Patent Publication Number: US-2023141698-A1

Title: Hose end sprayers and methods of manufacturing the same

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the invention relate to dispensing sprayers and more particularly to aspiration-type sprayers that dispense a carrier fluid or a carrier fluid with an active agent. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Aspiration-type dispensers are readily available and are commonly used to dispense active solutions, such as fertilizers, pesticides, cleaning agents, and other chemicals, with a carrier fluid such as water. Such dispensers are also known as hose-end-sprayers because they are frequently attached to a hose attached to a water supply so that water can act as the carrier fluid passing through the hose-end-sprayer. 
     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,631,819 discloses a sprayer head assembly having a valve moveably positioned between a first “off” position and a second “on” position wherein flow of both a carrier fluid and an active agent are blocked in the “off” position and wherein water—acting as a carrier fluid—passes over a chemical inlet passage in an “on” position, sucking an active agent or chemical into the carrier fluid stream for dispersion from the sprayer head. 
     In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,328,857 discloses a sprayer head assembly having three valve positions: a first “off” position in which carrier fluid (such as water from a hose attached to the sprayer head) and a chemical fluid do not flow through the sprayer; a second position in which the carrier fluid—but not the chemical fluid—is allowed to pass through the sprayer; and a third position in which both the carrier fluid and the chemical fluid pass through the sprayer. 
     Hose-end-sprayers such as these are common and can be used with many different products. They are found on store shelves and are shipped as e-commerce products. One of the issues facing many such sprayers delivered in e-commerce streams is leakage. To avoid leakage, the dispenser may be shipped separate from a container of liquid such that the user must attach the dispenser to a container of concentrated chemical after receiving an e-commerce package, increasing the risk of exposure to the concentrated chemical for the user. 
     While various types of hose-end-sprayers and dispensers are available, improved versions suited more for e-commerce shipping streams, or sprayers having fewer parts or cheaper assembly requirements are desired. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to certain embodiments of the invention, a dispensing system comprises a hose-end-sprayer attached to a container, the container holding a quantity of fluid to be dispensed. The hose-end-sprayer may be attached to a hose or other carrier fluid source to provide water or other carrier fluid to the hose-end-sprayer. 
     In various embodiments of the invention, a hose-end-sprayer includes a sprayer body and one or more valves configured to attach to the sprayer body. In this way, multiple sprayer configurations may be created using a standard sprayer body, eliminating the need to produce custom sprayer bodies for different hose-end-sprayer configurations and reducing manufacturing costs. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, a shipping clip is also provided. The shipping clip may attach to the sprayer body and an associated valve such that the shipping clip retains the valve in an “off” position such that fluid is prevented from escaping or leaking from a dispensing system and hose-end-sprayer during non-use or during shipping. According to various embodiments, a shipping clip may include a body flange capable of snapping or otherwise temporarily attaching to the sprayer body. A shipping clip may also include a valve flange extending off a body of the shipping clip and configured to seat in a valve orifice or hole. In other embodiments, the shipping clip may include an orifice or hole for accepting a flange extending off a valve. A shipping clip may be seated on the sprayer body and engaged with the valve to prevent rotation or movement of the valve during shipping or storage. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, a valve may be configured to provide two positions: a first “off” position in which fluid does not pass through the valve and an “on” position in which a carrier fluid passes through the valve, picking up a chemical or other fluid through a suction or venturi effect as with known systems. In other embodiments, a valve may be configured to provide three positions: a first “off” position in which fluid does not pass through the valve, a second “carrier fluid position” in which only carrier fluid is allowed to pass through the valve, and a third “on” position in which the carrier fluid mixes with a chemical or other fluid stored in a container attached to the hose-end-sprayer and is expelled from the dispensing system. Other valve configurations may also be used with embodiments of the invention. 
     Valves used with various embodiments of the invention may include a valve orifice or opening in a front surface or edge thereof which is configured to mate with or accept a valve flange of a shipping clip. In other embodiments, the valve may include a flange that mates with or fits into a flange opening in a shipping clip. Positioning or engagement of a shipping clip with a valve prevents rotation of the valve without additional forces being applied. This serves to hold the valve in a closed or “off” position during shipping or when the dispensing system is not in use. 
