Abstract:
The invention provides an apparatus and method for tipping and efficiently drawing fluid from a bucket or container. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame, a bracket attached to the frame, a pressure sprayer connected to a suction hose, and a guiding rod placed through the bracket and connected to the suction hose. In another exemplary embodiment, the device includes a bracket attached directly to the pressure sprayer. In one example, the bracket is made of a rigid metal alloy capable of supporting 5 gallons of paint. In use, the sprayer draws liquid from the container through the suction hose. As the container is emptied of fluid, the spring action provided by the handle raises the container. The guiding rod does not allow the bottom corner of the container to move; therefore, the container tilts toward the bottom corner forcing a pooling of liquid within reach of the suction hose. This invention also provides a rounded filter attached to the end of the suction hose which matches the bottom corner of the container and enhances the ability of the suction hose to gather fluid from low levels in the container.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates to an apparatus and method for efficient dispensing of fluids from a container. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus and method that permits a majority of fluid to be removed from a container. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and method that releasably holds the suction hose of a pressure sprayer to the bottom corner of a container and causes it to tilt as the fluid in the container is removed by the spring contraction of the container handle.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Pressure sprayers are typically used for a number of projects which require dispensing of liquids from containers. Pressure sprayers are generally mounted on a movable cart to allow for portability. They include at a minimum a motor, compressor, suction hose, fluid container and a high pressure hose and nozzle.  
         [0003]     Typically, fluid is drawn from the container through a hose connected to the low pressure side of the compressor. The hose is placed directly into the container of fluid. During use, when the container is nearly empty, the level of the fluid falls below what the hose can reach, causing air to be drawn into the compressor and cessation of spraying activities.  
         [0004]     Prior art sprayers are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,975 to Neal and U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,639 to Walker; and Japanese Patent No. 63,317,484 to Toru.  
         [0005]     A need exists for an apparatus and method that allows for complete use of the fluid in the container and consequent reduction in the amount of fluid wasted.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0006]     The invention provides an apparatus and method for tipping and efficiently drawing fluid from a bucket or container. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame, a bracket attached to the frame, a pressure sprayer connected to a suction hose, and a guiding rod placed through the bracket and connected to the suction hose. In another exemplary embodiment, the device includes a bracket attached directly to the pressure sprayer. In one example, the bracket is made of a rigid metal alloy capable of supporting 5 gallons of paint.  
         [0007]     In use, the sprayer draws liquid from the container through the suction hose. As the container is emptied of fluid, the spring action provided by the handle raises the container. The guiding rod does not allow the bottom corner of the container to move; therefore, the container tilts toward the bottom corner forcing a pooling of liquid within reach of the suction hose.  
         [0008]     This invention also provides a rounded filter attached to the end of the suction hose which matches the bottom corner of the container and enhances the ability of the suction hose to gather fluid from low levels in the container.  
         [0009]     Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     A better understanding of the invention can be obtained from the following detailed description of one exemplary embodiment when considered in conjunction with the following drawings in which:  
         [0011]      FIG. 1A  is a side view depicting an exemplary embodiment of the device.  
         [0012]      FIG. 1B  is a front view depicting an exemplary embodiment of the device.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of the device including a bracket, a guiding rod, a hose and a filter.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3A  is an isometric view of depicting the bracket in accordance with the invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 3B  is a bottom view depicting the bottom piece of the bracket in accordance with the invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3C  is top view depicting the bracket in accordance with the invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3D  is a side view depicting the bracket in accordance with the invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 3E  is an isometric view depicting an alternate design of the bracket in accordance with the invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 4A  is a detailed view depicting of the hose and the filter in accordance with the invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 4B  is a side view of the top of the hose filter in accordance with the invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 4C  is an isometric view of the end of the hose and the filter in accordance with the invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 5A  is a side cross-sectional view of the end of the hose and the filter in accordance with the invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 5B  is a bottom cross-sectional view of the end of the hose and the filter in accordance with the invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  depicts the guiding rod in accordance with the invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 7A  is a side view depicting the apparatus in the “storage” position in accordance with the invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 7B  is a side view depicting the apparatus in the “use” position in accordance with the invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 8  is a top view depicting the position of the filter and the hose relative to a container in accordance with the invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 9A  depicts the forces acting on the container used in accordance with the invention when the container is full.  
         [0029]      FIG. 9B  depicts the forces acting on the container used in accordance with the invention when the container is substantially empty.  
         [0030]      FIG. 10  illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 11A  is a front view depicting a container of the second exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 11B  is an isometric view depicting a bracket of the second exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 12A  is a front view depicting the bracket of the second exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the guiding rod and the filter in accordance with the invention.  
