Patent Abstract:
The present invention provides a tank having a bottom portion that is adapted to be received by a truck platform between the wheel wells so that the tank can be easily moved past the wheel wells. In addition, the tank preferably has a first top panel that is adapted to receive the pump, engine, hose and/or reel. Since the foregoing are mounted onto the tank, the useable space on the platform is increased. Further, the first top panel is preferably positioned near the edge of the platform so that the sprayer system controls are accessible and convenient for a user.

Full Description:
I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to sprayer systems, such as are commonly used to discharge chemicals to eradicate weeds, insects, etc. The invention more particularly refers to a sprayer system that is mounted onto the platform of a vehicle for easy maneuverability, and even more particularly to a tank for a sprayer system that is adapted to be received by the platform of the vehicle such that it can be easily moved between the wheel wells of the vehicle.  
         II. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART  
         [0002]    The present invention contemplates a new and improved tank for a sprayer system which is simple in design, effective in use, and overcomes the foregoing difficulties and others while providing better and more advantageous overall results.  
           [0003]    Sprayer systems for discharging chemical substances, such as pesticides, are well known in the art. Typically, the systems include a pump, an engine, a tank, and a hose. The system may also include a reel for holding the hose.  
           [0004]    It is also well known in the art to mount these sprayer systems to the platform of a vehicle, such as a truck, to facilitate in the discharge of the chemical substances. The tank is commonly attached to a frame, which, in turn, is attached to the platform of the truck. The frame secures the tank to the truck and prevents unwanted movement of the tank. The pump, engine, hose and/or reel are then either attached to the frame or otherwise positioned on the truck.  
           [0005]    Unfortunately, the presently used tanks are inefficiently designed and, thus, the amount of useable space on the truck platform is significantly reduced. In addition, the fit of the assembled sprayers within the platform is compromised and the accessibility of the controls for the sprayer system is restricted.  
           [0006]    The present invention attempts to overcome these deficiencies in the prior art by providing for a tank that is compact and can be easily maneuvered within the platform of the truck. This is accomplished by providing a tank having a bottom portion that is adapted to be received by a truck platform between the wheel wells so that the tank can be easily moved past the wheel wells. This enables the tank to be placed in numerous positions on the truck platform. In addition, the tank preferably has a first top panel that is adapted to receive the pump, engine, hose and/or reel. Since the foregoing are mounted onto the tank, the useable space on the platform is increased. Further, the first top panel is preferably positioned near the edge of the platform so that the sprayer system controls are easily accessible and convenient for a user.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    In accordance with the present invention, a new and improved tank for a sprayer system is provided which is designed to increase the usable space on the platform of a vehicle.  
           [0008]    The tank has a top and a bottom portion. The bottom portion of the tank is adapted to be received by the platform between the wheel wells. This enables the tank to be easily moved from a first position, which is toward the front of the vehicle and behind the wheel wells, to a second position, which is toward the back of the vehicle and in front of the wheel wells. The tank can be moved past the wheel wells by sliding it across the platform of the vehicle. Since the tank does not have to be lifted above the wheel wells to be moved, the possibility of back strain or other medical problems that are associated with the lifting heavy objects is reduced, if not completely eliminated.  
           [0009]    Preferably, the bottom portion of the tank has a length L 1  which is less than the length L 2  between the wheel wells of the vehicle. Similarly, the top portion of the tank preferably has a length L 3  which is less than or equal to the length L 4  of the vehicle platform. This prevents the tank from extending outside of the perimeter of the platform. As such, the vehicle can be more easily maneuvered and the hazards associated with an object extending beyond the perimeter of a vehicle are eliminated.  
           [0010]    Preferably, the tank includes a first top panel. The first top panel is substantially horizontal and has a first surface that is adapted to receive an associated pump and/or engine. The first top panel may also include a second surface that is adapted to receive a reel. The first top panel is preferably positioned at one end of the tank, near the edge of the platform. This enables a user to easily access the controls of the sprayer system. Further, the controls can be positioned such that they can be easily accessed by a user standing outside of the vehicle on a curb.  
           [0011]    Preferably, the tank is mounted onto a frame, which, in turn, is attached to the vehicle. The frame secures the tank to the vehicle and prevents unwanted movement of the tank. The engine, pump, hose and/or reel can be mounted to either the tank or the frame. If the foregoing are mounted to the frame, they are preferably located in positions that are substantially equivalent to their positions on the tank, as described above.  
           [0012]    It is an objective of this invention to provide a tank that is easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.  
           [0013]    It is a further objective of this invention to provide a tank that is of durable and reliable construction.  