     A valve according to embodiments of the invention also includes a lever guide. In some embodiments of the invention, a lever guide is configured as a channel or opening in a wall of the valve. The lever guide is configured or shaped to accept and mate with a lever flange extending off a lever used to rotate the valve. During assembly of a hose-end-sprayer, a lever may be held in position relative to the sprayer body, extending through a lever opening therein, as a valve is assembled into the sprayer body. As the valve is inserted into the sprayer body, the lever flange engages or slides into the lever guide on the valve. A retention feature, such as a snap bead, hook, clip, or other feature may be engaged when the valve is fully inserted such that the lever is fixably attached to the valve. Movement of the lever thereby moves the valve, allowing a user to move or transition the valve between the various valve positions. 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a hose-end-sprayer having a customized valve is manufactured by molding a universal sprayer body, molding one or more valves configured to fit with the sprayer body, molding and providing a lever, and providing other parts generally associated with hose-end-sprayers and assembling the parts to form a completed hose-end-sprayer. In some embodiments, a shipping clip is molded and assembled to the sprayer body and valve. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming particular embodiments of the present invention, various embodiments of the invention can be more readily understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art from the following descriptions of various embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a dispensing system according to particular embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a hose-end-sprayer according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a blown-apart assembly drawing of the hose-end-sprayer illustrated in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a sprayer body of a hose-end-sprayer according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sprayer body illustrated in  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a perspective view of a valve according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the valve illustrated in  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a perspective view of a valve according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the valve illustrated in  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  10    illustrates an enlarged view of a seal pad according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  11    illustrates an enlarged view of a shipping clip according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a blown apart assembly drawing of a hose-end-sprayer according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hose-end-sprayer in a first “off” position according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hose-end-sprayer of  FIG.  13    in a second “on” position according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  15    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hose-end-sprayer in a first “off” position according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  16   . Illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hose-end-sprayer of  FIG.  15    in a second “on” position; and 
         FIG.  17    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hose-end-sprayer of  FIG.  15    in a third “carrier fluid” position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     According to embodiments of the invention, a dispensing system  900  may include a hose-end-sprayer  100  attached to a container  950  as illustrated in  FIG.  1   . A carrier fluid source  990 , such as a hose, may be attached to the hose-end-sprayer  100  as a part of the dispensing system  900 . 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a container  950  may hold a chemical composition or other fluid. For example, a container  950  may hold or store a pesticide formulation, a fertilizer formulation, a cleaning formulation, or other liquid formulation which a user desires to disperse utilizing a dispensing system  900  according to embodiments of the invention. 
     A hose-end-sprayer  100  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  2   . The hose-end-sprayer  100  includes a sprayer body  110  having a valve  160  inserted and seated therein. A container nut  130  is attached to a container connection opening  113  of the sprayer body  110  and a hose nut  140  is attached to a hose connection opening  114  of the sprayer body  110 . A lever  180  is connected to the valve  160  through a lever opening  118  in the sprayer body  110 . Movement of the lever  180  moves or rotates the valve  160  within the sprayer body  110 . However, as illustrated in  FIG.  1   , a shipping clip  150  may be attached to the sprayer body  110  or to the sprayer body  110  and the valve  160  to resist or prevent movement or rotation of the valve  160  relative to the sprayer body  110 . 
     A blown-apart assembly view of the hose-end-sprayer  100  illustrated in  FIG.  2    is illustrated in  FIG.  3   . As shown, a hose-end-sprayer  100  may include a sprayer body  110 . A container nut  130 , along with a retainer  132 , container gasket  134 , and dip tube  136 , may be assembled to a container connection opening  113  of the sprayer body  110 . The retainer  132  may be snap fit to the sprayer body  110  at one end and connected to the dip tube  136  at the other end when assembled. The container gasket  134  may sit in an interior of the container nut  130  and provide a sealing surface to which a container  900  or bottle may rest when the hose-end-sprayer  100  is attached to a container  900 . Conventional features may be used to retain the container gasket  134  in the container nut  130 . While the illustrated container connection system includes a container nut  130 , a retainer  132 , a dip tube  136  and a container gasket  134 , components thereof may be eliminated or additional components and features may be added as required. 
