Abstract:
A fluid sprayer includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, a pump operably coupled to the motor to draw fluid from a fluid source and pressurize the fluid, and a blower positioned within the housing and operable to discharge an airflow into the pressurized fluid discharged by the pump.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/012,645 filed on Feb. 5, 2008, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/900,153 filed on Feb. 7, 2007, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present application relates to sprayer systems, and, in particular, to sprayer systems for applying a fluid. 
         [0003]    Sprayers such as paint guns are used to apply a fluid such as paint to a surface such as a wall, furniture of the exterior of a building. In general, there are two types of sprayers, airless piston pump spray guns and sprayers that incorporate HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) technology. 
         [0004]    Airless piston pump spray guns utilize a piston pump system that is used to create a vacuum to draw paint from a paint container (i.e. cup, bucket or direct from 5 gallon pail) and to push paint through a paint nozzle. The paint is often pressurized in the range of 1800-2600 pounds per square inch. Under such high pressure, the paint often will disperse, or splatter, causing the paint to disperse in an uncontrolled fashion such that a large amount of paint must be applied to adequately paint a surface. This is known as an overspray effect. Moreover, splatter may cause unwanted paint to get on surfaces or objects other than the surface to be painted. Furthermore, a relatively high amount of noise may be generated by the operation of the piston pump. Finally, such systems require that high-viscosity paint, such as latex, be diluted prior to use, again wasting materials. 
         [0005]    HVLP technology involves using a turbine to create a venturi effect in order to draw paint through a tube to be dispersed. However, if the paint is too thick, the pressure generated by the turbine may be insufficient to draw the paint through the tube so that the paint will fail to pass through the sprayer&#39;s nozzle. Thus, as with the airless piston pump spray guns, the paint must be diluted prior to use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides, in one aspect, a fluid sprayer including a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, a pump operably coupled to the motor to draw fluid from a fluid source and pressurize the fluid, and a blower positioned within the housing and operable to discharge an airflow into the pressurized fluid discharged by the pump. 
         [0007]    Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a view of an embodiment of a sprayer system according to the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a view of the sprayer system of  FIG. 1  that includes a bypass valve. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is view of the sprayer system of  FIG. 2  that shows the bypass valve in a bypass mode. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is view of the sprayer system of  FIG. 2  that shows the bypass valve in a partial bypass mode. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is an alternate embodiment of a sprayer system. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is an alternate embodiment of a sprayer system with an implement. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  shows the sprayer system of  FIG. 5  with a receptacle holding a container of fluid. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of a base station and spray mechanism. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is the flow diagram of  FIG. 7  that additionally includes a bypass valve. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is the flow diagram of  FIG. 8  that additionally includes a quick-connect valve. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  shows various implements for use with the sprayer system. 
       
    
    
       [0019]    Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a novel sprayer system  2  is shown and described herein for the dispensing of a fluid such as paint, stain, or pesticides. The sprayer system  2  includes a spray mechanism  6 , such as a spray gun, and a receptacle  40 . The spray mechanism  6  includes a housing  4 , a handle  20  and a base  42 . The housing includes a blower motor  8 . As described further below, the blower motor  8  provides a high-volume, low-pressure stream of air. Although the blower motors of different ratings can be used, generally sprayer systems will have an air capacity of 30-100 cubic feet per minute (cfm) and provide an air stream pressure of 1 through 3 pounds per square inch (psi). For non-professional use, i.e., consumer use, blower motors will have an air capacity of about 50 through 60 cfm. For professional, or contactor usage, the blower motor will have an air capacity of 80 through 100 cfm. 
         [0021]    The housing also includes an outlet end  7 , which includes a detachable nozzle  10 . The nozzle  10  creates a spray of fluid as the fluid exits the outlet end. Preferably, the nozzle is a multi-setting type of nozzle that includes an adjustment dial  12  to allow the fluid to be sprayed on a surface in a variety of patterns, including, but not limited to, vertical, horizontal, oval, and circular patterns. In a preferred embodiment, the blower motor will be located at an end  14  of the housing  4  opposite the outlet end  7 . 
