Trigger sprayer device for vertical and inverted operation and methods of making the same

Abstract

A trigger sprayer for a dispensing system used to dispense or spray a product wherein the trigger sprayer includes a selector switch associated with a secondary valve to allow or prevent product from flowing through a secondary fluid inlet passageway, allowing selective use in an upside-down state.

Description

TITLE TRIGGER SPRAYER DEVICE FOR VERTICAL AND INVERTED OPERATION AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAMEBACKGROUND

[0001] Field of the Invention: Embodiments of the invention relate to trigger sprayer devices and to all plastic trigger sprayer devices configured to operate in vertical and inverted positions.

[0002] State of the Art: Trigger sprayer devices are well known and are used for many different applications, including, but not limited to, hard surface cleaning, home care applications, garden applications, automotive applications, beauty applications, and for other purposes. Trigger sprayers generally include a trigger or lever which is pulled or squeezed by a user to actuate a pump, transferring a liquid or product from a container connected to the trigger sprayer, through the pump associated with the trigger sprayer and out an orifice. The orifice often includes a selectable nozzle, allowing a user to determine or select the type of output from the trigger sprayer, for example, a stream, spray pattern, or foam.

[0003] Trigger sprayer devices are well known and many different configurations exist. Generally, trigger sprayers include a valve body having a piston chamber and a valve configured to allow fluid to flow from a container into the piston chamber. A piston seated in the piston chamber may be moved or actuated by movement of a trigger, sometimes in the shape of a trigger arm or trigger lever, by a user. A spring typically returns the trigger to a non-actuated state through application of a spring force to the trigger, piston, or both trigger and piston. Upon actuation of the trigger by a user, fluid in the piston chamber is pushed out of the piston chamber into a dispensing flow path where it exits the trigger sprayer through an orifice or through an orifice and nozzle combination. One or more additional valves may be positioned in the dispensing flow path to create precompression of the fluid before it flows out the orifice. Following actuation, a spring moves the trigger back into the non-actuated state which in turn moves the piston in the piston chamber, creating a vacuum therein and drawing fluid or product through the valve into the piston chamber for the next actuation.

[0004] Most trigger sprayers are actuated and used in a vertical state. The dip tubes typically used with trigger sprayers prevent use in an inverted state oncethe container to which a trigger sprayer is attached begins to fill with air following dispersion of the fluid in the container. In some cases, however, inverted use is desirable. In those cases, a user may select and use a trigger sprayer customized for up-side-down use. Such trigger sprayers typically include additional valving systems and fluid flow pathways that allow fluid to flow into the piston chamber when the trigger sprayer is in an inverted position. For example, the published PCT application WO2014 / 198705A2, which is incorporated herein by reference, shows an upside-down trigger sprayer designed by the inventor.

[0005] Traditional trigger sprayers typically include metal springs and metal or glass balls are used in the valves. In up-side-down trigger sprayer configurations, the additional valves and valving systems use more metal balls, increasing the amount of metal in the device. While functional, the inclusion of metal with the plastic components of the trigger sprayer decreases or eliminates the recyclability of many trigger sprayers. Attempting to overcome this disadvantage - and to provide trigger sprayers that are recyclable - many manufacturers are incorporating plastic springs and plastic valve components into their trigger sprayer designs to improve recyclability and sustainability related to their trigger sprayers. It would therefore be advantageous to design a trigger sprayer for up-side down use that is constructed of only plastic material, and which eliminates the need for, or use of, metal in such trigger sprayers.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to certain embodiments of the invention, a trigger sprayer includes an integrated selection switch configured to selectively move a valve from a seated position, blocking or preventing fluid or product flow through a secondary fluid inlet passageway, to an unseated position allowing fluid or product flow through the secondary fluid inlet passageway.

[0007] In some embodiments of the invention, the selection switch includes a push-pull selection switch configured to allow a user to pull the selection switch in a first direction, to engage a first position that creates a desired flow state in the secondary fluid inlet passageway or to push the selection switch in a second direction opposite the first direction to engage a second position and create a desired flow state in the secondary fluid inlet passageway that is different than that when the selection switch is in the first position. For example, in the second positionfluid may be prevented from flowing through the secondary fluid inlet passageway while in the first position fluid is allowed to flow through the secondary fluid inlet passageway.

