Abstract:
The invention provides a telescoping wand assembly for use in dispensing liquid from a container, including a trigger module extending along a longitudinal axis between proximal and distal ends. The trigger module includes a tubular handle member, a user accessible trigger positioned externally of the tubular handle member that is selectively movable between first and second positions, a hose positioned within the tubular handle member and adapted to transport liquid from the container, and a valve actuating member that is selectively, movably actuable by movement of the trigger between its first and second positions. A stationary frame assembly provides rigidity and contact points for a telescopically movable tube assembly that extends from the trigger module. A shut-off valve and nozzle are positioned at the distal end of the wand assembly and movement of the shut-off valve is controlled by the trigger and translated by way of the tube assembly.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    N/A 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to sprayers, and more particularly to sprayers having a collapsible spray wand. 
         [0004]    2. Background of Art 
         [0005]    Lawn and garden sprayers often employ a folding or telescoping wand in order to save space for both store packaging and subsequent convenient handling and storage by the user. The wand is unfolded or extended during its use in order to apply product at a distance without the user needing to bend over or reach too far. 
         [0006]    A disadvantage of folding and telescoping wands is that the chemical fluid remaining in the wand is discharged out of the nozzle when it is moved from its extended to its collapsed position. This occurs because the volume of fluid in the wand, contained between the handle and shut-off valve and nozzle, is displaced out through the nozzle as one section of the wand is collapsed into or folded over the next. This discharge of fluid can create a health hazard as the user may come into contact with the chemical fluids, and leave a mess as the fluid can drip onto garage floors or other unintended areas. 
       OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
       [0007]    It is a principal object and advantage of the present invention to provide a telescoping wand assembly that may be moved between collapsed and extended positions without expelling fluid. 
         [0008]    It is another object and advantage of the present invention to provide a safe and functional means for extending the wand to a desired overall length for spraying, and for collapsing the wand to a convenient length for storage. 
         [0009]    Other objects and advantages of the present invention will in part be obvious and in part appear hereinafter. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In accordance with the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention provides a wand that is movable between collapsed and extended positions. When in the fully extended position, fluid may freely flow through the wand and be dispensed upon an area of interest through manual depression of a trigger. When moved from its fully extended to fully collapsed positions, a shut-off valve and O-ring assembly seals the nozzle of the wand and prevents liquid from leaking from the wand. Likewise, when in the fully extended position and the trigger is not depressed, the shut-off valve and O-ring assembly seals the nozzle and prevents the passage of liquid from the wand assembly. 
         [0011]    In one aspect, the invention provides a telescoping wand assembly for use in dispensing liquid from a container, comprising: a trigger module extending along a longitudinal axis between proximal and distal ends and comprising a tubular handle member, a user accessible trigger positioned externally of the tubular handle member and selectively movable between first and second positions, a hose positioned within the tubular handle member and adapted to transport liquid from the container, and a valve actuating member that is selectively, movably actuable by movement of the trigger between its first and second positions. The assembly further comprises a tube assembly interconnected to the handle member consisting of a first tube interconnected to the handle member and comprising opposing first and second ends and a predetermined internal cross-sectional dimension; a second tube positioned co-axially within the first tube and in fluid communication with the hose and comprising first and second ends and a predetermined external cross-sectional dimension that is less than the predetermined internal cross-sectional dimension of the first tube with a cross-sectional gap defined there between; and a third tube coupled in sealed relation to and in fluid communication with the second tube wherein the third tube is selectively slidably movable along the longitudinal axis towards and away from the trigger module. The assembly further comprises a nozzle in fluid communication with the third tube; and a valve positioned between the third tube and the nozzle and in spring biased relation to the nozzle for selective movement between a first position wherein the nozzle is sealed relative to the third tube and a second position wherein the nozzle is in fluid communication with the third tube, whereby selective movement of the trigger between its first and second positions causes the valve to move between its first and second positions, respectively. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the telescoping wand assembly further comprises a sheath extending co-axially from the first tube and in surrounding relation to the third tube. The sheath and the third tube are each slidably movable along said longitudinal axis towards and away from the trigger module. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment, the telescoping wand assembly further comprises a coupler tube that couples the second tube to the third tube and comprises a first end positioned within the second tube and a second engaging the third tube. The telescoping tube assembly further comprises a coupler stop tube positioned adjacent the second end of said coupler tube and in circumferentially surrounding relation to the third tube. The coupler tube is positioned in fluid communication with the third tube. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment, the telescoping wand assembly further comprises a first sealing mechanism positioned in sealed relation between the coupler tube and the second tube in a position adjacent the first end of the coupler tube. The telescoping wand assembly further comprises a second sealing mechanism positioned between the coupler tube and the second tube in spaced relation to the first sealing mechanism. 
