Abstract:
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trigger actuated pump sprayer having a pump body, a trigger lever, a shroud and a nozzle, wherein the trigger actuated pump sprayer further comprises a toggle switch adaptor engaging the nozzle and having an operable portion within an opening in the shroud. In this way, the operable portion of the toggle switch adapter can be guided, controlled, regulated or otherwise manipulated within or around or otherwise because of the opening in the shroud, to remotely operate at least the nozzle of the trigger actuated pump sprayer.

Description:
This application is a 371 filing of International Application No. PCT/IB2013/001982, filed Jul. 11, 2013, which claims priority benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent No. 61/670,338 filed Jul. 11, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Patent No. 61/806,130 filed Mar. 28, 2013, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to the field of trigger actuated pump sprayers, and more particularly, to a shroud for a trigger actuated pump sprayer that reduces the exposure of the spray to the operator. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many known trigger actuated pump sprayers have a pump body of a molded thermoplastic material which includes a pump cylinder for the reception of a reciprocal pump piston which together therewith defines a variable volume pump chamber. The pump body includes an inlet passage leading to the pump chamber and a discharge barrel defining a discharge passage leading from the pump chamber and terminating in a nozzle on which a nozzle adjuster is mounted having a discharge orifice. A trigger lever is pivotally mounted to the pump body for actuating the pump piston upon a squeezing of the trigger, and a container closure cap is coupled to the pump body for mounting it to a container of liquid to be dispensed. 
     One drawback with trigger actuated pump sprayers is that during normal operation, an operator of such sprayers may be exposed to the liquid emanating from the nozzle. This can be hazardous, especially in cases where the sprayer is used to spray certain chemicals, such as pesticides, weed killers, etc. To reduce exposure of the liquid to the operator, conventional shrouds have been developed to cover the trigger actuated pump sprayers. 
     However, conventional shroud covers do not allow for adjustability of the nozzle adjuster typically found on most trigger actuated pump sprayers. Accordingly, there is a need for a shroud for a trigger actuated pump sprayer that reduces the exposure of the spray to the operator while permitting adjustment of the nozzle adjuster. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trigger actuated pump sprayer comprising a pump body, a trigger lever, a shroud and a nozzle, wherein the trigger actuated pump sprayer further comprises a toggle switch adaptor engaging the nozzle and having an operable portion within an opening in the shroud. 
     In this way, the operable portion of the toggle switch adapter can be guided, controlled, regulated or otherwise manipulated within or around or otherwise because of the opening in the shroud, to remotely operate at least the nozzle of the trigger actuated pump sprayer assembly. This maintains a distance between the operator and the nozzle. That is, the toggle switch adapter allows the nozzle to be adjusted without the operator&#39;s direct contact with nozzle, thereby protecting or reducing the operator of the trigger actuated pump sprayer from exposure to the liquids being dispensed by the sprayer (such as pesticides or other chemicals). 
     The pump body may be any suitable unit, device, arrangement or means able to convey a portion of a fluid, generally a liquid, in an accompanying container, from said container to a point of discharge. Operation of the pump body is generally based on action of the trigger lever in a manner known in the art, and the pump body and trigger lever and their actions are not further described herein. 
     The nozzle of the trigger actuated pump sprayer is generally formed as a separable unit or piece, and is sometimes also termed a ‘nozzle base’. The nozzle may also be formed integrally with one or more parts of the pump body. The nozzle is generally intended to provide the point of discharge of liquid from a barrel or other opening in the pump body. Nozzles and nozzle bases are well known in the art. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the toggle switch adapter mounts onto the nozzle. That is, the toggle switch adapter is separately formed, and includes at least one surface, optionally at least one shape, adapted to mount onto the nozzle such that discharge of fluid through the nozzle is then also discharged through the toggle switch adapter. This allows the manufacturer to provide a toggle switch adapter to existing nozzles or nozzle designs. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the toggle switch adapter and the nozzle are integrally formed. This may assist manufacturing by the reduction of forming one piece, where the integrally formed unit can fit with the remainder of the pump body. 
     Optionally, the toggle switch adapter is moveable by rotation. Such rotation is generally based on axial rotation about the longitudinal axis of the toggle switch adapter, generally being the direction of the liquid flow therethrough. Optionally, the operable portion of the toggle switch adapter moves through the opening in the shroud in the same manner. The operable portion of the toggle switch adapter operates at least the nozzle of the trigger actuated pump sprayer assembly, preferably, but not limited to, to provide at least one discharge setting of the assembly, preferably at least two different discharge settings of the assembly. Each setting could correspond to a specific nozzle operation, said operations comprising two or more of the group comprising: a nozzle closed setting, a jet discharge setting, and a spray discharge setting. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the opening is a cut. That is, a cut in or through the shroud, such that the operator of the assembly has access to at least the operable portion of the toggle switch adapter by means of the cut. 