[0008] In other embodiments of the invention, the selection switch includes a sliding component engaged with a shroud of the trigger sprayer, the valve body of the trigger sprayer, or both. The selection switch in such embodiments may be moved into a first position in which the selection switch engages a secondary inlet valve, positioning it in a first position relative the secondary fluid inlet passageway. The selection switch may be moved into a second position in which the selection switch engages the secondary inlet valve in a second position. In one position, fluid may be allowed to flow through the secondary fluid inlet passageway while in the other position, such flow may be blocked or prevented.

[0009] According to various embodiments of the invention, a trigger sprayer valve body may include a first inlet passage and a second inlet passage, both of which are in fluid communication with an inlet chamber. The inlet chamber may be in fluid communication with a piston chamber formed in the valve body. A first inlet valve may be seated between the inlet chamber and the piston chamber. For example, the first inlet valve may be a bi-valve or flap valve seated in a rear wall of the piston chamber as known in the trigger sprayer art. A second valve seat formed in the second fluid inlet passage, the inlet chamber, or both, may be configured such that a second inlet valve may be seated and unseated in the second valve seat to prevent or allow fluid to flow through the second inlet fluid passageway into the inlet chamber. The second inlet valve may be moved or seated and unseated in the second valve seat by movement of a selector switch in communication with he second inlet valve. In a first position, the second inlet valve may be seated in the second valve seat, preventing flow of liquid through the second fluid inlet passageway into the inlet chamber. In a second position, the second inlet valve may be unseated, allowing the flow of fluid or product through the second inlet fluid passageway into the inlet chamber.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming particular embodiments of the present invention, various embodiments of the invention can be more readily understood and appreciated byone of ordinary skill in the art from the following descriptions of various embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a valve body of a trigger sprayer according to various embodiments of the invention;

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the valve body illustrated in FIG. 1 ;

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a trigger sprayer according to various embodiments of the invention;

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the trigger sprayer of FIG. 3;

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a trigger sprayer according to various embodiments of the invention;

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the trigger sprayer of FIG. 5;

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a trigger sprayer according to various embodiments of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a trigger sprayer according to various embodiments of the invention in a first state;

[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates the trigger sprayer illustrated in FIG. 8 in a second state; and

[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a dispensing system utilizing a trigger sprayer according to various embodiments of the invention.DESCRIPTION

[0021] A trigger sprayer 100 according to various embodiments of the invention includes a valve body 110, a piston 160, a trigger 165, a nozzle 170, a closure 175, a spring 180, a first inlet valve 185, a shroud 190, and a dip tube 199. The trigger sprayer 100 also includes a second inlet valve 150 and a selector switch 140. The trigger sprayer 100 may also include a discharge valve 187.

[0022] According to various embodiments of the invention, a valve body 110 includes a first inlet passageway 112, an inlet chamber 114, a piston chamber 116, a dispensing passageway 118, an orifice 122, a second inlet passageway 130 and a second inlet valve seat 132. The valve body 110 may also include a discharge valveseat 120. A cross-sectional view of a valve body 110 according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the first inlet passageway 112 is in communication with the inlet chamber 114 such that fluid flowing in or through the first inlet passageway 112 flows into the inlet chamber 114. A dip tube 199 may be seated in, attached to, or otherwise in communication with the first inlet passageway 112.

[0024] A second inlet passageway 130 may also be in communication with the inlet chamber 114 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The second inlet passageway 130, the inlet chamber 114, or both may include a second inlet valve seat 132 between the inlet chamber 114 and the second inlet passageway 130. The second inlet valve seat 132 may be configured such that a second inlet valve 150 positioned in a portion of the second inlet passageway 130 may seat against the second inlet valve seat 132 to prevent fluid flow from the second inlet passageway 130 into the inlet chamber 114. When a second inlet valve 150 is unseated from the second inlet valve seat 132, fluid or gas may pass from the second inlet passageway 130 into the inlet chamber 114.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the valve body 110 showing the second inlet passageway 130 and the inlet chamber 114. As illustrated, the second inlet passageway 130 includes an inlet or opening in the valve body 110 to allow flow of fluid or product contacting the valve body 110 to flow into the second inlet passageway 130. The second inlet passageway 130 includes a passage 131 through the valve body 110 as illustrated by the dotted lines in FIG. 2. The second inlet passageway 130 opens into the chamber in which the inlet valve seat 132 is located.