         [0015]    In an embodiment. the wand assembly further comprises a tube lock that includes a tang defined by at least one longitudinally extending slot formed through said tube lock, said at least one longitudinally extending slot being positioned in communication with said first tube and said third tube. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment, the gap is annular in cross-section. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment, the valve actuating assembly, the first tube, and said second tube each are movable along the longitudinal axis between fully retracted and fully extended positions. The telescoping wand assembly further comprises a first position lock integrated with the tubular handle, wherein the valve actuating assembly engages the position lock when in its fully retracted position. The telescoping wand assembly further comprises a second position lock integrated with the tubular handle, wherein said valve actuating assembly engages the position lock when in its fully extended position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0019]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective views of a telescoping wand assembly in fully collapsed and fully extended positions, respectively; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1B ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged view taken along section  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged view taken along section  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged view taken along section  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective views of a telescoping wand assembly in fully extended position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6B  is an enlarged view taken along section  6 B- 6 B of  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6C  is an enlarged view taken along section  6 C- 6 C of  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6D  is an enlarged view taken along section  6 D- 6 D of  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 A- 7 A of  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7B  is an enlarged view taken along section  7 B/E- 7 B/E of  FIG. 7A ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7C  is an enlarged view taken along section  7 C/F- 7 C/F of  FIG. 7A ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7D  is an enlarged view taken along section  7 D/G- 7 D/G of  FIG. 7A ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 7E  is an enlarged view taken along section  7 B/E- 7 B/E of  FIG. 7A   
           [0033]      FIG. 7F  is an enlarged view taken along section  7 C/F- 7 C/F of  FIG. 7A ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7G  is an enlarged view taken along section  7 D/G- 7 D/G of  FIG. 7A ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective views of a telescoping wand assembly in fully extended position when initially being retracted; 
           [0036]      FIG. 8A ( 1 ) is an enlarged view taken at section  8 A( 1 )- 8 A( 1 ) of  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 8B  is a perspective views of a telescoping wand assembly retracted to its middle retracted position; 
           [0038]      FIG. 8C  is a cross-section view taken along section line  8 C- 8 C of  FIG. 8B ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 8D  is a enlarged view taken along section  8 D- 8 D of  FIG. 8C ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective views of a telescoping wand assembly retracted to its middle retracted position; 
           [0041]      FIG. 9B  is a perspective views of a telescoping wand assembly retracted to its fully retracted position 
           [0042]      FIG. 9C  is a cross-section view taken along section line  9 C- 9 C of  FIG. 9B ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective views of a telescoping wand assembly retracted to its fully retracted position; 
           [0044]      FIG. 10B  is a perspective views of a telescoping wand assembly extended to its middle extended position; 
           [0045]      FIG. 10C  is a perspective views of a telescoping wand assembly extended to its fully extended position; and 
           [0046]      FIGS. 11A-B  are partial cross-section views showing details of the hose connector. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0047]    Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, there is seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  a spray wand, designated generally by reference numeral  100 , for use in spraying fluid, such as pesticide, herbicide, or other fluid. Spray wand  100  includes telescoping sections that permit it to be used when in a fully extended position or conveniently stowed when in a fully collapsed position. Advantageously, spray wand  100  minimizes any expulsion of any residual fluid that is contained within the wand sections when moved from its fully extended to its fully collapsed positions. 
         [0048]    Before describing the functionality of spray wand  100 , its various structural components will be identified and described. In general, spray wand  100  comprises a handle  102 , a tube assembly  103 , and a structural framework  105 . More specifically, and with reference to  FIG. 2 , spray wand  100  extends along a longitudinal axis X-X and essentially comprises an elongated handle section  102 , an outer tube  104  and middle tube  106  that, when in their fully extended position, each co-linearly extend from the distal end of handle  102 , and an inner tube  108  that co-linearly extends from outer tube  104 . In its fully collapsed state, inner tube  108  telescopically fits within middle tube  106  which in turn telescopically fits within outer tube  104 , and outer tube  104  telescopically fits within handle section  102 . A trigger  110  pivotally mounted to handle section  102  includes a cam  112  that extends through handle section  102  and engages a cam follower  114  longitudinally movably housed within handle section  102 . Manual movement of trigger  110  causes longitudinal displacement of cam follower  114  which in turn moves tube assembly  103 , thereby opening a fluid passageway that permits fluid to flow through and be expelled from wand  100 , as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter. 
         [0049]    A hose  116  longitudinally extends through the proximal end of handle section  102  and is contained there within by a cylindrical hose connector  118  which fluidly interconnects hose  116  to middle tube  106 . The hose  116  extends into a fluid filled container and serves to transport the fluid, via gravity (although a pump could be employed), from the container to middle tube  106  which then transports the fluid to inner tube  108  and for ultimately dispensing onto the surface/substance to be treated with the fluid. 
