Patent Abstract:
A portable spray apparatus is provided. The apparatus is a self-contained portable unit having storage and dispensing capabilities for a fluid, including a disinfecting fluid. A pump and a pressure accumulator are provided in series and further connected to a spray gun or wand for dispensing a fluid. A detachable coupling allows a user to separate the pressure accumulator from the pump such that a user may spray disinfecting fluid in hard-to-reach areas.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/916,938 filed Dec. 17, 2013, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to self-contained and portable devices for distributing a spray. More specifically, the present invention relates to self-contained and portable devices for applying a spray, preferably of a disinfectant or antibacterial variety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention generally relates to a disinfecting spray apparatus that can be utilized to sanitize equipment, surfaces, and devices, for example. More specifically, the present invention relates to a disinfecting spray apparatus that can be conveniently conveyed to various locations and provides features for a consistent spray distribution of at least one disinfecting material. 
     Spray bottle and aerosol containers are known to provide a spray, mist, and/or dispensation of a cleaning product. Such devices spray the disinfectant onto surfaces that are desired to be cleaned. Although a spray bottle is generally adequate to apply disinfectant to surfaces, the size of the spray bottle is limited and requires users to refill or replace the bottle frequently and/or carry multiple bottles on the housekeeping cart. Additionally, such devices do not generally apply the disinfectant/cleaner in a smooth, continuous pattern since a user must manually pump the spray bottle. 
     In addition to the limited supply of disinfectant that can be carried in a portable spray bottle, the distribution pattern of the disinfectant onto the surface to be cleaned is inconsistent and varied during the extended use of the spray bottle. The coverage and overall distribution of the disinfectant is affected by the type of nozzle used on the spray bottle and the action of the cleaning personnel utilizing the spray bottle. 
     One example of a spray apparatus that utilizes an electric pump is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0241537 to Schwei et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The device in Schwei comprises a tank, a pump, and a spray handle. However, the Schwei reference fails to disclose various novel features of the present invention as shown and described herein. 
     Therefore, a long-felt and unmet need exists for an improved system that provides a disinfectant in a more efficient manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention contemplates a novel system, device, and method for a portable device capable of housing and distributing a relatively large volume of disinfectant material and provides the material to a surface in an efficient and predictable manner. 
     The present disclosure relates to a portable spray apparatus configured to apply any disinfectant or cleaner evenly and accurately over a desired surface. The disinfecting spray apparatus creates a fine spray that allows the solution to penetrate hard-to-reach surface areas and which dries in minutes. In various embodiments, disinfecting spray apparatuses are effective at applying a disinfectant to areas that may be overlooked with traditional methods of disinfectant. 
     In one embodiment, a disinfecting spray apparatus is provided that comprises an electric pump in communication with a power supply. The power supply preferably includes an on-board rechargeable battery. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a self-contained unit that can be conveyed (e.g. rolled via wheels) to various locations. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus comprises a generally self-contained device that can be attached, secured, or mounted to various items, such as housekeeping carts or luggage carts. 
     In certain embodiments, a spray apparatus comprises a fluid storage container for clean fluid content that can be accessed from an external portion of the device to fill the container with any desired solution. In some embodiments, the fluid storage container is fixed to a chassis and/or body portion. In various embodiments, the fluid storage container may be selectively interconnected to a chassis and/or body portion such that a user may remove the fluid storage container and use other fluid storage containers with different qualities including different fluid content. Some embodiments of the present invention may include a plurality of fluid storage containers to provide a user with the option of selecting one or more of the fluid content in the plurality of fluid storage containers. 
     The disinfecting spray apparatus of certain embodiments the present disclosure includes a spray nozzle that creates a fine spray of the disinfectant while insuring that the disinfectant is not released in too fine of a mist. The selection of the nozzle design creates the desired droplet size and the desired pattern of coverage while controlling the size of the droplets to prevent the creation of an excessively fine of a mist, which may be inhaled. 
