Fully adjustable handy sprayer boom without user contamination.

Abstract

This invention relates to lance-type pressurized sprayers. In spraying methods using a single-nozzle pressurized lance, besides the problem of non-uniform spray, there are issues of operator contamination with chemicals and lack of proper working width adjustment. Although various handheld and backpack boom designs exist, current designs address spray uniformity but still allow operator contamination under certain conditions and do not provide full control over working width. Existing designs generally position the handle or boom attachment in the center, which only partially mitigates contamination. Even light wind can still expose the operator to chemicals. Moreover, current designs are suitable for some fields but not for others, requiring additional equipment. In this invention, a six-nozzle boom is designed with the capability to reposition the handle at different points and to adjust the angles of both the handle and the nozzles. The handle repositioning is necessary for the contamination issue. The boom allows working width adjustment for any number of nozzles, enabling the operator to easily adapt to a wide range of field conditions. The solution is delivered using a combined wet and dry transfer method, ensuring all functional advantages of the boom are achieved.

Description

Fully adjustable handy sprayer boom without user contamination.

[0001] This invention relates to agricultural field spraying (particularly vegetable fields) and orchards.

[0002] So far, various personal and improvised designs have been made to replace the conventional lance with a boom for use with motorized backpack sprayers and sprayers equipped with long hoses (such as wheelbarrow-type, or tractor-mounted sprayers). Each of these designs, however, has certain drawbacks. In most of these booms, the handle or base is fixed in the middle and cannot be relocated. During spraying, the operator holds the boom in front of their body while advancing through the field, with half of the nozzles positioned on the right side and the other half on the left.This configuration causes severe operator contamination during spraying, especially in tall crops such as wheat at late growth stages. Due to this contamination problem, farmers have not welcomed such designs. To solve the issues mentioned above, various designs have been proposed so far, each solving only part of the problem while introducing its own limitations, as described below:

[0003] To reduce operator contamination and increase spraying speed and efficiency, a type of knapsack boom has been designed, which the operator carries like a backpack sprayer. In this design, spraying occurs behind the operator. However, it cannot be used together with a motorized backpack sprayer, since the operator cannot carry both the boom and the sprayer simultaneously. This boom is designed only for use with long hoses, therefore it naturally inherits all the problems associated with long-hose spraying systems. In addition, using this equipment in the early stages of crop growth in ridged-row fields (such as eggplant or watermelon fields) is not cost-effective, because a large portion of the field consists of ridges without plants that do not require spraying. Removing a section of the boom to reduce spray width is also not economical in such conditions.

[0004] Another approach to reduce operator contamination is the design of a boom equipped with a chassis for connection to motorized backpack sprayers. This allows the operator to perform spraying more safely and with easier handling. However, these designs require several mechanical components (including hinges, joints, pipes, and tension ropes) to withstand vibrations and shocks resulting from operator movement during spraying. Adjusting the tool for different spraying conditions is time-consuming. Another drawback is that under light wind conditions, changes in wind direction can cause pesticide drift to move from behind and contaminate the operator. In practical spraying, wind direction may change several times during operation (as experienced by the author in vegetable fields).

[0005] To further minimize operator contamination, a one-sided hand boom has been developed, which is lightweight and has a fixed spray width, suitable for use in vegetable fields. This design provides moderate operator safety. The device consists of a lightweight tube with multiple nozzles mounted on it and a handle attached at one end. It is designed as a replacement for a conventional single-nozzle lance operated by hand swinging. However, its limitation is the fixed and narrow spray width, which reduces efficiency. To increase coverage, the operator must swing the hand laterally, which results in non-uniform spray distribution. Although spray width can be slightly improved, the fixed single-side handle design makes it impractical for crops taller than 1.5 meters. In tall fields, one-sided spraying causes severe operator fatigue due to the specific posture of the hand and shoulder ) accurding to real field experience(.

[0006] In current hand boom designs, including the one-sided type described above, the handle not only serves as the carrying part but also as the passage for the spraying liquid. The handle length in such designs is usually short (up to 70 cm), which makes the operator easily contaminated. Increasing either the length or diameter of the handle is not feasible, as it causes excessive liquid retention and increases the overall weight of the tool during operation. Yet, extending the handle length is crucial to prevent contamination — a feature not available in existing designs. Additionally, the connection between the handle and the main lance is usually by threading, which prevents angular adjustment or folding. (The handle is screwed directly to the main lance like a bolt.)