         [0022]    The housing also includes an air intake  16  for the entry of ambient air. While the intake can be located anywhere on the housing, depending on the shape of the housing, it is generally desirable to have the air intake located at the end  14  of the housing having the blower motor  8 . A hose opening  17  is for the fluid attachment of a first end  34  of a fluid feeder line  32 . As with the air intake  16 , the hose opening  17  may be located any where about the housing  4 , depending on the design of the housing, but should be located, with respect to  FIG. 1 , so that is forward of the blower motor  8 . The hose opening and first end  34  of the fluid feeder line  32  together form a fluid injection point  36 . 
         [0023]    A handle  13  is attached to a lower surface of the housing. Although the handle can have a variety of shaped, preferably the handle has a grip-style shape and is overmolded with rubber to be ergonomically advantageous for a user. The handle  13  includes a trigger  18  that actuates the blower motor  8  and a pump motor  22  located in a cavity  20  within the handle  12 . Preferably, the handle  13  includes a lock-on member  24  that engages the trigger  18  so that the trigger  18  remains in an actuated position without requiring the user to “hold” the trigger  18 . Conversely, in alternate embodiments the lock-on member  24  may act as a lock-out in order to prevent the trigger  18  from actuating. 
         [0024]    The pump motor  22  drives a pump  26  located in the base  42 . The pump includes a pump outlet  38  that is attached to a second end  38  of the fluid feeder line  32 . The pump  26  pressurizes fluid so that it exits the pump outlet  38  and is transported through the fluid feeder line  32  and to the fluid injection point  36 . The pump  26  can be one of several types, including a peristaltic, impeller, or piston-type of pump. Preferably, the pump  26  will have a pressure rating of 5 through 10 psi. 
         [0025]    The pump also includes a pump inlet tube  28  that provides for the delivery of fluid from the receptacle  40  to the pump  26 . The receptacle  40  is removably connected with the spray mechanism  6 . Preferably, a top edge  44  of the receptacle attaching to a lower edge  46  of the housing  4 . The top edge  44  of the receptacle and the lower edge  46  of the housing  4  are slidably connected, but may also be attached through other connections, such as a snap-on connection or a clip-on connection. In alternate embodiments, the receptacle may also be attached to the spray mechanism  3  at a second location. For example, a side edge  48  of the receptacle  40  may be attached to the base  42 . The receptacle also includes an opening  50  for receiving the pump inlet tube  28  to provide for the delivery of fluid from the receptacle into the pump. Preferably, the opening  50  includes a seal to reduce the leakage of fluid. A release  56  is provided that disconnects the receptacle from the spray mechanism  3 . Alternatively and as further described below, the spray mechanism  6  need not be used in conjunction with the receptacle  40 . Rather, the pump inlet tube may be extended and placed in a detached container. 
         [0026]    Optionally, the receptacle includes a handle  52  that provides a secondary grip for a user of the sprayer system  2 . Preferably the handle  52  is a recessed grip area, although other types of handles may be used. The receptacle  40  also may include a fill level indicator  54 , which provides a visual indication of the amount of fluid inside the receptacle  40 . 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the spray mechanism uses a cord  58  that is plugged into an AC power source. In alternate embodiments, the spray mechanism can utilize a cord that can be plugged into other sources, such as a car lighter. Alternatively, the spray mechanism can be powered for a DC source such as batteries, including rechargeable battery packs. 
         [0028]    Operation of the sprayer system described thus far is as follows: a receptacle  52  containing a fluid, such as paint, is attached to the spray mechanism, with the pump inlet  28  being inserted into the opening  50 . Upon actuation of the trigger  18 , the blower motor  8  and the pump motor  22  are energized. The blower motor blows air entering the air intake  16  through the housing, creating an air stream indicated by arrow  60 . Alternatively, the blower motor may be actuated by a separate switch so that it is constantly “on” (until the switch is depressed to deactuate the blower motor), while the pump motor is intermittently activated by engaging the trigger. 
         [0029]    At the same time the air stream is being created, fluid is drawn into the pump and pressurized so that it flows through the fluid feeder line and to the fluid injection point. Upon reaching the fluid injection point  36 , the fluid is injected into the air stream in the housing. The pressurized fluid combines with the air stream and exits the nozzle as high-volume, low-pressure spray. As described above, the adjustment dial  12  may be used to select a desired pattern. 