     In certain embodiments, a self-contained mobile spray apparatus for dispensing a fluid is provided. The apparatus, which is preferably provided for dispensing disinfecting or antibacterial solutions, comprises a chassis provided on wheels for ease of transport. The chassis comprises a fluid storage tank for housing a clean, unspent fluid, a pump which can be gravity-fed by the fluid storage tank, an accumulator in fluid communication with the pump, and a spray gun in fluid communication with the accumulator, the spray gun can be used to selectively dispense fluid. In various embodiments, the pump comprises an electric motor, the motor being powered by an on-board battery, which is preferably rechargeable. 
     In various embodiments, an accumulator is provided in fluid communication with a fluid dispensation device, such as a spray gun. In one embodiment, the accumulator is pressurized to approximately 110 PSI. It is contemplated that during use, the internal pressure of the accumulator drops during use and dispensation of the fluid. When the internal pressure of the accumulator drops to approximately 85 PSI, a pump is activated to recharge the internal pressure of the accumulator to approximately 110 PSI. Once the desired internal pressure is returned to the accumulator, the pump is deactivated, at least until recharging of the accumulator is again required. In this manner, the spray gun is allowed to operate continuously without substantial fluctuation or surges in pressure, or required down-time to allow the device to return to a desired pressure. The tank, pump, accumulator, and spray gun are preferably provided in series. 
     In certain embodiments, devices of the present invention are provided with tracking features, such as GPS and proximity tracking features, whereby the use, location, and related information of one or more devices can be tracked and counted. Such embodiments may be particularly desirable in hospital or sanitary settings wherein location of the device is often used to track important parameters. 
     Various devices are known to provide air powered atomization, which generally comprises passing a stream of compressed gas or air over a venturi to siphon a chemical or other additive into the air stream and where the additive is carried with the air stream. Such systems provide advantages of high spray quality, small droplet size, and longer spray distance. Disadvantages of such systems include increased weight of the sprayer, power source, require exchange of gas cylinders, adjustment of air regulators, adjust of product flow, noise, potential for noxious fumes, etc. 
     Alternatively, hydraulic atomization uses pressure to force fluid through a nozzle configured to create mists of varying droplet sizes. A hydraulic atomization system requires a pump that can provide the appropriate flow and pressure to match the nozzle flow rate. Spray characteristics, such as pattern shape and drop size, are determined by the nozzle configuration and fluid pressure. In various embodiments, a modified hydraulic system is provided and fitted with an air blower to project nozzle output and thus further reduce fall out and over spray. 
     One specific embodiment of the present invention comprises a portable spray apparatus for use in dispensing a fluid comprising: a body portion provided on a chassis; the chassis comprising a plurality of wheels adapted for conveying the apparatus; a clean fluid storage tank positioned at least partially within the body portion and having an internal volume to receive a fluid; and a pump provided within the body portion, the pump comprising a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the clean fluid storage tank and a pump outlet in fluid communication with an accumulator. In operation, an internal pressure of the accumulator is supplied by the pump, and the accumulator is associated with a device which maintains the internal pressure of the accumulator between approximately 50 PSI and 150 PSI. Then, the pump can withdraw fluid from the clean fluid storage tank. A supply hose extending from the body portion and having a first end is then in fluid communication with the accumulator to receive the fluid and a spray gun is connected to a second end of the supply hose. A spray nozzle is mounted to the spray gun and is sized to create a spray of fluid upon activation of the spray gun. Various embodiments of the present invention further comprise at least one sensor to monitor usage of the apparatus, a transmitter coupled to the at least one sensor, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit data from the at least one sensor to a network; and a host system connected to the network and adapted to receive the at least one sensor data indicative of usage of the device. 
