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

Abstract

A backpack fluid dispenser is provided. A backpack fluid dispenser includes a fluid container and a base coupled to the fluid container. The base includes a housing body, a battery compartment in the housing body for receiving a battery, and a motor compartment accommodating a motor. A fluid dispenser includes a pump assembly fluidly coupled with a fluid container, a support assembly configured to support the fluid container, a base, and the pump assembly. A fluid dispenser includes a dispensing assembly for dispensing fluid from a container. The pump assembly is configured to pump fluid from the fluid container to the dispensing assembly. The battery compartment is disposed below the pump assembly in a vertical direction. 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 portable fluid dispensers having improved ergonomic designs. 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] However, backpack sprayers can be heavy, and the weight distribution can be uneven. A typical electric backpack sprayer may include a battery, a motor, and a pump, each of which contributes to the weight of the tool. Furthermore, the liquid contents of a backpack sprayer can add considerable weight to the tool, affecting its center of gravity. The further the tank is positioned from the user's body, the further the sprayer's center of gravity is from the user, making it more difficult to carry or use the backpack sprayer.

[0004] Therefore, the art desires improved backpack sprayers.In particular, it would be advantageous to provide a backpack sprayer with enhanced ergonomics and comfort for the user. 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-type fluid dispenser is provided. The backpack-type fluid dispenser includes a fluid container and a base connected to the fluid container. The base includes a housing body, a battery compartment in the housing body for receiving a battery, and a motor compartment for accommodating a motor. The fluid dispenser includes a pump assembly fluidically coupled to the fluid container, a support assembly configured to support the fluid container, a base, and a pump assembly. The fluid dispenser includes a dispensing assembly for dispensing fluid from the container. The pump assembly is configured to pump fluid from the fluid container to the dispensing assembly. The battery compartment is vertically arranged below the pump assembly.

[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-style fluid dispenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a base of a backpack-style fluid dispenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 is a rear view of a backpack fluid dispenser with a cover panel removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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).

[0014] 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).

[0015] 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.

[0016] Generally speaking, a backpack fluid sprayer includes a fluid container mounted on a base that houses a battery and a motor. The backpack fluid sprayer also includes a pump assembly driven by the motor and powered by the battery. The pump assembly, motor, and battery are arranged vertically from top to bottom and spaced away from the user's back relative to the fluid container. By placing the fluid container and its contents closest to the user, the backpack sprayer's center of gravity can be closer to the user's body, thereby providing a more ergonomic and comfortable backpack sprayer.

[0017] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1The illustration shows a backpack fluid dispenser 100, also known 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 back of a user so that the user can easily carry the backpack sprayer 100 from one location to another. The backpack assembly 102 includes a fluid container 106 and a base 108 supported by a support assembly 110.

[0018] The support assembly 110 may include one or more shoulder straps (not shown) secured to the fluid container 106 and / or base 108. For example, the fluid container 106 and / or base 108 may include one or more straps to which the shoulder strap(s) may be attached. It will be apparent that the shoulder strap(s) may be attached to any number of straps, which may be integrally formed and molded as part of the fluid container 106 and / or base 108. Alternatively, the straps may be glued, bonded, or fastened to the fluid container 106 and / or base 108. The support assembly 110 may also include a chest strap (not shown) attached to the two shoulder straps and configured to extend across the user's chest so that the chest strap can securely hold the backpack sprayer 100 in place relative to the user's body and prevent the shoulder straps from slipping off the user's shoulders.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The dispensing assembly 104 is in fluid communication with the fluid container 106 by connecting the hose 120 to the fluid container 106 for dispensing fluid from the fluid container 106. A fluid channel 124 (see FIG. 1 ) extending from the fluid container 106 is provided. Figure 3) can be provided with a connector 122. As shown in the figure, by coupling the dispensing assembly 104 to the connector 122, the dispensing assembly 104 can be fluidically coupled to the fluid container 106. The connector 122 can have any shape (such as rectangular, circular, oval, or other shapes) that is sufficient to grasp and secure the hose 120 thereto. At the opposite end of the hose 120, a nozzle 126 can be provided to dispense fluid therefrom. A trigger assembly 128 can be provided, including a handle 130 and a trigger 132, the trigger 132 being configured to control the dispensing of the fluid through the nozzle 126.

[0021] Returning to the backpack assembly 102, the base 108 includes a housing body 140. The housing body 140 has a bottom surface 142, an upper surface 144 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) and sidewalls 146 extending around the sides of the housing body 140 between the bottom surface 142 and the upper surface 144. The housing body 140 encloses a battery compartment 148 configured to receive a battery 150. The battery compartment 148 may include a door 152 coupled to the sidewall 146, the door 152 being configured to provide access to the battery compartment 148 (e.g., for inserting or removing a battery). The door 152 may include a latch 154 and the sidewall 146 may include a complementary receiving portion 156 configured to receive the latch 154 to secure the door 152 in a closed position.