         [0034]      FIG. 12B  is a side view depicting the bracket of the second exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the guiding rod and the filter in accordance with the invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 13  depicts a hose and a filter compatible with the second exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0036]     Pressure sprayers in general include a motor, a compressor and a coupling for attachment of a suction hose to draw liquid from a container. Referring now to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a side and front view of the device according to a first embodiment is shown generally in relation to pressure sprayer  10 , mounted onto movable cart  90  where the frame of the movable cart includes overhead bar  20  supporting container  80 . Movable cart  90  allows easy transportation of the sprayer and container. Overhead bar  20  is located in the front of movable cart  90 . The overhead bar serves the purpose of supporting bracket  30  on which handle  82  of container  80  may be hung.  
         [0037]     Pressure sprayer  10  in the preferred embodiment is a commercial pressure sprayer which includes models manufactured by companies such as Campbell-Hausfeld and Wagner. In the preferred embodiment, the container is a 5-gallon bucket with a metallic semicircular pivoted handle made of heavy gauge steel wire. In the preferred embodiment, the fluid in the bucket is paint. Of course, other containers and fluids can be used with the apparatus as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.  
         [0038]     Bracket  30  is securely fastened to overhead bar  20 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , container  80  hangs by handle  75  from bracket  20 . Because bracket  20  is used to bear the weight of the container, a preferred embodiment of bracket  20  is constructed of metal or some other rigid material capable of bearing a significant amount of weight. Suction hose  50  is shown coupled to opening  60  of the low pressure side of the compressor of the pressure sprayer. Hose  50  is detachable from the pressure sprayer. The opposite end of hose  50  is fitted with filter  70 . Filter  70  and hose  50  are described in detail in  FIGS. 4A, 4B , and  4 C.  
         [0039]     Also depicted in the system of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  is guiding rod  40  which is inserted and locked into two slots on bracket  30 . The slots of bracket  30  and their relationship with guiding rod  40  are described in relation to  FIGS. 7A and 7B .  
         [0040]     Moving to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention is shown.  FIG. 2  depicts bracket  30  fastened to overhead bar  20 . Bracket  30  is fastened to overhead bar  20  by using screws or bolts. In the alternative, it may be welded or secured through an adhesive. Spacer  130  is inserted between the bottom of overhead bar  20  and the bottom portion of bracket  30 . Spacer  130  may be of different thicknesses to allow use of the device with different sized overhead bars as provided on different models of pressure sprayers. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom piece of bracket  30 , spacer  130  and overhead bar  20  each have holes in corresponding locations for securing the 3 pieces together with machined bolts. The size of spacer  130  should be chosen so that when the screws are tightened, the three pieces are secured firmly. The location of these screw holes will be described in more detail in a separate description of bracket  30  in  FIGS. 3A, 3B ,  3 C,  3 D. In an alternative embodiment, spacer  130  may be replaced by adjusting the dimensions of the bracket to fit the width of overhead bar  20 . The alternate design is shown in  FIG. 3E .  
         [0041]     In further reference to  FIG. 2 , guiding rod  40  is inserted into two slots  112  and  106  in the top and bottom portions of bracket  30 . The exact shapes of the slots are further described in  FIGS. 3A, 3B , and  3 C. The slots position guiding rod  40  aid in holding it in the storage position. Guiding rod  40  is attached to ring  204  built into clamp  202  fastened onto hose  50 . Guiding rod  40  controls and stabilizes hose  50  and filter  70  of the invention. A description in relation to  FIGS. 7A and 7B  show how guiding rod  40  controls and positions hose  50 .  
         [0042]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A, 3B ,  3 C and  3 D, depicted is bracket  30  of the preferred embodiment shown from an isometric view, a bottom view, a plan and a side view, respectively. As depicted in  FIG. 3A , the bracket is one piece bent having three sections. First is top flat portion  122  which is generally parallel to the bottom portion of bracket  120 . The top portion includes a downward angled portion  124  connected to top flat portion  122 . Connected on the other side of downward angled portion  124  is an upward angled portion  110 . The purpose for two angled portions  124  and  110  is to provide a holder for the handle of the container. The holder creates a channel which prevents the handle from sliding or falling from bracket  30 . In the preferred embodiment, the bracket is manufactured as a single piece.  
         [0043]      FIGS. 3A and 3C  show the openings on top flat portion  122 . Slot  106  and circular groove  108  are shown as well as two holes for screws  102  and  104 . Slot  106  allows the rod to slide into the top flat portion of bracket  30  and rest in circular groove  108 . The circular groove secures the rod to prevent it from sliding out of the groove. Holes  102  and  104  correspond with holes in the top of overhead bar  20  so that bracket  30  may be fastened to the bar.  