[0007] The present invention relates to a fully adjustable handy sprayer boom that prevents user contamination. The objective of the invention is to provide a spraying tool that, in addition to improving user comfort and safety, offers versatile adjustment capabilities for the number and angle of nozzles, spray width, and handle position.

[0008] The handy boom comprises a handle with an attached hose, a main lance, and an auxiliary lance with an H-shaped connector. Specially designed joints connecting the handle to the lances allow stepless angle adjustment and operational flexibility. The boom also employs a combined wet and dry solution transfer system and features a centralized filter for all nozzles, ensuring a clean flow path and uniform flow rate.

[0009] Key advantages of the invention include:The ability to install the handle in different positions for user convenience;The option to remove or add sections of the boom to adjust the working width and number of nozzles;Asymmetric lance design for use under various field conditions;Reduction of user contamination and enhanced operational safety;Ease of assembly, transport, and storage of the boom;Use of lightweight components that are resistant to shocks and impacts.Compared to prior handheld booms, the present invention provides a more comprehensive solution to professional farmers’ needs and overcomes the limitations of existing booms in terms of user comfort, angle adjustment, spray width, and operational safety.

[0010] The main technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is the lack of a fully adjustable handy sprayer boom that can simultaneously:Protect the user from contamination during operation, particularly in fields with tall crops,Provide adjustable working width suitable for varying plant density and crop height,Allow the handle to be repositioned and the nozzle angles to be adjusted for user comfort,Maintain a tool weight that does not cause excessive fatigue during prolonged operation,And be easily compatible with backpack sprayers or sprayers with long hoses.

[0011] The limitations of existing designs include the following:Fixed handles at the center of the boom cause significant user contamination and limit the possibility of adjusting the working width or nozzle angles.Some booms are designed only for use with long hoses or as rear-mounted booms and cannot be used simultaneously with backpack sprayers.Single-sided booms with fixed width reduce efficiency and cause severe user fatigue in fields with tall crops.

[0012] In summary, the main technical problem is the absence of a handy sprayer boom that is fully adjustable, user-safe, and highly flexible in terms of working width and nozzle angles, capable of overcoming all the limitations of existing booms. In tradtional designs, Connection of handles to the lances is often screw-mounted, which does not allow angle adjustment or semi-fixed joint functionality.The length and diameter of handles are limited due to solution storage and increased tool weight, preventing effective protection against user contamination.

[0013] The present invention relates to a spraying boom structure designed to provide adjustable spray band width and a selectable number of active nozzles. In this design, the nozzles are permanently mounted on the lances. Adjustment of the spray band width is achieved by modifying the arrangement of the handle, main lance, and auxiliary lance. By repositioning or combining different sections of the boom, the user can configure the boom to operate with 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 nozzles.

[0014] Both the main and auxiliary lances can be independently connected to the handle. The handle can be attached in a one-sided configuration to any of the lances or centrally on the main lance for a 4-nozzle configuration, or centrally on the combined main and auxiliary lances for a 6-nozzle configuratione. The solution is conveyed from inside the handle via a narrow polyamide hose that is very lightweight and highly resistant to pressure and chemicals. This hose maintains a steady flow without pressure drop, minimizes the overall weight of the device, and prevents unnecessary accumulation of solution within the handle. The connection of the hose to the lance and other parts of the boom is carried out using quick-fit coupling connectors, allowing for safe, easy disassembly, reconnection, and repositioning of the componentsThis configuration ensures a continuous flow without pressure loss, minimizes the overall weight of the tool, and prevents unnecessary solution accumulation within the handle.

[0015] The boom is designed to operate in multiple configurations to provide maximum flexibility and control for the operator, depending on crop height, plant density, and field conditions. The possible configurations include:Two-sided 6-nozzle mode (handle in the middle, full boom width)Two-sided 5-nozzle modeTwo-sided 4-nozzle modeOne-sided 4-nozzle mode (handle at one end of the main lance)One-sided 3-nozzle modeOne-sided 2-nozzle modeFor example, in fields with low-growing crops, the 6-nozzle configuration allows maximum spray band width. Conversely, for taller crops in later growth stages, removing the auxiliary or main lance reduces the number of active nozzles, allowing greater precision and control during spraying.Detailed instructions on the a ssembly and adjustment of the boom for different nozzle configurations are provided in the detailed description section.

[0016] This invention not only reduces user exposure to spray and ensures uniform distribution but also maintains a lightweight and balanced structure, enabling prolonged operation under various field conditions. The combined wet and dry solution transfer system, together with a joint featuring adjustable and lockable angles for attaching the handle to the lances, allows for full operational flexibility and customization according to the specific needs of the farmer.