[0026] Fluid in the inlet chamber 114, or fluid pulled through the inlet chamber 114 during operation of the trigger sprayer 100, may pass through a fluid passageway into the piston chamber 116 past a first inlet valve 185 as known with conventional trigger sprayer devices. Fluid passing into the piston chamber 116 may be forced out of the piston chamber 116 into the dispensing passageway 118 during actuation of the trigger sprayer 100. In some embodiments, a discharge valve seat 120 may be included in the dispensing passageway 118 and a discharge valve 187, or other dispensing valve, may be seated in a discharge valve seat 120. Fluidexiting the orifice 122 may be broken up or formed into a mist, spray, or other dispersion by a nozzle 170 and spin mechanics associated therewith.

[0027] A trigger sprayer 100 configured for a vertical - or non-inverted or upside-down - operation according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 3. The selector switch 140 is pulled to the rear of the trigger sprayer 100 and is located in a position lower on the back of the shroud 190 than when moved for inverted or upside-down operation of the trigger sprayer 100 as illustrated in FIG. 5. The selector switch 140 illustrated in FIG. 3 resembles a sled or sliding switch that rides along or in a portion of the shroud 190. In some embodiments, the shroud 190 may include a channel into which at least a portion of the selector switch 140 sits. In other embodiments, a selector switch 140 may ride or be positioned outside of, or on top of, a portion of the shroud 190. The selector switch 140 illustrated in FIGs. 3 and 4 is configured to slide along or in a portion of the shroud 190 as illustrated.

[0028] A cross-sectional view of the trigger sprayer 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 is illustrated in FIG. 4. The trigger sprayer 100 illustrated in FIG. 4 is configured for a vertical or upright operation or operation where the second inlet passageway 130 is not in fluid communication with the inlet chamber due to the position of the second inlet valve 150 seated in the second inlet valve seat 132. In general, upright operation can be considered operation of the trigger sprayer 100 when the trigger sprayer 100 is generally vertical to a negative ninety-degree position to either side. For example, if a horizontal plane is assumed along the bottom rim of the closure 175, operation of in an upright position would include operation of the trigger sprayer 100 from a position where the rim of the closure 175 sits on the horizontal plane to a position where the rim of the closure 175 is at a right angle. Upside-down or inverted operation would then be in any position where the closure rim 175 is rotated past a right-angle or ninety degrees to the horizontal plane formed by the rim of the closure 175 when the trigger sprayer 100 is in an upright position. While general positions of operation are described herein, they are not limiting to the embodiments of the trigger sprayers 100 and operation of the trigger sprayer 100 may occur in any position.

[0029] As illustrated, the trigger sprayer 100 includes an inlet chamber 114 in communication with a first inlet passageway 112. A second inlet passageway 130 is blocked from communication with the inlet chamber 114 by a second inlet valve150 seated on a second inlet valve seat 132. During operation of the illustrated trigger sprayer 100, the piston 160 is moved in the piston chamber 116, forcing fluid or product in the piston chamber 116 into the discharge passageway 118. The trigger sprayer 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a discharge valve 187 seated in a portion of the discharge passageway 118 exiting the piston chamber 116. In operation, movement of the piston 160 into the piston chamber 116 applies a force on the fluid in the piston chamber 116 and when the force applied to the fluid is sufficient to overcome the discharge valve 187, fluid is released from the piston chamber 116 into the discharge passageway 118 and out the orifice 122. A nozzle 170 may be seated on the valve body 110 and may cooperate with the orifice 122 to generate a desirable spray pattern for the liquid or product being dispensed through the discharge passageway 118.