         [0050]    Hose connector  118  extends partially within middle tube  106  and includes a circumferential groove  120  formed there around adjacent its distal end and within middle tube  106 . An O-ring  122  (or other sealing mechanism/substance) is securely positioned within groove  120  and sandwiched between the inner wall of middle tube  106  and hose connector  118 . Thus, when the liquid passes through hose connector  118  and into middle tube  106 , O-ring  122  will prevent the fluid from leaking rearward and into handle  102 . Additional grooves and O-rings could be added for further sealing if deemed necessary based on the intended use of sprayer  100 . 
         [0051]    Hose connector  120  further comprises a circumferential groove  124  at an intermediate point there along and positioned adjacent and in abutting relation to the exterior of middle tube  106 . An outer tube housing  126  is partially positioned in the annular groove formed between the outer surface of middle tube  106  and the inner surface of outer tube  104 . The proximal end  127  of outer tube housing  126  is positioned within groove  124  to securely hold it in position. A shoulder  128  is formed adjacent the distal end of outer tube housing  126  and the proximal end of outer tube  104  abuts shoulder  128  and is sandwiched between the inner surface of handle  102  and the portion of outer tube housing  126  that extends from shoulder  128  to its distal end. 
         [0052]    Cam follower  114  is contained within a cavity  130  formed at an intermediate position along outer tube housing  126 . As trigger  110  is manually moved from its neutral position to its active position, a spring is compressed and cam  112  engages the ramped surface of cam follower  114 , thereby moving/pushing cam follower  114  longitudinally proximally. Cam follower  114 , in turn, ultimately engages outer tube assembly  103  pushing it proximally as well. As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the longitudinal proximal movement of cam follower  114  pulls middle tube  106  which in turn pulls inner tube  108  distally as well. This proximal movement of the tube assembly  103  opens a nozzle permitting the dispersion of liquid from spray wand  100 . When the trigger  110  is released and allowed to return to its neutral position, the spring (which will be described in greater detail hereinafter) decompresses and causes the longitudinal and distal movement of middle tube  106  and inner tube  108 , also resulting in the closing of the nozzle. This operation will be explained in greater detail after further describing the structure of spray wand  100 . 
         [0053]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , the junction of middle tube  106  and inner tube  108  is shown. A tube coupler  132  interconnects middle tube  106  in which it is entirely positioned and inner tube  108 . The exterior surface of tube coupler  132  slides via O-rings against the inner surface of middle tube  106  and the outward surface of inner tube  108  is assembled into the interior of tube coupler  132 . More specifically, a shoulder  134  is formed in the interior of tube coupler  132  and inner tube&#39;s proximal end abuts shoulder  134 . In addition, a flanged coupler tube stop  136  is press fit into the distal end of middle tube  106  until its flanged end abuts the distal end of middle tube  106 . Tube coupler  132  further comprises a pair of longitudinally spaced, circumferentially formed grooves  138 ,  140  positioned proximally from shoulder  134 , and in which O-rings  142 ,  144 , respectively, are positioned, to prevent leaking of any fluid that passes through middle tube  106  to inner tube  108 . 
         [0054]    To help protect the structural integrity of inner tube  108 , and provide structure to the overall wand  100 , a protective sheath  146  is positioned in co-linearly extending relation to and around inner tube  108  with an annular gap  148  positioned there between. Sheath  146  is of an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of outer tube  104  and an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of middle tube  106 , thereby permitting it to telescope into outer tube  104  and permit middle tube  106  to fit there within. 
         [0055]    A tube lock  150  is positioned in a portion of the annular gap  148  between sheath  146  and inner tube  108 . A tang  152  with outwardly biased fingers  154  extends proximally from tube lock  150  and into the gap between outer tube  104  and middle tube  106 . Fingers  154  are manually movable towards the center-line of wand  100  and, as explained hereinafter, when depressed will permit sheath  146  and inner tube  108  to be telescopically slid proximally into outer tube  104  and middle tube  106 , respectively. 