[0022] like Figure 3 As best shown in FIG, the fluid container 106 is configured to sit on top of the upper surface 144 of the housing body 140. For example, the bottom surface 106B of the fluid container 106 can be complementarily sized and shaped to be received by the upper surface 144 of the housing body 140. Additionally, the housing body 140 can have a lip 160 extending upwardly from the upper surface 144 around at least a portion of the perimeter of the upper surface 144. Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the lip 160 can extend along an inner surface 162 and one or more side surfaces 164 of the housing body 140. In this manner, the lip 160 can hold the fluid container 106 in place on the upper surface 144 of the housing body 140.

[0023] In addition to the battery compartment 148, the base 108 may include a motor compartment 170 that encloses a motor 172. The motor 172 is powered by the battery 150. The motor compartment 170 may be incorporated into the housing body 140, and / or the motor compartment 170 may be distinct from the housing body 140. Figure 2 and Figure 3, the motor 172 and motor compartment 170 can extend outside of the housing body 140 of the base 108. For example, the motor compartment 170 can have a motor cover 174 that is configured to be disposed on the outside of the backpack assembly 102, i.e., away from the support assembly 110.

[0024] Backpack assembly 102 also includes a pump assembly 180. Pump assembly 180 includes a pump 182 driven by motor 172 to dispense fluid from fluid container 106 to dispensing assembly 104. More specifically, pump assembly 180 may include an inlet channel 184 (e.g., a hose) configured to provide fluid from fluid container 106 to pump 182, and an outlet channel 186 (e.g., a hose) configured to deliver fluid from pump 182 to dispensing assembly 104. Fluid container 106 may include a dispensing opening 188, with inlet channel 184 coupled to dispensing opening 188. Dispensing opening 188 may be provided on side surface 106A or lower surface 106B of fluid container 106. When dispensing opening 188 is on side surface 106A of fluid container 106, dispensing opening 188 may be close to or adjacent to lower surface 106B, so that fluid container 106 is configured to dispense fluid until fluid container 106 is almost or completely free of fluid. The dispensing opening 188 may be disposed outside of the fluid container 106 relative to the support assembly 110 .

[0025] In some aspects of the present invention, the pump 182 can be disposed in or on the motor compartment 170 as described above. When the backpack assembly 102 is assembled, the pump 182 can be fluidly connected to a pump connector 190 disposed between the inlet channel 184 and the outlet channel 186.

[0026] An outer cover panel 178 can be provided to cover the motor 172, the motor compartment 170, and the pump assembly 180. For example, the outer cover panel 178 can extend generally upwardly from the housing body 140 in a vertical direction on the outside of the housing body 140 (i.e., on the side opposite the support assembly 110). The outer cover panel 178 can enclose the motor compartment 170 and the pump assembly 180 between the housing body 140 and the fluid container 106. The outer cover panel 178 can be removably coupled to the fluid container 106 and the housing body 140, for example, by coupling elements (such as latches) or other suitable means to secure the outer cover panel 178 in place. For example, one or more coupling elements 158 (e.g., latches) can be provided on the housing body 140 and configured to couple with one or more complementary receiving elements 179 of the cover panel 178 to secure the cover panel in place. Furthermore, because the cover panel 178 further contacts and can be secured to the fluid container 106 , securing the cover panel 178 to the housing body 140 can help further maintain the fluid container 106 in position relative to the base 108 .

[0027] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in , the motor compartment 170 can be disposed vertically directly above the battery compartment 148 such that the motor 172 is disposed directly above the battery 150. The motor 172 can be oriented along a vertical axis, for example, the axis of rotation of the motor 172 can extend vertically.

[0028] In addition, the pump 182 can be directly disposed above the motor 172. For example, the pump 182 and the motor 172 can share a common axis, such as the vertical axis described above. In this arrangement, the pump 182, the motor 172, and the battery 150 can be arranged vertically from top to bottom.

[0029] like Figure 3 , at least a portion of the pump assembly 180 and the motor compartment 170 are disposed horizontally adjacent to the fluid container 106. For example, the fluid container 106 may have a recessed section 194 configured to receive the pump assembly 180 and the motor compartment 170. In this manner, the backpack assembly 102 may have a more compact size and arrangement than, for example, providing the pump assembly 180 and the motor compartment 170 vertically below the fluid container 106.

[0030] Furthermore, the pump assembly 180 and the motor compartment 170 can be positioned toward the outside of the backpack assembly 102 relative to the support assembly 110 on the inside of the backpack assembly 102. In this manner, the fluid container 106 can be positioned closer to the support assembly 110 than the motor 172 and the pump 182. In other words, the fluid container 106 can be between the support assembly 110 and the pump assembly 180.

[0031] Typically, when filled with fluid, the fluid container 106 may be the heaviest component of the backpack assembly 102. Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the arrangement shown in , by providing the fluid container 106, and thus the contents of the fluid container 106, closest to the support assembly 110, the center of gravity of the backpack assembly 102 can be closer to the user's body, thereby providing a more ergonomic and comfortable backpack assembly 102 for the backpack sprayer 100.