     A hose nut  140  and a hose gasket  142  may be assembled to a hose connection opening  114  of the sprayer body  110 . The hose gasket  142  may sit in an interior of the hose nut  140  and provide a sealing surface to which a carrier fluid source  990 , such as a hose, may seat when attached to the hose nut  140 . Conventional features may be used to retain the hose gasket  142  within an interior of the hose nut  140 . While the illustrated hose connection system includes a hose nut  140  and gasket  142 , other components may be added—such as an anti-siphon device  144 —or removed from the system. 
     A seal pad  190  may be inserted into the sprayer body  110  and seated to provide a sealing surface and openings between the valve  160  and the sprayer body  110 . 
     A hose-end-sprayer  100  also includes a valve  160 . The valve  160  may be assembled into the dispensing opening  199  and seated or secured within an interior of the sprayer body  110 . The valve  160  may be assembled in such a manner that it may rotate about an axis within the sprayer body  110 . When assembled, the valve  160  may engage the lever  180  which is held in the lever opening  118  as the valve  160  is assembled to the sprayer body  110 . The lever  180  may snap into the valve  160 , helping to retain the valve  160  within the interior of the sprayer body  110  and providing a lever  180  to rotate the valve  160  about its central axis within the sprayer body  110 . As the valve  160  rotates, the seal pad  190  remains fixed within the sprayer body  110  interior. 
     A shipping clip  150  may be attached to the sprayer body  110  or to the sprayer body  110  and the valve  160  to help retain the valve  160  in a given “on” or “off” position as desired. For example, the shipping clip  150  may be assembled or attached to the sprayer body  110  and valve  160  when the valve  160  is in an “off” position to help maintain the “off” position during shipping of the hose-end-sprayer  100  or a dispensing system  900  utilizing a hose-end-sprayer  100  according to embodiments of the invention. 
     A sprayer body  110  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  4    and a cross-sectional view of the same sprayer body  110  is illustrated in  FIG.  5   . According to certain embodiments of the invention, a sprayer body  110  may include numerous openings. For example, the sprayer body  100  may include a hose connection opening  114 , a container connection opening  113 , a lever opening  118 , and a dispensing opening  199 . Other openings in portions of the sprayer body  100  may also exist to allow flow of a carrier fluid or product fluids through the sprayer body  110  and into various components assembled with the sprayer body  100 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the end of the sprayer body  110  adjacent the dispensing opening  199  includes an interior space defined by a generally cylindrical shape and a rear wall  111  in the dispensing opening  199 . A carrier fluid opening  194  is formed in the rear wall  111  and a carrier fluid flow path through which a carrier fluid may pass through the sprayer body  110  extends from the hose connection opening  114  to the carrier fluid opening  194 . A product fluid opening  193  is located in a portion of an interior wall of the sprayer body  110  as illustrated. The product fluid opening  193  is surrounded by a retainer connection  133  extending downwardly from an inner portion of the sprayer body  110  towards the container connection opening  113 . A vent opening  192  in the sprayer body  110  wall between an interior of the sprayer body  110  and the container connection opening  113  is located outside the circumference of the retainer connection  133 . The vent opening  192  is generally positioned in the sprayer body  110  to allow atmospheric air to pass through the vent opening  192  into a container  950 . 
     An interior portion of the dispensing opening  199  may also include a seal pad seat  119  into which a seal pad  190  may be fitted and retained. 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a shipping clip  150  may be assembled on or attached to the sprayer body  110  as illustrated in  FIG.  1   . Such shipping clips  150  may be retained on the sprayer body  110  using any one of, or multiple, features in the sprayer body  110  or the sprayer body  110  and the valve  160 . For instance, as illustrated in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , a sprayer body  110  may include one or more recesses  197  about an exterior surface of the sprayer body  110  adjacent the dispensing opening  199 . The one or more recesses  197  may be configured to accept a flange, rib, or other projection extending from a shipping clip  150 . The interaction of a recess  197  with such shipping clip  150  features may help retain the shipping clip  150  on the sprayer body  110 . In other embodiments, a shipping clip  150  may include a recess and a bead, flange, or ridge on the exterior surface of the sprayer body  110  may interact with the recess to help hold the shipping clip  150  in place when assembled on the sprayer body  110 . 