[0030] Following actuation of the trigger sprayer 100 and discharge of the fluid or product, a spring returns the trigger 165 and piston 160 to the non-actuated state. Movement of the piston 160 through the piston chamber 116 during the return to the non-actuated state creates a vacuum in the piston chamber 116 which in turn opens the first inlet valve 185, pulling fluid or product from the inlet chamber 114 into the piston chamber 116. Fluid or product is drawn into the inlet chamber 114 from the first inlet passageway 112. Because the second inlet valve 150 is seated in the second inlet valve seat 132 blocking a fluid flow path from the second inlet passageway 130, fluid or product is not drawn into the inlet chamber 114 from the second inlet passageway 130 during the return from actuation of the trigger sprayer 100.

[0031] While it is intended that the trigger sprayer 100 having the selector switch 140 in a position to seat the second inlet valve 150 on the second inlet valve seat 132 be used in an upright position, it may be used in any position so long as fluid or product is able to flow into the first inlet passageway 112 and inlet chamber 114 so that the piston chamber 116 may be filled during return strokes. As with conventional trigger sprayers, when the selector switch 140 is in a position that seats the second inlet valve 150 on the second inlet valve seat 132, sufficient fluid or product may not be able to reach the inlet chamber 114 to fill the piston chamber 116 during inverted or upside-down operation.

[0032] A trigger sprayer 100 according to embodiments of the invention, however, includes a second inlet passageway 130 that can be opened such that thesecond inlet passageway 130 may provide fluid or product to the inlet chamber 114 and the piston chamber 116 when the trigger sprayer 100 is in an inverted or upsidedown position. For example, the selector switch 140 on the trigger sprayer 100 illustrated in FIGs. 3 and 4 may be moved into a position to allow operation of the trigger sprayer 100 in an inverted or upside-down position. As illustrated in FIGs. 5 and 6, when the selector switch 140 is move along or relative to the shroud 190 into the position illustrated in FIG. 5, the selector switch 140 engages and moves the second inlet valve 150. As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the selector switch 140 is moved, the second inlet valve 150 is disengaged from the second inlet valve seat 132, exposing the second inlet passageway 130 to the inlet chamber 114 such that fluid or gas may pass through the second inlet passageway 130 into the inlet chamber 114.

[0033] In the configuration illustrated in FIGs. 5 and 6, the trigger sprayer 100 may be inverted as illustrated in FIG. 6 and operated. In operation in an inverted or upside-down position illustrated in FIG. 6, fluid in a container 900 is moved by gravity to contact the valve body 110 around the closure 175 or wall or neck of a container 900 connected to the closure 175. In such position, fluid or product covers the second inlet passageway opening 131 which opens into the second inlet passageway 130. Fluid or product flows into the second inlet passageway 130, past the second inlet passageway seat 132 and second inlet valve 150, into the inlet chamber 114. Fluid or product in the dip tube 199 and the first inlet passageway 112 also flows into the inlet chamber 114. As the trigger sprayer 100 is actuated and used in the inverted or upside-down position, fluid or product flows into the inlet chamber 114 from the second inlet passageway 130. While some fluid or product may continue to flow into the inlet chamber 114 from the first inlet passageway 112, the flow of fluid or product through the second inlet passageway 130 prevents the fluid or product in the dip tube 199 from being evacuated such that only air is passed into the inlet chamber 114. In the inverted or upside-down position illustrated in FIG. 6, the trigger sprayer 100 may be actuated until fluid or product is no longer flowing from the container 900 through the second inlet passageway 130.

[0034] According to various embodiments of the invention, a selector switch 140 may be connected to the second inlet valve 150. In other embodiments, a selector switch 140 may contact the second inlet valve 150 but may not be connected thereto.

[0035] For example, the selector switch 140 may include a ramp guide and the second inlet valve 150 may include a ramp on the non-valve end thereof which is in contact with the selector switch 140 ramp guide. As the selector switch 140 is moved from a first position to a second position, the ramp guide travels along the ramp of the second inlet valve 150, lifting the second inlet valve 150 off of the second inlet valve seat 132. When the selector switch 140 is moved from the second position back to the first position, the ramp guide moves back along the ramp, allowing the second inlet valve 150 to reseat onto the second inlet valve seat 132. In some embodiments, the second inlet valve 150 may need assistance to move back into a seated position. In such cases, a projection, slope, or other feature on the selector switch 140 may contact the second inlet valve 150 and help push the second inlet valve 150 back into contact with the second inlet valve seat 132.