           [0014]    It is still a further objective of this invention to provide a tank that has all of the advantages of the prior tanks and none of the disadvantages.  
           [0015]    Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts. A preferred embodiment of these parts will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure and wherein:  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tank;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a side view of the tank;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is a back view of the tank;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the tank;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the frame;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 is a perspective of view of the tank, illustrating the frame attached to tank;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tank, illustrating the engine, pump, and reel mounted onto the first top panel of the tank;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 8 is a side view of a truck;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 9 is a rear view of a truck; and,  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 10 is a rear view of a truck showing the tank positioned on the platform of the truck. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0027]    Referring now to the drawings, which are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the invention FIGS.  1 - 4  show a preferred embodiment of a tank  10 , FIG. 5 shows a preferred embodiment of a frame  138 , FIG. 6 shows the tank  10 , positioned within the frame  138 , FIG. 7 shows a pump  134 , engine  135  and reel  136  mounted onto the frame  138 , FIGS. 8 and 9 show an associated truck  78 , and FIG. 10 shows the tank  10 , placed on the platform  76 , of the associated truck  78 .  
         [0028]    With reference to FIGS.  1 - 4  and  7 , a preferred embodiment of the tank  10  is illustrated. The tank  10  is comprised of a bottom portion  12  and a top portion  14 , which define a cavity for holding chemicals, such as pesticides, that are to be discharged by a sprayer system  16 . In this embodiment, the bottom portion  12  has a generally rectangular or square shape. The bottom portion  12  includes a bottom panel  18 , a right or first side panel  20 , a left or second side panel  22 , a front panel  24 , a back panel  26 , a right or first rim panel  28  and a left or second rim panel  30 . The front and back panels  24 ,  26  have an equivalent length L 1 , shown in FIG. 2. The length L 1  is less than length L 2 , shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, between the wheel wells  72 , 74  of the vehicle  78 , to enable the tank  10  to easily move past the wheel wells  72 ,  74 . The first and second side panels  20 ,  22  are positioned substantially opposite each other on substantially vertically-oriented planes with their lower ends  32 ,  34  attached to the corresponding ends  36 ,  38  of the bottom panel  18  and their upper ends  40 ,  42  extending substantially upward. The front panel  24  is positioned between the first and second side panels  20 ,  22  on a substantially vertically-oriented plane with its lower end  44  attached to the corresponding end  46  of the bottom panel  18  and its upper end  48  extending substantially upward. Sides  50 ,  52  of the front panel  24  are attached to corresponding sides  54 , 56  of the first and second side panels  20 ,  22 . The back panel  26  is positioned substantially opposite the front panel  24  between the first and second side panels  20 ,  22  on a substantially vertically oriented plane. A lower end  58  of the back panel  26  is attached to a corresponding end  60  of the bottom panel  18  and its upper end of the back panel  59  extends substantially upward. Sides  62 ,  64  of the back panel  26  are attached to corresponding sides  55 ,  57  of the first and second side panels  20 ,  22 . A first rim panel  28  is positioned on a substantially horizontally oriented plane with its corresponding end  68  attached to the upper end  40  of the first side panel  20 . A second rim panel  30  is also positioned on a substantially horizontally oriented plane with its corresponding end  70  attached to the upper end  42  of the second side panel  20 .  
         [0029]    In the preferred embodiment, the first and second side panels  20 ,  22  are curved and the remaining panels  18 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  of the bottom portion  12  are substantially planar. The curve is substantially equivalent to the curve of a standard wheel well  72 ,  74 . The curve of the first and second side panels  20 ,  22  facilitates movement of the tank  10  past the wheel wells  72 ,  74 . However, the panels  18 , 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 , 30  can have any shape chosen using sound engineering judgment.  