     A clip rail  196 , also illustrated in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , may also assist in supporting a shipping clip  150 . For example, a shipping clip  150  may include a rail seat  156  configured to straddle the clip rail  196  and to support the shipping clip  150  in its position on the sprayer body  110 . In other embodiments, the combination of the clip rail  196  and the rail seat  156  helps position the shipping clip  150  in a position desired to help prevent the rotation of a valve  160 . 
     A sprayer body  110  may also include one or more clip stops  195  configured to retain a shipping clip  150  between two clip stops  195 . In various embodiments of the invention, a clip stop  195  may prevent movement of the shipping clip  150  when a force is applied to the valve  160  such that the valve  160  will not move without the exertion of a given force; when such force is met, the shipping clip  150  will pop-off or be disengaged from the valve  160  by interaction with the clip stop  195 .  FIG.  2    illustrates a shipping clip  150  seated between the two clip stops  195  identified in  FIG.  4   . The positioning of the shipping clip  150  between the two clip stops  195  helps to prevent movement of the shipping clip  150 . 
     A sprayer body  110  may also include one or more valve detents  198 . As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , a valve detent  198  may be formed on a surface of a clip rail  196 . The one or more valve detents  198  may retain a valve  160  in the sprayer body  110  once assembled therein. For example, a valve  160  may be pushed into the opening of the sprayer body  110  such that the valve body  163  passes the valve detents  198  and the valve flange  165  snaps over the valve detents  198  and is then held within the sprayer body  110  by the valve detents  198 . In some embodiments of the invention, the valve detents  198  may be sloped to allow a valve flange  165  of a valve  160  deform and pass over a valve detent  198  and then be retained by a back or rear surface of the valve detent  198  once assembled. 
     Snap beads or other connection features may circumscribe or be located on an exterior surface of the sprayer body  110  adjacent the container connection opening  113  and the hose connection opening  114 . As illustrated in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the sprayer body  110  may include ramps  109  adjacent the container connection opening  113  and the hose connection opening  114  such that the container nut  130  and hose nut  140  may be pushed over the ramps  109  and snap-fit onto the sprayer body  110  in such a manner that the container nut  130  and hose nut  140  are then retained on the sprayer body  110 . While ramps  109  are illustrated, other connection or retention features as known in the art may be used with various embodiments of the invention to retain the container nut  130  and hose nut  140  on the sprayer body  110 . 
     A valve  160  according to certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  6  and  7   . A valve  160  may include a generally cylindrical shape having a generally cylindrical valve body  163  and a rear wall  161 . An interior space is defined within the valve body  163  and the rear wall  161 . A valve flange  165  circumscribes an opening in the valve  160  opposite the rear wall  161 . Portions of the valve flange  165  extend away from the valve body  163  and may be configured to engage with a portion of a sprayer body  110  to retain the valve  160  within the sprayer body  110 . One or more shipping clip orifices  162  or openings may exist in the valve  160  such as in the valve flange  165  illustrated in  FIG.  6   . A lever guide  164  may also be present in the valve body  160  as illustrated. 
     According to embodiments of the invention, a valve  160  may include openings through which gas, fluid, or product may flow. As illustrated in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , a valve  160  may include a valve vent opening  172 , a valve product fluid opening  173 , and a valve carrier fluid opening  174 . When a valve  160  is in an “on” state or state allowing fluid to pass through the hose-end-sprayer  100 , the valve vent opening  172  may be aligned with the vent opening  192  in the sprayer body  110 , and the valve product fluid opening  173  and valve carrier fluid opening  174  may be aligned with the product fluid opening  193  and carrier fluid opening  194  of the sprayer body  110 , respectively. In some embodiments of the invention, a seal pad  190  may be seated between the valve  160  and the sprayer body  110  such that when the openings in the valve  160  align with the openings in the sprayer body  110  in the “on” state, openings in the seal pad  190  are also aligned and are positioned between the openings in the valve  160  and the sprayer body  110 . 