     In a further embodiment, the cut defines at least first and second distinct discharge settings to which the operable portion is moveable. Optionally, the at least first and second discharge settings comprise opposing ends of the cut, such that the ends or extremes of the cut provide the furthest extent of possible movement of the operable portion within the cut. Such settings at opposing ends of the cut could be the same or different discharge operations of the nozzle. Optionally, the operable portion of the toggle switch adaptor is in a substantially horizontal orientation when moved to either of the opposing ends of the cut. 
     Optionally, the opening in the shroud could be provided with any number of discharge settings, preferably being distinct, but optionally also being continuous in one or more parameters, and able to provide at least two distinct types or forms of discharge, including no discharge, from the pump assembly. Such different parameters to provide different forms of discharge could include the rate, flow, pattern, volume, etc. or combinations of same, able to give the operator different possible uses of the pump assembly. 
     In one embodiment, the trigger actuated pump sprayer has a third discharge setting intermediate the opposing ends of the cut, and preferably being the default position for ‘no discharge’. That is, to prevent discharge of liquid from the sprayer. The third setting is optionally in the form of a lock or locking mechanism, such that unintended or otherwise accidental movement of the trigger lever does not operate the pump body to cause unintended discharge of liquid. 
     Optionally, the operable portion of the toggle switch adaptor of the trigger actuated pump sprayer can protrude beyond the dimensions of the shroud, such as when moved to either of the opposing ends of the cut. Optionally, the operable portion remains within dimensions of the outer housing when in a ‘no discharge’ position or setting. Preferably, the operable portion remains within dimensions of the outer housing when moved to the third distinct setting. 
     In the present invention, it is intended that the shroud at least partly, optionally substantially or wholly engages with the toggle switch adapter so as to assist, hold or otherwise maintain the toggle switch adapter in engagement with the nozzle during its operation. In particular, the shroud provides distance between the operator and the nozzle. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the shroud extends around the toggle switch adapter. Preferably, the toggle switch adapter includes a cone or cone-like formation extending outwardly from that part of the toggle switch adapter engaging the nozzle. The cone may have any suitable shape, size or design, and may provide one or more particular patterns of spray for the discharge of liquid from the trigger actuated pump sprayer assembly. The cone also positively projects the discharge forwardly from the sprayer, and away from the operator. 
     In a further embodiment of the present invention, the shroud comprises a projection which extends to a location below the outlet end of the trigger actuated pump sprayer assembly. Where the toggle switch adapter includes a cone or cone like assembly, the projection preferably extends below the outlet end of the cone or cone like assembly. In this way, any drips or dripping of liquid from the discharge end of the toggle switch adapter fall onto the projection and away from the operator&#39;s hand which is generally extended around the trigger lever. Any drip or dripping from the projection of the shroud will also generally form beyond the operator&#39;s hand, preventing contact of the liquid with the operator&#39;s hand. This is particularly preferred where the liquid may be aggressive or otherwise distinctive. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, the shroud comprises a first clamshell and a second clamshell to form a combined clamshell. The first clamshell and the second clamshell may be formed separately, and include one or more complementary engagement pieces or portions to allow secure engagement of the first and second clamshells when combined around at least the toggle switch adapter, and preferably around the pump body. 
     In an alternative, the first clamshell and the second clamshell are conjoined. The first and second clamshells may be conjoined at any suitable part or portion, whilst able to be subsequently fully combined around at least the toggle switch adapter. In one arrangement, the first clamshell and the second clamshell are hingingly conjoined so as to fold together to form the combined clamshell. They may be hingingly conjoined at one or more edges or part of an edge, such that the first and second clamshells can move between ‘open’ and ‘closed positions’. 
     According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shroud for a trigger actuated pump sprayer, the shroud comprising: 
     a switch adapter configured to movably engage an adjustable nozzle of the trigger actuated pump sprayer; 
     a first clamshell; and 
     a second clamshell configured to attach to the first clamshell to form a combined clamshell, wherein the combined clamshell is configured to house a dispenser portion of the trigger actuated pump sprayer thereby providing a shroud around the trigger actuated pump sprayer, and further configured to operatively receive a portion of the switch adapter within an opening of the combined clamshell while engaged with the adjustable nozzle. 