         [0030]    Optionally, the spray mechanism may include a level indicator  5 . If a user desires to “tilt” or “rotate” the spray mechanism in order to dispense fluid at an angle, the level indicator provides a visual indication of the degree rotation. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an alternate embodiment of the spray mechanism  6  is shown, with like components having like reference numerals. The spray mechanism includes a bypass valve  62  that is fluidly connected with the pump  26 . The bypass valve  62 , which preferably is a spring-loaded valve, controls the amount of fluid delivered to the fluid injection point  36  by providing a feed back loop, or hose,  64  to the fluid receptacle  40 . In embodiments that include the bypass valve  62 , the first end  34  of the fluid feeder line  32  is fluidly connected to a first valve opening  70  of the bypass valve  62 . The feedback hose  64  is fluidly connected with a second valve opening  72  of the bypass valve at a first end  66 . A second end  68  of the feedback hose  64  is in fluid communication with the receptacle  40 . 
         [0032]    Operation of the spray mechanism with bypass valve differs from the embodiment described in  FIG. 1  as follows: When the trigger  18  is actuated, the first valve opening  70  is open and the second valve opening  72  is closed. Upon entering the pump  26 , the fluid will be pressurized and delivered to the bypass valve  62 . While the trigger  18  is actuated, pressurized fluid will be fed through the fluid feeder line  32 , indicated by arrows  74 , and to the fluid injection point  36 , where it will enter the air stream  60 . The fluid and air stream will exit the nozzle as a spray in the manner described above. As shown in  FIG. 3 , once the trigger  18  is released, the first valve opening  70  closes and the second valve opening  72  opens so that any fluid being pressurized by the pump  26  does not enter the fluid feeder line  32  and instead enters the feedback hose  64 , indicated by arrows  76 , and is delivered back to the receptacle  40 . 
         [0033]    In addition, the bypass valve may be manually adjusted so that it enters into a bypass mode, i.e., closes the first valve opening  70  and opens the second valve opening  72 , when fluid exiting the pump reaches a predetermine pressure. Such conditions may exist, for example, when fluid flow is blocked at the nozzle. Under such a condition, fluid will be “recycled” so that it passes through the feedback hose and into the receptacle. 
         [0034]    Moreover, the bypass valve may be adjusted so that it enters into a partial bypass mode, i.e., so that only a portion of the fluid is recycled into the receptacle. Upon reaching a predetermined pressure, the bypass valve may partially close the first valve opening  70  and partially open the second valve opening  72  so that a portion of the fluid passes through the feedback hose, while the remaining fluid passes through the fluid feeder line  32 . Additionally, the valve may be adjusted so that it continues to adjust the first valve opening  70  and the second valve opening  72 , depending on the pressure detected in the fluid feeder line  32 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the spray mechanism optionally may include a valve mechanism to control the flow of fluid. The valve mechanism is located in the nozzle and preferably is of a roller-type or needle type, although other flow control mechanisms may be used. The valve mechanism controls the bypass valve  62  so that the bypass valve openings  70 ,  72  may be opened/closed, or partially opened/closed, to control the amount of flow that passes through each. Fluid exiting the bypass valve  62  simultaneously is delivered to the fluid feeder line  32 , indicated by arrows  74 , and the feedback hose  64 , indicated by arrows  76 . Because fluid is diverted to both the fluid feeder line  32  and the feedback hose  64 , the amount of fluid that is delivered to the fluid injection point  36  is reduced, reducing the amount of fluid that exits the nozzle  12 . 
         [0036]    Optionally, an air stream hose  78  may be fluidly connected with the blower motor  8  and the nozzle  12  for the passage of the air stream, indicated by arrows  80 . In such embodiments, the fluid feeder line  32  joins with the air stream hose  78  at the fluid injection point  36 . As described above, fluid from the fluid feeder line  32  is injected into the air stream, denoted as arrows  82 , and exits the spray mechanism at the nozzle  12 . 
         [0037]      FIGS. 5 and 6  show an alternate embodiment of the sprayer system  2 . The sprayer system includes a spray applicator  100  and a base station  102 . The spray applicator  100  is the substantially the same as the spray applicator  6 , and includes a trigger  152 , a housing  156 , a handle  158  and a nozzle  160 . The spray applicator does not, however, include a blower motor, pump and pump motor. Instead, and as discussed below, these components are housed within the base station  102 . It is contemplated, however, that the spray mechanism  6  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-4  could be used with the base station  102  described below. In this instance, each of the sprayer mechanism  6  and base station  102  would include a blower motor, pump and pump motor. 