     The valve  160  of a hose-end sprayer  100  illustrated in  FIGS.  6  and  7    may be rotated relative to its sprayer body  110  between a first “off” position and a second “on” position. When assembled as part of a hose-end-sprayer  100 , a lever  180  is connected to the valve  160 . In some embodiments, a lever flange  182  of a lever  180  fits into the lever guide  164  of the valve  160  such that movement of the lever  180  may control the positioning of the valve  160  relative to the sprayer body  110 . Movement of the valve  160  into the first “off” position cause the valve  160  openings—valve vent opening  172 , valve product fluid opening  173 , and valve carrier fluid opening  174 —to seal against a seal pad  190  as illustrated in  FIG.  13   . In such configuration, product and carrier fluid cannot flow through the hose-end-sprayer  100 . Movement of the valve  160  to the second “on” position rotates the valve  160  to a position where the valve  160  openings are aligned with the corresponding openings of the sprayer body  110  and seal pad  190 . In this manner, carrier fluid may pass through the hose-end-sprayer  100  and out the valve carrier fluid opening  174  where the fluid impacts a valve fluid ramp  167 . The valve fluid ramp  167  may include an air gap associated with the valve product fluid opening  173 . Passage of a carrier fluid over the air gap in the valve fluid ramp  167  pulls product from a container attached to the hose-end-sprayer  100  through the valve product fluid opening  173  and into the air gap where it mixes with the carrier fluid and is expelled from the hose-end-sprayer  100 . 
     A valve  160  according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  8  and  9   . As with the valve  160  illustrated in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the valve  160  illustrated in  FIGS.  8  and  9    includes a generally cylindrical valve body  163 , a rear wall  161 , a lever guide  164  and a valve flange  165  generally circumscribing the valve  160  opposite the rear wall  161  as illustrated. The valve  160  also includes a valve vent opening  172  and a valve product fluid opening  173 . The valve  160  also includes two valve carrier fluid opening  174 —a first valve carrier fluid opening  174   a  and a second valve carrier fluid opening  174   b.  The first valve carrier fluid opening  174   a  is associated with a first valve carrier fluid discharge port  175   a  and the second valve carrier fluid opening  174   b  is associated with a second valve carrier fluid discharge port  175   b.  A dispersion device  191  may be connected to the first valve carrier fluid discharge port  175   a  as illustrated in  FIG.  9   . 
     When assembled to a sprayer body  110  according to various embodiments of the invention, a valve  160  such as that illustrated in  FIGS.  8  and  9    has three positions: a first “off” position in which fluid is prevented from flowing through a hose-end-sprayer  100  utilizing the valve  160 ; a second “on” position in which a carrier fluid mixes with a product fluid and is expelled from the hose-end-sprayer  100 ; and a third “carrier fluid” position in which only carrier fluid is dispersed from the hose-end-sprayer  100 . In the first “off” position, the valve  160  openings are not in communication with any openings in the sprayer body  110 . In the second “on” position, the first valve carrier fluid opening  174   a  is in communication with the carrier fluid opening  194  of the sprayer body  110  and the valve product fluid opening  173  is in communication with the sprayer body  110  product fluid opening  193 . In the third “carrier fluid” position, the second valve carrier fluid opening  174   b  is in communication with the carrier fluid opening  194  of the sprayer body  110  but the valve product fluid opening  173  is not in communication with the product fluid opening  193  of the sprayer body  110 , preventing product from flowing through the hose-end-sprayer  100 . However, carrier fluid may flow through the hose-end-sprayer  100  in the “carrier fluid” position, allowing a user to dispense water or other carrier fluid without product. 
     A seal pad  190  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  10   . A seal pad  190  may include one or more openings through which fluids or gases may flow. For example, the seal pad  190  illustrated in  FIG.  10    includes a seal pad vent opening  292 , a seal pad product fluid opening  293 , and a seal pad carrier fluid opening  294 . According to various embodiments of the invention, each seal pad opening may include a seal ring encircling or positioned about the seal pad opening as illustrated in  FIG.  10   . For example, a vent seal  202  is positioned about the seal pad vent seal opening  292 ; a product fluid seal  203  is positioned about the seal pad product fluid opening  293 ; and a carrier fluid seal  204  is positioned about the seal pad carrier fluid opening  294 . The seals  202 ,  203 , and  204  may be on both sides of the seal pad  190  or just one side. The seal pads  202 ,  203 , and  204  may seal against a valve  160 , a sprayer body  110 , or both a valve  160  and a sprayer body  110  to prevent leakage of product when a hose-end-sprayer  100  is in operation in the “on” or “carrier fluid” positions or when in the “off” position. 