     Briefly described, the disclosure relates to a shroud for a trigger actuated pump sprayer. In some implementations, the shroud includes a switch adapter configured to movably engage an adjustable nozzle of the trigger actuated pump sprayer. The shroud further includes a first clamshell and a second clamshell configured to attach to the first clamshell to form a combined clamshell. The combined clamshell is configured to house a dispenser portion of the trigger actuated pump sprayer thereby providing a shroud around the trigger actuated pump sprayer. The combined clamshell is further configured to operatively receive a portion of the switch adapter while engaged with the adjustable nozzle. 
     According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toggle switch adaptor adapted to engage the nozzle of a trigger actuated pump sprayer comprising a pump body, a trigger, a shroud and a nozzle; and having an operable portion within an opening in the shroud. 
     Embodiments and uses of the toggle switch adapter are described hereinabove, and apply equally to the toggle switch adapter in the third aspect. 
     Optionally, the toggle switch adapter and the nozzle are integrally formed. 
     According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pack comprising a trigger sprayer assembly as herein defined, and a liquid container. Generally, a pump assembly as described herein may include a closure cap having an engagement piece or unit, such as a threaded collar, able to engage a complementary engagement means such as a threaded neck, to attach and securely engage the liquid container with the pump body during use. 
     Various other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on the following drawings and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a shroud for a trigger actuated pump sprayer, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a shroud for a trigger actuated pump sprayer, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are side views of a shroud for a trigger actuated pump sprayer, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of a shroud for a trigger actuated pump sprayer, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of a shroud for a trigger actuated pump sprayer, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a back view of a shroud for a trigger actuated pump sprayer, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a cutout view of a switch adapter, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of a shroud for the trigger actuated pump sprayer, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9A  is a front view of a shroud for the trigger actuated pump sprayer, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates a fastening mechanism for the shroud, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate alternative variations of shrouds according to further embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate toggle switch adaptors according to further embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a pack according to a further embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As illustrated in the drawings, a trigger actuated pump sprayer is described that reduces the exposure, to an operator of such sprayer, to a liquid emanating from a nozzle of such sprayer during its operation. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the trigger actuated pump sprayer  120  has a shroud  110  comprising a first portion  130  and a second portion  140 . First portion  130  includes a first clamshell  132  and a second clamshell  134 . The first clamshell  132  and the second clamshell  134  are configured to attach to one another to form a combined clamshell  136 . The combined clamshell  136  is configured to house a dispenser portion  122  of a trigger actuated pump sprayer  120  thereby providing a shroud around the trigger actuated pump sprayer  120 . In some implementations, the first and second clamshells  132 ,  134  may be formed of injected molded polymer or plastic material. In some implementations, the clamshells may be formed of a thermoplastic polymer such as, polypropylene. 
     The trigger actuated pump sprayer  120  (“sprayer  120 ”) typically includes a dispenser portion  122 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , for example. Dispenser portion  122  may include pump body  124  and a trigger lever  128  pivotally coupled to the pump body  124 . Pump body  124  may include a pump cylinder (not otherwise illustrated) that is attached to piston  126 . When the trigger lever  128  is pulled by the operator, piston  126  engages with the pump cylinder thereby causing liquid to be sprayed via a nozzle base  125  and adjustable nozzle  127 , in a manner that is well-known in the art. Dispenser portion  122  may be coupled to a cap  129  for mounting the sprayer  120  to a container  150  as shown in  FIG. 12  that holds liquid to be sprayed. During operation, liquid is drawn from the container  50  into the dispenser portion  122  and sprayed via the adjustable nozzle  127 . 
     A conventional sprayer typically only includes the adjustable nozzle  127  attached to the nozzle base  125  (illustrated in  FIG. 2  as being detached from nozzle base  125 ) to control the flow and/or intensity of the spray. For example, in some implementations, adjustable nozzle  127  provides an “on” and “off” setting for a conventional sprayer; in some implementations, adjustable nozzle  127  provides a “stream” setting, a “spray/mist” setting, and/or other settings for the sprayer as would be apparent; in some implementations, adjustable nozzle  127  provides a continuous adjustment between “stream” and “mist” as would be apparent; and/or in some implementations, a combination of the aforementioned settings may be used as would be apparent. Typically, adjustable nozzle  127  is generally manually rotated to alter the spray flow or intensity as would be appreciated. The operation of adjustable nozzles  127  on conventional sprayers is well-known and will not be further described. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , second portion  140  of shroud  110  comprises a nozzle extension or toggle switch adapter  142  configured to movably engage the adjustable nozzle  127  of the sprayer  120 . The switch adapter  142  is configured to receive the adjustable nozzle  127  at a proximal end  143 . The switch adapter  142  includes a toggle or tab actuator  145  that simplifies manual manipulation of the switch adapter  142  to cause adjustment of the position of the adjustable nozzle  127 , thereby controlling the flow and/or intensity of the spray. Rotation of the tab actuator  145  (clockwise and/or counterclockwise) causes movement of the switch adapter  142  and hence rotational movement of the adjustable nozzle  127  from one position or setting to another position or setting (for example, from off to spray, or from spray to stream, etc.). The switch adapter  142  includes an opening  147  (shown in  FIG. 5 , for example) at cone shaped distal end  144  through which the liquid is jetted or sprayed based on adjustment of the tab actuator  145  and the adjustable nozzle  127 . The switch adapter  142  may be molded as a one-piece element. In some implementations, the switch adapter  142  may be formed of injected molded polymer or plastic material. In some implementations, the switch adapter  142  may be formed of a thermoplastic polymer such as, polypropylene. 