         [0056]    A tube lock retainer  156  is mounted to the distal end of outer tube  104  and includes a flanged surface  158  that serves as an abutment to fingers  154  when in their neutral state and which prevent proximal movement of sheath  146  (and, indirectly, inner tube  108 ). It is the manual movement of fingers  154  to a position unimpeded by flanged surface  158  that permits the proximal movement of sheath  146  and, indirectly, inner tube  108 . 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the final components comprising wand  100  are shown. More specifically, a shutoff valve  160  is positioned at the distal end of inner tube  108  and includes a shoulder  162  that abuts the distal end of inner tube  108 , a legged extension  164  that extends over and is attached to the outer surface of inner tube  108 , a fluid passage  166  that continues from inner tube  108 , an annular groove  168  that extends around the distal end of valve  160  and a second annular groove  170  that extends circumferentially and exteriorly around passage  166 . O-rings  172  and  174  are positioned within grooves  168  and  170 , respectively. A nozzle retainer  176  is mounted over the distal end of sheath  146  and includes a flange  178  that presses against and acts as a guide for the outer surface of the legged extension  164  of shutoff valve  160 , and together with shutoff valve  160  defines an annular gap  180  in which a spring  182  is positioned. Spring  182  biases shutoff valve  160  towards the distal end of wand  100  and forces it into sealed relation with a nozzle  184  that is positioned at the distal-most position of wand  100  and extends over shutoff valve  160  and nozzle retainer  176 . Nozzle  184  comprises a series of openings  186  in circumferentially spaced relation around its distal end surface  188  which is otherwise closed. Spring  182  biases shutoff valve  160  (and O-ring  172 ) into sealed relation with nozzle  184  preventing fluid from expelling through nozzle  184 . When trigger  110  is manually depressed, as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, shutoff valve  160  is pulled proximally which permits fluid to flow through inner tube  108  and out of nozzle  184 . 
         [0058]    One final structural component of wand  100  is seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  and comprises a button  190  that protrudes through an opening  192  formed through handle  102  adjacent the distal end thereof when wand  100  is in its fully extended position. To collapse wand  100 , a user would depress button  190  and then, after also depressing fingers  154 , slide sheath  146 , inner tube  108 , middle tube  106  and outer tube  104  all proximally. This will cause button  190  to slide within handle  102  towards an opening  194  formed at the proximal end of handle  102  and then pop through opening  194  when the assembly is fully collapsed, thereby locking wand  100  in its collapsed position. 
         [0059]    To operate wand  100 , it must be in its fully extended position. When fully extended, button  190 , as mentioned above, pops through opening  192 , fingers  154  bias outward and are prevented from proximal movement by tube lock retainer  156  and the entirety of components are locked in position. To pull liquid through hose  116 , trigger  110  is pressed downwardly towards handle  102 . When handle  110  is depressed, the cam  112  on trigger  110  engages and pushes proximally on cam follower  114 . The proximal movement of cam follower  114 , in turn, pulls middle tube  106  proximally. The components linking middle  106  to inner tube  108  (coupler tube  132  and coupler tube stop  136 ) translate the proximal movement of middle tube  106  to inner tube  108 . The proximal movement of inner tube  108 , in turn, pulls shut-off valve  164  proximally as well, thereby permitting the fluid to pass through openings  186  formed in nozzle  184 . Releasing trigger  110  causes the movable components to move distally via spring return and shut-off valve  186  to seat against the body  188  of nozzle  184  with O-ring  172  sealing off liquid from openings  186 . It is worth noting that O-ring  174  also provides sealing as shut-off valve  186  operates. 
         [0060]    Wand  100  is collapsed in two stages: middle position retraction and full retraction. To collapse wand  100  to middle position retraction, fingers  154  are pressed inwardly and out of engagement with tube lock retainer  156  and inner tube  108  is slid proximally telescopically moving within middle tube  106  via retraction of the nozzle/sheath assembly. Once this refraction is initiated, cam feature  112  on trigger  110  separates from cam follower  114  such that shut-off valve  160  remains closed; the user is only able to open shut-off valve  160  via trigger  110  when wand  100  is fully extended. Retraction to the middle position is complete when the end face of nozzle retainer  176  abuts tube lock retainer  156 . 
         [0061]    From this middle position, full retraction may be initiated by the user depressing button  190  out of engagement with opening  192  which releases outer tube  104  (and its assembled components) from its fixed position permitting proximal sliding movement thereof into handle  102 . Full retraction is completed by pushing nozzle  184  proximally until button  190  engages opening  194  at which point the components are locked in their collapsed positions. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIGS. 10A-10C , like the two stage retraction, extension is also accomplished in two phases: middle position extension and full extension. Extension from the fully collapsed position to the middle phase extension is achieved by distally sliding nozzle  184  and inner tube  108  (which indirectly follows nozzle  184 ) until the fingers  154  latch against tube lock retainer  156  (see  FIG. 10B ). Continued extension from the middle position to full extension is initiated by depressing button  190  out of engagement with opening  194  and distally sliding outer tube  104  (or alternatively sheath  146  which will pull the other components along with it) until button  190  engages opening  192  at the distal end of handle  102 , thereby locking the assembly in its fully extended and operable position.