[0036] In other embodiments of the invention, the second inlet valve 150 may be free floating when positioned in the opening in the valve body 110 adjacent the second inlet valve seat 132. When the selector switch 140 is moved into a first position - corresponding to engagement of the second inlet valve 150 with the second inlet valve seat 132 - the selector switch 140 pushes on the second inlet valve 150, causing the engagement of the second inlet valve 150 with the second inlet valve seat 132. When the selector switch 140 is moved from the first position into the second position, engagement of the selector switch 140 against a part of the second inlet valve 150 is removed or reduced, allowing the second inlet valve 150 to float in the space. When the trigger sprayer 100 is inverted in such a position, fluid and product flowing into the second inlet passageway 130 applies sufficient force against the second inlet valve 150 to keep it open and allow the fluid or product to pass into the inlet chamber 114.

[0037] In other embodiments of the invention, a selector switch 140 for a trigger sprayer 100 and in communication with a second inlet valve 150 may be positioned in a different location. For example, in FIG. 7 a selector switch 140 is illustrated on the side of the trigger sprayer 100, seated against or adjacent the shroud 190. The selector switch 140 may be moved and such movement may move the second inlet valve 150 from a first position where it is seated against the second inlet valve seat 132 to a second position where it is not seated against the second inlet valve seat 132. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, when the selector switch 140 is in the illustrated position, the second inlet valve 150 may be seated on thesecond inlet valve seat 132. Movement of the selector switch 140 downwards unseats the second inlet valve 150 and allows fluid to flow though the second inlet passageway 130. The opposite could also be configured; the selector switch 140 interaction with the second inlet valve 150 could be such that when in the illustrated position, the second inlet valve 150 is unseated and movement of the selector switch 140 downwards seat the second inlet valve 150 on the second inlet valve seat 132.

[0038] In still other embodiments of the invention, a trigger sprayer 100 may include a selector switch 140 configured for push-pull operation. For example, FIGs. 8 and 9 illustrate a trigger sprayer 100 having a push-pull type selector switch 140. In one operational mode, the selector switch 140 may be pushed closer to the shroud 190 than in the other operational mode. For example, FIG. 8 shows a selector switch 140 adjacent the shroud 190 and in such position the selector switch 140 may act on the second inlet valve 150 to seat the second inlet valve 150 on the second inlet valve seat 132, preventing fluid flow from the second inlet passageway 130 into the inlet chamber 114 or from the inlet chamber 114 back into the second inlet passageway 130 and into a container 900 to which the trigger sprayer 100 may be attached. To operate the trigger sprayer 100 in an inverted or upside-down position, the selector switch 140 may be raised by pulling, twisting, or otherwise moving the selector switch 140 into the position illustrated in FIG. 9. Movement of the selector switch 140 moves the second inlet valve 150, unseating it from the second inlet valve seat 132 which allows fluid and gas to flow from the second inlet passageway 130 into the inlet chamber 114.

[0039] While various embodiments of the invention illustrate a selector switch 140 configured in a certain position and moveable in certain directions to engage or disengage the second intake valve 150 with the second inlet valve seat 132, it is understood that such selector switches 140 may be configured for different movement. For example, as illustrated in FIGs. 3 and 5, the selector switch 140 may be in a lower position relative to the back of the shroud 190 in a non-inverted use state and in a higher position relative to the back of the shroud 190 in an inverted or upside-down use state. Trigger sprayers 100 according to other embodiments of the invention could have this positioning reversed. In other words, the selector switch 140 may be in a higher position relative the back of the shroud 190 when the trigger sprayer 100 is in the vertical or non-inverted state, engaging the second inlet valve 150 to seal off the second inlet passagewayl 30. When the selector switch 140 ismoved to the position lower on the rear of the shroud 190, the second inlet valve 150 may be disengaged from the second inlet valve seat 132, allowing the trigger sprayer 100 to be operated in an inverted or upside-down position.

[0040] A dispensing system 800 according to various embodiments of the invention includes a trigger sprayer 100 and a container 900 as illustrated in FIG. 10. The trigger sprayer 100 may be connected to the container 900 and the container may include a fluid or product 925 contained therein. As with conventional trigger sprayers, a trigger sprayer 100 according to embodiments of the invention may be used to spray fluid or product 925 from the container 900. In certain embodiments, movement of the selector switch 140 allows a user to select to operate the trigger sprayer 100 in an inverted or up-side-down position.