         [0030]    With continuing reference to FIGS.  1 - 4 , the top portion  14  of the tank  10  is comprised of a right or first top panel  80 , a left or a second top panel  82 , a right or a first side panel  84 , a left or a second side panel  86 , a front panel  88 , a back panel  90  and a middle panel  94 . The front and back panels  88 ,  90  have an equivalent length L 3 , shown in FIG. 2. Lower end  92  of the front panel  88  of the top portion  14  is attached to the upper end  48  of the front panel  24  of the bottom portion  12  and is positioned on a substantially vertically oriented plane. Lower end  96  of the back panel  90  of the top portion  14  is attached to an upper end  59  of the back panel  26  of the bottom portion  12  and is positioned on a substantially vertically oriented plane. Lower end  98  of the first side panel  84  is attached to outer end  100  of the first rim panel  28  and is positioned in a substantially vertically oriented plane. Sides  101 ,  103  of the first side panel  84  are attached to corresponding sides  102 ,  106  of the front and back panels  88 ,  90 . Lower end  110  of the second side panel  86  is attached to the outer end of the second rim panel  30  and is positioned in a substantially vertically oriented plane. Sides  105 , 107  of the second side panel  86  are attached to corresponding sides  104 ,  108  of the front and back panels  88 ,  90 . The first top panel  80  is positioned in a substantially horizontally oriented plane and is attached to upper ends  114 ,  116 ,  118  of the front panel  88 , the back panel  90 , and the first side panel  84 . The first top panel  80  preferably extends across approximately one-third of the length L 3 . The middle panel  94  is positioned substantially opposite the first side panel  84  in a substantially vertically oriented panel with its lower end  98  attached to end  120  of the first top panel  80 . The second top panel  82  is positioned in a substantially horizontally oriented plane and is attached to the upper ends  114 ,  116 ,  122 ,  124  of the front  88 , back  90 , second side  86  and middle panels  94 . The second top panel  82  extends approximately two-thirds of the length L 3 . The second top panel  82  preferably includes an inlet  128  for receiving a hose  126  of the sprayer system  16 .  
         [0031]    In the preferred embodiment of this invention the pump  134 , engine  135 , and reel  136  are attached to the frame  138 , shown in FIG. 5. However, the foregoing may also be attached to the tank  10 . In such instance, the first top panel  80  will include first and second surfaces  130 ,  132 . The first surface of the top panel  130  is adapted to receive the engine and/or pump  134  of the sprayer system  116 . The second surface  132  is adapted to receive an optional reel  136 , which holds the hose  126 . The placement of the engine  135 , pump  134  and/or reel  136  on the first top panel  130  of the tank  10  increases the usable space of the platform  76 . In addition, this placement allows the controls for the foregoing parts of the sprayer system  116  to be positioned such that they can be easily accessed by a user.  
         [0032]    In the preferred embodiment, the second top panel  82  is curved and the remaining panels  80 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88 ,  90  of the top portion  14  are substantially planar. The curved shape increases the volume of the tank  10  and, thus, enables the tank  10  to store more chemicals. However, the panels  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88 ,  90  can have any shape chosen using sound engineering judgment.  
         [0033]    In the preferred embodiment, the length L 3  is less than length L 4  of the vehicle platform  76 , shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. This enables the tank  10  to be easily maneuvered and prevents the tank  10  from extending outside of the platform  76  and creating a hazard. However, this is only a preferred embodiment of the invention and should not be construed to limit the invention in any manner. As such, the upper portion  14  of the tank  10  can have any length L 3  chosen using sound engineering judgment.  
         [0034]    The tank  10  can be comprised of any material chosen using sound engineering judgment, such as metal or polymeric materials.  
         [0035]    The tank  10  has been described with reference to its preferred embodiment. However, this is only a preferred embodiment and should not be construed to limit the invention in any manner. The tank  10  can have any shape chosen using sound engineering judgment, so long as the length L 1  is less than the length L 2 . In addition, the tank  10  can be a single unitary piece, or it can be comprised of individual components. If the tank is comprised of individual components, the components can have any form chosen using sound engineering judgment and are not limited to the components described herein, which are only a preferred embodiment of the invention.  
         [0036]    With reference to FIG. 5, the frame  138  for use in connecting the tank  10  to the platform  76 , shown in FIGS.  8 - 10 , is illustrated. The frame  138  is comprised of a bottom frame portion  140 , a top frame portion  142 , and support bars  144 ,  146 ,  148 ,  150  for attaching the bottom frame portion  140  to the top frame portion  142 . The bottom frame portion  140  has a substantially planar rectangular or square shape and is adapted to receive the bottom portion  12  of the tank  10 . The bottom frame portion  140  is comprised of a right or first side bar  152 , a left or second side bar  154 , a front bar  156 , a back bar  158 , and first and second support bars  160 ,  162 . The front and back bars  156 ,  158  are positioned substantially opposite each other. Ends  172 ,  174  of the first side bar  152  are attached to the corresponding ends  164 ,  168  of the front and back bars  156 ,  158 . Similarly, ends  173 , of the second side bar  154  are attached to a corresponding end  174  of the first and second side bars  154 ,  156 . First and second support bars  160 ,  162  are positioned between the front and back bars  156 ,  158  and attached to the first and second sidebars  152 ,  154 . Preferably, the distance between the front and back bars  156 ,  158  and the first and second support bars  160 ,  162  are substantially equal.  