     Another specific embodiment of the present invention comprises a portable spray apparatus with detachable components comprising a clean fluid storage tank having an internal volume to receive a fluid; a pump comprising a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the clean fluid storage tank, and a pump outlet in fluid communication with an accumulator, wherein an internal pressure of the accumulator is supplied by the pump and the pump withdraws the fluid from the clean fluid storage tank upon activation; a detachable coupling is disposed between the pump outlet and the accumulator and has an attached state and a detached state, wherein in the attached state the coupling allows fluid communication between the pump outlet and the accumulator and in the detached state the coupling prevents fluid communication between the pump outlet and the accumulator. This embodiment also includes a supply hose having a first end which is in fluid communication with the accumulator to receive the fluid and a spray gun is connected to a second end with a spray nozzle mounted to the spray gun. The spray nozzle is sized to create a spray of fluid upon activation of the spray gun and the accumulator, supply hose, spray gun, and spray nozzle are separable from the pump when the coupling is in the detached state. 
     Yet another specific embodiment comprises a portable spray apparatus for use in dispensing a fluid comprising a body portion provided on a chassis which includes a plurality of wheels adapted for conveying the apparatus. A clean fluid storage tank is positioned at least partially within the body portion and has an internal volume to receive a fluid. A pump is provided within the body and has a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the clean fluid storage tank and an outlet in fluid communication with an accumulator. An internal pressure of the accumulator is supplied by the pump, and the accumulator is associated with a device which maintains the internal pressure of the accumulator between approximately 85 PSI and 110 PSI. The pump is designed to withdraw a fluid from the clean fluid storage tank upon activation which could occur in variety of ways. A rechargeable battery is provided within the body portion, and supplies power to the pump, wherein the rechargeable battery has a voltage rating, and the pump has a voltage rating, and wherein the battery voltage rating is approximately 33% of the pump voltage rating. A detachable coupling may also be disposed between the pump outlet and the accumulator and can have an attached state and a detached state, wherein in the attached state the coupling allows fluid communication between the pump outlet and the accumulator, and in the detached state the coupling prevents fluid communication between the pump outlet and the accumulator. A supply hose extending from the body portion and having a first end in fluid communication with the accumulator to receive the fluid can also be provided. A spray gun can be connected to a second end of the supply hose and a spray nozzle can be mounted to the spray gun, wherein the spray nozzle is sized to create a spray of fluid upon activation of the spray gun. In some embodiments, the accumulator, supply hose, spray gun, and spray nozzle are separable from the pump when the coupling is in the detached state. 
     Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings. Although various embodiments of the present invention are particularly well suited for dispensing disinfectant and antibacterial agents, it will be expressly recognized that the present invention is not so limited. Indeed, embodiments and devices of the present invention may be employed to dispense various fluids including, but not limited to, paint, pesticides, lubricants, pest control, fertilizers, etc. In preferred embodiments, however, the present invention is particularly well suited for touchless disinfecting. 
     The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings. 
     These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. Further, the summary of the invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the summary of the invention, as well as, in the attached drawings and the detailed description of the invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended to either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this summary of the invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken together with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Those of skill in the art will recognize that the following description is merely illustrative of the principles of the disclosure, which may be applied in various ways to provide many different alternative embodiments. This description is made for illustrating the general principles of the teachings of this disclosure invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts disclosed herein. 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosures. 
       It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a spray apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of a spray apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of a spray apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of components of a spray apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of components of a spray apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a spray apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, with certain components provided in phantom; and 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of components of a spray apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     To assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the present invention, the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein: 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 # 
                 Component 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 2 
                 Spray Apparatus 
               