     A seal pad  190  may be assembled to an interior of a sprayer body  110  as illustrated in various embodiments of the invention. The seal pad  190 , the sprayer body  110 , or both the seal pad  190  and the sprayer body  110  may include features configured to retain the seal pad  190  in the sprayer body  110  during and after assembly. 
     A shipping clip  150  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  11   . A shipping clip  150  may include a sprayer body saddle  158  which may fit or mate with the edge of—or an outer rim of—a sprayer body  110  opening. One or more recess flanges  157  positioned on an interior of the sprayer body saddle  158  may fit into or engage one or more recesses  197  on an exterior of a sprayer body  110  to help retain the shipping clip  150  on the sprayer body  110  during shipping or non-use. 
     When positioned on a sprayer body  110  with the sprayer body saddle  158  over an outer rim of the sprayer body  110 , a clip rail saddle  156  may sit over or straddle a clip rail  196  of a sprayer body  110 . The positioning of the clip rail saddle  156  on the clip rail  196  may also help to position the shipping clip  150  on the sprayer body  110 . As illustrated, the clip rail saddle  156  may include a clip rail saddle extension  155 . The clip rail saddle extension  155  may have a width that allows it to fit between two clip stops  195  on the sprayer body  110 . Interaction of the clip rail saddle extension  155  with one or more of the clip stops  195  may prevent movement of a valve  160  to which the shipping clip  150  is attached. 
     A shipping clip  150  may also include one or more valve extensions  152  configured to seat in a shipping clip orifice  162 . As shown, a valve extension  152  may extend off of the shipping clip  150  such that it creates a projection that may be inserted into a shipping clip orifice  162  of a valve  160  in order to help retain the shipping clip  150  attachment to the valve  160  and the sprayer body  110 . One or more shipping clip valve projections  151  may project off of the valve extension  152  and may be configured to snap into a valve  160  or help retain a shipping clip  150  on a valve  160 . A shipping clip valve projection  151  may be on a front side or a rear side of the valve extension  152 , or both. 
     When assembled as part of a hose-end-sprayer  100  according to embodiments of the invention, a shipping clip  150  is positioned such that the sprayer body saddle  158  sits on an exterior rim of the sprayer body  110  with a recess flange  157  positioned in a recess  197  on the exterior of the sprayer body  110  , the clip rail saddle  156  sits on a clip rail  196  of the sprayer body  110 , a clip rail saddle extension  155  sits adjacent to a clip stop  195 , or between two clip stops  195 , and the valve extension  152  seats in a shipping clip orifice  162  of the valve  160 . A shipping clip  150  positioned in this manner may prevent movement or rotation of the valve  160  within the sprayer body  110 . The features of the shipping clip  150  that retain the shipping clip  150  on the sprayer body  110  may be designed such that they will release upon the application of a certain force applied to the valve  160 —for instance by applying a force to the lever  180  - 0  or by a user pulling on the shipping clip  150  with a desired force. 
     While various embodiments of the invention are described with respect to a shipping clip  150  having a recess flange  157  and shipping clip valve projections  151 , it is understood that the shipping clip  150  could instead have or support the recesses and the sprayer body  110  and valve  160 —or both—could have projections to fit into shipping clip  150  recesses to accomplish the same goals of retaining a shipping clip  150  on the hose-end-sprayer  100  during shipping and non-use. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a blown-apart assembly drawing of a hose-end-sprayer  100  according to various embodiments of the invention. The hose-end-sprayer  100  illustrated in  FIG.  12    includes the valve  160  illustrated in  FIGS.  8  and  9    having three positions and a dispersion device  191  which is assembled to the first valve carrier fluid discharge port in the final assembly. In addition, the hose-end-sprayer  100  illustrated in  FIG.  12    includes an anti-siphon component  144  which is made up of various components that prevent backflow or siphoning of carrier fluid tainted with product back through the hose-end-sprayer  100  and into a carrier fluid source attached to the hose-end-sprayer  100 . Anti-siphon or backflow prevention devices are well known and any such device can be used with various embodiments of the present invention. Other components of the hose-end-sprayer  100  illustrated in  FIG.  12    are similar to, or the same as, those described with respect to  FIG.  3   . 