         [0037]    With continuing reference to FIG. 5, the top frame portion  142  is illustrated. The top frame portion  142  has a substantially rectangular shape and is comprised of a right or first side bar  180 , a left or second side bar  182 , a front bar  184 , and a back bar  186 . The front and back bars  184 ,  186  are positioned substantially opposite each other. The ends of first side bar  196 ,  198  are attached to corresponding ends  188 ,  192  of the front and back bars  184 ,  186 . Similarly, ends  100 ,  102  of second side bar  182  are attached to corresponding ends  190 ,  194  of the front and back bars  184 ,  186 . The front and back bars  184 ,  186  each have a first, second, and third member  204 ,  206 ,  208 . The first member  104  is positioned in a substantially horizontally oriented plane and end  210  of the first member  104  is attached to the left or first end  212  of the second member  206 . The second member  206  is preferably angled downward and the right or second end  214  of the second member  206  is attached to end  216  of the third member  208 .  
         [0038]    Preferably, the top frame  142  includes first, second, and third top bars  218 , 220 , 222 , shown best in FIGS. 6 and 7. The first top bar  218  has a first member  224 , which is positioned in a substantially vertically-oriented plane and is attached to and extends substantially upward from the first side bar  184 , a second member  226 , which is positioned in a substantially horizontally-oriented plane and is attached to the first member  224  and extends across the frame  138  toward the back bar  186 , and a third member  228 , which is positioned in a substantially vertically-oriented plane and is attached to and extends downward from the second member  226  and is attached to the back bar  186 . The first top bar  218  is positioned such that it is located near the middle panel  94  of the tank  10 . The second and third top bars  220 ,  222  are positioned in a substantially horizontally-oriented plane and are removeably attached to the second side bar  182  and the first top bar  218  via brackets  219 . The second and third top bars  220 ,  222  are removeably attached to the frame  138  to enable the tank  10  to be easily placed within the frame  138 , as shown best in FIG. 6.  
         [0039]    The top frame  142  may also include first and second support members  232 , 234 . The support members  232 , 234  are preferably triangular in shape. The first support member  232  is attached to the first support bar  144  and the third portion of the front bar  208 . The second support member  234  is attached to the second support bar  146  and the third portion of the back bar  208 .  
         [0040]    Preferably, the top portion  142  of the frame  138  includes first and second platform bars  236 ,  238  that are adapted to receive the pump  134 , engine  135 , and reel  136 . The first platform bar  236  is positioned substantially opposite the first side bar  180  and is attached to the third portion  216  of the front and back bars  184 ,  186 . The distance between the first platform bar  236  and the first side bar  180  is sufficient to enable the reel  136  to be attached thereto, as shown best in FIG. 7. A second platform bar  238  is positioned between the front and back bars  184 ,  186  and is oriented substantially parallel thereto. The second platform bar  238  defines a first area  244  for receiving the pump and/or engine  134  and a second area  246  for receiving the reel  136 , shown best in FIG. 6. A plate  248  may be attached to the first side bar  180  and the first platform bar  236  to aid in the reception of the engine and/or pump  134 .  
         [0041]    Preferably, the first and second areas  244 , 246  of the frame  138  correspond to the first and second surfaces  130 ,  132  of the tank  10 . However, the engine  134 , pump  134 , and reel  136  can be attached to the frame  138  at any location and in any manner chosen using sound engineering judgment.  
         [0042]    The frame  138  can be comprised of any material chosen using sound engineering judgment, such as metal or polymeric materials  
         [0043]    The frame  138  has been described with reference to its preferred embodiment. However, this is only a preferred embodiment and should not be construed to limit the invention in any manner. The frame can have any shape chosen using sound engineering, so long as it is capable of receiving the tank  10 . In addition, the frame  138  can be a single unitary piece or it can be comprised of individual components. If the frame  138  is comprised of individual components, the components can have any form chosen using sound engineering judgment and are not limited to the components described herein, which are only a preferred embodiment of the invention.  
         [0044]    In the preferred embodiment, the tank  10  is attached to the platform  76  of the vehicle  78  via the frame  138 . However, the tank  10  can be attached to the vehicle  78  by any means chosen using sound engineering judgment. Similarly, the tank  10  can be placed on the platform  76  without the aid of a securing means, such as the frame  138 .  
         [0045]    The connections between the tank  10 , engine  134 , pump  134 , hose  126 , and optionally, the reel  136  are well known in the art and, thus, will not be described in detail herein.  
         [0046]    The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the specification. It is intended by applicant to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.  
         [0047]    Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:

Technology Classification (CPC): 0