Abstract:
Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a system and method for operating a surface pressure washer with a wand component. The method may include the steps of cleaning a first surface through a first fluid path, where the first fluid path includes a pump, a pressure regulating valve, a diversion block, and a spray gun, while spray nozzles are not discharging fluid to a second surface, actuating a valve connected to the diversion block, thereby reducing the pressure available to the first fluid path and creating a second fluid path, where the second fluid path includes the pump, the pressure regulating valve, the diversion block and the spray nozzles, where the spray nozzles are configured to rotate above the second surface when the second fluid path is open, and cleaning a second surface underneath the pressure washer system through the second fluid path.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field 
         [0002]    This invention is generally related to pressure washer systems and methods, and more particularly to a system and method for operating a surface pressure washer with a spray gun component. 
         [0003]    2. Background 
         [0004]    Pressure washing systems in the past have suffered from the lack of an efficient and cost effective system and method for preventing damage to surfaces underneath the system, when a spray gun component is used to clean a second surface that is not underneath the system. Therefore, there is a need for a new and improved system and method for operating a surface pressure washer with a spray gun component. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Disclosed herein is a new and improved system and method for operating a pressure washer with a spray gun component. In accordance with one aspect of the approach, a pressure washer system may include a pump, a pressure regulating valve, a diversion block, where the pump provides a fluid to the diversion block, a spray gun, a first fluid path, where the first fluid path includes the pump, the pressure regulating valve, the diversion block, and the spray gun, a valve, a valve trigger, a trigger base that pivotally secures the valve trigger to position the valve trigger to actuate the valve when the valve trigger pivots about the trigger base, a rotary nozzle system, where the actuation of the valve creates a second fluid path, where the second fluid path includes the pump, the pressure regulating valve, the diversion block, the valve and the rotary nozzle system, and wherein the rotary nozzle system includes one or more rotating spray nozzles when the second fluid path is open, wherein the second fluid path is blocked when the valve is not actuated. 
         [0006]    In accordance with another aspect of the approach, a method of washing flat surfaces and surfaces adjacent to the flat surface may include the steps of cleaning a first surface that is not underneath a pressure washer pressure through a first fluid path, where the first fluid path includes a pump, a pressure regulating valve, a diversion block, and a spray gun, while spray nozzles are not discharging fluid to a second surface, actuating a valve connected to the diversion block, thereby reducing the pressure available to the first fluid path and creating a second fluid path, where the second fluid path includes the pump, the pressure regulating valve, the diversion block and the spray nozzles, where the spray nozzles are configured to rotate above the second surface when the second fluid path is open, and cleaning a second surface underneath the pressure washer system through the second fluid path. 
         [0007]    Other systems, methods, aspects, features, embodiments and advantages of the system and method for operating a pressure washer with a wand component disclosed herein will be, or will become, apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, aspects, features, embodiments and advantages be included within this description, and be within the scope of the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    It is to be understood that the drawings are solely for purpose of illustration. 
           [0009]    Furthermore, the components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the system disclosed herein. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a view of a pressure washing apparatus, including a deck housing, a rotary nozzle system, right and left front wheel mechanisms, a rear wheel mechanism, a handle, and a diversion system. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is fluid flow diagram that may apply to the pressure washing apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a view of the underside of the deck housing of  FIG. 1  that includes portions of the rotary nozzle system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the right and left front wheel mechanisms of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 5A  is an exploded view of an alternative front wheel mechanism that may be used with the pressure washing apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 5B  is an exploded view of an additional alternative front wheel mechanism that may be used with the pressure washing apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the deck housing of  FIG. 1  and portions of the rotary nozzle system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the rear wheel mechanism of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is an isolated view of the handle of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is an isolated view of the diversion system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a rear view of the pressure washing apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    The following detailed description, which references to and incorporates the drawings, describes and illustrates one or more specific embodiments. These embodiments, offered not to limit but only to exemplify and teach, are shown and described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice what is claimed. Thus, for the sake of brevity, the description may omit certain information known to those of skill in the art. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary pressure washing apparatus  100 . The apparatus  100  may include a deck housing  102 , a power source  104 , a right front wheel mechanism  106   a,  a left front wheel mechanism  106   b,  a rear wheel mechanism  107 , a handle  108 , a pump  110 , a pressure regulating valve  111 , a diversion system  112 , a spray gun  114 , and a rotary nozzle system  116 . The deck housing  102  partially covers, and may support, the rotary nozzle system  116 . The deck housing may also include a gun terminal holder  118 , and a splash guard  120 . The pressure washing apparatus may also include fluid lines, such as, but not limited to, a PRV to diversion block fluid line  122 , and a diversion block to rotary nozzle system fluid line  124 . 