[0017] 1.Handle Placement at Different Points on the Main LanceThis feature allows the operator to position the handle at the desired location according to operational needs, enabling customized adjustments.

[0018] 2.Ability to Remove Parts of the Boom to Adjust Working WidthThe boom can be configured for 6-nozzle, 5-nozzle, 4-nozzle, 3-nozzle, and ultimately 2-nozzle operation. This flexibility provides greater choice and control for the operator. In conventional handheld booms, the handle is usually fixed at the center of the main lance, and individual nozzle blocking is not possible; nozzles must be blocked in pairs to prevent unwanted torque. Blocking a single nozzle on one side of the boom can generate torque during chemical discharge, causing the boom to rotate like a clock hand in the operator’s hand, making it difficult to handle.

[0019] 3.Special Handle-Lance Connection and Semi-Fixed JointThe designed joint features a low weight and minimalistic design while maintaining high resistance to shocks and impacts. This connection enables continuous, non-stepwise adjustment of the handle angle relative to the lances and the nozzle angles relative to the vertical line. Additionally, this design simplifies assembly, transportation, and storage of the boom.

[0020] 4.Combined Wet and Dry Flow MethodThis method has not been applied in any handheld spraying boom to date. The functional advantages of the boom are entirely achieved through this combined wet and dry flow method.

[0021] 5.Centralized Solution FiltrationA single filter at the end of the handle performs filtration for all nozzles. The advantages of this design include:Easy cleaning (only one filter needs maintenance)Possibility to use minimalistic nozzle cores to reduce weightUniform flow rate for all nozzlesContinuous cleanliness of the solution path and prevention of nozzle clogging6.Asymmetric Design of Lances and NozzlesThe length and number of nozzles for each lance can be independently selected. This approach has not been used in any handheld or backpack sprayer. The asymmetric design allows the use of both one-sided and two-sided configurations with balanced weight and improved control, without requiring the operator to block nozzles in pairs or bear extra weight. For example, in the current design, if two 3-nozzle lances were used, a one-sided 4-nozzle configuration would not be possible, and for a two-sided 4-nozzle setup, the entire boom would have to be used with two nozzles blocked (one from each side), which would impose additional weight on the operator.

[0022] The sprayer boom is composed of three main parts:Handle assembly with hose and jointMain lanceAuxiliary lance with hose and H-shaped connector

[0023] The boom incorporates six specially designed components unique to this tool, while the spray nozzles are mounted using standard brass nuts and inserts. The main lance is a single-piece lightweight steel tube with four nozzle inserts soldered along its length, ensuring structural integrity and resistance to shocks.

[0024] A lockable joint connects the handle to the main lance, composed of two specially designed parts (named T1 and T2). This joint allows continuous, non-stepwise adjustment of the handle angle relative to the lance, and the nozzle angles relative to the vertical axis. The semi-fixed configuration enables small angle adjustments without affecting stability, particularly useful in double-sided boom configurations.

[0025] These two parts are assembled with a single nut, creating a joint with stepless angle adjustment capability, meaning that even the smallest angular changes can be precisely set. The relative angle between the two parts determines the position of the handle with respect to the main lance.By tightening the nut mounted on part T2, both parts T1 and T2 are locked together, and the joint remains fixed at the adjusted angle. When the nut is slightly loosened, the joint becomes semi-fixed, allowing limited and controlled movement. The semi-fixed state of the joint is particularly useful when the boom is used in the double-sided configuration (with the handle in the center). In this mode, the user can make small angle adjustments for ergonomic comfort without disrupting the set alignment.

[0026] The auxiliary lance attaches to the main lance via the H-shaped connector and four metal clamps. Quick-connect fittings are used to attach hoses to the lances, allowing easy addition or removal of auxiliary lances. At the handle end, a threaded nut with a quick-connect fitting secures the hose connection.

[0027] A specially designed filter (strainer) is installed within the handle, capable of withstanding up to 40 bar pressure and ensuring continuous filtration for all nozzles. A double-threaded extension connects the sprayer hose to the boom and houses the strainer. The sixth specially designed component is the nut connecting the quick-fit hose to the nozzle inserts.Fig.1

[0028] shows Main lance.Fig.2

[0029] Auxiliary lance connected via H-shaped connector.Fig.3

[0030] The T1 joint component is shown in three different views.Fig.4

[0031] The T2 joint component.Fig.5

[0032] Assembled joint.Fig.6

[0033] Three-threaded handle nut.Fig.7

[0034] Filter(strainer) shown in three different views.Fig.8

[0035] Double-threaded tail shown in two different views.Fig.9

[0036] H-shaped connector is shown in three different views.Fig.10

[0037] Assembled boom.Fig.11

[0038] Exploded view showing all components.