[0041] According to various embodiments of the invention, all of the parts of a trigger sprayer 100 may be made of one or more plastic materials. In some embodiments of the invention, similar or the same plastic materials are used for a majority of, or all of, the components such that the trigger sprayer 100 may be recycled in customary recycling waste streams. In some embodiments, the trigger sprayer 100 may also be made of a material similar to, or which may be recycled with, a bottle 900 used with the trigger sprayer 100 such that the trigger sprayer 100 and bottle 900 may be disposed of by a consumer in a single recycling waste stream.

[0042] As illustrated in the various embodiments, the trigger sprayer 100 also includes a venting system to allow the venting of air into a container 900 attached to the trigger sprayer 100. In some embodiments of the invention, the valve body 110 includes a vent chamber into which a plastic spring valve is inserted. The spring valve includes a top end projecting into the piston chamber 116 through a hole therein and a bottom end seated or fixed to an opening in the vent chamber. In operation, the piston 160 engages the top end of the spring valve, allowing air to pass through the opening in the piston chamber 116 and into the vent chamber. When disengaged, the top end slides back into its rest position, plugging the opening into the piston chamber 116. Use of the spring valve and this venting system is advantageous because the spring force applied to the venting valve system prevents inadvertent leakage, especially during transport and the forces applied to a dispensing system using a trigger sprayer 100 during shipping or e-commerce delivery.

[0043] Having thus described certain particular embodiments of the invention, it is understood that the invention defined by the appended claims is not to be limited by particular details set forth in the above description, as many apparent variations thereof are contemplated. Rather, the invention is limited only be the appended claims, which include within their scope all equivalent devices or methods which operate according to the principles of the invention as described.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A trigger sprayer (100) comprising: a valve body (110) including a first inlet passageway (112), a piston chamber (116), and a dispensing passageway(118) in fluid communication with the piston chamber (116); a first inlet valve (185) seated in the piston chamber (116) to regulate fluid flow into the piston chamber (116); and a discharge valve (187) seated in the dispensing passageway (118) to regulate fluid flow from the piston chamber (116) into the dispensing passageway (118); characterized in that the valve body (110) further comprises a second inlet passageway (130) and an inlet chamber (114), wherein the inlet chamber (114) is in fluid communication with the first inlet passageway (112), the second inlet passageway (130), and the piston chamber (116) wherein the first inlet valve (185) regulates fluid flow into the piston chamber (116) from the inlet chamber (114); and the trigger sprayer (100) further comprises a second inlet valve (150) seated in the second inlet passageway (130) and connected to a selector switch (140) moveable between a first position wherein the second inlet valve (150) prevents the flow of fluid into the inlet chamber (114) from the second inlet passageway (130) and a second position wherein the second inlet valve (150) allows the flow of fluid into the inlet chamber (114) from the second inlet passageway (130).

2. The trigger sprayer (100) of claim 1 , wherein each component of the trigger sprayer (100) is made of a plastic material.

3. The trigger sprayer (100) of claim 1 , wherein both the first inlet passageway and the second fluid inlet passageway are in fluid communication with the inlet chamber when the selector switch is in the second position.

4. The trigger sprayer (100) of claim 1 , wherein the selector switch (140) engages the valve body (110).

5. The trigger sprayer (100) of claim 1 , further comprising a shroud (190) connected to the valve body (110), wherein the selector switch (140) engages the shroud (190).

6. The trigger sprayer (100) of claim 1 , wherein the selector switch (140) is moved by a push motion and a pull motion.

7. The trigger sprayer (100) of claim 1 , wherein the selector switch (140) is moved by a sliding motion.

8. The trigger sprayer (100) of claim 1 , wherein the second inlet passageway (130) comprises a second inlet valve seat (132).

9. The trigger sprayer (100) of claim 8, wherein the second inlet valve (187) seats on the second inlet valve seat (132) in the first position.

10. The trigger sprayer (100) of claim 8, wherein the second inlet valve (187) is not seated on the second inlet valve seat (132) in the second position.

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