         [0023]    Pressure washing apparatus  100  may be employed to wash a first flat surface (not shown) beneath the apparatus  100 , and to quickly wash areas of a second surface (not shown) that may be adjacent to or located near the flat surface beneath the apparatus  100 , such as corners and vertical surfaces. Pump  110  may provide, but is not limited to, 1000 PSI and a flow of 3.6 to 6 GPM. The diversion system  112  provides a means for diverting the flow and pressure from the spray gun  114  to the rotary nozzle system  116  only when needed to clean the flat surface beneath the apparatus  100 . Thus, providing means for preventing over cleaning, and damage, to the first flat surface while the pressure washing apparatus  100  is employed to clean the second surface. 
         [0024]    Deck housing  102  may be formed from materials such as, but not limited to spun aluminum, steel, and stamped metal. The housing  102  is generally, but is not limited to, a circular shape as shown in  FIG. 1 . Power source  104  may be, but is not limited to, a residential, commercial, and industrial grade engine the may use fuel, such as, but not limited to, gasoline, electricity, diesel, propane, and compressed gas. Pump  110  pressurizes fluid that is supplied to the apparatus  100 . Pressure regulating valve  111  may be adjustable by twisting an outer cover portion of the valve  111  to control, and limit, the pressurized fluid discharged from the pump  110 . 
         [0025]    Spray gun  114  may be, but is not limited to, an aluminum lance type system, known to those having ordinary skill in the art, that permits fluid to pass through the device from the handle towards the end of the spray gun  114 , the end of the spray gun  114  being located in  FIG. 1 , resting in the gun terminal holder  118 . Spray gun  114  may include parts, such as but not limited to, those available from Giant Industries, Inc., of Toledo, Ohio, and identified by Part No. 21290C. Gun terminal holder  118  may be constructed from materials such as, but not limited to, steel, rubber, and plastic. Gun terminal holder may be formed to conform to the shape of the end of the spray gun  114 , and may be secured to the deck housing  102 , to keep the spray gun  114  secure when it is not in use. Splash guard  120  may prevent fluid expelled from the rotary nozzle system  116 , and debris dislodged from the flat surface, from striking a user of the apparatus  100 . The PRV to diversion block fluid line  122  may run from the pressure regulating valve  111  to the diversion system  112 . Diversion block to rotary nozzle system fluid line  124  may run from the diversion system  112  to the rotating union  604  (see  FIG. 6 ) of the rotary nozzle system  116 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  shows a fluid flow diagram  200  that may apply to the pressure washing apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 . Fluid flow diagram  200  includes a fluid supply line  202 , the pump  110 , a pump to PRV line  204 , the pressure regulating valve  111 , the PRV to diversion block fluid line  122 , a connector  206 , a diversion block  208 , an elbow connector  210 , the diversion block to rotary nozzle system fluid line  124 , the rotary nozzle system  116 , a reducer  212 , a valve  214 , a valve trigger  216 , a trigger base,  218 , a connector  220 , a shut off valve  222 , a valve handle  224 , a fluid line  226 , and the spray gun  114 . The portions of  FIG. 2  shown inside the dotted line may be included in the diversion system  112 . 
         [0027]    Fluid supply line  202  may supply fluid, such as, but not limited to, water and a water cleaning solution mixture, to pump  110 . Connector  206  and connector  210  may be, but are not limited to, the elbow type connectors  206  and  210  shown in  FIG. 9 . For example, connector  206  may be a 45 degree street elbow ⅜ inch that may be formed from materials such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum, and plastic. Diversion block  208  may be, but is not limited to, the metallic type block shown in  FIG. 9 , in which the three ports shown are joined (internal connection not shown) in the diversion block  208 , and the three ports may be threaded. Reducer  212  may be, but is not limited to the reducer  212  shown in 
         [0028]      FIG. 9 , in which the reducer  212  is a ⅜ inch×¼ inch reducing nipple. Valve  214  may be, but is not limited to, valve  214  of  FIG. 9 , in which the valve  214  is a brass hollowed body that includes a valve seat (not shown) such as that available from Giant Industries, Inc., and identified by Part No. 21007LA, that may be secured with a valve cap, such as the valve cap  906  (see  FIG. 9 ). Trigger base  218  may be formed to permit fluid passage through itself while forming a cradle for a valve handle  902 , such as shown in  FIG. 9 , in order to permit the valve handle  902  to depress the valve trigger  216 . The trigger base  218  may include one or more holes to permit a fastener, such as trigger pin  908  (see  FIG. 9 ) to retain the valve handle  902  in a location that enables it to depress the valve trigger  216 . Connector  220  may be a connector such as, but not limited to, the type shown in  FIG. 9 , in which connector  220  is a 45 degree street elbow ¼ inch to ¼ inch that may be formed from materials such as, but not limited to, brass, stainless steel, aluminum. Shut off valve  222  may be, but is not limited to, a two-way valve having a handle  224  that allows fluid to be cut-off from the spray gun  114 . Fluid line  226  may provide a removable fluid path from the diversion system  112  to the spray gun  114 . Fluid line  226  may include a quick disconnect feature known to those having skill in the art. 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  shows a view of the underside of deck housing  102  and a bottom portion  116   a  of the rotary nozzle system  116 . The rotary nozzle system  116  may include a swivel fasteners  302 , a spray bar  304 , and one or more spray nozzles  306 . Swivel fasteners  302  may be, but are not limited to, four hex nuts that may secure the rotary nozzle system  116  to the deck  102 . Spray bar  304  may be, but is not limited to, a tubular extension that may be threaded and may be formed from materials such as, but not limited to steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, that may be attached to the rotating union  604  (see  FIG. 6 ). One or more spray nozzles  306  may be placed on the end(s) of the spray bar  304  and may be mounted at  45  degrees from vertical in order to cause the spray bar  304  to rotate when fluid is passed through the spray bar  304 . The discharge from the spray nozzles  306  may also clean the flat surface under the apparatus  100 . Spray nozzles  306  may be formed from materials that include, but are not limited to, stainless steel. 