[0039] Assembly summary (according to exploded view numbering in):To the main lance (1) four nozzle inserts(3) are attached; and two to the auxiliary lance(2). Each nozzle(4) is secured with a nut(5). Lance ends are blocked with brass caps(6). The lances are connected via the H-shaped piece(7) and metal clamps(8). A fitting connector(9) connects the solution inlet to each lance. Hoses(10) from each lance are routed through a quick-connect T-junction(11) to the handle hose. The handle(12) attaches to T2(13), then T2 via a nut(14)and washer(15) joined to T1(16), and T1 mounts on the main lance with clamps. The three-threaded nut (17) at the handle end secures the hose(10) and filter(18), and the double-threaded tail(19) covers the filter.

[0040] In this section, the four-nozzle single-sided configuration is described, while other configurations can be implemented in a similar manner.

[0041] In the four-nozzle configuration (i.e., when the handle is attached only to the main lance), the spraying width is 2.4 meters, with a nozzle spacing of 60 centimeters. This spacing slightly differs from the optimal spacing of 50 centimeters specified in the TeeJet nozzle catalog. The spacing of 60 centimeters has been chosen based on the some planting patterns in Iranian farms, so that each nozzle corresponds to one crop row.

[0042] However, the nozzle spacing can alternatively be adjusted to the standard 50 centimeters, and one additional nozzle may be added to increase the spray output, although the total traversable width will then be reduced.

[0043] For operation in the four-nozzle single-sided configuration, the handle is mounted near the hose inlet of the four-nozzle lance. The handle angle is then aligned with the main lance and fixed in place by tightening the joint nut, thereby locking the relative angle between the handle and the lance. In this configuration, the operator holds the boom perpendicular to the direction of movement on one side of the body and moves through the field with a spraying width of 2.4 meters.

[0044] Since the handle can be positioned at any desired point along the main lance, it can also be mounted at the center of the main lance. In that case, during spraying, two nozzles are positioned on the right side and two on the left side of the operator. The handle angle is adjusted perpendicular to the lance, similar to the six-nozzle configuration, and the joint nut is tightened sufficiently to maintain its position. This arrangement is particularly useful for spraying crops in the early growth stages.

[0045] In this configuration, the operator holds the boom in front and walks forward through the field. To achieve proper spray overlap, the boom height should be approximately at the operator’s knee level. Although this height slightly differs from the theoretical optimum, the boom still performs significantly better than a conventional single-lance sprayer. Moreover, at this relatively low height, vapor drift is almost eliminated, ensuring safe spraying conditions for the operator.

Claims

The fully adjustable handheld boom sprayer with user contamination prevention comprises three main parts:A handle with its corresponding hose and joint;A main lance;An auxiliary lance with a hose and an H-shaped connector.The handle of the boom according to claim (1) is relocatable and can be mounted at various positions along either the main or auxiliary lance.The handle of the boom according to claim (1) is capable of angular adjustment relative to the main and auxiliary lances.The spraying angle of the nozzles relative to the vertical line to the ground is also adjustable.The boom according to claim (1) can be configured for operation with six, five, four, three, or two nozzles.In the six-nozzle configuration, the spraying width is 3.6 meters, and in the two-nozzle configuration, the spraying width is 1.2 meters.The working width of the boom is adjustable from 1.2 to 3.6 meters.The boom according to claim (1) can be used in the following configurations:(a) four-nozzle single-sided;(b) four-nozzle double-sided;(c) three-nozzle single-sided.In the single-sided configuration, the handle is attached on one side of the boom in line with the main lance.In the double-sided configuration, the handle is attached at the center of the main lance perpendicularly, such that during operation, half of the nozzles are positioned on the left side and half on the right side of the operator.The methodof liquid transfer in the boom according to claim (1) is a combined wet and dry transfer method.The liquid passes through a polyamide hose along the handle and is then distributed through each lance.The boom according to claim (1) includes a single filter located at the end of the handle for filtering impurities from the liquid.Parts numbered (7), (13), (16), (18), and (19) in Fig. 11 are exclusively designed for manufacturing the boom according to claim (1).

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