         [0038]    The base station includes a housing  104  and a platform  106 . The platform  106  is adapted to receive a receptacle  108 . The receptacle  108  may directly contain a fluid. Alternatively, the receptacle may act to hold a container  110  of fluid ( FIG. 7 ). Preferably, the platform  106  and the receptacle  108  are adapted to enter into detachable engagement with each other. More preferably, a lower surface  112  of the receptacle may include protrusions  114  that mate with openings  120  in the platform. The receptacle may include a lip  116  around its edges  118  so that the receptacle  108  is partially recessed in the platform  106 . 
         [0039]    Advantageously, the receptacle  108  may include a handle  120  to facilitate the carrying of the receptacle and the pouring of fluid out of the receptacle. More advantageously, opposite sides  122  of the receptacle each may include a handle  120 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , one of the handles may be foldable so that it may be moved when not in use and so as not to interfere with the base station  102 . Optionally, the receptacle also may include a cover  124 , such as a snap on cover, which has an opening  126  in order for hoses associated with the sprayer system. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the housing  104  of the base station  102  houses a pump  130 , a pump motor  131  and a blower motor  132 , which are similar to the pump  26 , pump motor  22 , and blower motor  8  described in conjunction with  FIG. 1 . The pump motor and blower motor may be actuated by a selector switch  133 . Alternatively, the pump motor and blower motor may be actuated by a spring-loaded foot pedal  133  ( FIG. 6 ), or may be actuated by respective switches located on the base station. A quick-connect blower hose  134  fluidly connects the blower motor  132  to the spray applicator  100  and provides a passage for a stream of air. The pump  130  includes an inlet  136  to which a fluid feed line  139  is fluidly connected at a first end  138 . As described further below, a second end  140  of the fluid feed line provides for the delivery of fluid from the receptacle  108 . 
         [0041]    The pump also includes a pump outlet  142  that is fluidly attached to a first end  146  of a fluid line  144 . A second end  148  of the fluid line  144  is fluidly attached to the spray applicator  100 , with the area of attachment of the second end of the fluid line  144  and the spray applicator  100  forming a fluid injection point  150 . 
         [0042]    In a preferred embodiment, the base station  102  may include a handle  190  for ease of transport. Advantageously, the handle  190  may include an overhang  192  so that the receptacle  108  abuts a lower surface  194  of the handle  190  and the overhang  192 . Thus, in addition to providing for transport, the handle  190  may provide another manner of securing the receptacle  108 . 
         [0043]    Operation of the base station  102  and spray applicator  100  described thus far is as follows: The receptacle  108 , which contains fluid or a container having fluid, is attached to the platform  106  of the base station  102 . The second end  140  of the fluid feed line  139  is inserted into the fluid. The blower motor and pump motor are actuated with the switches. The blower motor  132  blows air entering an air intake  135  through the blower hose  134 . The air stream exits the blower hose  134  and passes through the handle of the spray applicator and enters the housing  156 . 
         [0044]    At the same time the air stream is being created, fluid from the receptacle  108  is drawn into the pump  130  and pressurized so that it flows through the fluid line  144  and to the fluid injection point  150 . Upon reaching the fluid injection point  150 , the fluid is injected into the air stream in the housing  156 . The pressurized fluid combines with the air stream and exits the nozzle  160  as high-volume, low-pressure spray. As described above in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , an adjustment dial  162  associated with the nozzle  160  may be used to select a desired pattern. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , an alternate embodiment of the spray applicator  100  and base station  102  of  FIG. 6  is shown, with like components having like reference numerals. The base station includes a bypass valve  164  that is fluidly connected with the pump  130 . The bypass valve  164  operates in a similar fashion as the bypass valve  62  described in conjunction with  FIG. 2  and controls the amount of fluid delivered to the fluid injection point  150  and includes a feed back loop, or hose,  166  whose first end  168  transfers fluid to the receptacle  108 . A hose  170  fluidly connects the pump  130  to the bypass valve  164 . The first end  146  of the fluid line  144  is fluidly connected to a first valve opening  172  of the bypass valve  164 . The feedback hose  166  is fluidly connected with a second valve opening  174  of the bypass valve at a second end  176 . 