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the combined clamshell  136  is configured to operatively receive a portion of the switch adapter  142  while engaged with the adjustable nozzle  127 . The first clamshell  132  has a first cut  152  and the second clamshell  134  has a corresponding second cut  154  such that when the first clamshell  132  and the second clamshell  134  are attached, the first cut and second cut form a complete cut or an opening  156  in the combined clamshell  136 . When assembled, the opening  156  of the combined clamshell  136  receives the portion of the switch adapter  142  with the tab actuator  145  so that the tab actuator  145  can be manually manipulated with ease. As such, the adjustable nozzle  127  may be adjusted even though it is covered with the switch adapter  142 . In conventional sprayers, an operator manipulates the adjustable nozzle  127  directly which may expose the operator to chemicals deposited on the adjustable nozzle  127 . However, the switch adapter  142  allows the adjustable nozzle  127  to be adjusted without the operator&#39;s direct contact with the adjustable nozzle  127  thereby protecting or reducing the operator of the trigger actuated pump sprayer from exposure to the liquids being dispensed by the sprayer (such as pesticides or other chemicals). 
     Shroud  110  may be assembled onto the typical trigger actuated pump sprayer sprayer  120  in the following manner. Switch adapter  142  may be coupled to adjustable nozzle  127  of sprayer  120  (i.e., while the adjustable nozzle  127  is attached to the nozzle base  125  of the sprayer  120 ). The first clamshell  132  and the second clamshell  134  may be positioned such that the portion of the switch adapter  142  with the tab actuator  145  aligns within the opening  156  and the lower portions  133 ,  135  of the first and clamshells  132 ,  134 , respectively align with the either side of the dispenser portion  122 . The first clamshell  132  and second clamshell  134  are then snapped together, thereby housing the dispenser portion  122  and providing a shroud around the trigger actuated pump sprayer  120 . In some implementations, the second clamshell  134  includes a rib  138  at a rear portion  166  of the second clamshell  134 , and the first clamshell  132  includes a recess (not otherwise illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) at a rear portion  162  of the first clamshell  132 . The recess of the first clamshell  132  is configured to receive rib  138 . Rib  138  and the corresponding recess allow the rear portions  166 ,  162  of second clamshell  134  and the first clamshell  132  to snap together. The front portions  164 ,  168  of the first and second clamshells  132 ,  134  snap together when the switch adapter  142  is aligned within the opening  156 . In some implementations, a lower sloping region of the combined front portions  164 ,  168  of the first and second clamshells  132 ,  134  form a drip guard region  109  (as shown in  FIG. 1 , for example). By providing a drip guard region  109 , exposure of the operator of the trigger actuated pump sprayer  120  to the fluid being dispensed is avoided or at least reduced. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate side views of the shroud  110  and trigger actuated pump sprayer  120 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of the shroud  110 .  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate front and back views of the shroud for the trigger actuated pump sprayer. As shown in  FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4 , the surface of the combined clamshell  136  may include icons or other graphical representations for visually identifying various discharge settings for the sprayer: for example an “off” or “no discharge” setting may be depicted by icon  420 , a “stream” setting may be depicted by icon  312 , a “spray/mist” setting may be depicted by icon  310 , and so forth. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a cutout view of a portion of the switch adapter  142  being received within opening  156  while engaged with the adjustable nozzle  127 . A tab actuator portion  702  of the switch adapter  142  (with tab actuator  145 ) receives the adjustable nozzle  127  and a cone-shaped portion  704  of the switch adapter  142  engages with the adjustable nozzle  127 . The cone-shaped portion  704  acts as an extension to the adjustable nozzle  127 . The extension is designed such that the liquid/spray/stream entering the cone-shaped portion  704  does not lose its structure provided by the adjustable nozzle  127 . The switch adapter  142  is fitted with the adjustable nozzle  127  such that, as trigger lever  128  is pulled, any liquid emanating from the nozzle base  125 /adjustable nozzle  127  runs forward towards the opening  147  in the cone-shaped portion  704  of the switch adapter  142  and not backward towards the nozzle/dispenser portion. As such, liquid emanating from the adjustable nozzle  127  is moved away from the adjustable nozzle  127  into cone-shaped portion  704  of switch adapter  142  and out through opening  147 . This further ensures that the direct contact with the liquid being dispensed by the operator of the sprayer is avoided. 