[0032] Other aspects of the present invention are provided by one or more of the following embodiments:

[0033] A backpack-style fluid dispenser includes a fluid container and a base coupled to the fluid container. The base includes a housing body, a battery compartment within the housing body for receiving a battery, and a motor compartment for accommodating a motor. The fluid dispenser includes a pump assembly fluidically coupled to the fluid container, a support assembly configured to support the fluid container, the base, and the pump assembly. The fluid dispenser includes a dispensing assembly for dispensing fluid from the container. The pump assembly is configured to pump fluid from the fluid container to the dispensing assembly. The battery compartment is vertically disposed below the pump assembly.

[0034] The backpack fluid dispenser according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the battery compartment is disposed vertically below the fluid container.

[0035] The backpack fluid dispenser according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the pump assembly includes a pump configured to be driven by a motor, the motor being vertically disposed below the pump.

[0036] The backpack fluid dispenser according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the pump, motor, and battery compartment are arranged from top to bottom along a common axis.

[0037] The backpack fluid dispenser according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the support assembly is disposed at an inner side of the fluid container and an inner side of the housing body.

[0038]

[0014] In accordance with any one or more of the embodiments, the backpack fluid dispenser comprises a door at an exterior side of the housing body opposite to an interior side of the housing body.

[0039] The backpack fluid dispenser according to any one or more of the embodiments, the pump assembly is disposed at an outer side of the fluid container opposite an inner side of the fluid container.

[0040] The backpack fluid dispenser according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the pump assembly and the fluid container are adjacent to each other in a vertical direction.

[0041] The backpack fluid dispenser according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the fluid container is positioned between the support assembly and the pump assembly.

[0042] The backpack fluid dispenser according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the pump assembly and the dispensing assembly are coupled by a hose, the hose extending from the pump assembly at a location above the motor.

[0043] The backpack fluid dispenser according to any one or more of the embodiments, the housing body includes an upper surface configured to receive a lower surface of the fluid container thereon.

[0044] The backpack fluid dispenser according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the motor extends outside of the housing body of the base.

[0045] The backpack fluid dispenser according to any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising a cover panel configured to cover the pump assembly such that the pump assembly is encapsulated between the housing body, the cover panel, and the fluid container.

[0046] The backpack fluid dispenser according to any one or more of the embodiments, the base includes one or more coupling elements on an upper side of the housing body and the cover panel includes one or more complementary receiving elements, the coupling elements configured to couple with the receiving elements to secure the cover panel in place relative to the housing body.

[0047] An apparatus as shown and described in one or more embodiments herein.

[0048] A system configured to operate according to any one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0049] This specification discloses the invention using examples, including the best mode, and enabling any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patent scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and can include other examples as appreciated by those skilled in the art (e.g., as encompassed by the language of the claims). If these other examples include structural elements that are insubstantially different from the literal claims or include insubstantially different equivalent structural elements, the scope of the claims covers these other examples.

Claims

1. A backpack-type fluid dispenser, characterized in that: The backpack-type fluid dispenser comprises: fluid container; a base coupled to the fluid container, the base comprising: a housing body, a battery compartment in the housing body for receiving a battery, and a motor compartment for accommodating a motor; a pump assembly fluidly coupled to the fluid container; a support assembly configured to support the fluid container, base, and pump assembly; and a dispensing assembly for dispensing fluid from the fluid container; wherein the pump assembly is configured to pump fluid from the fluid container to the dispensing assembly; and The battery compartment is disposed vertically below the pump assembly.

2. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery compartment is disposed below the fluid container in the vertical direction.

3. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pump assembly includes a pump configured to be driven by the motor, and the motor is disposed below the pump in the vertical direction.

4. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pump, the motor, and the battery compartment are arranged from top to bottom along a common axis.

5. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support assembly is disposed at an inner side of the fluid container and an inner side of the housing body.

6. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that: The battery compartment includes a door at an outer side of the housing body opposite to an inner side of the housing body.

7. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that: The pump assembly is disposed at an exterior side of the fluid container opposite to an interior side of the fluid container.

8. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that: The pump assembly and at least a portion of the fluid container are adjacent to each other in the vertical direction.

9. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid container is positioned between the support assembly and the pump assembly.

10. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein: The pump assembly and the dispensing assembly are coupled by a hose that extends from the pump assembly at a location above the motor.

11. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein: The housing body includes an upper surface configured to receive the lower surface of the fluid container thereon.

12. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 11, wherein: The motor extends to the outside of the housing body of the base.

13. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein: The backpack fluid dispenser also includes a cover panel configured to cover the pump assembly such that the pump assembly is enclosed between the housing body, the cover panel, and the fluid container.

14. The backpack-type fluid dispenser according to claim 13, wherein: The base includes one or more coupling elements located on an upper side of the housing body and the cover panel includes one or more complementary receiving elements, the coupling elements being configured to couple with the receiving elements to secure the cover panel in position relative to the housing body.

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

16. A system comprising the backpack fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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