder strap(s) 112 can be attached. It will be apparent that the shoulder strap(s) 112 can be attached to any number of straps, which can be integrally formed and molded as part of the fluid container 106 and / or base 108. Alternatively, the straps can be glued, bonded, or fastened to the fluid container 106 and / or base 108. The support assembly 110 can also include a chest strap (not shown) attached to the two shoulder straps 112 and configured to extend across the user's chest, thereby securely holding the backpack sprayer 100 in place relative to the user's body and preventing the shoulder straps 112 from slipping off the user's shoulders.

[0038] In some aspects of the present invention, the user interface 116 may include an independent user interface housing 200. The user interface housing 200 may include a housing body 202. A first user input 204 and a second user input 206 may be disposed on the outside of the housing body 202. The first user input 204 may be similar to the first user input 136 and function as an on and off button. The second user input 206 may be similar to the second user input 138 and may control the flow rate of the pump 182, for example, by a rotatable knob 210. A PCBA (not shown) may be enclosed within the housing body 202. A cable 212 may be provided to carry wires from the PCBA of the user interface 116 to the base 108.

[0039] The separate user interface housing 200 can be adapted to be selectively placed by a user, for example, to position the user interface 116 for easy access during use of the backpack sprayer 100. Advantageously, the separate user interface housing 200 can be coupled to the backpack strap 112 of the support assembly 110. Figure 7 As shown in FIG, a separate user interface housing 200 can be coupled to the front side of the backpack strap 112 relative to the user's body so that the user can adjust the user inputs 206, 208 when using the backpack sprayer.

[0040] In some aspects of the present invention, the independent user interface housing 200 may include a coupling member 214. The coupling member 214 may be a clip, button, or other suitable fastener configured to removably couple the independent user interface housing 200 to the backpack strap 112, the user's clothing, or elsewhere. For example, Figure 8The clamp 216 is shown coupled to the housing body 202. A hinge (not shown) may be provided between the housing body 202 and the clamp 216 to enable the clamps to be relatively opened and closed.

[0041] Other aspects of the present invention are provided by one or more of the following embodiments:

[0042] A backpack-style fluid dispenser includes a fluid container, a battery compartment for receiving a battery, a pump assembly, and a dispensing assembly for dispensing fluid from the container. The dispensing assembly includes a handheld housing having a fluid channel extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis being perpendicular to the vertical direction, the dispensing assembly further including a nozzle at an end of the fluid channel at one end of the handheld housing along the longitudinal axis, and a user-actuated trigger at an opposite end of the handheld housing along the longitudinal axis. The pump assembly is configured to pump fluid from the fluid container to the dispensing assembly. The fluid dispenser also includes a control assembly configured to control the pump assembly and the dispensing assembly. The control assembly includes a user interface.

[0043] The backpack fluid dispenser according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the user interface comprises one or more buttons, rotary dials or knobs, or digital inputs.

[0044] In accordance with any one or more of the embodiments of the backpack fluid dispenser, the control assembly includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) disposed within the handheld housing of the dispenser assembly.

[0045] According to any one or more of the embodiments of the backpack fluid dispenser, the PCBA has a shortest dimension extending in a vertical direction.

[0046] According to any one or more of the backpack-type fluid dispensers of the embodiments, the PCBA is disposed above the nozzle in a vertical direction.

[0047] According to any one or more of the backpack-type fluid dispensers of the embodiments, the PCBA is disposed below the nozzle in a vertical direction.

[0048] According to any one or more of the embodiments of the backpack fluid dispenser, the PCBA is disposed to one side of the nozzle along the longitudinal axis.

[0049] In accordance with any one or more of the embodiments of the backpack fluid dispenser, the shortest dimension of the PCBA is oriented perpendicular to the vertical direction and the longitudinal axis.

[0050] The backpack fluid dispenser according to any one or more of the embodiments further includes a support assembly and a user interface housing configured to be coupled to the support assembly.

[0051] The backpack fluid dispenser according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the user interface housing is removably coupled to the support assembly.

[0052] The backpack fluid dispenser according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the support assembly includes a strap, wherein the user interface housing is configured to couple to the strap.

[0053] In accordance with any one or more of the embodiments of the backpack fluid dispenser, the user interface housing has one or more buttons, rotary dials or knobs, or digital inputs.

[0054] In accordance with any one or more of the embodiments of the backpack fluid dispenser, the control assembly includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) disposed within the user interface housing, the control assembly further including a wired connection to the pump assembly.

[0055] An apparatus as shown and described in one or more embodiments herein.

[0056] A system configured to operate according to any one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0057] This specification uses examples to disclose the present invention, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the present invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined method. The patent scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that can be thought of by those skilled in the art. If these other examples include structural elements that are not different from the literal wording of the claims, or include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal wording of the claims, the scope of the claims covers these other examples.

Claims

1. A backpack-type fluid dispenser, characterized in that: The backpack fluid dispenser includes: a fluid container; a battery compartment for receiving a battery; a pump assembly; and a dispensing assembly for dispensing fluid from the fluid container, the dispensing assembly including a handheld housing, wherein the handheld housing has a fluid channel extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis being perpendicular to the vertical direction, the dispensing assembly also including a nozzle at an end of the fluid channel at one end of the handheld housing along the longitudinal axis, and a user-actuated trigger at an opposite end of the handheld housing along the longitudinal axis; wherein the pump assembly is configured to pump fluid from the fluid container to the dispensing assembly; further comprising a control assembly configured to control the pump assembly and the dispensing assembly; the control assembly includes a user interface.

2. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that: The user interface includes one or more buttons, a rotary dial or knob, or a digital input.

3. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control assembly includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) disposed within a handheld housing of the dispensing assembly.

4. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 3, characterized in that: The PCBA has a shortest dimension extending in the vertical direction.

5. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 4, characterized in that: The PCBA is disposed above the nozzle in the vertical direction.

6. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 4, characterized in that: The PCBA is disposed below the nozzle in the vertical direction.

7. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 3, characterized in that: The PCBA is disposed to one side of the nozzle along the longitudinal axis.

8. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 7, characterized in that: The shortest dimension of the PCBA is oriented perpendicular to the vertical direction and the longitudinal axis.

9. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein: The backpack fluid dispenser also includes a support assembly and a user interface housing configured to be coupled to the support assembly.

10. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 9, characterized in that: The user interface housing is removably coupled to the support assembly.

11. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 9, characterized in that: The support assembly includes a strap, wherein the user interface housing is configured to couple to the strap.

12. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 9, wherein: The user interface housing has one or more buttons, rotary dials or knobs, or digital inputs.

13. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 9, wherein: The control assembly includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) disposed in the user interface housing, the control assembly also including a wired connection to the pump assembly.

14. A device comprising the backpack fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A system comprising the backpack fluid dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 13.

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