     Cross-sectional views of a hose-end-sprayer  100  according to various embodiments of the invention are illustrated in  FIGS.  13  and  14   .  FIG.  13    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hose-end-sprayer  100  in a first “off” position in which the carrier fluid opening  194 , the product fluid opening  193 , and the vent opening  192  are all closed by valve  160 . In addition, movement of valve  160  is being prevented or retarded by the presence of shipping clip  150 . 
       FIG.  14    illustrates the same hose-end-sprayer  100  with the shipping clip  150  removed, the valve  160  rotated into a second “on” position, and various openings in communication with each other. For instance, carrier fluid opening  194  is in communication with the seal pad carrier fluid opening  294  and valve carrier fluid opening  174 , product fluid opening  193  is in communication with the seal pad product fluid opening  293  and valve product fluid opening  173 , and vent opening  192  is in communication with seal pad vent opening  292  and valve vent opening  172 . In operation in the “on” position, carrier fluid flows through the hose-end-sprayer  100 , through the carrier fluid openings where it strikes the valve fluid ramp  167  and is combined with product flowing through the product openings before being dispersed from the hose-end-sprayer  100 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  13  and  14   , a retainer  132  may be seated in a retainer connection  133  of the sprayer body  110 . A retainer  132  may be snap fit, screwed on, welded, or otherwise attached to the sprayer body  110  at the retainer connection  133 . A dip tube  136  may be seated in the retainer  132  such as by friction fit or other retention configuration. The dip tube  136  may transport product fluid from inside a container into a space formed between the retainer  132  and the sprayer body  110  such that it is fed through the product opening  193  when the hose-end-sprayer  100  is dispensing a product. 
       FIGS.  15  through  17    illustrate cross-sectional views of another hose-end-sprayer  100  according to embodiments of the invention in a first “off” position, a second “on” position, and a third “carrier fluid” position, respectively. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  15   , the hose-end-sprayer  100  is in a first “off” position. The valve  160  is rotated such that the valve  160  openings are blocked and carrier fluid and product are not able to exit the hose-end-sprayer  100 . In addition, the vent opening  192  is blocked, preventing any fluid or product stored in a container attached to the hose-end-sprayer  100  from leaking through the vent opening  192 . As shown, in the first “off” position, the valve vent opening  172  is not aligned with the seal pad vent opening  292  or the vent opening  192  in the sprayer body  100 . Likewise, the valve product fluid opening  173  is not aligned with the seal pad product fluid opening  293  or the product fluid opening  193 . The valve carrier fluid opening  174  is also not aligned with the seal pad carrier fluid opening  294  or the carrier fluid opening  194 . Thus, carrier fluid cannot pass through the hose-end-sprayer  100  as it is blocked by the valve  160 . 
       FIG.  16    illustrates the hose-end-sprayer  100  illustrated in  FIG.  15   , wherein the valve  160  has been rotated by movement of the lever  180  such that the openings in the valve  160  are aligned with the openings in the sprayer body  100  to allow both a carrier fluid and a product to pass through the hose-end-sprayer  100 . As illustrated, carrier fluid opening  194  is aligned with the seal pad carrier fluid opening  294  and the first valve carrier fluid opening  174   a,  allowing a carrier fluid to pass through the hose-end-sprayer  100 . The product fluid opening  193  is also aligned with the seal pad product fluid opening  293  and the valve product fluid opening  173 , allowing product to flow into the first valve carrier fluid opening  174   a  where it mixes with the carrier fluid and is expelled through the first valve carrier fluid discharge port  175   a.  The mixture of carrier fluid and product exiting the first valve carrier fluid discharge port  175   a  may impact the dispersion device  191 , creating a shaped spray pattern for the resulting fluid being dispensed from the hose-end-sprayer  100 . 