         [0046]    Operation of the sprayer system of  FIG. 9  is as follows: When the trigger  152  is actuated, the first valve opening  172  is open and the second valve opening  174  is closed. Upon entering the pump  130 , the fluid will be pressurized and delivered to the bypass valve  164 . While the trigger  152  is actuated, pressurized fluid will be fed through the fluid line  144  and to the fluid injection point  150 , where it will be injected into the air stream inside the housing  156 . The fluid and air stream will exit the nozzle as a spray in the manner described above. Once the trigger  152  is released, the first valve opening  172  closes and the second-valve opening  174  opens so that any fluid being pressurized by the pump  130  does not enter the fluid line  144  and instead enters the feedback hose  166  and is delivered back to the receptacle  108 . 
         [0047]    In additional embodiments, the bypass valve  164  may be manually adjusted or may be adjusted so that it enters into a partial bypass mode as described above in conjunction with the spray mechanism. Also like the spray mechanism described above, the nozzle of the spray applicator may include a valve mechanism in the nozzle to control the flow of fluid. In such an embodiment, the valve mechanism in the nozzle acts as the first valve opening. Thus, when the spray applicator trigger is actuated, the valve mechanism is open and the second valve opening  174  is closed to allow fluid to pass through the nozzle of the spray applicator. When the trigger  152  is released, the valve mechanism closes and the second valve opening opens so that any fluid being pressurized by the pump will not enter the fluid line. Rather, any such fluid will enter the feedback hose  166  and be delivered to the receptacle  108 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 10  shows an additional embodiment of the spray applicator and base station, with like components having like reference numerals. A quick-connect valve  178  is fluidly connected with the bypass valve at an inlet  180 . The valve  178  includes two outlets,  182 ,  184 . The fluid line  144  is connected to first outlet  182 , and an implement hose  186  is connected to second outlet  184 . The implement hose provides for the flow of fluid from the pump to an implement  188 . 
         [0049]    The valve  178  allows a user of the sprayer system to alternate between using the spray applicator  100  and the implement  188 . Notably, and unlike the spray applicator, fluid that is transferred to the implement does not join with an air stream. In alternate embodiments, the outlets  182 ,  184  may simultaneously be open so that the spray applicator and implement may be used at the same time. In yet alternate embodiments, and referring to  FIG. 6 , the implement  188  may be used in conjunction with the base station with a spray mechanism. 
         [0050]      FIG. 11  provides examples of implements  188  that may be used in conjunction with the sprayer system. The implements are standard and include: a brush  200 , a corner pad  204 , a flat pad  206 , and rollers  208 ,  210 , and  212 . In general, the implement  188  includes an accessory mount  214  and a head  216 . In one embodiment, a common accessory mount may be used with a variety of detachable heads  216 . 
         [0051]    In addition, the implement may utilize an extension pole  218 . The extension pole is connects to the implement  188  or accessory mount  214  via mating threads  220 . The implement hose may be secured with fasteners  224  to the extension pole so as not to cause a distraction. 
         [0052]    In embodiments that utilize a bypass valve, a valve mechanism may be located in the accessory mount of the implement. In such embodiments, the valve mechanism acts as the first valve opening. Thus, when fluid is delivered to the implement (i.e., when the sprayer system is not in the bypass mode), the valve mechanism is open and the second valve opening on the bypass valve is closed. Conversely, when the sprayer system is in a bypass mode, the valve mechanism at the accessory mount is closed and the second valve opening on the bypass valve is open so that the feedback hose may deliver fluid to the receptacle. 