         [0044]     Bracket  30  includes bottom portion  120  depicted in more detail in  FIG. 3B . Bottom portion  120  includes several openings. The openings include angular slot  112  and two holes  114  and  116 . Angular slot  112  allows guiding rod  40  to slide into the bottom of the bracket and secures it there by frictional forces. These frictional forces are described in detail in the discussion of  FIGS. 7A and 7B . Slot  112  prevents guiding rod  40  from sliding out of the slot during use of the apparatus. The location of holes  114  and  116  corresponds to the placement of holes in rectangular cube  130  depicted in  FIG. 3D  and the placement of holes in the overhead bar.  
         [0045]     Illustrated in  FIG. 3D  is a side view of bracket  30  with spacer  130 . The spacer is used to physically connect bottom portion  120  and overhead bar  30 . The rectangular cube may be placed between flat top portion  122  and overhead bar  30  without deviating from the spirit of the invention.  FIG. 3D  also provides a view of the angle between two angled top portions  124  and  110 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 3E  illustrates an alternative design of bracket  30 . The alternative design of bracket  30  eliminates the requirement of spacer  130 . The alternative design narrows the gap between the bottom portion and overhead bar  30 . Holes  114 ,  115 ,  116  and  117  are provided for attachment of the spacer and bracket to the overhead bar. To accommodate attachment with two machine screws, holes  115  and  117  are generally parallel with holes  114  and  116 .  
         [0047]     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A, 4B  and  4 C, depicted in detail are suction hose  50  and filter  70  coupled with hose  50 . As shown in  FIG. 4A , suction hose  50  includes capped top end  300  with circular connector  302  for connection to the pressure sprayer.  FIG. 4B  provides a side view of top end  300  and circular connector  302 . Circular connecter  302  in the preferred embodiment is a threaded coupling. Of course, other embodiments can accommodate different connections besides threaded connections. The connector allows for the flow of fluid from the hose to the pressure sprayer. It may be made of a metallic alloy, rubber, plastic or other materials suitable for the connector. Tube  206  of the hose is typically made from a flexible material. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hose is made from a flexible clear plastic material that returns to its original shape when bent.  
         [0048]      FIG. 4C  details the bottom end of hose  50 . Filter  70  is provided with a hollow protruding member  208 . Member  208  is sized to fit within tube  206 . Clamp  202  couples protruding member  208  and filter  70  to tube  206 . Welded to clamp  202  is ring  204 . Typically, both clamp  202  and ring  204  are made of a rigid or metal material to securely hold protruding member  208  inside tube  206 . However, the clamp and ring may be made of a study plastic or any other material capable of fastening tube  206  to filter  70 .  
         [0049]     Turning to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , illustrated is a cross sectional side view of filter  70  and tube  206 . Hollow protruding member  208  extends from end of filter  70  to the point where the hollow protruding member is snugly secured inside tube  206  by clamp  202 . In operation, the flow of fluid is directed from the end of filter  70  towards tube  206  by means of hollow protruding member  208 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , the opening of hollow protruding member  208  is a generally circular opening. In operation, curvature  203  in filter  70  forces hollow protruding member  208  to the lowest point in the corner of the container. Filter  70  may be constructed of plastic, rubber, or any material capable of allowing paint to pass through its surface.  
         [0050]     Turning to  FIG. 6 , illustrated is an exemplary embodiment of guiding rod  40 . Guiding rod  40  as depicted includes handle  222 , top hook  220  and bottom hook  224 . Handle  222  is used to lift guiding rod  40 . Bottom hook  224  connects guiding rod  40  to ring  204 . Top hook  220  secures guiding rod  40  when the device is in the “down” or “use” position by clipping to the outside surface of the bracket. Top hook  220  and bottom hook  224  are described in more detail in relation to  FIGS. 7A and 7B .  
         [0051]     Referring now to  FIG. 7A , illustrated is a side view of the device in the “up” or “storage” position. In this position, hose  50  is bent upwards and is held by the friction of rod  40  against the top slot and bottom angled slot of the bracket. Hose  50  generally is straight when no force is applied, when hose  50  is bent, hose  50  exerts a force pulling away from guiding rod  40 . The force pulls guiding rod  40  into angled slot  112 . This force also causes guiding rod  40  to be pushed into circular groove  108 . By pushing forward on the handle and moving the guiding rod out of circular groove  108 , the frictional force suspending the rod in the storage position can be overcome and guiding rod  40  may be pushed down into the “use” position.  
         [0052]      FIG. 7B  shows the device is in the “down” or “use” position. In the “use” position top hook  220  attaches to the bottom corner of bracket  30  to prevent forces from pushing rod  40  and hose  50  upwards. This force is further described in reference to  FIG. 9 . Top hook  220  along with friction between rod  40  and the bracket locks the apparatus in the “use” position. Bottom hook  224  is also attached to ring  204  coupled with clamp  202  which is fastened around the hose to secure the filter in place in the bottom corner of the container.  