       FIG.  17    illustrates the hose-end-sprayer  100  of  FIG.  15    in a third “carrier fluid” position in which only a carrier fluid is allowed to pass through the hose-end-sprayer  100  and no product is dispensed. 
     As shown in  FIG.  17   , the valve  160  is rotated such that the second valve carrier fluid opening  174   b  is aligned with the seal pad carrier fluid opening  294  and the carrier fluid opening  194  of the sprayer body  110 . The valve product fluid opening  173  and valve vent opening  172  are not aligned with the seal pad product fluid opening  293  and seal pad vent opening  292  or the product fluid opening  193  and vent opening  192  of the sprayer body  110 . The lack of such alignment precludes the flow of product from a container connected to the hose-end-sprayer  100  into the valve  160  and out of the dispenser. In this manner, a user may selectively spray just the carrier fluid from the hose-end-sprayer  100 . 
     Hose-end-sprayers  100  according to various embodiments of the invention are unique in that various embodiments may share similar parts. For example, according to certain embodiments of the invention, a hose-end-sprayer  100  having two select positions—“off” and “on”—may share a sprayer body  110  and other features with a hose-end-sprayer  100  having three select positions—“off” and “on” and “carrier fluid”—which is not found with existing hose-end-sprayers on the market. According to embodiments of the invention, the number of selections for a hose-end-sprayer  100  may be dependent on the valve  160  selected and assembled with the sprayer body  110 . This presents an economic advantage for hose-end-sprayers  100  made according to embodiments of the present invention because similar parts may be used with different types of hose-end-sprayers  100 , allowing mass production of some parts for multiple sprayers. 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a hose-end-sprayer  100  may be created or assembled in utilizing common components and custom components to arrive at a dispenser having desired characteristics. For example, in certain embodiments of the invention, a hose-end-sprayer  100  is assembled using the following process in which the various steps may be carried out in different orders as desired. A universal sprayer body  110  may be provided. A valve  160 —having desired dispensing features, ratios, and other features—may be selected along with a corresponding seal pad  190 . The seal pad  190  may be assembled or seated within the sprayer body  110 . A lever  180  may be selected and held in the lever opening  118  as the selected valve  160  is assembled, or inserted, into the sprayer body  110 . As the valve  160  is assembled with the sprayer body  110 , the lever flange  182  slides into the lever guide  164  and locks the lever  180  to the valve  160 . The valve flange  165  may snap over valve detents  198  in the sprayer body  110 , securing the valve  160  in the sprayer body  110 . Movement of the lever  180  may rotate the valve  160  into the various positions of the hose-end-sprayer  100 . A container nut  130 , retainer  132 , container gasket  134  and dip tube  134  may be selected as necessary or in accordance with the desired output and assembled to the sprayer body  110  in a known fashion. Similarly, a hose nut  140 , hose gasket  142 , and an anti-siphon component  144 —if necessary—may be selected and attached to or assembled on the sprayer body  110 . A shipping clip  150  may be seated on the sprayer body  110  in contact with the valve  160  to prevent movement of the valve  160 . 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a valve  160  may be selected from a valve  160  having two dispensing selections, three dispensing selections, or some other combination. The valve  160  selected may also have openings of different sizes depending on the amount of fluid, or rate of fluid flow, desired through the valve  160 . For instance, if more product is desired to flow through the valve  160 , a valve  160  having a larger valve product fluid opening  173  can be selected and a corresponding seal pad  190  capable of allowing the passage of the desired amount of product can be selected and used to assemble the hose-end-sprayer  100 . 
     The ability to use common components, such as a common sprayer body  110 , container nut  130  and connection system, hose nut  140  and connection system, or other components, with a custom valve  160  reduces the costs associated with the manufacturing and production of such hose-end-sprayers  100  because a common sprayer body  110  may be molded in large quantities and used with multiple different types of hose-end-sprayers  100 . 
     Having thus described certain particular embodiments of the invention, it is understood that the invention defined by the appended claims is not to be limited by particular details set forth in the above description, as many apparent variations thereof are contemplated. Rather, the invention is limited only be the appended claims, which include within their scope all equivalent devices or methods which operate according to the principles of the invention as described.