         [0053]    More detail is now provided about the actuation of the sprayer system having a base station. As noted above, the blower motor and pump motor may be actuated with a selector switch, such as a toggle switch. The selector switch allows the user to select a mode of operation, such as, for example, the use of the spray applicator, or an implement, or both. When a position for the switch is selected, a pre-determined motor combination is actuated. A valve mechanism, as described above, at each of the implement and the spray applicator permits flow to the head and the nozzle, respectively. Selections may include: 
         [0054]    An implement application only, where the pump enters in a bypass mode as described above. A user engages the trigger at the implement to so that the valve mechanism opens and the second valve opening at the bypass valve closes to allow fluid to travel toward the implement; 
         [0055]    A spray applicator mode, where a user engages the trigger at the spray applicator to open the valve mechanism at the nozzle and close the second valve opening at the bypass valve to allow the fluid to travel toward the spray applicator; 
         [0056]    A “multi-fluid” application, where at least two implements are able to be operated. The pump enters into a bypass mode. Upon actuation of each implement that it is desired to use, the corresponding valve mechanism at each implement opens while the second valve opening at the bypass valve closes to allow the fluid to travel toward each implement; and 
         [0057]    A spray applicator and implement application. The pump will initially enter into a bypass mode until the trigger for the spray applicator or implement, or both, (depending on which of the spray applicator and implement is desired), is engaged. The valve mechanism at the spray applicator and/or implement open and the second valve opening at the bypass valve closes to allow fluid flow. Of course, the selector switch may be further modified for embodiments where a bypass valve is not incorporated. 
         [0058]    Thus, a novel sprayer system has been described herein. The advantages associated with the sprayer system are numerous. First, the sprayer system provides for the application of a fluid at a high volume and low pressure with two separate flow paths, which provides several advantages. Because the fluid is being applied at a low pressure, overspraying and splatter, which typically result under high-pressure spray applications and cause a wasting of materials, are reduced, thus conserving materials. At the same time, fluid such as paint need not be diluted because the pressure applied to the paint will be sufficient for the paint enter the fluid injection point. In prior art sprayer systems, the pressure applied to the fluid often will be too low, requiring that the fluid be diluted in order to reduce its viscosity so that it may be fed through the system. Additionally, the bypass valve provides the added advantage of providing further fluid flow control. Moreover, when the bypass valve is in a bypass, or partial bypass mode, the “recycling” of the fluid will cause the fluid in the receptacle to be agitated. Typically, during the application process, the fluid at intervals should be agitated or stirred to maintain consistency. With prior art spray systems, a user will stop the use of a spray system in order to agitate or stir the fluid. 
         [0059]    Furthermore, because the sprayer system uses quick-connect hoses or tubes, the sprayer system may be easily adapted to utilize the bypass valve and/or the quick-connect valve. Moreover, the ease of adaptability of the sprayer system lends it to a novel method of cleaning. For the spray mechanism, water is simply flushed through the system, i.e., water is placed in the receptacle and the spray mechanism is operated. For embodiments using the base station, the ends of the fluid feeder line and feedback hose that normally are placed in the receptacle are placed in a bucket of cleaning fluid, such as soapy water. The fluid line is disconnected from the spray applicator and connected to the end of the feedback hose in the cleaning fluid, thus forming a loop. The system is then flushed with the cleaning fluid by running the pump, with the cleaning fluid being exchanged several times. The implement hose may be cleaned in a similar fashion. In addition, the spray mechanism and the base station may be provided with removable or hinged panels to allow easy access to the various components such as the valves, pump, etc. for additional cleaning or replacement. Alternately, each implement may be disconnected and the “hose-end” of each implement may be placed into a clean water bucket to allow the system to re-circulate to clean as necessary. 
         [0060]    Unlike prior-art sprayer systems, as described above, the present invention allows the continuous operation of the sprayer system without stopping during trigger actuation. In this way, sprayer system is in a steady state condition, whether in a bypass or spray mode, and never experiences frequent start, stop cycles or high loads due to back-pressure build-up when the trigger is closed. 
         [0061]    Additional embodiments also are possible. For example, the base station may include at least one storage compartment  222  ( FIG. 5 ) for the storage of implements. In embodiments that include a bypass valve, the trigger may be adjusted so that the both outlets of the bypass valve are partially open, thus placing the valve in a partial bypass mode. One way of adjusting the trigger is through the inclusion of a stop that prevents the trigger from being fully engaged. 
         [0062]    In embodiments that utilize a spray mechanism, the spray mechanism need not be used in conjunction with an attached receptacle. Instead, the ends of the pump inlet tube and the feedback hose, which may be extended in length, may be placed in a separate container of fluid, which may even include the receptacle of the base station. The spray mechanism is then operated in the fashion described above. 
         [0063]    It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting. For example, although in a preferred embodiment the sprayer systems use AC power, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the sprayer system described herein could utilize a DC power source. Therefore, it is to be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope of this invention.