               
                 4 
                 Body Portion 
               
               
                 6 
                 Caster Wheel 
               
               
                 8 
                 Clean Fluid Tank 
               
               
                 10 
                 Handle 
               
               
                 11 
                 Height-Adjustable Portion 
               
               
                 12 
                 Hose 
               
               
                 14 
                 Spray Gun 
               
               
                 16 
                 Switch 
               
               
                 18 
                 Port 
               
               
                 20 
                 Chassis 
               
               
                 22 
                 Frame Member 
               
               
                 24 
                 Pump Supply Line 
               
               
                 26 
                 Inlet 
               
               
                 28 
                 Pump 
               
               
                 30 
                 Accumulator 
               
               
                 32 
                 Internal Frame Structure 
               
               
                 34 
                 Pump Outlet 
               
               
                 36 
                 Accumulator Supply Line 
               
               
                 38 
                 Accumulator Inlet 
               
               
                 40 
                 Fluid Exit Line 
               
               
                 42 
                 Bottom Surface 
               
               
                 44 
                 Door 
               
               
                 46 
                 Accumulator Outlet 
               
               
                 48 
                 User-Grasping Portion 
               
               
                 50 
                 Fastener 
               
               
                 52 
                 Battery 
               
               
                 54 
                 Charger 
               
               
                 56 
                 Detachable Coupling 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors. To acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the method that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for putting the invention into practice is described herein by, and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the specification. The exemplary method is described in detail without attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the arts, can be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-7 , a fluid distribution apparatus is provided according to various embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted from these drawings. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a spray apparatus  2  is provided comprising a body portion  4 , and a plurality of wheels  6  for conveying the device  2 . A clean fluid tank  8  is provided and a portion of the tank  8  protrudes from the body portion  4  to allow ease of access for filling the tank  8 . In the depicted embodiment, the tank  8  comprises a cap that is selectively removable to access the tank. The cap and upper portion of the tank extend through an upper surface of the body portion  4 . It will be recognized, however, that various alternative access means for filling the tank are provided, and the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiment depicted. 
     The spray apparatus  2  further comprises a handle  10  for grasping by a user and moving the device  2 . As shown, the handle  10  comprises a height-adjustable portion  11  that allows a rigid vertical member and a user-portion for grasping to translate positions relative to each other. A hose  12  interconnects a spray gun  14  to various components of the device  2 , as shown and described herein. An exterior surface of the body, or otherwise accessible portion of the body, comprises an on-off switch  16  and a port  18  for recharging an on-board battery. The port  18  is provided to accept one or more known battery recharging interfaces. 
     The port  18  may also provide network connectivity for the apparatus  2 . For example, the apparatus  2  may keep track of various attributes or parameters during use. The apparatus  2  may relay this data to a network in real time via wireless connections commonly known in the art such as Wi-Fi, radio, RFID, cell phone networks, etc. The apparatus  2  may also provide this data via a hard connection such as a USB connection, 30 pin connector, or any other connector commonly known in the art. An example of networking multiple apparatuses may be found in US Patent Pub. 2012/0226764, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     The data collected by the apparatus  2  can aid the user in a number of ways. The apparatus  2  may keep track of its power levels, fluid levels in various reservoirs, its positions using a GPS or GPS-like technology, maintenance milestones after a predetermined threshold has been crossed, e.g., a period of time, battery cycles, distance traveled, etc. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of an apparatus  2  according to one embodiment of the present invention wherein certain portions, including the body, have been removed for illustration purposes. As shown, a chassis  20  is provided for supporting various features of the device  2 . A plurality of wheels  6  are provided for conveying the device  2 . The tank  8  is provided on a frame member  22 , the frame member  22  comprising an elevated platform for supporting the tank  8 . The tank  8  comprises a pump supply line  24  for supplying a fluid to a pump  28 . Although the pump may comprise one or more of various different types of pumps, it is contemplated that in a preferred embodiment the pump comprises a 1.6 GPM, 36 Volt DC diaphragm pump pressurized to approximately 100-120 PSI. The pump is powered by a battery (not shown), which in various embodiments comprises a 12 Volt sealed rechargeable, valve regulated, lead acid battery, although various other batteries are contemplated, as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In one embodiment, a particular advantage of the present invention is to provide a combination of pump and battery wherein the voltage rating of the battery is less than the voltage rating of the pump. In one embodiment, the voltage rating of the battery is between approximately 20% to 50% of the voltage rating of the pump. In another embodiment, the voltage rating of the battery is approximately 33% of the voltage rating of the pump. In this configuration, the pump runs at slower speed than its maximum capacity and thereby extends the usable battery life of the device. The battery is provided on the chassis and/or within the body. For example, the battery may be positioned beneath the tank  8  and/or underneath and between the tank  8  and the accumulator  30 . In alternative embodiments, the unit  2  is void of a battery and comprises a power cord directly connecting the pump  28  to an external power source. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 2 , a pump supply line  24  is provided for conveying fluid from the tank  8  to the pump  28 . The pump supply line  24  preferably comprises a flexible conduit that connects the tank  8  to the pump  28  such that solution can be gravity fed to the pump  28 . Although the line  24  is primarily gravity fed in a preferred embodiment, one of skill in the art will recognize that pressure differentials induced by the pump may further induce or cause fluid flow. A port is provided on a bottom portion of the tank  8 , and the pump supply line  24  conveys fluid from the port to the pump and is connected thereto by any number of known fittings or couplings. The pump comprises an inlet  26  and an outlet and an accumulator supply line (see  34 ,  36  of  FIG. 3 ) for supplying fluid to the accumulator  30 . A fluid exit line  40  is provided on a downstream portion of the accumulator through which fluid is supplied to a hose and spray gun and ultimately dispensed to a surface or target object. 
       FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  and taken from the opposing side as  FIG. 2 . As shown, the accumulator  30  is supplied with fluid by the pump  28 , the pump outlet  34 , and accumulator supply line  32 . The pump provides fluid and pressure to the accumulator  30  via accumulator supply line  32 . In one embodiment, the accumulator  30  comprises an accumulator having a maximum capacity of approximately 125 PSI. The accumulator may comprise known or pre-existing devices, such as the SHURFLO® Model No. 181-201, a 21 ounce capacity accumulator with a maximum working pressure of approximately 125 PSI. The accumulator  30  is operable to reduce pump cycling and provides consistent pressure to limit harmful pressure spikes and provide an even, desirable application of a disinfectant, for example. The accumulator  30  provides distinct advantages over known devices which apply inconsistent and erratic pressures and distributions of a liquid. 
     An accumulator outlet  46  is connected to the fluid exit line  40  to provide fluid to a dispensation device, such as a spray gun. The pump  28  and accumulator  30  are provided on an internal frame structure  32 , provided in fixed relative position in the depicted embodiment. Preferably, the tank  8  is provided at a higher elevation than the pump  28  such that fluid can be gravity fed to an inlet of the pump  28 . In various embodiments, the accumulator  30  comprises a pressure sensor or similar device for automatic activation and deactivation of the pump, and to maintain an internal pressure of the accumulator between a desired range. In alternative embodiments, the pressure sensor is provided in the pump. In various embodiments, such desired range is between approximately 20 and 250 PSI. In preferred embodiments, such desired range is between approximately 75 and 150 PSI. In some embodiments, the desired range is between approximately 75 PSI and 125 PSI. In a more preferred embodiment, such desired range is between approximately 85 and 120 PSI. In another preferred embodiment, the desired range is between approximately 85 PSI and 110 PSI. 
     As noted above, a device such as a pressure sensor may activate the pump to maintain a desired pressure range within the accumulator. In some embodiments, the trigger pressure is the lower bounds of any of the above desired pressure ranges for the accumulator. In various embodiments, the trigger pressure is between approximately 80 PSI and 90 PSI. In some embodiments, the trigger pressure is approximately 85 PSI. 
       FIG. 4  is a detailed perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  showing the connection between the pump supply line  24 , the pump  28 , the pump outlet  34 , the accumulator supply line  36 , the accumulator inlet  38 , and the accumulator  30 . The accumulator is provided in a desired position on the internal frame structure  32  and, in at least one embodiment, secured thereto to prevent noise and vibration. Such vibration reduction may be accomplished by center-bonded rubber bushings, rubber mounts, rubber couplings, rubber grommets, or any other similar device commonly known in the art. 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the apparatus  2  according to one embodiment wherein the body  4  comprises a bottom surface  42 , the bottom surface  42  comprising an access door  44  to access internal components including, for example, a battery. The door  44  comprises a user-grasping portion  48  and fasteners  50 . The door  44  thus provides for relative ease of access to internal components that may need to be cleaned, repaired, replaced, etc. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an apparatus  2  according to one embodiment. The apparatus  2  comprises a pump  28 , an accumulator  30 , a battery  52  for powering the pump, a tank  8  for housing clean fluid, a charging port  18  for charging the battery, a charger  54  connectable to a power source on one side and the battery on the other, a hose  12  and a spray gun  14  or wand. The unit  2  is provided on caster wheels  6  for facilitating movement of the device  2 . As further shown in  FIG. 7 , the accumulator  30  and gun  14  of various embodiments comprise detachable, deployable features. The accumulator supply line  36  comprises a detachable coupling  56  that allows the accumulator  30  to maintain an internal pressure after detachment, and allows for increased portability of the accumulator  30  and the connected spray gun  14 . In alternative embodiments, including those provided in  FIGS. 2-3 , the accumulator is not readily detachable from a remainder of the device  2  and is securely housed within the body  4 . 
     The detachable coupling  56  has an attached state and a detached state. In the attached state, the coupling  56  allows for the free communication of fluid between the pump  28  and the accumulator  30 . In the detached state, the coupling  56  prevents fluid communication between the pump  28  and the accumulator  30 . Also, when the coupling  56  is in a detached state, the accumulator supply line  36  may separate such that the accumulator  30  and any downstream components are separable from the pump  28 . Thus, a user may separate a charged accumulator  30  from the pump  28  and any chassis to use the present invention in challenging locations or hard-to-reach areas. 
     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, the invention(s) described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0