     In some implementations, distal end  144  of switch adapter  142  includes ribs  804  about the outer periphery of the switch adapter  142 , as shown in  FIG. 8  (which excludes the front portion of the shroud to show the ribs  804  etc.). Front portions  164 ,  168  of clamshells  132 ,  134  include corresponding ribs  802  that are configured to accommodate ribs  804  so that when the tab actuator  145  is moved from one position to another position (for example, off to spray, spray to stream, etc.) the ribs  802  and  804  snap together in a locked position. The ribs  802 ,  804  may be positioned to click into place when the switch adapter  142  is in an off position. When the tab actuator  145  is rotated, the force pulls the split line together. Also, visible from the front of the shroud is the C-shape  806  at the front of the nozzle base  125  while the adjustable nozzle is completely enclosed within the shroud. 
     In one embodiment, the front portions  164 ,  168  of clamshells  132 ,  134  may be attached by utilizing fastening clips  912 , as shown in  FIG. 9A  (which again excludes the front portion of the shroud to show the clips  912 , etc.). In one embodiment, a top clip  912  may be provided above cone shaped portion  704  and a bottom clip  912  may be provided below cone shaped portion  704 .  FIG. 9B  illustrates in part cross-section through the shroud a fastening mechanism associated with top clip  912 . For example,  FIG. 9B  illustrates portions of top clip  912  engaged with one another. Portion  921  of top clip  912  engages with portion  922  of top clip  912  to securely fasten front portions  164 ,  168  of clamshells  132 ,  134 . It will be readily appreciated that a similar fastening mechanism may be employed for bottom clip  912  as well. 
     In some implementations, nozzle base  125 /adjustable nozzle  127  of a conventional trigger actuated pump sprayer  120  may be modified to ensure a better fit with the switch adapter  142 . This may be done to optimize the spray emanating from the sprayer in order to protect the operator from direct contact with the spray. 
       FIG. 10A  illustrates a first alternative shroud  1100  wherein the first clamshell  1110  and the second clamshell  1120  are conjoined. They are hingingly conjoined by a bridging portion  1130 , so as to fold together in the direction of arrow A to form a combined clamshell in the form of a shroud, in the same matter as the combined clamshell  136  shown in  FIG. 1  etc. In this way, the first and second clamshells  1110 ,  1120  can be formed as a single integral piece, for example by injection moulding and the like, ready for forming around a pump body etc. as described hereinabove.  FIG. 10B  shows a second alternative shroud  1140  comprising a first clamshell  1142  and a second clamshell  1144 , conjoined via a bridging piece  1146  so as to be hingingly conjoined. Like the first alternative shroud  1100  shown in  FIG. 10A  the second alternative shroud  1140  can be formed by folding the first and second clamshells  1142 ,  1144  together via the bridging piece  1146  around a pump body, etc. 
     The skilled man can see other possible locations for bridging pieces between complementary first and second clamshells at other locations. 
       FIG. 11A  illustrates the toggle switch adapter  142  and tab actuator  145  adapted to engage the nozzle  127  of a trigger actuated pump sprayer, with the tab actuator  145  being the operable portion for location within an opening of a shroud in the manner discussed hereinabove. 
       FIG. 11B  illustrates a toggle switch adapter  142  integrally formed with the nozzle  127  of a trigger actuated pump sprayer, and ready for engagement with the remainder of the pump body, etc. as described hereinabove. 
     The foregoing description generally illustrates and describes various embodiments of the present invention. It will, however, be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the above-discussed construction of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed herein, and that it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as being illustrative, and not to be taken in a limiting sense. Furthermore the scope of the present disclosure shall be construed to cover various modifications, combinations, additions, alterations, etc. above and to the above-described embodiments, which shall be considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, various features and characteristics of the present invention as discussed herein may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the invention, and numerous variations, modifications, and additions further can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.