         [0030]      FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of the right front wheel mechanism  106   a  and the left front wheel mechanism  106   b.  The right front wheel mechanism  106   a  may include a right arm caster  402   a.  The left front wheel mechanism  106   b  may include a left arm caster  402   b . The wheel mechanisms  106   a  and  106   b  may also include an outer yoke  404 , an inner yoke  406 , a wheel  408 , a plurality of caster mounting bolts  410 , a plurality of lock nuts  412 , a retaining pin  414 , a pull pin  416 , a compression spring  418 , a washer  420 , a fastener  422 , a lock washer  424 , a washer  426 , a grease fitting  428 , a retaining ring  430 , a locking cotter  432 , a box tie  434 , an axel bolt  436 , an axle lock nut  438 , and an axle sleeve  440 . 
         [0031]    Wheel mechanisms  106   a  and  106   b  allow for cleaning edges of the surface, while allowing the pressure washing apparatus  100  to remain level on the surface. Right arm caster  402   a  and left arm caster  402   b  may be formed from materials that include powder coated steel and may be secured to the deck  102  with fasteners such as, but not limited to, caster mounting bolts  410  and lock nuts  412 . Outer yokes  404 , may be stainless steel housing with an internally threaded weldment shaft attaches to arm casters  402   a  and  402   b  using fastener components such as, but not limited to fastener  422 , lock washer  424  and washer  426 . Outer yoke  404  may slide over a portion of inner yoke  406  to provide an adjustable height for right front wheel mechanism  106   a  and left front wheel mechanism  106   b . The box tie  434  and locking cotter  71  Box tie  434  may be formed from material such as, but not limited to, steel, aluminum and brass. Wheel  408  may be, but is not limited to an 8 inch diameter no-flat wheel and may be formed from rubber to reduce vibration. Pull pin  416  may insert into caster guide  403  and may provide a locking/retaining mechanism through a quarter turn of the retaining pin after insertion into the caster guide  403 . Retaining pin  414  may be a mechanical tension pin that expands into the pull pin  416 . Compression spring  418  may provide tension for locking/retaining mechanism in conjunction with the retaining pin  414 , pull pin  416 , and washer  420 . The retaining pin  414 , pull pin  416 , compression spring  418  and washer  420  may be used on both wheel mechanisms  106   a  and  106   b,  or on only one of the wheel mechanisms  106   a  and  106   b.  The retaining ring  430  may be a circular metal piece that holds the retaining pin  414  in place. The axel bolt  436  may be, but is not limited to, a 5/16 inch by 2¾ inch round head square neck bolt that provides axel support for wheel  408 , which may be secured by lock nut  438 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 5A  is an exploded view of an alternative front wheel mechanism  500  that may be used with the pressure washing apparatus  100 . The alternative front wheel mechanism  500  may include a center wheel bracket  502 , and a caster wheel  504 . The center wheel bracket may be secured to the deck housing  102  with a plurality of fasteners  506 , using a plurality of holes  508 , a plurality of washers  510 , and a plurality of nuts  512 .  FIG. 5A  also shows that splash guard  102  may be secured to deck housing  102  using a plurality of fasteners  514 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 5B  is an exploded view of an additional alternative front wheel mechanism  515  that may be used with the pressure washing apparatus of  FIG. 1 . Additional alternative front wheel mechanism  515  may include a center wheel mount  516  that may be secured to deck housing  102  using one or more center fasteners  506 , one or more holes  508 , and one or more washers  518 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the deck housing  102  and a top portion  116   b  of the rotary nozzle system  116  that may be connected to the diversion block to rotary nozzle fluid line  124 . The top portion  116   b  may include a rotating union  604  secured to the deck housing  102  using a plurality of lock nuts  606 , a plurality of bolts  608 , a plurality of holes  610 , and a mounting plate  614 . Also shown in  FIG. 6  is a plurality of holes  610  that may be used to mount the handle  108  and a plurality of holes  612  that may be used to mount the power source  104 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the rear wheel mechanism  107 . Rear wheel mechanism  107  may include a splash guard  702 , a wheel housing  704 , an axle  706 , a one or more rear wheels  708 . The splash guard  702  may be secured to the wheel housing  704  using a plurality of fasteners  710 . A guard strip  712  may be secured to the splash guard  702 . The wheels  708  may be secured to the axle  709  using one or more hex nuts  714 , and one or more washers  716 . The wheel housing may be adjustably secured to the deck housing  102  using one or more lock nuts  718  and one or more cap screws  720 , such that a height adjustment bracket  722 , shown in greater detail as  722   a,  with oblong holes, may allow for the height of the rear of the housing deck  102  to be adjusted. Cap screws  720  may be, but are not limited to ¼ inch by 1.5 inches, and lock nuts  718  may be, but are not limited to, ¼ inch stainless steel. Fasteners  710  may be, but are not limited to pop rivets. Rear wheel mechanism  107  may be height adjustable and may be powder coated steel. 