         [0053]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a portion of the device is shown in the “use” position inside container  80 . In the “use” position, filter  70  and hose  50  are positioned at the bottom corner of container  80 . This positioning allows filter  70  and hose  50  to collect the fluid in container  80  even when the fluid level is very low. Ideally, almost all of the fluid in the container can be utilized by the sprayer before refilling the container or replacing it.  
         [0054]     To better demonstrate how the filter and hose collect the last remaining fluid in the container,  FIGS. 9A and 9B  depict the motion of the container as fluid is used. In the illustration of  FIG. 9A , depicted is container  80  with handle  82  and with a high fluid level  83 . Typically, handle  82  of the container is made of a drawn steel wire or other material having a certain spring constant.  
         [0055]     There is a length “L” measured by the distance from the top of handle  82  to the level where the handle is attached to container  80  for an empty container. When a large amount of fluid is present in the container, the weight of the fluid causes bending of handle  82  thereby increasing the distance from the top of the handle to the level where the handle is attached to the container. For example, this distance may be represented by “L+ΔL”, where “ΔL” is the change in length. Also, in  FIG. 9A , the hose  50  and filter  70  combination are held on the bottom corner of container  80  by guiding rod  40 .  
         [0056]     Turning to  FIG. 9B , illustrated is the same container  80 , but with a lower fluid level  84 . When the fluid level is lower, the distance from the top of the handle to the level where the handle is attached to the container is approximately L. The hose and filter combination is held firmly on the bottom corner of the container by guiding rod  40  and so is not allowed to move even as the fluid level becomes lower. However, because the distance from the top of the handle to the level where the handle is attached to the container is shorter due to the contraction of the handle, the hose and filter apply a force on the corner of the container. This force causes a tilting action of the container. The tilt forces fluid to collect in the corner of the container where the hose and filter are located.  
         [0057]     Depicted in  FIG. 10  is a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 10  shows pressure sprayer  15  mounted on movable cart  95 . Affixed to pressure sprayer  15  is bracket  510  and hose  55  connected to the low pressure fluid inlet of pressure sprayer  15 . Guiding rod  40  is inserted between openings in bracket  510  and attached to hose  55 . Bracket  510  of  FIG. 10  also provides an area for hanging container  80 . Because the weight of a full container of fluid is significant, the bracket is preferably made of a sturdy material such as rigid plastic or metal. Bracket  510  of the second embodiment is not fastened to an overhead bar, but is instead fastened the bottom portion of the pressure sprayer by nuts or screws.  
         [0058]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  depict a front view and an isometric view of bracket  510  of the second exemplary embodiment. Bracket  510  includes two folded fingers  518  and  520 , notch  512 , upward angled piece  516 , flat piece  524  with slot  514  extending from it to the end of upward angled piece  516 . Bracket  510  may be cast or bent and cut from flat stock material.  
         [0059]     In reference to  FIG. 11B , bracket  510  also includes flat bottom piece  526  with perpendicular bend  528 . The perpendicular bend has two holes  530  and  532  which correspond with holes on pressure sprayer  15  in the preferred embodiment. Two screws or bolts are used to securely fasten bracket  510  to pressure sprayer  15 . Other attachment means will work as well.  
         [0060]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  depict a front view and a side view of guiding rod  40  inserted into bracket  510 . Guiding rod  40  is inserted through notch  512  and rests on the portion of slot  514  in flat piece  524 .  FIG. 12A  also depicts filter  70  in the “up” position relative to bracket  510 .  
         [0061]     Referring now to  FIG. 12B , depicted is bottom hook  228  in guiding rod  40 . Bottom hook  224  latches onto circular structure  204  of clamp  202  attached to hose  55 . In the “up” position, the top of filter  70  is elevated slightly above the end of notch  512 . The “down” position of the second preferred embodiment is the same as that of the first preferred embodiment. In the down position filter  70  is firmly held at the bottom corner of the container by guiding rod  40 .  
         [0062]     Turning now to  FIG. 13 , illustrated is a second embodiment of hose  55  and filter  70 . Hose  55  includes circular connector  226  at the top and metallic coupling  224  to integrate circular connector  226  with tube  206 . Circular connector  226  is threaded onto a corresponding connector on the bottom of the pressure sprayer (not shown). Coupled to the bottom end of tube  206  is filter  70 . Filter  70  is coupled to tube  206  by means of a hollow protruding member  208  of filter  70  which is fitted inside tube  206  and fastened by clamp  202 . Circular structure  204  is formed on clamp  202 . The hook on guiding rod  40  engages the circular structure and guides and supports filter  70  on the bottom cover of the container.  
         [0063]     The second embodiment of the present invention for all purposes function in the same manner as the first described embodiment.  
         [0064]     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and in any way restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.