         [0036]      FIG. 8  is an isolated view of the handle  108 . Handle  108  may include a lower portion  802  and an upper portion  804 , that are collapsibly attached by a pair of hinges  806 . Upper portion  804  may include a mounting plate  807 , and a plurality of spray tip holders  808  for spray tips (not shown) for spray gun  114 . Upper portion  804  may also include s socket cap and bolt(s)  810 , a diversion arm stop  812 , and a holster  814 . The hinges  806  may be secured to the upper portion  804  and lower portion  802  using fasteners  816  and  818 . The lower portion  802  may be secured to the deck housing  102  using lock nuts  822  and handle mounting bolts  820 . A pair of tube caps  824  may be secured to an opening in the lower portion  802 . The socket cap and bolts(s)  810  may be used to secure the diversion system  112  to the upper portion of the handle  804 . Diversion arm stop  812  prevents the valve handle  902  from falling too far forward when the valve arm  902  is pushed away from the operator in order to permit the fluid to flow to the rotary nozzle system  116 . Holster  814  secures the spray gun  114  when it is not in use. 
         [0037]      FIG. 9  is an isolated view of the diversion system  112 . The diversion system may include the connector  206 , the diversion block  208 , the elbow connector  210 , the reducer  212 , the valve  214 , the valve trigger  216 , the trigger base  218 , the connector  220 , a valve handle  902 , a socket cap  904 , a cap  906 , a trigger pin  908 , and a grip  910 . The valve handle  902  may be pushed forward by the operator, forward being towards the engine and away from the upper portion  804  of the handle  108 , in order to engage the valve trigger  216 , which allows the fluid to flow from the diversion block  208  to the connector  220 , and then to the spray gun  114 . Although shown as a bar bent at approximately 90 degrees, valve handle  902  may also be employed as a foot pedal or a handle bar, as long as complementary parts are provided in order to allow for the activation of valve trigger  216  with the movement of valve handle  902 . Cap  906  may secure the internal components (not shown) of the valve  214 . Trigger pin  908  pivotally secures the valve handle  902  to the valve  214 . 
         [0038]    Although  FIG. 9  shows various exemplar components of the diversion system  112 , those skilled in the art will recognize that other forms of the components may serve the various functions contemplated by the components shown in  FIG. 9 , and the flow diagram  200  of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 10  shows a rear view of the pressure washing apparatus  100 .  FIG. 10  provides an additional view of the deck housing  102 , the power source  104 , the rear wheel mechanism  107 , the handle  108 , the pump  110 , the pressure regulating valve  111 , the PRV to diversion block fluid line  122 , the diversion block to rotary nozzle system fluid line  124 , the diversion block  208 , the shut off valve  222 , the valve handle  224 , the wheel  408 , the rear wheels  708 , the fasteners  710 , the guard strip  712 , the washers  716 , the lower handle portion  802 , the upper handle portion  804 , the hinges  806 , the spray tip holders  808 , the valve handle  902 , and the grip  910 . 
         [0040]    The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or variant described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or variants. All of the embodiments and variants described in this description are exemplary embodiments and variants provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and not necessarily to limit the scope of legal protection afforded the appended claims. 
         [0041]    The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use that which is defined by the appended claims. The following claims are not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other embodiments and modifications will readily occur to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of these teachings. Therefore, the following claims are intended to cover all such embodiments and modifications when viewed in conjunction with the above specification and accompanying drawings. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.